Trenton Times, November 23 – December 13, 2023

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Photo by Dave Chapman Organizing the annual holiday outreach for children throughout the city are Trenton Goodfellows Mike Mace (left), Howard Hammes, Bill Jasman, Debbie Devitt, Trish Gearhart, Chris Zboch and Michel DeJulian, along with Melanie Richardson, Trenton High School social worker.

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Page 2 • November 23 – December 13, 2023 • TRENTON TIMES

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TRENTON TIMES • November 23 – December 13, 2023 • Page 3

Trenton Goodfellows

Charitable children’s organization seeks community help Dear Trenton Residents, On behalf of the Trenton Goodfellows, I wish you a Merry Christmas and ask for your continued support of our mission to ensure that no child in the City of Trenton goes without a Christmas.

We have all been through some very challenging and difficult times as of late, but we have successfully helped many families with children over the last 90plus years. We could not have accomplished our mission without the very generous help of our community.

Please find it in your heart to help us deliver a Merry Christmas again this year to those children who could use some extra joy this season.

There is an envelope inserted into this edition of our annual paper, and in addition, to make sure we cover the city, students from Trenton Public Schools are distributing our envelope doorto-door on Saturday, Nov. 18.

There is no donation too big or too small; every little bit truly helps.

Please mail your donation to the address located on the special envelope or drop it off at the City Clerk’s office, located in City Hall at 2800 Third St. If you want to donate a new toy, there will be a collection box located in the City Hall lobby.

Again, thank you all for your support. ~ Trish Gearhart President Trenton Goodfellows

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Page 4 • November 23 – December 13, 2023 • TRENTON TIMES

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TRENTON TIMES • November 23 – December 13, 2023 • Page 5

Trenton Goodfellows

Goodfellows is part of her family history

BY SHEILA R. MCAFEE

Many residents who support the Goodfellows with their time and/or money, have a personal story that connects them to the group.

Rev. Grace Ann Beebe, deacon at Faith United Methodist Church, ‘has a bit of history’ with the Goodfellows, dating back to her youth when she witnessed her father’s involvement with the group.

Cecil Beebe, was employed at the former Monsanto plant on West Jefferson, and for the Goodfellows newspaper drive he would collect donations from employees at the plant gate during shift changes.

Fellow Goodfellows did the same at the gates of Detroit Edison and Chrysler’s Trenton Engine plant, as well as the entrance of local banks and businesses.

When Cecil’s health forced him to step back from the door-to-door distribution of the paper, his daughter decided to carry on the family tradition of ‘selling’ the paper.

Her plan was met with some resistance.

In a letter of gratitude Grace Ann mailed to the Goodfellows last year with her donation, she wrote, “as strange as it sounds now, at that time there was

Rev. Grace Ann Beebe

some question as to whether women would be ‘allowed’ to sell.”

The Goodfellows was an exclusive males-only

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Founded by men, papers were delivered by old newsboys - men who had delivered newspapers in their youth. Any role women had was behind the scenes, such as counting money or assisting with secretarial tasks.

Goodfellows President Trish Gearhart can attest to this.

The men in her family, the Teifers, have been involved in the Goodfellows for generations, but she did not become actively involved until the bylaws were changed to allow for the participation of women.

Beebe and Gearhart were among the first group of women who delivered the Goodfellows newspaper for donations.

“I no longer ‘sell’ the paper, but I always support the Goodfellows and am glad to see that it is still around and young people are helping,” said Beebe.

This special edition of the Trenton Times contains an envelope that residents are encouraged to use to provide donations to the Goodfellows this year.

Mail it to the address on the envelope or deliver it to the City Clerk’s office in City Hall, located at 2800 Third St. at West Road.

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Page 6 • November 23 – December 13, 2023 • TRENTON TIMES

Trenton Goodfellows

It’s easy to celebrate the holidays around town

BY SHEILA R. MCAFEE There will be plenty of activities to fill residents with holiday spirit this season.

On Saturday, Dec. 2, the Trenton Civic Commission has planned an afternoon of events leading up to the annual ‘Light Up The Night’ Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting.

It all takes place within the business district on West Jefferson and at City Hall on Third Street.

Pre-parade festivities begin at 3 p.m. with a performance by Sarah Sherrard and the Sugar Ham Band, followed by Keelan Starr at 4:30 p.m.

Free train rides will be available for children and downtown shops and restaurants will be open.

At 6 p.m., the annual lighted

parade will make its way along West Jefferson, followed by the tree lighting at City Hall, where cookies and cocoa will be served. There is still time to be a participant in the parade; Nov. 21 is the deadline to apply.

Santa Claus will also be at City Hall for photos.

For more information about participating or sponsoring the parade, call the Parks and Recreation Office at 734-675-7300, or visit www.trentonmi.org There are subsequent opportunities to visit with Santa. He will be at the Cultural Center from 1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 9, 10 and 17. The Cultural Center Farmhouse and Grounds, located at 2427 West Road, will be decorated to capture the spirit and charm of the season. Admission is free.

Santa also will be visiting

the downtown Fire Station, 200 Maple St., from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3. Light refreshments will be served; no fee to attend, freewill offering accepted.

The Parks and Recreation Department is hosting the Christmas Exhibition and Santa Skate on Saturday, Dec. 16, at Kennedy Ice Arena, West Road.

Performances begin at 12:30 p.m., followed by Santa Skate from 2 to 4 p.m.

DYPAC is staging its annual musical review, Frosty Follies on Friday, Dec. 15, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 16, at 2 p.m.; and 7 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 17 at 2 p.m. Ticket prices range from $12 to $16 and can be ordered online at https://www. showtix4u.com/events/16162 or call 734-673-9507. Shows will be staged at the Trenton Theatre, 2447 W. Jefferson.

Skate with Santa at Kennedy Arena on Dec. 16

TRENTON TIMES • November 23 – December 13, 2023 • Page 7

Trenton Goodfellows

‘No child without a Christmas’

By Sheila R. McAfee

With this edition of The Trenton Times, the Trenton Goodfellows kicks off its newspaper drive that will provide Christmas for struggling families with children.

Stories highlight the history of one of the community’s oldest service groups, which dates back to the mid-1920s. Joining men in communities across the country, local city and business leaders, many of whom had paper routes in their youth, ‘sold’ a newspaper on street corners in exchange for donations.

Looking back at the group’s nine decades of service, Goodfellows president, Trish Gearhart, is proud of the fact that organizers have evolved with the times to keep the tradition alive.

As the years went by, residents of all ages got involved in many aspects of the holiday mission. Local students delivered the papers door-to-door, women took an active role in the process, businesses welcomed Goodfellows to sell the paper at their entrances, preschools collected coins to provide turkeys, there were marathon shopping days for toys, and crafty residents created special gifts to tuck in the baskets, which were packed by Scouts and senior groups.

Organizers faced its toughest test during the coronavirus pandemic, which altered

the routine and the amount of community involvement. The Goodfellows couldn’t risk the public’s health and devised a noncontact drive.

The paper was published with a donation envelope tucked inside. Mailing allowed for a wider audience, which proved to be lucrative in donation returns. Gift cards became the means of providing gifts and food.

Still, Gearhart said the group believes active participation by the community is crucial and is still trying to find the best course of action going forward.

“Especially for the youth, the Goodfellows drive demonstrates the importance of being involved in your community and caring for those less fortunate in your own community,” she said. “We would like to get back to that sense of normalcy.”

The constant factor is the need. Last year, the Goodfellows provided Christmas gifts for 153 children, birth to 18, and additional funds so their families could purchase food.

Midway through the year, the group offered back-to-school assistance for families on the Christmas list.

The goal of this year’s drive is $30,000.

