Trenton Times, May 25 – June 26, 2023

Arthurs Middle School takes on Washington D.C.

DEBBIE RHOADES

In an exciting and educational trip, a group of 8th grade students from Arthurs Middle School, in Trenton, recently traveled to the nation’s capital, Washington D.C. The trip has been organized by the school’s administration since 2007 as a way to enhance the student’s understanding of American history and politics.

The group of 8th graders accompanied by several staff members and parent chaperones, embarked on a four-day journey that included visits to some of the city’s most famous landmarks and museums.

The students had the opportunity to visit Gettysburg in Pennsylvania, Memorials (Pentagon, Iwo Jima, Lincoln, Vietnam, Korean and World War II), Arlington Cemetery, Ford Theatre, White House, U.S Capitol, Naval Academy and a Spirit Cruise in Baltimore.

At Arlington Cemetery, the students visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier where four of our students were honored to do the wreath laying.

These students were chosen by their 8th grade social studies teachers after submitting in essays.

At the U.S. Capitol, the students were given a guided tour of the building and they learned the history of the building and gained insight on the legislative process.

In addition to these historical and political sites, the students also enjoyed time to explore the Smithsonian Museums. They went in small groups and were allowed to visit the museums of their choice. They also visited the National Air and Space Museum, where they learned about the history of aviation and space exploration.

Overall, the trip was a great success, and the students returned home with a new appreciation for the country’s history and politics. The trip was not only an educational experience but also a chance for the students to bond with their classmates, teachers and administrators outside of the classroom. It was an unforgettable journey for everyone involved and will be remembered for years to come.

Something to buzz about Anderson students get up close and personal with some busy bees

KELLY MILLER

Mrs. Crook’s 3rd grade students at Anderson Elementary School recently had the opportunity to participate in a fantastic presentation about beekeeping. The presentation covered modern-day hives and their care, how honey is made and the crucial role that

bees play in pollination. The students absolutely loved it and learned so much.

It was a perfect hands-on activity for the students as they learned about how animals and plants depend on one another.

The beekeeper demonstration, provided by third-generation

beekeepers Kathryn and Steve Witte, grandparents of one of Mrs. Crooks’ students, was an engaging and interactive experience that allowed students to learn about bees and their importance to our ecosystem.

The beekeepers showed the students how to care for bees and maintain modern-day hives. They also learned

how honey is made and why it is so important to our health.

The presentation was particularly beneficial to the students because it gave them a better understanding of how bees are critical to the pollination process. They learned that bees are

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responsible for pollinating many of the fruits, vegetables and other crops that we rely on for our daily sustenance. Without bees, many of these crops would not exist and our food supply would be severely impacted.

Mrs. Crooks’ class was particularly excited about the hands-on activities that were included in the demonstration.

They got to see a real hive up close, and the beekeeper even brought along some protective gear so that they could see what it feels like to be a beekeeper.

The students were able to taste some honey, and they were fascinated to learn about the different types of honey that bees can produce. Overall, the beekeeper demonstration was an incredible enriching experience for Mrs. Crooks’ class.

The students gained a newfound appreciation for bees and their role in our ecosystem. They also learned about the importance and care of the environment and the animals that live within it.

The grandparents’ contribution made the experience even more special and the students gained a deeper appreciation for the knowledge and expertise that is passed down from generation to generation.

The presentation was an excellent example of how hands-on activities can be a powerful tool for learning and Mrs. Crooks’ class is sure to remember it for years to come.

THS symphony band is honored

Congratulations to the Trenton HS Symphony Band and Director Mr. Michael Wolf for achieving a first division rating at the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association State Band Festival on Saturday, May 6, 2023. The Symphony Band earned the highest rating possible with straight first division ratings from all three adjudicators. Their performances continue to garner attention specific to excellence! Congratulations again for a job/performance well done!

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SPRING

Who are we: The National Wildlife Refuge System

JAZMYN BERNARD

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages an unparalleled network of public lands and waters called the National Wildlife Refuge System.

With more than 500 refuges spanning the country, this system protects iconic species and provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities on Earth. Each unit of the refuge system — whether it is a national wildlife refuge, a marine national monument, a conservation area or a waterfowl production area — is uniquely established for the conservation of native species dependent on its lands and water.

Why visit a national wildlife refuge?

National wildlife refuges are great places to get back to nature and reap the mental health benefits of being outdoors. And did you know wildlife refuges are closer than you think. There is at least one national wildlife refuge within an hour’s drive of most major cities. Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge is a 40-minute drive from Detroit.

Wildlife refuges also offer a range of popular activities, including wildlife viewing, fishing, photography and hunting. All of these fun activities reconnect you to nature.

Know before you go!

Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge is a free natural space available to everyone!

You can visit the grounds of the refuge for self-guided exploration

seven days a week during daylight hours!

Looking for even more fun? Stop by the John D. Dingell Jr. Visitor Center during your visit. It’s open Thursday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. What does a visit mean for you? It means you can now enjoy hiking, fishing, biking, wildlife observation, photography, kayaking, picnics under the pavilion and more at your local refuge any day of the week, from sunup to sundown.

Or, join us inside the visitor center to learn about being a conservation rock star. You’re also welcome to participate in free park ranger-lead programs every weekend.

Come early in the morning and experience nature waking up as the birds begin to sing and the morning sun shines on the Detroit River. Or, visit later in the day with your family, friends or pets, and hike the three miles of trails through the Humbug Marsh Unit. This unit has beautiful trails along the Detroit River that are filled with amazing wildlife to observe.

Now that it’s spring; you’ll soon be able to see the return of many songbirds as they fly into Michigan after a long migration.

The Humbug Marsh Unit also has accommodations including an observation deck, interpretive signs and a human-size model of an eagle’s nest. There are so many things to come out and discover at the refuge; take a ride on the SMART bus and visit us at 5437 West Jefferson Ave., Trenton, MI 48183 or check out our website and Facebook page!

Trenton musician join All-Stars

Trenton Public Schools had students from both Arthurs Middle School and Trenton High School perform in the Downriver Music Guild All-Star Band. This honor band featured guest clinician Dr. David Thornton/Associate Director of Bands at Michigan State University. Mr. Michael Wolf also conducted one of the high school pieces.

