On September 7th, Kathy Gray, Regent of the Monguagon Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), presented Mary-Johna Wein with the NSDAR Excellence in Historic Preservation Award. The recognition honors individuals and groups that have saved and/or preserved local history, including the restoration of buildings, collections, significant objects, monuments, cemeteries, and other important artifacts. Wein’s passion for history started in 2010, during her senior year of high school. The historic Antoine Labadie house, a beautiful Victorian home, was on the brink of being torn down. She was determined to prevent that from happening, and that’s where it all began. Since then, she has only continued the momentum. Currently, she is President of the Wyandotte Historical Society, an author, and the Director of Friends of the Oakwood Cemetery. When she discovers the grave of an unmarked soldier, she ap-
plies for a military headstone to properly mark the site.
Wein loves to share her passion for history with others through speaking engagements, tours of Oakwood Cemetery, and clinics on the proper restoration and cleaning of headstones. Volunteers are always welcome. For more information, visit Friends Of Wyandotte Oakwood Cemetery on Facebook.
Estate Planning 101
Which plan do you need?
Time to clear up the confusion about Estate Planning ... The following definitions lack legal precision, but makes it easier to get a clear picture of what may be needed in your case.
■ Will – letter of intent of where you want your personal property to go – or not go.
■ Living Will – Documents your wishes during your final days including final healthcare choices and possibly your burial wishes.
■ Trust – This is a “company” that you start, and you become the CEO, “Trustee” and “Settlor.” The company outlives you, but continues to manage your assets as if you were alive by the successor CEO – whom you designate.
■ Power of Attorney – Financial and Healthcare – you need both – the first so someone can pay your bills, the second, sometimes called a Patient Advocate, designates someone to make “hallway at the hospital” decisions to take the stress off the family.
■ Ladybird Deed – probably the best thing that has happened to owning a home. I love these deeds – you grant yourself a life estate – in your own property - but retain the power to sell or borrow against the property. If you do not sell before you pass, this “springs” the house out of your estate, and your heirs have instant ownership, subject to any mortgage or taxes owed or similar.
Again, this is just a general description of the more popular terms – no one choice is a “silver bullet” but depending on how your estate gets planned out you can expedite a clean and clear process for the assets you worked a lifetime to save. Why wouldn’t you want to do that? Stop by or call and make an appointment and I’ll tell you what you’re going to need to do this right.
To my numerous former clients – thank you for allowing me to draft your estate plan!
City of Wyandotte Directory
Mayor and Council
Mayor Robert A. DeSana mayor@wyandottemi.gov
Mayor Pro Tempore
Kelly M. Stec kstec@wyandottemi.gov
Council
Todd Hanna thanna@wyandottemi.gov
Council
Rosemary Shuryan rshuryan@wyandottemi.gov
Council
Chris Calvin ccalvin@wyandottemi.gov
Council
Robert Alderman ralderman@wyandottemi.gov
Council
Kaylyn Crayne kcrayne@wyandottemi.gov
City Departments
27th District Court
Chief District Judge, Hon. Elizabeth L. DiSanto Phone: 734-324-4475
Email: 27DC@wyandottemi.gov
Animal Control Department Phone: 734-246-1328
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
Joseph Keller Gruber
The Community Development Office Phone: 734-324-7298
Email: jgruber@wyandottemi.gov
Downtown Development Authority
Joseph Keller Gruber, Downtown Development Authority Director Phone: 734-324-7298 Email: dda@wyan.org
Department of Public Service
Jon Allen, Superintendent Phone: 734-324-4580
Email: dps@wyandottemi.gov
Engineering & Building Department
Jesus Plasencia, P.E., City Engineer Phone: 734-324-4558
Email: jplasencia@wyandottemi.gov
Finance and Administration
Robert McMahon, City Administrator Phone: 734-324-4545
Email: rmcmahon@wyandottemi.gov
Fire Department
Jeremy Moline, Fire Chief Phone: 734-324-4404
For Emergencies Call 911
Email: jmoline@wyandottemi.gov
Municipal Services
Paul LaManes, General Manager Phone: 734-324-7100
Email: talk2wms@wyandottemi.gov
Police Department
Archie Hamilton, Chief of Police Phone: 734-324-4405
For Emergencies call 911
Email: ahamilton@wyandottemi.gov
Recreation, Leisure, & Culture Department
Sheryl Riley, Superintendent of Recreation Phone: 734-324-7295
Email: recreation@wyandottemi.gov
Treasury
Todd Browning, City Treasurer Phone: 734-324-4570
Email: treasurer@wyan.org