Readers will find an envelope tucked in this edition and may get a visit from Trenton Public Schools students who are delivering envelopes. Donations can be mailed to the address provided or hand delivered to the City Clerk’s office in City Hall, 2800 Third

St. at West Road.

Goodfellows are accepting requests for assistance at 734-675-8600 or by submitting the coupon below to the clerk’s office.

Recipients will be notified of how the process works.

Heads of households will have a treat in store when picking up their holiday packets.

Thanks to the generosity of residents who have donated toys and stocking stuffers, and students who donated gift cards (last year students donated cards in the amount $860), they can select an added gift for the children on their lists.

“This is great because the cards are for things like gas, pharmacies and stores where teens love to shop,” said Gearhart.

When the Goodfellows hold their first planning meeting of the year, they base their projection for the upcoming holiday on economic trends and the previous year’s collection, knowing that their plans could be upended by the start of the drive in November (as they were in 2020).

However, support always comes through, as it did last year, when the Goodfellows were selected by the staff of Meijer, Woodhaven, to receive a $5,000 community grant.

Examples like this give Gearhart confidence that the Goodfellows will ensure “No Child Without a Christmas” in Trenton for years to come.

Do You Know of a Child in Need?

If you know of a family with children in need of holiday assistance, please fill out this coupon and return it to The Trenton Old Newsboys Goodfellows Association at P.O. Box 370, Trenton MI 48183. You can also provide the information by calling 734-675-8600. Information must be submitted by Friday, Dec. 1, 2023.

Name: _________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________ Phone Number: ___________________ Children in the family: ________ Signer: ________________________________________________________ Signer’s Phone Number: __________________________________________

Page 8 • November 23 – December 13, 2023 • TRENTON TIMES

Trenton Goodfellows

Donations are welcome for special gift table

BY SHEILA R. MCAFEE Thanks to the generosity of Trenton residents, Christmas from the Goodfellows has always included a few surprises, such as books, a popular toy or fashionable mittens and scarves.

Every year there are unsolicited toy donations, so the Goodfellows sets up a table filled with all kinds of goodies for recipients to choose, complementing the holiday care package families receive.

“Rather than just receiving assistance, the gift table provides them the chance to personally choose a gift to give,” said Gearhart. “Parents are delighted to have this opportunity.”

Donations are being accepted through Dec. 6 at City Hall for this year’s gift table. There are no set guidelines, said Trish Gearhart, president, but donations should be for children ages from birth to age 18, new and in the original packaging … no need to gift wrap.

It is heartwarming to see what people donate from their hearts.

“One year, we had a donation of bikes, which turned out to be perfect for a set of young twins whose family we were helping,” she said. “We don’t know what people will bring in, but it always turns out just right.”

The City Clerk’s office is on the first floor of City Hall. Questions about gift table donations should be directed to the clerk’s office at 734-675-8600.

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TRENTON TIMES • November 23 – December 13, 2023 • Page 9

Trenton Goodfellows

Cartoon tugs at heartstrings more than a century later

BY SHEILA R. MCAFEE Fittingly, the history of the Goodfellows is tightly bound to the local newspaper industry.

Every year, there are children wondering whether they will be forgotten this Christmas, like the little girl in this drawing, which appeared as an early 1900s editorial cartoon.

The drawing was accompanied by the story of a young girl whose family was unable to celebrate Christmas due to financial hardship. Here we are, more than 100 years later, and her situation sounds very familiar.

Though simple, the drawing had a powerful impact on readers, who responded with donations to ensure children in their communities woke up Christmas morning to find presents beneath their trees, as well as all the fixings for a holiday feast later that day.

Titled, “The Forgotten,” the illustration marked the beginning of a service organization that would evolve to be known as “Old Newsboys” and “Goodfellows,” as we more commonly know them today.

Is it possible that the men who started the holiday assistance more than a century ago ever imagined how much help would be requested as the years progressed? Or, that so many children still find themselves “forgotten” on Christmas morning?

Each year, Goodfellows are reminded of how timeless the tale of the poor young girl is. As the story goes, it all started when a local illustrator heard the sad story of a little girl who missed Christmas because her family was destitute.

It was Dec. 25, 1905, when the

youngster was discovered on the outside stoop of her home by a neighbor scrubwoman, who heard the girl’s cries. When asked what was wrong, the youngster gave a tearful explanation about being forgotten on Christmas.

She had received no presents, enjoyed no feast, and there seemed to be no spirit in her young life. The scrubwoman, a laundress for Detroit Jour-

papers across the country and sparked the birth of “The Forgotten Club,” which later became the Old Newsboys or Goodfellows.

In Detroit, tax collector, James Brady, who experienced poverty as a child growing up in Corktown, was impressed by another illustration that appeared in local papers in 1914. It featured a man, one arm filled with a basket of goodies, his other hand hold-

of the little girl and the man carrying the young boy at the Detroit Historical Museum.

On Belle Isle, a marble and bronze monument on Central Avenue honors Brady and his commitment to impoverished children. It was dedicated in 1928, three years after his death, which occurred nine years after he had founded the Old Newsboys’ Goodfellows Fund.

nal illustrator Thomas May, shared the story with her boss, who the following year drew his depiction of the young girl’s forlorn situation: A child in tears, her face hidden in her arms as she rests her head on a table in what appears to be a cold attic apartment.

May is quoted as saying he drew the cartoon to “spoil Christmas for every man and woman in Detroit who had remembered only themselves.”

It is not known if any holidays were spoiled, but readers jumped into action to help the less fortunate. Accounts of the time indicate that when the paper hit the newsstands, the response was overwhelming.

The cartoon was reprinted in news-

ing the hand of a young boy. It was titled, “The boy I used to be.”

Brady came up with another bright idea, to use former newsboys to sell newspapers, the proceeds of which would be used to provide holiday meals, toys and sweets for poor families with children. It is fitting, then, that the name of the group would first be known as “Old Newsboys.” Many Detroit-area groups still operate under this name.

The mission of Goodfellows throughout metro Detroit and nationwide remains the same: “No Child Without a Christmas,” These local ties are not lost to the ages. Readers can see the illustrations

The monument, presented to the City of Detroit by Brady’s young daughter, depicts her father holding a newspaper while sheltering a young child who appears to be clinging to him for protection.

Journalists covering the lengthy dedication ceremony wrote that while Brady’s caring spirit for those in need was timeless, the monument would crumble with time.

Ninety-five years later, Brady’s monument stands strong and his mission continues with the same determination and compassion.

Page 10 • November 23 – December 13, 2023 • TRENTON TIMES

TRENTON PARKS & RECREATION Here at Trenton Parks & Recreation we are excited to Welcome Winter! We’ve got plenty of fun for the whole family and Santa Claus is coming to town! He’ll be making an appearance at the Christmas Parade December 2nd at 6pm and will be available for cookies & photos in city hall after the tree lighting. Next up he’ll be visiting the Downtown Fire Station December 3rd from 3 – 5pm, which is a free event but donations are accepted. Santa will also be at the Cultural Center to hear kids wish lists, take photos and enjoy a candy cane from 1pm – 5pm on December 9th, 10th and 17th.

While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the trees that have been decorated by local businesses & community groups to vote on the best tree! Santa will be skating at the Christmas Exhibition on December 16th at the Kennedy Recreation Center from 2pm – 4pm. Regular skating fees apply, but if you bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the local food pantry, you’ll get a dollar off your skate! And don’t forget to drop off your Santa letters at the Cultural Center mailbox by December 1th, rumor has it the elves will be placing the mail box outside the greenhouse.

We hope you have a wonderful holiday season ahead and we look forward to seeing everyone out and about, welcoming winter!

