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Former Bear all-stater Sowards wraps up fine collegiate career at MSU

Hard work pays dividends Dave Gorgon Wyandotte Warrior

This month, Brandon Sowards will start the next phase of his post-football life and the first job following his graduation from Michigan State University.

With a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s degree in human resources and labor relations, the Wyandotte native will become an HR specialist at the Lear Corporation.

Besides the two degrees, Sowards leaves college with a reputation as an outstanding athlete who overcame the odds to play Division 1 football on a scholarship, who overcame injuries to contribute to the Spartans’ success and who leaves East Lansing with a Big Ten championship, a role in what some Spartans consider the greatest play in MSU history and memories that will

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On the field, Sowards was a receiver and punt returner and part of the kick-defend unit on the 2015 conference championship team that defeated the University of Michigan and Ohio State University, beat Iowa in the Big Ten title game and played Alabama in the Cotton Bowl. He played seven games that year as a redshirt freshman to earn the first of his three letters.

Sowards was one of the 11 State defenders on the field who turned a botched U of M punt into a touchdown in a play heard around the college football world.

All 12th-ranked Michigan had to do was punt the ball to secure a 23-21 victory on the last play of the game on October 17 at The Big House, but the punter mishandled the snap, which was recovered by the seventhranked Spartans and returned for a touchdown as time expired to give MSU a 27-23 victory.

SEE SOWARDS, Page 5

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WYANDOTTE WARRIOR < February 22 - March 25, 2020 < Page 3

Lincoln Center gets important equipment donated Dave Gorgon Wyandotte Warrior

A Downriver restaurant owner has fulfilled the needs of a Wyandotte school that serves young autistic individuals.

Fredi Bello, better known as “Fredi the Pizzaman,” donated more than $4,200 worth of equipment to the Lincoln Center for use in the facility’s Sensory Room. The center serves students ages 5 to 26 with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Cognitive Impairment/Emotional impairment.

Lincoln Center, located at 891 Goddard Road, was the 16th school to receive assistance from Bello and his Fredi the Pizzaman Foundation. Total donations have surpassed $29,000.

The center, which was established in 2000, services students from 17 Downriver school districts. The school has a goal of providing education opportunities that challenge students and respect all individuals. School staff believes that all students can learn and achieve academic success, the importance of lifelong learning and that parent/guardian involvement is essential to student success.

Bello said Lincoln staff reached out to his foundation in October with a

letter about the school and the needs for the Sensory Room. He said he met with school officials and purchased the equipment.

Bello, whose Fredi the Pizzaman restaurant is in Melvindale, said he became aware of the needs of such

facilities once his son Antonio was diagnosed with autism four years ago.

Bello said he met with a teacher at Antonio’s school, Allen Academy, and began a campaign to raise funds to meet the needs of Allen and other facilities.

“I learned about the special teachers who want to teach children with special needs,” Bello said. “That’s when I wanted to help.”

Antonio, now 7, accompanied Bello, wife Romina and his siblings Alessandra and Adriana when the 52 pieces of equipment were delivered to Lincoln.

“The equipment purchased gives the kids a safe place to play and the equipment gives them a calming space and helps them refocus – which is the biggest focus of a sensory room,” Bello said.

Upcoming foundation fundraisers include an inaugural bowling and walk for autism on April 26 and a fifth annual golf outing on Aug. 1.

For more information, visit the website fredithepizzaman.com or the foundation Facebook page.

Lincoln Center Program Administrator Lauren Feigel said on the center’s website that staff provides “exciting and challenging opportunities for all students.”

“All of the staff at TLC are excited to support the students academically, socially and emotionally,” Feigel said. “Together we will develop and maintain a school culture that leads to student success.”

Take care of the ‘master system’ and it will take care of you The Master system We live our lives through our nervous systems. Enjoying a sunset, digesting dinner or warding off an infection depends upon our nervous system.

Better nervous system means a better quality of life.

Our culture is focused on blood, such as pulse, blood pressure and cholesterol.

These largely result from nervous system directions. So even the smallest nervous system disturbance can dramatically affect the way your whole body works.

The moving bones of the spinal column must protect the spinal cord and nerve roots. And they must do this while permitting us to turn and bend. No wonder many people think chiropractic is all about bones.

But I see myself primarily as a nerve doctor, not a bone doctor. The spinal column is merely the most common source of nerve disturbances between the brain and body.

Reducing nervous system tension allows your body to work normally so health can manifest.

Keep your energy up all day long It’s mid-afternoon, and you had too many starchy foods for lunch. Now your energy level is taking a nosedive.

Combating a slump during the workday doesn’t require copious amounts of caffeine.Try these natural energizers to keep you plugging along ‘til five or beyond. n Conduct meetings or take phone calls on your feet. n Stretch, do simple exercises or take a brisk 10-15 minute walk. If possible,

Try drinking more water to help keep you energized and working hard through any midday slumps.

consider getting a standing desk or a treadmill desk. n Satisfy hunger and avoid that slump with a high-protein snack such as almonds or a boiled egg. Avoid sugar, as you’ll likely experience a crash, which may make you sleepier. n Drink more water. While you should limit caffeine, drink a cup of green tea instead. It can provide the perfect pick-me-up and provide many health benefits. n Be sure to get adjusted. A chiropractic checkup is a natural way to keep your body healthy and energized

Page 4 > February 22 - March 25, 2020 > WYANDOTTE WARRIOR

WYANDOTTE WARRIOR < February 22 - March 25, 2020 < Page 5

SOWARDS Continued from page 1 “It was kind of crazy,” said Sowards, still relishing the memories. “The coach says we’re going for it. He calls me in.

The rest is history. I’m lined up to the left of the punter. We all rush. We score.

It’s a blur.”

Just over a month later, the Spartans ended the undefeated season of Ezekiel Elliot and third-ranked Ohio State with a game-ending field goal by kicker Matt Geiger with no time left on the clock in Columbus. The 17-14 game ended the Buckeyes’ chances for a NCAA championship playoff game.

