Trenton Times, September 26 – October 25, 2023

Photo by Dave Chapman

Trail Town has been hosting slow rolls each month all summer

In May, things kicked off the season by joining the second annual Tour De Tom, with Tom Daldin of PBS’s Under the Radar. The tour this year was hosted by the City of Trenton.

In June, riders met up at Mr Nick’s to take a tour of the uptown Trenton Trail to kick off the first day of summer. Participants were encouraged to decorate their bikes and dress in a luau theme. They rode through the neighborhood toward King Rd, back along the Frank and Poet drain to Lexington Park, then back to Mr Nick’s for the afterglow. An added bonus was that they rode past every school in Trenton!

July was time for the evening Glow Roll.

The Trenton Rotary Club partnered to bring a large group of members and residents together to decorate bikes for a long evening roll. Participants were provided with glow bracelets, headbands, and bike lights. The ride took them to the Refuge and back to the downtown neighborhoods, with a finish along Jefferson lit by all the street lights. Riders enjoyed the afterglow at Rivertown Tavern, and were treated with passes to District 142 as well.

Riders took off out of the Cultural Center on Aug. 29. They toured the neighborhoods South of West Rd and West of Fort Street. This ride is coined “Rock the Roll,“ because it ended back at the Cultural Center, where the Trenton Parks and

Recreation is hosting its Summer Concert series. Participants will hear live music from Keelan Crum, as well as enjoy yard games and refreshments.

The concert series is also sponsored by Trenton Rotary. Rotarians worldwide participate in a fellowship initiative called “Cycling to Serve,” which promotes world-wide friendship and peace through gathering for cycling events.

For more information about how to join Rotary or learn more about what they do, contact club

recruiters Mike McCullough 734-674-3222 or Noel Jackson 734-676-1333 to find out how to get involved.

Other rides in the coming months will include a “Back to School” roll in September and a “Scary Roll” in October. They will finish the year with a ride in Trenton’s Christmas Parade.

Trail Town is not only a recreation initiative, but also supports the local economy.

Trenton businesses have supported the initiative by hosting afterglows, special events, discounts, and swag bags to encourage riders to stay in Trenton to shop and dine after each ride.

Trail Town Trenton also unites many of the city’s commissions and departments such as: the Civic Commission, City Beautiful, Parks and Recreation, the Trenton Library, and Police Dept.

Trenton has noticed that others are taking slow rolls into their own hands, hosting neighborhood rides, and cyclist traffic has been ramping up throughout the city, especially along West Jefferson.

You can follow Trail Town on facebook https:// www.facebook.com/groups/trentonmitrailtown, or send a request to wendylynnpate@gmail.com to be added to the email list.

Trail Town meets the fourth Wednesday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Trenton Library, anyone can attend and be involved!

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Honoring the past Trenton Schools debut Coaches Hall of Fame

This year, Trenton Public Schools began the process of creating a Hall of Fame program to recognize Trenton High School coaches who have personified the highest standards of coaching excellence and have elevated the reputation of the community and school district through the creation of a highly successful athletic program within their sport.

On Sept. 15, at the football game against Dearborn Edsel Ford, the district inducted its first class into this newly created honorarium.

Each person has been inducted due to a previous induction into a Michigan sports Hall of Fame for his respective sport.

Here is the 2023 class of inductees to the Trenton Public Schools Coaches Hall of Fame.

WALTER (RED) FARRER

Coach Farrer was hired by Trenton in 1926. During his career, he coached multiple sports and accomplished a great deal while at Trenton High School. He was instrumental nding the location for our athletic field and coached THS to a first and only state track title in 1927.

In 1938, Farrer led his football team to an undefeated and unscored-upon season. This streak continued until the last game of the 1939 year - the winning streak lasted for 22 straight games. His 1939 team won the mythical Class B State Championship.

Mr. Farrer is also responsible for creating the City of Trenton’s Park and Recreation program.

ANTHONY (TONY) MALINOWSKI

Being one of the first veterans to return from World War II where he served as a navigator aboard Naval aircraft, Tony took the then-vacant swim, cross country and tennis jobs at Trenton High School and immediately set about achieving his paramount goal, getting lots of kids interested in tennis.

Having been cut from the sport himself, his first strategy was to never release a kid. Anyone who came out for the sport was kept on the squad. In fact, every freshman who entered Trenton High School received a written invitation from him to come out for tennis. He began a quest of getting students involved in tennis (and all sports). In addition, he instituted large freshman and junior varsity squads and pushed other coaches to do the same so that there was an opportunity for each kid to see some competition against players from other schools.

Finally, he added a new concept to high school tennis play by creating a Saturday tennis tournament. He named it “Honor and Glory” to emphasize that players were competing for joy and satisfaction, not for medals. He invited the best teams he could nd from the area, once again expanding opportunities to play for more kids. It is undoubtedly the oldest Saturday tournament in the state and, in fact, one of the oldest in the nation. Tony went on to direct more than one Saturday tournament a season.

Trenton won 431 matches and 24 league titles during the 39 years that Tony coached.

HAROLD JAROCH

Named to the Michigan High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1970 and to the Trenton Sports Hall of Fame in 1978.

Coach Jaroch spent more than half of his life coaching. He coached football, basketball, track and field, golf and swimming. He was also an athletic director for 12 years.

TRENTON

Continued from page 6

Although he is being inducted into the hall of fame for football due to a winning percentage of 94 percent and a league championship, his true love was basketball. In this capacity, his teams won 122 games and lost 56. They won six league championships and a Class A district championship in 1952.

Coach Jaroch’s imprint on Trenton athletics was historic and lasting.

JOHN (JACK) CASTIGNOLA

After two coaching stints at Ohio high schools, Coach Jack moved over to Monroe Catholic Central and then on to Trenton High School where he stayed for 21 seasons. Overall, his record was 231-87-6 with multiple undefeated seasons. His THS record stands at 149-51-1. However, his greater impact was felt on the players he coached, their families and the pride felt by the Trenton community.

Hall of Fame Football Inductee, Robert Czarnecki described Coach Jack this way: “He made all of us better as players, people and community members.”

