Trenton Times, April 25 – May 22, 2024

FROM THE MAYOR

With warm weather, Trenton brings fun events and activities

The first few signs of warm weather always get me daydreaming about summertime, and I know I am not the only one. Fortunately, in Trenton, we are going to have a lot to look forward to around town as the weather breaks (for good, hopefully!).

Starting right away on Thursday, May 2nd, our Farmers Market will be back in action at the Elm Street and West Jefferson parking lot in Downtown Trenton. The market will run every Thursday from 2:00-7:00PM from May through September, weather permitting. You will find vendors selling TONS of unique items, crafts, and delicious things to eat. Further, it presents a wonderful opportunity to show support to the numerous local businesses that participate in market activities, all within easy walking distance!

Thanks to the efforts of our Downtown Development Authority, the Elm Street lot is set for a significant transformation. These improvements will render it far more accommodating and accessible, aligning perfectly with the needs of a modern downtown area, and promising a much-improved aesthetic appeal as well. Fostering a stronger sense of “place” brings about numerous long-term benefits for economic development, especially for our small businesses.

With the recent surge in activity witnessed over the past 2-3 years, we are grateful to announce the appointment of a full-time Downtown Development Authority Director to the City of Trenton, marking the first time in decades. We take immense pride in welcoming Angelia Pusino to our team, whose expertise will play a pivotal role in propelling our community forward. Stay tuned for an array of innovative events heading to Trenton as we remain steadfast in maintaining this momentum.

Our recreational programming is already planned for a fun spring and summer, with activities like pickleball, tennis, summer basketball, swim club, and so much more. Contact our Parks and Recreation Department at the Kennedy Recreation Center, visit the City website, or check our social media pages for more information. The Department is once again working closely with our volunteer committees to coordinate the Summer Festival. We eagerly anticipate welcoming tens of thousands of visitors to Trenton during the last weekend of June. Get ready to witness the dazzling spectacle as we light up the sky with our annual fireworks display, making it a weekend to remember!

Much of what we cherish as a community wouldn’t be achievable without the dedication of our city staff and the unwavering commitment of our volunteers. With their combined efforts, we continue to thrive. We welcome more hands to join us in ensuring that Trenton remains the gem we all know it is.

If you or anyone you know would like to get involved in any volunteer capacity or with any of our commissions, please let us know! You can contact my office or check out the City of Trenton website for our commission application. We are always looking for help from anyone who wants to better Trenton. From our Downtown Development Authority to our Planning Commission, Civic Commission, Cultural Commission, and beyond, there are numerous avenues for involvement and contribution. These are the types of efforts that make Trenton so special, and I hope you will join us in getting involved!

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.

STEVEN RZEPPA TRENTON MAYOR

Fort Street lane closures for railroad crossing rebuilding

Northbound and southbound M-85 (Fort Street) are experiencing shoulder and lane closures between Vreeland and West roads for railroad crossing work. This project is expected to be completed in July.

Work involves removing and replacing both railroad crossings and rebuilding the roadway approaches

to the crossings. Initial work will include removing trees in the median and building a temporary crossover to maintain M-85 (Fort Street) traffic for upcoming closures at the railroad crossings.

There will always be one lane open in both directions. Local resident and business access will be maintained.

The unseen dangers of firefighting

Many of us can easily imagine the obvious dangers firefighters face in the line of duty. From battling raging fires to navigating hazardous scenes at car accidents, the risks are numerous and physically demanding. Yet, there are some significant dangers that may not be as widely recognized. Did you know that firefighters have a 10% higher rate of cancer compared to the general public? What’s even more concerning is that if firefighters do develop cancer, their mortality rate is 15% higher.

Recognizing these alarming statistics, the State of Michigan has implemented laws providing cancer presumption for firefighters diagnosed with certain types of cancer, offering crucial support beyond what employer benefit plans cover. Furthermore, there has been a heightened emphasis on preventive measures within firefighting communities. Stricter protocols now dictate the thorough washing of contaminated gear after each fire and immediate showering upon returning from a call, aiming to mitigate the risk of exposure to harmful substances.

Firefighters face another, often overlooked, risk: mental health challenges. Studies indicate that approximately 20% of firefighters and paramedics experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress at some stage in their careers, a stark contrast to the 6.8% lifetime risk observed in the general population. Recognizing the gravity of this issue, various organizations and unions have diligently crafted programs aimed at addressing the stress and mental health hurdles encountered by first responders.

Throughout my 27-plus years of active service, I’ve encountered numerous taxing and emotionally draining situations. In the past, the prevailing mentality was to simply “suck it up” and soldier on. Fortunately, we have outgrown that mindset and times have changed. Today, the fire service embraces a proactive and supportive approach, advocating for the use of constructive coping mechanisms in lieu of the destructive behaviors of the past, such as excessive alcohol consumption or suppressing emotions until they erupt unexpectedly.

It’s important to acknowledge that even the most courageous professionals can struggle in these areas. We all require assistance in navigating stressful events and maintaining our emotional wellbeing. The realization that even rescuers sometimes need rescuing underscores the importance of seeking help when needed. There’s no shame in reaching out for support.

