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MARCH 26 - april 22, 2020 WyandotteWarrior.com

19100 Fort St. Riverview Ml 48193

Many mourn the sudden passing of famed sausage maker

‘Kielbasa Joe,’ called a ‘Wyandotte legend’ Paula Neuman Wyandotte Warrior

Joseph Chontos — better known as “Kielbasa Joe” — died unexpectedly Sunday, March 8. He was 79.

In 1978, Mr. Chontos opened a little meat market at the corner of Oak and Twelfth Streets in Wyandotte, and the family business — called Kielbasa Joe’s — has been there ever since. His family members said the store will stay open despite the loss of its founder and top sausage maker.

Kielbasa Joe’s customers took to social media to share their sadness at his passing, and to praise his shop and especially the more than 30 types of sausage, both fresh and smoked, that Mr. Chontos made himself and sold.

“I used to stop in and get kielbasa to go when I came home from Virginia,”

Serving Downriver Since 1975

wrote U.S. Marines Sgt. Calvin Lucado on the Molnar Funeral Home’s website, where friends and loved ones are invited to share memories and write tributes to someone who has passed. “Joe was a legend, and provided Wyandotte with some of the best meats around. He was a great man and an outstanding member of the Wyandotte community.”

Donna Koszewski of Wyandotte posted this on Facebook: “Sorry to hear of his passing. Hope the recipes have stayed with the family and that this treasure of a store does not close up.”

Mr. Chontos’ decades of sausage making and friendly, personal service at the shop have earned the store a 5-star rating on Yelp, and also led to a TV feature about him last year on Detroit’s channel 7 WXYZ-TV. The station re-posted the spot online recently as a tribute after learning of his death.

Near Christmas and Easter, the store’s

SEE LEGEND, Page 4

734.479.1880 CousineauChiropractic.com

Page 2 > March 26 - April 22, 2020 > WYANDOTTE WARRIOR

In 2020 Leo Stevenson has been recognized by: Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” Barron’s “Top 1,200 Financial Advisors” list

In 2019 Leo Stevenson was recognized by: Forbes “America’s Top 250 Wealth Advisors” list

2019.

2019

WYANDOTTE WARRIOR < March 26 - April 22, 2020 < Page 3

CARRY OUTS

AVAILABLE

In these uncertain times we are all swimming in uncharted waters. What can we do? What can’t we do?

How should we proceed?

As a benefit to Wyandotte restaurant owners and their employees, as well as our readers, we have compiled a list of local eateries, their addresses and phone numbers that we are publishing for free.

Stay safe and please patronize these establishments, if you can.

Restauranteurs, if you would like ot be added to the list, please email your info to will@gobigmultimedia.com

Nannas Kitchen Local Delivery and carry out (734) 281-9093 2962 Biddle Ave, Wyandotte Ramsey’s Coney Island Carry out (734) 281-7807 1832 Biddle Ave, Wyandotte Major Biddles (734) 283-3228 930 Biddle, Wyandotte Little Pierogi & Crepe Kitchen (734) 639-0877 125 Elm St, Wyandotte Speedboat Bar and Grill (734) 282-5750 749 Biddle Ave, Wyandotte

Magdeleno Ristorante’ (734) 283-8200 152 Elm St, Wyandotte

My Place Bar & Grill (734) 285-6615 806 Biddle Ave, Wyandotte

R.P. McMurphy’s (734) 285-4885 2922 Biddle Ave, Wyandotte Pancho’s II Mexican Restaurant (734) 283-8544 3860 Biddle Ave, Wyandotte Mancino’s Pizza & Grinders (734) 282-8500 480 Eureka Rd, Wyandotte Taco Bros (734) 767-1720 128 Sycamore St, Wyandotte

On the Rocks and Sushi Bar & Japanese Bistro Delivery within a 7 mile radius and carry out, for sushi and rocks (734)720-9731 130 Maple St, Wyandotte Whiskey’s on the Water (734)626-7713 2903 Biddle, Wyandotte

Angelo’s Family Dining (734)281-7807 1832 Biddle Ave, Wyandotte

A Serendipity Cakery & Ice Cream Shoppe (734) 925-6238 18100 Fort St, Southgate

El Bigotes Tacos & Burgers (313)610-4274 988 Vinewood St, Wyandotte Southern Wayne County Chamber of Commerce members Fit Bites, LLC (734)231-9096 2938 Biddle Ave, Wyandotte

Our Specialties are our Watkins Sliders & 1/2 lb. Burger 806 Biddle Ave. Wyandotte

734-285-6615

Elliot’s Bakery (734) 676-1940 2636 W. Jefferson, Trenton

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

CARRY OUT ORDERS

734-285-1707 www.sibleygardens.com

Page 4 > March 26 - April 22, 2020 > WYANDOTTE WARRIOR

Knights with Tootsie Rolls will hit the streets April 3-5 For 40 years, members of Knights of Columbus Council 1802 in Wyandotte have stood at busy intersections to hand out Tootsie Rolls to drivers for donations.

This year, the drive will take place April 3-5.

The money collected benefits a number of charities.

“Eighty percent of Council 1802’s proceeds will be donated to Wyandotte school district’s centerbased programs including Madison Center and JoBrighton Skills Center, which works with students and adults with cognitive disabilities supporting 17 neighboring school districts, and Arc Downriver based in Wyandotte,” said Knight Rick Malechuk.

“Twenty percent of the total collected is sent to the Knights of Columbus state council, which distributes the funds to various charities, of which Special Olympics is the primary recipient.”

Knight Joe Knapp, coordinator of the council’s Tootsie Roll drive, said: “There are a lot of good people out

there, and they really do consider the works that we do as beneficial not only to somebody they might know

LEGEND

Continued from page 1 busiest times, customers come from all over to buy sausage for their holiday festivities.