Former player, Mark Lybrook shared that “he was a great leader and a father figure for a lot of guys who needed it at that point in their lives,” Lybrook said. Furthermore, George Ghindia, also a member of the 74’ and 75’ teams, put it most simply, “Coach Jack is one of the greatest coaches in the history of Michigan high school football.” He went on to say that “he created a tradition of excellence that was marked by undefeated seasons in 1966, 1973, and 1975.”

Part of the wording on the memorial reads: “A leader of young people who dedicated his life to them on and off the field. He encouraged his athletes and students to obtain a college degree, to set their goals high and helped prepare them for life.”

RON ANDREWS

At Trenton he coached as varsity football defensive coordinator, varsity track coach, junior varsity basketball, head coach of both boys and girls varsity swim teams and varsity golf.

Coach Andrews was known for his fierce, independent attitude in life. He was a true role model for all students!

His boys swim team won a Class A title in 1967 and his golf teams won numerous regional, league and state titles.

Mr. Andrews is a member of the Trenton Sports Hall of Fame, the Michigan High School Coaches Hall of Fame and the Michigan Golf Coaches Hall of Fame.

RON EICHBAUER

Ron Eichbauer is a graduate of the University of South Dakota. During his years at South Dakota he played football and baseball.

At the middle school level, Ron coached football, swimming and track. His coaching career compiled a record of 115 wins and 47 loses in football, 132 wins and 33 loses in swimming, 132 wins and 25 loses in track. However, during this great career Ron had 26 undefeated teams.

Ron was selected to the City of Trenton Hall of Fame in 1987. In 1990, he was placed in the University of South Dakota’s Hall of Fame. In 1991, the City of Allen Park placed Ron in their Hall of Fame and in 1996 he was inducted into the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association’s Hall of Fame.

Ron began his retirement in 1994 after 33 years of coaching.

JIM LAWRENCE

Lawrence was perhaps Downriver’s best and most well-known youth swimming coach before his life was cut short by ALS.

These are his accomplishments during his time as Trenton High School top swimming coach.

~ Combined Overall Record as Head Swimming and Diving Coach: 566-170

~ Head Boys and Girls’ Swim Coach at Trenton HS. Record where he Won 24 league titles, 40 News Herald Championships, and had 10 top ten finishes at State finals, as well as a 1995 Girls’ State Championship.

~ Many times Wolverine A Conference, Michigan Mega Conference, and Downriver

HONORING

Continued from page 7

League Coach of the Year, Multiple times News Herald Coach of the Year, Michigan Interscholastic Swim Coaches’ Association ( MISCA) Zone Coach of the Year four times, MISCA Coach of the Year 1995, MHSCA Coach of the Year ’97 and ’05. Selected to the City of Trenton Hall of Fame in 2002.

~ Winner of MISCA’s Matt Mann Award in 1997.

~ MISCA President 2000-2, MISCA Clinic Chairperson 1994-2012, MISCA rep. to MHSCA 2002-4, and National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches’ Assoc. Member.

~ Lawrence was also a finalist for the 2017 National Coach of the Year award.

JIM STALLINGS

Jim Stallings was a giant among high school wrestling coaches.

~ Coached Wrestling 1974-2003. Overall Record (including Romulus): 447-155-3. Three conference championships and 10 top ten State meet finishes.

~ Coached four individual state runners-up and six individual state champs.

~ Six times Regional Coach of the Year and three times News Herald Coach of the Year.

~ Inducted into MWA Hall of Fame 1997 and Trenton Sports HOF 2008.

~ Michigan Sports Sage of the Year 2010.

ROBERT (BOB) CZARNECKI

Bob Czarnecki entered the Michigan High School Coaches Hall of Fame after 38 years of coaching. During his tenure he coached at West Maple Middle School and Crowley High School Louisiana with a 88-14 win loss record before returning to his home town of Trenton where he recorded 169 wins and 132 losses.

While at Trenton he coached the team to seven league championships, a regional championship and 13 playoff appearances.

Bob has won many coaching awards including Louisiana High School State Coach of the Year, News Herald Coach of the year 11 times, and was inducted into the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2015.

In typical Coach Czar fashion - he asked to share this honor with his family, the men he coached alongside, and the young men who played for his staff for over 30 years; not to forget, the young ladies who cheered with us, and the band who played “Jaws” before every kick off.

MIKE TURNER

Coach Turner, a true coaching icon, made history as the state’s all-time leader in career wins with a remarkable record of 629-122-51 while never having a losing team.

Under his leadership, Trenton achieved a staggering 14 state titles and 20 regional titlessolidifying their place as the most successful public school in the state’s history and secondmost overall.

Turner’s 1996 team was undefeated and the only program ever to win all of its games in a season.

Coach Turner’s legacy is one of unparalleled success and dedication to the game.

JAMES (JIM) WHITESIDE

Coach Whiteside was inducted into the Michigan High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame in 1987. His award was given to him by legendary Michigan Coach Bo Schembechler. It is rare that an assistant football coach is recognized for distinguished service, but that is exactly the story that goes along with Coach Whiteside.

He was described as willing to do whatever it takes and Coach Jack’s right hand man.

Coach Whiteside also coached track and field and was considered a very inspirational teacher. As a high school counselor, he convinced many students that they were capable of great things!

Continued from page 8

VIC BECHARD

Bechard recorded 372 victories in 21 varsity seasons at several schools. In 1994 the Trojans, led by future Major League Baseball star J.J. Putz, went 32-3 and won the Class B state championship, beating Grand Rapids Catholic Central 3-1 in the championship game.

“Nineteen ninety four was an awesome year,” said Bechard. “It kind of came out of nowhere.”

While at Trenton, Coach Bechard experienced four league championships, four district titles, had two teams win regional championships, as well as two teams that played into the “Final Four.”

He was the Michigan High School Baseball Association Coach of the Year in 1994.

ROBER

ROBERT (BOB) KRESZYN

Bob may not have held the job titles of the Trenton greats, but his legacy is no less significant. Bob coached baseball at Trenton High School for 41 years, which is a true testament to character and makeup.

He served as an assistant coach under Pat Bevier, Art Wegienka, Julius Koenigsknecht, Vic Bechard, Bruce Mierkowicz, Al Fernandez and Todd Szalka.

It was Bob’s ability to work with others that allowed him to work with so many different personalities.