With the Spartans controlling their own destiny, they went on to crush Penn State the next weekend, 55-16. MSU then won the Big 10 championship with a 16-13 win over Iowa.

The 2015 season remains Sowards’ fondest memories on the football field.

“The entire year was magical,” he said. “All the games were fairly close. It Sowards was all-state and helped Roosevelt to a regional championship as a was unbelievable.” high schooler Some might say Sowards’ entire journey to Michigan State and beyond the Michigan Mr. Hockey Award. In technology – and now works as an was magical. The route was filled with prep football, he excelled as a fullback, operating room nurse at the University challenges, but there was nothing to linebacker and safety and then went of Michigan Medical Center. make him give up. And he persevered. on to Ferris State, where he studied When he was old enough, Brandon criminal justice. followed suit with the Wyandotte A Football Family Now 29, Todd is a state trooper based Indians. At Roosevelt, earned All-State The youngest of three sons of Todd in the Houston, Texas, area. honors, playing receiver, defensive and Tina Sowards, Brandon was born AJ and Brandon played football, back and on special teams. He started into what many call a “football family.” basketball and track in high school. two years and was a senior captain.

Dad Todd and his brother Uncle Craig AJ went on to play fullback In 25 games those seasons, he had 70 had played at Roosevelt High School at Ferris State. In the offreceptions for 1,557 yards and 22 with Craig playing a bit at Ferris State. season, he returned to touchdowns. On defense his senior All three sons – a younger Todd, AJ Wyandotte to work out with year, he had 43 tackles and three and Brandon – would follow in dad’s Brandon and his high school interceptions. He also led the team in footsteps and actually played multiple teammates, giving them punt returns and kick returns. sports and excelled at all of them. The info on what it’s like to be a His junior season, 2012, the Bears older Sowards were determined to receiver on the college level. reached the Division 2 state coach the boys right, starting with the In all, AJ said he semifinals. The next year, Wyandotte Indians in the Downriver played six years they were 11-1 and were Junior Football League. of “little league regional champions.

“I credit my dad and uncle,” AJ football,” “Brandon was a said. “They coached us at seven years four years at workhorse,” said old. As soon as we hit the field, it was Roosevelt and Ron Adams, instilled in us the need for hard work, five years at who just determination and grit… They literally Ferris, starting completed turned men into boys. Not only me and 18 games in his 15th year my brothers, but the community.” college. He coaching The trio of sons played football at earned three Roosevelt Roosevelt High School, like their dad bachelor’s football and his and uncle, and they played other sports degrees – in 31st season overall. “He as well. Younger Todd would excel in science, science wasn’t always very vocal, hockey locally and across the continent nursing and but he had a motor that to the point where he was runner-up for health information would not stop. He took a

lot of pride in performing at high level – not just in games, but he understood the effort it took in practice.

“When Brandon was younger, he wasn’t very big, but he put the time in the weight room. His senior year was an outstanding year. We had a very, very good football team that year as well.

Obviously, he wanted to play college football.”

Next Step: College Football Brandon received a great deal of attention from Division 2 recruiters.

He really wanted to play Division 1 football, but accepted a full scholarship to Grand Valley State, which was a D2 powerhouse.

Suddenly, then-Michigan State receivers Coach Terrence Samuel started recruiting Brandon, who he signed as a “preferred walk-on,” de-committing to Grand Valley. There would be no scholarship the first year, but college funding would come 1½ years later.

Brandon was redshirted the 2014 season, but played seven games in the memorable 2015 season as a redshirt freshman.

In 2016, his sophomore season, Brandon played in 12 games, primarily on special teams. He led the team in punt returns with 94 yards on 15 returns, including four punt returns against Rutgers.

A pair of injuries would cause Brandon to miss the entire 2017 campaign due. At the start of winter conditioning, he broke his foot and was out all spring.

He returned and was having “the best camp” of his college career – he said he was on target to be the team’s No. 1 receiver at that point. In the last summer camp scrimmage, he remembers running a hitch route, getting caught between two teammates and suffering a torn ACL. “That (knee injury) actually shaped me into the person I am today,” he said.

“Like anything in life, you have your ups and downs. The way you handle adversities is part of life.”

He praised the work of the MSU training staff, particularly Tamaria Hibler, for being there for any issues he had.

“Tam helped me through the process mentally and physically,” he said.

After making a full recovery, Brandon returned for a productive 2018, SEE HARD WORK, Page 6

Page 6 > February 22 - March 25, 2020 > WYANDOTTE WARRIOR

HARD WORK

LIBERTY TAX GIVES BACK “You do life, we do taxes.”

Continued from page 5 his senior season. He recorded a careerhigh 18 catches for 201 yards in 13 games and led the team in punt returns (11 for 81 yards). He caught three passes for 59 yards vs. Northwestern University and earned MSU Special Units Player of the Week team honor after a career-long 24-yard punt return vs. Central Michigan.

Because he had missed a season due to injury, Brandon received a sixth year of eligibility as a grad student in the just-completed 2019 season. He was a punt returner.

In all, Brandon played in 32 games, became one of the top 15 all-time punt returners in MSU history and became a rare player to earn Academic All-Big Ten honors five times.

Making Us Proud Brandon credits all of his coaches – his father, his uncle Craig (who is a police officer in Riverview), Adams, assistant coaches, his brothers and others – for giving him the opportunities to play football and other sports and contributing to his success.

“I’m proud of him as a man,” Adams said. “He’s done a great job representing his family, representing our football program and representing the great City of Wyandotte. That’s what you hope for.”

Brandon and girlfriend Madison Lipinski, a fellow Roosevelt alumnus, have been a couple for seven years.

She is in her last semester at MSU and will graduate this year with a degree in human biology.

“When I look back at Brandon, obviously I’m extremely proud,” said his brother AJ. “The thing I’m most proud of is his everyday life and how humble he is. He’s a team guy. He’s always pushing ‘it’s not me, it’s the team.’ He’s selfless. He’s done the right things off the field. He got his master’s and I’m extremely proud of that. He’s a great man overall.”