“My family and I made it a tradition to get our holiday food from Joe,” wrote Ashley Shepherd on the Molnar website. “He made the best kielbasa by far.”

Patricia Izzo of Wyandotte posted this on Facebook: “During the holidays, I would go into his store and leave hearing a happy, hearty sto lat (a Polish expression of cheer and long life) wish for a good holiday.”

but the community, as well.”

Knapp has participated in the Tootsie Roll drive for 28 years.

Mr. Chontos learned his trade as a kid growing up in Detroit’s DelRay neighborhood.

“He had told me a couple of times that there were a lot of meat markets in DelRay, and that he worked in a lot of them,” said his daughter, Kimberly Gabriel of Wyandotte.

Mr. Chontos, who was a resident of Monroe County at the time of his death, often stayed at his daughter’s house when he worked late hours at the store, said his ex-wife and good friend Pam Chontos of Woodhaven.

“His dad had an upholstery shop next to a funeral home in DelRay,” she said. “His mother used to make his clothes out of upholstery material. They were poor.

He had three brothers and a sister. He was the secondyoungest.”

Mr. Chontos left school as a teenager to go to work, she said, and did a stint with the U.S. Merchant Marine. Then he worked for a trucking company until he decided to open Kielbasa Joe’s.

“He wanted to go into business for himself,” Pam Chontos said. “He was hardly ever home, always working, but he liked it. He got compliments every day of the week. He was proud of what he did. I think that kept him going. That store was pretty much his life. He really hadn’t considered retirement.”

His family posted on the store’s Facebook page that Mr. Chontos “poured his heart and soul into this store and business. He loved this store more than anything. He worked every single day he was able to ... even in the middle of the night to start the sausage in the smoker to be ready for customers when the

Standing in the middle of a busy intersection on a cold morning isn’t always comfortable, he said, but it’s always rewarding.

Some drivers hand over $5 bills and don’t even take a Tootsie Roll.

“A lot of people recognize us and they know us,” he said. “They recognize the vests, and we get a lot of people who say their brother or their father did work for the Knights of Columbus.”

Grand Knight Dave Dawood said helping others is part of the duty of being a Knight, and that the Tootsie Roll drive serves a great cause.

“If you walk though any of those centers, you see the need,” he said.

“Our city serves a lot of children from many of the Downriver communities.”

Malechuk said the council’s Ladies Auxiliary for several years also has donated needed items to the centers, including school supplies, toiletries and clothing for children from families with limited means.

doors opened ... We will continue to make the same great meats you are used to and love ... Joe loved his customers very much and we thank you all so much for your business.”

Mr. Chontos’ children and grandchildren all have worked in the store, and a young great-granddaughter also helped out over the holidays. He is survived by his children Tim, Kimberly Gabriel and Joseph, step-son Derek Chontos; five grandchildren and four stepgrandchildren; great-grandchildren; and by brother Frank Chontos.

Mr. Chontos’ death is “a big loss to the community,” said Scott Galeski of Wyandotte. “He was a legend.”

WYANDOTTE WARRIOR < March 26 - April 22, 2020 < Page 5

Downriver Council for the Arts has something for everyone Mar. 28, Apr. 25, May 30 – Art Lab Workshops for Ages 5-10. Art Lab is a fun and creative way to add STEAM to your learning. Adding in ART triggers another level of creativity in young minds. $15 for each workshop.

Saturdays: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Downriver Council for the Arts, 81 Chestnut, Wyandotte. For more information and to register, call (734) 720-0671 or visit downriverarts.org ••• Apr. 2, 16, 23, 30 – After School Art Classes offer students a more in depth art education with lessons in painting, drawing, mixed media and sculpting.

Four-week sessions on Thursdays: 7-11yrs 4:30-5:30 p.m. $40 / 12-15yrs 6-7:30 p.m. $60. Downriver Council for the Arts, 81 Chestnut, Wyandotte. (734) 720-0671 or visit www.downriverarts. org ••• Apr. 11 at 7pm – East River Folk Society presents Acoustic Open Mic. Please join us for an evening of folk, acoustic and traditional music.

Sign up for open mic between 6 and

6:45pm. Eight to 10 open mic spots are available and will perform two to three songs. Admission: $3 for members of ERFS and DCA. $5 non-members.

Refreshments provided. Downriver Council for the Arts, 81 Chestnut, Wyandotte. For more information, visit downriverarts.org ••• May 7, 14, 21, 28 – After School Art Classes offer students a more in depth art education with lessons in painting, drawing, mixed media and sculpting.

Four-week sessions on Thursdays: 7-11yrs 4:30-5:30 p.m. $40 / 12-15yrs 6-7:30 p.m. $60. Downriver Council for the Arts, 81 Chestnut, Wyandotte. (734) 720-0671 or visit downriverarts.org ••• May 9 at 7pm – East River Folk Society presents Acoustic Open Mic. Please join us for an evening of folk, acoustic and traditional music.

Sign up for open mic between 6 and 6:45pm. Eight to 10 open mic spots are available and will perform two to three songs. Admission: $3 for members of ERFS and DCA. $5 non-members.

