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Roosevelt High School Class of 1972 planning 50-year reunion DAVE GORGON

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Plans are under way for the 50-year reunion of the Theodore Roosevelt High School Class of 1972 in Wyandotte.

Organizers have scheduled the reunion for 6 to 11 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022 at the Wyandotte Boat Club, One Pine St. It’s the same weekend as the high school homecoming activities.

“We’re coming home after a half century,” said Mark Slagle, a class member who is leading the planning committee.

The reunion will include a buffet dinner, cash bar and a raffle to win Roosevelt High School items. All classmates will receive a memento to remember the occasion.

“The Wyandotte Boat Club

has an enormous wooden deck to enjoy conversation during the nice weather along the Detroit River in addition to the inside dining area,” said Slagle, who lives in Riverview. “There will be lots

of room for everyone.”

Tickets are $40 per person ($45 if purchased after August 31) for classmates; $20 per teacher.

“We fondly remember many teachers who taught

us lessons not only from books but also life,” Slagle said. “We’d love to see our teachers and encourage them and administrators to join us for this special celebration as we would like to reminisce with them as well.”

Classmates are encouraged to attend the homecoming football game starting at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30, at the football field. The gathering will be hosted by Roosevelt Athletic Director Tom DeSana, a recent inductee into the Roosevelt Hall of Fame.

On Saturday morning, participants are invited to a tour of the high school starting at 10 o’clock. The tour will be led by Alana Paluszewski, another distinguished Roosevelt SEE GOLDEN, PAGE 5

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Page 2 > April 26 —May 25, 2022 > WYANDOTTE WARRIOR

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Council Todd Hanna thanna@wyandottemi.gov

Council and Commission Meetings at Wyandotte City Hall

Council Rosemary Shuryan rshuryan@wyandottemi.gov

Mayor and Council Members

City Council Meeting Monday, May 9 - 7:00pm Beautification Commission Meeting Thursday, May 12 - 6-8pm

Council Chris Calvin ccalvin@wyandottemi.gov

Mayor Robert A. DeSana mayor@wyandottemi.gov

Council Robert Alderman ralderman@wyandottemi.gov

Mayor Pro Tempore Kelly M. Stec kstec@wyandottemi.gov

Council Kaylyn Crayne kcrayne@wyandottemi.gov

City Council Meeting Monday, May 23 - 7:00pm City Council Meeting Monday, June 6 - 7:00pm Beautification Commission Meeting Thursday, June 9 - 6-8pm City Council Meeting Monday, June 27 - 7:00pm

City Department Contacts 27th District Court Chief District Judge, The Honorable Elizabeth L. DiSanto Phone: 734-324-4475 Email: 27DC@wyandottemi.gov

Downtown Development Authority Joseph Keller Gruber, Downtown Development Authority Director Phone: 734-324-7298 Email: dda@wyan.org

Fire Department Tom Lyon, Fire Chief Phone: 734-324-4404 For Emergencies Call 911 Email: tlyon@wyandottemi.gov

Animal Control Department Phone: 734-246-1328

Department of Public Service Jon Allen, Superintendent Phone: 734-324-4580 Email: dps@wyandottemi.gov

Municipal Services Paul LaManes, General Manager Phone: 734-324-7100 Email: talk2wms@wyandottemi.gov

Engineering and Building Department Greg Mayhew, City Engineer Phone: 734-324-4550 Email: engineering1@wyandottemi.gov

Police Department Chief Brian Zalewski, Chief of Police Phone: 734-324-4405 For Emergencies call 911 Email: bzalewski@wyandottemi.gov

Assessor Ted Galeski, City Assessor Phone: 734-324-4510 Email: assessor@wyan.org City Clerk Lawrence S. Stec, City Clerk Phone: 734-324-4560 Email: clerk@wyandottemi.gov Community Development The Community Development Office Phone: 734-324-4566 Email: tdrysdale@wyandottemi.gov

Finance and Administration Todd Drysdale, CPA, City Administrator Phone: 734-324-4545 Email: tdrysdale@wyandottemi.gov

Recreation, Leisure and Culture Department Justin Lanagan, Superintendent of Recreation Phone: 734-324-7295 Email: recreation@wyandottemi.gov

Page 4 > April 26 —May 25, 2022 > WYANDOTTE WARRIOR

Springtime at Gabriel Richard

By Leonard Fritz, GR Class of 2023

Gabriel Richard Catholic High School has been very busy over the past month. The National Honor Society held its induction ceremony for new members on Wednesday, March 16. Juniors took the SAT on Wednesday, March 23.

The annual Strides for Adam 5k was on Sunday, March 27, and despite the cold weather generated a large turnout.

The Gabriel Richard community is grateful for those who participated or volunteered at the Strides for Adam event.

Spring sports have started in earnest, with several teams claiming early wins that bode well for the rest of their seasons. Boys lacrosse in particular has had several critical victories throughout the past month. Aside from athletics, the Gabriel Richard drama club held its spring show, Once Upon a Mattress, on the weekend of April 1-3. The shows were well attended and the musical was a hit amongst many who were there.