Bob helped lead the team to a state championship in 1994. He mentored professional baseball players JJ Putz, Matt Shoemaker and Anthony Bass.

SEE HALL OF FAME, Page 12

October is when weather starts changing, baseball playoffs begin, football starts, and fire departments gear up for fire prevention month. The Trenton Fire Department is no different as we start preparing for fire prevention during the summer.

During the week of Oct. 9th, the firefighters visit the elementary schools to teach fire safety to the Kindergarten through third graders.

The fire department also partners with the Trenton Exchange Club for a fire safety poster contest that is open to 4th and 5th graders in Trenton schools including St. Joeseph.

This year, the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) theme is “Cooking safety starts with you. Pay attention to fire prevention.” According the NFPA, cooking fires were the leading cause of fires from 2016-2021. This year’s theme is aimed to educate children and their families on what they can do to keep themselves safe while cooking.

Here are some great safety tips:

• Set a timer nearby to remind yourself of the cooking food.

• Turn pot handles away from the front of the stove so they are not easily accessible to children.

• Keep a lid nearby in case a pot catches fire.

• Remind small children to keep a 3 foot safety area around a stove or grill while food is being cooked, as well as after the appliance is turned off so it has time to cool off.

• Make and practice a family escape plan.

While we teach the school children fire prevention, it is imperative that we check our smoke alarms. For those without working alarms, the Trenton Fire Department has partnered with MI Prevention to ensure that all Trenton residents have working smoke and CO alarms in their recommended areas of their residence.

These alarms are the 10 year sealed battery alarms.

If you need alarms installed for free of charge, call the Trenton Fire administrative office on Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at 734-676-1314 to schedule your appointment. During the installation, firefighters will also provide a quick fire safety home inspection and provide education on home fire safety.

Our aim is to reduce injuries, deaths, and property damage associated with fires.

*Plus Taxes & Fees

Trenton FD gears up for Fire Prevention Week Florida Keys Vacation! Per Night From Only N $295*

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After a fun filled day of boating, fishing, scuba diving or soaking up the sun relaxing by one of the largest pools in the Florida Keys or relaxing by the pool overlooking the marina and Atlantic ocean, or even sinking your toes in the sand like the song says “only worry in the world is the tide going to reach your chair” on our private upland sunning beach. There is always something for everyone!

Paradise isn’t over yet as you walk through your own private courtyard, a bricked patio garden with relaxing furniture, then up just one flight of stairs, your private oasis awaits you…where you can unwind from a fun filled day. You can cook your fresh day’s catch in your fully equipped new kitchen with lots of natural light glistening off the solid surface countertops and the stunning stainless steel appliances and eat in comfort. Or go “out on the town” and relax in some of the best restaurants in the area where you are pampered as your fresh catch is being prepared to your specifications as you relax drinking a glass of wine watching the beautiful Florida Bay Sunset. The perfect end to a wonderful day in paradise.

After dinner retreat to your 1480 sq. ft. Newly Decorated Beautiful two bedroom townhouse with a smart open floor plan, 14’ vaulted ceilings. Relax with ELEGANT Tommy Bahama furnishings and a 65” HDTV in the great room. Now time for a perfect night’s rest as you enjoy a wonderful view from the master bedroom giving the feeling of nestling in the trees. A beautifully tropical draped four-poster, king size bed with ultra comfort mattress assures a perfect night’s sleep and offers the ideal spot to view the 48” flat screen TV. An en suite bath features a corner spa tub, the perfect way to end a day of sightseeing.

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Spooky happenings Downriver woman promotes Trenton Exchange Club Halloween

DAVE GORGON

With Halloween just around the corner, the annual Trenton Exchange Club 5K has a Halloween theme this year.

Runners and walkers can wear costumes as they compete in the Blue (Boo) Ribbon Run, which gets under way the morning of Sunday, Oct. 8, at the Woodhaven Community Park, 23101 Hall Road.

The Spooktacular One Mile Trot for Treats starts at 9 a.m. The Ghostly 5K Run and Walk follows at 9:30. Running up the tall sledding hill – aka The Casper the Friendly Hill portion of the race—is optional. Bib holders will receive treats.

Registration is ongoing at the website runsignup.com/Race/ MI/Woodhaven/BlueRibbonRun.

Admission is $35 for the Ghostly 5K. It’s $20 for the one-mile trot for treats up to Oct. 7. Donations to the Exchange Club of Trenton also are accepted for the prevention of child abuse and neglect.

Race director Deborah Eskridge

of Southgate stressed that costumes are optional, not mandatory. She said the 5K is being held early enough in the month that it won’t interfere with the annual trunk or treat event at Woodhaven High School. She said the event is a “friendly” race in which dogs on leashes and strollers are welcome.

Eskridge, a mental health and substance abuse counselor, is both a runner and volunteer. While volunteering at a substance abuse and prevention camp in Southgate, Eskridge was asked to become race director by Trenton Exchange Club member Marge Sharlow. Since Eskridge believes in the cause, she accepted Sharlow’s invitation.

Seven years later, the race is a Downriver fixture.

The Exchange Club of Trenton is a service organization that has been active in the Downriver area since 1927. The club is dedicated to helping the community be a better place to live.

The prevention of child abuse has been the national project of the Exchange Club since 1979. The Trenton club provides a variety of

public materials to inform and increase awareness. The club supports the Kid’s Talk program of forensic interviewing and legal assistance.

Club members contribute time and resources to the Western Wayne County First Step Domestic Abuse Shelter and the group’s activities.

The club’s latest “claim to fame” was sponsoring a successful two-day workshop for police and school personnel that identifies and intercepts school violence through cyber investigation. Sharlow, who is club secretary, said the workshop led to instant success as a Flat Rock school resource officer apprehended a suspected drug dealer within 24 hours of the class.

Other funds go to community service and special events. The club targets homeless Michigan veterans through the Eleven/Eleven at Seven program and provides American flags to children in elementary schools to wave in parades. Club members have sponsored Trenton Boy Scout Troop 1721 since its founding in 1927 and sponsors an annual fire prevention

poster contest for fourth- and fifthgraders that awards prizes of $100 and $50.

The Exchange Club provides a yearly scholarship called the A.C.E. Award to a graduating senior at Trenton High School. A.C.E. stands for Accepting the Challenges of Excellence and goes to a student who has shown dramatic resiliency during his or her high school years. The student may be overlooked for his or her accomplishments.