TRENTON TIMES • November 23 – December 13, 2023 • Page 11

Page 12 • November 23 – December 13, 2023 • TRENTON TIMES

Rotary’s 2023-24 President declares ‘Year of beauty’ When Kimberly Mott joined Trenton Rotary in August of 2013, she did so because she liked that Rotary supported the community, national disasters, and international missions and was able to build some great friendships.

Being a busy salon owner, she made it a priority to attend lunches and volunteer at the club’s events as she could.

Then she was asked to serve as the club president. She was not sure if she could commit that much time to the organization, but she agreed to help her club.

“It is amazing to me that in joining Rotary, it would lead to an opportunity to be President of the club!” said Mott.

“I did not think with all the things going on in my life that I would be able to handle all the daily Rotary business that happens in our large group.

“But it has become a true blessing for me to lead this club. I am so lucky to be involved with all aspects of our fundraising, giving, and organizing. It is in service that we are all truly lifted up!”

As other Trenton club presidents in the past, the current president can pick a theme for their year as president. Kim chose “The Year of Beauty” to serve beside members with beautiful thoughts and actions.

It apparently has been noticed by other organizations such as the Salvation Army, which recently awarded the club its “Bringing Joy to the Community” award and last year the Trenton Educational Foundation put the entire Trenton Rotary up on its TEF Wall of Fame for their dedication to Trenton education.

Since 1937, the group has been lucky to have another wonderful and talented president, lead the Trenton Rotary in 2023-24 in Trenton.

Courtesy of Trenton Rotary

2023-24 Trenton Rotary Club President Kimberly Mott with club members and with Salvation Army Officers

ABOUT TRENTON ROTARY: It’s easy and fun to get involved.

Attend a weekly Monday noon meeting or once-a-month at 6:01 p.m. on the second Monday of the month.

Some club services include: Hands on events, marketing, fundraisers, foundation fundraising, international missions, projects at schools, homeless shelters, veteran services, food pantries, local economy/community events, peace

chain and conflict resolution activities, world health initiatives including water wells, literacy, humanitarian projects, youth exchange, maternal and child health initiatives, environmental sustainability and emergency preparedness.

Committees in the Club include, Fundraising, Interact, Scholarships, Blood Drive, International Service, Youth Exchange, Club Service/Fellowship, Vocational Service/Career Fairs,

Peace Chain, Membership Committee, Marketing, Shred Day, Salvation Army Ringing, Family Fun Fair, Wild Game, Tree Planting, Fireside Chat, Health Initiatives, Hands on projects of service and Local economy projects, Make new, lifelong friends, meet business leaders, managers, political leaders and professionals who are really nice people! More information at www. trentonrotary.net .

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TRENTON TIMES • November 23 – December 13, 2023 • Page 13

Michigan Lottery Funding for Education:

Where does the money really go?

During the week of Nov. 6, 2023, I continued my effort to share information by making a presentation regarding a proposed Sinking Fund that would replace the current Hold Harmless Millage in Trenton.

The presentation isn’t perfect, but I have made a DOUG significant effort to MENTZER “bring it.”

TRENTON SUPERINTENDENT The hardest part is explaining how school funding works.

I have stated many times that everything changed in 1994 with the passage of Proposal A. In that year, lawmakers promised that the legislation would bring tremendous tax relief by shifting school funding to resources other than the property tax. In essence, we would all benefit from lower property taxes by paying an additional 2 cents in sales tax.

Moreover, it was believed that the Michigan Lottery would also play a significant role in supporting schools and this has been “sold” ever since.

Lotteries are often heralded as a potential solution to funding public education, with many believing that a significant portion of the revenue generated trickles down to support schools and educational programs.

However, a closer look at the distribution of funds reveals a different reality.

THE NUMBERS GAME: Contrary to popular belief, a considerable chunk of lottery revenue, approximately 62 percent, goes directly to the winners.

Additionally, an additional 9 percent is allocated to the retailers who sell the tickets; this leaves only a fraction of the total revenue for the intended purpose of supporting education.

For each dollar spent on a Michigan Lottery ticket in fiscal year 2022, approximately: • 63 cents went to players as prizes • 25 cents went to the School Aid Fund to support public education • 9 cents went to commissions for retailers and vendors • 3 cents funded the Lottery’s operations and administrative costs

THE IMPACT ON EDUCATION: Considering that approximately 71 percent of the lottery revenue is directed toward winners and retailers, the impact on public education is often less substantial than expected.

Consequently, the funding that does find its way into educational initiatives may not be sufficient to address the diverse and complex needs of the education system - from infrastructure improvements to vital security and technology improvements, to the obvious focus on student learning.

TRANSPARENCY AND INFORMED DECISIONS: In order to create a more accurate understanding of the role of lotteries in funding education, it is crucial for both policymakers and the public to advocate for greater transparency in how lottery revenue is distributed.

Arguably, the same could be said for public education in general.

The “best kept secret” is the national, state and regional decline in student enrollment in public education. With funding directly tied to enrollment in the State of Michigan, schools are consistently forced to do more with less.

In Trenton, this has meant over thirty years of fiscal challenges for TPS. CONCLUSION: While no one would argue that winning a lottery would be life-changing (as I shared in my commencement speech last year), however, it is essential to dispel the misconception that this revenue is a substantial source of funding for public education.

By understanding how schools are funded, it is my belief that our community can engage in more informed discussions about the importance of school funding options like the Sinking Fund proposal (please see the percentages of revenue allocation for the School Aid Fund below).

• Sales Tax: 46 percent • State Income Tax: 21 percent • State Education Tax: 15 percent • Lottery: 7 percent • Use Tax: 4 percent • Real Estate Transfer Tax: 2.6 percent • Tobacco: 2.5 percent

TPS considering May 2024 sinking fund proposal

Trenton Public Schools is seeking staff and community input about a sinking fund proposal being considered for the May 2024 ballot.

Currently, Trenton Public Schools levies a hold-harmless millage. Revenue from this millage has declined every year since it was approved. This reduction in funding is due to declining enrollments and the State of Michigan phasing out the hold-harmless millage.

Last year, TPS unexpectedly lost over $700,000 from the hold-harmless millage levy.

To address this problem, the school district is considering eliminating the hold-harmless millage and replacing it with a 10-year graduated sinking fund millage. This millage would be 2.0 mills in years 1-3, 2.5 mills in year 4, 2.75 mills in year 5, and 3.0 mills in years 6-10.

Trenton Public Schools invites all staff, students, parents, and community members to view a short video and complete a survey regarding the sinking fund proposal the school district is considering. The survey will provide information to help Trenton Public Schools assess and refine the ballot proposal.

“All responses to the survey will be tabulated and analyzed by an independent Michigan-based survey research firm,” said Superintendent of Schools Doug Mentzer. Individual responses will be confidential.'

The video and survey link are open now and will close on Monday, Nov. 27, at 11:59 p.m. Please help Trenton Public Schools by viewing the short video and completing the survey during that period.

To view the video and access the survey, scan the QR code or visit research.net/r/ TrentonPublicSchoolsCommunitySurvey.

For more information about the proposal, please contact Superintendent of Schools Douglas Mentzer.

Trenton is first district to complete C-STAG training

BY DOUGLAS MENTZER TPS Superintendent

In a time when public education continues to take on added responsibility related to safety, Trenton Public Schools has worked hard to become a steward of safety and preparedness in Wayne County, becoming the first district to successfully complete Level 3 training in Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (C-STAG).

C-STAG, a nationally recognized program, focuses on equipping educational institutions with comprehensive strategies to assess and address potential threats within school environments Trenton Public Schools’ completion of Level 3 training signifies a high level of proficiency in threat assessment protocols and highlights the district’s proactive stance in safeguarding our educational community.