The Honorable Judge Elizabeth L. DiSanto of the 27th District Court held proceedings within the school as part of the Court to School Program on Monday, April 4. This program is aimed toward increasing understanding of how the courts and government function, and help encourage civic participation amongst students.

The students at Gabriel Richard are looking forward to Easter break which will be April 14-25. Prom is scheduled to be held on Friday, April 29. The end of the year is fast approaching, which means summer vacation will soon be in sight, but until then Gabriel Richard’s students will be keeping their nose to the grindstone in order to successfully finish the school year strong by passing final exams, AP exams, completing projects etc. Spring has sprung at GR!

Wyandotte Museums Heritage events

Art show and city-wide garage sale kick off the series After a hiatus in 2020 and shortened 2021 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Wyandotte Museum is back in full-force this year with its annual Heritage Events Series.

The events complement various times of the year and begin with the Local Artists Show and Spring CityWide Garage Sale.

A favorite for over 30 years, the Local Artists Guild has been displaying original pieces inside Wyandotte’s museum, the FordMacNichol Home since the 1980s.

Guests can visit to peruse the artwork, ask questions, learn techniques and make purchases.

The types of art on display runs the gamut from pencil to watercolor and everything in between. Visitors will see framed and unframed pieces, postcards, tote bags, tiles, greeting cards, and other treasures, which will be spread throughout the first and second floors of the home.

The Local Artists Show takes place April 30 and May 1, from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission is free. For those interested in visiting the museum, the Ford-MacNichol Home will also be open during the same hours for folks to tour. Volunteers will be on hand to provide information and answer questions. Tours are free as well and the museum does accept donations.

The Spring City-Wide Garage Sale follows the Art Show and offers the community a vehicle for displaying their own items, with the hopes of making some money, all while clearing out some space at their property. The event takes place May 13, 14 and 15.

Wyandotte residents may register through May 10 at the Wyandotte Museum office, the Burns Home, 2624 Biddle Ave. The office is open from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The fee to register is $20, which includes the permit fee and $5 lawn sign deposit, which can be reimbursed to the resident if the sign is returned to museum staff by May 24.

Maps of the sales will be available behind the museum campus for $1.

Simply drive into the paved alleyway between Vinewood and Superior where a drive-up service is in place – no need to get out of your vehicle! All proceeds from this event benefit the Wyandotte Museum.

Work is also ongoing to bring the historic Ford-MacNichol Home back to its former beauty, so please be aware as you engage with the campus. Take care as you move onsite and pay attention to all signs in order to maintain the safety of all guests, volunteers and staff. A herculean and expensive project, staff is eager to kick off the 2022 Heritage Events Series and provide varied and interactive programming to the public, the proceeds from which will assist with the restoration and ensure continued future events and tours.

The museum staff hopes you will come support the museum and the community.

The Ford-MacNichol Home is open for tours, Thursdays through Sundays from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Admission is free.

More information can be found on the museum pages of the city website, www.wyandotte.net. You may also email us at museum@wyandottemi. gov or call 734-324-7284.

Here is a list of the Heritage Events Series for 2022: ~ Local Artists Show –April 30 and May 1 ~ Spring City-Wide Garage Sale – May 13-15 ~ Pie and Ice Cream Social – June 26 ~ Wyandotte Stars Annual Home Classic – Aug. 27 ~ Fall City-Wide Garage Sale – Sept. 9-11 ~ Historic Cemetery Walk – Oct. 14-15. Tickets go on sale starting Sept. 12 ~ Hallowe’en Open House – Oct. 21 ~ Festive Fridays – Dec. 2, 9 and 16

WYANDOTTE WARRIOR > April 26 —May 25, 2022 < Page 5

GOLDEN

Continued from page 5 graduate, respected historian and author of several books, including The Pride of Wyandotte, History of Roosevelt High School. Slagle said Paluszewski “is the expert on the history of Roosevelt High School, from the initial building of the school in 1921, its opening in 1923 and through the current time.”

There is no cost for the tour. There is no registration. Attendees are asked to show up by 9:45 a.m. at the Eureka Road entryway doors at the west end of the building. The tour will last about 90 minutes based on the interest by the classmates in the school’s history.

Paluszewski’s book will be available for purchase along with a biography of Ann Marston, the first professional female archer and USA national archery champion who grew up in Wyandotte; and a recently published book, Wyandotte at War: A Michigan Town Fights Back in WWII. The current reunion committee has been organizing the Class of 1972 reunions every five years for the past 30 years. The committee members say

they are a very close-knit team that stays in contact with one another, even in reunion off years. Current and past team members live in Wyandotte, Riverview, Trenton, Grosse Ile and many other Downriver communities.

“I was really shy and wall-flowerish in school and didn’t have a lot of friends,” said Darlene (Morton) Randazzo, who lives in Trenton and serves as recording secretary of the reunion planning committee. “What’s really interesting to me now is that the walls are down when you get to a certain age. I’m not intimidated to talk to people like I was before. It’s nice to get to know people that I wasn’t friends with in high school. I think life is too short to not reconnect and remember the fun times we had together and discover

the things we had in common.”