~ Fire Chief Keith Anderson=

Trenton Fire Department offers installation of smoke detectors and CO alarms for single family residences in Trenton. If you would like to have detectors installed, contact us at 734-6761314 Monday-Friday from 9AM-3PM to schedule an appointment.

Please attend an important Open House Community Meeting to review potential site development concepts for revitalizing former industrial sites in River Rouge, Ecorse, Wyandotte, Riverview, and Trenton, including the Decommissioned DTE Power Plants and other underutilized properties.

Note: There will be two opportunities to attend. Both meetings will have the same information about underutilized industrial sites in all five communities. Everyone is welcome to come anytime and to attend either or both events.

Wednesday,

8,

Thursday,

For more information, contact: Jazmine Danci, Downriver Community Conference Jazmine.Danci@dccwf.org or 734-362-7038

TRENTON PARKS & RECREATION

Spring & Summer Programs are kicking off! Here’s your sign to stay local this season. To see a full list of upcoming Spring & Summer 2024 programs scan the QR code with your phone. Registration for The City-Wide Garage Sale and the Memorial Day Parade are also now open!

The Parks & Recreation Department would like to thank the New Horizons club for making a donation of goods to Westfield’s Little Pantry. The pantry is the four white cabinets located in the Westfield Center lobby by the vending machine and is open Monday-Friday 11am-4pm.

Downriver Community Band awards scholarship to young musician

The Downriver Community Band (DCB) recently extended an invitation to students across the Downriver and Metro Detroit communities to audition for their Spring Concert, titled “To The Summit,” scheduled for April 27, 2024.

Among the talented applicants, Madelyn Updike emerged victorious in the audition process, securing a coveted scholarship to further her music education. Madelyn, a senior at University Liggett School in Grosse Pointe Woods, has exhibited exceptional skill and dedication to her craft. Alongside her parents and two beloved English sheepdogs, Minnie and Max, Madelyn currently resides in Macomb County.

Since the sixth grade, Madelyn has demonstrated her prowess on the string bass, participating in school orchestra classes and lending her talents to the pit orchestra for various school musicals. She also serves as co-principal of the double bass section in the Oakland Youth Orchestra. Not confined to classical music, Madelyn is equally adept at playing the electric bass when the occasion demands.

Beyond her musical endeavors, Madelyn has immersed herself in the robotics program at Liggett for the past seven years, contributing her expertise to the high school team for five of those years. In her leisure time, Madelyn indulges in a diverse array of interests, including reading, baking, cooking, volunteering, video gaming, and pursuits related to engineering and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

With aspirations of pursuing both music and engineering in college, Madelyn harbors dreams of a professional career playing in Broadway pit orchestras, particularly drawn to the vibrant world of showtunes and musicals. To facilitate her ambitions, Madelyn has applied to several esteemed universities, including Michigan, Case Western, Carnegie Mellon, Columbia, Syracuse, and Wayne State, with the intention of pursuing a double major in Engineering and Music.

The DCB expresses its gratitude to Madelyn for rising to the challenge of their concert and commends her exceptional talent and dedication. Through this scholarship, the DCB hopes to support Madelyn as she continues to pursue her passions and endeavors.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR UNDERSTANDING THE TPS NON-HOMESTEAD RENEWAL PROPOSAL

Dear Trenton Community,

In the interest of continuing our best effort to answer your questions, here is a summary of the Non-Homestead language.

• Non-homestead properties include businesses, secondary residences, vacant land, and rental properties.

• A homestead is your primary, permanent residence. This levy does NOT increase your property taxes.

• The State of Michigan L-4029, submitted by school districts, indicates that the 18 mill levy remains constant and does not increase. Schools must maintain this levy on nonhomestead properties to receive full per-student funding. In Trenton, this levy generates approximately $3.3 million annually for the school budget.

• The image of the document that accompanies this article is an actual L-4029 that is filed with the State. The blue circled items reflect the non-homestead levy. As a side note, the red circle indicates the millage levied for the Hold Harmless.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

Sincerely,

Douglas B. Mentzer, Superintendent each

SUPPORT

Continued from page 1

of survivors as they embark on their journey towards healing and independence.

The establishment of a residential home for survivors is a crucial step in addressing the complex needs of individuals affected by human trafficking. This safe and supportive environment will offer survivors a refuge where they can access essential

resources, receive trauma-informed care, and rebuild their lives free from exploitation and abuse.

Soroptimist International of Trenton & Downriver Area is proud to stand in solidarity with Sparrow Freedom Project and other organizations working tirelessly to combat human trafficking and support survivors. Through collaborative efforts and compassionate action, we can create a world where exploitation is eradicated, and every individual is afforded the opportunity to live a life of dignity and freedom.

GR Teacher Turns World into a Classroom Through Travel Program

For the past two decades, art and photography teacher Anna Fedor has turned the world into a living classroom for students at Gabriel Richard Catholic High School by sharing her love of travel. Each year, Fedor takes a group of students and families to Europe during spring break, a tradition that enriches her students’ learning experiences in ways that classroom settings often cannot. Last month, Fedor traveled to Greece and Turkey, her 21st trip with the school.

