Wyandotte Warrior, March 23 — April 25, 2023

Wyandotte church pastor is a ballboy for the Detroit Lions

DAVE GORGON

Kenny Beesley has played a lot of sports in his lifetime, but he has never been as close to professional athletes until now.

Beesley is a ballboy during Detroit Lions home football games.

As the Rev. Kenny Beesley Jr., he also is lead pastor of First Baptist Church of Wyandotte.

The pastor oversees a 10 a.m. Sunday worship service at the church at 1925 Ford and then heads to Ford Field in Detroit on days when the Lions are playing there. Some days, he cuts it close, but he has never missed the start of a game yet.

Beesley and fellow Wyandotte native Rob McMahon, who has been a friend since kindergarten, are part of the game-day staff. They wear blue National Football League shorts, a white NFL shirt and a blue vest with

Downriver Business’ Best Kept Secret?

Mark Tremper, Vice-President of Marketing & Business Development

Downriver Community Federal Credit Union

Hundreds of Downriver businesses have found tremendous value from the “Grow Your Business” Workshop Series, yet this unique opportunity hosted by the Downriver Community Federal Credit Union seems to be the best kept secret available to Downriver businesses. Each workshop in the series features topics relating to sales, marketing, and personal development, and is presented by a local, national, or international personal and business growth expert on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

For over 15 years, hundreds of Downriver businesses have found

tremendous value from a monthly workshop presented by the Downriver Community Federal Credit Union called the “Grow Your Business” Series. The series is normally held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM and is designed to help people gain the knowledge and skills they need to grow their business in both prosperous and challenging economic times. Each workshop is presented by a local, national, or international personal and business growth expert on a topic relating to sales, marketing, and personal development

To date, there have been well over 200 workshops featuring a diverse line-up of speakers and topics, such as Michael Angelo Caruso, “Being the Best”; Billye Thompson, “Build Your Business Using LinkedIn”; Kurt David,“Face Change Like a Champion”; Josh Linkner, “Disciplined Dreaming: How to Drive Breakthrough Creativity”; Shawn

Duperon, “Demystifying Media: The Real Scoop on How to Get Free Press & Publicity”; and many others.

This year’s topics have or will include “Building a Stand-Out Brand with Behavioral Marketing” (Jay Johnson); “The Book Exchange: Books to Help You Grow Your Business, “Adding a Spark of Disney to Your Company” (Richard Paul), and “The Importance of Career Planning and Long Term Success” (Jim Jump).

“Downriver Credit Union is committed to providing resources that help people accomplish great things in their personal and business lives,” says Robert La Palme, Downriver CU’s President & CEO, “and these workshops have made a positive impact on hundreds of people in our community for many years now.”

The workshops are held at Downriver CU’s Southgate Office

(15261 Trenton Rd) in their Community Room, a multi-purpose room used for both Credit Union and community-oriented events, as well as by local community organizations such as the Downriver Business Association, Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber, Southgate Rotary, Downriver Toastmasters, and others.

A small registration fee of $5.00 is being charged for those who would like to attend the workshops, which includes breakfast, networking, and the workshop. Anyone with an account at Downriver Community Federal Credit Union may attend at no charge.

For more information about the workshop series, please contact Mark Tremper at 313-386-2200 x1202 or visit www.DownriverCU.com/ GrowYourBusiness.

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an orange X on the side and their first name on the front.

They carry footballs on the field as part of the officiating crew, serving on the sidelines and making sure the correct ball – Lions, visiting team or kicking team – is ready to hand to an official on the field.

Members of the First Baptist congregation seem to enjoy it. They watch for their pastor on the field and even snap photos of him when he comes onto the television screen.

Born and raised in Wyandotte, Beesley is the second of five children of Karen and Kenny Beesley, who both worked for the Wyandotte Public Schools. Kenny Sr. was director of building, grounds and transportation. Karen was the school nurse.

Kenny Jr. attended Washington Elementary, Wilson Middle School and Roosevelt High School. He played football and baseball in school and city programs, and then ran cross country and track and played basketball in high school, earning 10 varsity letters and the honor of athlete of the year as a 12th-grader. He is still part of the school record two-mile relay team. And he was valedictorian of the Roosevelt Class of 1999.

Beesley attended Calvin College for a year. He didn’t declare a major but was “called into ministry” and transferred to William Tindale College, formerly located in Farmington Hills. He graduated in 2003 with a degree in youth ministries and pastoral studies. By then, he had interned at First Baptist, the church he “grew up” in. He served at Romulus Wesleyan Church, lived in the parsonage, often substitute taught five days a week and coached cross country and track at Romulus High School.

In 2002, he married Sarah Smith.

The two met at Camp Lael summer camp in Lapeer when they were in middle school. Beesley remembers riding his bicycle from his Wyandotte home to her home in Redford Township.

Without that bike, he said, they wouldn’t be married today. Today, the bike is painted gold and hangs on a ledge in their home. Beesley remains on the camp board of directors of the Christian camp.

After serving six years as a youth

pastor at Romulus Wesleyan and 5½ years at Woodhaven Bible Church, he became part of the staff team at Lifebridge Church in the former Taylor Lanes.

He also worked at Flo-Aire Heating and Cooling in Southgate for two years, learning the business. If First Baptist Pastor Jim Castleman – his mother’s cousin – was sick, Beesley would fill in.

In 2017, Pastor Casselman retired. Beesley was appointed pastor in September 2018. He is the only fulltime member of the church staff.