Their father Todd said he feels “a tremendous sense of pride” in all that Brandon has accomplished.

“You spend a lot of time and energy getting to that point and then once you get there you’re still working at it extremely hard,” said Todd, who commutes daily from the family’s Wyandotte home to Lansing, where

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he is general manager at Adessa Auto Auction. “Everyone is at the same skill level in college. The effort you have to put in before and after practice sets young people apart. Fortunately, Brandon is a very hard worker and is very football intelligent.”

The recognition as a five-time allacademic football player in the Big Ten “is Brandon in a nutshell,” is dad said.

“No matter what it is, he fought his way through and made it happen,” Todd said. “I always told my boys there are two types of people: those who watch what happens and those who make it happen. Which one are you?”

Brandon, now 24 years old, said he is happy with his time at Michigan State.

“Not too many people thought or knew the career I’d have,” he said. “My family and coaches knew the type of career I’d have and the person I am. Do I wish I had better stats? Yeah. Who wouldn’t want to be the leading receiver in the Big 10?”

Brandon overcame obstacles and wound up playing college football in the Big 10. He overcame injuries and made his way back into the lineup. He worked hard and earned a scholarship that led to bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He excelled on the field and off the field. He has literally been living the dream.

So what does Brandon tell younger athletes?

“No matter the circumstances, go for your dreams,” he said. “Focus on hard work and dedication and you can achieve your dreams. I always dreamed of playing football in the Big 10. I always look back and say I achieved my dreams.”

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AAUW Women’s History Month event Join the local branch of the AAUW in observance of Women’s History Month at a special reception honoring the women who own businesses throughout downtown Wyandotte.

The public is invited to gather at River’s Edge Gallery on Biddle Avenue between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. on Friday, March 13, to meet these exceptional entrepreneurs, explore the gallery, and be entertained by music provided by Heather HartwickGladden, Carol Scott, Doug Scott, and Nancy Gruits, while being served wine and cheese by members of the Wyandotte-Downriver Branch of AAUW. If you have a business card, submit it for door prize drawing and networking.

In addition, AAUW will provide a booklet of material and a map featuring the dozens of Wyandotte women-owned businesses, encouraging participants to browse through them during the course of the evening, and to patronize them

through March 31.

The featured establishments will have specially-designed signs posted in their windows to denote their status as being owned by women, and they will make special discounts and promotions available exclusively for those who attend the reception.

Pre-registration is available to attend this free event via email to aauwwd@gmail.com, for planning purposes.

The Wyandotte-Downriver Branch of AAUW is comprised of college graduates as well as anyone who supports gender fairness and equity, individual rights, and social justice for a diverse and inclusive society.

For information, contact Branch President Sheila Blair, at (734) 674-2246 or blair.s@live.com.

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Downriver to welcome The Wall that Heals The City of Riverview is proud to announce that The Wall That Heals is coming to Downriver and will be hosted by the City of Riverview in Young Patriots Park.

The Wall will be on display May 27-31, 2020.

The Wall That Heals is a three quarter size traveling exact replica of the Vietnam Wall in Washington D.C. The success of The Wall That Heals comes from those who volunteer their time. Please visit the signup genius at signupgenius.com/

go/4090c4daea72caaf58-thewall or search dmitchell@cityofriverview. com at signupgenius.com.

You can also check out our event page on Facebook at Riverview Recreation Department for volunteering opportunities.

For more information please contact Todd Dickman at 734-2814219 or email him at tdickman@ cityofriverview.com.

The wall comes to Riverview thanks to its sponsor Ceasar Capital Management.

Page 8 > February 22 - March 25, 2020 > WYANDOTTE WARRIOR

CULINARY CAPERS Evelyn Cairns Wyandotte Warrior

Because February is National Chocolate Month, as well as National Cherry Month, I will share one of my three favorite recipes to celebrate the occasion: a chocolate cherry cake. My two other favorites are an intoxicatingly delicious Bacardi rum cake and a Jewish coffee cake with a brown sugar and walnut filling.

The chocolate cake was originally published in Culinary Capers two years ago, but because readers of the Southgate Star, the Riverview Register and the Wyandotte Warrior were not receiving those publications at that time, I’m repeating the recipe for them and others who may have missed it.

You won’t believe how easy it is to make this one-bowl wonder, which looks and tastes awesome when drizzled with a two-ingredient icing.

And do think about investing in a 12cup Bundt pan if you don’t already have one. If you worry that the cake might stick, just be sure to spray the pan well with a spray made for baking.

In the meantime, according to my indispensable substitution chart, a 9x15-inch cake pan would also accommodate 12 cups of batter. The chart doesn’t provide oven temperatures and baking times, however.

EASY CHOCOLATE CHERRY CAKE 2 cups all-purpose flour ¾ cup sugar 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon cinnamon Dash salt ¾ cup cooking oil 2 eggs, lightly beaten 2 teaspoons vanilla 21-ounce can cherry pie filling 1 cup chocolate chips 1 cup chopped nuts Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, stir the flour, sugar baking soda, cinnamon, salt, oil, eggs and vanilla until well mixed. Then stir in the pie filling, chocolate chips and nuts, until combined. Pour into a 12-cup Bundt pan sprayed well with Pam for baking or Wilton Bake Easy. Bake for 1 hour or until a toothpick comes out

clean. Turn out onto a rack or plate to cool, then drizzle with an icing made by combining 1 cup confectioners’ sugar and 4 to 5 teaspoons milk.

••• For an even-easier February chocolate-and-cherry celebration, consider making the chocolate cake that became popular, by necessity, during the Great Depression and topping each serving with whipped cream or Cool Whip and a spoonful of cherry pie filling. The cake is also known as Mix-in-the-Pan Cake, Crazy Cake and Wacky Cake.

According to Wikipedia, it is made without butter, milk or eggs because those ingredients were scarce or very expensive after the 1929 stock-market crash.