“It’s exciting to witness history come alive for our students and to see them connect to the world around them,” Fedor said.

Destinations vary from year to year based upon interest, and past trips have included England, Ireland, Wales, France, Scotland, Germany and Italy. All trips include an EF Education First tour guide who is fluent in the destination country’s language and is well-versed on its history and culture.

During their tours, GR students visit historical sites, museums, and natural wonders where they can see, touch and experience what they’ve learned at school. Over the years, they have gazed at artwork at the Louvre, visited the Eiffel Tower, walked the beaches of Normandy, kissed the Blarney Stone, and climbed the steps of the Parthenon.

Fedor said that a trip to Europe would not be complete without exploring its many cathedrals and abbeys. Her groups have visited several, including the famous Notre-Dame Cathedral de Paris, the Canterbury Cathedral where St. Thomas Becket was martyred, the Abbey of Mont Saint Michel, and Westminster Abbey where she once photographed Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip as they left Maundy Thursday service.

While much planning goes into each of her trips, Fedor said she believes that a little luck and divine intervention have created some serendipitous moments over the years. For example, she has seen the pope on all six of her tours to the Vatican, including St. John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis. During one trip, Fedor’s group was also able to attend Easter Sunday Mass with Pope Benedict in St. Peter’s Square.

Although Fedor has just recently returned from her last excursion, she is already making plans to take next year’s group of students and families to Italy.

“I never get tired of walking in the footsteps of history, enjoying great food, and making memories with my GR family,” she said.

The Grosse Ile Grand was the first venture of the Go Big enterprise that now includes four other Downriver publications. This is article 82, and that’s how long ago The Grand began. First of all, that’s really hard for me to understand. Time really and truly IS accelerating. 6 years, 10 months ago. Gone, in what feels like a flash. Wheeeee!

Along the way, Chelsea and Willow Tree have been real-life examples of the power of localism, by consistently investing in the family of publications that we helped grow to five papers, each of which serves one of five specific communities that otherwise have no mouthpiece, no publications at all that are all about those communities.

We all know how advertising works, of course, but sometimes it does help to spell it out clearly. The advertisers in any marketing venture are what enable the news to be published. No advertisers, no papers, no news. So having been a part of these stillnew publications, I have to tell you that I’m really glad we have helped. We have been part of the reason Go Big has not just eked by, but has grown and has further growth in its future. My stores can’t ALWAYS advertise here, but when we do, we are indeed acting as [art of the circle that keeps everything going.

Never lose sight of the fact that all five of the Go Big papers are part of a local and independent business that serves our region. They are in the exact same genre of business that I write so consistently about, meaning that the ownership is independent (not part of a big, corporate conglomerate) and locally owned (the owners live in the region they serve).

This nearly guarantees that these businesses are connected and engaged. We don’t live in Nairobi, or, as my mother used to say, East Cupcake. We live here. We spend our incomes HERE. Supporting these businesses, therefore, is more than just getting what we want for any given product or service.

There are a LOT of independent businesses in

In the case of these Go Big publications, one might not even see their base of operation. The work they do is behind the scenes, out of sight. Or, actually: We see these publications after all the work is done, and the papers are delivered. They show up in our mailboxes and at places of business, and not by magic. No, they appear as the last stage of the journey, delivered by mail or hand so that we have publications that serve the cities with their nameplates.

our Downriver communities. They offer all manner of products and services, and when you deal with them, you find the experience so much more rewarding and satisfying than you could ever hope for at a chain store. It is better. Competitive pricing, and infinitely more engaged service. It requires effort to find them sometimes. Sometimes, you drive by a place every day and it never sinks in to inform who they are, what they do. We’re all busy, we all get distracted.

In the case of these Go Big publications, one might not even see their base of operation. The work they do is behind the scenes, out of sight. Or, actually: We see these publications after all the work is done, and the papers are delivered. They show up in our mailboxes and at places of business, and not by magic. No, they appear as the last stage of the journey, delivered by mail or hand so that we have publications that serve the cities with their nameplates.

In my opinion, we all do ourselves a big disservice by not thinking the process through.

Years ago, I was President of the now-defunct Wyandotte Business Association. I read Big Box Swindle by Stacy Mitchell. It put a spotlight on Walmart in particular, and their heavily damaging tactics as they expanded into towns across America. Mind you, this was not then or now an independent business, but a NYSE corporation, and the mantra - - - the rallying cry - - - as they entered each market was a declared mission to put every business that could compete with them OUT of business. So that

the mom-and-pop grocery store, or the florist, or hardware store that had been there for generations were in the crosshairs of one of the most predatory machines in history. In many cases, the cities they located in had competed with other nearby cities to get Walmart to locate in their city, and tax breaks had been offered. Tax breaks given to BIG so as to put SMALL put of business.

The book is still available, find it through Brooks Books in Wyandotte or through the website IndieBound.com. It is a depressing, eye-opening examination. But I digress. The book ended with examples of cities with local and independent businesses that were smart enough to band together to create a larger entity through which to fight back. That’s what electrified me. The idea of getting our Association to try harder to be a united front, and to market ourselves as the superior shopping area was compelling to me. It still is.