“Ministry has always been part of

who I was,” Beesley said. “I was asked to come in and fill in. God kicked open the doors. And here I am.”

Beesley also serves as police chaplain for the City of Wyandotte and spends time making sure the church building is active throughout the day, including Coffee with Kenny Bible Study on Thursday mornings. Sunday services are “livestreamed” so members of the congregation can watch from home if they can’t make it to the church.

“This is where God has called me to be,” he said. “It has been an important place in my life and my story – really

since birth.”

Family members are still part of the First Baptist congregation, including the pastor’s 92- year-old grandmother Edna Castleman.

Wife Susan is a middle school teacher in Melvindale and the Beesleys now live in Flat Rock with their three daughters – Ellie, age 13; Lucy, 9; and Ruby, age 10 months. The reverend says his roots will always be in Wyandotte.

Beesley still fondly remembers when friend Rob McMahon, who was already working for the Lions, invited him to accept a part-time position assisting with laundry at the team headquarters in Allen Park while the Lions traveled for road games.

The next season, Beesley went to work in the Lions’ locker room during home games, putting water and towels on chairs for players, doing laundry and connecting tablets to projectors when the coaches came in at halftime. After several years, Beesley joined McMahon – who is one day older – on the sidelines. He’s been at every home game ever since.

McMahon, by the way, was recently appointed finance/accounting specialist with the city of Wyandotte. At age 41, Beesley said he enjoys working for the Lions with his lifelong friend.

“I thoroughly enjoy doing it,” Beesley said. “It’s a lot of fun being on the sidelines. We don’t interact with the players, but some interact with us.

“As a kid, I listened to blacked out Lions games on the radio while playing in the backyard. Now I’m on the sidelines getting involved with the sport. It’s so fun to be there.”

Follow First Baptist Church of Wyandotte on Facebook.

Gabriel Richard Presents Little Shop of Horrors

By: Marohn Campena, GR Senior

Over the last year, the Thespian Guild at Gabriel Richard Catholic High School has shown many amazing productions. From the fairylike “Into the Woods” to GR’s Murder Mystery Event featuring “Three Doors to Death” and “Murder at the Banquet,” the Thespian Guild has truly worked hard to deliver breathtaking shows.

Currently, Gabriel Richard is preparing for its production of “Little Shop of Horrors.” This musical tells the story of a meek flower shop worker named Seymour Krelborn as he attempts to win over his co-worker crush, Audrey, and get out of the slums of Skid Row. In addition to dealing with his crabby boss Mushnik and Audrey’s toxic boyfriend Orin, Seymour must face the greatest threat of them all, a man-eating plant named Audrey II that attempts to take over the rest of the world.

“Little Shop of Horrors,” is Gabriel Richard’s first-ever show featuring a double cast. Gabriel Richard’s Skid Row cast, featuring Everett Knapik (Seymour), Sasha Murphy (Audrey), Autumn Stevens (Mushnik), and Brooks Natt (Orin), will star in “Little Shop of Horrors,” at 7:00 PM on Friday, March 31 and at 2:00 PM on Saturday, April 1. Gabriel Richard’s Downtown cast, featuring Marohn Campena (Seymour), Ava Abrahamson (Audrey), Brett Byrd (Musnik), and Logan LaPere (Orin), will take the remaining two shows at 7:00 PM on April 1 and at 4:00 PM on Sunday, April 2.

Please join us and watch “Little Shop of Horrors” this spring!

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!

Easter Egg Hunt and Sweet Stroll ‘Bunny Hop’ event set to debut April 1 in downtown Wyandotte

DAVE GORGON

An Easter Egg Hunt and Sweet Stroll will debut on Saturday, April 1, in Downtown Wyandotte.

Nicknamed “the Bunny Hop,” the family-friendly event is being promoted as a fun day of “stopping, shopping and hopping” your way along Biddle Avenue and the “tree streets” of Sycamore, Maple, Elm, Oak and Chestnut. The idea is to visit a list of businesses and enjoy a bounty of Easter eggs, sweet treats, goodies and giveaways.

Participants must purchase a $15 walking card no later than Friday, March 31, at Sweet Arrangements Candy and Dessert Shoppe at 3203 Biddle.

Between noon and 3 p.m. on April 1, cardholders will visit participating businesses to pick up a decorated sugar cookie, Rice Krispy treat, chocolates or a goody-filled Easter egg. The business list will be presented at the time of card purchase.

In addition, there will be gift cards and Downtown Dollars hidden in Easter eggs around town waiting to be found. Downtown Dollars are accepted at more than 75 Downtown Businesses.

Sweet Arrangements owners Phillip Rauch and Chris Rollet are the Bunny Hop organizers. Their hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday.

“It’s a family event and a way to get people in and out of stores and restaurants in the Downtown area,” Rauch said.

The Downtown Wyandotte business district is a popular attraction in the Downriver area. There are dozens of small, local businesses – passionate and hardworking folks excited to welcome spring and the “happy hoppers and bouncy bunnies” to their locations.

Sweet Arrangements also organizes the annual cookie walk on the third Friday in November.

For more information, call the candy and dessert shop at (734) 246-8263.

Jaycees invite all to to ‘swing into spring break’

DAVE GORGON

The Wyandotte Jaycees have invited the community to “Swing Into Spring Break,” a family resource and fun fair set for 5 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 26, at the Copeland Center, 2306 Fourth Street.

The first-time spring event will feature crafts, games, reading resources and other free activities.