to Warsaw Stevenson’s crusade to aid Poland’s Ukrainian guests
By ASHLEI DANG
Can you imagine a world where everything you’ve built, everything you’ve known, is completely destroyed? Your entire life – vanished in a flash. That is exactly what happened to the people of Ukraine on February 24th, 2022. Millions of lives were turned upside down in an instant. Families who had been preparing dinner, helping their children with homework, and enjoying the simple comforts of home suddenly found themselves fleeing for their lives. Tanks rolled down the streets, bombs shattered the peace, and countless women and children were forced to leave everything behind, clutching only a backpack haphazardly packed, unsure of where to go or when they’d ever come back. The fear, the desperation, and the overwhelming grief of lost loved ones is just unimaginable, but it was these haunting images and tragic realities that spurred Leo Stevenson into action. Many may recognize Leo Stevenson as one of the best financial advisors Downriver. A man who has spent decades mastering the art of wealth management, Leo is a Wealth Management Advisor and Managing Director at Merrill Lynch. With accolades like being named #2 of Forbes’ “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” and one of “America’s Top Wealth Advisors” in 2024, Leo’s professional achievements are well-known. However, what many might not know is how Leo Stevenson has taken his strategic vision far beyond the boardrooms; he also took it straight to the heart of the humanitarian crisis in Eastern Europe.
Unlike most of us who watched in horror from afar, Leo took a feet-on-theground approach. Without hesitation, Leo boarded a plane and traveled to Eastern Europe, a region he had never visited before.
“It was just driving me nuts, seeing these poor women fleeing the country and not having anywhere to go,” Leo recalled. “I couldn’t take it, you know? I had to go. I had to do something.”
That something was the beginning of his journey through Romania and Moldavia before eventually finding himself in Warsaw, Poland. At first, Leo, like many other volunteers, handed out food and blankets. But for him, that
wasn’t enough.
“If I would’ve walked away just making cheeseburgers and handing out blankets, I would’ve just had stories about how sad it is. I didn’t want that to have been my story.”
Leo’s journey was destined to be much, much more. Through what Leo describes as divine intervention, he crossed paths with the Pallotines, a global association dedicated to serving those in need. Conversations with the Head of the Pallotines quickly turned into something bigger than they could imagine.
“It seemed like a miracle to us in Warsaw when Leo first arrived after the war began. He had just arrived from Romania, looking to help the Ukrainian women and children fleeing from the war. It was his encouragement, his strategic vision, and his help financially which allowed us to build housing for these poor women and children, providing a new life after they have lost everything,” said Father Mejzner.
Leo’s vision and drive to make a difference led to the transformation of old seminaries into fully functioning apartments, capable of housing hundreds
promising project,” the Mayor wrote. He went on to highlight the collaborative efforts between local government and organizations to ensure the continued success of the center. For example, the Polish government now contributes funds to feed the Center’s residents, while international organizations like the American Dental Association and the International Medical Relief provide free medical assistance. Even the First Lady of Poland, Agata Kornhauser-Duda, regularly visits, bringing donations and moral support.
Stevenson’s humility shines through even in the face of such monumental achievements. He doesn’t seek recognition or praise for his work, preferring to remain an “unnamed stranger” in the background. For him, it’s about providing stability to those who have lost everything, about giving them the tools to start over in a world where they have been forced to recreate from nothing.
of displaced women and children. With some seed money and an idea of a mortgage from Leo, along with additional funding from the Polish government, they built around 100 small units, each roughly 300 square feet, that have since provided shelter for close to 400 women and children. These aren’t just places to sleep – they are spaces designed to foster community with kitchens, play areas, and services, like language instructors, to help these refugees integrate into Polish society. This Center, known as the Future of Ukraine, isn’t just housing these families – it is helping to rebuild them, providing the much-needed stability in a world turned upside down.