Sharlow, who is a retired schoolteacher, said this past year Trenton graduate Ella Masserant won the Trenton Exchange Club scholarship of $500, plus the Michigan Exchange Club scholarship of $1,500. Masserant is attending Saginaw Valley State College.

This year, the Trenton club will provide scholarships to graduating seniors at both Trenton and Woodhaven high schools.

Sharlow said the proceeds from the race go to great causes and “the race is a lot of fun.”

Race Director Deborah Eskridge and her dog Katie at a recent event in Taylor.

Trenton High School grad Ella Massarant, who earned Exchange Club scholarships before graduating and heading to Saginaw Valley State College

HALL OF FAME

Continued from page 8

JOHN BIEDENBACH

During his coaching time here at Trenton, Coach B was always joined by his wife Joani who was always taking photographs and working hard behind the scenes on creating memories that will last a lifetime for the girls that played for Trenton. Their hard work and dedication to the Trenton Community is second to no one

From 1974 to 2019 Bidenbach surpassed a coaching milestone of 1,000 wins on April 24, 2017. Coach B ended his coaching career with 1,051 wins.

During his 45 seasons, he only had three seasons where the team had a losing record.

During his career Coach B was very instrumental in helping over 50 student-athletes achieve their goals of playing college softball.

TOM BLUHM

What Tom Bluhm likes about wrestling also happens to correlate perfectly into what his program at Trenton has been about.

“It’s one-on-one,” Bluhm said. “You can’t hide and you can’t make excuses. That’s what I’ve always liked about it.” Bluhm entered this season fourth on the MHSAA all-time coaching wins list for wrestling, carrying an 812-416-2 record with five seasons at Taylor Center before taking over at Trenton beginning with that 1977-78 winter.

Tom Bluhm’s schedule is the same today as it was when he was a high-school sophomore 52 years ago.

“I am still doing it and I love the kids,” he said. “It is all about the kids.”

STEVE BURKE

Steve Burk has coached high school golf for 29 years for a combined 38 seasons of boys and girls golf.

He began as the boys golf coach at Southfield Christian from 1989 to 1998 and then went to Trenton in 2003 where he coached boys for 19 seasons and girls for nine. His teams had an impressive dual match record of 250 wins and only 12 loses. His boys team won 30 invitational tournaments, 25 conference championships, five MHSAA District and five MHSAA Regional championships and his girls team won seven invitational tournaments and six conference championships.

Steve had 24 teams and six individuals qualify for the MHSAA State Championship tournaments over the years and in 2004 the Trenton boys won the Division 2 state championship, before earning Coach of the Year in Div. 2 in 2005.

What role for government in local-first push?

People older than I am need no education about the process one goes through as they age.

For me, the main consideration is that in the USA, the average life expectancy is 77.28 years, so most likely, I’ve got about 11 percent left on the fuel gauge.

I know, I know, “how pessimistic, how morbid, how defeatist.”

But that’s not it, friends.

The concept of “running out of time” is not some abstract, imaginary concept. The last 11 percent of my life has gone by fast and I know what that means about the 11 percent to come.

I have no way of knowing how I’ll fare in this game. I may get dead earlier than the average, or (perhaps less likely) I may not ever die at all. But the averages tell me that if I have stuff I need to do and say, I’d better get to it.

I think that by now, most readers have gotten the gist of why I write.

That I’m told so often by readers that they read every column is wonderful; it informs me that there is resonance.

There are points made that strike folks as flat out true.

Since my very first column (written only for the Grosse Ile Grand), my focus has been congratulating citizens for their understanding that economically for the region, localism provides better results for everyone, especially the residents of the region that rely on things being healthy and bouncy.

I have tried to educate about how important every purchase is, how much every single person matters in the

equation.

Never forget: Three times more money stays in the area, circulating and echoing with ripple-effect spending with purchases made at local and independent businesses, compared to national chains of any kind, and the comparison is far wider for internet purchases.

Three times more stays local, benefiting everyone that lives around here!

In the last couple of columns, I have directed commentary towards the local government’s role and impact on just about everything related to the health of the cities they govern. Considering that my words above are fact, not opinion, it makes a ton of sense that time each local government does everything it can, all the time, to maximize that truth.

Cities like Wyandotte (and Trenton, Grosse Ile, Riverview and much of Southgate) are heavily “local and independent” - oriented. In a world of national sameness and mediocrity, such towns can lay claim to being something very different, and very much better, in that what shoppers and diners do find in such towns is authentic, original, unique, and with meaningful connections to the cities they all serve.

The Indie businesses of our Downriver non-freeway cities are fortunate in being mostly guaranteed to not have the closeat-hand competition of national chains, but that doesn’t mean that those chains or internet sites don’t suck up a significant portion of the revenues that would otherwise flow to those locals.

Independent business is not easy, friends. The difference between survival and failure can be slim indeed. For all any of us know, the appearance of a going business may appear that way

because the owner is not taking a salary, or is taking less than he/she wishes for all their work, perhaps to ensure that his employees are paid well enough.

I can’t tell you how many happy, supportive posts we have done through Love Wyandotte and Love Local that have resulted in an appreciative call or note from the owner.

I hope you know I mention this not to brag but to illustrate that small businesses can always use kind words, and help in spreading their word. It takes seconds to be kind and maybe help. Making people happier is addictive, anyway! And I just don’t have a clue what “making a corporation happy” means.

In my perfect scenario, therefore, small cities that are so dependent on small, independent, and local businesses would enjoy the employ of countless employees and elected officials that were relentless in finding ways to help those businesses thrive, by official policy and by urging all involved to be a part of an excellent solution.

Constant hyping and cheerleading, with positive posts and references.

Finding ways to direct some money towards collective marketing that draws people to the towns they lead and serve.

Buying nothing for city needs in the way of supplies and services that could have been sourced locally.

Bragging about all these things, and exhorting the entire populace to truly accept the responsibility to help.

I remain totally enamored of more than just my own specific business.

I’m fascinated by the aggregation of businesses in a concentrated area, and how those downtowns vary in level of success, vitality, and force of nature. As such, I love to see who does it better than

my town.

Not to criticize, but so as to emulate their path to greater success.

