WYANDOTTE MARCH ISSUE

GET GREAT NEW GLASSES, SAVE SOME MONEY!

Many people - most, perhaps - go to an optometrist, get an eye exam and then follow the lady in the white coat over to the wall of frames and pick out a new set of glasses.

The story ends with the customer paying way more than he or she ever expected.

If that pretty much describes you, Bob Schmittou says there is something you should know: He can save you money, maybe lots of money.

Schmittou, a proud military veteran, owns New Eyes Optical, located on 1616 Ford Avenue, right at 16th Street in Wyandotte.

There are no doctors at New Eyes, just lots of frames and Schmittou, who can get you into fashionable new glasses for a lot less than all of the other chains and franchises out there.

Just bring your eyeglass prescription to him and see what kind of magic he can work for you.

“I am kind of like what the pharmacy is to your doctor,” Schmittou said. “Your doctor writes you a prescription. He doesn’t try to sell you the drugs. You go to the pharmacy. The same is true with us. You bring us a prescription and we will fill it.”

New Eyes Optical does not accept insurance, but their low prices mean that is often not an issue.

Schmittou has been in the eyeglass game for a long time. He enlisted in the Army after graduating from Lincoln Park High School and Uncle Sam sent him to school to learn how to make eyeglasses.

He did that in the Army for nearly four years and then worked for Lenscrafters and for private doctors after that.

In 2012 he opened New Eyes Optical and has been there ever since.

Schmittou said he has over 2,000 frames in his building and can make arrangements to get others if customers come in with a specific brand or style in mind.

For sunglass lovers, Schmittou said he has the largest selection of Ray Ban and Oakley sunglasses in the area.

If you come in, you will deal with Schmittou himself. He and his wife Pam are the only employees. Schmittou does the fitting of the eyewear, and Pam orders frames and keeps the shop looking fresh by arranging the frame displays and decorating.

So, if you are in the market for new glasses, would like a little personal attention and a really low price, give Schmittou a call at 313-587-4204, drop an email at neweyesoptical2012@gmail. com or contact them through their Facebook page, Facebook.com/neweyesoptical.

FROM THE MAYOR

Take a stroll through the Taste of Downtown

Wyandotte is known for so many wonderful attractions and amenities; our beautiful waterfront, our historic architecture, our unparalleled events scene. Lately, it seems Wyandotte has become known as the restaurant capital of Downriver. There are so many amazing restaurants and eateries, it may seem impossible to try them all. Come April, it’s the perfect time to try!

ROBERT DeSANA

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

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

company has brought their amazing business to Wyandotte after years of success operating out of a mobile food trailer.

Settle in with friends and loved ones at one of our wonderful fine dining restaurants – each one unique and special in their own way. Magdaleno’s Ristorante is an incredible Italian restaurant that offers authentic homemade dishes that rival those of any around. The Iron Gate has quickly become one of Downriver’s most popular eateries, with delicious small plates and highend craft cocktails. The Vault on 1st offers some of the best steak and seafood in Metro Detroit, constantly earning awards and high accolades from food critiques and dining magazines.

Restaurant Week is all about the food, but Wyandotte has so much to offer. Enjoy an awesome night out with live music and entertainment at the District 142, an amazing rock & country music venue featuring prominent national musicians and comedians.

Enjoy some of Wyandotte’s newest establishments like JBird –Downriver’s premier self-service wine bar that’s equal parts trendy and swanky. They have amazing premium wines to enjoy by the sip or by the pour, and they often feature live musical performances with great Downriver artists. Being responsible? Visit Kekoa Brew Co. for a premium coffee drink or delicious craft mocktail. This family-owned coffee

From Italian to Mexican; Sushi, Seafood, and Soups; fine dining to gastropubs - Yes, Wyandotte has it all! And now’s the perfect time to try it all. A list of participating restaurants and weeklong specials may be found at Wyandotte.net or by following Downtown Wyandotte Facebook and Instagram.