The Teller’s Room

The Vault’s exceptional menu features prime cut meats, wild-caught seafood, locally raised chicken, locally-sourced baked goods, an extensive wine list and craft cocktails. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner six days a week and there is a lunch special featuring a $10 Wagyu beef burger.

If you haven’t yet been to The Vault, you owe yourself a visit.

Monday

Anderson PTO Fun Run is a shining success

KELLY MILLER

The sun was shining on the Anderson Fun Run, making for a beautiful day to be outside.

The annual fun run fundraiser is organized by the Anderson PTO and has many wonderful benefits for the students besides raising money for the school. The fun run is a great opportunity for students to get outside, exercise and have fun with their classmates.

The Anderson Fun Run is not just a regular race, but a fun-filled event with many different activities and challenges for the students to enjoy.

The Booster Thon Videos, which are a part of the fun run, teach students about different character traits all week. This helps to instill important values in the students while also promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.

The students build unity with their classmates and have a great time enjoying the silly challenges throughout the run. These challenges include a skip lap, a dance lap and a buddy lap, just to name a few. The Anderson Fun Run is a great way for students to bond with each other while also getting exercise and fresh air.

Parents and community members also play a crucial role in the success of the Anderson Fun Run. They come out to cheer on the students and create a festive atmosphere for the day. This not only shows support for the students but also helps to build a sense of community within the school.

This year the event was able to raise over $13,000 to help offset the costs of field trips and assemblies.

Hedke hosts WJR Club

WJR at Hedke Elementary School is not a radio station but stands Walk, Jog, Run.

Staff sponsor Mr. Jamie Cihak says to participants,“If you can, run! If you can’t run, jog and if you can’t jog, walk!

Mr. Cihak is a great role model to our students to get out there and move as he bikes to school each day and is an avid jogger as well.

The staff at Hedke know that students who are physically fit often do better in school so any group that helps student heart health also leads to better academic performance.

The 25 or so members of the Walk, Jog, Run Club meet before school and are averaging between 1 and 2.5 miles per morning!

The scenic areas around the school are perfect for a cool morning run!

HEDKE PTO REVIVES THE SPRING CARNIVAL

A long held sign of spring had been the annual Spring Carnival at school. Students looked forward to returning to school on the weekend to play carnival games, winning prizes and eating pizza, popcorn and candy! Then came Covid.

Crowds were not allowed to gather and schools were not allowed to have outside groups in for fear of spreading viruses to each other and further exacerbating school attendance.

Fast forward to 2023 and the Hedke PTO decided that this much-loved sign of spring had to return!

On Wednesday May 3rd after months of planning the Hedke Spring Carnival returned. Over 30 parent volunteers and dozens of THS student council members and National Honor Society students donated their time to run games and serve food.

The games were provided by Fun Services who specialize in fairs and school events.

Hundreds of students returned with their parents for the three-hour fair.

When asked about the success of the fair the chairwoman, Stacie Kuciemba said, “A great time was had by all. The basket raffles were super successful and the favorite for the parents.

“Next year we may have to open up the cafeteria too so we can have more room for the crowds of kids and families who were waiting in line for the games!”

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TRENTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

County of Wayne, Michigan

ON THE ADOPTION OF THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024

TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES IN THE TRENTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS AREA:

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Education of the Trenton Public Schools, County of Wayne, Michigan will hold a public hearing on Monday, the 12th day of June, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. in the Board Room of the Neil E. Van Riper Administration Building located at 2603 Charlton, Trenton, Michigan 48183 to consider the approval and adoption of the operating budget of the Trenton Public Schools for the fiscal year 2023-2024.

Copies of the proposed budget are on file with the Superintendent at the Neil E. Van Riper Administration Building located at 2603 Charlton, Trenton, Michigan 48183 for inspection during regular working hours.

At the public hearing, all citizens, taxpayers, and property owners of the Trenton Public Schools shall be afforded an opportunity to be heard in regard to the approval of the plan amendments. The property tax millage rate proposed to be levied to support the proposed budget will be a subject of this hearing.

This notice is given by order of the Board of Education of the Trenton Public Schools, County of Wayne, Michigan.

Thomas J Kinney, Secretary April 10,

2023

THS presents ‘Freaky Friday’

Trenton High School Theatre’s spring musical Freaky Friday brought laughter and tears to the stage this April. The heart-warming mother/daughter body-switching tale starred Junior Ava Cheff as highstrung perfectionist Katherine Blake and Senior Olivia Schotthoefer as her rebellious daughter Ellie. Freaky Friday featured an 18-student cast, sixstudent stage crew, and 14-person live orchestra.

Have you ever had a question about your vacuum cleaner or carpet shampooer? Of course, you can always look online for help, but it’s generally better to have someone – a professional – to speak with.

If you ever find yourself in that situation, simply head over to B & D Vacuum in either Southgate or Trenton and the dedicated, experienced staff there can help you with any problem or question.

When it comes to knowledge about all things vacuum, there is no better place than B & D.

Owner Matt LeFervre is the rookie of the shop with “only” 29 years of experience. His time in the business is dwarfed by manager of the stores, Ron Vaughan (39 years), business manager Linda Mullins (39 years), salesman David Archer (39 years) and repairman Brian Knapp (36 years).

Vaughan has been with B & D for 39 years, but he has been in the vacuum business for nearly five decades. He is the shop’s “Mr. Fix-it” and the go-to person in the shop.

When Mullins is not looking after her rescue dog Ralphie, she is handling the billing, the paperwork and the other business needs for the stores.

Archer, who has used one sick day in 39 years, is a drummer, a grandfather and takes pride in being one of the forward-looking faces of B & D Vacuum.

Knapp will make a sale when the stores get busy, but most of the time he is a behind-the-scenes kind of guy, content to be the main repair man for the stores. They are an amazing staff, with years of experience that they are willing to share. Whether you have a broken machine, need a new one or are just looking for advice, come on in. Matt, Ron, Linda, David and Brian will be happy to help, and we will do flips for your business, just like our ad!