Traditionally, the dry ingredients are placed in a cake pan and mixed with a fork before liquid ingredients are measured into three depressions made in the mixture, then stirred and baked.

That’s how I made it the first time, but I thought the cake was quite dry, and it stuck to the bottom of the pan.

So, the next time, I combined one of my own recipes and others I found online.

Instead of adding the liquid ingredients to three depressions in a pan, I opted for a more conventional method, which I have included, with better results.

DEPRESSION CAKE (Adapted) 1½ cups all-purpose flour 1 cup granulated sugar 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt 1 cup water 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 tablespoon vinegar 6 tablespoons cooking oil Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray or lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking pan. Sift flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda and salt into a medium bowl. In a smaller bowl, combine the water, vanilla, vinegar and cooking oil. Stir into the dry ingredients, mixing well with a spoon, then pour into the baking pan. Bake 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cut into squares and top each serving with whipped cream or Cool Whip and a spoonful of cherry pie filling.

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East River Folk Society

Celebrating 30 years of timeless entertainment Dave Gorgon Wyandotte Warrior

F

olk music is alive and well every second Saturday of the month at the Downriver Council of the Arts at 81 Chestnut Street in Wyandotte.

Organizers of the East River Folk Society are celebrating 30 years by inviting entertainers to open-mic nights and inviting music lovers to enjoy timeless music.

On March 14, eight to 10 musicians can sign up between 6 and 6:45 p.m. to perform in a coffee-house style setting. The music starts at 7 p.m. and concludes with a Celtic music show – just in time for St. Patrick’s Day – featuring the Irish trio KilMullen with Andy Kilburn on fiddle, Kim Kilburn on tin whistle and Mike Mullen on Celtic harp.

Admission is $3 for members of the society or the arts council; $5 for everyone else. Coffee and snacks will be available.

Open-mic nights are scheduled monthly from September through May. The February concert drew musicians from Photo by Dave Gorgon throughout the region and featured singer-songwriter Jeff Karoub performs on the Downriver Council for the Arts stage during an open mic night.

Jeff Karoub as the featured performer – and drew the largest crowd in recent memory. the guitar. My emphasis has been acoustic music and the Blue Water Folk Society and Thumbfest, the single All musicians perform for free and proceeds are bringing it back to the singer-songwriter.” largest one-day folk music event in Michigan, which divided between the nonprofit East River Folk Society Mullen remembers his brother Bob performing folk drew performers from all over the Midwest. and the DCA. music as president of the folk music society at Wayne Mullen served as president of the East River Folk The arts council is a new venue for the East River State. Mullen said Bob was part of a trio that included Society until 1995 when he moved to Plymouth. He Folk Society, which was founded in the summer of best friend Dr. Tom Dickoff that made numerous started the Baseline Folk Society in Northville in 2005.

1989 by Mullen and fellow Grosse Ile musicians recordings and was just about to “take off” when Bob The group is still going strong.

George Stewart and Mary Colie. drowned in a boating accident.

The East River society moved to Wyandotte in the Mullen, who has a graphic design and letter press Mullen, who was 10 years old at the time, said he mid-1990s, originally at the First Presbyterian Church, studio in the basement of the arts council, recently saved Bob’s guitar and continues playing it to this day. until it closed, and then St. John Episcopal Church. returned as president of the organization he helped He also plays the mountain dulcimer and the Celtic Mullen credits Rick Pitts with keeping the society create. He struck an agreement with DCA Executive harp. “alive.” Pitts was president when he met with Mullen Director Erin Suess to move into the current facility.

In the 1980s, Mullen and Stewart, now deceased, and Colie last summer and asked them to get involved He recruits feature performers and is an avid promoter performed at Stewart’s Grosse Ile restaurant Truly again. Pitts remains treasurer of the society and is the of the open-mic nights.

Gourmet. The two had met while performing at a Crop lighting engineer during open-mic nights. He also “I knew the DCA would be a terrific spot,” Mullen Walk in 1983 at St. James Episcopal Church. Despite performs. Colie now resides in Brownstown Township. said. “It’s a wonderful venue. The room has a great a 20-year age difference, they clicked and continued Mullen is in multiple singing groups. In 2004, years vibe for music.” performing together. after his brother’s death, Mullen found a number of He said folk music was most popular during the “Mary heard us several times and came up with the recordings that his brother did with Dickoff. Mullen, 1960s. The term “folk music” originated in the 19th idea to have a monthly folk music event,” Mullen said. Dickoff and Dr. Jeff London formed a band called Century. Top folk music performers have included “She thought George and I could perform and have Pairadocs. the Kingston Trio, Gordon Lightfoot, Peter, Paul and others perform.”

“My brother’s music partner is now my music Mary, Bob Dylan, Arlo and Woody Guthrie and Simon Mullen said the East River Folk Society originated partner,” said Mullen, who once again lives on Grosse and Garfunkel. at the Grosse Ile Recreation Department, where Colie Ile. “Folk music transcends generations and transcends worked, and moved to the St. James, which is located Meanwhile, the East River Folk Society “is doing musical taste,” Mullen said. “Folk music is a big on East River Road. While the location has changed just as I hoped,” he said. “We had the largest turnout umbrella. We attract many performers that have several times, the name East River remains. nothing to do with folk music who like to sing and play Years later, Stewart moved to Lexington and formed SEE FOLK, Page 10

Page 10 > February 22 - March 25, 2020 > WYANDOTTE WARRIOR

FOLK Continued from page 9 in recent memory,” thanks in part to Downriver native Karoub, a reporter for Associated Press whose musical career has a following.

“The Downriver Council for the Arts is an amazing organization,” Mullen said. “It’s such a good fit for the East River Folk Society. I don’t know any open mics that have been going on longer than this one. A 30-year run is pretty significant.”