Like Randazzo, Beryl (McNeil) Robbins has served on the planning committee for 40 years.

“I meet new people every time I go to a reunion,” said Robbins, who returned to Wyandotte in 2020 after retiring from the Department of Justice at the U.S. Attorney’s Office. “Members of the planning committee are like family. None of us hung out with each other in school, but we’ve become close friends since then.”

Slagle said that with the exception of the 10-year and 20-year reunions, recent class get-togethers have been more casual, focusing on a relaxed atmosphere so classmates can catch up with other classmates on the many activities encompassing their lives since

the prior reunion – or longer.

“A portion of the famous brick wall that once enclosed the Roosevelt High School football field is often painted by students for various school events,” Slagle said. “Classmates painted the wall just before our graduation in 1972 and the reunion committee kept up this tradition and painted the wall again in 2002 with our class graduating year of 1972 written on it.”

Classmates are encouraged to bring spouses and/or significant others to the reunion.

“While many classmates live Downriver and within Michigan, we look forward to seeing classmates from all over the country, including Hawaii,” Slagle said.

He encouraged class members to “help make this the best reunion yet by sharing the information with classmates you stay in touch with so they too can attend this special event.”

All of the information is posted on the website rhsclassof1972.blogspot.com.

Questions can be directed to Mark Slagle at (734) 341-0793 or wyandotteroosevelt72@gmail.com.

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■ Trust – This is a “company” that you start, and you become the CEO, “Trustee” and “Settlor.” The company outlives you, but continues to manage your assets as if you were alive by the successor CEO – whom you designate.

■ Power of Attorney – Financial and Healthcare – you need both – the first so someone can pay your bills, the second, sometimes called a Patient Advocate, designates someone to make “hallway at the hospital” decisions to take the stress off the family.

■ Ladybird Deed – probably the best thing that has happened to owning a home. I love these deeds – you grant yourself a life estate – in your own property - but retain the power to sell or borrow against the property. If you do not sell before you pass, this “springs” the house out of your estate, and your heirs have instant ownership, subject to any mortgage or taxes owed or similar.

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Page 8 > April 26 —May 25, 2022 > WYANDOTTE WARRIOR

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What’s New at the Detroit River International Refuge?

How about a new manager? – Welcome Dan Kennedy Bert Urbani/GINLC/IWRA

Dan Kennedy started his new job on Feb 28, so on his Day One of Week Two I took the opportunity to have a ZOOM meeting with him to welcome him to the area and ask a few questions.

Dan brings a 25-year career in wildlife management, with nearly 19 years with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in the areas of wildlife and endangered and threatened species.

He was inspired to apply for the job as Refuge Manager because of the US Fish & Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) Urban Wildlife Conservation Program, which has been in existence for about a decade but only recently funded at the Down River International Wildlife refuge (DRIWR).

Dan noted that historically, the

nation’s conservation programs have focused on rural areas with large tracts of land but few people, and he is excited by the prospect of helping to connect people with nature. (Seven million people live within driving distance of the DRIWR.) With the world’s population increasingly moving to cities, the USFWS believes, “Conservation in urban areas helps protect our natural heritage and provides people with access to nature that raises their quality of life.”

Dan’s immediate goal is learning.

He expects a steep learning curve to absorb the policies and practices of a new agency, the vast institutional and practical knowledge of the refuge staff, and the present and growing challenges including climate change and invasive species.

Dan said he is looking forward

to getting to know the refuge’s partners, including its “friend” group, the International Wildlife Refuge Alliance, as well as the Grosse Ile Nature & Land Conservancy, Friends of the Detroit River, and others.

He plans to connect with former Refuge Managers John Hartig on Grosse Ile and Susan White in Hawaii to learn from their experiences, and acknowledges that he is lucky to be arriving after the visitor center was completed.

Dan said he loves to go fishing from his kayak and went at least once a week during the depths of the pandemic to relieve stress.

Originally from Midland, Michigan, Dan currently lives in Lansing. He is house-hunting in the Downriver area. At any rate, we will be seeing Dan at some GINLC functions as he settles in, and wish him a warm welcome.

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Page 10 > April 26 —May 25, 2022 > WYANDOTTE WARRIOR

Always put safety first when planning a fire pit Many of today’s homeowners are looking for more than a traditional wood deck with a grill in their backyards.

These days, accessorizing means amenities like ponds, vegetable gardens, outdoor kitchens and fire pits.

Because styles, sizes and materials abound, your choices should be based on your space at hand, budget and, of course, local ordinances.

Before you start dreaming of moonlit nights and toasted marshmallows, here’s what else to consider about planning a fire pit:

it subtle enough to avoid destroying the camp-fire mood. Consider light posts or overhead string lights (but don’t hang them directly over the fire pit). Energy-efficient LED lighting can also be plugged into a nearby outlet without requiring you to call an electrician.

When adding seating, experts recommend keeping it far enough away from the fire for people to get up and move around safely. Built-in seating and heavier chairs may help keep people from moving too close to the fire pit.

How much does it cost to build a fire pit?