Leo Stevenson’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. In a letter dated June 20, 2022, Mayor Paweł Kanclerz of Ożarów Mazowiecki expressed his deep appreciation for the project, recognizing it as a beacon of hope in a time of darkness. “Since the beginning of the outbreak of war in Ukraine, the Borough and Municipality of Ożarów Mazowiecki have been giving help to the refugees from the east of the country. […] I think that it is a very good and
“The war has to end at some point,” Leo says, his voice tinged with both sadness and hope. “But these women and children, they have nothing to go back to. Their houses are gone, their schools, their churches, their jobs— they’ve lost it all. And that’s what we’re trying to help them do: to start all over again.”
Leo Stevenson’s story is not just about one man’s determination to help those in need; it’s about the power of community, compassion, and the belief that even in the darkest times, we can all be instruments of life, helping others rebuild what has been lost. And while he doesn’t wish to be remembered for his work, the impact of his efforts will be felt for generations.
All that is left to say is thank you Leo, for choosing to be a beam of light in the face of darkness.
For more information about the Ukrainian Refugee Housing Project and to follow updates on their progress, please visit the website set up by Leo’s daughter, Brooke, at ukrainianrefugeeproject.com, or scan the QR code.
Stevenson sits with a child at the center.
Artist unveils mural honoring community pillar, Gib Rose
By ASHLEI DANG
If you walk along the bustling streets of Wyandotte and happen to pass the back side of River’s Edge Gallery, you’ll be greeted by a striking new mural. The mural, unveiled on August 29th, is a vibrant mix of bold colors and abstract patterns depicting a stoic Gilbert Rose standing front and center, framed by swirling colors and energetic brushstrokes surrounding him. His poised, no-nonsense expression, with his neatly combed white hair and glasses, is a beautiful contrast against the chaotic vibrancy of the background — a perfect representation of the man himself.
At the mural unveiling, friends, family, and community members gathered to honor the man who worked tirelessly to improve the city. His son, Peter Rose, gave a heartfelt tribute, capturing the essence of his father’s character.
But who is the inspiration behind Jeremy Hansen’s colorful piece of art? If you asked anyone who knew Gib Rose, they’d tell you he was a man who left an unforgettable mark on his community. Owner of both Chelsea Menswear and Willow Tree Women’s Fashion, Gib was more than just a local business owner—he was a beloved mentor and a champion of Wyandotte, relentlessly bettering his city and those around him.
“He was more complex than he really wanted anyone to deal with,” Peter shared. “He had ideas galore, but mainly he wanted them executed. He didn’t want the credit for it, but he wanted it to get done.”
Gib Rose was the type of man who shunned public recognition, yet his efforts were always felt. He was a man in pursuit of perfection. Whenever he saw things starting to crumble, he acted swiftly to stop the decline, not because he wanted the praise, but because Wyandotte deserved better. Whether it was ensuring his stores were meticulously kept
or picking up litter off the streets, he had a drive to make Wyandotte better—because it was home, not just for him, but for everyone. Hansen’s mural, which captures both the spirit and humility of a man who refused to let his community fall by the wayside, now serves as a permanent reminder of Rose’s impact. It stands as a silent witness to a life spent in service to others, quietly making things better, piece by piece.
As part of the unveiling, a limited edition print of the mural was released, further solidifying his legacy in Wyandotte. While Gib may not have sought the spotlight, his life and contributions are a permanent reminder of the quiet, powerful impact one person can have on an entire community for all to see.
Downriver Federal Credit Union hosts Free Car Wash Fridays
By ASHLEI DANG
Since 2021, Downriver Federal Credit Union has been a pillar of support for the local community, particularly for its high schools. What started as an event for the Credit Union’s Grand Opening has now blossomed into a wonderful summer tradition: Free Car Wash Fridays.
Free Car Wash Fridays began as a simple idea from the President/CEO of DRFCU, Robert LaPalme, who wanted to give back to his community. “By supporting our local schools and organizations with their fundraising efforts, it demonstrates our commitment to helping people of all ages use money to accomplish great things,” LaPalme explains. “It is exciting to see how hard the students work toward their goals, and we want to be there for them when they become adults and need help reaching even bigger goals.”
Southgate Anderson High School was the first school to take the plunge, but thanks to the success of the event, other local schools got to be involved as well. The initiative has grown each year, now rotating among various high schools across the Downriver area.