It is that spirit that still motivates me, stimulates my brain. Magic is not all that common, after all. Neither is hard work for a common cause. Fighting to keep more money circulating locally is worth the effort for the ALL, but it also helps the ONE.

If you’re a business, give the Go Big papers a shot. They put out quality papers in the representation of Grosse Ile, Southgate, Trenton, Riverview, and Wyandotte. AND if you’re just a reader, keep it up! When you can, support the advertisers that help the papers to keep doing their jobs!

PETER ROSE

Early season going is a little uneven for softballers

BY HANK MINCKIEWICZ

With three losses in their first seven games, including a loss in the Downriver League, the start to the 2024 season had been a little rocky for the Trenton softball team, who over the course of the past couple of seasons has risen to the level of softball royalty.

The Trojans, along with the 2022 Division 1 MHSAA state champion Allen Park Jaguars and the 2023 Division 1 state runner-up Woodhaven Warriors, have lifted the level of play in the Downriver League to new heights. Trenton’s recent history stacks up well against that of Woodhaven and Allen Park. The Trojans were D2 state finalists in 2022, losing 6-2 to Stevensville-Lakeshore in the state championship game and the Trojans went to the D2 quarter final last year before falling to Dearborn Divine Child.

So far this season, Trenton has beaten Southgate, Wyandotte, and Flat Rock and lost to Ottawa Lake Whiteford, Carlson and Flat Rock. Along the way, the Trojans picked up a 10-10 tie with New Boston Huron, which, like Trenton, was a Division 2 top 10 pre-season pick.

After rallying from behind to

beat Southgate 13-8 on April 15, the Trojans were ambushed by Carlson the next day. The Marauders used rallies in the sixth and seventh to upset Trenton 10-5. Trenton had just five hits in the game and Trojan batters struck out 11 times.

The loss left Trenton, which is certain to battle with Woodhaven and Allen Park for the league title again this season, with a 2-1 Downriver League record.

The league wins came against Southgate and Wyandotte and the Southgate win was a bit of a thriller.

Trenton’s less than stellar defensive play – the Trojans had six errors – helped Southgate build an 8-4 lead heading into the bottom of the fourth inning.

The Trojans found the “start” button on offense and scored once in the fourth, five times in the fifth, and three more times in the sixth to walk off with a 13-8 decision.

The offensive outburst was led by Analy Guth and Annika Segedi, who each had three hits. Aleah Tanguay, Jordyn Emery, London Williams and Anica Alstead had two hits each and Molly Edmunds had four RBI.

In the game against Wyandotte, the Bears jumped out to a 2-0 lead before

the Trojans took over. It was 11-3 in the seventh inning when Wyandotte pushed across three runs to make the score more respectable.

Segedi had two hits and two RBI to lead the offense. Emory had two hits and was on base three times.

Senior Bri Thomas took the pitching win. She worked four innings, allowing two runs on five hits. She struck out five. Hanna Fiejoo came on to strike out the last three hitters of the game.

The game also saw two former Trojan players coaching against each other. Wyandotte Assistant Coach Amber Chepick (2018 Trenton Graduate and college softball player at U of M Dearborn) and Trenton Assistant Coach Mckenna Tanguay (2018 Trenton graduate and college softball player at Detroit Mercy).

“Both former players are now teachers and coaches and our program could not be more proud to see them both giving back,” said Trenton coach Rick Tanguay.

Trenton opened the season on April 6, hosting Flat Rock in a doubleheader on a cold, blustery day.

The Trojans won the first game 9-7 behind seven innings of work by Feijoo, who went the distance in the

circle, allowing four earned runs on seven hits.

Trenton rallied from a 6-4 deficit in the sixth inning to snag the win.

Edmunds was 4-for-4 with three singles and a triple and Williams slammed a home run off the scoreboard.

Flat Rock scored nine times in the first inning and although Trenton managed to score eight runs in the game, they could never get even.

2024 ROSTER

1 Annika Segedi, senior

3 Jordyn Emory, senior

4 Devin Dorey, junior

5 Maggie Krohn, sophomore

6 Molly Edmunds, senior

7 Bri Thomas, senior

7 Alencia Mace, sophomore

8 Kara Fedea, freshman

9 Anica Allstead, senior

10 Hanna Feijoo, junior

11 Aleah Tanguay, senior

12 Amber Duffy, senior

14 Mia Maldonado, junior

15 London Williams, senior

17 Analy Guth, junior

17 Alivia Soens, sophomore

18 Alexis Klonica, sophomore

Trenton baseball team off to a typical strong start

The Trenton baseball team flexed a little early season muscle in winning its first five games of the 2024 season, three of them by mercy rule.

The Trojans opened the campaign by sweeping neighboring Riverview 15-0 and 10-3. The team then beat Monroe Jefferson 13-1 and began Downriver League play with a 4-1 win over Wyandotte. The Trojans then beat Flat Rock 10-0 in the first game of a non-league doubleheader before losing the nightcap 7-2.