Trenton Public Schools recently unveiled the Top 10 students from the 2023 graduating class. The scholars were honored at the Downriver League’s Top Ten Breakfast at Crystal Gardens on April 27. The Trenton top 10 is Carl Pate, Nolan Diroff, Malia Sarkody, Carter Allen, Enrique Alcantar, Ava Carson, Helal Humeidan, Nina Lomas, Gabriel Push and Kayla Kirkland

Hurdler Zach Taylor shines at Metro Classic

Trenton’s boys and girls track team competed in the Metro Classic Invitational on May 13. The Metro Classic is the remnants of the old News-Herald Track & Field Championships and it is attended by most Downriver schools plus a few more.

Trenton finished eighth in the 18-team boys field and 15th in the 20-team girls field.

Junior Zach Taylor was one of the stars of the day for Trenton as he won both the 100 hurdles and the 300 hurdles.

Taylor ran 15.75 in the 100s to beat out runner up Josiah Davis of Carlson. In the 300s, Taylor ran 41.43 to handily beat Chase Cline of

Wyandotte, who ran 42.95.

Trenton was seventh in the 4x200 relay with Eyan Carrico, Nasir Keita, Nick Estes and Derek Anderson doing the honors.

In field events, Taylor, Anderson and Carrico were all part of a noine-way tie for third in the high jump, Ian Kramp was fifth on the pole vault and sixth in the long jump.

Among the girls, Sophia Smith was second in the 100 hurdles and seventh in the 300 hurdles.

Trenton was at MHSAA regionals on May 19 and they face the Downriver League meet on May 23. This year’s state finals are June 3 at Forest Hill Eastern High School.

Photos by Dave Chapman

Trenton rowers compete at Hebda, Wy-Hi

The Trenton rowing teams recently competed in both the Hebda Memorial Challenge Cup and the Wy-Hi rowing regattas. Both local events were sponsored and hosted by the Wyandotte Boat Club. At the season-opening Hebda Cup, Trenton scored with a third-place finish in the Men’s Varsity 2x.

At the Wy-Hi Trenton scored 37 combined points. The Trojans took home first place in the Women’s Freshman 4 and placed third in both the Women’s 4x and Women’s Novice 4; they also added a third-place finish in the Men’s Senior 4.

Don’t Get Stuck Without a Back-Up Plan!

Mark Tremper, Vice-President, Downriver Community Federal Credit Union

Have you ever experienced the helpless feeling of having your debit or credit card rejected? You have a cart full of groceries that were just rung up and the register doesn’t accept your payment. Or maybe you’re traveling on vacation and you attempt to purchase gas only to see a single dreaded word on the screen in all caps that says “DECLINED”. What do you do now?

When this happens, it doesn’t always mean that there’s not enough money in your account. It could mean that the chip on your card is malfunctioning, or maybe your attempted purchase was flagged as a fraudulent transaction. Regardless of the reason, this puts you in an extremely uncomfortable position, especially if there’s a line of people behind you or you are hundreds of miles from home!

According to Pew Research statistics, the number of Americans who don’t carry cash in a typical week has increased by double digits over the past decade. 41% of Americans (4 out of every

10 people) say that none of their purchases in a typical week are paid using cash. Which means that when your card is declined, there is a good chance you don’t have cash on-hand to complete the purchase.

Here are a few tips to ensure that you’re prepared when faced with one of these predicaments:

Carry a second card. Your back-up card could either be a debit card attached to a second checking account (some would say that this should be at a different financial institution) or a credit card accessing an available line of credit. Just be sure to have the accounts linked so that you can transfer funds between accounts using online or mobile banking. Linking accounts for transfers can usually be done even if accounts are at a different financial institution.

Add your cards to your smartphone’s “digital wallet”.

Contactless payment technology, such as Apple Pay or Google Pay, allows cardholders to make purchases in-store or within apps with just a

touch—and you don’t need your card with you to do it! Of course, if there’s not enough money in the account, this option will not solve that problem.

Carry emergency cash.

The old-fashioned way to be prepared is to carry emergency cash. Just tuck a $100 bill (or more) into your wallet or purse so that if the unexpected happens, you can pull it out to make a payment. Since this should only be used in an emergency, don’t put it with your working cash where you would accidentally spend it, or be tempted to spend it; but if you do, just be sure to replace it right away!

Following all three of these tips is the best way to ensure that you’re protected regardless of whether it’s a technical glitch or human error.

With the warmer weather on its way, we’re all thinking about the things we’re going to do when we can spend more time outside. As you’re planning your summer activities, vacations, or staycations, be sure to plan for those inevitable problems that may arise and spoil your fun!

Summer is back in Trenton and we couldn’t be happier!

Samantha Sawnick Marketing Coordinator City of Trenton Parks and Recreation

Trenton Parks & Recreation is up to all of the things – from basketball to swim lessons to tennis to pickleball but the main event coming up?! We’ll play host to hundreds of vendors at the Trenton Summer Festival (June 23, 24, 25) and we’re really excited for what’s in store this year.

So if you’re looking for something to do the last

weekend of June, then look no further than West Je erson for the Trenton Summer Festival, featuring the Vintage Market! Hundreds of vendors and musicians and makers and doers will be lined along our main street downtown, and you will not leave empty handed! Come grab a free festival tote at the center of the festival, e Gathering Place, sponsored by Labadie’s Furniture. If you’re trying to meet up with friends, looking for info, need to grab water, or forgot your sunscreen? en head to e Gathering Place at festival center. We’ve got

you covered!

While you’re exploring the festival, stop into the M-1 Studios Sel e Station, hang out and jam to the live music, and be sure to take the family to Kid’s Corner, sponsored in part by Advia Credit Union.

is year Kid’s Corner will feature ALL the fun stu : A foam party, bounce houses, tons of games, Nok Hockey, visits from Ranger Todd of the Detroit Wildlife Refuge, Story Time from our favorite librarians at the Trenton Veterans Memorial Library, and places to cool o , relax and enjoy live music &

entertainment.