This year’s Free Car Wash Fridays hosted nine car wash events, each run by a different school or group. From the Allen Park High School Band to
the Lincoln Park Swim Team, students spent their summer breaks balancing jobs, sports practices, and volunteering at the car washes. The best moment this year had to be students dressing as Patrick Star, the beloved character from “Spongebob Squarepants,” to attract cars to their fundraiser, exemplifying the creativity and enthusiasm that
makes these events special.
The credit union not only provides the space and resources for these car washes but also matches all donations up to $500! This summer’s events raised an impressive total of $8,000, with individual schools earning between $545 and over $1,100 each. The impact of these funds is significant, helping support various classes, teams, and extracurricular activities.
The success of Free Car Wash Fridays has generated a buzz among schools, with a waitlist now in place for those eager to participate in future events. The credit union’s website features information for any schools interested in joining in on the fun.
As Free Car Wash Fridays continue to grow, Downriver Federal Credit Union remains committed to fostering community engagement and supporting local schools. Their efforts are a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives and the differences they can make in the lives of students. For more information or to sign up for a future car wash, visit Downriver Credit Union’s website: downrivercu.com/carwash.
Megan Holly, Brooklyn Shuereb, and Madison Scully (Patrick Star)
Bears furious rally falls short in Dearborn
By HANK MINCKIEWICZ
In the end, the hole was just a little too deep.
The Edsel Ford Football team scored on four of its first five possessions against the Roosevelt Bears on Friday, September 13th and built a 28-0 first-half lead. The Bears scored just before halftime and then simply dominated the second half, but they fell one point short when an attempted game-winning two-point conversion fell short with only seconds left to play in the game.
Edsel made its big first half stand up for a 28-27 victory over the visiting Bears.
Edsel Ford was unstoppable in the first half.
The T-Birds marched 63 yards in nine plays to score on their first drive of the night and take a 7-0 lead. Ford then marched 90 yards for a score; 70 yards for a score; and, finally, 10 yards for a score following a Wyandotte pass interception.
The home team led 28-0 with 1:48 to play in the first half and things were looking bleak for the Bears. But a tricky kickoff return kickstarted things for the
team in blue and gold.
A couple of fakes on the kickoff return confused the T-Birds and led to a long Roosevelt return. Starting at the Edsel 32-yard line, the Bears and quarterback Jack Halberstadt went to work.
Halberstadt ran the ball six times and – with the help of two offsides calls against Edsel – carried his team into the end zone. His three-yard run capped the march and it was 28-7 at halftime.
Photos by Dave Chapman
SHORT
Continued from page 12
The second half was all Wyandotte. Here are the splits between the halves: In the first half, Edsel Ford had 28 points and 219 total yards. Roosevelt had 7 points and 87 total yards,
In the second half, Edsel Ford had no points and five total yards. Roosevelt had 20 points and 200 total yards. Also, Roosevelt limited Edsel to just 10 plays in the entire second half. Three of those plays resulted in fumbles and one in an interception.
Although the second half of the game started with the Thunderbirds comfortably in control, Roosevelt shook up that comfort on its very first drive.
Again relying on the arm and legs of Halberstadt, the Bears went 70 yards and scored to cut the Edsel Ford lead in half.
The Thunderbirds fumbled away back-to-back possessions without gaining a yard and Roosevelt took over at the Edsel 45. Overcoming two holding calls and a called back 44-yard scoring
run by Halberstadt, the Bears pressed on. It wound up taking 16 plays to cover about half a field, but the Bears scored again when Halberstadt scrambled in from 12 yards out.
Still leading 28-21 with less than four minutes to play in the game, Edsel Ford
wasn’t yet feeling any panic. That would come four plays later.
Edsel began a drive at its own 30-yard line. The first play gained two yards. The second gained four. A third-down fumble lost six yards and an illegal procedure penalty cost five more. On fourth
down, in a punting situation, a bad snap led to another loose ball and Roosevelt wound up with the ball at the Edsel Ford three-yard line. And the Edsel sideline was in full freak out mode.
Two Halberstadt runs later and the Bears were celebrating their fourth touchdown of the night and lining up for the potential game-winning two-point conversion.