Proceeds from a bake sale will go to earthquake relief. Photos with the Easter Bunny will be available with a portion of the proceeds going back to the Jaycees, an organization of adults ages 18 to 40 who want to make a positive impact in the community while developing friendships, leadership skills and professional contacts.

Wyandotte Councilwoman Kelly Stec, a member of the Jaycees, said children will have an opportunity to hunt for Easter eggs and turn them in for a prize, paint flower pots and take home seeds to plant.

There will be a presentation about Bacon Library services and information about a city millage renewal election in May. Stec said the Spring Break event follows a successful Jaycees fall festival, which also provided children and families free fun, including pumpkin painting, candy, information on officials running for state offices and family safety resources information from the Wyandotte Police Department and Fire Department.

“In the fall, it worked really well,” Stec said. “We put together that from concept to execution in 25 days. We had a little more time to plan this time around.”

She said the Jaycees have worked with local schools and the Positive Behavior Intervention and Support, a Wilson Middle School group that targets being respectful and kind and being a good neighbor.

“We have needs in the community and a lot of organizations are doing really good work,” Stec said. “Any time the Jaycees can be the facilitators of bringing groups together and maximizing resources for adults and fun for kids, we want to do that.”

The bake sale will raise funds for earthquake relief in Turkey and Syria.

“I’m not a wealthy person, but I know I can at least do something,” said resident Sarah Pettigrew, director of the nonprofit Wyandotte Soup Kitchen, also known as the Wayneright Community Meal

“One day, I asked my children if they wanted to try to hold a bake sale to raise funds because it seems like whenever people come together for a cause, our community is receptive and supportive. I figured even if it was just our family and a mix of some of the people we know, we’d be able to make an impact.”

Pettigrew asked friend Deborah Stollings, a church council member at First Congregational Church Wyandotte UCC, to invite her church youth group “and between her and a whole collection of other people we knew put together the makings of a bake sale.”

Stollings said the youth group is looking forward to giving back to their community.

“They are very excited about sharing their baking skills to support their Syrian/Turkish brothers and sisters who are continuing to suffer after the earthquakes in their countries,” Stollings said.

Professional photos with the Easter Bunny will range from $12 for one 5-by-7 to $20 for three photos.

“It should be a fun day for members of the community,” Pettigrew said. Questions about the bake sale can be texted to (734) 258-0325.

People stood up to save Humbug Marsh 25 years ago

JOHN HARTIG

On that September day in 1998, more than 1,000 rain-soaked and determined people stood up for what they felt was right.

People from all over Michigan and beyond attended the public hearing at Gibraltar Carlson High School, so many that there were traffic jams and the fire marshal had to lock the doors to prevent a larger crowd.

The issue at hand was residential development of the last mile of natural shoreline on the U.S. mainland of the Detroit River – Humbug Marsh.

The vast majority of these citizens strongly opposed the development and were in favor of preserving the rich and diverse coastline that was part of their home and heritage.

By allowing the development to proceed, they knew the precious life and rich history would forever be lost. This tremendous support was the key catalyst in saving Humbug Marsh and establishing the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge.

The people spoke and those in charge listened.

By doing so, this area now belongs to wildlife and people for their stewardship, study and enjoyment. Humbug Marsh will forever stand as a site of great determination and love by those in the Downriver community.

For centuries, the Wyandot of Anderdon Nation was attracted to Humbug Marsh for its natural resources and strategic location and revered it as sacred.

This 410-acre tract of undeveloped land is located along the lower end of the Trenton Channel of the Detroit River in the cities of Trenton and Gibraltar, Michigan. It consists of a coastal marsh, a barrier island and uplands.

In 1899, a fisherman lived on Humbug Island. During the 1930s and 1940s, a hunting club operated out of a cabin on the island and enjoyed waterfowl hunting in Humbug Marsh. During the 1940s and 1950s, the uplands of Humbug Marsh were farmed for alfalfa and corn, and sheep were periodically grazed on a portion of the land. During World War II, military vehicles were brought in by rail line at the adjacent Monsanto

Chemical Plant and temporarily stored on a portion of Humbug Marsh land.

During the 1950s, Humbug Marsh and Island were purchased by the former McLouth Steel Company for possible future expansion of operations that never materialized. Steel company executives used the marsh as their private waterfowl hunting grounds.

Then in the late 1980s, a company called Marina Ventures purchased Humbug Marsh for development into homes, a golf course and a marina.

This first attempt to develop Humbug Marsh failed because it was not financially viable.

Waste Management purchased Humbug Marsh around 1992 and a conservation easement was placed on its wetlands, Humbug Island and a small portion of uplands in 1993 to protect them from future development. This all changed in 1997 when a company called Made In Detroit bought Humbug Marsh with grand plans of luxury homes, a bridge to the island, a golf course, marina and more. This developer bought the property knowing that the conservation easement was in place.

For the proposed development to proceed, the developer would need several permits that would require public hearings.

That first public hearing was held at Gibraltar Carlson High School in 1998 and people from all over Michigan attended. People spoke out in opposition, the permits were not issued and eventually Humbug Marsh was purchased out of bankruptcy court in 2004 for $4.1 million by the Trust for Public Land to become the cornerstone of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge.

Humbug Marsh is now protected in perpetuity for wildlife as part of the National Wildlife Refuge System and plays a unique role in bringing conservation to cities as part of one of a few urban refuges in the nation.

It should be noted that in 2006, Made In Detroit filed a complaint in federal court claiming there was collusion between environmental activists and regulators to slow down or complicate matters for the project. Eventually, the case went to mediation and was settled for $5 million.