On Saturday June 24th, the reworks downtown at 10pm! Live performances will follow the reworks, so no need to rush back home. Enjoy time with friends & family, hit the Beer Tent, and get your summer started right!

Artwork from all four district schools will be displayed throughout downtown businesses, adding a touch of whimsy to the walk.

Make sure you put it on your calendar – June 23, 24, 25 – you won’t want to miss it!

The Fireworks are Back! Saturday, June 24th @ 10PM. Walk the Festival, Stick around for some music & then the Fireworks will begin downtown at 10PM with More Live Music to Follow!

Like Us

Councilman

Nelson Perugi

Phone: 734-931-0327

Email: nperugi@trenton-mi.com

Councilman

Richard Benedetti

Email: rbenedetti@trenton-mi.com

Councilwoman

Wendy Pate

Phone: 734-692-7729

Email: wpate@trenton-mi.com

Your Elected O cials

Mayor Steven Rzeppa

Email: srzeppa@trenton-mi.com

Councilwoman

Timber R. Baun-Crooks

Email: tbauncrooks@trenton-mi.com

Council

and Commission

Meetings at Trenton City Hall

Zoning Board of Appeals

May 25, 2023, 7:00 PM

Council Regular Meeting

June 5, 2023, 7:00 PM

Tra c Safety Commission Meeting

June 7, 2023, 7:00 PM

Council Regular Meeting

June 20, 2023, 7:00 PM

Administrator’s O ce

Dean Creech, City Administrator

Phone: 734-675-6500

Email: dcreech@trenton-mi.com

City Assessor’s O ce

Joanie Barnett, MAAO, City Assessor

Phone: 734-675-6810

Email: jbarnett@trenton-mi.com

Building Department

Virgil Maiani, Building O cial

Phone: 734-675-8251

Email: vmaiani@trenton-mi.com

Clerk’s O ce

Debra R. Devitt, City Clerk

Phone: 734-675-8600

Email: ddevitt@trenton-mi.com

Controller’s O ce

Karen Sall, City Controller

Phone: 734-675-6510

Email: ksall@trenton-mi.com

Department of Public Works

Kevin Sargent, DPW Director

Phone: 734-675-8470

Email: ksargent@trenton-mi.com

Councilwoman

Dora Rodriguez

Email: drodriguez@trenton-mi.com

Councilman

Scott Cabauatan

Email: scabauatan@trenton-mi.com

City Department Contacts

Downtown Development Authority

Mayor Steven Rzeppa, DDA Liaison

Phone: 734-675-6500

Emergency Management

Paul L. Haley, Emergency Management Coordinator

Phone: 734-675-6500

Emergency: 734-676-3737

Email: phaley@trenton-mi.com

Engineering Department

C.E. Raines Company

Souheil Sabak, Engineer

Phone: 734-675-8251

Email: ssabak@charlesraines.com

Fire Department

Keith Anderson, Fire Chief

Phone (Non-Emergency Contact):

734-676-1314

Emergency: 911

Email: kanderson@trenton-mi.com

Human Resources

Elisabeth Sobota-Perry, Human Resources Director

Phone: 734-675-8585

Email: eperry@trenton-mi.com

Parks & Recreation

Tim Beaker, Director

Phone: 734-675-7300

Email: tbeaker@trenton-mi.com

Police Department

Mike Oakley, Police Chief

Phone: 734-676-3737

Emergency: 911

Email: agilstorf@trenton-mi.com

Treasurer’s O ce

Michael McCullough, City Treasurer

Phone: 734-675-6510

Email: jcooper@trenton-mi.com

Waste Water Treatment Plant

Julie Willison, Superintendent

Phone: 734-676-0646

Email: jwillison@trenton-mi.com

Visit the city website for more information www.trentonmi.org

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Trojans prep for another tourney run

With just a handful of regular season games remaining, the Trenton softball team, which went all the way to the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 2 state championship game last year, is virtually assured of another 20-plus win season.

Trenton recently split a doubleheader with Ottawa Lake Whiteford, a team that played in the MHSAA Division 3 state final last year. Trenton lost the first game 3-0 and won the nightcap 5-4. The victory over Trenton’s 18th of the season against just nine losses.

The MHSAA playoffs are right around the corner and

the Trojans will make the short trip over the Grosse Ile free bridge to begin the postseason in a district hosted by the Red Devils.

The stage has been set for the opening tournament and it lines up this way:

On June 3, Grosse Ile will face Flat Rock at 10 a.m. Following that game, Trenton will face Riverview at noon. The championship game will be played at 2 p.m.

The district champion will move on to regionals at Trenton and face the winner of the Pinckney district.

Pinckney, Adrian, Tecumseh and Chelsea are the teams in the Pinckmey district

Trojans playing solid ball as MHSAA playoffs loom

After winning eight of 10 games during a recent stretch, including three games at the Bob Kreszyn Invitational, the Trenton baseball team found itself staring at the looming Michigan High School Athletic Association state tournament with a 16-10 record.

At the Kreszyn event, Trenton knocked off Algonac 5-0, Cheboygan 8-3 and Ann Arbor Pioneer 3-2.

The win over Pioneer was a thriller as the Tronas trailed 2-1 into the fifth inning before Joaquin Maldanado blasted a two-run double to give his team a lead it never relinquished.

Trenton had only four hits in the game, including two by Josh Pippin, but the Trenton pitching made the meager offense hold up. Ashton Rooney pitched six innings for Trenton, allowing the two runs on six hits and striking out five.

The tournament win over Algonac was impressive as it was only the Algonac team’s second loss of the season, against 24 wins.

Joel Mator worked into the sixth-inning and allowed no runs on four hits. Mator fanned nine and his defense was perfect behind him. Reece Omodio relieved Mator in the sixth and induced a game-ending double play.

Trenton scored two runs in the first inning and that was all the breathing room Mator needed. The Trojans scored one in the third and two in the fifth to close out the game, Alex Stepaniak had three hits to key the Trenton offense.

Other wins during the recent 8-2 streak came against non-league Monroe St. Mary CC 21-13 and

Belleville 3-0 and Downriver League rivals Lincoln Park 17-0, Edsel Ford 7-2 and Carlson 7-1.