Costs can be as low as $100 if you go with something simple, according to Houzz. You can purchase a simple kit at a hardware store. Or, if you’re up for a DIY project, you can create your own backyard fire pit. But costs certainly can also go up to several thousand dollars, especially when seating is added.

Backyard fire pit safety tips A fire of any kind demands serious attention to safety. The National Fire Protection Association and ReadyWV offer the following fire pit safety advice: ~ Check wind direction before lighting a fire.

Don’t use flammable fluids (gasoline, lighter fluid, etc.) to light or relight fires. ~ Don’t wear flammable clothing (like nylon) or any loose-fitting clothing. ~ Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the fire. ~ Avoid using softwoods like pine or cedar, because they can pop and throw sparks. ~ Keep a fire extinguisher, garden hose or bucket of water nearby.

It’s also important that you know how to safely dispose of the ashes when you’re done with the fire for the night. Once the ashes have cooled, Portland Fire and Rescue recommends putting them in a metal container and pouring water on them.

Permanent vs. portable fire pits As you begin planning, you may want to think in terms of permanence.

Do you want a fire pit that is built in — a focal point in the yard — or something that’s lightweight and potentially portable, so you can take it where you want your gathering?

Permanent Fire Pits: For a permanent fire pit, choose something that coordinates with the color, style, shape and materials you have in your yard already. You can assemble a fire pit yourself with a premade kit from a hardware store that comes with

everything you need. Or, you can go fully custom and have a landscape professional or contractor design and build it.

Portable Fire Pits: Portable fire pits offer a lot of different options. Fire bowls are typically made of copper, steel or cast iron. Fire tables typically use propane or natural gas and have an area around the fire where you can put food and drinks, according to the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association. Freestanding fire pits called chimineas feature a chimneystyle vent.

Regardless of which style you choose, you need to use proper stones and materials (something that shouldn’t splinter when the fire heats up). Make it proportional to the size of your yard and be sure you have room for seating and circulation, says Houzz.

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Wood, propane or natural gas are most common choices to fuel an outdoor fire pit. Those who favor the sound of a crackling fire may prefer burning real logs and this will require a steady supply of firewood.

Some fire pits use natural gas or propane for an instant fire — though you don’t get the same crackle and smoke as a wood fire. A propane fire pit will have an attached tank, while a natural gas fire pit will require a gas line that runs from your house to the fire pit.

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WYANDOTTE WARRIOR > April 26 —May 25, 2022 < Page 11

Demystifying solar energy

Here’s what to know about all those panels you see Susan Pinkowski Skeptic that you are, you hear it works, you see panels popping up here and there, but you just can’t figure out how the sun can possibly power your house?

Well, there is so much power coming from the sun that if all of the sunlight that hit the earth’s surface was captured for just an hour and a half, it would handle a full year’s worth of energy consumption for the entire planet, according to www. energy.gov.

Free energy – imagine that.

There are two types of solar energy technologies – photovoltaics (PV) and concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP). CSP is mainly for industrial use, so we’ll focus on PV for the homeowner and small business owner.

Solar radiation (a/k/a electromagnetic radiation) is sunlight.

Solar tech captures this radiation and converts it to energy that we can use.

Once the sun hits the solar panel, the energy is absorbed by the PV cells. An electrical charge is created “that moves in response to an internal electrical field in the cell, causing electricity to flow.”

You can attach these panels to homes, businesses and even electrical grids for a mixing of power sources.

Here’s where the costs start to incur. While panels and hardware are cheaper than they’ve ever been, there are a large number of “soft” costs, such as permitting, installing, financing, power storage systems, overhead and more.

But these costs are not enough to stop homeowners and businesses in our area, especially in light of the generous tax rebates currently

available, the increased savings on your monthly electric bill and the security of no more rate increases or blackouts!

An early adopter of this technology was Nicholas Brigandi, who owns 3 Nicks Taproom on Eureka in Southgate. His solar panels were installed in 2005. The impetus for his decision was how solar helps the environment, what a great investment it would be, and how it would lower his DTE bills.

While his solar package cost about $70,000, he was able to take advantage of a sizable rebate and generous tax incentives.

The system currently often shaves $500-600 off his highest monthly electric bills. He was able to recover

his initial investment back in only five years with all the tax breaks and incentives that were offered. He said knows others who have gone solar as well, and there are absolutely no regrets.

In 2012, Hood’s Do It Best Hardware in Wyandotte had 12kw of solar panels installed on its roof for an initial cost of $60,000. However, John Christie indicated that there was a municipal rebate at the time of $12,000 and he also received a 30 percent tax credit. Those are some very nice incentives! In combination with his reduced electrical bill (down about $400 a month) and the increased value of the building, it was a very smart business move.

Patrick Hand at Discount Drinks on Fort Street in

Wyandotte has panels that were installed in 2013-2014.

They reduced his electric bill from approximately $3,200 a month down to about $1,800.

That’s a savings of $1400 a month!

His system, which is almost 10 years old now, cost about $80,000 but he received a $40,000 rebate from the solar company which made the deal even sweeter.

Another environmentalist who jumped on the bandwagon early in 2015 was Barry Gillan of Barry ‘n Company Designs on Oak Street in Wyandotte. His system was installed because of his interest in saving energy costs and protecting the planet.