The workshop was facilitated by Mr.

Mark Muscat, a Woodhaven school psychologist, who has led training across Wayne County for the better part of two years. The C-STAG model was developed by renowned Virginia Tech psychologist, Dr. Dewey Cornell.

The Level 3 training focuses on advanced aspects of threat assessment, including risk analysis, collaborative intervention strategies and continuous improvement of safety protocols.

The TPS Crisis Team is now better prepared to elevate the district’s preparedness and response capabilities to another level. TPS began the C-STAG process/training in November of 2022.

The successful implementation of C-STAG in Trenton Public Schools reflects a proactive approach to school safety, aligning with best practices recommended by experts in the field.

As the first district in Wayne County to complete this level, Trenton Public Schools has set a benchmark for excellence in school safety.

Page 14 • November 23 – December 13, 2023 • TRENTON TIMES

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THS Class of 1973 • Trenton Business Association • Howey & Associates Insurance • Mans Lumber & Home • Martenson Family of Funeral Homes • Beaumont-Corewell Health • Allegra-Marketing, Print & Design • Crystal Gardens • Miller, Canfield, Paddock & Stone P.L.C. • Retirement Planning & Investment Services ERDI- in honor of Douglas Mentzer • Sherry & Mike McCullough • West Grange Pharmacy • Linda & Tom Dickman • Walmart • Annette & Paul Haley • French Associates • Ltg Ronald & Diane Sams • Ruth & Kurt Sebaly • Trenton Education Association • Trenton Police Charities • B & D Vacuum • McNally Law • Forever Dental Center • EW Smith Insurance

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The city of Trenton offers free fire alarms and installation.

Fire Prevention Week ends with celebration

Fire Prevention month concluded on October 28th with a poster contest for the 4th and 5th graders in Trenton. The top 30 finalists and their families were invited to the fire station where donuts and cider were provided.

Everyone was able to view all of the posters and the winners were announced.

Prizes provided by the Trenton Exchange Club were awarded to the top three posters and all finalists that were present received a small goodie bag also courtesy of the Exchange Club.

Afterward, the kids were able to see the fire trucks and equipment while having their questions answered by the firefighters.

Also in October, Fire Chief Keith Anderson graduated from Eastern Michigan University’s Fire Staff and Command School.

This massive accomplishment was the culmination of 350 hours of schooling over 10 months for fire department management.

This class involved multiple projects, group presentations and a research paper that is beneficial to the fire department. It also covered multiple management and labor issues while also teaching about the day to day responsibilities of senior fire officers.

With the holidays coming up, here are a couple of fire safety tips: • Stay home while cooking the turkey • Don’t become distracted while using the stove or oven • Move things, like dish towels or boxes, away from the stove that could catch fire • Keep oven mitts and lids nearby • Keep small children away from the stove • Avoid cooking with loose or dangling clothing • Check your smoke alarms to ensure they are working For those without working alarms, the Trenton Fire Department has partnered with MI Prevention to ensure that all Trenton residents have working smoke 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.

TRENTON TIMES • November 23 – December 13, 2023 • Page 15

FROM THE MAYOR

Thanks for the vote of confidence. Now, back to work Happy November!

I first want to send a heartfelt thank you to all Trenton residents for putting your faith in me to serve as our Mayor for another four years. This year’s election was much quieter than many other communities and I think that is a testament to STEVEN the direction our RZEPPA residents feel the TRENTON MAYOR community is headed, along with the hard work of our city employees, who continue to provide service at the high level that the residents expect and deserve.

Over the last four years we have seen an incredible amount of progress – from a new zoning map to promote more modern and sustainable development opportunities, the institution of curbside recycling, actual demolition of the old Riverside Hospital site, progress at the DTE site,

insourcing of grass cutting to keep our parks cleaner, incredible growth in our downtown and business district and so much more.

But this wouldn’t all be possible without working together – from my office through the rest of the city council, all our department heads and every single employee that continues to show every day why Trenton is such an incredible place to be.

With the privilege of re-election, I

will have the honor of reappointing the same incredible team we have to make sure that continues for another four years!

While I, our clerk Debbie Devitt, assessor Joanie Barnett, and treasurer Mike McCullough will all return to office, we do have one change to our City Council.

Incumbents Scott Cabauatan and Nelson Perugi will be returning and Emily Hornbeck will be stepping in

for Wendy Pate who opted to not seek another term.

Councilwoman Pate has been an incredible asset to Trenton and will be missed greatly – be sure to thank her for her service if you see her around town soon (though we know she won’t be able to stay away from being involved)!

Fortunately, we will be in good hands with Councilwoman Hornbeck joining Councilmen Cabauatan and Perugi in returning. Prior to council, she has been active throughout the community in so many ways, and I look forward to working together with her as well to keep Trenton’s forward momentum going.

Thank you all for your continued support and for making Trenton such a great place to lead.

As always, please never hesitate to reach out to my office at 734-6756500 or send me an email at srzeppa@ trenton-mi.com if we can be of any assistance!

Page 16 • November 23 – December 13, 2023 • TRENTON TIMES

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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.

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“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.

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Arts & Crafts Holiday Sale is Dec. 2 at WCCCD

The Downriver Creative Arts Society is pleased to announce the ninth Downriver Arts & Crafts Holiday Sale on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Wayne County Community College District Downriver Campus 21000 Northline Road Taylor. This is a lovely venue held at the adjoining Heinz C. Prechter Educational & Performing Arts Center.

There is no admission fee for the sale.

Creative Art Society (formerly known as Downriver Arts & Crafts Guild and Art Ambience.) organizes artists and crafters with their work to be displayed and sold.

Throughout the day numerous art demonstrations will be taking place - sculpture, painting, sewing, ink drawing, pastels, knitting and more.

The public will see these mediums and ceramics, photography, book signings, acrylics, acrylic pours, dress designers, jewelry, watercolors and

TRENTON TIMES • November 23 – December 13, 2023 • Page 19

wood crafts.

Visitors can discuss artwork with the artists and crafters while they are working. We also will have information on local art classes and art organizations.

A popular part of the show is the Door Prizes which are donated items from the artists and crafters.

Are you looking for that one-of-akind gift?

Come and do your holiday shopping with us!

The event is still open for applications from artists. The deadline is extended to Nov. 25. This is a free venue and we love to have the artists demonstrate their art/craft. WCCCD is a beautiful venue.

Each artist/crafter is given one table for free. The application can be found on our website creativeartsociety.org. We also have a Facebook page.

Please contact Maureen Cassidy Keast with any questions at 734-7776109.

Seaway Chorale Christmas show is December 1-2 The Seaway Chorale and Orchestra, under the direction of Anthony Lai, will return to the stage for their annual Christmas concert, titled “That’s Christmas to Me” at the Flat Rock Community Auditorium on Friday, Dec. 1 and Saturday, Dec. 2 at 7:30 PM. What is Christmas to you?

Is it celebrating the birth of a child?

Is it going to church? Is it spending precious time with family? Is it watching your favorite Christmas movies? Is it enjoying the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping? Is it cooking up your favorite Christmas recipes?

Whatever you think of when you think of Christmas, the folks in the Seaway Chorale think of one thing – singing Christmas music.

This year’s concert will feature

unique arrangements of classic favorites like “Deck The Halls”, “Jingle Bells”, “Hark The Herald Angels Sing” and “Little Drummer Boy”, as well the title song made famous by Pentatonix. The Chorale will be joined by the Voices of the Young singing “Ding Dong Merrily on High” among others.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and children over 5, available online at www. seawaychorale.org, from Chorale members, and at the door.