The wins over Riverview were a real tone-setter for the early season as the Trojans scored 25 runs and had 25 hits in the two games against the Bucs. In addition, junior Joel Mator pitched a three-inning no-hitter in the first game. Ashton Rooney was the winning pitcher in the season game.

Mator was again the story in Trenton’s first league game of the season. The junior fanned 12 Wyandotte Bears and allowed just one run on three hits in six innings of work as Trenton cruised to the 4-1 victory.

Trenton’s other early season wins – against Jefferson and Flat Rock – were real laughers.

Trenton scored five runs in the first and five on the third en route to a five-inning mercy-rule victory over Jefferson. Caleb Kidd earned the win.

Kidd was brilliant on the mound in the 10-0 five-inning win over Flat Rock. The senior gave up one hit – on a close play at first – while striking out seven and walking none.

Trenton lost a close one to Southgate, 3-1, on April 16 and battled Allen Park and Milan in games that were played after the Trenton Times’ press time.

If you’d like to catch a game, the Trojans have a whole bunch the next month and a half, including a tripleheader on April 27 with Ecorse, Charlotte, and Freeland providing the competition. Trenton will also host an invitational tournament just before districts on Saturday, May 25. Joining Trenton will be Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard, Dundee, and Muskegon

Trenton will host a Michigan High School Athletic Association district tournament at the end of the regular season. Teams at the district will be Trenton, Grosse Ile, Riverview, Summit Academy, and Southgate.

2024 Trenton Spring Schedules

BASEBALL

April 22 Lincoln Park, 4 p.m.

April 24 at Taylor, 4:30 p.m.

April 25 at Woodhaven, 4:30 p.m.

April 27 Ecorse, 10:30 a.m.

April 27 Charlotte, 12:30 p.m.

April 27 Freeland, 3 p.m.

May 1 Roosevelt, 4 p.m.

May 2 at Carlson, 4:30 p.m.

May 4 North Farmington, 11 a.m.

May 6 at Southgate, 4:30 p.m.

May 8 Edsel Ford, 4 p.m.

May 9 at Allen Park, 4:30 p.m.

May 10 Zeeland East, 4 p.m.

May 11 Hudsonville, 11 a.m.

May 11 Jenison, 1:30 p.m.

May 13 at Lincoln Park, 4:30 p.m.

May 15 Taylor, 4 p.m.

May 16 Woodhaven, 4 p.m.

May 18 Dearborn, 11 a.m.

May 21 Gabriel Richard, 4 p.m.

May 23 atChurchill, 4:30 p.m.

May 25 AA Gabriel Richard, 10 a.m.

May 25 Dundee, 12:30 p.m.

May 25 Muskegon, 3 p.m.

June 1 Districts, TBA

June 5 Regionals, TBA

SOFTBALL

April 22 Lincoln Park, 4 p.m.

April April 24 atTaylor, 4:30 p.m.

April 25 at Woodhaven, 4:30 p.m.

April 26 at Bedford, 4 p.m.

May 1 Roosevelt, 4 p.m.

May 2 at Carlson, 4:30 p.m.

May 3 Mercy, 4 p.m.

May 6 at Anderson, 4:30 p.m.

May 8 Edsel Ford, 4 p.m.

May 9 at Allen Park, 4:30 p.m.

May 11 at Airport, 11 a.m.

May 13 at Lincoln Park, 4:30 p.m.

May at Dexter, 4 p.m.

May 15 Taylor, 4 p.m.

May 16 Woodhaven, 4 p.m.

June 1, Districts, TBA

June 8, Regionals, TBA

SOCCER

April 22, Southgate, 7:30 p.m.

April 26 Notre Dame Prep, 6 p.m.

April 29 Lincoln Park, 6 p.m.

May 1 at Edsel Ford, 6 p.m.

May 3 Grosse Ile, 4:40 p.m.

May 6 AA Pioneer, 6 p.m.

May 22 Districts, TBA

June 4 Regionals, TBA

TENNIS

April 22 Gabriel Richard, 4 p.m.

April 23 at Southgate, 6 p.m.

April 30 Carlson, 4 p.m.

May 6 Chelsea, 4 p.m.

May 7 at Edsel Ford, 6 p.m.

May 11 Airport Tournament (at Trenton), 8 a.m.

May 15 Regionals, TBA

May 31 State Finals, TBA

GOLF

April 24 Tourney at Taylor Meadows, 8 a.m.

April 26 Tourney at Riverview Highlands, 8 a.m.

May 1 Tourney at Lakes of Taylor, 2:30 p.m.

May 2 Tourney at Lakes of Taylor, 9 a.m.

May 8 Tourney at West Shore, 2:30 p.m.

May 15 Tourney at Lake Erie Metropark, 2:30 p.m.

May 16 Tourney at Lake Erie Metropark, 8:30 a.m.

May 22 Tournament at Fellows Creek, 9 a.m.

May 28 Regionals, TBA

June 7 State Finals, TBA

TRACK

April 23 at Lincoln Park, TBA

April 24 at Carlson Invitational, 1:30 p.m.