Locally, the saving of Humbug

Marsh was viewed as a citizen victory. Indeed, citizens and grassroots organizations like Friends of the Detroit River, Sierra Club, Detroit Audubon and others banded together for nearly 10 years in a campaign to preserve Humbug Marsh. Others like Congressman John Dingell, other local elected officials, scientists and natural resource managers also played critical roles. This tremendous public support was a key catalyst in establishing the international wildlife refuge and Humbug Marsh became its cornerstone.

There are over 2,400 Ramsar Wetland of International Importance designations worldwide, 41 in the United States, and only one in Michigan – Humbug Marsh. The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is an international treaty that was signed in Ramsar, Iran in 1971 that provides a framework for voluntary international protection of wetlands.

Humbug Marsh is considered an internationally important wetland because of its ecological importance in SEE MARSH, Page 9

Bald eagles and eastern fox snakes are among the unique creatures that inhabit the Humbug Marsh

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the Detroit River corridor and the Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem. Oak trees on site have been aged at over 300 years old and were alive when Cadillac founded Detroit in 1701.

Indeed, the Michigan Natural Features Inventory has ranked this community as globally imperiled. It serves as vital habitat for 51 species of fish, over 90 species of plants, 154 species of birds, seven species of reptiles and amphibians and 37 species of dragonflies and damselflies.

Examples of unique species include:

~ Bald eagles

~ Two dragonfly species (i.e. Elusive Clubtail and Russet-tipped Clubtail) that are listed as “Michigan species of special concern”

~ The eastern fox snake that is designated as a “threatened species” in Michigan

~ A native Michigan orchid called Oval Ladies’ Tresses that is designated as a “threatened species” in Michigan and indicative of pre-settlement times

~ A rare sedge called the HairyFruited Sedge that is listed as a “special concern” species in Michigan

Located adjacent to Humbug Marsh was a former automotive manufacturing plant that produced brakes, paints and solvents for 44 years. It was cleaned up to industrial standards and sat vacant as an industrial brownfield for over 10 years.

In 2002, Wayne County Parks purchased this industrial brownfield in Trenton to become the future home of the refuge’s visitor center and to improve outdoor recreational opportunities like shore fishing, hiking, wildlife observation, kayaking and more. It then took 10 years to successfully clean up this former industrial brownfield and meet public use standards.

Today, it can proudly be said that 16 acres of wetlands were restored through this project on site along the Detroit River, which has lost 97% of its coastal wetlands to development. Also completed at the Refuge Gateway was the daylighting of a creek – taking it out from underground in a pipe, restoring 25 acres of upland buffer habitat, controlling invasive plant species on over 50 acres of upland habitats and controlling of invasive Phragmites along 2.5 miles of

shoreline.

This has resulted in merging the 44acre Refuge Gateway with the 410-acre Humbug Marsh into one ecological unit and is helping create a truly exceptional outdoor recreational and conservation experience in the Detroit Metropolitan Area.

Today, it is the only project in the world to successfully clean up an industrial brownfield to serve as an ecological buffer for a “Wetland of International Importance.”

On the Refuge Gateway are:

~ A 12,000 square foot, Gold, LEED-certified, visitor center

~ A 740-foot dock for the Great Lakes school ship that will use the adjacent waters as a living laboratory for children

~ A universally-accessible, 200-foot fishing pier in waters that support a high diversity of fish and that is widely acclaimed as part of the Walleye Capital of the World

~ A canoe and kayak launch

~ Three wildlife observation decks

~ An outdoor environmental education classroom

~ Over three miles of hiking trails connected to over 100 miles of regional greenway trails

The refuge already attracts over 100,000 people annually, and standing at the Refuge Gateway is like viewing three different centuries at once:

~ To the south is Humbug Marsh – the last mile of natural shoreline on the U.S. mainland of the Detroit River that has on its uplands an old growth forest with oak trees over 300 years old that were alive when Cadillac founded Detroit in 1701

~ To the north are a former chemical plant and fossil fuel power plant that

represent the industrial revolution of the 20th Century;

~ On the site can be seen a 21st Century example of sustainable redevelopment of a 20th Century industrial brownfield into the Refuge Gateway that is home to the Refuge’s LEED-certified visitor center

Many people still view the Refuge Gateway as a paradox of heavy industry and internationally recognized wildlife refuge. But it’s not. It’s a strategically planned destination of choice consistent with the philosophy of Abraham Lincoln who said: “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”

This project is now widely recognized as being transformational for Metropolitan Detroit because it is helping change the perception of the Detroit River from that of a polluted “rust belt” river to one of an international wildlife refuge that reconnects people to nature, promotes outdoor recreation, improves quality of life and enhances community pride.

In 2018, The Waterfront Center gave the Refuge Gateway and Humbug Marsh an Honor Award for protecting Humbug Marsh from development, cleaning up and restoring the Refuge Gateway, and creating a destination of choice that inspires an outdoor sense of wonder.

The Refuge is a unique urban place where the tapestry of life has been woven with elegance, where the music of life has been rehearsed to perfection for thousands of years, where nature’s colors are most vibrant and engaging, where time is measured in seasons and where the courtship dance of diving ducks takes center stage.

It is a gift given to us for

our appreciation, enjoyment and inspiration, but also with a responsibility for stewardship so that it can be passed on to future generations. It is a gift unwrapped each time a hunter sets the decoys, an angler lands a fish, an amateur photographer clicks the shutter, a birder lifts their binoculars, a paddler launches a kayak and a child catches a tadpole.