Ron Hinrichs, CEO/President SWCRC

Join us for Downriver’s premier tasting event, the Taste of Downriver presented by Public Service Credit Union! Sample great food from eateries in downtown Wyandotte and throughout Downriver on Tuesday, August 13 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Current participating eateries include The Vault on First, Prestige Banquet Hall, Kudos Taproom and Fieldhouse, Smoothie King in Flat Rock, A Serendipity Cakery, Joe’s Hamburgers, H2O Seafood, Grand Dad’s Side Bar, Sports Bar and Grill, the Grecian Center, and more to be announced!

Tickets are $25 and available at swcrc.com/taste2024. Join us for this exciting event and discover your new favorite restaurant. Thank you to our amazing sponsors including Public Service Credit Union, Kudos Taproom and Fieldhouse, Downriver Community Federal Credit Union, Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital, Community Focus Federal Credit Union, Wayne County Community College District, and Michigan Legacy Credit Union.

A skyline without the stripes

By WENDY PATE

The Candy Canes, Peppermint Sticks, and Dr. Suess are some of the nostalgic names given DTE’s Trenton smokestacks are now sentiments of our past. You may have needed them to guide your boat home from Lake Erie, caught your largest walleye in their warm waters, or used them as a backdrop for photos, but in the end, the stacks and powerhouse that have lined the shore of the Detroit River since 1924 fell by explosion on March 15th.

Barbara Rykwalder, DTE Manager of Corporate and Government Affairs, moderated a town hall February 22nd to inform the public of the demolition project and take questions from the community. Nick, DTE Manager of Capital Projects, Anthony, DTE Project Manager, and Leo, Senior Project Manager with Independence Excavating, outlined what to expect, how to prepare, and milestones for the

decommissioning process.

Many questions revolved around the safety of the demolition. In advance, DTE removed all hazardous materials, verified by third party state inspectors. Air monitoring took place, and while shifts in winds aren’t much of a factor, severe weather can be, which was monitored on the day of demolition. High power misting machines were used to mitigate dust from leaving the site and clouds dissipated quickly.

“We’ve worked with Dykon Explosive Demolition on the Conners Creek demo, this is what they do and are the best,” assured Leo from Independence Excavating. “This procedure is the safest way to do it, it’s controlled and lessens the impact on the community.”

The Trenton community has been vocal about how to best serve the community, and the City Council has been listening. In December of 2020, Council approved the “Waterfront Revitalization” zoning code for former industrial waterfront areas, including DTE’s. Since then, various studies by

MSU and U of M graduate students offered renditions of how to repurpose the land which inspired discussions with DTE.

On December 4th, 2023, Council unanimously approved a resolution in support of DTE’s Battery Energy Support System (BESS) Project for the site, a step toward achieving DTE’s net zero carbon emissions plan by 2050. According to Daniel Chang, DTE BESS manager, “Batteries are charged by renewables, such as wind and solar, when abundant and store the energy for usage when they are not, thus stabilizing the grid. Battery infrastructure can be constructed quickly and have low operating and maintenance costs. Advancements in design, manufacturing, and recycling are tempering safety and environmental challenges.” Studies show closing coal-fired plants is associated with significant decreases in asthma related hospitalizations and rescue inhaler use. The project was submitted late December 2023 to the Michigan Public Service Commission and was approved

on March 15th.

Mayor Rzeppa stated, “DTE’s projected numbers will triple the tax revenue from $1.2 million to $3.5 - $4 million, with some expected depreciation over time on just the 4050 acres proposed, while remaining discussions on what the other 80+ acres can become.” DTE agreed to “provide an area of use for the city’s use of a Greenway Pathway with construction to begin within 30 months, with funds for maintenance and landscaping, and safety.” DTE will collaborate with the U of M’s SEAS Program to design and construct the pathway and safe intersection crossing at GI Parkway to support the region’s commitment to outdoor recreation, long term economic development, and improving overall quality of life and healthier lifestyles. The DTE property is located on the Iron Belle Trail and Trenton was designated a Pure Michigan Trail Town in 2021.