Refreshments provided. Downriver Council for the Arts, 81 Chestnut, Wyandotte. For more information, visit downriverarts.org ••• Tuesdays - Yoga at the Downriver Council for the Arts, 81 Chestnut, Wyandotte from 5:30-6:30 p.m. every Tuesday. Suitable for all levels, this Hatha Yoga Flow will focus on linking breath to movement, deep stretching, building core strength and improving balance and overall well-being. Bring your own yoga mat. Drop-in for $10 a class or $35.00 for (4 classes). For more information call (734) 720-0671 or visit downriverarts.org ••• Tuesdays – Ballroom Dance lessons from 7-8:30 p.m. Each month we’ll bring you a different type of dance lesson. All skill levels welcome. Don’t have a partner? No worries, many people attend without a partner and find great support in learning to dance. Cost: $12 per class and person, $55 for 5 lessons. Downriver Council for the Arts, 81 Chestnut, Wyandotte. (734) 720-

0671 or visit downriverarts.org for more information.

••• Wednesdays – Watercolor class from 7-9 p.m. Learn to paint with watercolor!

This class will focus on painting from life, mainly using still life. Besides traditional techniques, we will learn to use other mediums with watercolor paint, such as ink, charcoal, and pastel.

This class suits any level, from beginner to experienced. Supplies not included, list provided. Cost: $90 for six-week session starting Mar. 25 or drop-in: $20 per class. Downriver Council for the Arts, 81 Chestnut, Wyandotte. For more information or to register, call (734) 720-0671 or visit downriverarts.org ••• About the DCA The Downriver Council for the Arts is a non-profit, regional arts and cultural organization representing 21 communities in Southeast Michigan.

For more information, to become a member, or to volunteer, please visit downriverarts.org.

Wyandotte voters say yes to ‘sinking fund’

Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital hosts job fair Job seekers can get on the path to a career in healthcare by attending an upcoming recruitment open house at Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital.

The hospital is hosting the special hiring event on March 30 with the following positions available: registered nurses, nurse assistants, mental health assistants, patient safety assistants and housekeeping.

The job fair offers two sessions for convenience – 9 a.m. to noon and 2 to 5 p.m. Monday, March 30.

Candidates will have the opportunity to meet with members of the human resources team and interview with leaders from the hospital. Applicants should bring several copies of their resume and feel free to bring a friend.

Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital is located at 2333 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte.

For details on this event and to register, please visit HenryFordCareers.com and search for job number 201099. Email TalentSelectionHelp@hfhs.org with questions.

Wyandotte voters gave overwhelming approval to the school district’s “sinking fund” proposal with 4,626 voters agreeing to the measure and just 2,106 voting against it in the election on May 10.

A sinking fund is a pay-as-yougo method of funding upgrades and repairs to schools and school facilities. This fund will generate approximately $1 million per year for 10 years.

Funds generated through a sinking fund can be used for construction, renovations and repairs of buildings, facility security enhancements, and the acquisition or upgrading of technology.

Pat Sutka, president of the Wyandotte School Board said: “We have determined that a sinking fund tax proposal was the most cost-effective way to seek the community’s support to fund needed facility improvements to keep our school up to date and

safe.”

Through its vote, the community agreed.

The plan approved by Wyandotte voters calls for 1.75-mills to be used for or security, technology, building construction and repairs.

Revenue from the fund cannot be used for expenses such as payroll and books.

School officials will now decide how to use the revenue raised by a 10-year measure.

The district has said it hopes to have repairs and renovations up and running at selected schools during summer vacation.

The district’s to-do list includes: a new cafeteria at Monroe Elementary School, bathroom renovations and a cheerleadingwrestling facility at Roosevelt High School and improvements to school bathrooms, replacing a 50-year-old elevator at Wilson Middle School.

The school district supports nearly 5,000 students at 11 schools.

Page 6 > March 26 - April 22, 2020 > WYANDOTTE WARRIOR

Wyandotte closes city facilities to the public After careful thought and consideration, the city of Wyandotte has closed city facilities to the public.

Until further notice, please note the following: General Information • Employees will continue to come to work at City facilities and will be available to answer questions by phone or email. The public and residents are encouraged to use these forms of contact. Contact information is available on the City’s website at wyandotte.net/ contact_us/index.php.

• In the case of a power outage or water main break, please call 734-3247190. Additional information on outages can be found at wyan.org/forms_and_ docum…/outage_information.php.

• All payment types can be processed via the two (2) drive thru lanes closest to Biddle Ave at City Hall. In addition, a drop box is located just West of the drive thru in the City Hall parking lot where payments, yard waste and toter applications, property transfer affidavits, principal residence forms, etc. can be submitted. Forms and applications are available on our website. The drop box will be emptied multiple times throughout the day.

Please leave your name, phone number and address in case we need to contact you for additional information.

• Municipal Services has suspended all disconnects through April 15th for all customers. This includes relief from penalties for late payment on payments due on or before April 15th. These measures do not relieve the obligation for payment and will be re-evaluated for further relief as we proceed through these difficult times.

Department of Engineering and Building • Permit applications can be submitted by email, FAX, regular mail, or by using the drop box located outside of Wyandotte City Hall. Payments can be made by check or credit card following current City of Wyandotte payment policy.

• Permit holders requiring residential permit inspections are encouraged to only schedule inspections for exterior work or emergency interior work. The following are examples of emergency interior work: Sewer service line replacement, water heater replacement, furnace replacement, emergency electrical repairs to restore safe electrical service. Permit inspections for interior work. if requested by the contractor/permit holder, will be in accordance with special arrangements set by the Engineering and Building Department.

• New residential construction building permit inspections will continue to be performed if scheduled by the contractor/permit holder and in accordance with special arrangements set by the Engineering and Building Department.

• Commercial construction/repair permit inspections will continue to be performed if scheduled by the contractor/permit holder and in

accordance with special arrangements set by the Engineering and Building Department.

• Commercial Certificate of Conformity inspections, new and re-inspections, will continue to be performed as usual. Inspections will be performed if scheduled by the property owner with special arrangements set by the Engineering and Building Department.