For 46 years, Seaway has kicked off the Christmas season for so many Downriver residents. They invite everyone to continue that tradition, or even to start a new one. You’re guaranteed to leave with a smile on your face and a song (or two) in your head.

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TRENTON TIMES • November 23 – December 13, 2023 • Page 23

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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.

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Trojans were so close to having a great season

T

wenty-five years from now when people look back at the 2023 football season, they will see a 5-5 record and believe that the Trojan team was an average one that won as many games as it lost.

Those who experienced the season will know differently.

The final record was, indeed 5-5, but coach Reggie Glon’s 2023 crew was a couple of breaks and maybe two or three plays away from a great season that few would have forgotten.

Begin on opening night. Southgate scored a finalsecond two-point conversion and beat the Trojans by a single point. Take away that play and Trenton is 6-4.

On week 6 of the season, Trenton faced eventual Downriver League champion Carlson. In that game, Trenton outgained Carlson, ran nearly twice as many plays as the Marauders, had nearly twice as many first downs and the game was tied at 14-all at halftime. But Carlson outscored Trenton 14-9 in the second half and won 28-23. By rights, this was Trenton’s game to win and the Trojans would have

been 7-3.

Go to week 8 and you’ll find the Trojans at Chelsea in a game they led most of the way. Trenton had a three-point lead in the waning minute of regulation time, but an untimely fumble gave the Bulldogs one last chance and they kicked a field goal to tie the game before winning in overtime. If Trenton did not fumble, the Trojans are 8-2.

Week 10 brought the first round of the state playoffs against neighboring Riverview, the coHuron League champion.

It was a back-and-forth game that saw Trenton’s Ashton Rooney score on a scintillating run inside the final two minutes allowing the Trojans to take a 25-21 lead. The 36-yard run capped a 71-yard drive that looked like it was the game-clincher.

Riverview got the ball to the Trenton 35-yard line and all Trenton needed to do was kill off the final 32 seconds and it was on to the district championship game. But Riverview’s Ian Adams got loose and ran untouched to the end zone and Riverview ended Trenton’s season 27-25.

The Trojans jumped on Riverview early in the

game played in Riverview.

Trenton’s Keegan Lewis scored the first touchdown of the night and Trenton led 7-0, Riverview answered and it was 7-7 after one quarter.

Rooney, who finished the night with 171 yards, scored early in the second quarter and then Trenton capitalized on a Riverview fumble when Drew Carson scored. Trenton missed the PAT after Rooney’s TD and also missed the two-point try after the Carson score, but still led 19-7.

However, before the half ended, Trenton would lose fumbles on back-to-back possessions and Riverview scored touchdowns after each turnover.

At the half, Riverview led 21-19.

The second half was devoid of scoring until the final two minutes when each team lit up the scoreboard.

Counting the playoffs, that’s four losses, any of which could have been Trojan victories, by a grand total of 11 points.

This was a very good team that got tagged with a mediocre record because of a handful of plays and a couple of bad breaks.

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TRENTON TIMES • November 23 – December 13, 2023 • Page 25

Page 26 • November 23 – December 13, 2023 • TRENTON TIMES

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Ready to board Flight to North Pole returns to put smiles on the faces of sick children

BY DAVE GORGON

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fter a three-year absence, the Flight to the North Pole returns to Detroit Metro Airport on December 12 to put smiles on the faces of children with severe and life-threatening illnesses.

The event invites 50 children, ages 3 to 8, who are discharged from doctor’s care for several hours to board an actual Delta Airlines jetliner with a crew for a simulated flight to the North Pole.

With the window shades pulled down, the young passengers hear the plane engines and get the sensation of the plane taking off and flying. At the end of the trip, the youngsters believe they have arrived at the North Pole and are welcomed by Santa Claus and his elves.

A Christmas party – with Christmas presents – follows at the Marriott Westin Hotel. During all the fun, each child receives a bag of goodies.

The event is provided at no cost to the children and family members or caregivers by the Silverliners International Flight Attendant Organization. The flight started 41 years ago and ran annually until the last three years, when it was postponed due to the pandemic.

While much of the effort is donated, organizers are seeking monetary donations to help pay their expenses, which includes a meal for the children, gifts and much more.

“It has really changed my life,” said Trenton resident Madge McGoorty, a retired flight attendant, past president of the Motown Chapter of the Silverliners and chairwoman of the Flight to the North Pole. “I look forward to it.”

So does professional Santa Claus William Neelsen Sr., a Taylor resident who serves as the event’s “Father Christmas” each year. Neelsen, who is retired from the airport and Ford Motor Co., gets long hugs from the children and their families. As Santa, he has witnessed countless smiles and tears of

joy from the happy participants.

“Sometimes I get pretty emotional,” Neelsen said. “It’s so heartwarming.

I’m really proud to be part of this group. It’s all about the kids. My kids are healthy; my grandkids are healthy.

These children are going through some type of treatment for the particular illness they have.”

McGoorty said the youngsters will come from Henry Ford, Corewell, Mott, Children’s and Sparrow hospitals.

A doctor has approved each visit.

Caregivers will be on hand. Parents often relate that they haven’t seen their children smile so much in a long time, Neelsen said.

Check-in gets under way at 9 a.m.

Children are greeted by Shriner clowns and a variety of mascots, including those from professional sports teams, area restaurants and others. Members of the Downriver Symphony Orchestra perform Christmas music.

A number of Downriver organizations participate. McGoorty said. Grosse Ile High School students

serve as elves, direct the children and assist Santa. Pillows are made by the Allen Park Sewing Guild. US Park and Ride provides free parking and shuttle service to the airport. Woodside Meadows golf club in Romulus donates proceeds from a golf outing. The Woodhaven Target store packs toys and gives a donation.

Santa arranges to have a letter from the North Pole for each child and personally gets many of the gifts, which include children’s magazine subscriptions, gift cards and much more.

“Everyone is so helpful,” McGoorty said. “The volunteers, the airport firefighters and police, therapy dogs, Fairytale Entertainment and their costumed characters, restaurants and everyone else.”

“This is a great event,” Neelsen said.

“It’s so special. It’s all about the kids.”

Monetary donations should be made payable to William Neelsen Sr./Flight to the North Pole and sent to 25081 Richard, Taylor, Michigan 48180.

Have an Event or Fundraiser? Let us know at 734-282-3939

TRENTON TIMES • November 23 – December 13, 2023 • Page 27

Page 28 • November 23 – December 13, 2023 • TRENTON TIMES

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National chain stores are unfair competition

Near as I can tell, a new threshold of jumping the gun was reached during this holiday season. It made me re-write the first paragraph of this column!

Oh, it’s not that dramatic. It’s just a matter of Macy’s running holiday shopping ads before Halloween.

Macy’s is an invasive species that cannot survive if PETER they fail to convince ROSE enough investors that owning their stocks is a smart thing to do. There are only so many dollars that are going to be spent this holiday season.

This breed of parasite is pernicious, but it is fighting an uphill battle against ferocious competition from local quarters across the nation.

Besides doing my day job of running one of the independent and locally-owned companies that falls under the “Genuine Article” umbrella, I have another job: Convincing enough shoppers to adamantly decide that giving any money to any of the invasive species is the wrong thing to do.

It’s not just that Indie businesses are so much better at what they do than any imposter business ever could, although that’s an excellent reason.

Local business is operated by local people that live very close to where they live, and spend money themselves. Local retail owners know a lot of the people that shop with us.

We have a much greater sense of what our fellow residents want.

We’re obsessed with maintaining a

business that enjoys that connectivity in our own community. That obsessiveness comes home with us and goes on vacation with us. We are always soaking up whatever inspiration we can find so as to reinvent it at our own stores. It makes for awesome stores to shop at any time. It makes us almost impossible to beat.