For further updates, visit empoweringmichigan.com/trenton.

Photos by Dave Chapman

Which plan do you need?

Time to clear up the confusion about Estate Planning ... The following defi nitions lack legal precision, but makes it easier to get a clear picture of what may be needed in your case.

■ Will letter of intent of where you want your personal property to go or not go.

■ Living Will Documents your wishes during your nal days including nal healthcare choices and possibly your burial wishes.

■ Trust This is a ìcompanyî that you start, and you become the CEO, ìTrusteeî and ìSettlor.î 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 rst so someone can pay your bills, the second, sometimes called a Patient Advocate, designates someone to make ìhallway at the hospitalî 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 ìspringsî the house out of your estate, and your heirs have instant ownership, subject to any mortgage or taxes owed or similar.

Again, this is just a general description of the more popular terms no one choice is a ìsilver bulletî but depending on how your estate gets planned out you can expedite a clean and clear process for the assets you worked a lifetime to save. Why wouldnít you want to do that? Stop by or call and make an appointment and Iíll tell you what youíre going to need to do this right.

To my numerous former clients – thank you for allowing me to draft your estate plan!

www.ForresterLawOffice.com

We never know, do we?

PETER ROSE

These columns I write have been a way for me to channel angst, anger, stress, frustration, contempt, and anxiety over my sliver of reality in the world of retail. I have done this for eighty-one consecutive editions of the Go Big publications, and I believe that I have done a credible job of expressing all of these things through words that have also been all about optimism, encouragement, and determination to prevail against absurdly outsized odds. All of these niche specific thoughts are how I have experienced and how I assess the state of the nation. If I weren’t essentially optimistic, I wouldn’t even have the gumption to write.

Optimism comes from lots of directions. By the time these words are read, Janelle and I will have spent time in Las Vegas and Chicago, trying to read the tea leaves, so to speak. Every season, in just a few days, a significant chunk of the vendor pool in the women’s apparel business gather together at multiple venues to offer up each of their contributions to the fashion world for upcoming seasons. This part of the job I have done for fifty plus years is still fascinating to me. From these shows springs hope and ambition for the near future, and interestingly, has the effect of making me look forward with great anticipation, eager for the passing

All of us Independent, and local to the communities in which we do our thing. For richer, for poorer, our near-term fates are in large part the results of these trade show efforts. What a wild thing to consider.

of time, even as I near the 70-year marker. Imagine that, avidly eager for time to pass, being impatient for the next season. That’s the truth. I return from each trip with new “fuel” with which to fire the engines of our little micro-economy(!) It’s true for both the men’s and women’s business. Evan and I were in Chicago a bit earlier, and returned with similar (yet radically different) inspirations.

It isn’t just the merchandise presentations we sit through and sift through. Although making our selections is ultimately the sole reason for these trips, we feed off the passion for the industry that each vendor shares with us through their latest offerings. That is: their most current visions of what they perceive to be saleable for US if we choose to do business with THEM. But in so doing, we see countless ways of dramatizing said offerings. Endless and highly varied creativity that makes booth spaces look fantastic, and that telegraphs each vendor’s take on the drama of retail. It is dramatic, it is impressive, it is fun to see and think about, and it adds to the fire.

Big, corporate entities no longer attend these shows. They haven’t in a long time. They make their plans far earlier than the indie segment of the industry, with just a few exceptions.

Many stores are completely vertical, meaning that the only brands you see in their stores are their own labels. Others use a mix, but with so many stores, they work earlier.

THAT means that all of these trade shows are for ME. Well, OK, not JUST for me, but for the likes of me in apparel stores of all sizes and shapes across the nation. All of us coming together to put our varying levels of endorsement on a wild diversity of brands and their collections. All of us Independent, and local to the communities in which we do our thing. For richer, for poorer, our nearterm fates are in large part the results of these trade show efforts. What a wild thing to consider.