• Upon Sale Certificate of Approval inspections, new and re-inspections, will continue to be performed as usual. Inspections will be performed if scheduled by the property owner with special arrangements set by the Engineering and Building Department.

Only one inspector and the property owner will be allowed in the dwelling during the inspection and in separate rooms. It is recommended that residents only schedule new or reinspections if they have an offer to purchase or a closing date set for the sale of their property.

• Rental Certificate of Compliance inspections, new and re-inspections, shall be suspended until April 13, 2020, or until further notice.

Department of Public Service • The DPS will continue to perform normal work activities and office staff will be available to answer calls and respond (as needed) to the extent determined by the Superintendent of the Department. The public and residents are encouraged to contact the DPS by phone (734-324-4580) or email (dps@wyandottemi.gov) if a request for service is needed.

• The City of Wyandotte Recycling Center will remain open following regular posted business hours.

• Complaints/concerns about property and City services will continue to be addressed and acted upon.

Department of Recreation, Leisure, and Culture • Meals on Wheels will deliver all meals for the week on one day (frozen).

• Senior rides via the SMART Bus will continue with the following restrictions: no more than five (5) persons on the bus at a time and rides will only be given for essential trips (doctor’s appointments, grocery shopping, prescription pickup, and banking).

• Taxi tokens may still be purchased at our office by calling 734-324-7292 or 734-324-7295 in advance of your arrival. A staff member will come to the door to assist you with the transaction.

Office of the City Clerk • Voter registrations can be submitted by email, regular mail, or by using the drive-thru or drop box located outside of City Hall. Questions about elections, registration, or any other electionrelated matters may be conducted by phone.

• Birth and death records will continue to be processed, as long as we are receiving them from the Funeral Homes and Wyandotte Hospital.

Fulfillment of birth and death record requests can be done by email, regular

mail, or by using the drive-thru or “Drop Box” located outside of Wyandotte City Hall. Please be aware that the City does not maintain Marriage or Divorce records. Please call Wayne County at 313-224-5515 for Marriage and Divorce record requests.

• Business Licenses and Registrations may be submitted by regular mail, or by using the drivethru or drop box located outside of Wyandotte City Hall.

• FOIA Requests may be submitted by email to foia@wyan.org, by regular mail, or by using the drive-thru or drop box located outside of Wyandotte City Hall.

• Block parties, garage sales, and general petitions can be submitted by regular mail, or by using the drivethru or drop box located outside of Wyandotte City Hall. Given the recommendations of the Governor for social distancing, we recommend that these events do not take place in the weeks ahead, however, we will process applications for a later date.

• Rental dwelling registrations may be submitted by regular mail, or by using the drive-thru or drop box located outside of Wyandotte City Hall.

• Our business directory can be found on our website here: wyandotte. net/business_directory/index.php.

Please support your local businesses to the best of your ability.

• We will continue to play our role in Census 2020. Please do your part as well and complete your census when you receive the information.

• Complaints/concerns about property and City services will continue to be addressed and acted upon.

WDMS Customer Assistance/ Utility Payments and Service • Customer Assistance will continue to assist the public in every way possible during this difficult time. We are available via phone (734-324-7190 option 2), email (customersupport@ wyandottemi.gov), drive thru and drop box.

• We offer online payment options for utility bills by using the following link: bsaonline.com/OnlinePayment/ OnlinePaymentSearch… . You can pay by credit or debit card as well as checking or savings account. We accept Visa, Mastercard and Discover.

You do need a PIN which can be found on your utility bill. If you do not have a copy of your utility bill you may call us to obtain your personal PIN and/or change it to your preference.

• New Electric and Water service can be obtained via email and phone.

Please call Customer Assistance at 734-324-7190 option 2 for additional information.

Police Department • The Police Department has implemented a modified report-taking process in light of the current epidemic.

The health & safety of our citizens is our top priority. Police officers are frequently in contact with many individuals; therefore, are at a greater risk to be exposed to the COVID-19 virus. Due

to these unusual circumstances, our agency will be taking reports via telephone for non-emergency calls for service in an effort to reduce exposure.

The Non-Emergency phone number is 734-324-4405.

• EMERGENCIES - 911 Officers will still respond to emergency and inprogress calls, and conduct on-scene investigations when needed.

• The Police/27th District Court lobby will only be open on Thursday’s for the State Court Docket, once the docket is finished, the lobby will close. The Police/Court lobby will be closed on Saturdays and Sundays. If you have an Emergency and are at the Police Station, you can use the outer vestibule call box to contact a police officer.

• If you have an inquiry regarding a criminal case already reported, contact the Detective Bureau first at 734-3244431. Walk-in inquiries will not be seen without an appointment.

• The Drug Box Drop Off is closed.

• Records Bureau will be open to the public Thursday from 11:00am until 1:00pm ONLY. After hour inquiries regarding reports or gun permits can call 734-324-4413, 734-324-4414, or 734-324-4415.

Cable and Internet Operations • Those customers requiring essential service(s) please call customer assistance at 734-324-7190.

• Those customers not requiring essential in-home service(s) are encouraged to postpone your request for service(s) until an appropriate later date. We will not be scheduling nonessential service requests for work required to be performed within a customer home until further notice • If you are experiencing a service outage, we will schedule an appointment to restore service.

• If you do not have service and require it, we will schedule an appointment to provide service.

• Our technicians will only perform work outside the customer home unless it is necessary to enter the customer home to complete the job.

• WDMS will be waiving all bandwidth usage overage fees for the months of March and April 2020.

For further information, please visit wyan.org Electric and Water Operations • The Electric and Water Departments will continue to perform normal work activities except interior water meter replacements will be suspended until further notice.