Today, 80 percent of all people in the U.S. and Canada live in urban areas. Most urban residents are still disconnected from the natural world. This cannot continue.

The Refuge Gateway and Humbug Marsh have been strategically planned as a destination of choice that will provide exceptional conservation and outdoor recreational experiences, inspire a sense of wonder in children and families and help develop the next generation of conservationists in urban areas because that is now where most people live.

On this 25th anniversary of the event that catalyzed the saving of Humbug Marsh, it is important to reflect on this history and recognize our responsibility to pick up the baton and continue the relay race toward the goal of a healthy and sustainable ecosystem where all species, including humans, can thrive.

John Hartig is a board member at the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. He serves as a Visiting Scholar at the University of Windsor’s Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research and has written numerous books and publications on the environment and the Great Lakes. Hartig also helped create the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, where he worked for 14 years as the refuge manager.

We let it get away from us, friends

These columns are all about the vibrancy of local economies. The matters I write about are not exclusive to these Go Big publications, but in writing them, they certainly help me focus on saying exactly what I mean.

I have written a lot about the same topic, and I can’t express how good it feels to have people tell me that they read (and like) what I write.

Most that say anything say they agree with it all. Some consider me to be just too darned “liberal”, which is, for the record, one of the silliest “descriptors” I’ve ever heard. So is “conservative.” Neither one conveys anything at all. Seriously, literally nothing. Still nonetheless, that specific word is used to describe me by some that happen to support Small almost exclusively.

Even people that disagree with some of what comprises my views are ardent followers of what I espouse.

The advocacy for small is rooted in my history in my market. No question, my views developed as I looked back on my experience, wherein Big overran small by design.

In my field, that truth led to a revolting diminution in caliber of service and offerings to the American public. My “Baby Boom” generation insisted on it, we wanted it. Malls became the hip place to shop, and billions were raked from our community to achieve a world in which Small was drastically reduced in number.

Downtowns became tragically abandoned (coming back now!).

Funny, no matter how many times I write that in any of the variable ways I have, I never feel that I have explained the incredible phenomenon we watched wash over America and the world. We actually allowed, even demanded, more and more sameness with less and less service.

For all but the investors, we didn’t connect the dots and come to the correct conclusion: We were living through and eagerly accepting a

massive transfer of wealth from countless small businesses to publicly traded companies elsewhere.

Innocuous garbage was foisted on the American consumers, and we eagerly sucked it up. What a plan, what a scheme.

It was not just retail in which this transfer took place. In virtually every business niche we can rattle off, Big realized the riches to be captured and they brilliantly succeeded to create a very different world.

It happened systematically, not suddenly.

We didn’t really understand what was happening, but now, looking back, we can see it and understand it if we want to.

It is my generation’s contribution to the commonwealth – the creation of monolithic businesses that took advantage of the “trickle down economic theory” propaganda to mainstream their mission.

Trickle Down became so all pervasive that it was all we recognized anymore. The idea being to give more money and control to Big, which would then (in theory) trickle some of it back to the working public.

Of course, they kept 99 percent of it, and we just kept being lemmings.

Most do not consider the stranglehold that Big has on America, and that’s why this is more than just a sideline gig for me.

Most do not recognize that there has been a profound impact on local wealth as a direct result of the assault of Big.

It simply cannot be dismissed that in the 1970s, there were men that worked at places like Ford or McLouth Steel (for instance) and with that single income, they afforded a home, two cars, a decent comfortable living, with enough money to send two kids to college. This is related here anecdotally, but this really was the way things were.

It is not the way things are today.

Society has changed dramatically: The percentage of women in the workplace was dramatically lower 50 years ago, and that second income was not seen as a necessity.

Consider this: In 1965 the ratio of average American CEO pay to that

average worker above was 20-1. In 2021, that average ratio had become 399-1, a staggering change in the way those at the top are paid.

Now, before I get too far afield in the populist rhetoric, please understand that my point here is not the individuals in the examples that troubles me for purposes related to this explanation.

What obsesses me is this simple question: How much more disposable income would be floating around, circulating in our local economy if families still flourished like that today? Can you even imagine?

Being spent at local businesses because of my other obsession that asks how much different would our local economy be compared to 50 years ago if all those malls hadn’t sucked so many dollars out of the state to be shared by CEOs at countless publicly traded companies based elsewhere, that did not exist 50 years ago?

Look to other fronts, too. Almost all the local independent drug stores have been supplanted by CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid, and all the corporate money that now leaves our state to feed their corporate machines elsewhere used to stay here,

circulating and benefiting us all.

Worse, those behemoth companies then collude with pharmaceutical companies to control supply, pricing and availability at remaining local and independent pharmacies. How much more money leaves the state through national restaurant chains than did in 1972? How much more money leaves the state through Walmart than did before that cancer wreaked havoc on the American local business scene, while making the Waltons the richest family in America?

How about the truth that 50 years ago, our entire health system did not include the healthcare insurance companies that now decide who lives and dies, while capturing a massive amount of money for their corporate infrastructures?

Lots of questions. They’re not rhetorical questions. They may be hard to definitively answer, but the general gist is really not hard to get if we simply look closer and consider how dramatic the change has been, by design of people that could get away with it.

They took control.