As you know well by this time, I have mall retail in my experience. I compared our stores to bigger players, not just other small businesses like ours. I was inspired by good ideas, even if I couldn’t execute them. As negative as my regard is for those invaders, I do have to admit that they instilled an obsession for creative excellence.

We come back from shows, then, with heads full of ideas, from new brands to fresh offerings from existing brands. From cool lighting ideas to efficient display equipment, all things we can emulate. The energy is electric

and addictive. After attending SO many shows over the course of my career, I still find it all exhilarating. We can’t possibly share everything we bring home with us. But visitors to Wyandotte and to our stores will see newness as a result of those trips.

When I visit stores that obviously find their own version of creative optimism from wherever they get it, I recognize it. It may be that simple. I recognize the sparks. Some of the stores just stun me; I don’t want to leave. Most are not that dramatic, but man, when I find places like that, the memories of that find don’t fade.

I actually think that all of that, all of what I just wrote ... could have been written about trips I have taken, or people I have met. Inspiration and optimism come from places we can’t foretell. We just can’t know, right? It’s scary for me to contemplate losing that source of inspiration.

People are beginning to ask me more about retiring, as they inform me that THEY are retiring or that it’s coming or it came. I am resolute in my responses. I haven’t gotten it right, yet. I have work to do, I’m not satisfied, what would I do ... but the main thing is the idea of losing that source of energy and replenishment. It’s just not going to happen, and I’m grateful for it.

Go Big Multimedia welcomes new editor

With a new year come new things, and the newest thing here at Go Big Multimedia is our editor, Zoey Kuspa. Publishers Will and Sherry Evans said they were thrilled to have Kuspa take over the editor’s post, which had recently been filled by Hank Minckiewicz, and then Cameron Colwell, who both will continue as contributing journalists.

As editor, Kuspa will oversee the editorial portion of Go Big Multimedia’s five monthly news magazines, The Grosse Ile Grand, The Riverview Register, The Southgate Star, The Trenton Times, and the Wyandotte Warrior.

Blair Temple to produce the papers each month.

Since entering the newspaper market seven years ago with The Grosse Ile Grand, Go Big Multimedia has grown steadily to where it is today and continues to look for new opportunities to grow and expand as they may arise.

She will be responsible for generating content for the papers and collaborating with graphic designers Pat Macomb and

Kuspa, a lifelong Downriver resident, fits right in with the “go get’em” attitude that is part of the DNA of these publications.

Kuspa is a graduate of Southgate Anderson High School and Ferris State University, where she earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s in Information Security and Intelligence. She is the daughter of Southgate Mayor Joseph Kuspa and she is the President of the Southgate City Council.

Wyandotte girls close out fine season

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

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

The clubs delivered a great game,

with an outcome that was uncertain all night long.

The two teams played aggressive, with pressure from the outset, and it took a while for the offense to get cranked up.

Roosevelt found its footing first and led 13-9 after the first period.

But Riverview has a history of getting hot, and the Bucs did just that in the second quarter, outscoring Wyandotte 19-5 to take a 28-18 lead into the locker room at halftime.

Roosevelt needed to make adjustments at halftime and it did.

“We had to box out and limit their second chances, and we knew if we cleaned that up, we could get

ourselves right back into this one,” Roosevelt coach Madison Hamilton said. “We just made sure to harp on that, we have to get a body on a body and get right in the paint.”

Roosevelt looked like a new team in the second half.

The Bears opened the third quarter outscoring Riverview 9-0.

Riverview weathered the Wyandotte onslaught, but the rest of the game would remain tight.

Midway through the fourth quarter, Roosevelt regained the lead 38-37, but it would be the Bears last advantage.

Riverview scored the next 5 points and were able to fend off the late-charging Bears.

It was 45-42 with 30 seconds to go, and the Riverview defense would not give Wyandotte an open three-point shot. The Bucs eventually fouled, and the Bears made one of two free throws.

On its final possession, Riverview broke the Wyandotte press and was able to run out the clock.