• All outages should be reported to (734) 324-7190.

Thank you for support and understanding as we try to operate as normally as possible. Let’s be compassionate, patient, and do our part to be good neighbors.

Mayor Joseph R. Peterson City of Wyandotte

WYANDOTTE WARRIOR < March 26 - April 22, 2020 < Page 7

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Regardless of whether you have already celebrated St. Patrick’s Day, or about to (depending on when this publication is delivered to your home), you may want to make Irish Potatoes.

But these are not baked, boiled or fried and contain not a smidgeon of actual potatoes.

According to Wikipedia, Irish Potatoes are a traditional Philadelphia candy combining butter, cream cheese, coconut and confectioners’ sugar, shaped to resemble small potatoes and rolled in cinnamon. When I made the candy, I instead rolled the mixture into balls, and because they are extremely sweet, substituted cocoa powder for half of the cinnamon. If you like Mounds bars, you will love Irish Potatoes, which freeze well and taste great frozen.

IRISH POTATOES (Adapted from Baked Bree.com) ½ stick butter, softened ½ brick (4 ounces) cream cheese, softened 1 teaspoon vanilla 4 cups confectioners’ sugar 2½ cups sweetened flaked coconut 1 tablespoon cinnamon 1 tablespoon cocoa powder Using an electric stand mixer, beat together the butter and cream cheese.

Add the vanilla, then gradually add the confectioners’ sugar until well combined. Slowly add the coconut until well mixed. Chill the mixture about 30 minutes if desired, for easier handling.

Meanwhile, line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Using a small ice-cream scoop or a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the “potato” mixture and roll into balls about 1½ inches in diameter and shape them to resemble small potatoes, making a few little indentations for “eyes,” or just roll the balls in the cinnamon or cinnamon/ cocoa mixture. Place them on the cookie sheet and refrigerate about 30 minutes before serving. They can be refrigerated 7 to 10 days in an airtight container or frozen.

••• While browsing the web for more candy recipes, I came across an

irresistible, easy recipe for homemade PayDay candy bars, and then another and another. Some of the recipes called for dry-roasted instead of salted peanuts (when I made the bars, I mixed 1 cup of dry-roasted peanuts with the salted peanuts because I didn’t have enough of the latter). And when I learned that PayDay, which was introduced in 1932, is ranked the 13th most popular candy and snack brand in the United States by pollsters You Gov and 24/7 Wall Street, I could hardly wait to make the bars. Mine were delicious but thicker than the ones I bought, as I used a 7x11-inch pan. So, I made them again, using a 9x13-inch pan, which resulted in bars that were more like the commercial candy.

KNOCKOFF PAYDAY CANDY BARS (Adapted) 3 cups salted peanuts, divided 3 tablespoons butter 10-ounce package peanut butter chips 2 cups mini marshmallows 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk Pour half of the peanuts into a buttered or sprayed 9x13-inch baking pan, spreading them evenly. In a small saucepan, over medium heat, melt the butter and peanut butter chips and stir to combine. Add the marshmallows and condensed milk and stir until the marshmallows are completely melted.

Pour the hot mixture over the peanuts in the baking pan, then sprinkle with the remaining peanuts, tapping them down lightly with a spoon. Refrigerate for 1 or 2 hours, then cut into bars and enjoy.

••• And if you wondered what the other favorite candy brands of Americans are — according to the poll, Hershey’s Milk Chocolate is No. 1. The other most popular, in descending order, are Reese’s, Snickers, Kit Kat, Twix, 3 Musketeers, Milky Way, Hershey’s Cookies ‘N’ Cream, Almond Joy, Dove Chocolate, Ghirardelli, Baby Ruth (named after President Grover Cleveland’s daughter, Ruth, not the baseball player), PayDay, Lindt, and Butterfinger and 100 Grand.

HAPPY SNACKING! (Contact me at Evycairns@aol.com)

Page 8 > March 26 - April 22, 2020 > WYANDOTTE WARRIOR

15th annual Spring Fling Festival returns May 8-9

T

he very first festival of the season in Wyandotte — the City of Festivals — is the Spring Fling, now in its 15th year, and organizers say it’s going to be better than ever.

The Spring Fling Festival of St. Vincent Pallotti Parish — a merging of Wyandotte’s St. Joseph’s and St. Patrick’s churches and the former St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Paula Neuman Church — Wyandotte Warrior is set from 5 p.m. to midnight Friday May 8 and from noon to midnight Saturday May 9 at Yack Arena, 3131 Third Street.

Parking is plentiful and free of charge.

“Be sure to mark your calendar,” said festival Chairman Rick Malechuk, who’s been in charge of the event since its more humble origins as a tent festival for St. Joseph’s more than 30 years ago.

“My wife says I’m nuts and I am,” he said. “I start in September getting ready for it.”

Every year, Malechuk and other hardworking parishioners try to make the already successful Spring Fling even better. The food, the music and the Kid’s Zone have all been tweaked for the 2020 festival.

“This year, because we’re growing so well, we’ve pulled Izbicki’s Catering into our food area,” he said. “And by changing our floor plan, food serving will be at least five times faster.”

The food — always a popular part of the festival — will include the favorite stuffed cabbage and pork chop combo plate, but much more will be available for discerning diners.

Firehouse Pub & Grill of Wyandotte is providing triple cheese mac and cheese and pulled pork. My Place Bar & Grill of Wyandotte is providing chicken fingers. Srodek’s of Hamtramck is providing pierogi, potato pancakes and kielbasa. And from Hungarian Rhapsody Restaurant of Southgate, diners can feast on chicken paprikash and dumplings.