It’s not just that three times (3 times!) as much of the money we spend at local and independent stores actually stays in our communities, being spent in echo transactions at… you guessed it…other local and independent businesses that do the same thing. That’s a pretty potent reason, though, isn’t it?

Assuming that your choices to spend include examples of awesomeness as claimed above so you actually can spend there, your money gets spent over and over and over again, in your community. More local businesses are more prosperous…because of you.

It is a remarkably simple concept, but it’s not theory, it’s fact.

A fact to be acted on, one way or the other. You can either accept it as true and try to be a bigger part in your community’s health and vibrancy, or you can pretend you didn’t read this, and send even a dime of your spending away by spending anywhere else but a local and independent business.

This column gets printed in five locally owned publications. Some ahead of and some during “Black Friday” (a stupid, stupid moniker for a day that seeks to suck as much money to corporate chains as possible) and ”Small Business Saturday”, the one day of the year that American Express

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calls your attention to for spending locally.

American Express makes money from charge transactions either way, of course, but I do have to tip my hat to their hubris for making themselves seem great for that one day of focus on Small.

I’ll take it, I’m not stupid, but I’m also not fooled.

Which is as good a way as any to come to the most meaningful, impactful reason for shopping at small businesses over large, stock marketfunded businesses this holiday season on any other time at all, ever (unless you have no choice).

That reason is solidarity with businesses that exist despite the relentless, powerful efforts of one scheme after another to redirect as much money as possible to as many distant, disconnected, meaningless options as possible.

Towards those entities that exist only to satisfy bean counters, and away from your community. Thousands of local businesses were ended this way in the 1980s and 90s, on purpose.

I did business through this time.

My company happens to be one of the fractional few that defied the odds and persevered to see the tables turned, but purposeful destruction of those that closed up shop was (and still is) a very sad thing to watch happen.

Thousands of stores that warmly greeted and treated their customers like human beings, not beans to count, gone.

The scourge of overbuilt retail that begins their marketing blitz earlier and earlier has made the holidays so much less rewarding. A stressful, harried

pain to be endured, not savored.

Finding wonderful gifts for your wonderful people at smaller stores from people you know (or will come to know) is so different. It makes Christmas shopping more genuine and absolutely more about the spirit of the holidays we celebrate.

Slower, more thoughtful, with mindful, friendly assistance.

When corporate stores are gone because the demand has shifted back to real options in niche after niche in the restaurant and retail realm, the growing resurgence of small, independent businesses will accelerate and surge.

Personal service won’t be such a rare commodity. A better variety of options for consumers will be back. Shopping will be a thing to look forward to, and there will be greater prosperity in the land.

What has been lost will be found, and cherished. That process is already in motion.

Again, my moonlighting job is to encourage that surge, and writing about this is so gratifying. I get to do this! Not just sit back and let the chips fall where they may, but actually use my words to hopefully make a difference!

Gratitude is something to express as often as possible, for all of us.

Our family-owned men’s and women’s apparel business is 80 years old here in 2023. I myself have been able to spend over 51 years doing something I really enjoy. That longevity can’t be achieved without strong support from the community we serve. Thank you very much.

And once again, thanks for reading, and thanks for taking my advice!

BROOKE BROCK

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734.341.2414 Brooke@gowithbrooke.com

BBR Realty, LLC, 2615 W. Jefferson, Ste. 200 • Trenton, MI 48183 734.301.3350 www.bbr.sale

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ind out about key issues affecting the Downriver region on Monday, January 22, 2024 as Congresswoman Debbie Dingell delivers her annual State of the District Address at the SWCRC Legislative Forum. The discussion with Congresswoman Dingell focuses on important initiatives coming out of Congress that are critical to Downriver’s workforce and job providers. Join us to hear a vital update from one of the most influential members of Congress.

Tickets for the Forum are $25 for members and employees or $40 for nonmembers, and includes a hot breakfast. The program runs from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Crystal Gardens in Southgate. Local schools are also invited to send a table of 9 students and 1 adult to each forum for free. Any school or individual looking to attend should contact Randy Pilon at rpilon@swcrc.com.

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Downriver – a compassionate ‘family’ of communities JOSEPH KUSPA SOUTHGATE MAYOR

On Oct. 3, the city of Southgate experienced the largest residential fire in our history.

The flames swiftly engulfed the third floor of the Meadows Senior Apartment complex and left 129 residents without a home. But what was most miraculous is that there was no loss of life as a result of the fire.

This is exponentially more incredible when you consider that many of the residents were mobility challenged: in wheelchairs or required the use of a walker.

This outcome could only have occurred with the assistance of our first responders from many of our surrounding communities.

As Downriver residents, we are fortunate to live in a region that works together and has a demonstrated history of mutual aid. The city of Southgate has an excellent public safety department.

Like all Downriver communities, our police officers and firefighters are dedicated to the well-being of our residents and those who visit our community. But the magnitude of this recent fire would have overwhelmed any one department.

That is why we are so appreciative of the assistance we received from seven other neighboring and local communities: Allen Park, Brownstown Township, Ecorse, Riverview, Taylor, Trenton and Wyandotte.

Numerous dangerous and heroic actions occurred that afternoon.

There were police officers and firefighters rushing residents out of the burning structure, many being physically carried down three flights of stairs, firefighters breaking through roofs to control a raging fire and ultimately, through their combined efforts, getting everyone to safety.

The recovery started that afternoon and evening.

We used our Senior Center as a staging area for all the displaced residents and a place families could reconnect with loved ones.

The Red Cross arrived that evening and a temporary housing shelter was

established.

There was a case file opened for each resident to address immediate needs such as medications and housing requirements. Many businesses, churches, charitable organizations also assisted with food, clothing, temporary housing and other essentials.

Over the next few days, we also had numerous residents from Southgate and throughout the Downriver area walking into our Senior Center with donated clothing, personal items, pet supplies and money to assist with this recovery effort.

That was matched by numerous volunteers who sorted, organized and assisted at the donation center. Fire victims could walk through aisles of merchandise, beautifully displayed and sized to easily make their selections.

The most sought after commodity became underwear. And, that of course, makes a lot of sense. At the height of distribution, our Senior Center staff was purchasing underwear two to three times a day!

The city of Southgate, with the assistance of the Senior Alliance,

also sponsored a Resources Fair at our Senior Center on Oct. 11. More governmental agencies, housing providers and non-profit agencies added their support.

The Secretary of State mobile office provided new ID’s, handicapped parking permits and processed address changes. Wayne County personnel were on hand to offer numerous housing options. The Senior Alliance printed replacement Medicare cards and assisted with applications for new Social Security cards.

Remember, most of these fire victims left with just the clothes that they were wearing.

The American Legion and the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund provided substantial assistance to veterans. The Information Center distributed their “Where to Turn” guidebook that is a comprehensive resource for the ongoing needs of these seniors.

Senior Movers and Allegra Senior Living offered an inventory of free furniture to assist with relocations.

Even the owners of the Meadows Apartment complex, Van Rooy, were there to present $1000 checks to each

of the displaced tenants. It was an overwhelmingly successful event that provided stability and hope for these senior citizens.

On the night of Oct. 11, the St. George Greek Church hosted a spaghetti dinner fundraiser to benefit all of the fire victims. It was extremely well attended with donations and supporters coming from all over the Downriver area.

The event raised over $18,000 with additional donations still being received. All of the proceeds will be equally distributed to the residents to help with their relocation.

Fortunately, as of Oct. 13, the Red Cross Shelter indicated that all of the displaced residents have found housing either at a new facility or with a loved one. A wonderful result in 10 days’ time!

Yes, the spirit of service, compassion and giving is alive and well in our Downriver communities.