Karoub got his start at East River in the early-to-mid-1990s as half of the duo “Jar.” A decade later, he began honing his craft as a solo artist. In the Photo by Dave Gorgon 2010s, he released four albums under Jeff Karoub (left) of Dearborn, Alayna Will of Wyandotte, Mike Mullen of Grosse Ile, John Rinn of Dearborn Heights, his own name and has been sharing Battered Hat of Dearborn, Rick Pitts of Dearborn Heights, Bobby Carroll of Lincoln Park. songs and stories across the Great Lakes Karoub agreed that the folk society As someone who believes connecting mandolin, fiddle and piano. “When region. with people is the most important thing is a great match with the DCA, which Mike invited me, I thought it would be His reconnection with East River I can do as a performer, this is the best is “all about promoting visual and great to rejoin a fantastic folk tradition came when Karoub and Mullen were way to do it.” performing arts, while the East River working for a media startup in Ann that once welcomed me and showed To learn more about Jeff Karoub and Folk Society is all about showcasing Arbor in the early 2000s. Mullen invited me a glimpse of the connection a his latest album Pieces Break, visit the Downriver area singer-songwriters performing songwriter can make with him to perform in February. website www.jeffkaroub.hearnow.com. and musicians, so there’s a natural fit an audience – beyond the garage or “I guess you can go home again,” between these two local organization. basement.” joked Karoub, who plays the guitar,

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McLouth cleanup advisory group members selected Paula Neuman Wyandotte Warrior

Seventeen Downriver residents have been appointed to a community advisory group — CAG — for the McLouth Steel Superfund cleanup.

The federal Superfund National Priorities List is administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The Superfund was created to clean up some of the nation’s most contaminated lands and to respond to environmental emergencies, oil spills and natural disasters.

Trenton Councilwoman Wendy Pate, U.S. Rep Debbie Dingell was present and spoke at a recent EPA community advisory group organizational meeting a founder of Trenton Visionaries and in Trenton. Seventeen members have been named to the CAG. Stakeholders, is one of those appointed to the McLouth Steel CAG. Members near the cleanup site) convert iron to steel, raising production are loud, noisy, dirty and harmful to the were appointed Feb. 13 at a public At-large Trenton, Riverview and and creating a superior product to meet environment and roads and lead to a meeting in Trenton.

Grosse Ile residents named to the group the automotive industry’s demands. decline in overall quality of life in the “A CAG is meant to help educate are: Ryan Stewart and Edie Traster of For decades, the plant employed surrounding areas.” residents about the cleanup, as well as Trenton; Dick Whitwam of Rockwood, thousands of workers, and from miles A petition opposing the provide feedback to those involved in executive director of the Pointe away, residents could see Downriver’s redevelopment plan has more than the cleanup about citizens’ concerns and Mouilee Waterfowl Festival; Grosse eastern night skies turn a fiery orange 1,200 signatures to date. suggestions, so that better decisions can Ile residents Larry Ladomer, Judith when molten metal was poured.

Signers say they’d rather see a be made regarding the cleanup process,” Maiga and Dennis O’Brien; and Mary Imported steel from Japan and mixed-use redevelopment with some she said. “The EPA coordinators took Bohling, an educator with Michigan Europe, depressed prices, changes in sort of access to the Detroit River. all our suggestions and created the State University Extension’s Michigan construction materials to plastics, and In May, more than 50 Grosse foundation for the CAG.” Sea Grant and a member of the Detroit economic recession all took their toll on Ile residents concerned about the The group will meet from 7 to 9 p.m. River Public Advisory Council McLouth in the early 1980s, and a new redevelopment plan attended a on the second Thursday of each month More members may be appointed owner eventually purchased the once township board meeting, where the starting in March. in the future to represent Trenton thriving company, which was now in board unanimously voted to approve According to EPA Public Affairs Brownfields Authority, Friends of the bankruptcy. a resolution voicing those concerns.

Specialist Adrian Palomeque, the Detroit River, Downriver Walleye In 1995, McLouth filed again for The resolution was sent to the city of appointed members are: Federation and the Trenton Business bankruptcy and the property was Trenton.

• Jim Wagner representing the city of Association. transferred to multiple owners between The advisory group’s purview is only Trenton where he was city administrator The Trenton McLouth complex 1996 and 2017, when Wayne County the cleanup, not the redevelopment • Dean Workman representing is 197 waterfront acres of derelict foreclosed on the site, leading to its plan. the city of Riverview where he is a buildings and 23 heavily polluted purchase by the Moroun companies, “While the CAG is not a policycouncilman subsurface structures, including pits, and then to the Superfund cleanup making body, the CAG can learn about • Russell Bodrie representing Grosse basements and lagoons directly across agreement with MSC Land. these decisions being made about the Ile Township where is assistant fire the Trenton Channel of the Detroit Moroun’s companies have proposed levels of cleanup and development,” chief River from Grosse Ile. The site’s to redevelop the waterfront property, Pate said. n Brian Webb representing the Superfund cleanup is already underway. once the cleanup is complete, for an “With more knowledge about Riverview Brownfields Authority The steel plant site now is owned by industrial project described in Wayne cleanup and the possibilities for n Wendy Pate representing Trenton billionaire Manuel Moroun’s family County documents as an intermodal moving forward at the old McLouth Visionaries and Stakeholders company Crown Enterprises Inc., and shipping port. Many Downriver property, it is my hope that Trenton n Doug Thiel representing the Grosse MSC Land Co. LLC, also a Moroun residents oppose that plan. and the landowners can negotiate a Ile Nature and Land Conservancy business.

“This type of redevelopment will development that benefits both parties n Greg Karmazin representing the The Trenton McLouth Steel create a huge negative impact on our by using a sustainability model that Grosse Ile Civic Association plant, first opened in 1949, was once roads, air, waters and land that in turn incorporates greenspace, community n Paul Frost representing the celebrated as an industry leader. will reduce home values in the region,” interaction, an eco-friendly footprint Downriver Waterfront Conservancy The company brought in notable states a narrative on actionnetwork. that protects our river’s ecosystem, and n Elmer Trombley representing Past technological advances in its early org. “It also creates a safety hazard with that provides a high quality place for Employees of McLouth Steel years. frequent bridge closures and heavy people to live and work.” n Robert V. Johnson representing McLouth was the first plant in North truck and freight train traffic. No one abutters (residents or property owners America to use an oxygen process to wants to live near a shipping port. They

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To fight ‘invasive species’ area indies have a new weapon Peter Rose Wyandotte Warrior

H

aving been a part of a local and independent family retail business since 1972, my awareness of the arena in which I play has evolved as time has elapsed.