Kid-friendly mainstays, including hot dogs, chili dogs, French fries and chili fries, will be available, too. A separate snack booth run by parishioners will offer those, as well as popcorn, soft drinks, walking tacos, hot pretzels, nachos, cotton candy and more.

McCaffery’s Bar of Lincoln Park, a generous sponsor of the fundraising festival, will offer loaded baked potato soup, but also is handling a new threesection bar for adult beverages.

“We’re calling it the mega bar,” Malehcuk said.

“We’ll have two beer trailers and a mixed drink section with frozen drinks such as strawberry daiquiris. They’re professional bartenders.”

The parish also has added a coupon for $1 off any beverage — hard or soft —from 1 to 4 p.m.

Saturday to its festival advertising. Check this news magazine for a coupon.

The Spring Fling’s service changes this year mean festival goers won’t have to wait long for food and beverages, and also mean more fun for children and music lovers.

“Consolidating our bars to one wall opened up more space for the kids, and for the customers sitting and watching the music,” Malechuk said.

The festival’s Kid Zone offering all sorts of games, rides and entertainment is a full third of the

arena space, he said. And it’s all inside, so weather won’t be a factor.

“There will be face painting, and Detroit sports team mascots will make an appearance on Saturday afternoon,” Malechuk said. “This a great picturetaking opportunity. The kids love this family costfriendly area.

To make it even more cost-friendly, parents can buy 10 ride tickets and get five more for free on Saturday, he said.

Another Spring Fling big draw is the live bands that perform, and Malechuk is excited about what’s on tap this year. Your Generation In Concert will play both nights starting at 8 p.m.

“Your Generation is not just a band; they are a multimedia show,” he said. “Featuring five decades of pop, rock, dance and R&B hits, this eight-piece band is the world’s finest tribute show and will be introducing some new originals for one of the first times in public during the first set Saturday night.

You need to be there! We’re lucky we’ve had them 13 of the 15 years of the festival. They just like coming to our event.”

Popular local band Wisteria will perform at 5:30 p.m. Friday.

“They will begin with a mix including Irish music and then a fantastic set of classic rock,” Malechuk said.

At 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Michigan Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Benny & the Jets will entertain, and Benny plans special guest songs with Your Generation in Concert and The Phoenix Theory, a band that will take the festival stage at 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Malechuk said he is delighted to have added The Phoenix Theory to the Spring Fling lineup.

“We are so excited, as these guys are new for us this year, and we’re so fortunate to have them,” he said. “The Phoenix Theory is one of Detroit’s most sought-after cover bands, and they take listeners to new heights of musical entertainment by performing tightly rehearsed renditions of your favorite classic rock and dance favorites from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and today.”

The festival also features a bake sale; a room full of books, CDs and DVDs for sale; and raffles galore.

“Our Grand Raffle has a first prize of $10,000 and an additional $3,000 in prizes,” Malechuk said.

The Prizes Aplenty raffle features all sorts of prizes to win, including a lawnmower, barbecue grill, bicycle, Detroit Tigers tickets and more. Dozens of themed prize baskets also will be raffled. And hourly 50-50 drawings will take place throughout the festival.

Money raised from the Spring Fling goes to fund a number of parish expenses, such as new roofs and windows, and also for St. Vincent Pallotti’s many charitable endeavors, Malechuk said.

“We’ve gotten awards for being one of the most generous churches in southeast Michigan,” he said.

“We help support schools, Christ Net, Penrickton Center for Blind Children, the Salvation Army, missions in Africa and a lot more.”

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Civics: A social science dealing with the rights and duties of citizens Peter Rose Wyandotte Warrior

I

can’t articulate exactly what I learned in my high school civics course. I think that’s a problem, one that is at the root of a lot of what feels so discordant, dysfunctional and disconnected in America today.

The erosion of simple and clear connectivity within our communities is the root cause.

That may seem incongruous. After all, there are extensive examples of the precise opposite sentiment.

Whether it’s all of Downriver, or the individual cities that comprise our region, civic pride is not an alien concept. It abounds, in many ways.

Yet citizens here and everywhere have absolutely lost the very concept of their specific rights and duties, as it pertains to the level of prosperity of our collective community.

It’s more of a critique than an indictment. It’s an observation, and an obsession of mine to address.

When we are presented with new information, we have the choice of keeping it to ourselves or sharing it. My businesses benefit as part of the rising tide created by the implementation of the advice I have been given.

Once in my head, the pressure cooker threatens to make my head explode. That would be annoying.

Writing, sharing and disseminating information all reduce the pressure.

It makes me think that I can improve my world.

Communities that really hum are filled with avid, civic-minded residents and businesses. There are numerous active organizations and non-profits, comprised of people that care and are dedicated to direct their energies to problems and projects through those channels. When one steps back and takes it all in, it is impressive. It is inspiring.

Independent businesses within these communities are prime targets for requests to support all these good causes and mission. This is the way

it is supposed to be. Businesses exist because of the support of the residents in those communities, after all. But you might be surprised to learn that the majority of requests are not attached to reciprocal support.

When an existing customer asks us to support a cause they believe in, it is virtually unthinkable to say no. I just can’t imagine responding to their support over the years with a “Sorry, can’t help you.”

It’s not just a business decision; the people that ask are “friends and family.” There is a relationship there, a connection and it feels very good to endorse their efforts, to thank them for those efforts by supporting them.

We also do fund-raisers like Dress Up Wine Down (mark your calendars: September 26, Silver Shores!) that require a great deal of time and focus, so as to donate as much as we can help raise to worthy causes.

But the majority of people that ask for support have not connected the dots. They have good causes and their heart is in the right place, but they do not support their locals.