He first needed some work done to his roof in order to support the system, so all

told his project cost $50,000.

The generous tax credits, including the municipal one, available at the time were a very big incentive for him.

He has loftier goals, though. He might like to take advantage of the geothermal benefits the earth offers, as well as installing wind turbines. There’s so much available to us that we just aren’t taking advantage of presently.

The Wyandotte VFW went onboard in late 2019 and reduced their $2,000 a month electric bill down to $800.

Their panels, equipment and labor came in at $100,000.

They did receive a $5,000 municipal rebate from Wyandotte as well.

The Post had numerous SEE SOLAR, PAGE 18

Page 12 > April 26 —May 25, 2022 > WYANDOTTE WARRIOR

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Being an enthusiastic local retailer is still a thrill You might be of the mind that writing every month is easy for me. It is not.

But I do want to share that after so many years (50) in this clothing store gig (the only job I’ve ever had), I am still intensely in love with what I do.

Every aspect of it.

The apparel business is different from retail operations that operate from a just Peter in time model. It is Rose often disorienting.

My wife Janelle and I just came back from an abbreviated trip to Chicago for THE trade show of our industry (there are others, but nothing comes close to the scale and execution of the show that happens four times a year at the Merchandise Mart).

I’ve been attending “Stylemax” for perhaps 25 years now, or something like that. It has been phenomenal from day one, and it is far better now.

Truly, there is no better show for womenswear in the country.

But the show took place in midMarch. Spring is not really here, yet, right? And here we are, bending our brains over the fall/holiday season, and what to consider for that timeframe.

I’m not complaining, far from it. It’s one of the things I think I’m good at, reading the tea leaves, taking what I know now and projecting it forward to place orders now for something that won’t arrive until August-October.

There is no way I can convey the restorative experience of being in a city of the caliber of Chicago, deciding on a future (and current)

Friendly, happy waitstaff, engaging salespeople that actually know what they’re talking about make me far happier, make me buy. I learn from that every bit as much as the merchandise. snapshot of offerings for our road forward.

The process renews, puts wind in the sails, makes us look forward to the future (can’t wait for that stuff to come in!).

After 50 years, I am still so dependent on that renewal, still thriving in the environment that is created by the show producers, vendors, representatives, and fellow retailers from across the nation. It happens for the men’s business as well, where I learned my trade so long ago.

Without such shows, I simply don’t renew. Never recharge the batteries.

It’s not that I don’t like to rest with a vacation; that renews as well, but it’s totally different.

It’s not just the merchandise offered.

It’s the creativity of it all. The booth designs, the stuff that each maker deployed to express their take on the fashion world for people like me that take those ideas and emulate the best of them at the retail level.

I firmly believe that I am not all that unique in the way I react to visual stimuli. If my eye is drawn to a dazzling display of 50 colors of a cashmere popover, our customers will react the same way. I learn, I get ideas for our store, beyond the merchandise we select.

Keeping in mind that so many of the

brands we shop could fill our stores on their own, it is how they show it, how they sell it that impacts me.

I might be the only one that says this: I love salespeople that know their stuff and share it. Enthusiasm, cheer, friendliness, seriousness, true product knowledge and competence all combine (or not) to compel me to buy from them. Most people I know shun them. Me. I’m eager to let them do their thing. Their “thing” is the thing.

And I will tell you that I never find that “thing” at national chain stores or restaurants. OK, not never, but rarely do I find sparks of any kind outside of the local and independent, where creativity lives, where it’s not just a job, it’s a life.

Friendly, happy waitstaff, engaging salespeople that actually know what they’re talking about make me far happier, make me buy. I learn from that every bit as much as the merchandise.

I am intrigued on these trips at restaurants, or just walking around. I steal ideas and emulate them or share them with folks that might affect change for the better in Wyandotte.

Green bike lanes, incredible lighting displays, cool tiles, the way a concentration of well-dressed people comes across – it all adds up to recharge. The potential for

improvement or revitalization is the spirit of independent retail.

It’s how I see my world. It’s not just my stores. It’s the sum total of all the stores, all the restaurants, creating an aggregate impression on visitors.

Benches, flowers, Christmas decorations, fountains, Italian market lights – I see it all, covet the ideas that might make for a better Wyandotte.

Creativity and boldness make the world go round, not necessarily money.

Localism is my middle name, anymore. feeding localism, doing my part to enable success for local places, passionate places, is fun and purposeful.

Paying attention to governmental support that nurtures new and existing retail, sets the bar for successful, vibrant, electric towns.

Towns that are strong enough to fight back against the homogenous nationalized faux retailers and restaurants are no accident. I pay attention to all the elements that come together to create a cool space that people feel drawn to, feel compelled to go where authenticity lives.

Businesses that know they have to exceed people’s expectations, governments that grease the skids for those businesses and also act to make for coolness through way-finding, flowers, parking decks and so forth, and a community of people that know the real thing when they find it – and make darned sure they don’t go away or fail – all collaborate to make our local economy thrive and hum.

Localism is the new black. Thanks for being on that page with me!