During that stretch, Trenton lost to Allen Park 7-1 and Wyandotte Roosevelt 6-4.

Since the 8-2 run, Trenton has gone 2-3 with league losses to Southgate Anderson and Woodhaven, a doubleheader sweep of non-league Melvindale and a 4-2 loss to Novi Detroit Catholic Central.

The Trojans played Lincoln Park and Allen Park on May 17 and 18 and

they conclude league play against Dearborn Edsel Ford on May 23.

Trenton then closes the books on the 2023 regular season with nonleague games against U-D Jesuit, Ann Arbor Skyline, Lake Orion and Dearborn. The U-D, Skyline and Lake Orion games will all be played at Trenton as part of the Sixth annual Bob Kloww Invitational.

Trenton will host an MHSAA Division 2 District tournament beginning June 3.

The tournament lines up this way:

~ Riverview will play Summit Academy in a pre-district game at Trenton at 4 p.m. on May 26.

~ ~ The winner of the RiverviewSummit game will play Grosse Ile in a district semifinal game at 10 a.m. on June 3.

Trenton will face Romulus in a district semifinal game at 12:30 p.m..

~ The district championship game will be played at 3 p.m.

All games are at the Trenton High School field

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— Mr. & Mrs. M.

Steppin’ out!

Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber Black Tie Gala and Expo

DAVE GORGON

The president and CEO of the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber said the organization’s annual Black Tie Gala and Expo continues to connect small businesses and nonprofit professionals with reliable vendors and potential customers.

In fact, with registration at nearly 400, Ronald Hinrichs announced that this year’s gala was the largest in his seven-year tenure at the chamber of commerce.

“We strive to stick to our vision, which is everything we do at the chamber is about having a positive and lasting impact on our regional

community,” said Hinrichs, who lives in Riverview. “This is a regional celebration of our business community and nonprofits, but it’s so much more than that.”

The May 4 gala was held at Crystal Gardens in Southgate. Hinrichs said the growth in the number of vendors was significant, along with participating businesses and nonprofits. He said with restrictions eased from the days of the COVID-19 pandemic there are more opportunities for participants to connect with potential customers.

Krishelle Kohler, who owns Eldercare Home Care and Island House Senior Living on Grosse Ile has been a believer in the power of the chamber of commerce for about 30 years.

See GALA, Page 25

Photos by Jim Jacek

GALA

Continued from page 24

She has gone from member to committee member to board member to executive committee member to being elected two years ago as chairwoman of the board. The connections she has made during the three decades have made a huge impact on her business and her personal life.

“My first question any time I need something as business cards to a new $3,000 sign out front of Island House is, ‘who in the chamber does this?’ I always try to use a chamber person first. I really do.”

At her wedding, Kohler estimated that one third of her guests were fellow chamber members who are now friends. At an After Business Ours social gathering five years ago, she looked around and saw that she had connected and worked with every business that was represented at the location.

“At every single table there was someone I personally did business with,” she said. “They used my business or referred me to somebody that I ended up doing business with.”

Chamber membership and social events, she said, have paid off.

Dennis Morier is coowner of Floral Designs in Southgate, a local flower shop that provides everything from sympathy arrangements to wedding flowers. Son Jedidia Daddow is the head designer whose work was recently featured on the cover of Florist Magazine. Proud father Morier had the magazine on display for all to see at his booth at the chamber business gala.

“The chamber does more for me than I’ve ever done for the chamber,” said Morier, who is a chamber board member. “I have an opportunity to meet with a lot of business owners from all over Downriver.

There’s a lot of synergy to this. You find out what people are doing and where their interests lie. You learn there are things that your business can provide to them and things you can use from their business. This event magnifies it. Being in the chamber is an opportunity to source things locally and meet local businesses. It does make a difference… “People say here’s a problem, how can we solve it? This is not only fun but a way to get together with local business owners in our own area. It’s a way to keep up with the community.”

Linda Francetich of Grosse Ile founded her Trenton-based business, DiscoverDownriver.

com, in 2012. Since then, she said, “we have grown to be Downriver’s main source of event information and local promotion for businesses. Our annual website visitors are over 350,000 and growing and we have nearly a million annual page views on our 800-plus page website. We are number one or on Page 1 in Google searches for nearly any event or happening Downriver, from festivals to kayak launches to individual Downriver cities.”

Membership in the chamber of commerce and participation in the agency’s events have had a positive impact on her business, Francetich said.

“Building a professional support system is a beautiful thing,” she said. “When you connect with your community peers, clients and local leaders, that engagement has the potential to lead to sales, friendships, collaborations and much more. The Downriver community is quite connected and networking events such as the SWCRC black tie event reinforces those relationships and friendships.” Adding to the fun connectivity at the chamber gala, participants get to vote for best in several categories among the vendors on hand. This year’s winners were Rev’d Up Fun, best booth;

First Merchants Bank, best double booth; The Information Center, which won the Al Bates Interactive Booth Award; Prestige Banquet Hall, best entrée; A Serendipity Cakery, best dessert; and Services to Enhance Potential (STEP), best appetizer and the people’s choice award.

Jeffrey Chicoine, the current chairman of the chamber, is regional government relations manager at Corewell Health whose office is in Corewell’s hospital in Trenton.

While Corewell is anything but small, chamber membership and special events give Chicoine opportunities to position the health organization “as an effective and reliable community partner” and to “promote health and wellness of the community.”

He also serves on the board of the nonprofit Information Center, which is also a member of the chamber.

Another attendee at the chamber gala was Jim Perry, executive director of the Southgate-based Downriver Community Conference and the namesake of the James S. Perry Community Leadership Award that recognized outstanding community leaders who demonstrate and inspire others to always put service above self.

The DCC’s goals include enhancing the quality of life for area residents, workers and businesses; shaping public policy at the federal, state, regional, county and local levels; and identifying, obtaining and responsibly managing the necessary financial resources to successfully implement the vision.

“The DCC and the chamber have always enjoyed a great partnership,” Perry said. “We work hand in hand. When business works, people work… Things are happening Downriver. I always tell people it’s the place to be.”