I, for one, want it back. I’m a capitalist that is disgusted with how we’ve failed to use that tool

PETER ROSE

Trenton High School is a part of the Downriver Career Technical Consortium (DCTC) serving the school districts of Airport, Flat Rock, Gibralter, Grosse Ile, Huron, Riverview, Southgate, Woodhaven, as well as Trenton. The DCTC offers a program where local districts share their technical and academic programs. Students interested may participate at the beginning of their junior year and continue into their senior year.

The Trenton High School Technical Consortium plan of study is a coordinated secondary/post-secondary program that prepares students for the majority of jobs in the technical areas studied. Emphasis is placed on integrating academic and career technical courses so that students are better prepared for the advanced courses required by technical programs following their high school education

This is a Dual Enrollment Program housed instructors. Students participating in the program have the opportunity to earn up to 24 college credits upon completion of the two year program. Students will participate in class activities on site at Trenton High School and attend field trips to WCCCD

**New CTE program- State Approved in 21-22 school year.

Level 2-4 courses require the entry Level 1 course in that specific program. *Criminal Justice is a Wayne County Community College Dual Enrollment Program and requires an application process for admission which can be accessed at: http://www.dctc-cte.org

All career and technical education programs follow the Trenton Public Schoolsí policies of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, disability, height, weight, or marital status in all programs, services, activities, and employment. In addition, arrangements can be made to ensure that the lack of English language proficiency is not a barrier to admission or participation

Mattress fundraiser to raise fund for Wyandotte schools music program

The music program in the Wyandotte schools will benefit from every purchase made during the second annual mattress sale at Roosevelt High School from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 16.

Twenty-five mattresses in all sizes will be on display in the commons area of the school for customers to try, priced “below retail.” Adjustable power bases, premium pillows, bed frames and mattress protectors will be available as well.

Brands such as Simmons Beautyrest – with full factory warranties – are made to order and will be available two to three weeks after the fundraiser. Delivery will be available. Anyone with a mattress purchase of more than $399 receives a free set of sheets.

“The fundraiser supports not only the students directly, but all students involved with music in the Wyandotte Public Schools,” said Music Director Mark D’Angelo.

D’Angelo said he first learned about the mattress sale from other

Bring your class to the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge

programs in Southeastern Michigan.

“These programs were having a huge success with their fundraiser, and their families were really happy with the product,” he said. “I thought if this works for them, why not us?”

D’Angelo said more than 500 students in middle school and high school are part of ensembles in Wyandotte.

Chris Calvin, long-time president of the Wyandotte Music Boosters, said last year’s one-day mattress sale raised about $4,000 for band and choir students.

The boosters raise funds yearround and recently raised nearly $900 through a returnable bottle and can drive, Calvin said. He said funds go toward band instruments, lessons and travel, among other expenses.

“The high school age groups are invited to participate in a Walt Disney World performance in April 2024,” D’Angelo said.

For more information, visit bit.ly/beds4wyandotte23 or text Wyandotte23 to (248) 742-9292.

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service recognizes that environmental education is important to connect youth to nature.

To encourage our youth to get out in nature, park rangers at the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge would like to offer educators the opportunity to bring nature to their students through our Environmental Education Program.

Our program includes: field trips to the refuge, Park Ranger classroom visits to the school, loaning kits, Story Time with a Ranger Programs, and teacher workshops.

All these program options and materials for programs are free of cost and come with bus funding while available!

Through our Environmental Education Program, we have welcomed many students, teachers, and chaperones to the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. While at the refuge, they enjoy lessons about wildlife tracking, habitat exploration, archery, fishing, nature journaling, observation skills and more.

Some students experience outdoor recreation activities such as hiking

through a forest, bird watching, archery and casting a fishing pole for the first time.

It is always wonderful to provide youth the chance to experience nature in a new and exciting way; however, we know not every student can visit the refuge.

For students and educators that cannot make it to the refuge we have programs which allow park rangers to visit the school. Additionally, we have programs that grant participants from our teacher workshop program to reserve education loaning kits. Educators can use these kits to teach their students at their own pace from the classroom.

The Environmental Education Program is available to school, scouts, homeschool, and other educational youth groups.

To learn more about the lessons we offer in our Environmental Education Program please check out our website at fws.gov/media/driwr-environmentalprogram-descriptions-educators-only or email DetroitRiver@fws.gov.

Wyandotte Museums Collection Sale is April 15-16

DAVE GORGON

A collection of deaccessioned historical items from the Wyandotte Museums collection will be sold to the public from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 15 and 16 at a storage unit at 1100 Biddle Avenue at Goodell Street.

Museum Assistant Audrey Wicklander said all types of historic items will be part of the sale, such as furniture, household items, agricultural artifacts and militaria. She said vintage clothing will not be part of the sale.

She explained that the items have been donated to the museums over the years, but cannot help tell the story of Wyandotte and need a new home.

“Ninety percent of the items have no tie to Wyandotte or the Downriver area,” Wicklander said. “It’s historic stuff. Everything is important in its own right. These

don’t fit” the mission of the museum.

Items will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis until 3 p.m. each day or until the inventory runs out. Items may be purchased by cash or

check only.

Proceeds support the cityowned museum and its efforts to inspire and foster public awareness, interest, understanding and appreciation of the history of

Wyandotte and its relationship to the Downriver area.

The historic Ford-MacNichol Home at the corner of Biddle and Vinewood is available for tours throughout the year. The museum houses archives, makes research materials available to the public, generates education outreach programming and offers a yearround myriad of special programs. The museum preserves Wyandotte heritage through its historic buildings, collections, archives, publications, exhibits, programs and special events.