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SOLAR

Continued from page 11 fundraisers for this project, which are ongoing, as there is one phase left to install. Aaron Bartal indicated that their reasoning for going solar was the ability to use clean energy, receive lower electric bills and a desire to help, instead of hurt the environment.

Last year, homeowner Gary O’Brien in Riverview took the optimistic plunge on a solar system without a battery backup. He plans on using his soon-to-be-purchased battery electric Ford F150 Lightening as his whole house backup system by connecting it to his solar grid.

His 18-panel system only cost $20,000 for 6.8 kilowatts of power and his average electric bill, around $190 a month, now averages about $88. His concerns about electrical rate increases, inflation and the need to charge an electric vehicle he already owns convinced him this was a smart move.

“I now have a fixed cost to generate my power so if inflation takes off, my return on investment looks even better,” said O’Brien.

He hired Strawberry Solar in Detroit for his project.

How can the average homeowner come up with a $20,000-$80,000 outlay for solar?

I had been interested in going solar for years, but with that kind of outlay and a gigantic silver maple tree shading the entire front of our home, I knew it was a lost cause.

But then the tree died and had to come down. At the same time, my hopes for solar shot right up! I decided to investigate but I didn’t want to pay that kind of money up front.

I reached out to Power Home Solar (now in the process of merging with Pink Energy) to find out exactly what was involved in going solar.

Imagine my surprise when they told me there was no cash layout on my end, and in fact, they would be paying us a couple grand. That piqued my interest!

We had a year’s worth of electrical usage analyzed by PHS. Our house location facing due south was an important factor in determining how much solar we could harvest.

When everything was figured out,

we would be paying a fixed rate less than our monthly electric bill for 25 years, after which we would never pay an electrical bill again.

Technically, I’ve been paying an everincreasing electric bill for over 50 years, so that was welcomed news.

We will not have any blackouts, nor rate increases, or power shortages ever again. The power company can’t cut our AC off in 110° weather and make us run to the basement anymore.

We have a son we will leave our house to eventually, so it was a decision for the future, and for doing our part to contribute to helping build a resilient electrical grid, while protecting us from the uncertainty of a steady power source. We live on a street that frequently has blackouts and now finally have peace of mind.

We received almost $15,000 in a tax rebate that we applied toward the financing of our system. If we choose to pay it off early, there is no penalty, and the interest rate is ridiculously low as it is. If we decide to sell instead, we can sell the system with the house or have it removed and installed on our new house.

We just couldn’t see a downside to getting solar.

The latest generation of panels are far superior to those from almost 20 years ago and can even generate electricity on cloudy days. The benefits and savings are greater as well. Research is ongoing around the world and new improvements are on the horizon to make them even better.

In other words, not only is solar going to get better, it will also be more affordable to everyone. Some solar companies don’t require any money out of pocket which can benefit people from all income brackets.

Robert Kulic, owner of CRESIT Energy in Wyandotte, handled the installations for all of these businesses mentioned, and is very knowledgeable about all the steps involved in bringing the project, and the paperwork, to fruition.

In compiling this article, I didn’t receive any detractions from those who have gone solar. It seems there are no unhappy customers! It appears to be an all-around win, for the homeowner, the business owner, the job market, the economy, and for the tree-hugger in all of us

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WYANDOTTE WARRIOR < April 26 —May 25, 2022 < Page 19

The Special Olympics are back to putting smiles on faces It’s been a long time since our Special Olympians have been able to compete and have a good time but we are back!

The Special Olympics Michigan Area 23 encoumpasses all of Wyane County, excluding Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park.

Nearly 1,800 participants in 16 sports are under Area sherry 23’s justitiction. The halko sports are athletics, skiing, basketball, bocci, bowling, cycling, gymnastics, powerlifting, soccer, speed skating, cross country skiing, golf, poly hockey, snowshoeing, softball and swimming.

The first sport to make a comeback for the Area 23 Olympians was bowling. More than 30 athletes filled the lanes at the recent regional tournament and the strikes and spares were bowling the participants over.

The regional was the culmination of a season that featured some stringent health and safety protocols.

The Special Olympics of Michigan had a plan to keep the teammates safe and it paid off.

Competitors had to wear masks and maintain six feet separation and they were willing and able. Whatever it took to get back up, running and competing, they waited patiently.

When they were put on hold for two years because of COVID-19, it was hard to keep the athletes healthy, both physically and mentally.

I am part of this experience as I have a daughter who currently participates in the Jo Brighton Special Athletes in Wyandotte and has over the past eight years.

When sports went down, so did my daughter’s spirits. It was almost painful to see her face fall when the next sport was canceled until further notice.

You don’t realize how important a simple game of basketball can be to a person until they can’t do it.

The interaction that The Special Olympics provides is more than just rolling a ball, making a basket, kicking a goal or competing for first place in a variety of sports. It is

about making friends, getting a smile, hearing that big “Yeah” from the quietest to the loudest.

For those of you who know my daughter, she is not in the first category.

The Special Olympics of Michigan has become such an integral part of our lives.