I have perspective that has some breadth and depth, having experienced retail effort in malls, strip centers and downtown environments. Change has been drastic.

External societal change is one thing. How we internalize change is fascinating to consider. After all: Change is not automatically bad.

Much change is good, and inevitable.

Fighting all change is silly, and fruitless.

But saying that does not change the fact that some change is bad. Some change needs to be resisted with as much force as can be mustered.

What has risen to the foreground for me is the awareness of how changes in regional spending choices have had such a deep and lasting effect on the well being of that region.

As a 17 year old person, it never occurred to me. As my company expanded during the 70s and 80s to have stores throughout the Detroit Metro, it never occurred to me.

Managing my business, or at least my role in that business, was all I focused on. As such, I was intent on keeping up with the fast changing of the retail landscape, not defensively, but from the perspective of being relevant and keeping my business moving forward. Growth is exciting.

But I didn’t see the forest for the trees; didn’t recognize that an army of varied invasive species had taken over the national, regional and local retail landscape, even as I watched pillar after pillar of local, often venerable brands we relied on crumble and fall.

I didn’t. I actually respected the national competition, and kept trying to compete, even as the angle of tilt of the field I was playing on kept increasing.

It came to be that nearly all of the

businesses that had comprised the regional retail industry were gone.

Nearly all of the locals were gone, and then I suddenly understood what had happened. Then I realized the extent of the damage that was done to the communities that those local businesses had operated in, serving the needs so much better that the invaders could ever hope to.

And I suddenly felt revulsion and disgust.

The malls I used to enjoy visiting and comparing and passing judgement on were filled with pretty much 100 percent invasive species.

They came - very quickly - to mean nothing to me, other than something to be avoided at all costs. The truth dawned on me that I had watched a nearly complete takeover of my industry in less than 20 years.

I came to realize it. Most customers just saw new retail come, old retail go, and had no reason to consider what was happening, what had happened.

Most never did realize it and still haven’t connected those dots.

There are two named generations

below mine out there now, considering their options, with no awareness of what used to be.

The national model is designed to siphon as much money as they can out of the local economies they invade, replacing authentic retail with places that resemble authentic, but are not.

Once most of the locals get ousted, the money that circulated around the cities they served is captured, sent out of the region and state, and devastating city after city, all across America. The loss of local, independent business destroys communities.

In 2007, I learned that support groups for local organizations that were trying to serve their local indie business communities existed, pushing back.

I began to understand that many cities were becoming ghost towns, but that there were some remarkable and electric examples of cities that were doing all the right things to ensure that they didn’t wither and die as change became permanent reality.

I decided to be the catalyst to create

such an organization that championed all things local and independent, and did so with my wife and friends, and now, many more.

The rules are all about a determination to band together.

Businesses, non-profits, schools, residents. All of those elements of a community need to see those elements as totally interdependent. We all need each other to retain the character of our cities. Only if we see all of those elements acting in concert, together, can we avoid the decline, or even the end of our communities.

An organization that serves local independents now exists in Wyandotte -Love Wyandotte. It is a model that I believe will make a difference for everyone that lives around here, not just the businesses.

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MHSAA Playoff Calendar Page 23

Bears hoop team putting together a season to remember Tom Tigani Wyandotte Warrior

Photo by Larry Caruso

The Wyandotte Roosevelt High School’s boys’ basketball team is showing why they are last year’s defending district champions as this year’s playoffs draw near.

The Bears beat Lincoln Park 56-43 on Valentine’s Day and as of press time sit atop the Downriver League with an 11-1 record, 12-3 overall.

Their only league loss was at home to Woodhaven, 55-44, who they had beaten 55-46 on the road Jan. 10.

Also at press time, Woodhaven had just two league losses, one to Roosevelt and one to Trenton, followed by Gibraltar Carlson with three league losses and four overall.

On Jan. 31 at Southgate Anderson, Jimmy Breaux and Delonte Wyatt led the way to a 65-42 win in what Coach Ron Adkins called one of his team’s best efforts of the season.

“Sometimes we come out and let other teams dictate the tempo,” he said. “but we came out with great effort and they never got anything going. We were able to play everybody.”

The Bears came up with a similar effort in the Feb. 14 game against Lincoln Park, although the Railsplitters hit eight three-point shots, six in the first half, but just two in the second half. Wyandotte led by eight points at the half and outscored the Rails14-4 in the fourth quarter.

Junior Ethan Saenz had four threepointers in the game for Roosevelt.

In the second half at home against Trenton on Feb. 7, Saenz hit four three-pointers, and Jimmy Breaux led his team with 25 points.

In a 54-45 home win over Taylor Truman/Kennedy Feb. 4, senior guard Hayden Loya helped out by knocking down a couple of three-pointers.

The 6-foot, 7-inch Breaux leads the Bears in scoring, averaging 12 points and 10 rebounds per game. The forward will play for the University of Michigan-Dearborn after graduation.

“He’s a hard worker,” Adkins said.

“He’s really matured as a player and been a good leader for us.”

We’re getting contributions from everybody.

It’s a pretty good deal.

But not the only one.

Roosevelt has gotten contributions from a lot of people this season, the coach said, including seniors Noah Turner and Nico Fernandez, who also plays football.

“He’s a big body,” Adkins said of Fernandez. “He’s a hustler and hard worker.

“Senior Daylen Boodie’s done well for us too. He comes off the bench and does a good job. And Cody Bowser has given us good veteran leadership.”