Maybe I just have a different code of ethics or civics, but I would have a much easier time asking for support from a business with whom I do business. I don’t see the requests as negative things; I see the requests as lacking the positivity that always results in greater response.

It’s as simple as this: A.) A strong business community is better equipped to be a strong, reciprocal player in the charity arena, providing support for the community and all its needs.

B.) The community is strengthened by such a scenario, making residents happier and making the town a more positive place in which to live.

C.) Residents have all the power to make this good scenario come about.

Every single spending decision is in play. Every single decision to keep it local increases the odds that the business in question can be more generous, more of the time.

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Friends of the Detroit River plan special events

O

ver the years, the slogans have become somewhat nostalgic, almost funny and quaint.

“Draft beer, not boys.” “More kooks, less nukes.” “Save the whales.” “Give a Hoot, Don’t Pollute.” But as a half a century had passed, what was old had become new again.

Since the 1990s, the Friends of the Detroit River have embraced the belief that “If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.”

Bill Stevenson Wyandotte Warrior

And, as part of the solution, the Friends of the Detroit River invite interested and concerned citizens to join them in two outstanding events.

On Saturday, March 28, 2020, the annual Riverkeeper Dinner will be held at the Wyandotte Boat Club, 1 Pine Street, one block off Biddle Avenue.

The dinner has become one of the main fundraisers for the Detroit Riverkeeper program, established in 2002, to “protect the interests of the river and the citizens of the surrounding communities.”

Robert Burns, a lifelong Downriver resident, has been the first and only Riverkeeper. He acts as the environmental watchdog, protecting the Detroit River’s water quality and its natural ecosystems.

Most of his daily work is done patrolling the river in the FDR supported Detroit Riverkeeper boat. The dinner helps raise funds to keep the boat afloat.

The Riverkeeper dinner starts at 7 p.m. with a themed

repast catered by the Truago restaurant. The evening includes live entertainment, a cash bar, with a raffle, door prizes, and a silent auction.

After dinner there will be a special presentation by Burns on the Habitat Restoration projects ongoing throughout

to the Friends of the Detroit River 20600 Eureka Rd. Suite 250 Taylor, MI 48180.

The second FDR event is the annual Spring 2020 Detroit River Clean-up.

This year’s event, held in honor of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, will be on

groups include Canadian Essex Region Conservation Authority, the Detroit River Canadian Clean-up, the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center, the Belle Isle Conservancy, the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy,

the river.

Presenting sponsors are ECT-Environmental Consulting & Technology, Inc. and the SMITHGROUP, design professionals.

The cost of the ticket to the Riverkeeper Dinner is $50.

Advanced reservation form can be found online, and returned with checks payable

Saturday, April 25 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. debarking from Rotary Park in Trenton. A picnic lunch will be provided after the good work is done.

The Friends of the Detroit River will be joining other non-profit organizations on both sides of the river to coordinate riverbank cleanups that day. Participating

Friends of the Rouge River, Green Living Science, and Milliken State Park. The clean-up is sponsored by DTE and EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC. Volunteers that day can participate with or without small outboard boats. Anyone interested in helping to clean-up litter and trash along

the river, are asked to dress for the weather with gloves, boots, and extra lifejackets.

The Trenton boat launch at the foot of Harrison Street, east of West Jefferson can be used for launching boats on trailers. An orientation meeting will be held at 9 a.m. at the Rotary Park pavilion. Anyone who plans to bring their boat, should call 734.676.4626 to register for the event.

The goal of the annual Detroit River Clean-up is to scour the waterways and shores of the small islands in the Lower Detroit River to remove as much litter that has accumulated over the course of a year. And so the work continues.

Come join the Friends of the Detroit River in these celebrations of grassroots environmental action, and know that you can make a difference in our own little corner of the world.

“Give Earth a Chance.” “Save the Planet” “Don’t Be Mean, Be Green.”

Be a Friend of the Detroit River. Peace out.

If you would like further information about the Riverkeeper Dinner, the Spring 2020 River Clean-up, or how to join the Friends of the Detroit River, please visit @ detroitriver.org.

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Part of the solution

WYANDOTTE WARRIOR < March 26 - April 22, 2020 < Page 15

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Members of Teddy’s Flowers from the Botany program at Roosevelt High School in Wyandotte strike a pose during the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber Black Tie Gala at Crystal Gardens in Southgate. The students made all of the table arrangements from scratch.

SWCRC Black Tie Gala Business leaders from across the region got together at Crystal Garden in Southgate on March 5 for the annual Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber of Commerce Black Tie Gala. Business leaders put on their finest attire and rubbed elbows with each other while enjoying fine food and the fellowship of other economic leaders.

Earning “Best Appetizer” honors at the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber’s Black Tie Gala was Smuggler’s Run on the River in Wyandotte.

Accepting the award from chamber President Ron Hinrichs (right) are Kevin Travers, Emiliy Balsis, Guinevere Mayhew and Randy Froschheuser (left).

The Smuggler’s crew served appetizers at the black tie event.

Photos by Dave Gorgon

Joe’s Hamburgers and Silver Ballroom owner Jeremy Sladovnik and coworker Tony Miello standing at their booth during the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber’s annual Black Tie Gala.

SPORTS

Shutdown is a disappointing end for Bear cagers The cancellation of the Michigan High School Athletics Association winter postseason due to the Covid-19 outbreak was disappointing for all teams who lost their playoff chances. It was especially disappointing, however, to a team like the Wyandotte basketball Bears, who had a great regular season and were poised for even greater things.

The Bears won the Downriver League Hank championship, Minckiewicz they knocked off a Wyandotte Warrior scrappy Southgate team in their first district game and were set to face a sub-.500 Lincoln Park team for the district title.

