Trenton Times, February 23 – March 23, 2023

State of the City

Mayor delivers plenty of good news

Demolition has been a major topic of discussion in Trenton for months now – the demolition at the former McLouth Steel site, the demolition of the old Riverside hospital, the shuttering and likely future demolition of the old DTE power plant.

In his State of the City address on Feb. 6, Mayor Steven Rzeppa talked about the teardowns, but he focused mainly on growth, increased city revenue and the positive outlook for the community.

The State of the City luncheon, sponsored by the Trenton Rotary Club at the Westfield Community Center, offered a glimpse into the city’s future and the programs it is building to help ensure a strong business climate, improved public safety and to protect its environment.

Rzeppa mentioned the former

Riverside Hospital demolition and said although a lot of work needs to be completed, it is hoped the property will be cleared by May. He said remediation continues at the McLouth site and the city is working with the Detroit Regional Partnership on its development and is working with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to market the site to meet its greatest possible potential.

He then went on to focus on new construction and new business within Trenton.

New condos are being completed in the south end of the city and four new homes are under construction at Harrison and Grange roads. A new event space and banquet center is being developed at Trafford Square.

On the business front, the Mayor said 13 new businesses opened in the city last year and seven are planned to

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Photo by Dave Chapman Mayor Steven Rzeppa delivers his State of the City Address.

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open in the coming year.

Rzeppa said economic development is always a main focus.

“We are going to do everything we can to continue to support existing businesses between our downtown and other main business corridors through West Road, Fort Street, Van Horn and more, working to find ways to get to ‘yes’ and letting good ideas flourish and thrive,” he said.

Here are other highlights from the Mayor’s speech:

CITY SERVICES

The city launched curbside recycling in July 2022 and collected 445 tons of recyclable materials, which has reduced the volume of trash going to the landfill by 15 to 20 percent.

The Department of Public Services hired five full-time employees in 2022, bringing its workforce to 30 employees.

The Mayor said the city’s water department repaired 59 water main leaks in 2022 and the Department of Public Service staff cleaned and inspected 43,375 lineal feet of sewer main pipes. In May, a $2.4 million sewer lining project was completed, with a contractor lining 37,000 feet of sewer pipes.

The mayor said the Parks and Recreation Department has focused on expanding senior and youth programming. Among the programs mentioned by Rzeppa were youth basketball for K-fifth-graders youth and adult tennis, adult pickleball and parent-child date nights.

Finally, the Mayor noted that city festivals returned last year to prepandemic levels, providing recreation and drawing visitors to the city.

Rzeppa said the city will continue to upgrade its parks and green spaces as well.

“We will continue to offer the highest levels of customer service to our residents while doing new and creative things that can bring people together, support our local businesses and help to build new and grow the sense of community we have here that makes Trenton special,” he said.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Rzeppa singled out Trenton’s Emergency Management Coordinator,

Paul Haley, who was recognized by the Michigan State Police last May with its Emergency Manager of the Year Award at its annual conference. It was the second time in his career that Haley won the award. He also received the award in 2000.

The Trenton Police Department recently hired two new, experienced police officers and Rzeppa said the Police Department has openings for two officers, which it expects to fill in the near future.

Rzeppa said school safety once again came to the forefront following

the incident at Oxford High School, and the school resource officer provides a valuable resource and provides Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter and Evacuate training to students and staff.

The Police Department also has three officers affiliated with the Downriver Mutual Aid SWAT team through an on-call basis, and responded to 22 calls in the past year. A Trenton police officer is also assigned to the Downriver Mutual Aid dive team.

Rzeppa said the Police Department

Vintage Market Mercantile is Business of the Year

As part of Mayor Steven Rzeppa’s State of the City address on Feb. 6, the Trenton Business Association named Vintage Market Mercantile its Business of the Year.

Vintage Market Mercantile is located at 2710 W Jefferson and is open Wednesday-Friday 12 - 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 124p.m.

On its website, the store describes itself as a vintage inspired, flea-market style, upscale pop-up market featuring

over 300 of the most amazing curators, artisans, shops, and small businesses in southeast Michigan. It’s where farmhouse meets glam.

Find shabby chic, vintage, antiques, bohemian goods, jewelry, rusty treasures, barn salvage, furniture, home decor, kitchenware, candles, gypsy couture, upscale handmade items, clothing, garden decor, delicious local food, live music and so much more!

received a new drone in July. The new piece of equipment is an upgrade over the existing unit, with a highres camera and thermal imaging capability.

He said the Fire Department responded to more than 2,800, of which 85 percent were emergency medical service related.

Rzeppa said the Fire Department received an Assistance to Firefighters grant, which allowed it to acquire more than $100,000 worth of new turnout gear for the city’s firefighters.

Vintage Marketplace Mercantile is the Trenton Business Association “Business of the Year.”

Mayor Steven Rzeppa speaks to the crowd at the Westfield Center during his State of the City Address.

American Legion looking for program participants

Downriver students who are finishing their junior year of high school are being recruited to participate in the Michigan American Legion Auxiliary Girls State and the American Legion Boys State programs that are scheduled for June 18-24, 2023.

Girls State will be held on the campus of Michigan State University; Boys State will be held at Grand Valley State University. Annually, more than 20,000 high school students across the country participate in the programs.

Students, known as “citizens,” participate in a week-long summertime citizenship and leadership program. They receive guidance from trained instructors who give them the tools they need to run their own model state.

The activity is born out of a need for youth training in practical citizenship and leadership in addition to instilling a working knowledge of the structure and operation of government.

ALA Girls State and AL Boys State citizens campaign, hold rallies, debate and ultimately vote to elect their city, county and state officials. Once elected to office, delegates are sworn in and perform their prescribed duties. Attendees not elected to office are given appointments and visit the offices of those elected to share their viewpoints as citizens.

Thousands of dollars are given in the form of scholarships.

Famous alumni include astronaut Neil Armstrong, President Bill Clinton. Michigan U.S. Senators

Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters, TV journalists

Tom Brokaw and Jane Pauley, basketball legend Michael Jordan, football coaching legend Nick Saban, Superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy Lt. General Michele Johnson and thousands of “America’s best and brightest.”

Wyandotte resident Beryl Robbins is the Michigan state chairwoman of the ALA Girls State program. She said she recently received an email from 1950 ALA Girls State alumni Patricia Lee Gauch, who said, “Attending ALA Girls State was a life-changer for me. I suddenly had a different idea of myself and my responsibilities to the nation and the world at-large. I stood taller, took leadership, became fearless in the possibilities I then recognized. I went on to assume major leadership roles at Miami University, which I attended as an undergraduate, and became a publisher, editor and author of children’s books, producing winning books for 25 years.

“For the first time, I met young women from every culture, every economic level, every race. It was thrilling for me and it gave me an image of myself that was new. I wanted to be the young woman ALA Girls State told me I could be. It has all kinds of ramification as I went the following year in college, eventually becoming the first woman editor of the Miami University Newspaper.”

The primary sponsoring organization is the American Legion Family, although other

organizations such as the Kiwanis, Lions Club, Exchange Clubs, private businesses and relatives of students have supported the program in the past, Robbins said. Robbins is a member of the Trenton American Legion Auxiliary Unit 426, where she serves as auxiliary president and chairwoman of Girls State and Membership. She also serves on the executive board of the 16th District group of legion auxiliaries, which serve the Downriver Area.

Robbins said the cost to sponsor one student is $400, a small investment in the future. She said the students leave ALA Michigan Girls State and AL Boys State with the knowledge and desire to get involved in their communities and continue to work hard to achieve.

She said some of the girls and boys come right out of the program and get involved in politics, “if they’re not already.”

Anyone interested in attending or sponsoring a student to ALA Girls State should call Beryl Robbins at (313) 318-6845 or send email to berylrobbins1980@gmail.com. Delegate applications and sponsor reservation forms are available at www.michalaux.org (click on Girls State).