When you first learn that your child might be different, you wonder how they will fit in. You wonder how they will find friends. You wonder how they will learn about the world. You wonder, you wonder, you wonder.

Then you find your way.

The Special Olympics has helped us find our way.

So keep looking for those smiling faces, those proud athletes, those proud coaches, those proud volunteers, those proud parents, those proud families.

We are back!

If you are interested in more about The Special Olympics, check their website at somi.org/area 23.

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Page 20 > April 26 —May 25, 2022 > WYANDOTTE WARRIOR

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WYANDOTTE WARRIOR < April 26 —May 25, 2022 < Page 21

American Legion Auxiliary recruiting students and sponsors for Girls State The American Legion Auxiliary is recruiting Downriver female students who will complete their junior year of high school in 2022 for participation in Michigan Girls State.

As part of the legion auxiliary program, the students will study local, county and state government Dave processes over a Gorgon weeklong nonpartisan political learning experience. The virtual program is scheduled for June 12-17.

Beryl Robbins, a Wyandotte resident who is state chairman of the American Legion Auxiliary Department of Michigan Girls State, said students will receive knowledge and desire to get involved in their communities and continue the mission they have worked hard to achieve.

She said the program changes lives by bringing together dynamic young women for an intense week of leadership, patriotism and community.

Girls State attendees, known as “citizens,” receive special instruction in parliamentary procedure and organize themselves into two mock political parties. The teen-agers campaign, hold rallies, debate and ultimately vote to elect city, county and state officials. Once elected to office, delegates are sworn in and perform their prescribed duties.

Attendees not elected to office are given appointments and visit the offices of those elected to share their viewpoints as citizens.

The program is modeled as nearly as possible upon the actual governmental process in the State of Michigan.

“This program not only instills in its attendees a sense of pride and loyalty in America, but also prepares these women for a career in politics, public service and excellence along their career paths,” said Robbins, a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 426 in Trenton.

Robbins said the Girls State committee and other auxiliary volunteers encourage the young citizens to continue their community

American Legion Auxiliary Girls State elected officials are sworn in during the 2019 event at Michigan State University.

2019 was the last in-person session for the American Legion Auxiliary. The Honorable Elizabeth Clement, Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, is doing the swearing in.

service by becoming members of the American Legion Auxiliary as well as leaders in their communities and local governments.

The auxiliary is the primary sponsoring organization, although other organizations such as Kiwanis, Lions Club, Exchange Clubs, private businesses and relatives of students have supported the program in the past. The cost to sponsor one student is $175, a small investment in our future, Robbins said.

Every spring, approximately 25,000 young women across the country are selected to attend Girls State programs in their respective states.

Two outstanding citizens from each of the 50 American Legion Auxiliary Girls State programs are then chosen to represent their state as “senators” at the Girls Nation in July in Washington DC.

Beryl Robbins The current American Legion Auxiliary Girls State chairman for the State of Michigan retired July 1, 2020, after 40 years with the Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan and bought a home in Wyandotte.

She joined the American Legion Auxiliary in 1994 and became involved with Girls State a few years later, first as a volunteer and then a committee member, before her appointment as state chairman in 2008.

Robbins also is president of the American Auxiliary Unit 426 in Trenton and serves as Trenton’s Girls State chairman. She chairs the 16th District, which covers American Legion auxiliaries located in Trenton, Wyandotte, Riverview, Taylor, Allen Park, Lincoln Park, Dearborn and Dearborn Heights.

Robbins said the premier leadership program enhances a student’s college resume and could make a difference between a school of choice and a backup school.

Anyone interested in attending or sponsoring a student can contact

Beryl Robbins at (313) 318-6845 or berylrobbins1980@gmail.com.

Delegate applications and sponsor reservation forms are available at www.michalaux.org (click on Girls State).

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WYANDOTTE WARRIOR < April 26 —May 25, 2022 < Page 23

The time has finally come! Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge’s grounds are now open seven days a week during daylight hours.

Though The John D. Dingell Jr. Visitor Center remains closed; the grounds around the building are open for self-guided visitation.

What does this mean for our visitors? It means you can now enjoy hiking, fishing, biking, wildlife observation, photography, and more at your local refuge any day of the week from sunup to sundown.

Come early in the morning and experience nature waking up as the birds begin to sing and the morning sun shines on the Detroit River.

Or visit later in the day with your family, friends, or pets and hike the three miles of trails in the Humbug Marsh Unit.

This unit has beautiful trails along the Detroit River that are filled with amazing wildlife to observe.

Now that it is Spring; visitors will soon be able to see the return of many songbirds as they fly into Michigan after a long migration.

The Humbug Marsh Unit also has accommodations like an observation deck, interpretive signs, and a human-size model of an eagle’s nest. Visitors can also explore the refuge by completing missions on the free Agents of Discovery app.

There are so many things to come out and discover at the refuge; come visit us at 5437 West Jefferson Ave., Trenton, MI 48183 or check out our website and Facebook page!

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WYANDOTTE WARRIOR < April 26 —May 25, 2022 < Page 25

Ada Takacs

DNR Forest Resources Division Volunteer Coordinator

Many Michiganders believe spring officially arrives once the robins or red-winged blackbirds return, or the sap flows and buckets show up on maple trees.