Almost always, I see only the surface level as I visit other towns. I rarely get the chance to talk with the people that played a role in getting their towns to a higher plane, and then keeping them there, continuing to grow. I don’t have that much time, either. I experience what I do in a short time and come away with opinions on all manner of things that comprise the appearance and functioning of those places.

I get great pleasure from finding things that surprise me and energize me, and give me ideas to share and/or wish for. I live in a state of constant wishing for better, in my businesses and my city. Always looking for the weak link to improve.

Local and Independent business is always under the assault of national, stock-market companies that seek to capture as much of the local money as possible. It’s how the national economy works, but it can be pushed back against at the local level.

It took 20 years for Michigan to find the way to demand that Amazon (et al) collect Michigan sales tax, giving a state mandated 6 percent competitive edge to Amazon on purpose, and it’s not just Michigan.

I wish for a more perfect world, but I’ll take a better region and collective of cities that all “get it” and ensure that the policies they oversee are in sync with making damned sure that their local businesses thrive, not just survive, which makes property values rise and more people want to move to the city and spend money there….and so on and so on. It really is just that simple.

PETER ROSE

What Our Patrons are Saying on Facebook:

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Meg:

Had the fish dinner, and it was amazing! Best cod I’ve had this Lent season! We will be back even after Lent!! Plus I love the redo on the inside, it looks really good!

Hip atmosphere • Casual • Cheap eats • Child-friendly • Large portions • Chic décor

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Tasting menus • Chic décor • Hip atmosphere

Libby:

It’s very nice inside with the wonderful owners. Healthy options

• Comfort food • Scenic views • Large menu • Farm-to-table

• Great food

Leticia: Warm and friendly atmosphere. The owners and staff are so kind and treat everyone so well. It’s nice and refreshing to see a business treat people like family and not just another dollar in their till! Awesome place!

Michelle: Just had one of the most perfectly cooked “medium rare” burgers I’ve found since moving back. Will definitely be back for another. No pic as I was licking my fingers. Next time...

Tracey: Wonderful management!!!! If you have a concern he is right on the problem to fix it!!! Great fried shrimp!!! Thank you for coming to our table and talking with us.

Mark: Friendly atmosphere... The food is good and the beer is cold. Stylish interior.

1926 West

Trenton Online

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Are you a Michigan fan or just love the quaint beauty of Ann Arbor? Take a tour to see the University of Michigan campus with incredible views of The Big House, main street, and Lake Erie. Perfect for U of M fans and alumni!

TRENTON PARKS & RECREATION

As we welcome in the Hometown Harvest season, we are also hoping to welcome a few new employees to our department!

If you’ve got a heart for your community and want to work for and with your neighbors, we have several positions available. We’re hiring for program assistants, o ce sta , rink supervisors, Zamboni drivers, concession aides and a fulltime program coordinator. Please visit our site at www.trentonmi. org/parksandrec to learn more and download the application or stop into the Kennedy Recreation Center located at 3101 West Rd to pick up an application.

Our department is excited to be hosting the Halloween Walk again this year! An original story, written by Marcus Laban, will be performed by our local theater group DYPAC and will run along the trail at the West eld Center. We’ve also got fall cra s for kids and seniors, as well as a family dance party coming up at the West eld Center. e Civic Commission will be hosting the rst Trenton Pumpkin Festival at the Cultural Center on October

7th from 11am – 1pm. is free community event will have pumpkin decorating, face painting, and bounce houses, as well as vendors like Elliott’s Bakery Express and Chili Beans Ice Cream. Registration is required and can be made by calling us at 734675-7300. In addition to our festive programming, the second fall session of Trenton Fit & Well will begin October 30th, with our tness calendar available on our web site!

e rink will have Scary Skate on October 28th from 7:20pm –9:20pm. Standard skating fees apply, but if you wear a costume you can save a dollar! We’ll have Halloween music playing and the rink decorated for a spooky good time. And if you’re looking for a special way to celebrate anksgiving, we’re hosting our rst anksgiving Teas at the Cultural Center on November 15th! Individual and table rates are available.

We hope to see you out Please stay tuned for upcoming winter programming. You can sign up for our newsletter online and keep up to date on our Facebook.

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Second annual Chalk Walk is a success

The Second annual Chalk the Walk presented by Trenton Trail Town and partnering with The Guidance Center Nurture the Future, SUDDS, Detroit International Wildlife Refuge, Trenton Civic Commission, Trenton Police Department, Trenton Library, Trenton Parks and Recreation, MSU Extension and DTE.

“The weather was perfect this year, and we doubled our attendance. I hope families enjoyed themselves and spread the word about all the wonderful offerings at each booth,” said Wendy Pate, Mayor Pro Tem and Trail Town Chair. “We have a treasure right here in our own backyard for people to get outside and explore. Every exhibitor was all about promoting healthy living through nature.”

Chalk the Walk is an event that showcases the beautiful trail located along the Frank and Poet Drain. Participants gathered at the Kennedy Rec Center where they could explore part of the trail via biking or walking.

The trail extends from King Road all the way to Van Horn in the city limits of Trenton, but is part of the network of trailways chosen by the Downriver Linked Greenways to link to other cities.

Ranger Todd set out on tours of the trail and spotted an egret. Families drew pictures at each booth, and one family created an interactive twist on hopscotch.

Residents were able to meet our

police officers and get information about bike safety. All participants received a pool pass to the Kennedy pool for the day.

Chili Beans ice cream truck provided relief after a nice walk.

New this year was a temporary Storywalk installation.

As families walked the trail, pages of the book “Duck on a Bike” were spread out along the path. Each kiosk read adds to the story.

The permanent exhibit was recently approved by Trenton City Council. Created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT, Storywalk uses outdoor recreation to encourage reading and literacy, as well as health and fitness. Storywalk Trenton kiosks will be installed on the interconnected Trail Town path from Marian Drive near Hedke Elementary and will end at the Trenton Veterans Memorial Library where a wealth of resources are available to continue their adventure.

Books and activities will change throughout the year.

This half mile reading adventure will bring joy to all ages and encourage literacy and outdoor enjoyment of Trenton’s beautiful trails all year long.

You can be a sponsor!