Those interested in AL Boys State can contact Director Garrett Veihl at (616) 502-8190 or eggman1483@gmail.com. For additional information or forms, visit michiganleagion.org.

TRENTON PARKS & RECREATION

$1M grant for Kennedy Aquatic Center

By Samantha Sawnick Marketing Coordinator

City of Trenton Parks and Recreation

e City of Trenton Parks & Recreation Department is beyond excited to announce that we have been awarded a Spark DNR grant in the amount of $1,000,000 dollars for the Kennedy Aquatic Center. Parks & Recreation Director Tim Beaker spearheaded the application, with Mayor Rzeppa and the entire Council providing backing and support for the grant. And a er receiving more than 460 applications for the American

Rescue Plan Act funding, Trenton is proud to be one of 21 communities that will be sharing in the $14.2 million Michigan Spark Grants for outdoor recreation projects.

e Kennedy Aquatic Center is in need of renovations, especially with the increased tra c the facility has seen post-covid. e 20-year-old facility o ers swim lessons, lifeguarding classes, parenttot classes, swim up movies, summer pool parties, triathlons, day camp destinations, day camp home bases, relaxing entertainment, swim competitions for all caliber swimmers, fundraisers, water aerobics, senior exercises, pool side yoga, gardening and so

much more.

e goal is to add ADA compliant pool li s, replace uneven concrete, repair gutter systems, rework current locker room facilities, create a sensory integration space, repair deck drains, create new signage, and create a new entrance that will be barrier free for ease of access.

ese changes will allow us to create new events, while ensuring greater pool access and a clean, lasting recreational opportunity for years to come! We want to thank our sta and the members of our community who provided insight for our grant application.

Wintertime fun

We are all used to summertime festivals and art fairs, but the city of Trenton flipped the script a bit with its Winterfest held the weekend of Feb. 4-5. The event which was held in conjunction with the Michigan Interscholastic Hockey League Showcase event – now in its 10th year – drew thousands of people to downtown Trenton to eat, drink and be entertained. In addition to non-stop music, a beer tent and lots of good things to eat, the partygoers shopped at Trenton’s unique shops and enjoyed the stars of the weekend – the ice sculptures. Photos by Dave Chapman

Will Closing My Credit Card Account Lower My Score?

By Robert P. LaPalme President/CEO of Downriver Community Federal Credit Union

Whether or not your score will go down as a result of closing a credit card account is an important question that you need to consider when you’re paying off debt and working to improve your credit score. It is important because your credit score is a common method used by financial institutions during the loan approval process to evaluate your expected future performance and to determine the interest rate that you will pay on such loan.

Generally speaking, when we refer to a consumer’s credit score, we are referring to their FICO® Score, so named because it was developed by the data analytics company Fair Isaac Corporation.

As with most things relating to your credit, there is no “one-size-fits-all” answer to the question addressed by this article. In fact, despite the myriad of companies, individuals, and credit gurus claiming otherwise, only Fair Isaac knows the true algorithmic formula used in their closely-guarded, proprietary analytic models.

What we do know, however, is that there are two factors which are given an enormous amount of weight when calculating your score: (1) the timeliness of your payments, and (2) the percent of outstanding balances you owe in relation to your total credit limits. This

latter ratio of balances-to-limits is sometimes called your “percent of revolving debt utilization”.

Since closing a credit card eliminates your “limit”, you may inadvertently reduce your score by increasing the ratio of balances owed to remaining open credit limits.

For example: a person who owes $1,000 against total credit limits of $5,000, has a revolving utilization of 20%, and still has 80% of their remaining credit lines available to them. If that person closed half of their open credit limits, but still owed the $1,000, they have increased their utilization to 40%, and decreased the remaining credit available. In very general terms, this action is likely to be detrimental to their score, since the algorithm prefers to see less balances owed on higher open limits.

Although many consumers intuitively believe that having less available credit is good, we show in our example that oftentimes the measurements considered in score analytics are complex and the results may not be what they expected. Each person’s situation must be analyzed carefully to determine the best course of action necessary to enhance their score results, and many personal finance companies provide free access to insightful tactics that can help consumers improve their scores over time, resulting in more affordable rates and terms on financial instruments.

At Downriver Community FCU, we’re committed to providing simple access to resources that help you

accomplish great things, and helping people improve their credit is one of the service benefits we provide! Not only will one of our Member Service Representatives sit down with you to review your current credit situation, but we’ll also set you up with Credit Sense, a valuable feature of our Online and Mobile Banking that helps you monitor, access, and improve your credit.

If you’d like to receive a free credit review designed to help you improve your score, please give one of our Member Services Representatives a call at 313-3862200, Option 4.

Downriver Community Federal Credit Union is a full-service financial institution founded in 1942 and is owned and controlled by over 13,000 members with three office locations, including Ecorse, Southgate, and Woodhaven. Services are available to anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Wayne or Monroe Counties. Businesses or other legal entities located in these counties can maintain accounts at the credit union, as well. Once a prime share account is opened with a minimum deposit of $5.00, the member may enjoy all of the Credit Union´s services, including accounts, lending services, and workshops.

For more information about joining the Credit Union, please contact a Member Services Representative at (313) 386-2200 or visit www.DownriverCU.com.

There she goes!

The former Riverside Osteopathic Hospital, which has stood vacant and decaying for more than two decades, has finally reached the end of the line. Earlier this month, demolition crews started work at the site of the former bustling medical center.

The cost of the demolition is around $3 million and most of the bill is being footed by the current property owner, Dr. Iqbal Nasir, although some funding will come from the recently passed American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) via Wayne County.

Because the property is privately owned, city officials said they are unsure about future uses for the

desirable site located on the Trenton Channel waterfront.

The hospital was the first osteopathic hospital in the Downriver area and opened in 1944. It was originally licensed for only 30 beds but grew over time. In 1967, the hospital served nearly 7,000 patients and witnessed nearly 1,400 births.

The building, located at Truax Street and West Jefferson Avenue, served its last patient over two decades ago, closing in 2002. The demolition project is set to be complete by May after an agreement was made between the city and the site owner in 2021.

Estate

Planning 101

Which plan do you need?

Time to clear up the confusion about Estate Planning ... The following definitions lack legal precision, but makes it easier to get a clear picture of what may be needed in your case.

■ Will – letter of intent of where you want your personal property to go – or not go.

■ Living Will – Documents your wishes during your final days including final healthcare choices and possibly your burial wishes.

■ Trust – This is a “company” that you start, and you become the CEO, “Trustee” and “Settlor.” The company outlives you, but continues to manage your assets as if you were alive by the successor CEO – whom you designate.

■ Power of Attorney – Financial and Healthcare – you need both – the first so someone can pay your bills, the second, sometimes called a Patient Advocate, designates someone to make “hallway at the hospital” decisions to take the stress off the family.

■ Ladybird Deed – probably the best thing that has happened to owning a home. I love these deeds – you grant yourself a life estate – in your own property - but retain the power to sell or borrow against the property. If you do not sell before you pass, this “springs” the house out of your estate, and your heirs have instant ownership, subject to any mortgage or taxes owed or similar.

Again, this is just a general description of the more popular terms – no one choice is a “silver bullet” but depending on how your estate gets planned out you can expedite a clean and clear process for the assets you worked a lifetime to save. Why wouldn’t you want to do that? Stop by or call and make an appointment and I’ll tell you what you’re going to need to do this right.

To my numerous former clients – thank you for allowing me to draft your estate plan!

Trojans beat Bucs, Titans for district title

As the Michigan High School Athletic Association state wrestling tournament began on Feb. 8, the Trenton Trojans traveled to Southgate Anderson and captured a team district championship with backto-back victories over neighboring Riverview and Anderson.

Coach Tom Bluhm’s Trojans clobbered Riverview 72-12 in the first round and then came back to beat the host Titans 43-31.

In the matchup with Riverview, Trenton won seven matches by pinfall. Those winners were Evan Wachner (106), Sal Verduce (120), James Harrison (126), Kevin Fritz (132), Dominic Lucarelli (144), Nasir Keita (215) and Eric Chamberlain

(285). The Trojans accepted voids at 138, 157, 165, 175 and 190.