Special thanks to all who worked and volunteered to assist these senior citizens.

May God continue to bless the city of Southgate, the Downriver region and this great nation.

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Photo by Cheyla Wagner

Cam Birch (Professor Plum), Ava Cheff (Miss Scarlet), Noah McCardell (Wadsworth),

Meghan Pew (Mrs. White), Chelsea Kings (Mrs. Peacock), Avalon Francis (Yvette), Bella Rockov (Mr. Green) and Zack Gajewski (Colonel Mustard).

Trenton High School theater students present ‘Clue’ For three performances on Nov. 11-12, the student thespians at Trenton High School turned the stage in the Trenton High School Auditorium into a giant board game.

The group staged the play “Clue,” based on the 1985 Paramount movie, which, in turn, was inspired by the Hasbro board game Clue.

The play was written by Sandy Rustin.

Drama teacher Cheyla Wagner was the director, aided by student director Grace Hibbard, a sophomore.

In all, 17 students were in the cast, there was a fivestudent production team and a nine-student stage crew.

Wagner said the playing had been kicking around for a long time.

“We’ve been talking about doing ‘Clue’ for years,”

she said. “The story is iconic and challenging to present well on stage.

“I knew this was the group that could pull it off, and they proved me right at every rehearsal. Sometimes they’re too funny, whether it’s in the scene or just them cracking their own one-liner jokes, and we have to stop and regroup. It’s a good problem to have.”

Members of the cast said that while the play was challenging, it was also a lot of fun.

Senior Ava Cheff, who played Miss Scarlet said, “Clue was an incredibly fun play to perform. Everyone in the cast is so hilarious and talented. I’ve never had so much fun performing!”

Senior Meghan Pew, who was Mrs. White for the three performances added, “Clue was a wonderfully

hilarious show to be in. The humor never failed to get us to break. I would do it all over again if I could.”

Several other cast members mentioned how well everyone involved with the play got along and what great chemistry the actors had.

“I enjoyed performing and rehearsing Clue with the cast because of how well we all worked together,” said sophomore Bella Rockow, who played Mr. Green.

“We were always positive with constructive criticism even when we didn’t want to hear it and did well at powering through long tiring days while still making rehearsals fun.”

Junior Noah McCardell, who portrayed Wadsworth said, “(It was) one of the hardest, yet most rewarding shows I’ve ever performed.”

TEF announces the largest grant distribution ever

The Trenton Educational Foundation, established in 2008, made its biggest-ever grant distribution this year, handing out nearly $46,000 to deserving educators.

Along with students benefiting from the donations, teachers, noted below, will be charged with implementing their programs soon.

Michael Wolf - Effective Communication - Band Program – Trenton High School ($1,499); Lindsey Kling - WEB (Where Everybody Belongs) Training – Arthurs Middle School ($3,000); Diana Klingelhafer - Hedke Student Book Club: Reading Enthusiasts!

– Hedke ($1,000); Chad Clements, Nick Scott / Social Studies Dept. - Student Engagement Rolling Whiteboards – THS ($1,000); Katherine Nelson -Robotic Program 3D Printer Grant – THS and AMS ($2,000); Chelsey Hoffmann - Art Displays for Hedke – Hedke ($2,900); Jennifer Griffiths - Promoting STEM through Robotics – Arthurs Middle School ($3,000); Ashley Champlin -Low Level High Interest Tween and Teen Books for Multilingual Learners AMS and THS ($3,000); Brandi Hicks - Staff Book Study – Hedke and Anderson – ($2,500); Heather Lockhart/ Heather Shimanek/Rachel Panagiotopoulos - Spanish Readers: Comprehensible Input Novels – AMS and THS ($2,990.25); Cheyla Wagner/Mark Revesz, Jr. - Auditorium Sound System – Trenton High School ($3,000); Barb Aguirre - AMS Playground Equipment – Arthurs Middle School ($1,488.85);

Jenny Coleman - Video Conferencing Camera & Speaker Solution – Trenton High School Teaching & Learning Lab ($3,000); Nichole Zimmerman - PAES Vocational Grant – Trenton High School ($1,828.05); Michelle Enochs and Rebecca Litchard - Paw Prints at the Trojan Pit – Trenton High School ($1,400); Brianna Charron - White Board Table – Hedke ($600); Heather Doree (for Anderson School) -Whole School Sensory & Accommodation Closet – Anderson ($2,336.24); Erin Eaton - Sensory Room Upgrade – Hedke ($3,000); Jessica Richardson - Students Seeking Proprioceptive Input (sensory equipment)– Hedke ($2,923.97); Kristie Hornbeck - Dramatic Play – Anderson Preschool ($1,799.94); Tracy Allen Flexible Seating/Calm Classroom – Hedke ($1,701.81) Whew!

TEF President Mike McCullough said, “We are proud to provide this exceptional support made possible through our fundraising efforts over the years. Our grant committee led by Laura Trosien did a wonderful job improving the grant process and following through on communications and deadlines to kick the program in high gear.

“We hope we will be able to continue to provide funding to all grants requests received, but it will be based on how our fundraising efforts go this year.”

These efforts include the foundation’s “A Blast! For

the Future,” It’s 13th Annual Signature event which was held November 17. Donations can be made online at trentonedfoundation.org.

ABOUT THE TRENTON EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION: Established in 2008 by a partnership of community leaders from various organizations, the TEF is now known as a source of “grants” that teachers can seek to help fund special projects and activities not within the budget and have added student scholarships.

All levels of Trenton public education are helped by the TEF. The Foundation funds six integral areas of education — cultural enrichment, scholastic enrichment, arts and education, technology and learning, continuing education and professional development.

The Foundation conducts one grant cycle each school year for all grant requests in order that all grants will be ready for implementation at the beginning of the next school year. The Trenton Educational Foundation (TEF) is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation created for the purpose of enhancing the educational opportunities for teachers and students within the Trenton Public Schools system.

For more information visit the web site trentonedfoundation.org or Facebook page facebook. com/TrentonEducationFoundation.

GO BIG MULTI - MEDIA 18271 FORT STREET • RIVERVIEW • 734-282-3939 office@gobigmultimedia.com

GIGCC HEAD SWIM COACH

Grosse Ile Golf and Country Club is seeking a Lead Coach for the 2024 season for our competitive and pre-competitive swim teams. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills, competency in swim technique, ability to actively coach in-person during swim meets utilizing available technology, and a passion to work with youth. This position will require approximately 400 hours of commitment over the summer season with additional meetings throughout the off-season. Position offering competitive pay.

Additional Skills: • Lifeguard/First Aid Certification • Ability to delegate and engage assistant coaches • Strong communication skills • Willingness to learn Swimtopia or Hy-Tek platforms For full job description please contact John Paul, General Manager at 734-776-6191. Additional role of Pool Manager available to interested candidates.

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NEWS FROM OUR NEIGHBORS Go to... GoBigMultimedia.com to read more news on our digital publications.

gobigmultimedia.com/grosse-ile-grand ‘Addie’s Trail’ is dedicated to joyful spirit A respectful and somber crowd of about fifty gathered at the corner of East River and Groh Roads on Saturday, Oct. 21 for a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the official opening of Grosse Ile’s newest bike path trail.

While many there were avid cyclists or outdoor lovers, the majority of the crowd were there to honor the memory of Adrienne “Addie” Byars, a seventh grade Grosse Ile Middle School student, who died unexpectedly of a rare but natural cause in 2021.

Addie’s parents, Dr. Helen Mabry and Andrew Byars, choked back tears as they remembered their loving daughter and thanked everyone involved in the extensive process to complete the connecting trail from the Groh Road bike path to the Gibraltar Bay Nature Area.