There are several levels offered: Trail Blazers: $5,000 permanent branding on all 16 panels, press release, webpage; Happy Tales: $1,000 permanent branding on eight panels, press release, webpage; Road Scholars: $500 permanent branding on four panels, webpage; Page Turners: $100 permanent branding on one panel; and Bookworms: $25 provides one branded book chosen by the library.

Contact Donna Jensen djensen@ trenton-mi.com

The event grows each year. Set your calendar for the first weekend of August and join us next year!

Somewhere in Time back after hiatus

The two-year, pandemic-related hiatus is in the rearview mirror and the Somewhere in Time celebration paying tribute to vintage things of the past is back in force. The popular event, sponsored by Wayne County and the Trenton Recreation Department, returned Sept. 18 in Elizabeth Park. Fans of the event come from all over to recapture the surroundings dedicated to the early 1900s through a variety of special activities and attractions. At the top of the list for many is the Walk Through Automotive Time Car Show. The event also featured boat rides, a craft show, vintage finds and old-time entertainment. This year marked the 36th year for the event, which also featured a bake sale for some sweet treats, a fun tent for kids and storytelling.

Engage with Experienced Mentors through new Business Advisory Council

Whether starting a new business or taking on a new role or searching for guidance on a business dilemma, know that you aren’t alone. Thanks to our new Business Advisory Council, you have access to experienced advice from experts in a variety of fields who have been in your situation before, and can help you achieve your goals. Each month, one of our experts will host office hours, allowing you the chance to meet with them in-person for one-on-one mentorship sessions.

There are six monthly one-on-one mentorship sessions available on a firstcome, first-served basis. Registration is required at swcrc.com/businessadvisors. Non-members of the Chamber can go through one session prior to becoming an SWCRC member. Take advantage of the opportunity to learn from top leaders across multiple industries and accomplish your business goals There are six monthly one-on-one mentorship sessions available on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is required at swcrc.com/businessadvisors. Non-members of the Chamber can go through one session prior to becoming an SWCRC member. Take advantage of the opportunity to learn from top leaders across multiple industries and accomplish your business goals.

Ron Hinrichs, CEO/President SWCRC

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Plenty of happy hunters

Annual Waterfowler’s Festival is again a big hit

The

Festival

Tournament was hosted by the Pointe Mouillee State Game Area on Sept. 16-17. As usual, the event drew thousands to the site for two days of everything waterfowl related. There were competitions for adults, kids and dogs, there was food and drink and plenty of products and crafts aimed at the outdoorsman or woman. This familyfriendly event has been held every year since 1947 and is one of the oldest events of its kind in Michigan. Pointe Mouillee State Game Area – the largest freshwater marsh restoration project in North America located in the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge – is the perfect place for the event.

Photos by Emily Caruso

75th annual Waterfowlers

and Duck Hunter’s

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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 2,000 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.

Downriver Bass Association is SE Michigan’s largest

DAVE GORGON

Southeastern Michigan’s largest bass club is based in Riverview.

The Downriver Bass Association meets monthly at the Riverview Veterans Memorial Library. Members participate in special events on land and fish on waterways throughout the region.

The goal is to share fishing tips and techniques while creating camaraderie, friendships and opportunities among members and spreading their joy for a lifelong sport.

Meetings, which are open to the public, are held at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month. There are no meetings in December, although club members often meet socially that month.

“It’s a club about camaraderie and learning to fish,” said program director and board member Rick Fike. “We’re not competitive. There are no trophies, cash prizes or formal recognition of an angler of the year. We share a lot of information with one another before we fish, while we fish and after we fish.”

Fike takes his fishing seriously. He creates a Google data sheet after a day of fishing, charting such information as where members fished, what they caught, the size of the fish and the weather conditions of the day.

Fike said members learn a lot by listening to the success other members have had on a selected waterway. Fishermen with boats are partnered with fishermen without boats.

“If there are 10 boats on a lake and everybody says how they did it, it’s like me going to the lake 10 times,” he said. “It accelerates your learning curve. I feel like I’ve been fishing for 40 years, not 10. It’s pretty cool.”

The Downriver Bass Association has been in existence since the 1970s and currently has about 35 members, Fike said. Current club President Jeff Dobek is Riverview’s city manager. He runs the meetings at the library.

“We talk about the water and conservation and what’s new in the world of bass fishing,” Dobek said. “We talk about the upcoming lakes we’ll be fishing on, water temperatures, patterns, depths… It’s a science.”

Eric Kennedy is event director and treasurer. He collects the dues, which are $36 a year. Members receive a

monthly newsletter published by Fike, who serves as secretary.

Fike also schedules special guest speakers at the meetings from September through April. Speakers have included Kim Stricker from the streamed TV program “Hook and Look,” Lake St. Clair fishing guide Gerry Gostenik, touring professional fisherman Marcel Veenstra and Captain Wayne Carpenter.

This month’s speaker will be local tournament fisherman Dave Hasty. In October, there will be a discussion on how to winterize boats. In November, Bob Burns from the Friends of the Detroit River will speak.

Bass Club members participate in a variety of fishing events such as the recent Riverview Fishing Derby on Reflection Pond and the upcoming Sept. 23 fishing event during Riverview’s 100th anniversary celebration. Club members will work with autistic children and their families through Mimi’s Mission.

Dobek said participating in fishing events is a chance for club members to “give back” and get young people interested in fishing.

“We hope that by teaching them how to fish, the next generation will carry on,” he said. “It’s time away from the computer and gaming and off the

couch and a chance to get out and enjoy nature.”

Club members work with the Riverview Library to help maintain fishing equipment that can be borrowed by children and adults. Library Director Azita Frattarelli said the “very popular” program allows library card holders to check out fishing poles and tackle boxes containing lures, extra hooks, bobbers and pliers. The club also donates equipment to the library and as prizes for the Fishing Derby.

Dobek, who called bass “a great sport fish,” said he joined the club in January 1988 after meeting representatives at an event at the Southland Shopping Center in Taylor.

“I love fishing,” he said. “My mom said I got my fishing bug from my grandfather. When I joined the club, I didn’t have a boat, just the basic gear. I didn’t know the difference between a clothesline and a fishing line. The guys took me under their wings and showed me how to do it. It was great. I learned about different rods and lures.”