In the district championship match against Anderson, Brock Culpepper (190) won in a major decision and his teammates Nolan Diroff (215), Chamberlain (285) and Wachner (106) followed with pins. Verduce (120) beat Samuel Cowan and Harrison (126), Fritz (132) and Liam Totten (144) each picked up six points with pins. Totten’s win wrapped up the match and the district title for the Trojans.

Unfortunately for the Trojans, after winning the district championship, the team ran into Huron League

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champ Monroe Jefferson in the regional semifinal at Allen Park High School and got steamrolled by the Bears.

Jefferson won 10 straight matches and had a 52-0 lead before the Trojans even scored. The Bears eventually won by a 61-9 count. Trenton had just one pinfall and a 6-4 overtime victory.

In the other regional semifinal, host Allen Park demolished Dearborn Divine Child 70-12.

Jefferson then beat Allen Park 4030 in the championship match. With the win, the Bears advanced to the team wrestling state quarterfinals on Feb. 25.

The Trojans began the MHSAA individual state tournament on Feb. 15 in a district at Monroe Jefferson where four Trojans qualified for Division 2 regional action.

Culpepper and Totten each finished third at regionals and Diroff and

Chamberlain each finished fourth.

Culpepper beat Carlos Torres of Garden City and Yamil Acedvedo of Riverview. He then topped Tony Cousino of Jefferson 3-1.

Totten beat Nate Thomson of Riverview, Alex Cheramie of Allen Park and Miles Eichelberger of Redford Thurston before beating Jefferson’s Blake Haliburda 11-4 in the third-fourth place match.

On the way to his fourth place finish, Chamberlain beat Jonathan Pardo of Southgate, Arjay Rhodes of Airport and Isaiah Ploucha of Divine Child. He lost to Gabe Hall of Jefferson in the match for third and fourth place.

Diroff scored wins over Tristan Philbeck of Airport, Noah Collins of Allen Park and Kane Dodd of Riverview before falling to Brendan Mitchell of Carlson in his final match.

Culpepper, Totten, Chamberlain and Diroff advanced to regionals at Warren Woods Tower. That tournament was completed Feb. 18, after our press time.

Trojans gear up for another playoff run

The playoffs are here.

That statement always generates plenty of excitement in the Trenton hockey world as everyone knows the Trojans generally save their best for when it counts the most.

Trenton has not won a state championship since 2014, but the Trojans are always a threat when the “six-game season” that is the Michigan High School Athletic Association state playoffs roll around.

Trenton was state runner-up in

2018, 2019 and 2022. The Trojans reached the state semifinals in 2021 and the quarterfinals in 2016.

Trenton will host a Division 2 regional and this year’s tournament begins Feb. 22.

Trenton will welcome in Carlson, Bedford, Allen Park, Roosevelt and Adrain.

On opening night, Roosevelt will face Adrain at 5 p.m. and Allen Park will battle Bedford at 7:30. The Allen Park-Bedford winner will face

Carlson at 5 p.m. on Feb. 25 and the Roosevelt-Adrian winner will face Trenton at 7:30 p.m. the same night.

The regionals finals are March 1.

The regional champ will advance to the state quarterfinals, also at Trenton’s Kennedy Arena, on March 4 to face the winner of the U-D Jesuit regional. Teams at the U-D regional are U-D, Livonia Churchill, Livonia Franklin, Farmingham and South Lyon.

The state semifinals are March 9

and the state championship game is March 11 at USA Arena in Plymouth.

With the regular-season schedule rapidly dwindling, the Trojans, ranked sixth in the state among D2 teams, recently clobbered a pair of neighbors, beating Wyandotte 7-2 and Southgate 10-0.

Against the Bears, Trenton jumped out to a 3-0 first-period lead and, although Wyandotte narrowed the

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THS cheerleader finish regular season at league meet

The Trenton competitive cheerleading team wrapped up their regular season with a sixthplace finish at the Downriver League meet hosted by Gibraltar Carlson on Feb. 8.

The title was won by host Carlson, last year’s Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 2 state runner-up. Allen Park, the 2021-22 D2 state champ, was second and Wyandotte was third.

Finishing the scoring were Woodhaven, Southgate, Trenton, Lincoln Park and Taylor.

Trenton then turned around and won the Division 2 varsity title at the All-County North American Spirit competition at Avondale High School on Feb. 11.

At that event, Trenton scored 761.78 points to beat out secondplace Avondale, as well as Melvindale, Lincoln and Port

Huron.

The Trojans broke out quickly on top and led wire-to-wire, scoring the high point total in all three rounds.

The post season began Feb, 18 when the Trojans attended the MHSAA Division 2 district tournament at Adrian High School. Those results were not available to press time.

Joining the Trojans at the event were the host Bulldogs, Chelsea, Dexter, Carlson, Jackson Northwest, Huron, Parma Western, Pinckney, Riverview, South Lyon East, Southgate and Ypsilanti Lincoln.

The top four teams from districts advance to regionals Feb. 25. The Adrain qualifiers will move on to a regional hosted by Holly High School, along with qualifiers from the Allen Park and Fenton districts.

Losses mount, but Trojans still battling

After back-to-back overtime games – one win and one loss – the Trenton boys basketball team found itself in Woodhaven on Feb. 10 to face the Downriver League-leading Warriors.

The Warriors are unbeaten in league play this year and 12-3 overall and they proved to the Trojans that they are for real with a 60-46 victory. It was Woodhaven’s second win of the year over the Trojans, who fell to the Warriors 82-43 back around Christmas time. If you are counting that a 25-point swing between the first game and the second.

Trenton battled the Warriors and even cut Woodhaven’s lead to 10 in the fourth quarter, but the Trojans could get no closer to the leagueleaders.

Ashton Rooney led Trenton with 17 points and Jake Keresi added 13.

In the overtime games, Trenton beat Southgate 57-55, but lost to Dearborn Edsel Ford 55-52.

The Trojans got a big lift from their bench against Southgate and, after

trailing 24-17 at halftime, finally found their scoring touch in the second half.

Keresi again led the team with 15 points. Ashton Rooney added 13 and Ethan Fritz 11. Other scorers included Michael Alexander, CJ Haddad, and Eyan Carrico with four each. Hawkins added three and Drew Haddad two. Against Edsel Ford, Trenton came back from a 25-21 halftime deficit and led by seven points later in the game, but the Trojan offense went cold and when Edsel Ford hit a bucket in the dying seconds of regulation time, the game was tied at 48-all.

In overtime, the Thunderbirds did it again and a three-point shot at the buzzer sent the visitors off with a victory.

Trenton faced Taylor on Feb. 16 and after that has just four games left before the start of the MHSAA state playoffs. Trenton’s final regularseason home game is Feb. 21 against Lincoln Park.

Photo by Dave Chapman

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Stoney Island is prime Great Blue Heron habitat

JOHN HARTIG

Have you ever gone for a peaceful walk along a creek or lake and been spooked by the sound of what you think is a pterodactyl?

It can be quite unsettling to hear the unexpected frahnk-frahnk of a startled great blue heron who just had its fishing expedition disrupted.

The great blue heron can be found throughout much of North America and into Central and South America as well. In Michigan, the great blue heron is classified as a common permanent resident of a variety of wetland habitat types. It occurs scattered throughout most of Michigan but is much more likely to be encountered in the southern half of the state or in the Upper Peninsula. They are a common sight along the Detroit River.

They are often seen standing silently along rivers or lakeshores, or flying high overhead, with slow wingbeats, their neck curved in a tight “S”, head hunched back against their body, and their legs trailing well beyond their tail.

The great blue heron is the largest heron in North America, standing about 3.5-4.5 feet tall. They have a wingspan of nearly seven feet and weigh about eight pounds.

It gets its name primarily from its blue-gray plumage. It has a wide black stripe over its eye giving its face a black-and-white appearance. The tops of its wings are two-toned, pale on the forewing with darker flight feathers.