A likely win there would have added a district championship banner and sent the Bears into the regionals against the winner of the Cass Tech-River Rouge district final at Fordson.

But it was not to be.

Instead the 2019-20 Bears will have to be satisfied with the league title, an 18-win season and the 53-50 district win over league rival Anderson.

In the district game, played at Lincoln Park on March 11, the Bears got a surprisingly tough game from Anderson, a team they had beaten twice in during the regular season. The Bears beat the Titans 65-47 and 57-49, but apparently the Titans learned some things in those losses because they hung with the champs all night long in the district match-up.

The Titans grabbed an early lead and led throughout much of the first quarter, but Wyandotte ripped off the last five points of the frame and the score was tied at 13-all after eight minutes of play.

Guard Hayden Loya canned a couple of long three-pointers to help the Bears get their bearings and it was the start of a huge night for the senior.

Loya scored 25 points in the game, including five three-point bombs and he led the team from his point position.

Loya had some help with the heavy lifting from the in-the-paint play from Nico Fernandez and Jimmy Breaux. The pair combined for 16 points, but an even bigger factor was their intimidating inside Photo by Larry Caruso defensive presence and their rebounding on both Hayden Loya had 25 points and helped the Bears beat Anderson in the first round of the MHSAA ends of the court. districts on March 11.

Wyandotte began to pull away a bit in the second quarter, opening a 27-20 halftime lead. The lead throw in the closing seconds and made the put-back in the game. Aaron Jaciuk added nine in a losing grew in the third quarter, but the spunky Titans to give the Bears their final cushion. cause. scored the last nine points of the period to grab a It was an exciting finish to an exciting game, a Wyandotteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s would-be opponent in the district two-point lead heading into the fourth quarter. game that turned out to be the last one of the season championship game would have been host Lincoln The final stanza was a back-and-forth affair with for both the Bears and Titans.

Park, which got there with upset victories over the Bears threatening several times to pull away, but Anderson, which finished the year 8-13, got 14 Huron League runner-up Riverview and Allen Park. the Titans kept hanging around points - from Giovanni Hugan and 12 - all on threeThen, Loya rebounded a missed Southgate freepoint shots - from Max Walker, who fouled out late

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Good-bye 2019-20 season

Photos by Larry Caruso

The Downriver League championship Wyandotte Roosevelt basketball team won a first-round district game against Southgate Andeson on March 11 before the postseason was shut down by the Covid-19 pandemic. The Bears finished the 2019-20 season with an 18-4 record.

Wyandotte grapplers wrap up solid season It was a good season for coach Brett Green and the Roosevelt wrestling team and the squad wrapped up things by placing two wrestlers at the MHSAA Division 2 state meet at Ford Field on March 7.

Nate Jerore finished fifth at 135 pounds and Nick Biundo finished seventh at 140 pounds. Eddie Homrock of Brighton was the 135-pound champ and Josh Edmond of Detroit Catholic Central was the 140-pound champion.

In his final match, Jerore, who was 34-7 this season, won a majority decision over Phillip Burney of Novi Detroit Catholic Central. Biundo also won his final match, beating Justin Varcally of New Baltimore Anchor Bay 3-2. Biundo ended the year with a 42-9 record.

Cheerleading The Roosevelt competitive cheerleading team finished up the season by qualifying for regionals with a third-place showing at the MHSAA district hosted by Plymouth.

The Bears scored 753.62 points and finished behind only district champ Canton and Woodhaven.

Livonia Churchill was the fourth team to qualify from the district.

The Bears found themselves in fourth place after the first round, but two straight strong rounds pushed them ahead of Churchill into the third-place position.

Bowling Roosevelt qualified two girls senior Alicia Rager and freshman Angela Rodriguez - for the MHSAA Division 1 bowling finals.

In the singles qualifying round, Rodriguez rolled 1,169 and finished 15th, qualifying her for the finals.

Rager was right behind with 1,149, but her 18th-place finish was two spots out of qualifying for the finals.

In the finals, Rodriguez beat Samantha Mason of Sterling Heights 372-352 before bowing out against Carrington Beamon of Farmington in the next match.

Rooseveltâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Smith moving on

Senior Smantha Smith, Rooseveltâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s go-to forward this season, signs a letter of intent to play basketball at Schoolcraft College. With her are Schoolcraft coach Shay Lewis, Roosevelt head coach Jerry Makuch and Roosevelt assistant Omar Ahart.

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Twin Set $299 • Full Set $399 Queen Set $499 • King Set $799

10 year warranty 825 individually wrapped coils Serta’s Best edge Technology

10 year warranty POCKETED COIL®, DUALCOOL™

No Flip Mattress • 10 Year Full Warranty Heavier concentration of coils in the center of the mattress. 14 gauge coils prevent sagging.

Chelsea Pillow Top

Twin Set $599 • Full Set $699 Queen Set $799 • King Set $1099 Two Sided Mattress • 15 Year Warranty • Hybrid mattress has 964 encased coil springs with gel memory foam. 4 1/2” of pillow top on each side of the mattress.

Leather Barcalounger Recliner

$949

$849

$599

Flexsteel power recliner with power headrest Choice of 150 colors

Best Leather Rocker Recliner Choice of colors

WHITE FURNITURE 3025 Biddle Avenue Wyandotte, MI 48192 734-282-2155

$399 Lane Rocker Recliner with power headrest Choice of colors

HOURS:

$299 Rocker Recliner with power headrest Choice of colors

Monday : 9:00- 8:30 Tuesday : 9:00- 5:30 Wednesday : 9:00- 5:30 Thursday : 9:00- 5:30 Friday : 9:00- 8:30 Saturday : 9:00- 5:30

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