Dobek said he “trial tested” the equipment to improve his chances of catching fish. He bought his first boat in the early 1990s and his interest in fishing has only grown from there. He said the club is “100-percent catch and release.”

“People who have an interest in fishing but don’t have a lot of experience can get in other people’s boats and learn all about rods, reels, lines and lures and under what conditions. You get to go out with people with multiple years of experience. They know the water. A lot of times, guys let them use their equipment. It’s a great learning experience.”

Riverview Mayor Andrew Swift raved about the Bass Association and all that the members contribute to the community and each other.

“The Downriver Bass Association’s partnership with the City of Riverview is the perfect example of a win-win situation,” the Mayor said. “They benefit by getting the word out about their club and our community benefits by learning about an awesome family activity, fishing.”

Dobek said he always looks forward to his next time on a lake.

“I enjoy being on the water,” he said. “It’s a great getaway. It’s relaxing. I’ve met a lot of good friends from it. We do things socially. It’s a really good club.”

Fike added: “If you hunt or fish, it’s kind of your passion. Whether you bowl or golf, you enjoy doing it with your friends.

“You build friendships that last forever.”

Members of the Downriver Bass Association at the Riverview Fishing Derby. In the front row are Luke Yasuhara (left), David Benson, Jeff Dobek, Bruce Yinger and Rick Fike. In the back row are Paul Grech, Gary Lloyd and Ray Maggard.

Photo by Dave Gorgon

After season-opening hiccup, gridders on a roll

three-game winning streak on Sept. 22 when it went to Wyandotte to face the 2-2 Bears. That game was completed after the Times’ press deadline.

The Trenton football team opened the 2023 season with a surprising last-second, one-point loss to Downriver League foe Southgate.

Southgate star Chase

Barbosa scored with less than a minute left and then ran in a twopoint conversion for a 29-28 road win for the Titans.

It was a tough loss, but the Trojans did not mope

Trenton bounced back from the setback to beat Woodhaven on the road 27-14. Then they hosted Lincoln Park and Dearborn Edsel Ford on back-to-back weeks and clobbered each of them.

Trenton beat Lincoln Park 36-8 and Edsel Ford 42-14.

Trenton tried to improve on its

The Trojans had the least trouble with their visitors for Dearborn as Trenton scored three times in the first half, built a 21-7 halftime lead and coasted home with the victory.

It was really no harder against Lincoln Park, but the points just came a little later in the game. Trenton led 7-0 at halftime and 15-8 at the end of three quarters, but the Trojans pulled away with three unanswered touchdowns in the final quarter.

Junior running backs Ashton Rooney and Drew Carson carried the load against the Railsplitters, each going over 100 rushing yards and teaming up for 214 total.

Rooney scored twice in the game and Carson once.

Senior Quarterback Keegan Lewis only completed one of seven passes in the game, but he scored a touchdown, as did senior Caleb Kidd, who returned an interception for a score.

The win over Woodhaven was a hard-fought one as Trenton trailed 14-6 at halftime. But the Trenton defense was stellar in the second half, holding the Warriors scoreless while the Trojans found the end zone three times.

The win was Trenton’s second straight over the Warriors after having lost to them five straight times between 2017-2021.

Keegan passed for two scores against Woodhaven with Rooney catching both of them, They were his only two receptions of the night. Carson scored a rushing touchdown, as did Nate Ariganello.

Lewis had a touchdown pass and a rushing touchdown and Carson ran for two scores in a losing cause against Anderson on opening night.

On Sept. 29, Trenton will play its final home game of the year when defending league champ Carlson comes to call.

Trenton will finish the regular season Oct. 6 at undefeated Allen Park, Oct. 13 at non-league Chelsea and Oct. 20 at winless Taylor.

Senior quarterback Keegan Lewis (11) has helped lead Trenton to a 3-1 record.

Ashton Rooney (1) has been one of Trenton’s key backs this season. He went over 100 rushing yards in a win over Edsel Ford

< Nat Ariganello (22)

Photos by Dave Chapman

Have an Event or Fundraiser? Let us know

NEWS FROM OUR NEIGHBORS

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

~ Robotics Equipment Update, Competition Costs, and Evolution Swerve Wheel Systems for elementary and high school teams.

~ BookBreak School Author Series for both elementary schools

gobigmultimedia.com/grosse-ile-grand

FROM THE TOWNSHIP

Art and roadwork headline Summer accomplishments

... This summer alone we will be resurfacing 10 highly traveled roads...

Already anyone coming to the island will notice a difference in the roads and there is more to come...

[R]esidents and visitors will notice ... our business district on Macomb Street. It is our “Art on the Ile” project.

This is an ongoing project by our Downtown Development Authority to introduce sculptures and murals to the business district.

734-282-3939

To date we have six buildings with murals of a muscle car to old ships to a map of the Island. My favorite is the first one you see turning onto Macomb Street which is a theme of Grosse Ile with boats, the bridge and the sun.

We also have 13 sculptures along Macomb Street. Some are glass, others are metal, but all are eyecatching.

So please drive the Island and enjoy the sites on Macomb Street and drive around this beautiful island on our new roads...

On page 3

State officials deliver $20 million for bridge refurbish

Grosse Ile Supervisor James Budny (center) accepts a $20 million dollar check to go toward the repair, refurbishing or rebuilding of the Grosse Ile Parkway Bridge. The money is not enough to complete the project, but it is a huge first step. The bridge underwent a long and extensive $9 million

renovation just two year ago, but more problems have been found. State Rep Jamie Churches (D-Wyandotte) and Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton) where joined at the ceremony by County Commissioner Joe Palamara, U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell and a representative from County Executive Warren Evans’ office.

On page 4

Roaring 20s Bootleggers’ Bash Oct. 7

Grosse Ile Education Foundation plans annual fundraising gala

... Since its inception in 1995, the Grosse Ile Educational Foundation has donated over $1.7 million dollars in providing educational opportunities to Grosse Ile families. Within the last two years, the Foundation has awarded more than $200,000 in grants to such outstanding programs as:

~ The Grosse Ile Historical Society’s “Reimagined” Historical Museum —“A Small Town with a Big History”

~ The upcoming December 2023 Boar’s Head Festival

~ Comprehensive Orton-Gillingham Literacy Training and Equipment for all Parke Lane and Meridian Elementary Teachers and Administrators

~ Weight Room equipment at GIHS

~ Scholastic Digital and Print subscriptions for elementary students

~ Biography and Historical Book Club books for all 4th graders

~ 5th grade Band instruments

~ Bookworm Vending Machines and books

~ Foreign Language Differentiation magazines for middle schoolers.