Gregarious great blues congregate together in a few to several hundred colonies and build what can be described by some as bird condos. Ornithologists call these breeding places or colonies rookeries. Great blues congregate in numbers to help ensure safety.

Nest building starts in early spring as part of the birds’ courtship ritual.

Males bring choice sticks to the females, who then weave the wood into a bowl. The female lays 2-6 pale blue eggs, then both parents incubate them for about four weeks until the young hatch. The parents bring food to the young at the nest for two months before the young can fly and fledge or leave their nest.

Great blue heron rookeries are somewhat rare but are visible from long distances due to the clumps of nests and the constant comings and goings of adult herons. In the Detroit River, there is an excellent example on Stony Island located in Grosse Ile Township.

“Stony Island’s wetland and upland habitats support the Detroit River’s largest great blue heron rookery with over 140 active nests,” said Joe Robison, southeast region supervisor of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division.

In 2018, the Friends of the Detroit River, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and other partners completed an $8 million habitat restoration project on

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League-leading Trojans win a classic at Woodhaven

ADAM SAYRE

With major girls basketball implications on the line at Woodhaven High School on Feb. 19, the host Warriors welcomed the Trenton Trojans for a crucial Downriver League matchup.

A previous meeting in December had seen the Trojans win by 19 points, but this matchup figured to be more closely contested.

While the two teams went back and forth on the score, it was the Trojans who pulled out the win 4342 in overtime in one of the more memorable Downriver League games of the season.

The game featured the score being tied eight times and 12 lead changes.

The Trojans came in riding a 10-game winning streak against Downriver League opponents and a league record of 10-1, while the Warriors came in on a three-game winning streak and a 9-3 record.

The biggest lead for the Trojans was six points, while the greatest margin enjoyed by the Warriors was four points, an indicator as to how close the game was.

The Trojans led 7-5 after the first quarter and held a six-point lead heading into the closing seconds of the first half before Warrior guard Maya Justice hit a three pointer to send the two teams to the locker room with Trenton holding a three-point lead.

The third quarter featured more back and forth action but it was now the Warriors who held the lead by two points, heading into the final quarter.

The fourth quarter proved to be no different with both teams exchanging baskets heading into the closing minutes of the game.

With the Trojans leading 34-33 with under a minute left, Warrior guard Kamari Dabbs was fouled, sending her to the free throw line for a oneand-one situation.

She missed the first free throw, but the Warriors grabbed the rebound and scored, giving them a one-point lead.

On the other end of the floor, Trojan forward Mia Maldonado was fouled and headed to the line for the same situation Dabbs had just been in. She made one of two of the free throws.

A turnover by the Warriors helped the Trojans regain possession. but

a missed shot by each team in the closing seconds sent the game to overtime.

In overtime, both teams exchanged possessions to where it appeared that one team was going to pull away from the other.

In the end, the Trojans led 38-37 when Thomas stepped to the line and made both free throws after being fouled to make it 40-37.

The teams traded free throws on successive possessions and Trenton managed to grab a four-point lead.

Woodhaven guard Cooper Roberts

then banked in a three-pointer to cut the lead to one, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

A pair of missed free throws by the Trojans with eight seconds left gave the Warriors one last chance to win the game, but a steal by Malyah Bynum sealed the game for the Trojans.

“We have been looking forward to this game versus Woodhaven. Coach Niemi had his team well prepared for this one. The atmosphere was electric in the gym,” said Trenton head coach Chuck Perez. “We are not at full strength with Emma Chappelle still

being out.”

Perez had high praise for his players that were on the court for the game.

“Claire Gonyea played her best game of the season, being disciplined on defense. Her effort tonight was outstanding. Aleah Tanguay made all the important plays that do not make the stat sheet and Mia Maldonado played tough against the front court of Woodhaven. She made a huge free throw in the fourth quarter that allowed us to get to overtime.”

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Photos by Dave Chapman

CLASSIC

Continued from page 24

The Trojans and Warriors put together an instant classic between the two teams. The Warriors played tough on both parts of the floor, but for the Trojans, it was the combination of Brianna Thomas and Bynum who have played together for three years now that allowed the Trojans to come out on top.

“Bri Thomas and Malyah Bynum carried us through, with their leadership,” Perez said.

Thomas led all scorers with 21 points, followed by Bynum with 10 points. For the Warriors, the

combination of twin sisters Elizabeth Henegar (9 points) and Jennifer Henegar (7 points) led them in scoring Friday night.

The game was important for a variety of different reasons for both teams.

The win for Trenton solidified their position at the top of the Downriver League. While it was a great win for his team and with season-long goals within reach, Perez wants his team to stay focused on the next game on the schedule.

“I am very proud of our team. This victory is a springboard into our next game, and it will give us momentum, confidence, and experience in the tight, close games moving forward.”

At 11-1, Trenton is two losses clear of secondplace Allen Park in the league standings.

The Trojans faced 11-7 Taylor on Feb. 16, they faced 3-16 Lincoln Park on Feb. 21 and they close the regular season on Feb. 23 against 9-11 Carlson.

The MHSAA district tournament begins Feb. 27 and the Trojans will host a district tournament. The Trojans will welcome Woodhaven, Monroe, Carlson and Bedford.

GThe district winner will advance to regionals to face the winners of the Dearborn Heights Crestwood district. Teams at Crestwood are Crestwood, Livonia Franklin, Redford Thurston, Wayne Memorial and Westland John Glenn.

HERON

Continued from page 23

Stony Island. This project included building 3,650 feet of rock shoal to protect this 52-acre uninhabited island and surrounding wetlands from erosion.

These enhancements and island protection measures provide spawning and nursery ground habitat for fishes and critical habitats for other species like turtles and snakes. Great blues benefit too from these coastal wetland protection measures because these nurseries of life provide essential food for these long-legged, long-necked, coastal birds.

Great blue heron rookeries, such as on Stony Island, also provide exceptional outdoor recreational opportunities for birders and kayakers. It is such a rare and aweinspiring sight for a kayaker to get up

close and personal with a great blue heron rookery.

“Stony Island is one of my favorite places to kayak,” said Paul Gloor of Grosse Ile Nature and Land Conservancy. “In the spring, before the leaves fill the trees, one can see the juvenile heron in their huge nests in the cottonwood trees. Their combined croaks sometimes fall into a pulsing rhythm that reminds me of a freight train. It never ceases to amaze and inspire a sense of wonder.”

So, if you want to be treated to seeing this great blue heron rookery, put it on your kayak trip bucket list for next spring or summer. There is an excellent kayak launch at Sunrise Park on Grosse Ile. This launch is located at the eastern end of Grosse Ile Parkway at East River Road and it is only a short paddle to see the amazing great blue heron rookery of Stony Island.

Reprinted from Detroit Public TV’s Great Lakes Now publication

Stony Island’s great blue heron rookery, Detroit River.

Photo courtesy of Steve Lutsch via Michael Rudell

CENTURY 21 Riverpointe honors award-winning agents

E. Ann Redfield, Broker/Owner of CENTURY 21 Riverpointe today announced that Jennifer Kish recently earned the CENTURY 21 President’s Centurion producer award following her 2022 sales success.

The President’s Centurion Producer award honors sales affiliates of the CENTURY 21 System that earn $320,000 in sales production or 71 closed transaction sides within a calendar year and the Quality Service Pinnacle award in the same year.

Jennifer Kish has 22 years of experience in the real estate industry and has been an independent sales affiliate of the Century 21 System for all 22 of those years.

“Jennifer is a leader and innovator in delivering powerful home buying and selling choices to her clients because she knows the community she serves,” said Redfield. “Jennifer is a lifelong resident of Grosse Ile and an avid boater who is very familiar with the waters of our island. She is a valued and trusted real estate resource not only for Grosse Ile, but for all of Downriver, Monroe and

the Metro-Detroit communities, and a major contributor to the overall success of CENTURY 21 Riverpointe.”