April 30, Taylor, TBA

May 7 at Woodhaven, TBA

May 16 Regional, TBA

June 1, State Finals, TBA

ROWING

April 27 Hebda Cup, TBA

May 4 Wy-Hi Regatta, TBA

May 10-12 at Kensington, TBA

May 17-18 at Kensington, TBA

★

Signs of progress along the DLG

By WENDY PATE

Navigating the Iron Belle Trail just got easier. The Downriver Linked Greenways (DLG) recently installed 32 new wayfinding signs throughout the 10 Downriver communities located along the trail, from Flat Rock to the south end of Detroit, thanks to the $6.2 million federal and Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation grant funding secured in the last couple of years. Trenton cycle enthusiast, Bob Arzadon, appreciates the improvements, “I use them often as a guide, they’re a nice addition to my riding adventures.”

DLG engaged PEA Group’s team of engineers to study critical intersections in each community to determine where the signs needed to be placed and how traffic should flow. The wayfinding signs include the names of the town and markers to identify the trail, such as the DLG or Iron Belle, providing assurance to travelers that they remain on the correct trail. Then, directional arrows guide users to safe pathways: forward arrows would mean to continue in the same direction, while a bend in the arrow would indicate the need to cross the street at that spot, and then continue.

In Trenton, these intersections along West Jefferson include: Sibley, West, Walnut, Elizabeth Dr, Slocum, and Grosse Ile Parkway. Moving south, the plan is for traffic to enter Trenton at Sibley Rd on the west side of Jefferson, shift east at West Rd, then back to the west side near Elizabeth park, where the trail continues toward the International Wildlife Refuge and beyond. DTE also expressed interest in improving the safety of the trail at the Grosse Ile Parkway intersection in its design for the renovated power plant and planned riverfront passage.

As a former Trenton Councilperson and Trail Town Chair myself, I am excited to see these additions in our community. What’s important is that people now have consistency in messaging. The signage is a visual reminder to folks that our waterfront corridor is connected to a common strategy of using the trails for economic development and enhancing healthy living as we continue to transition from our industrial past. Trenton’s recent branding initiative, gateway mural, the DDA’s work on Rotary Park, parking lot improvements, facade grants, and art festival all contribute to providing exceptional quality of life through our natural resources.

Eric Antolak was recently hired as the new Trail Program Manager and now serves as the point of contact for trail-related initiatives with Downriver Linked Greenways. Signage being a small part of his work, he will also be overseeing the project’s goals of filling gaps, improving poor sidewalks, paving connectors, as well as adding upgraded safety measures at the 22 intersections and designing bike lanes along West Jefferson. Trenton will see roughly 0.7 miles of gap improvements, new crosswalk markings, lighting, and amenities added to the trail.

Antolak is an EMU graduate, earning a Bachelor of Science in Sport Performance and Business and a Master of Science in Sport Management. An avid outdoorsman and lifelong resident of Downriver, Eric is well positioned to oversee the project, “I love the community and look forward to improving the accessibility of Downriver Linked Greenways trail systems.” If you would like to connect with Eric, please email him at eantolak@detroitriver.org.

Photo by Bob Arzadon

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Trenton High School Theatre shines with successful season

The theater program at Trenton High School has once again demonstrated its excellence with a series of remarkable performances throughout the academic year.

From captivating dramas to beloved musicals, the students involved have showcased their talent, dedication, and creativity on stage and on a competitive level.

Kicking off the season was the fall play, “Clue: High School Edition,” presented on November 10th and 11th, 2023. Directed by sophomore Grace Hibbard, this production featured a 16-student cast and a 14-student stage crew and production team.

Junior Noah McCardell led the cast as Wadsworth in a performance that delighted audiences. The production boasted one of Trenton High School’s most complex and sophisticated sets to date, featuring multiple moving parts that facilitated seamless transitions between rooms, enhancing the immersive experience for the audience.

Following the fall play, the theater program ventured into the competitive realm with “At the Bottom of Lake Missoula.” Presented from January to February 2024, this production not only wowed audiences but also earned accolades on the competitive circuit. Under the direction of sophomore Bella Rockov, the 16-student cast and crew delivered powerful performances, tackling themes of grief and loss with sensitivity and skill. Senior Ava Cheff and junior Noah McCardell led the cast with poignant portrayals, drawing emotional responses from audiences at every performance. The production’s minimalistic approach, devoid of elaborate sets and props, allowed the focus to remain squarely on the actors and the script. This emphasis on performance excellence earned Trenton High School numerous awards and recognitions at competitions, including a notable 3rd place finish at the Michigan Interscholastic Forensics Association

(MIFA) State Theatre Festival. Competing within the Michigan Interscholastic Forensics Association (MIFA), Trenton High School Theatre showcases its talent and dedication in the realm of high school theater. MIFA offers two distinct categories for theater competitions: main stage and studio, with Trenton opting for the studio category. According to MIFA’s guidelines, studio productions emphasize the actors and the script, with minimal emphasis on technical aspects such as sets, lighting, or props. Furthermore, each category is divided into two divisions based on student population and school size. At the recent competitions, Trenton High School Theatre excelled, earning notable achievements at each level. At Districts hosted by Olivet High School, the theater program secured 1st Place in Studio, accompanied by a Superior Award in Acting for the Entire Ensemble and an Excellent Award in Props for the Entire Ensemble. Individual awards were also bestowed upon students, including Superior Awards for Ava Cheff and Noah McCardell,