Saenz has made some big shots for Wyandotte at shooting guard, Adkins said, and backup point guard Carter Wilson is playing a lot of minutes.

Junior Richard Clark — who also plays football — is “very athletic” and “brings a lot of energy off the bench for us.”

Sophomore Wyatt has provided some instant offense, Adkins said, usually by coming in and hitting a big shot at the right time.

“We’re getting contributions from everybody,” he said. “It’s a pretty good deal.”

Approaching the end of the season as defending district champs, Adkins said his team “will have the bullseye on our back.”

“We’re going to be very familiar with whoever we play,” he said.

“We’ll have seen everybody in the league twice, and it’s always tough to beat a team three times, so we have to be sure we’re ready.

“We have to stay focused. We have to be ready for anything.”

Roosevelt finishes league play with home games against Allen Park on Feb. 25 and Anderson on Feb. 28.

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The Roosevelt wrestling team clobbered Lincoln Park and Frodson to win a Division 1 district title and qualify for team regionals. Seven Bears wrestled their way out of individual districts and qualified for regionals at Saline.

Busy Bear wrestlers finishing up a fine seasons Tom Tigani Wyandotte Warrior

The last couple of weeks have been busy for the Wyandotte Roosevelt High School wrestling team.

Seniors Nick Biundo and Jared Diechlbohrer each earned their 100th win en route to the team finishing in second place at Downriver League League meet, a finish just behind Woodhaven High School.

Nick Biundo (140 pounds), Alex Biundo (112), Diechlbohrer (171) and Lu Peterson all were league champions in their categories, followed by runner-up Zach Fritz (103). All five wrestlers earned AllLeague status.

“All of our wrestlers wrestled great, but we came up about 15 points short of the league title,” Roosevelt Coach Brett Greene said.

“We were proud of the great effort our wrestlers gave us (Feb. 8).”

On Feb. 12 the Bears wrestled in team district competition at Dearborn Edsel Ford High School.

“We came to wrestle,” Greene said.

They won the team district by

beating Lincoln Park High School 56-18 and Dearborn Fordson 54-19.

“The kids did an amazing job!” Greene said. “We came out aggressive and wrestled tough.”

By winning the team district title, Roosevelt qualified for team regionals against host TemperanceBedford on Feb. 19.

At the Division 1 individual regionals hosted by Westand John Glenn on Feb. 15, the Bears qualified seven wrestlers for individual regionals, which were at Temperance Bedford Feb. 19.

Three Bears reached the individual finals - Nick and Alex Biumdo and Nate Jerore - and Jerore took home first-place honors at 135 pounds. The Biundos were runners-up, Alex at 112 and Nick at 140.

Deichelbohrer was third at 171 and Peterson was third at 189.

Rounding out the Wyandotte regional qualifiers with fourth-place performances were Matt Gardner at 215 pounds and Kyle Cox at 152.

The individual qualifiers advanced to regional hosted by Saline High School.

Wyandotte Regional qualifiers Nate Jerore Alex Biumdo Nick Biundo Jared Deichelbohrer Lu Peterson Kyle Cox Matt Gardner

Nick Brundo

1 2 2 3 3 4 4

135 lbs 112 lbs 140 lbs 171 lbs 189 lbs 152 lbs 215 lbs

Milestones Roosevelt wrestlers Jared Deichelbohrer (left) and Nick Buindo each recently celebrated career milestones and each recorded their 100th career wins. The beat goes on for the pair as they each qualified for individual regionals, Biundo with a runner-up finish at 140 pounds and Deichelbohrer with a third-place showing at 171

Hockey teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offense lets loose in win over Anderson The Roosevelt hockey team got a bit of a reprieve from a long and difficult season on Feb. 15 when the Bears swamped struggling Southgate Anderson 8-0.

Prior to that, Wyandotte had lost seven straight games and was 1-10-1 since the start of 2020.

In its previous seven games, Roosevelt had been outscored 31-7 in losing to Detroit Country Day, Woodhaven, Gabriel Richard, Escanaba, Grosse Ile, Woodhaven (again) and Novi.

The games against Grosse Ile and Escanaba went to overtime.

During the losing streak goals were hard to come by for the Bears, but Jason Cuppari had a pair, as did Zakk Ciaravino. Ray Isham also scored.

Isham, Cuppari and Ciaravino are the team leading point-getters this season.

Things got a lot better against Anderson as the Bear offense exploded against the Titans and the Bears scored the mercy-rule victory.

The Bears wrapped the regular season Feb. 22 against Dearborn Unified before heading off in the MHSAA state tournament.

The Bears will begin the Michigan High School Athletic Association state playoffs on Feb. 26 at the Yack Arena at 6 p.m. against Carlson. The Bears met the Marauders was back in early December and beat them 6-0/ The winner of that game will advance to play the winner of the Gabriel Richard-Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central game at 8 p.m. on Feb. 28.

Riverview, Bedford and Grosse Ile are the other teams in the regionals and the finals are March 4 at 7 p.m.

Photo by Larry Caruso

Roosevelt goalie Sam Shifflett follows the puck during a recent Wyandotte game

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Roosevelt competitive cheerleaders finding success The Roosevelt high school competitive cheerleading team is putting together quite a 2019-20 season and the Bears recently took home some hardware, including the top trophy from their own invitational.

The Bears were first at the nine-team Wyandotte Invitational on Jan. 25.

Roosevelt was first first by more than 35 points over runner up Trenton. The Bears scored 76.24 to Trentonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 731.84.

The Bears were first in all three rounds.

Following the scoring after the Bears and the Trojans were Livonia Churchill, Grosse Ile, Saline, Lincoln Park, South Lyon, Walled Lake Central and Monroe.

Roosevelt also won the junior varsity with a score of 587.08. The jayvee Bears beat Canton, Churchill, Monroe and Walled Lake Central.

At the February 1 Grosse Ile Invitational, the Bears took home first-place honors in Division 1 and they finished fourth overall behind powerful Carlson and Southgate and just a fraction behind third-place Riverview.