“Achieving President’s Centurion Producer status is a great milestone and with a continued effort and focus on my clients I hope to continue on this path of success and am looking forward to working with many new and past clients in 2023.” said Kish.

CENTURY 21 Corporate also awarded the company, as well as realtors Judy Cemer, Maria Chirco, Niki Grigg, Susie

Harrison, Jennifer Kish, Linda Ann Halford, Tom Medick, Lorie Polgar and Tim Wojtala, with the Quality Service Pinnacle Award again in 2023.

“We are so very proud of this award,” said Redfield, “because it is given based on results from the CENTURY 21 Quality Service Survey, which is e-mailed to consumers immediately after the purchase or sale of their home.

“To earn the award, realtors must receive completed surveys for at least 80 percent of their transactions and receive

a score of at least 95 percent. We want to give our clients the type of experience and service that will make our name the first name they think of when asked if they know a good Realtor. We want them to feel good about referring all of their family and friends to us for that same type of service.”

Other awards recipients at the Award Gala in Traverse City went to Judy Cemer and Niki Grigg, Platinum Award; Susie Harrison and Lorie Polgar, Silver Award; and Maria Chirco, Tom Medick and Tim Wojtala for the Bronze Award.

“The power of CENTURY 21 Riverpointe and the CENTURY 21 brand rests on the shoulders of our relentless sales professionals who always elevate and give 121 percent to their clients throughout the entire client relationship,” said Redfield. “So as we celebrate their accomplishments we understand that delivering extraordinary experiences is what homebuyers, sellers and investors deserve, and they should be demanding from their real estate company and agent of choice.”

Independent businesses are still compelling

One of the topics I zero in on in these writings is the experiences I’ve had in towns that have either somehow never lost it, or have recaptured the cachet that was lost during the 1970s, 80s, 90s and on into the 2000s.

I don’t like to tell you about towns that are either firmly dead or not yet recovered and vibrant. I like to relate things that energize me because these places are already energized, and exuding the stuff. Not so much from these columns, but other writings of mine have elicited challenges such as “How can you be so anti-business when you yourself are a businessman?”

These challenges are rarely, if ever, intellectual in nature, but aggressive, and pushing back hard against what I refer to. I’m never against business; I’m against business that is designed to take all the independent business, and all the money that was generated locally.

I happen to have a compelling argument in plain view now that was less compelling 10 years ago: Downtown Wyandotte.

Less developed but magnetic as well is Trenton, though many are slow to see what is happening and draw a favorable conclusion (slow down and focus on all the newness along Jefferson!)

These two towns were built in the 1800s, and as such, both were anchored by downtowns that were built to provide a concentration of commercial goods and services for sale.

In our Downriver area, I am hard pressed to include any other cities but Ecorse and River Rouge that were established on the same model. Such concentrations exist all over the place, with names like Milford, Plymouth, Brighton and Chelsea. Every single one of these places are excellent illustrators of the power of capitalism, providing entrepreneurs an opportunity to invest in the towns in which they live.

Every single bit of newness in those towns

(including Trenton and Wyandotte) has been funded by local, independent entrepreneurs that see opportunity in their neck of the woods.

Once a single operator hangs up a shingle, the groundwork is laid for additional businesses to follow suit, and in successful examples, what follows is a bustling energetic concentration of businesses in those towns, largely in the very locations that the original businesses occupied.

A perfect example of that “lone ranger” phenomenon is Corktown on Michigan Avenue in Detroit.

It didn’t happen overnight, but what happened with geometric increases in growth rate began with Slows Barbecue. Now, if Slow’s had offered up mediocre or worse food, the story would most likely have ended with that one investment risk.

But Slows was anything but mediocre.

They quickly built a cult-like following that served as a beacon to be noticed. Together with stalwart Detroit anchors like Nemo’s, a pulse was built. If you haven’t been, drive down there. It’s amazing, and begs for exploration. All because a local and independent restaurateur made an emphatic statement of belief in their own ability and the area in which they chose to establish themselves.

To be sure, Ford’s investment in the Detroit train terminal building has had a massive impact on the viability of the area, but the odds of Ford making that investment shrink to nothing if not for that one initial investment.

I don’t know who the investors are in all the condominium and apartment buildings that are everywhere down there. I like to hope that they too are local, but I am jaded. So far, all the retail and food is local, though.

Here in Wyandotte, I see no indication that big capitalism has us on their radar screen. That means that all the growth and improvement that is obvious has come from local people with a vision and

passion that are willing to risk it all.

The growth is still in full swing, but the investment already is astounding. A lot of local money has been parked in Wyandotte, which is generating more business being done in Wyandotte.

New restaurants, apartments, bars, retail (and now, a new, serious venue for live music and entertainment), all being created in a city that has hung in there over the decades, but that was largely up and down until this explosion of growth.

Again, watch Trenton; opportunity is there as well.

I love regarding these investments as retributive justice for all the damage done to the likes of Wyandotte over the decades.

There is a case to be made for that point.

Corporations created a staggering amount of retail and restaurant square footage in and around cities across the country, and the impact was game changing. As you’ve read, the list of lost local apparel and other retailers in our region is amazing.

When coupled with the truth that about three times more money stays local with purchases made at locally owned and independent businesses…

Do the math and consider what that assault meant. It means that big capitalism has siphoned off billions of dollars from owners that were once much more the beneficiaries. That money has left Michigan and has enriched the few nearer the top of the food chain.

So every glimmer and very bright spotlight of localism fighting back to a position of being able to provide something that can’t be provided by big is a huge win for all of us, folks. If you’re a localist, chances are I know you! For those of you that don’t think of such things. Try on these words for the fit of truth, see if you agree.

As I wrote this column, next month’s column nearly wrote itself. See you in March!

Would you like to see a picture of your pet in one of our monthly community newspapers?

We can make it happen. Just send a photo of your pet, along with your name and the city you live in and we will get it published. Send information to Sherry@gobigmultimedia.com and we will do the rest. Thank you and have a grrrrreat and

day!

PETER ROSE

In our Downriver area, I am hard pressed to include any other cities but Ecorse and River Rouge that were established on the same model.

Catholic Schools Week is Around the Corner

By Lily Paschke, GR Senior

For many schools, the month of February symbolizes a slow in-between month, a month that drags between the return to school and the start of spring break, but not here at Gabriel Richard. For GR girls’ and boys’ basketball, bowling, hockey, dance, and wrestling, their seasons are in full swing. Also coming up the month is the “From Screen to Stage Concert” from the Gabriel Richard Glee club. Directed by Mrs. Brittney Dimmit, GR’s new music teacher, the concert will feature hits from famous musicals seen both on stage and on screen. Featured in this concert will include both members of the Glee club and featured members from the Thespian Guild. The concert will be held on the 24th of February at 6 pm in the Gabriel Richard cafetorium. The program will last about an hour and be filled with nostalgia for a younger day as well as fun memories for the whole family. We hope that you will join us to experience the premiere performance of a concert directed by Mrs. Dimmitt and help to support this talented group of performers through their winter concert.

NEWS FROM OUR NEIGHBORS

Go to... GoBigMultimedia.com to read more news on our digital publications.

The Grosse Ile Recreation Department manages a number of Township facilities including the Water’s Edge Pool, Golf Course, and Centennial Farm. The following are significant dates associated with these facilities:

gobigmultimedia.com/grosse-ile-grand

Grosse Ile Recreation: Much planned for spring and summer

~ Mother & Son Bowling night - Friday, February, 24, 2023 from 6:30-8 p.m. Annual

~ Easter Event - Saturday, April 8, 2023 at 10 a.m. at Centennial Farm

~ 1st/2nd grade basketball Program - April 12May 3 from 7:10-8 p.m. at Parke Lane

~ Sign Language class for grades 3-5 - April 19May 24 from 3:15-4 p.m. at Meridian School

~ St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon - March 15 at 12:30 p.m.

~ Back by popular demand will be the annual Cinco de Mayo Senior Party- Details to follow at a later date.