The district championship was the sixth straight for Riverview.

Leading the scoring department for Riverview was Averi Westbay, who had 14 points. Brooklyn Poe aided her efforts with 9 points

mater.

“This was such a bittersweet, but wholesome season,” Hamilton said. “This was our first season, and for our seniors, we were their fourth set of coaches. They welcomed us, we welcomed them, and it was just a big growth season.”

“I couldn’t be more proud of all of them and we will be ready for next season,” she said.

For Wyandotte, Anna Ziegler and Avery Patrick each had 11 points in the game.

The loss ended a successful 202324 campaign for the Bears (16-8), which was the first with Hamilton at the helm of the program. She couldn’t help but smile when thinking about the first year she had with her alma

Some of the highlights of the year included season sweeps of league rivals Allen Park, Southgate, Taylor, Lincoln Park, and Dearborn Edsel Ford, a five-game winning streak during the middle of the season, and winning 16 games overall, more than any other Downriver team besides the champion, Trenton.

Photos by Emily Caruso

Florida Keys Vacation!

Ahhhhh, you’re on vacation…

Your morning in paradise starts with sipping your coffee sitting at your nautical teak table overlooking lush tropical landscaping on your private balcony or taking a short stroll to the tiki hut at the end of the pier to watch the sunrise over the Atlantic. The perfect start in paradise. After a fun lled day of boating, shing, scuba diving or soaking up the sun relaxing by one of the largest pools in the Florida Keys or relaxing by the pool overlooking the marina and Atlantic ocean, or even sinking your toes in the sand like the song says ìonly worry in the world is the tide going to reach your chairî on our private upland sunning beach. There is always something for everyone!

Paradiseisnítoveryetasyouwalkthroughyourown privatecourtyard,a brickedpatiogardenwithrelaxing furniture,thenupjustone ightof stairs,yourprivate oasisawaitsyouÖwhereyoucanunwindfroma fun lledday. Youcancookyourfreshdayíscatchin yourfullyequippednewkitchenwithlotsof natural lightglisteningoff thesolidsurfacecountertopsand thestunningstainlesssteelappliancesandeatin comfort. Orgoìoutonthetownî andrelaxin some of thebestrestaurantsin theareawhereyouare pamperedasyourfreshcatchis beingpreparedto yourspecifi cationsasyourelaxdrinkinga glassof wine watchingthebeautifulFloridaBaySunset. Theperfect endtoa wonderfuldayin paradise.

Afterdinnerretreattoyour1480sq.ft.Newly DecoratedBeautifultwobedroomtownhousewitha smartopen oorplan,14í vaultedceilings. Relaxwith ELEGANT TommyBahamafurnishingsanda 65î HDTV inthegreatroom.

Nowtimefora perfectnightísrestasyouenjoya wonderfulviewfromthemasterbedroomgivingthe feelingof nestlingin thetrees. Abeautifullytropical drapedfour-poster,kingsizebedwithultracomfort mattressassuresa perfectnightíssleepandoffersthe idealspottoviewthe48î atscreen TV. Anensuite bathfeaturesa cornerspatub,theperfectwaytoend adayof sightseeing.

Welcometo901MarinersClub! Wearegladtohaveyouhere!

Winter season comes to a close for Bear teams

The Wyandotte competitive cheerleading team capped a fine season with a berth in a Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 1 regional hosted by Troy Athens High School.

The Bears finished seventh in the 12-team competition with a score of 781.04. Rochester Hills Stoney Creek won the event with 791.38. The top four teams from the regionals qualified for the state finals in Mt. Pleasant. Joining Stoney Creek as qualifiers from the Athens region were Rochester, Rochester Adams, and L’Anse Creuse North.

Stoney Creek went on to win the Division 1 state title with a score of 792.98 at the state finals.

Roosevelt qualified for regionals by finishing third at the district competition held at Woodhaven High School. There, the Bears finished second by just over a point to district champ Woodhaven.