The Bears tried to run in the conversion and were stopped.
Roosevelt’s onside kick try sailed out of bounds.
And Edsel Ford escaped with what can only be called a lucky win.
The Bears had opened the 2024 campaign with back-to-back losses to Woodhaven and Lincoln Park. The team scored just six combined points in those two games. However, with Halberstadt taking charge, the Roosevelt offense roared to life in the second half of the Edsel Ford Game.
The Bears hosted 3-0 Carlson on September 20th and will go to Trenton on September 27th. The Bears will host Allen Park (October 4th), host South Lyon (October 11th), go to Taylor (October 18th) and host Anderson (October 25th).
NEWS FROM OUR NEIGHBORS
gobigmultimedia.com/grosse-ile-grand
Downriver Federal Credit Union hosts Free Car Wash Fridays
Since 2021, Downriver Federal Credit Union has been a pillar of support for the local community, particularly for its high schools. What started as an event for the Credit Union’s Grand Opening has now blossomed into a wonderful summer tradition: Free Car Wash Fridays.
Free Car Wash Fridays began as a simple idea from the President/CEO of DRFCU, Robert LaPalme, who wanted to give back to his community. “By supporting our local schools and organizations with their fundraising efforts, it demonstrates our commitment to helping people of all ages use money to accomplish great things,” LaPalme explains. “It is exciting to see how hard the students work toward their goals, and we want to be there for them when they become adults and need help reaching even bigger goals.”
Southgate Anderson High School was the first school to take the plunge, but thanks to the success of the event, other local schools got to be involved
as well. The initiative has grown each year, now rotating among various high schools across the Downriver area.
On page 11
Simsonian 5K continues success after more than 2 decades
After 22 years, even Yossarian would say it was great! And that was the general consensus of almost 200 runners and walkers at the 22nd Annual Simsonian 5K Kick-Off Classic, held Saturday, August 17th, 2024.
This year’s 5K winner was Brett Carlisle, a 23-year-old runner from Monroe, who bested his winning performance last year with an outstanding time of 16:11. The women’s overall winner in the 5K was 38-year-old racer Laura Pierce with a speedy time of 20:13.
The Simsonian 5K Kick-Off Classic, which began in 2003, has been held in honor of beloved teacher and coach, Steve Sims, who passed away unexpectedly of a dissecting aortic aneurysm at age 47. Sims was the winningest coach in Grosse Ile
history in both girls’ basketball and girls’ track and field. In the classroom he was noted for building strong, independent young women and young men. Upon his death, his family and friends established the Steve Sims Leadership Scholarship at Grosse Ile High School for an outstanding female scholar/ athlete, mainly because Steve coached young women athletes.
On page 13
gobigmultimedia.com/riverview-register
Bucs open with a victory – again!
It’s safe to say that you do not want to play the Riverview Pirates in the first game of the year. Since the turn of the century, Riverview is 21-4 in seasonopening games.
The Bucs continued their historical winning ways with a dominant 38-0 victory over Detroit Renaissance on August 29th. The Bucs scored early and often and it was a 38-0 game at halftime before the Riverview team put away the swords.
Riverview’s mystifying Wing-T attack was in full flower against the Phoenix and the Bucs ran at will.
Ian Adams had two touchdowns on runs of 63 and 56 yards, Nathan Pinkava scored twice, once on a 49-yard run, and Jorden Smiechowski scored on a short run. The Bucs also added successful two-point conversions after four of their five touchdowns.
This is the second year in a row that Riverview has opened with a smashing victory over Renaissance. Last year, the Pirates routed the Phoenix 72-34. Prior to last year’s win over Renaissance, Riverview dominated Dearborn Divine Child in season-openers in 2022 and 2021.
On page 25
A decade of building community
On the evening of August 20th, Young Patriots Park was buzzing with excitement as Riverview residents of all ages gathered to celebrate the 10th Annual National Night Out. The park transformed into a center of activity, laughter, and community spirit. From inflatable water slides to face painting,
as well as celebrity guests like Bluey and her sister Bingo, this year’s event was all about fun, connection, and a shared commitment to keeping Riverview safe.