General office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

For more information about the sale, call (734) 324-7284 or send an email to museum@wyandottemi. gov.

The Wyandotte Museums can be followed on Facebook and Instagram

Photos by Dave Gorgon

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Downriver Community Band will dance!

The Downriver Community Band (DCB) is honored to present their annual spring concert “Music in Motion” - Friday, March 24, 2023, 7 p.m.

The concert will highlight dance inspired performances, including songs from Grease, Beer Barrel Polka, Can Can, Singin’ in the Rain and many more.

Joining the band will be dance performances by members of Downriver Youth Performing Arts Center (DYPAC). Wyandotte’s beloved personality, Ted Budkin, will be the show’s emcee. With Ted’s light hearted style, it’s likely there will be an opportunity for some fun audience participation during the show.

“Dance themed concerts are so much fun”, says band president Denise Doede. “The music alone is inspiring, but when you add the energy of the dancers, it really makes for a powerful performance. I’m sure the community will love it!”

The band has a magical way of covering so many genres in their performances. This year’s selections will cover dance music that includes Polka, Irish dance, Ballet, Waltz, Tap, Pasodoble and others.

“I’m so glad to once again have kids from DYPAC join us. They provide

such energy and passion in all their performances and really makes for a crowd-pleasing event.” Say DCB’s director Patrick Jensen.

DCB welcomes everyone in the community to come and support the

fine talent Downriver area has to offer.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for children, kids three and under are free.

The concert will be held at Flat Rock Community Auditorium, 25600 Seneca St, Flat Rock, Michigan. To

purchase tickets, call 734.589.0322 or visit TheDCB.org.

About The Downriver Community Band

Founded in 1989, Downriver Community Band (DCB) is a volunteer wind ensemble of adult musicians with a mission to promote music within the organization and the community.

DCB is composed of players of various skills from all walks of life. DCB performs locally for civic, charity and fundraising events and has performed in Hawaii, New York, Washington DC and Indiana.

The band’s repertoire consists of marches, big band, classical, jazz, show tunes, contemporary and original compositions.

DCB’s conductor, Patrick Jensen, is an active musician in the Detroit area. He teaches music at both Wayne State University and Henry Ford College and has been associated with Detroit Symphony Civic Orchestra, The Dearborn Symphony, Henry Ford College Big Band and Frank Zappa tribute band. Sponsorship for the group comes solely from community supporters.

For more info, go to TheDCB.Org.

Ted Budkin will MC the event.

Bears season closes with regional loss

The Roosevelt hockey team put a cap on a 15-win season with a 8-0 loss to Trenton in a regional semifinal game at Kennedy Arena in early March.

The Bears closed out the regular season with back-to-back one goal victories over Utica Ford Unified and Dearborn Divine Child. The Bears then made it three in a row by beating Lenawee Unified 2-1 in overtime in the first round of the regional tournament.

Two nights later, however, Trenton shut down the Bears and ended their season with the mercy-rule loss. Trenton held Wyandotte to just seven shots on goal in the game.

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Trenton then beat Allen Park in overtime to win the regional championship before losing in overtime to U-D Jesuit in a state quarterfinal game.

It was a season of highs and lows for Roosevelt, which at one point enjoyed a seven-game winning streak and at another endured a nine-game stretch where it posted a 2-7 record.

In their two games to close the regular season, Wyandotte did just enough to win.

Against Utica Ford, Roosevelt prevailed 6-5 as William Heskett and Marcos Gonzalez each scored a pair of goals. Gavin Daum and Luc Hill had the others. It was a five-point night for

Heskett, who also had three assists, and a three-point night for Daum.

In the season-ender against Divine Child Wyandotte scored in overtime to post a 5-4 decision. Heslett had a goal and four points, Matthew Kurc had two goals and three points, Daum had a goal and an assist, Jason Pente scored and Hill had three assists.

The Bears outshot the Falcons 49-24 and Roosevelt goalie Jadn McGown stopped 20 shots for the win.

The wins against Utica Ford and Divine Child were get-back games for Roosevelt, which had lost to each of those rivals earlier in the season. In back-to-back games in early january,

Divine Child beat the Bears 9-8 and Utica beat them 6-2.

The Bears wound up in third place in the Michigan Metro league West Division standings behind only Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard and Grosse Ile.

Heskett was the Downriver breakout player of the season as he notched an amazing 47 goals and 64 points. Hill was second on the team with 17 goals (34 points) and Willie Ballentyne was third with 16 goals (35 points). Kurc also had a fine season with 14 goals and 31 points.

In goal, McGowan started 21 games and won 12 of them. He made 534 saves and had a goals-against average of 4.01.

Photos by Emily Caruso

Lincoln Park knocks Bears out of hoop playoffs

The Roosevelt basketball team got the 2022-23 Michigan High School Athletic Association state playoffs off on the right foot with a 75-62 win over neighboring Southgate Anderson on opening night of the district tournament.

It was Wyandotte’s third win of the year over the Titans.

But that was as far as the Bears would get as they ran into Downriver League rival Lincoln Park in the semifinal round and lost 48-37.

It was Wyandotte’s third loss of the season to the Railsplitters, who were Downriver League runners-up to Woodhaven this year.

Lincoln Park went on to win a district title by beating Allen Park 53-45 in the championship game. The Rails were then bounced from the playoffs 63-31 by Dearborn in the

regional semifinals.

Roosevelt, which lost by 29 points and 13 points the first two times they played Lincoln Park this year, had their best performance against the Rails in the playoff game.