The top four teams in each district qualified for regionals. Those teams were Woodhaven (777.80), Wyandotte (776.34), Temperance Bedford (749.74) and Plymouth (720.26).

At the Downriver League meet back in February, the Bears were also third. That might not sound great, but considering that powerhouses Carlson and Allen

Park were in the running, it was still quite an accomplishment.

Allen Park went on to win the MHSAA Division 2 state crown and Carlson was fourth. The Marauders suffered an eight-point penalty in the finals or their score would have beaten Allen Park.

At the league meet, Carlson won with 789.14 points, Allen Park was second with 785.38, Wyandotte was third with 781.04, and Woodhaven was fourth with 762.90. Trenton, Southgate, Lincoln Park, and Taylor rounded out the league-meet scoring.

SOUTHGATE HOOPSTERS ELIMINATE BEARS

The Roosevelt boys basketball team, which won seven games this season, had hopes of making some noise in the state tournament.

But the Bears were silenced quickly.

Roosevelt lost to Downriver League rival Southgate 73-58 in the first round of the Division 1 district tournament hosted by Allen Park.

The Titans became something of a Cinderella in the tournament as they first beat the Bears before beating Lincoln Park, a team that had finished ahead of them in the final league standings, in the district semifinals.

Anderson’s unexpected run came

and Andreone each went 2-2 at regionals.

The state finals were not too kind to the Roosevelt trio as none medaled.

Gibbons won his first match, beating Warren Mott’s Adil Salam 10-0, but he dropped his next two to Davison’s Julian Pacheco, the eventual sixth-place finisher, and Owen Miller of Grand Blanc, the eventual fourth-place finisher.

Allman and Andreone each went two-and-out.

HOCKEY TEAM FALLS IN REGIONALS

to a close in the regionals final when they lost to Riverview, the only Huron League team in the district, 61-40.

Roosevelt finished the year with a 7-16 record, 4-12 in the Downriver League. Wyandotte’s league victories came against Taylor, Allen Park, Carlson and Southgate. They chalked up non-league wins over Grosse Ile, Dearborn Heights Crestwood, and Garden City.

THREE MAKE STATE WRESTLING FINALS

Three Roosevelt wrestlers made it to the Michigan High School Athletic Association state meet at Ford Field this season and one made it as a regional champion.

Gabe Gibbons, a regional champion at 138 pounds, 215-pound Steven Andreone, and 285-pound Zach Allman all qualified for the D1 state finals.

Gibbons was a champ and Andreone and Allman each finished fourth. Gibbons was a pinning machine at regionals, where he stuck three opponents to win the individual crown. He started with a pin of Filippo Mainella of Livonia Franklin. He then put Bedford’s Lucas Gerber on his back and finished the day by pinning Ayush Kunjadia of Saline in the championship bout. Allman

The Roosevelt hockey team put a cap on a 6-18-1 season with a heartbreaking 3-2 loss in double overtime against Farmington in the first round of the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 3 regional playoffs.

It was a close game between evenly matched teams.

There was no scoring in the first period, but Farmington broke through with two second period goals just over 30 seconds apart and entered the third period leading 2-0.

But Wyandotte got a power-play goal early in the third period from Logan Stone and a power-play goal from Luc Hill late in the period to force overtime. Hill, Stone, and Cameron Roe drew assists on the two Wyandotte goals.

The two teams battled through an extra period before Farmington ended the game with a power-play goal of its own.

Awesomeness Opening Soon

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

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

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

Let us know at 734-282-3939

Have an Event or Fundraiser?

NEWS FROM OUR NEIGHBORS

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to... GoBigMultimedia.com

to read more news on our digital publications.

gobigmultimedia.com/grosse-ile-grand

Polar plunge in Grosse Ile helps kick-off support for police suicide-prevention initiative

A group of individuals who regularly swim in the frigid waters off Grosse Ile have helped kick off a police suicide-prevention initiative.

The Lucas Foundation Polar Plunge drew support from the Island Ice Dippers and others who braved

freezing waters in the Detroit River at Sunrise Park on the east end of Grosse Ile on February 24.