~ Summer 2023 - Evening pool movies events and Christmas in July (currently being planned/details to follow).

~ Let’s not forget...ISLANDFEST, June 2, 3, 4.

The Recreation Department offers numerous fitness classes currently ongoing and include the following:

~ Open Table Tennis -M-W-F from 3:30-5:30 p.m.

~ Island Walkers- M-F 6:45-7:45 a.m.

~ Jazzercise- M-W-F- 8:15-9:15 a.m.

Grosse Ile Recreation offers numerous senior events including the following:

~ Senior Chair Yoga

~ Full Body Fit

~ Flow Yoga

~ Cardio Drumming

~ Senior Citizens Club meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 1 p.m. at Centennial Farm, come join the Club!

Punch cards are now available for fitness classes for those that wish to participate in more than one of these events.

Grosse Ile Recreation offers Senior Transportation Services as well! Eligible individuals can call 734216- 4905 if you need a ride to the grocery, hair or doctors’ appointments. Rates are $5/round trip on island, $6/round trip off island.

~ January 1, 2023- Summer boat slip rental requests starting being accepted

~ June 15th -Water’s Edge Pool Opens (a Last Day of School pool party is currently being planned)

Early Spring- Water’s Edge Golf Course opens (Carts will be available starting April 24th)

~ June 22nd - 1st Water’s Edge Summer Concert Events (continues on Thursday nights throughout the summer)

~ All summer long- Centennial Farm Recreation Building rentals are available for your special event

On page 7

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UpcomingEventsatYOURRiverviewLibrary

Saturday,February11@12≠1:30p.m. Drop≠InCrafturday:Beads,Beads,Beads! Stopinthecommunityroomtomakea bracelet,necklaceorkeychainwithbeads ofalldifferentsizes,shapesandcolors. Allageswelcome.Noregistrationrequired.

Wednesday,February15@11a.m. EarlyLiteracyStorytime Joinusforsongs,stories&games! Bestsuitedfor childrenages2≠5.RegistrationbeginsFebruary1. RegistrationrequiredbyFebruary13.

Monday,February20 ClosedinObservanceofPresidents'Day

Tuesday,February21@12p.m. AfternoonBookClub Readerswillbediscussing TheMaidbyNitaProse. CopiesofClubbookscanbe checkedoutfromthecirculation desk.18+welcome. No registrationrequired.

Wednesday,February22@11a.m. EarlyLiteracyStorytime Joinusforsongs,stories&games! Bestsuitedfor childrenages2≠5.RegistrationbeginsFebruary1. PleaseregisterbyFebruary20.

Thursday,February23@6≠8p.m. OpenMicNight Come&shareyourone≠of≠a≠kind writing,art,songordancewitha welcomingaudience. Participants&attendeeswillalso enjoyadelishnachobar! Ages13+.Noregistrationrequired.

RiverviewVeteransMemorialLibrary 14300SibleyRoad,Riverview,MI48193 www.riverviewpubliclibrary.com|734≠283≠1250 LikeusonFacebook!

On page 30

Wednesday,March1@11a.m. EarlyLiteracyStorytime Joinusforsongs,stories&games! Bestsuitedforchildrenages2≠5. RegistrationbeginsFebruary22. RegistrationrequiredbyFebruary27.

Monday,March6@6:30p.m. BookClub ReaderswillbediscussingRadiumGirlsby KateMoore.CopiesofClubbookscanbecheckedout fromthecirculationdesk. 18+welcome.Noregistration required.

Wednesday,March8@11a.m. EarlyLiteracyStorytime Joinusforsongs,stories&games! Bestsuitedforchildrenages2≠5.Registrationbegins February27.RegistrationrequiredbyMarch6.

Saturday,March11@12p.m. Crafturday:LeprechaunTraps Everydayitemswillbetransformed intoperfectly≠sizedtrapsthatmay justcatchaleprechaunthis St.Patrick'sDay. Allageswelcome. RegistrationbeginsFebruary28. RegistrationrequiredbyMarch9.

Wednesday,March15@11a.m. EarlyLiteracyStorytime Joinusforsongs,stories&games! Bestsuitedforchildrenages2≠5.Registrationbegins March1.RegistrationrequiredbyMarch13.

Wednesday,March15@5≠6:30p.m. BookPageEmbroidery Sewingexperiencenotrequiredtojoinusincreating adisplayablebookpageartpiece. Ages18+.RegistrationbeginsMarch1. RegistrationrequiredbyMarch13.

HoursSeptember6≠June4,2023

Monday≠Thursday,10a.m.≠7p.m. Saturday,10a.m.≠3p.m. ClosedFriday&Sunday

RCHS students visit with Rep Debbie Dingell Students in Ms. Lince’s CP Government classes had

the honor to meet U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell at a Legislative Forum at Crystal Gardens on January 23, 2023...

Congresswoman Dingell spoke about many important topics locally and in Washington D.C. She had a prepared speech but warned us she’d probably end scrapping it, which she did.

Students appreciated her candor, passion, and honesty. Nationally, she described the recent Speaker of the House election and the mental health crisis across the country, specifically the lack of facilities, treatment and physicians.

She talked about the debt-ceiling vote and how political parties hold our economy hostage for political showmanship, and her support for a bill to support law enforcement and defending police...

On page 5

On page

Available to non-residents.

gobigmultimedia.com/southgate-star

Mayor highlights positive changes and growth, projects more good government in new year

Business growth, debt reduction, advances in public safety, improvements in roads and recreation and more good government ahead were among the highlights of Southgate Mayor Joseph Kuspa’s State of the City Address on Jan. 31.

of the small, four-year, private, nonprofit university.

Childers, wife Franci and sons Jake and Joel are all Concordia graduates. Childers has worked for Concordia for the past decade, including seven years as a football coach.

During his time on the football team staff, Childers has compiled an impressive resume at Concordia, which is considered a top Michigan Christian college that competes in the Wolverine Hoosier Athletic Conference.

Childers has recruited or coached dozens of NAIA scholar athletes, football All-Americans and players of the year. Southgate and the Downriver area are part of the recruitment territory of Childers and codefensive coordinator and special teams coordinator Matt Strzalkowski of Taylor

Events set for February, March at 2nd Street Performing Arts Center

Several events in February and March are expected to be crowd pleasers at the 2nd Street Performing Arts Center in Wyandotte.

The center, called “the premier performing arts community gathering space” in the Downriver area is home to the Downriver Actors Guild, the Downriver Dance Academy, 2nd Street Sound and the podcast “Curtain Call.”

The facility, which opened on Oct. 14, 2022, is located at the former St. Elizabeth Catholic Church and School at 1123 2nd Street. The 10,000-square-

“As we enter the new year, I know that we are more nimble, more knowledgeable and more prepared to move this community forward in 2023,” Kuspa said during a Rotary Club of Southgate event at Crystal Gardens. “There will be challenges, but we will meet those challenges as we have in the past: with vigor, collaboration and determination.”

Looking back on 2022, the Mayor highlighted his administration’s “consistent commitment to our core beliefs and responsibilities: financial integrity, public safety, strong neighborhoods, a welcoming business environment and the continuation of our goal to rebuild our public spaces and infrastructure for this generation of Southgate residents and all those who follow.”...

On page 1

Chance Childers of Southgate coaches defensive line for Concordia University football team

... Chance Childers, who has lived in Southgate for 25 years, coaches the defensive line of the Cardinals football team. He is also one of the biggest boosters

gobigmultimedia.com/wyandotte-warrior

Wyandotte’s pet whisperer

Woman has reunited dozens of lost dogs with owners

...“Dogs provide unconditional love you might not get anywhere else,” she said.

Lost dogs seem to gravitate to [Deanna] Grant’s home near the Jo Brighton Center. Maybe it’s the scent of her own pets that draw them there. Whatever it is, she does her best to reconnect dog and owner.

foot theater has room for more than 250 seats and stage, plus an attached studio complex.

For more information on upcoming performances, call the ticket line at (734) 407-7020...