Dr. Mabry said, “This path isn’t just a trail – it’s a testament to Adrienne’s spirit and the unwavering love our community has shown in her memory.

When we first came to Grosse Ile, we rented a condo nearby and Addie loved riding her bikes on the bike paths or rollerblading.

She loved it so much. She had a unique sense of reverence for the world around her, finding joy in experiencing and respecting what life had to offer.”...

On page 1 Grosse Ile to update Master Plan ...Why is the Township updating the master plan?

A lot has changed in the Township since 2002. Most importantly, the median age of our community in 2002 was 43 years, wherein 2023 the average age is 52 years.

As the Township continues to grow in age, we want to ensure that we address the needs of our community. Furthermore, Island has seen a steady decrease in population of children aged 5 to 17, which indicates that the Township should find more creative ways to attract young families. The update will focus on similar data trends and create strategies from the input of the community to address current and future issues...

On page 3 20’s Gala One for the ages Bootleggers’ Bash is a “Roaring” success

Glitz, glamor, Grosse Ile glitterati, moonlight and magic—all the trappings of a riotous era gone by.

Partygoers are still talking about it, reliving both the moment then and the times past.

Fittingly, the Grosse Ile Educational Foundation met its goals—partnering with the Grosse Ile Historical Society in its annual fundraising event, held Oct. 7 at the Grosse Ile Golf & Country Club and throwing a party that Jay Gatsby would be proud of.

It became apparent early on. Grosse Ile likes to dress for a party. Nineteen-twenties-style Flappers arrived with diamonds and pearls or elegant vintage evening gowns. Handsome escorts donned fedoras and tuxedos or newsboy caps and knickers. There was even a hard luck partier dressed in suspenders and an empty bourbon barrel.

On page 9

gobigmultimedia.com/riverview-register Mayor Swift wins re-election Webb, O’Neil and Pray win spots on City Council ... Swift, a former Riverview Community School District school board member and a former city councilman, was elected to a third term as mayor by defeating Councilman Chuck Norton by a little over 150 votes.

Swift topped Norton 1,614 votes to 1,459.

“I am honored and humbled by all the support I’ve received during this election. I look forward to working with the new council members and moving our beloved Riverview forward through the challenging times ahead,” said the newly re-elected Mayor. ...The voters also elected three council members – Brian Webb, Suzzanne O’Neil and David Pray.

Webb led all council vote-getters with 1,785 votes, O’Neil had 1,575 and Pray had 1,280. Former longtime councilman Elmer Trombley (1,031 votes), Nicole Clark (1,028) and Heather Smiley (980) failed to win election.

The general election drew just 36.6 percent of Riverview’s registered voters to the polls. The city has 8,546 registered voters and 3,125 of them voted in the election.

Another question on the Nov. 7 ballot was a proposal to extend the Sinking Fund for the school district. That fund, which helps pay for things like new HVAC systems, enjoyed overwhelming support

from the community as the measure passed by far better than 2-to-1 margin, as 2,121 voted to pass the measure and 826 voted against.!

On page 1 WEB welcomes sixth-graders to Seitz Seitz Middle School welcomed its incoming sixth-grade class with a group of students called WEB Leaders. WEB stands for Where Everybody Belongs.

The core belief of WEB is that the actions of few can positively alter the outcomes of many.

The transition from elementary school to middle school can be stressful for some. To help start their journey here at Seitz on a positive note, every sixth-grade student is paired with two eighth-grade mentors. The mentors will be trained in several topics, such as stress management, managing peer relationships and academic goal setting.

We believe that positive relationships define the culture of a school. WEB reinforces the vision of Riverview Community Schools – “One community, every day, charting their course the Pirate way.”...

On page 5

proclamation paying tribute and declaring the city’s utmost respect for veterans who earned the Purple Heart medal when they were injured or killed during wartime.

The city scheduled a ceremony for eight days later in which a Purple Heart flag would be raised on a new flagpole in the city’s Veterans Memorial outside the Southgate Memorial Library. A POW-MIA flag would be moved to its own flagpole.

Further, a parking spot in the city’s municipal complex would be designated for use by Purple Heart recipients, the Mayor said.

“We want to promote the fact that we have some brave men and women who lost their lives and have become injured during battle,” Kuspa said. “This is true to Southgate – something we’re proud to do.”...

On page 1 Ooooh, that’s scary!

Riverview is Spook-tacular!

On pages 18-19

gobigmultimedia.com/southgate-star Southgate is officially a Purple Heart City On Nov. 1, Mayor Joseph Kuspa read a

Fun at Market Center Park There was music, there were games, there were cool old cars and there was – of course! – lots and lots of candy handed out as the city of Southgate celebrated Halloween a little early with a Trunk or Treat event at Market Center Park on Oct. 15. The event was part of HarvestFest, sponsored by the city

of Southgate and Gloss Labs Detailing. Scores of people turned out, most of them decked out in their Halloween finest.

On page 1

gobigmultimedia.com/wyandotte-warrior Wyandotte resident has been wrestling for 30 years For 30 years, Rob Clooney has wrestled in amateur and professional matches. He’s won championships, earned All-America honors and shared the wrestling ring and the locker room with some top professionals.

The Downriver native and current Wyandotte resident also has written books and is studying marketing in college. He works fulltime as a press operator at Trenton Forging, in a factory that manufactures car parts.

And he’s the father of a daughter who is about to turn 6 years old.

Life “keeps me busy but it is rewarding,” said Clooney, who is 44 years old. “Sometimes I struggle to balance everything. As long as I stay focused, it all gets done.”...

On page 5 Wilson robotics team receives $2,000 donation from Mayor DeSana ...“I see the importance of the future of technology,” Mayor DeSana said. “What’s really neat is watching these kids work. They are dissecting a robot. What makes it work? Why doesn’t it work. If it doesn’t work, you learn why it didn’t work and you go back and try to correct whatever the mistake was. They are continuously learning.”

DeSana and wife Denise made the donation directly to the team at the school in September after receiving a letter from eighth-grader Eli Michael, who requested sponsorship and explained all of the “amazing things going on in our program.” After reading the letter, DeSana was moved to double his usual donation to the robotics team...

On page 18

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Any Purchase of $25 or More Valid at Woodhaven Location Only.

Tax & gratuity not included. Cannot be combined with other offers. Expires 12/31/23

20% OFF Any Purchase of $25 or More

Valid at Woodhaven Location Only.

Tax & gratuity not included. Cannot be combined with other offers. Expires 12/31/23

23305 Allen Rd • Woodhaven

We Now Deliver

734-318-9999 • Located in front of Target

I’ve been Trenton’s top-selling realtor over the past 25 years for a reason!

As a Trenton resident, I know how unique and valuable your home is. Through good times and bad, I’ve been here. I’ve sold hundreds of our neighbors’ homes for a great price, and I can sell yours, too.

Now more than ever, knowledge, experience and results matter!

WWW.ABOUTTHISHOUSE.COM

Happy Thanksgiving! I am Thankful for all of my past clients who have become friends!

Jim Anderson • Real Estate One 2385 West Rd Trenton

734-516-7976

Looking for a Doctor? We Do Primary Care!

“Your Health is Our Haven”

Now Accepting New Patients Walk-Ins Welcome!

Saim S. Choudhry, DO

Board Certified Internal Medicine, Sleep Medicine

Tired of Feeling Tired? We Treat: • Insomnia • Sleep Apnea • Narcolepsy • Restless Leg Syndrome

Sleep Apnea

Get Tested in the Comfort of Your Own Home

CPAP Therapy Makes You Feel Refreshed

18600 Van Horn, Suite A, Woodhaven Schedule by Phone or Online!

734-766-4446

HavenHealthMedical.com