Belknap, Emma Collins, and Natalie Glass. At Regionals held at Henry Ford II High School, Trenton High School Theatre continued to impress, achieving 3rd Place in Studio. The production received a Superior Award for Innovative Lighting and an Excellent Award for Ensemble Environmental Sound. Additionally, individual recognition was received by Ava Cheff, Noah McCardell, Kylie Belknap, Emma Collins, Natalie Glass, Ava Cheff, and Cam Birch for various contributions. The culmination of their efforts peaked at States hosted by Wayne State University, where, as mentioned, Trenton High School Theatre earned 3rd Place in Studio Division 1. Additionally, a Superior Award for Family Ensemble was earned. Individual accolades included Superior Awards for Ava Cheff, Noah McCardell, and Audrey Kelch, and an Excellent Award for Bella Rockov for Student Directing. Through these achievements, Trenton High School Theatre demonstrates its commitment to excellence and its prowess in the theatrical arts.

Rounding out the season was the

and the Beast,” presented on March 15th and 16th, 2024. With a cast of 50 students spanning grades K-12, accompanied by a 15-student stage crew and a 14-student orchestra, this production marked a significant milestone for Trenton High School Theatre. Directed by sophomores Cam Birch and Grace Hibbard, the musical featured standout performances from senior Ava Cheff as Belle, junior Noah McCardell as the Beast, and junior Zach Haddad as Gaston. The production saw record-breaking turnout, captivating audiences with its vibrant energy and timeless story.

As THS Theatre Director Cheyla Wagner celebrates a decade of leadership at Trenton High School and reflects on her own journey as a Trenton graduate, the success of the theater program stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of creativity and excellence within the community.

From the thrill of competition to the magic of musical theater, the students of Trenton High School continue to inspire and delight audiences, leaving an indelible mark on the local arts

Awesomeness Opening Soon

We are excited to start this journey with you! Our mission is to create a fun classy atmosphere with a ordable prices and excellent service! We hope you get as excited about it as we are. At the Tipsy Fish, we believe our sta , colleagues, and customers are the key to success. Meet the owners and operators of the Tipsy Fish: Rob and Rosanne Bruner and Shelby Langlands.

e Bruners are successful restaurateurs; they currently own and operate Mister Nick’s, the classic neighborhood

destination located in the heart of Trenton, MI. With Nick’s thriving, Rob and Rosanne decided they wanted to expand their wings and open a second restaurant. Within this new business, they wanted to capture the community a ection of Mister Nick’s and add the nuisance of a one-of-a-kind experience. So, they began manifesting their dream, e Tipsy Fish.

With 17 years of restaurant experience, Shelby Langlands, will be the General Manager of Tipsy Fish

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

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Team Rubicon coming to Grosse Ile

...Don’t be alarmed and take to social media with wild rumors of an invasion or a local version of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre. They are members of Team Rubicon, “a veteran-led humanitarian organization, built to serve global communities before, during, and after disasters and crises.” Most notably, they assist FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) in disaster relief.

On that weekend, 20-25 Team Rubicon volunteers and support staff will be conducting training operations in Chainsaw Proficiency Development. They will be clearing and sawing trees which have been already marked by the Nature Conservancy and Greenways/Open Space committee. Team Rubicon does all their work on the ground and does not climb trees or conduct aerial cutting.

Grosse Ile Nature & Land Conservancy Stewardship Chair, Peter Kantz, explains, “This is a win-win situation for our natural areas and Team Rubicon. They use community projects such as ours for training volunteers and sharpening their skills. They like to cut up fallen trees and generally work on the weekends on projects that simulate disaster response.”...

On page 16

Unveiling Grosse Ile’s “History Walk”

Residents and visitors of Grosse Ile are invited to embark on a journey through the island’s rich history with the unveiling of the new “History Walk” at the Historical Society property, located

at the corner of Grosse Ile Parkway and East River Road. This captivating timeline comprises seven panels adorned with accompanying photos, offering a comprehensive overview of Grosse Ile’s evolution from its earliest days to the present.

Recognizing the constraints of limited museum hours, the Historical Society envisioned a display that would allow the community to explore the island’s history at their leisure. The History Walk serves as an accessible and engaging alternative, providing a glimpse into Grosse Ile’s past for all to enjoy...

On page 23

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Riverview figure skater ventures into international figure skating circuit

At just 13 years old, Adeline Chinavare, affectionately known as Addy, is already making waves in figure skating as she gears up to showcase her talent internationally. A student at Seitz Middle School, Addy is set to represent Team USA at the 8th Nations Cup. This is a prestigious international competition for theatre on ice and synchronized skating

that is to be held in France at the end of April.