Few folks ever think about the other creatures who come out of their winter slumber long before the trilliums begin to bloom, and morels make an appearance.

The creatures I’m talking about are volunteers.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has close to 1,400 employees year-round and hires an additional 1,600 seasonally. These employees work hard to conserve and protect Michigan’s natural and cultural resources for not only today’s enjoyment, but for future generations.

Most recreationists are unaware of the 5,000-plus volunteers who work in tandem every year with these DNR employees protecting our resources.

Volunteers are unpaid and driven by their connection to the natural environment. They are some of Michigan’s most dedicated members of the “workforce.”

Shining stars For example, who brings snowshoes to a river cleanup?

Now nearing retirement, I have worked for a long time as the volunteer coordinator for DNR’s Forest Resources Division. Twenty years ago, I was flipping through project photos when I saw something that surprised me.

A volunteer named Jim Heffner from Grand Traverse County had donned snowshoes to walk across a mucky portion of the river to clean up cans and scattered debris.

That was the day I realized the power and perseverance of our volunteers.

DNR volunteers are innovative. Jim had the foresight to bring snowshoes on a kayak trip because he had to pass up beer cans that were in deep muck during the prior year’s cleanup.

He and many others were volunteering with the award-winning Boardman River Clean Sweep group led by Norm Fred. Almost anyone

A group of girls transporting flood debris gathered from the Boardman River during one of the volunteer garbage cleanups. heartfelt connections to the land and show their dedication by giving back.

They build, install and maintain bird nesting platforms, clear brush from trails and plant trees. They collect native seeds for planting and work hard to help eradicate invasive species.

These volunteers not only obligate themselves, but drag along their entire boot-wearing, glove-donning sets of friends and family members with pickup trucks and trailers.

Young volunteers help the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Michigan United Conservation Corps plant trees to improve habitat in Marquette County. in the Grand Traverse Region is familiar with Norm’s work, including his thousands of hours floating and cleaning the rivers, as well as running a program that pays homeless people to help remove trash illegally dumped on public lands.

Fred has volunteered for DNR programs for more than two decades.

When asked why he started to volunteer his response was not surprising.

“When fishing on the Boardman one day, I thought I reached the end, but I found my beginning,” he said.

Individuals and groups from every walk of life – from Cub Scouts to motorsport and hunt clubs – have

Educators and watchdogs DNR volunteers are not just bootson-the-ground, but also an army of educators and eyes in the field.

Volunteer recreational safety instructors teach our children how to operate boats and snowmobiles, as well as how to hunt safely. Year after year these volunteers play an integral role in passing down land and conservation ethics to future generations.

Volunteers are committed for every SEE STEPPING, PAGE 26

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A volunteer Michigan state park campground host entertains a couple of young visitors.

STEPPING

Continued from page 25 season.

While some work during the winter months to keep the trails groomed for skiing and snowmobiling, the activity really picks up once the snow clears.

Volunteer activities continue in the spring with volunteers who move through the woods listening for the songs of male Kirtland’s warblers defending their nesting territories.

These bird counts, done every five years, help monitor the successful recovery of one of Michigan’s most iconic wildlife species.

Other volunteers sit near ponds to track frog and toad populations as they emerge after winter’s snows retreat. Come summer, volunteers are out protecting piping plover nests and educating visitors about these once near-extinct birds. Autumn brings the popular harvest festivals at state parks, which would not happen without our high-energy volunteers.

State park and rustic state forest campground volunteer hosts dedicate a minimum of four weeks a year to live on-site at DNR campgrounds. In exchange for a spot at the campsite, they greet customers, conduct light maintenance, host coffee hours and children’s activities and help direct traffic during busy weekends.

When filling out park surveys, it is not uncommon for park visitors to write about wanting to return and spend time with these annual volunteers. Harbors and lighthouses also have host programs.

Not surprisingly, these dedicated DNR volunteers become friends with land managers and work side by side to care for the land and water.

Volunteers are most effective at enlisting others and correcting misconceptions about why laws are in place. DNR volunteer coordinators often wake up to an email or voicemail about trees that have blown over a trail or a new trash site that has popped up in the forest. It seems that volunteers never sleep.

Even further Often volunteer groups take the extra step to fund and initiate improvements to public lands.

Michigan’s off-road vehicle, snowmobile and non motorized trails programs are composed of over 100 grant sponsors, nonprofit organizations and friends groups that volunteer their time clearing, grading, grooming, mowing, writing grants and managing construction projects approved by the DNR. The next time you are recreating in the forest, visiting a state park, boating or fishing, take the time to look around and consider the impact volunteers have had on your experience.

Michelle O’Kelly, volunteer coordinator for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division, said she realizes that increased gas prices this year will put an additional burden on our volunteers.

History shows that most are so committed that they will find a way to continue the work.

“If all of us would take the time to do something within a 5-mile radius of where we live and work, we can accomplish great things,” she said.

Want to become part of the team?

Check out volunteer opportunities at Michigan.gov/DNRVolunteers

For it is Always Fair Weather When Good Fellows Get Together

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