Communities have life forces of their own

I have dwelled extensively in previous columns on the practices of big business run amok, with no leash, and how they affect America. Specifically, the realm of retail and the sea change of national control vs local control that occurred in the e80s and onward.

The onslaught was overwhelming, with concept after concept breaking on the American public. It never occurred to any of us that it was a feeding frenzy for the stock market and all of the other corporate money genres that just plain took away the apple cart from local and independent operators that were outgunned by seemingly unlimited resources.

I DO know now, though, and I am compelled to share with as many people as I can reach!

Now, one of the people I enjoy staying connected to is Michael Angelo Caruso. All of you know him – everyone knows the Caruso family ‘round these here parts.

What I want to say here is not to hype Michael’s business (which you may want to learn about), but to call out his relentlessly deployed plan that I witness by his frequent postings. His approach includes humor-oriented postings that invite response and steadfast reminders of what he does.

Michael created his own niche by paying close attention to others that have carved out theirs, emulating and honing his version of it, and basically, being the reason for his own success.

Never a “Poor, Poor Pitiful Me” sentiment (hah!). He stays on plan. He grinds his ax, and most importantly, he clearly loves his work. Michael stays engaged and has fun as he plies his trade and makes his living. After all is said and done, the power of a single person to persevere is electric and admirable.

If you read just some of my columns, you can get vibes of “hey, that’s not fair.” If you read others, you learn about my perception of small businesses I have encountered that make a real contribution to the world, even if that world is limited in scope.

I know that what I provide at my trade is hyper-better than what any

corporate alternative can provide. I thrive on the challenge of getting it right for our clientele; it’s actually exhilarating. I love my work too, and everyone in my industry knows that humor is integrated into how I communicate. Humor connects, dissolves anonymity.

Agitation is never conveyed when comparing my stores to other local stores. I don’t have anything negative to say about any of them. I admire and respect them and I advocate for them. They are part of what makes my world hum. Independents are the benchmark that can never be reached by imposters. We can’t afford to lose any of them. The world gets dimmer with every loss, more homogenized and less unique. Less surprising, less delightful. With every national cookie cutter operation that replaces them in their real estate, we get something totally unconnected to the communities that were once served with passion.

When that owner stops making an income, they stop spending their money at other local businesses. They stop spreading their sunlight, too, leaving us with only dim substitutes.

Conversely: Remember the shops around Downriver that used to sell kitchen and bath products?

Bed, Bath and Beyond, to be specific, took so much business away that there wasn’t enough to remain viable for indies.

Don’t blow past that point: The myth of big business providing jobs is really just a lie. Having taken over the niche, they’re filing bankruptcy, and hopefully failing altogether, but also killing those jobs through their own incompetence. So, why hopefully? Because I look

finally better now; what ailed me seems to be gone.

That experience, though, serves to illustrate how much the life force is in play at small, independent businesses of every kind.

Small business is far more resilient, nimble, and clever than big business. But it is also more prone to the singular loss of “if I say it, it’s so” energy. For every small business, that energy is akin to a self-winding watch; seemingly endless when business is strong and vibrant, and when people give positive reinforcement by simply doing business there.

forward to independent businesses

filling that niche again. It was . I hope one opens in Wyandotte, it’s an unfilled niche and believe me, it’s going to be a thing again.

We citizens supported the invasion of that publicly traded company. We shopped there. No sense in crying about it now.

The point is to look forward and decide who you don’t want to see fail because of big.

When you do that, you will indeed have connected the dots, and you won’t need the likes of me to tell you all about it.

My whole purpose here is at least trying to get people to understand that what they see as just another choice is something far more than that. I want people to not just be sympathetic, but to do everything they can to protect what they count on being there.

Forces far more powerful and controlling are the adversaries of every independent business. The forces of capitalism on the macro scale, and the forces of government that not only allows it, but fosters the uneven playing field are the enemies that have done so much damage.

I’m still here; countless others had their worlds taken away.

In 2022, post-covid sapped me of not just the physical energy I was accustomed to, but the ability to focus and propel. We all rely on batteries; that’s where humans fuel their drive, focus and passion. When those are attacked and even erased, and even worse: when the ability to make decisions and be the heart of the business are sucked down, personal and business peril looms large. I’m

That’s the driving force, my friends. That’s the magic. The magic is not really magic, but it may as well be, for all that it shares back.

It would be a terrible thing to lose the positive energy of my above mentioned call out. What he provides can’t be delivered by big, national business. What Michael does is care about the people he interacts with and in many cases, does business with. His business has little direct connection to mine.

But his life force is crucial to all of us. I don’t do business with him, but I recognize what he brings to the table as remarkable, and I herald it because we need that positive energy, more and more and more in a world that can sap it all away if we’re not careful.

I never ask my readers to support my business in these columns. I ask you to understand the difference between local and independent of all kinds in your community (and wherever you go, frankly).

If we don’t; when we bypass local and independent of any and all kinds, we kill the golden geese of our own, local economic power plant. And we give the power to those that don’t need any more power.

Pushing back against entropy works really well if enough of us band together. It is true: Communities are living, breathing entities that share a collective life force, composed of all the independent businesses that keep money flowing through wallet after wallet…by keeping it local. Protect your locals; protect your community. And have more fun.

Those of you that already do know exactly what I’m talking about. Don’t you!

PETER ROSE

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!

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.

Soroptimists honor women at awards banquet

Five women were recognized with monetary awards from the Trenton and Downriver Area Soroptimists for their ambition and contribution to their communities.

The awards banquet was held on March 14 at the Grecian Center in Southgate. Several essay judges were in attendance to celebrate with the winners. The applicants were evaluated on a set criteria and essays that assessed their contributions to women and society.

Soroptimist is an international organization of almost 1,500 clubs in nineteen countries for and by dedicated women who use their collective power to help other women and girls transform their physical, mental and emotional lives and the lives of their families.

The Live Your Dream Education and Training Award is about helping women who have faced economic and personal hardships to live their dreams by attaining an education leading to their empowerment, financial stability and independence.