The nonprofit LUCAS Foundation was started after the January 9 suicide of former Woodhaven native Lucas Sizemore, a young officer in the Police Department in Atlanta, Georgia. The late officer’s parents, Brian and Marie, started the foundation to “make an impact and erase the stigma of asking for mental health assistance.”

LUCAS is an acronym for Law Enforcements United Crusade Against Suicide, which is on the rise at an “alarming” rate across the nation, according to statistics.

Grosse Ile resident and Wyandotte native Andrew Starzec, who is deputy police chief in Brownstown Township and a member of the Island Ice Dippers, organized the plunge to show support for the cause. He said about two dozen individuals – including police officers from all over Downriver and the officer’s

father Brian and brother Evan – swam in the frigid river for up to seven minutes while about twice that many individuals cheered them on from the shore.

“The Sizemores were looking for a connection with law enforcement and to do something to honor Lucas’ memory,” Starzec said.

On page 14

Downriver for Veterans receives $2,500 grant to support veterans

Downriver for Veterans has received a $2,500 grant from the Michigan Association of Health Plans (MAHP) to support local veterans and their families by providing essential products and services in times of need.

The funding is provided as part of MAHP’s Tackling Health Care Disparities in Michigan grant program, which encourages communitybased organizations to collaborate and deploy local initiatives aimed at creating better health outcomes and improving health equity.

Downriver for Veterans is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Wyandotte that serves local veterans and their families. The veterans group provides food, household essentials, rent assistance, car repairs, and more. The funds from MAHP will be used to provide personal hygiene items to the veterans community within the 22 cities and townships in the region.

“There are more than 2,000 veterans living in our community and many of them rely on our services,” said Ann Rudisill, founder of the Downriver group. “This donation will be put to great use and we’re thankful for MAHP’s support.”

“Downriver for Veterans is an essential resource in the Downriver area,” said Dominick Pallone, executive director of the MAHP. “We’re honored to help fund a program that provides the necessary

services and support those who served our country.”

On page 23

gobigmultimedia.com/riverview-register

2024 Trenton and Downriver Area Soroptimists’ annual awards banque

Six women were recognized with monetary awards from the Trenton and Downriver Area Soroptimists for their ambition and contribution to their communities. The awards banquet was held on February 27th at the Grecian Center in Southgate. Some of the essay judges were in attendance to celebrate with the winners. The applicants were evaluated on a set criteria and essays that assessed their contributions to women and society.

Soroptimist is an international organization of almost 1,500 clubs in nineteen countries for and by dedicated women who use their collective power to help other women and girls transform their physical, mental, and emotional lives and the lives of their

families. Trenton and Downriver Area Soroptimist is a volunteer group that offers service by way of fundraising and donations, public awareness/educational programs, and hands-on assistance; as well as presenting yearly monetary awards to individuals to help support and further their future. These women give their time and talents to local food pantries, Vista Maria, First Step, Sparrow Project, Stanford House, Alternatives for Girls, and to area women’s health institutions. They host annual charity fundraisers and programs such as “Save the Girls” motorcycle ride, “Save the Girls” charity golf outing, “Battle for Freedom,” and the “Dream It, Be It” program for adolescent girls.

On page 3

Pirates run away with Division 1 district title

The Riverview basketball team, which has won 16 games this season, could manage no better than fourth place in the Huron League behind unbeaten Flat Rock, Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central and Huron.

After winning a district title in rather handy fashion, the Bucs and their fans probably wish they could have spent the season in the Downriver League.

Riverview was sent to Allen Park this year for districts and the tournament field was all Downriver League teams, except for the Bucs, who ultimately prevailed.

On March 1, Riverview beat Southgate Anderson 61-40 to claim the district championship. Anderson had beaten Wyandotte Roosevelt and Lincoln Park to reach the finals. Riverview, which had a first-round bye, beat Allen Park, which had defeated Taylor.