On page 5

Wyandotte’s Nic DiSanto signs with Division 1 football team

...“Playing Division 1 football has been my goal,” DiSanto said. “Ever since the end of my sophomore year, I was really determined to play at the next level. Knowing Division 1 is the highest level for college, why not strive for the best?”

DiSanto, the son of Joe and 27th District Court Judge Elizabeth DiSanto, has starred for the Pioneers in football, ice hockey and lacrosse.

When she finds a dog, Grant checks for contact information on the animal’s collar and makes a connection with the owner if possible. Meanwhile, she keeps the visiting dogs safe and provides nourishment as they wait.

If no contact info is found, she posts a sign near her home announcing “I have your dog” or something similar. That seems to work, leading to dozens of joyous reunions.

“They need help,” Grant said. “They need somebody to get them back to their family...”

On page 1

At 6-foot-5 and 300 pounds, DiSanto was a twoway lineman for the GR football team, blocking for the quarterback and running backs on offense and going after the opponent as a nose guard on defense.

On page 20

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Nowtimefora perfectnight’srestasyouenjoya wonderfulviewfromthemasterbedroomgivingthe feelingof nestlingin thetrees. Abeautifullytropical drapedfour-poster,kingsizebedwithultracomfort mattressassuresa perfectnight’ssleepandoffersthe idealspottoviewthe48”fl atscreen TV. Anensuite bathfeaturesa cornerspatub,theperfectwaytoend adayof sightseeing.

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GET GREAT NEW GLASSES, SAVE SOME MONEY!

Many people - most, perhaps - go to an optometrist, get an eye exam and then follow the lady in the white coat over to the wall of frames and pick out a new set of glasses. The story ends with the customer paying way more than he or she ever expected.

If that pretty much describes you, Bob Schmittou says there is something you should know: He can save you money, maybe lots of money.

Schmittou, a proud military veteran, owns New Eyes Optical, located on 1616 Ford Avenue, right at 16th Street in Wyandotte.

There are no doctors at New Eyes, just lots of frames and Schmittou, who can get you into fashionable new glasses for a lot less than all of the other chains and franchises out there.

Just bring your eyeglass prescription to him and see what kind of magic he can work for you.

“I am kind of like what the pharmacy is to your doctor,” Schmittou said. “Your doctor writes you a prescription. He doesn’t try to sell you the drugs. You go to the pharmacy. The same is true with us. You bring us a prescription and we will fill it.”

New Eyes Optical does not accept insurance, but their low prices mean that is often not an issue.

Schmittou has been in the eyeglass game for a long time. He enlisted in the Army after graduating from Lincoln Park High School and Uncle Sam sent him to school to learn how to make eyeglasses.

He did that in the Army for nearly four years and then worked for Lenscrafters and for private doctors after that.

In 2012 he opened New Eyes Optical and has been there ever since.

Schmittou said he has over 1,300 frames in his building and can make arrangements to get others if customers come in with a specific brand or style in mind.

For sunglass lovers, Schmittou said he has the largest selection of Ray Ban and Oakley sunglasses in the area.

If you come in, you will deal with Schmittou himself. He and his wife Pam are the only employees. Schmittou does the fitting of the eyewear, and Pam orders frames and keeps the shop looking fresh by arranging the frame displays and decorating.

So, if you are in the market for new glasses, would like a little personal attention and a really low price, give Schmittou a call at 313-587-4204, drop an email at neweyesoptical2012@gmail. com or contact them through their Facebook page, Facebook.com/neweyesoptical.

Have an Event or Fundraiser? Let us know at

New statewide outdoor recreation plan offers wealth of insights

FROM MICHIGAN DNR

Michigan’s Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation

Plan is a five-year strategic plan, required to access certain federal grants, that shapes investment by the state of Michigan and local communities in priority outdoor recreation infrastructure, land acquisition and programming.

It is designed to evaluate ongoing and emerging outdoor recreation trends, needs and issues, and to establish priority strategies for achieving outdoor recreation goals. The state and its local outdoor recreation partners use the plan, known as the SCORP, as an ongoing framework and action plan for guiding their outdoor recreation management and policy decisions.

The plan is designed to be broad, serving as a guide for all outdoor recreation activities and communities throughout Michigan. It is flexible to allow for collaboration and strategic partnerships, to be adaptable to changing needs, and to be open to new ideas and strategies.

Requirements

The SCORP process must include opportunity for engagement from all segments of the state’s population and must be comprehensive, in that it specifically:

• Identifies outdoor recreation issues of statewide importance.

• Evaluates public outdoor recreation demand and preferences.

• Evaluates the supply of outdoor recreation resources and facilities.

• Identifies the state’s strategies, priorities and actions for the obligation of its Land and Water Conservation Fund apportionment.

• Contains a wetlands priority component, including a listing of those wetland types that should receive priority for acquisition and consideration of outdoor recreation opportunities associated with wetlands resources.

“The plan not only assesses the current status of recreation in Michigan but also identifies opportunities for the future to address important needs,” said John Pepin, DNR deputy public information

officer. “This latest plan also employs some cutting-edge technologies, a significant public survey and explores new correlations between outdoor recreation and health benefits.”

Goals and strategies

The overall goal of the 2023-2027 SCORP is to “ensure that Michigan’s outdoor recreation assets are equitably distributed, developed and managed to provide convenient and welcoming access to the outdoors for healthful, outdoor physical activity; and while sustaining our lands, waters and wildlife for current and future generations, drive broad-based economic and quality-of-life benefits to people and communities.”

SCORP strategies to achieve the

Public survey

The primary tool to assess various aspects of recreation throughout the state for the plan was the 2021 Michigan Outdoor Recreation Survey.

Survey administrators divided the state into 10 survey regions, based on geography and previously identified “prosperity regions,” which included Detroit Metro, East Central, East, Northeast, Northwest, South Central, Southeast, Southwest, West and Upper Peninsula.

Topics addressed in the survey instrument included recreation participation by activity (frequency and duration), motivations and barriers to participation, recreation opportunities, information seeking and technology, land use strategy

Survey results

The survey provided the basis for the goals, strategies and recommendations outlined above. Additional insights were gleaned from a follow-up series of diversity-focused regional conversations conducted across the state in partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Both efforts, along with other data collection, were part of a multi-month effort to gather information about recreation demand and resources in Michigan.

Key takeaways from the statewide survey included data showing that:

• Most Michigan residents had participated in some type of outdoor recreation activity within the past year. However, African American or Black residents and those who live in the Detroit Metro area are less likely to engage in recreational activities. Factors such as income, accessibility, age and health may affect one’s ability to participate.

goal include:

• Improve collaboration: Outdoor recreation stakeholders collaborate and cooperate to ensure that Michigan’s recreation system meets the needs of residents and visitors.

• Improve and expand recreational access: Recreation opportunities are connected and accessible to residents and visitors of all backgrounds, abilities, means and geographic locations.

• Enhance health benefits: Outdoor recreation increases the physical activity and health of Michigan’s residents and visitors.

• Enhance prosperity: Outdoor recreation advances economic prosperity and supports a high quality of life as well as talent retention in Michigan’s communities.

(proximity and access to recreation and quality), resources, physical fitness and activity, and demographics. Additional reports providing significant value included net economic valuation of outdoor recreation and cost of illness saved through recreation.

The goals for the survey were to be representative of Michigan’s general population, repeatable to maintain relevance and enable collection of repeat information on a recurring basis, richer in information collected about activities, frequency and duration, and about motivations and barriers to participation in outdoor recreation.

• Outdoor recreation is a healthy, readily available resource with numerous mental and physical benefits. Michiganders, overall, report that participating in outdoor recreation allows them to be close to nature, enjoy psychological benefits and break from their typical routines. Certain motivations, such as practicing culturally meaningful activities and learning new skills, showed significant differences between racial groups. However, mental health benefits are a generally agreed-upon motivator by all.

• Michiganders are generally happy with the availability and quality of recreation locations. However, residents of more densely populated areas are considerably less satisfied with the availability and quality of recreation locations close to their homes.