Carlson, who is the twotime defending Division 2 state champion, scored 784.43 points - the highest score at the competition. Southgate scored 767.00 to finish second.

Riverview, which was third in division 3 at the event, scored 754.22 to shade Division 1 champ Roosevelt,

which had a final score of 754.02 Following Wyandotte were Airport (743.08), Flat Rock (731.26), Grosse Ile (726.82), LAke Odessa Lakewood (718.62), Bedford (704.20), Clarencevill3 (675.00), Dearborn Edsel Ford (608.34), Taylor (512.76) and Dearborn (498.20) The Wyandotte jayvee finished third behind Carlson and Riverview.

At the Downriver League championship,hosted by Woodhaven High School, Roosevelt was fifth among eight varsity teams.

The Bears scored 740.82 to finish behind champ Carlson (790.04), Allen Park (788.36), Woodhaven (784.08) and Anderson (758.46).

Roosevent finished ahead of Trenton, Lincoln Park and Dearborn.

The Bears bounced back with a solid performance at the Pat Christenson Memorial Invitational hosted by Carlson on Feb. 7. The Bears were third behind the host Marauders and Allen Park.

Carlson scored 786.58 points and Allen Park scored 769.89 and they were the only teams to place ahead of the Bears.

Wyandotte placed third (758.78) and beat Airport, Grosse Ile, Flat Rock, Trenton, Lincoln Park, Taylor and Summit Academy.

At the massive DeltaPlex Invitational, the Bears were one of 55 varsity teams in four classes to compete.

Wyandotte was 10th among 18 Division 1 teams, with a fine score of 773.14.

There were six Downriver teams at the competition and Roosevelt finished ahead of all of them except Woodhaven, which scored 781.76 and finished sixth in Division 1. The Bearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; final score was higher than that of Anderson, Trenton, Flat Rock and Grosse Ile. The Bears were in action at the Michigan High School Athletic Association districts at Plymouth Feb. 22. If they qualified, the next action is regionals at Troy Athens on Jan 29.

The state finals Grand Rapids on March 6.

MHSAA Playoffs

Hockey

Wrestling

February 25 at Yack Arena Riverview vs. Bedford, 7 p.m.

February 26 Wyandotte vs. Carlson, 6 p.m, Richard vs. SMCC, 8 p.m, February 28 Riverview-Bedford winner vs Grosse Ile, 6 p.m.

Wyandotte/Carlson vs. Richard/ SMCC, 8 p.m March 4 Finals, 7 p.m.

March 7 Regional winner advances to meet the winners of the Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard regional at 4:45 p.m at the Dearborn Ice Skating Center

February 22 at Saline Individual regionals Nate Jerore (135 pounds), Alex Biundo (112), Nick Biundo (140), Jared Deichelbohrer (171), Lu Peterson (189), Kyle Cox (152), Matt Gardner (215) March 6-7 Top four in each regional weight class advance to state finals at Ford Field in Detroit

Cheerleading

February 22 Districts at Plymouth High school Teams: Roosevelt, Woodhaven, Canton, Dearborn, Edsel Ford, Churchill, Franklin, Monroe, Plymouth, Saline, Taylor, Bedford, Wayne Memorial and John Glenn.

February 29 Regionals at Troy Athens Qualifying teams March 6-7 State finals in Grand Rapids

Boys basketball

Districts beginning March 9 Roosevelt at Lincoln Park. Other teams: Allen Park, Lincoln Park, Riverview and Southgate Anderson.

March 16 District winner goes to Romulus High School to play the Fordson district winner.

Swimming

March 5 Diving regionals at Fenton March 13-14 State finals at Holland Aquatic Center

Girls basketball

March 2 at Riverview Riverview vs. Lincoln Park, 5:30 March 4 Riverview/Lincoln Park vs. Wyandotte, 5:30 Southgate vs. River Rouge, 7 p.m.

March 6 Finals, 7 p.m.

March 10 District winner advances to play Dearborn Fordson district winner at Edsel Ford High School

Bowling

Photos by Larry Caruso

February 28-29 Regionals hosted by Woodhaven at Skor Lanes Teams: Wyandotte, Warren Mott, DeLaSalle, Cousino, Troy Athens, Troy, Bedford, Taylor, Royal Oak, Monroe, Lincoln Park, U-of-D, Crestwood, Edsel Ford, Dearborn, Woodhaven, Birmingham Groves.

March 6-7 Qualifiers advance to state finals at Allen Park Thunderbowl

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

WE LOVE OUR COMMUNITY!

W

hen one thinks of comfort food, the mind often conjures up smells of hearty stew simmering on the stovetop, sitting at a kitchen table, surrounded by warmth, and the laughter of friends, family and neighbors. All of this exists, daily, in the Wyandotte favorite diner, Nanna’s Kitchen. This feeling of “Home” is what drew Mario and Alban Gjetaj to invest themselves, and their twenty-five years’ experience, as the new owners of Nanna’s Kitchen.

Nanna’s Kitchen is a unique gem that has been serving up recipes all their own in the heart of Downtown Wyandotte for thirty-four years, and the warm, friendly atmosphere inside tells a story of many more to come!

The kitchen can boast about its award-winning dishes including Chili, Blue Ribbon Pulled Pork Sandwiches, and delicious variety made from scratch served seven days a week, and most holidays, too.

When asked what sets Nanna’s Kitchen apart from other eateries in the area, Mario feels, “When a customer walks into our business they can expect a friendly face to greet them, a variety of homemade specials, with something for everyone, and what makes us unique is the relationship we have built with our community. We are always trying to give back to those who give so much.”

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Downriver’s Favorite Italian Steakhouse Since 1935

Lunch & Dinner Specials Daily LUNCH: MON-FRI 11-4 DINNER SERVED MON-SAT Starting @ 4:00 CLOSED SUNDAY

734-285-1707 www.sibleygardens.com

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All of our meals are home style and prepared from scratch using fresh ingredients!

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NASHVILLE HOT CHICKEN

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