Addy’s dedication to her skating is evident in her rigorous training schedule. The young skater spends close to 15 hours on the ice each week. She splits her time between Skate Company’s Skating Club in Lincoln Park, MI and The Ice House Skating Academy in Hartland, MI, home to the Harmony Theatre Company. The organization’s senior team has secured six national theatre on ice titles, making them the most successful team in the nation.

Addy has been honing her skills on the ice since she was four years old. While her three siblings are also involved in skating, her older sister has greatly influenced her in her competitive journey. Addy aspires to be as talented and recognized as her older sister, who, in Addy’s words, is “really, really, REALLY good.”...

On page 12

Riverview culinary students place in the top 5

...Teams competing in the Pasta Category are given just 60 minutes to craft a handmade pasta dish before adding their own creative touch to create a stand-out pasta dish.

The Pasta Category was sponsored by KitchenAid. All top 5 placement winners of this category are invited to participate in the Beyond the Green program at the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, where they will also participate in a showcase on May 22...

The competition helps students gain firsthand experience in critical industry skills like food safety, business management, menu development and marketing. Annually, more than 6,400 Michigan students at 86 high schools and career centers participate in the ProStart curriculum. It is a two-year

high school program that connects the classroom to the restaurant and foodservice industry.

On page 20

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Southgate honors heroes

Collaboration saves lives in apartment fire

On October 3rd, 2023, a towering inferno engulfed the Meadows Senior Apartment complex in Southgate, thrusting the community into a state of emergency. The blaze, which erupted in the 117-unit structure housing 129 active residents, quickly escalated to become one of the largest structure fires in Southgate’s history. In the face of this daunting challenge, Southgate’s emergency services responded with unparalleled courage and efficiency. The city’s dedicated police and fire departments were the first on the scene, swiftly initiating evacuation procedures and battling the blaze to prevent further devastation. Their heroic efforts, coupled with the absence of fatalities, stand as a testament to their unwavering commitment to protecting the lives and property of Southgate’s residents.

However, the magnitude of the fire necessitated

additional support, prompting a collaborative Downriver Mutual Aid Response. This cooperative effort saw the seamless integration of resources and personnel from eight neighboring fire and police agencies, including Allen Park, Brownstown, Ecorse, Riverview, Taylor, Trenton, and Wyandotte...

On page 1

Free community shred day at Genthe Chevrolet

The Southgate Rotary and Genthe Chevrolet are proud to host a FREE Community Shred Day on

Saturday, April 27th, from 9:30am-12:00pm. Visit them at 15600 Eureka Rd in Southgate for secure, on-site shredding provided by a trusted mobile document shredding company.

Residents from all communities are welcome to take part in this event. You may bring up to 5 boxes of sensitive documents for shredding. Accepted items include standard office paper, computer print-outs, credit card receipts, envelopes, binders, photocopies, photographs, and checks. Please note that books, magazines, x-ray films, computers, and computer accessories will not be accepted.

Partnered with the Rotary Club of Southgate, participants in Shred Day are invited to bring nonperishable food items to support a local food pantry or donations to support Rotary projects.

For more information, contact Fran Waszkiewicz at (313) 633-9916. Don’t miss this opportunity to securely dispose of your documents while giving back to the community!

On page 7

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Take a stroll through the Taste of Downtown by Mayor Robert DeSana

Come visit Wyandotte and enjoy our Taste of Downtown on Friday, April 19th – a new strolling food event where you can sample all your favorite local food spots, or try something new. Make your way throughout our beautiful Downtown District, sipping and nibbling, all within one of Michigan’s most robust Social Districts, complete with 25 licensed establishments within blocks of one another. Grab your favorite beverage and enjoy the outdoors while visiting our local businesses. Grab a craft cocktail from the Vault or a microbrew from the Wyandotte Beer Co., and take a stroll about town.

The Taste of Downtown is the perfect start to our Annual Restaurant Week running Saturday, April 20th through Saturday, April 27th. This is Wyandotte’s favorite time of year to showcase our prominent bars, restaurants, bakeries, sweet shops and the community at-large, offering an incredible set of packages, 2-for-1 specials, $15-$25-$40 deals, and tons more!

Enjoy some of Wyandotte’s newest establishments like JBird – Downriver’s premier self-service wine bar that’s equal parts trendy and swanky. They have amazing premium wines to enjoy by the sip or by the pour, and they often feature live musical perfor-

mances with great Downriver artists. Being responsible? Visit Kekoa Brew Co. for a premium coffee drink or delicious craft mocktail. This family-owned coffee company has brought their amazing business to Wyandotte after years of success operating out of a mobile food trailer.

On page 3

Wyandotte girls close out fine season

The Wyandotte Roosevelt girls basketball team finished up its finest season in years on March 8, when the Bears fell 45-43 in a heartbreaker to Riverview in the finals of the Michigan High School Athletic Association district tournament at Allen Park High School.

The district championship game saw two of Downrvier’s more solid teams battling each other. Riverview, which was second in the Huron League, came into the game with a 17-4 record. Roosevelt, the third place team in the Downriver League behind Trenton and Woodhaven, came into the game with a 16-7 mark.

The clubs delivered a great game, with an outcome that was uncertain all night long.

On page 15

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!

www.ForresterLawOffice.com

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