• Participating in recreation and outdoor activities has many positive effects. Physical health is a primary motivator to engage in recreational activity. However, nearly half of Michigan residents do not engage in the recommended amount of regular physical activity. Promoting outdoor recreation is an easy way to increase and encourage overall health among SEE OUTDOOR, Page 37

A birdwatcher adjusts his spotting scope at Point Mouille in Wayne County.

OUTDOOR

Continued from page 36

all Michigan residents.

Health impact of outdoor recreation

The survey method in this SCORP provided the first estimate of the cost of illness savings based on participation in outdoor recreation activity in Michigan.

Based on prior work in Oregon, the “outdoor recreation estimator tool” estimates cost of illness savings for eight primary illnesses including breast cancer, colon cancer, stroke, ischemic heart disease, depression, dementia, diabetes and hypertensive heart disease.

The estimator models the relationship between behavioral changes, changes in physical activity exposure and the resulting health outcomes. Based on this model, the total annual health cost of illness savings in Michigan due to the health impact of outdoor recreation was estimated at $2.8 billion.

At the state level, the top 10 activities with the highest annual cost of illness savings for Michigan were:

1. Going for a walk on local streets or sidewalks: $927 million.

2. Going for a walk on local unpaved trails or paths: $414 million.

3. Bicycling on paved streets, paths or sidewalks: $313 million.

4. Going for a jog or run on paved streets and sidewalks: $291 million.

5. Day hiking on nonlocal, unpaved trails or paths: $199 million.

6. Big game hunting: $151 million.

7. Off road motorcycling, ATV riding or fourwheeling: $121 million.

8. Bicycling on unpaved paths or trails: $113 million.

9. Going for a jog or run on unpaved trails or paths: $65 million.

10. Swimming at the beach: $44 million.

Economic value of outdoor recreation in Michigan

This SCORP effort similarly produced the first state economic value of participation in outdoor recreation.

The total net economic value of outdoor recreation in Michigan was estimated at $165 billion.

At the state level, the top 10 most important activities using the net economic value model were:

1. Going for a walk on local streets or sidewalks: $26 billion.

2. Day hiking on nonlocal, unpaved trails or paths: $18 billion.

3. Bicycling on unpaved paths or trails: $16 billion.

4. Bicycling on paved streets, paths or sidewalks: $13 billion.

5. Wildlife viewing and/or photography (including birding): $12 billion.

6. Going for a walk on local, unpaved trails or paths: $11 billion.

7. Off road motorcycling, ATV riding or fourwheeling: $9 billion.

8. Fishing on lakes or ponds: $8 billion.

9. Going for a jog or run on paved streets and sidewalks: $5 billion.

10. Big game hunting: $5 billion.

Building on prior work done in Oregon, net economic value of outdoor recreation is modeled based on the economic value of outdoor recreation (or the benefits received by an individual or group who participates in outdoor recreation) using a consumer surplus approach.

Consumer surplus is defined as the economic value of a recreation activity above what must be paid by a person to enjoy it. At the individual level, the net economic value of a recreation activity is measured as the maximum amount an individual is willing to pay to participate in the activity minus the costs incurred in participating.

It is important to note that it is not a measure of direct spending, but an estimation of the maximum value of participating in a specific outdoor activity for an individual.

The results are also broken out for each of the 10 prosperity regions in Michigan.

State insights

In addition to these overarching results and modeling efforts, there were several additional highlights to report from the survey at the state level.

Michigan’s overall outdoor recreation participation rate is 95 percent. Eighty-six percent of Michiganders are involved in trail activities and “other” outdoor activities. Water activities logged 80 percent participation, wildlife activities 52 percent and snow activities 40percent.

The top 10 activities by frequency were ranked, with the percentages of Michigan residents participating and total annual occasions of participating included.

From this list, the top three, in ascending order, were visiting the beach but not swimming (60 percent – 49,959,236), going for a walk on local unpaved trails or paths (62 percent – 380,532,847) and going for a walk on local streets or sidewalks (80 percent – 1,156,390,531).

The top five motivations for participating in outdoor recreation were ranked with percentages of those agreeing with the reasons included.

The list, reproduced here in ascending order, included to have new experiences (80 percent), to exercise and be physically challenged (82 percent), to have time away from normal and life routines (89 percent), to feel better mentally and emotionally (93 percent) and to enjoy nature (94 percent).

In similar fashion, the top five barriers to participating in outdoor recreation were ranked.

This list, also in ascending order, included not having enough money for gear, fees and other non-transportation expenses (49 percent), concern about safety and crime in outdoor recreation areas (49 percent), recreation areas are poorly maintained (53 percent), recreation areas are too crowded (60 percent) and not having time (64 percent).

Michigander satisfaction with the availability of outdoor recreation, expressed as a percentage of those agreeing, showed 69 percent were satisfied with recreation availability within a 10-minute walk from their homes; 81% within a 30-minute drive and 82% more than a 30-minute drive away.

Michiganders were satisfied with the quality of outdoor recreation within a 10-minute walk (71 percent), within a 30-minute drive (81 percent) and more than a 30-minute drive away (83 percent).

Bikers stop for a break while biking on Belle Isle in Wayne County.

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PLAYOFF

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gap with two second-period goals, Trenton never trailed in the game and a three-goal outburst in the third period sealed the win.

The Trojans outshot the Bears 4821 and goalie Noah Miklos earned the win.

Owen McAllister had two goals to pace the Trojans. Individual goals came from Will Barrett, Lucas Sawmiller, Blake Boike, John Medvich and Caleb Kidd. It was a three-point night for McAllister and Boike.

The mercy rule stopped the game against Southgate.

Trenton scored seven goals in the first period and three in the second.

Carter Allen had two goals and Barrett had two. Boston Bennett, Josh Bogema, Natahn Sparks, Donovan Durbin, Boike and Kidd had the others.

The Trojans outshot the Titans by the ridiculous count of 43-4 and Evan Sivi stopped all four Southgate shots to earn the shutout and the victory.

Prior to routing their local

rivals, Trenton had a big showing at the alway important Michigan Interscholastic Hockey League Showcase event.

At the Kennedy Arena-hosted MHIL event, Trenton beat Alpena (20-3) 2-1 in a shootout and Calumet 3-2.

Against Alpena, there was no scoring through the first two periods. Alpena broke through against Miklos midway through the third period, but Trenton’s Jacob Wiseman answered less than two minutes later. His evenstrength goal was assisted by Micah Kneiding.

Then, after Barrett missed on his shootout attempt, Allen buried his shot to give his team the win.

Miklos stopped all three Alpena shootout attempts.

In the Calumet game, goals by Barrett and Kneiding in the first period proved to be the difference. Durbin scored in the second period and that stood as the game-winner.

Cam Anderson and Issac Larson each drew two assists in the game. Netminder Sivi faced 23 shots and got 21 of them.

Oddfellow Concert Hall announces next shows

The not-for-profit Oddfellow Concert Hall’s debut show on Jan. 28 was a success and the hall is set to open the stage to more local talent.

The next show is Feb. 25 and the four bands hitting the stage that night will be Slowfoot, Haskins, Midnight Proof and Bourbon Squirrel.

The Odd Fellow Concert Lounge, which is backed by the Downriver Council for the Arts and the charity “Be Well My Friends, is a very cool and unique room in Wyandotte. The venue is a non-profit venture where all the bar sales go to Be Well My Friends and the cover goes to the bands.

It is also a venue to promote local

musical talent.

The march show has also already been finalized and on March 25 In Our Wake, V*A*S*E, Pound Town Prophet and Forge the Sun will perform.

The Odd Fellow Concert Lounge inside The Downriver Council for the Arts building located at 81 Chestnut in Wyandotte.

Tickets are $10 at the door and the venue accepts cash, credit and venmo.

Promoters are still booking shows for through 2023, so if your band is interested in playing this new and unique venue visit the Oddfellow Concert Hall Facebook page and send them a message.