With the district title in hand, Riverview advanced to the regional round of play where they faced Downriver League co-champ Woodhaven. Detroit Cass Tech and River Rouge are on the other side of the regional bracket.

All the regional games were played after the Riverview Register’s press deadline.

The district championship game was a tight affair for two quarters, Riverview jumped out to an early lead and maintained it throughout the first half, but Anderson was always just a step back, lurking.

Riverview led 15-10 after one period and 29-23 at halftime, but the Bucs stepped on the gas in the third quarter and the Titans were not able to respond.

Riverview’s offense was pretty much clicking from the opening tip. Caleb DiBrano got loose for several easy baskets and layups and the Bucs threatened to get away early. DiBrano finished the quarter with eight points.

On page 18

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New city council member appointed

On February 1st, Ed Gawlik Jr. was appointed as the newest member of the Southgate City Council. This appointment follows the January resignation of Councilman Bill Colovos. Per Southgate City Charter, City Council must fill the vacancy before the lapse of the current term.

The City Council established an applicant pool process open to the public with guidelines that required the applicant to have lived in Southgate for at least 30 days and could not be in default on any payments to the City at the time of submission. Each applicant would then be interviewed by City Council. Nine applications were received, however, only four were qualified contenders as outlined by the prior stated guidelines. Of the four applicants, Ed Gawlik Jr. was the only one to be interviewed as all other applicants were absent. Based on his application, supporting documents, and interview, City Council concurred that he was the top choice overall. A motion was made to appoint Gawlik and it carried unanimously.

On February 5th, Gawlik was officially sworn in as a Southgate City Councilman by City Clerk Jan Ferencz. Gawlik, a resident of Southgate for 37 years, has a long history of both City and school district involvement. His volunteerism and leadership experience includes 12 years as a Southgate Band Booster, 12 years of service on the Southgate School Board, including 5 years as Board President, and most recently, 6 years as a member of the Southgate Planning Commission, with the last 3 years serving as Chairman. He has also volunteered throughout the years at community events, such as Heritage Days, and for non-profit organizations, like the Gibraltar Food Pantry.

On page 1

Anderson cheerleaders qualify for regionals

It was not a vintage year for the typically strong Southgate Anderson competitive cheerleading team, but although the Titans finished an uncharacteristic fifth in the league meet, the team did bounce back at districts, where they were one of the top four teams and thus qualified for the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 2 regionals

Competing at the MHSAA district hosted by Ypsilanti-Lincoln High School, the Titans squared off against a tough field that included eventual district champ Carleton Airport and state powerhouse Gibraltar Carlson.

Carlson held a pretty significant lead over the field after the first round and an even bigger lead after the second, but Airport, on the strength of a monster final round, roared into the lead and captured the district crown.

Anderson, meanwhile, was solidly in third place throughout much of the competition, but the Titans had a subpar final round and Riverview was able to pass the Titans for third place.

Carlson had 465.28 points heading into the final round. Airport had 454.38, Anderson had 441.1 and Riverview had 434.06.

On page 13

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Trojans fall one game short in championship bid

On the anniversary of their 14th and most recent high school hockey state championship, the Trenton Trojans rolled into the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 2 state championship game at Plymouth’s USA Arena looking for title No. 15.

They are still looking.

The Trojans ran into a relative playoff newcomer in Byron Center and Trenton just could not match the Bulldogs’ energy and level of play as BC skated off with a 6-1 victory and its first-ever state hockey championship.

Trenton, which entered the championship game riding an 11-game unbeaten streak, fell behind early in the title game and never led.

After a fairly even, scoreless first period, Byron Center got on the board early in the second period when Jack Froysland scored on a powerplay less than two minutes into the period. The power play came after a questionable interference penalty on Trenton. Trenton’s Owen McAlister, a Byron Center player and the puck converged along the sideboards at the same time. There was contact and the BC player’s helmet came off and he fell down.

On page 18

Archie B.C. Dogs of C-Kennel

One Big Happy ® Wizard of Id