Teiera Baker, of Pontiac, a single mother of two-year-old, was selected to be the recipient of the Live Your Dream award.

Ms. Baker is currently attending Oakland Community College pursuing a bachelor’s degree in social work while working fulltime. Her educational and career goals include running her own Case Management LLC at home, along with opening a chain of transitional shelters for families in crisis, while individualizing services to meet their needs.

Teiera will work towards a master’s degree in social work, with a minor in business management to help her to attain her goals.

Ms. Baker has overcome many heart-wrenching obstacles, physically, emotionally, as well as dealing with a numerous amount of family hardships.

The Virginia Wagner Educational Award is given to a woman aspiring to complete a bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate degree to enable her to reach her career goals. Judging is based on a weighted criteria for judging that includes scholarship, extracurricular activities, need and effort toward education.

Wafa Askar, of Dearborn, is attending University of Michigan-Dearborn and majoring in health psychology. She decided on a psychology major to help others deal with stress and emotional issues. She is currently working toward her master’s degree while working as an emergency social worker.

Ms. Askar is a refugee from Yemen where girls were and are discouraged from attending school. Growing up in the Yemen countryside with her mother and six siblings while her father worked in the United States, her four sisters stopped schooling in middle school.

Before finishing high school in 2011, the civil war broke out. Despite the risks, she began English classes as the family awaited immigration to the United States. Even after arriving in 2014, obstacles to education continued. Wafa had to wait months for transcripts

issues.

The Soroptimist Prime award is exclusive to SI of Trenton and Downriver Area. High school girls residing in Allen Park, Brownstown, Gibraltar, Grosse Ile, Lincoln Park, Riverview, Southgate, Taylor,

to be sent from Yemen and converted to U.S. equivalent classes, her English wasn’t very good, and transportation to school was a problem. A top student in Yemen, she failed her first college class and was ready to give up on her dreams.

As a first-generation college student and most proficient in English, Wafa has been responsible to help her family members set up appointments, complete paperwork for immigration and citizenship cases, school admissions and housing issues, and assist two siblings with epilepsy with medical and work

Trenton, Woodhaven, or Wyandotte are eligible to apply.

The Soroptimist of Trenton and Downriver Area high school girls’ award honors young women who make the community and world a better place through volunteer efforts. Because we have expanded our community involvement, this year we have three winners.

Ava Carson, a senior and member of the National Honor Society at Trenton High School.

One service project in which she participated was

Receiving awards from the Soroptimists were Downriver high schoolers Ava Carson, Nina Lomas and Eliana Pettigrew.

the “Clean Love Project,” collecting items for care packages of essential toiletry items for women and girls in need. Ava also volunteers her time as a Sunday school leader, tutors students at Trenton High and helped a friend with his Eagle Scout project.

The other Trenton High School winner is senior Nina Lomas. Nina’s special passion is as leader for “Fleece and Thank You,” which involves making blankets to provide comfort for children in hospitals. Each donated blanket has an attached video message to create a connection between the maker of the blanket and to the family which receives it.

Nina also partners in the “Clean Love Project.”

Wyandotte’s first Soroptimist Prime winner is

Eliana Pettigrew, a Roosevelt High School senior.

Eliana began her work with Amnesty International as a sophomore. Currently its chapter’s president, she is most concerned with protecting the rights of women and to empower them to shape their own futures.

Campaigning for support of reproductive rights, fundraising for Ukrainian refugees and volunteering at the Wyandotte Soup Kitchen are a few of the projects of her Amnesty International chapter.

Eliana is also the president of the Roosevelt High National Honor Society, a member of United Sound and Tri-M Music Honor Society.

A copy of the book, Girl Rising: Changing the World One Girl at a Time (by author Tanya Lee Stone)

was given to each awardee.

The Trenton and Downriver Area Soroptimist organization meets on the second Tuesday of the month at the Woodhaven Community Center, and the fourth Tuesday at various local restaurants. All women are welcome to attend. You may contribute to the foundations that the Soroptimists support on krogercommunityrewards.com. If you are interested in learning more about the Trenton and Downriver Area Soroptimists and our other activities, check out our page on Facebook@ SoroptimistInternationalOfTrentonAndDownriverArea or sioftrentonanddownriverarea@gmail.com.

This is Ernie, our 6 month old Boston Terrier. Don’t let that adorable face fool you for he is as energetic as a Jack Russell Terrier, can jump as high as a kangaroo, and has the long legs & speed of a Kentucky race horse. Ernie shares his home with John & Vicki Roberts.

“Hi, I’m Al. My ape also calls me ‘Albertomundo,’ ‘Spandrel’ and ‘Cookie Batter.’ I answer to all his names because I think I’m a dog. Here I am enjoying the longer days.”

NEWS FROM OUR NEIGHBORS

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

need and allows those qualified to shop at no charge in a grocery-like setting. Fish & Loaves is faithbased and, like the diaper bank, relies on donations, grants and other funds to operate.

gobigmultimedia.com/grosse-ile-grand

True ‘community’ event draws excitement

Grosse Ile’s popular Boar’s Head Festival makes its return

...[T]he much-loved Boar’s Head Festival will return this coming Dec. 7-10 at Sacred Heart Church.

The grand Christmas pageant, which involves more than 600 volunteers, has become the premier celebration of community involvement, musical entertainment, and the Christmas spirit.

In 2022, the pantry served more than 2.3 million pounds of food to needy individuals who are able to “shop” every other month. Fish & Loaves also distributes food to hundreds of visitors on Saturdays while supplies last and provides food on an emergency basis as well.

Fish & Loaves will celebrate its 15th anniversary later this year with the motto “ensuring no one goes hungry.”..

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734-282-3939

The actual serving of a roasted boar can be traced to ancient Roman times when the wild porcine was the preferred dish at great feasts.

As early as the 14 th century in medieval England, Christians considered the wild boar a ferocious beast and a symbol of great evil. They adapted the Roman custom of serving a boar’s head on a platter to represent the triumph of the Christ Child over evil. Particularly poignant at Christmas time.