~ Supporting Academic Success and Personal Achievement program at GIMS..

On page 7

gobigmultimedia.com/riverview-register

From the Superintendent

Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year Pirate families

... As you have probably heard, the State of Michigan has allocated funds to our schools to provide breakfast and lunch to all our students at no cost to our families.

While this is great news, it is quite an undertaking, therefore a special thank you to our food service

team as they prepare to make this new program a success and benefit to our students.

Finally, much credit is given to all the other groups from administrators, secretaries, teachers, bus drivers, and support staff who have spent the

last several weeks making sure all the logistics of educating nearly 3,000 students are ready to go when the school year officially starts.

One of our biggest points of “Pirate Pride” is our collective responsibility to help all our students achieve and learn at high levels. From all the groups mentioned above, to our deeply talented teaching staff, we know that OUR students are going to get the best educational experience around...

On page 1

What’s happening Riverview ... A Matter of Balance

Sponsored by the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan. Wednesdays, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sessions 1-8: Sept. 20 to Nov. 15, Westfield Activities Center, 2700 Westfield Rd., Trenton. If you have not exercised in a while, talk to your doctor first about increasing your physical activity. Pre-registration is required. To register or for more information on MOB, visit www.nkfm.org/matterofbalance, email mobprogram@nkfm.org, or call 734-675-7300.

Reopening Of Christ The King Donation Station: At 16700 Pennsylvania Road,Southgate. Open on Thursday, Sept. 28, noon to 2 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 30, from 10 a.m. to noon.

Crafters Welcome

Crafters meet every Thursday from 10-11:45 a.m. in the social hall of St. Cyprian Catholic Church on Pennsylvania Rd, Riverview. We knit, crochet and sew a variety of items such as hats and scarves for all ages, baby items, lap blankets, quilts, stuffed toys, dishcloths, and adult bibs just to name a few to donate to local groups who support those in need such at our veterans, soup kitchen clients, a local hospice and the homeless...

Taylor Garden Club

gobigmultimedia.com/southgate-star

Southgate Markets in the Park and Concert Series is a huge success

The return of the Southgate Markets in the Park and Concert Series put smiles on faces throughout the summer at Market Center Park in the Southgate Shopping Center.

the Downriver Chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Unit 127 and auxiliary senior vice president of the Michigan Department of the Purple Heart, came up with the idea for the parking spot. She approached Southgate post Commander Bill King, “who ran with it.”

“I thought it would be an honor for Purple Heart veterans,” said Lewinski, who has been senior vice president of the Southgate Auxiliary for 14 years and served as president before that. “This parking spot is something special for veterans who were wounded. We need to honor them.”..

On page 4

gobigmultimedia.com/wyandotte-warrior

Out for Trout

Something special always seems to happen at the stream

Meets the third Thursday of the month September through June. Meetings are held at Taylor Senior Activity Center. Hospitality at 6 p.m., meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. Guests are welcome to attend once for free. Membership fee is $15 per year. You do not have to live in Taylor to join the group. For more information, contact Nancy Smith at 734-2876851 or by email at smithnan88@yahoo.com.

On page 27

Operated by the Southgate Downtown Development Authority, the weekly series featured music, vendors and family fun. Each Tuesday had a different theme.

“This year’s summer concert series was a huge success,” said DDA Director Kaylee Mondrella. “We are already looking forward to next year so that we can make each event bigger and better.”

Mondrella said the market was the first since 2019. There were approximately 25 vendors each week. The DDA hosted 11 concerts in the park; a 12th had to be canceled due to flooding from rainfall in the park...

On page 3

VFW has special parking space reserved for a Purple Heart recipients

Members of the Southgate Veterans of Foreign Wars Post have a special place in their hearts for recipients of the Purple Heart award. Now they have a special parking space for them, too.

The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those wounded or killed while serving in the U.S. military.

Sharon Lewinski, who is auxiliary president of

With the hot afternoon sun finally beginning to sink toward the western horizon, my brother Jimmy and I were headed into the woods to do a little trout fishing before darkness arrived.

For me, there are several types of trout fishing, and each has its own appeal, while differing greatly in its feel and approach.

There’s trout fishing by myself, which usually offers great moments of introspection, solace and peace...

On page 4

New Rouge River Book Placed in 75 Libraries in River’s Watershed!

Living up to its mission of helping children, the Colina Foundation provided a grant to place copies of the new book titled “Rouge River Revived: How People are Bringing Their River Back to Life” in 75 libraries in the river’s watershed.

The Rouge River flows through metropolitan Detroit and for over 50 years was considered one of the most degraded urban rivers in the country. Then in the mid-1980s a “tipping point” occurred that would change everything.

On page 11

Your Elected O cials

Mayor Steven Rzeppa

Email: srzeppa@trenton-mi.com

Councilwoman

Timber R. Baun-Crooks

Email: tbauncrooks@trenton-mi.com

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

Councilwoman

Dora Rodriguez

Email: drodriguez@trenton-mi.com

Councilman

Scott Cabauatan

Email: scabauatan@trenton-mi.com

Council and Commission

Meetings at Trenton City Hall

Planning Commission Meeting

August 23, 2023, 7:00 PM

Civic Commission Meeting

September 5, 2023, 6:30 PM

Council Regular Meeting

September 5, 2023, 7:00 PM

Historical Commission Meeting

September 11, 2023, 6:30 PM

City Beautiful Commission Meeting

September 13, 2023, 7:00 PM

Council Regular Meeting

September 18, 2023, 7:00 PM

City Department Contacts

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

Bill Bissland, Building O cial

Phone: 734-675-8251

Email: wbissland@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

Jill Cooper, City Controller

Phone: 734-675-6510

Email: jcooper@trenton-mi.com

Department of Public Works

Kevin Sargent, DPW Director

Phone: 734-675-8470

Email: ksargent@trenton-mi.com

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 Hawkins, 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

Shawn O’Day

Phone: 734-676-0646

Email: soday@trenton-mi.com

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