What started as a modest gathering at Forest Elementary School under the banner of the Riverview Forest Neighborhood Watch (RFNW) has blossomed into a citywide event that draws quite a large crowd. Brian Webb, President of Riverview Community Neighborhood Watch (RCNW), recalls the early days when the primary goal was to install neighborhood watch signs throughout the Forest subdivision. “Our first National Night Out was much smaller, but we were determined to grow,” Webb shared. And, grow it did. By 2018, the RFNW had evolved into the RCNW, expanding its mission to reduce property crime across the entire city. Their efforts paid off when Riverview was ranked the 20th safest community in Michigan in 2019.
For ten years, Riverview’s National Night Out has been more than just an evening of entertainment – it’s been a tradition that strengthens the bond between neighbors and first responders. For the RCNW, this event is more than just about having fun. The committee’s goal is to ensure that Riverview remains a place where everyone feels safe and connected, which is highlighted by the continued success of their National Night Out event.
On page 9
gobigmultimedia.com/southgate-star
Senior QB Sage rallies Titans past Trenton in opener
So, I think we had all better keep an eye on this little Southgate-Trenton football rivalry that’s been brewing the past several seasons. Since 2022, Trenton and Southgate have met four times. Trenton won the first two close meetings by a touchdown each. Anderson has won the last two,
each by a single point.
In the 2023 season-opener, Southgate scored a two-point conversion on its final play to score a 2827 victory.
On August, 29th at Wayne State University during the Xenith Prep Football Classic, three-year starting quarterback Jackson Sage found Isiah Daviston with a seven-yard scoring pass with just 12 seconds left in the game to lift his team to a 27-26 Downriver League victory over Trenton.
It was a thrilling battle that featured star players on each side of the line of scrimmage.
Sage, who has been great for Southgate since he became the starter as a sophomore, played another brilliant game and virtually willed his team down the field on its final drive. On the day, Sage passed for three and ran for one. He accounted for 247 of Southgate’s 310 total yards. He passed for 162 yards and rushed for 85 more. Of Sage’s rushing yardage, 38 came on the game-winning final drive.
On page 13
Little feet, big move: Itsy Bitsy’s grand reopening celebration
Itsy Bitsy, the beloved consignment store specializing in baby and toddler essentials, has recently celebrated its successful move and grand re-opening. Originally opening in April of 2022 in the Galleria Plaza on Dix Toledo, Itsy Bitsy now occupies a larger, more accessible location at 19190 Eureka Road. The grand re-opening on September 5th marked an exciting new chapter for the store.
Founded by Stephanie Whitney, Itsy Bitsy was created to assist families in managing the rising costs of children’s clothing and accessories. The store quickly became a community favorite, earning the New Business Award in 2022 for its outstanding service and commitment to Southgate. The new location allows Itsy Bitsy to build on this success by significantly expanding its offerings.
The larger space at 19190 Eureka Road will feature an enhanced selection of cribs, changing tables, dressers, gliders, and rockers. This expansion enables the store to better meet the needs of families and provide a broader range of high-quality baby and toddler furniture.
In addition to furniture, Itsy Bitsy continues to offer clothing sizes from preemie to 6T, shoes from newborn to 12c, and toys suitable for infancy through kindergarten. The store also provides a variety of baby equipment, feeding and nursing supplies, linens, and bathing products.
On page 8
gobigmultimedia.com/wyandotte-warrior
Trojans finally find the winning path
After an opening two weeks of heartbreak, the Trenton football team cracked into the win column for the first time this year with a 21-7 victory at Lincoln Park on September 13th.
The victory followed a one-point, opening-day loss to Southgate at the Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic at Wayne State University and a three-point loss to Woodhaven a week later. The Trojans are 1-2 this season and all three of their games have been against Downriver League opponents.
In the road win over Lincoln Park, Trenton got two rushing touchdowns from Drew Carson and another from running back Ashton Rooney - that was all the points the Trojans needed for the victory.
Trenton racked up 283 total yards on the game, all of it on the ground.
Rooney was the offensive leader with 157 yards on 18 carries. The smooth-running senior averaged nearly nine yards a carry and broke one for 48 yards. Leading scorer Carson added 55 yards on 14 carries, junior Brennan Gulliver had 30 rushing yards and a two-point conversion, and Anthony Hawkins added 29 rushing yards.