Grosse Ile’s Boar’s Head Festival has been held since its inception in 1980, launched by the late Josephine “Jo” Ramage with the Islanders theater group, and sponsored by the Interfaith Council of Churches on the Island. This year’s production will be directed by Open Book Theatre’s founder, awardwinning Krista Schafer Ewbank....

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Grosse Ile’s Bottoms Up group nearing one million distributed diapers to the needy ...Founded in 2015 by church congregation member Elaine McElwaney of Riverview, Bottoms Up is operated by a board that receives donations to purchase diapers in bulk from Sam’s Club in Southgate and distributes them at a rate of 120 every other month to clients at Fish & Loaves. The national standard on diaper need is 60 per month per child.

Fish & Loaves is the state’s largest client-choice pantry. The pantry vets clients based on income and

gobigmultimedia.com/riverview-register

Tonight, We Dance Under the Stars Memorial Elementary event showcases girls and VIP guests

Memorial Elementary School recently held its ‘Tonight, We Dance Under the Stars’ event, which was open to girls and their VIP guests.

The event was held on Friday, April 14 at Orlando Familia Banquet Center.

The time and energy spent by members of the Memorial Parent Club to make this event a success was appreciated by all guests. There were basket raffles, prizes, and a 50/50 raffle, which the winner graciously donated back to Memorial’s Parent Club.!

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Gellin’ with Geometry – Family Math Night Forest Elementary hosted its first Family Math Night on April 13 from 6-7 p.m. Forest staff members were on hand to help students and their families navigate through numerous Math stations which included: 3-D shapes, area, fraction action, geometry bingo, origami, structures, tangrams and symmetry. Students were all smiles as they made their way through each station.

They could also snack on geometry salad, which consisted of a variety of snacks in all different geometric shapes and sizes. The evening was a tremendous success for all.

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Play ball!

The Anderson baseball team has been off the local radar for the past few years, but veteran coach Andy Green, in his first year at the helm of the Titans, has the team playing some fine baseball this spring. At last count the Titans were 7-4 (4-2 in Downriver League play) and among their victories were blowouts of Lincoln Park, Garden City and Grosse Ile, as well as a thrilling 6-5 win over Trenton in extra innings. The Titans are also playing in some cool locations this year. On May 1 they played Melvindale at The Corner Ball Park on the site of the old Tiger Stadium and on May 16 the Titans will play Lincoln Park at Fifth Third Field in Toledo,

carnivorous plant promises limitless fame and fortune to Seymour, as long as he continues providing a fresh supply of blood. Just when it’s too late, Seymour discovers Audrey II’s extra-terrestrial origins and his true drive for world-domination.

The STA production almost sold out each night, filling the auditorium that can hold 300 people with up to 250-290 each night. Those numbers make it one of the most successful musicals Southgate Anderson High School has put on ever...

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gobigmultimedia.com/wyandotte-warrior

reporter for the football team.

She said she loved pro wrestling as a child and thought she could do it someday. Not wanting to look back and regret not giving the sport a try, she moved to Florida and began training...

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home of the Mud Hens. The Titans are currently on an extended stretch of road games, but they finish the regular season with three straight home dates on May 18, 23 and 24. MHSAA districts are June 3 and the Titans will be at Woodhaven, along with the host school, Carlson, Taylor and Wyandotte.

On page 1

STA’s ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ was a big hit ...Little Shop of Horrors is a delectable sci-fi horror musical with an electrifying 1960s pop/rock score by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman.

Seymour Krelborn (played by Morgan Morris in STA’S production) is a meek and dejected assistant at a floral shop who happens upon a strange plant, which he affectionately names “Audrey II” (Fatima Samples) after his crush Audrey (Allison Hilliard) at the shop. Little does he know that this strange and unusual plant will develop a soulful R&B voice, a potty mouth, and an unquenchable thirst for human blood.

As Audrey II grows bigger and meaner, the

Wyandotte native is Women Of Wrestling world champion

A Wyandotte native is a professional wrestling world champion.

Marina Tucker, who goes by the name Penelope Pink, is the reigning champion of WOW – Women Of Wrestling, a show broadcast across the nation.

Tucker was born in Wyandotte and spent her early childhood years in the city, attending Trinity Lutheran and Christ the King schools. Her parents, Jeff and Michelle, are former Wyandotte police officers. She remembers her dad playing hockey at Yack Arena.

She moved with her family to Georgia with her family and returned years later to Michigan to attend Ferris State University. Her dad is a captain in the Canton, Georgia, Police Department. Her mother is retired.

Always athletic, including seven years as a cheerleader, Tucker got involved in pro wrestling after graduating in 2016 from Ferris State University, where she majored in sports communications and was the gameday producer for Ferris athletics and a sideline

Wyandotte VFW

gets new solar panels New additions impressively reduces monthly electric bill

Monthly electric bills at the Wyandotte Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall have gone from thousands of dollars a month to hundreds of dollars a month, thanks to new solar panels installed at the post.

The energy-savings panels are compliments of the veterans-support group Running to Honor, which is headed by Wyandotte VFW member Aaron Bartal, a Lincoln Park resident who spent six years in the Army as a calvary scout, including two years in Iraq. Bartal raised the needed funds over a four-year period by hosting 5K runs in Taylor, through donations and via corporate grants from the likes of the DTE Foundation and BASF. The installation was completed in the fall of 2022 and the post has reaped the benefits since.

VFW Post 1136 is located at 633 Ford Avenue (known as Northline Road west of Fort Street). Bartal said Running to Honor targeted the energy bills at the post when he learned the post was paying $2,000 a month for electricity...

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We have England sofas, loveseats, chairs & sectionals in stock for immediate free local delivery. All prices are as stocked but all can be ordered in 50 fabrics at the same price. Several hundred fabrics are available at varying prices. All can be upgraded to firmer seat springs & seat cushions. The current wait time for custom orders on this brand is 6 to 8 weeks. England Furniture offers a 10 year warranty on their seat cushions and a lifetime warranty on frames & seat springs.

Sofa $899 Loveseat $869

Sofa $999 Loveseat $969

Sofa $899 Loveseat $869

Sofa $899 Loveseat $869