The Bears led 7-5 at the end of the first period and trailed just 22-19 at halftime.

The Bears continued to hang with the Rails though much of the third quarter, but late in the period Lincoln Park went on an 11-3 scoring run and opened up enough of a lead to cruise home with the win.

Lincoln Park led 36-25 at the end of the third period and Roosevelt never again got any closer than seven points the rest of the way.

The Bears finished the season with a 7-17 record, 5-11 in the Downriver League.

Girls basketball season ends with district loss

The Roosevelt girls basketball team, which finished the year with a flourish, winning five of its last six Downriver League contests, hoped to keep the momentum going in the state tournament.

But it was not to be.

The Bears, who beat Carlson, Lincoln Park, Taylor, Edsel Ford and Southgate in the closing weeks of the season, opened the Michigan High School Athletic Association district tournament at Anderson High School

against Taylor, a team that the Bears had beaten twice during the regular season.

The stars seemed to be aligning, but the Griffins had other ideas and they beat the Bears 33-30, ending Roosevelt’s season.

The Bears finished the 202223 season with an 11-12 record, Roosevelt was 10-6 in league games, good enough for third place behind Trenton and Allen Park and Woodhaven, which tied for second.

Photo by Emily Caruso

Three Bears place at wrestling state finals

Three Roosevelt wrestlers went to the Michigan High School Athletic Association state wrestling meet at Ford Field and all three placed.

Senior Christian Byrne led the way with a fourth-place finish at 144 pounds. Junior Michael Stathakis (175 points) and Max Biundo (157 pounds) each finished up sixth.

Byrne lost his first finals match 8-4 to Ethan Wood of Byron Center. He then embarked on a four-match winning streak to get himself into the match for third place.

To get there he beat Milford’s Grant Stec 10-4, he pinned Romeo’s Zach Zehnder, he beat Jake Ferguson of Macomb Dakota 3-2 and he won by forfeit over Evan Harriman of Davison.

In the third-fourth place match, Byrne ran into Rockford’s Jak Keller and lost by pinfall.

Byrne concluded his senior year with a 43-4 record.

At 175 pounds, Stathakis won his first two matches before running into undefeated and eventual state champ Josh Barr of Davison. Barr won by technical fall, sending Stathakis into the match for fifth-sixth place. There Stathakis lost by forfeit to Brock Trevino of Clarkston.

Biundo, Roosevelt’s 157-pounder, pinned James Rivers of Romeo in his first match before falling to Vinnie Abbey of Hartland. Abbey would go on to finish second at the finals.

Biundo battled back to beat Micah Roper of Oxford 13-6 and Jacob Kennedy of Westland John Glenn 12-4 to reach the medal round, but the rally ran out of gas and Biundo lost to Dan Elwell of Forest Hills Northern and Zak Knapp of Brighton to settle for sixth place.

SWIM SEASON ENDS AT STATE FINALS

The contingent of athletes that Roosevelt took to the MHSAA Division 2 state swim meet at the Holland Aquatic center scored nine points as the Bears finished tied for 25th place with Temperance-Bedford.

Riley Greene, Emerson Miciura, Caden Sauve and Chris Gervasi swam the 200 medley relay and the same group in a different order swam the 200 free relay. Miciura also swam the 100 breaststroke.

At the Downriver League Meet on Jan. 24, the Bears finished third behind league champion Trenton and runner-up Woodhaven.

Individually, Miciura won the breaststroke and was on two winning relays. Miciura, Greene, Jose Hinojosa and Sauve took gold in the 200 medley relay (1:43.77) while Miciura, Greene, Sauve and Gervasi had the best time in the 200 freestyle relay (1:31.73).

Penrickton Center for Blind Children announces retirement of Director

SHEILA RYAN

In its 70th year of providing programs and services for blind, multidisabled children and their families, Penrickton Center for Blind Children’s Board of Trustees has announced the retirement of Executive Director Kurt Sebaly, effective March 2023, and named Assistant Director Patricia Obrzut to replace him.

Sebaly has served the agency in numerous roles since 1979, when he was hired as social worker and then served as assistant director. During Sebaly’s 36-year tenure as executive director, his vision and resource allocation have shaped the one-of-akind program in Michigan to expand its services, which are recognized and respected throughout North America.

He is responsible for Penrickton Center’s expansion from 8,000 square feet to 25,000 square feet, shaping program growth, embracing the impact of Active Learning, improving the standard of care, building a specialized staff, and broadening the friends and families who support the mission of the center, which was founded in 1952 by three families seeking care for their blind children.

“My years at Penrickton Center have impacted every facet of my life,” said Sebaly. “I have been surrounded by an incredible and dedicated Board of Directors, generous friends and donors, amazing families and a fabulous staff,” said Sebaly.

With Sebaly’s retirement, the Board of Directors has named Obrzut to lead Penrickton Center into the future. The foremost expert on Active Learning in North America, Obrzut holds a graduate

degree in Occupational Therapy and has been an integral part of the agency’s remarkable growth. She began with Penrickton Center as occupational therapist in 1987 and was promoted to assistant director in 1994.

“The value of having a program like Penrickton Center is vital to the community,” said Gregory Bader, board president. “As our new Executive Director, Patty will continue our mission of serving children, families and the community, and will guide us into the next chapter of our history.”

To complete the transition, Penrickton Center is pleased to announce the addition of Andrea Schotthoefer as Assistant Director. Schoeffhoeter comes to the program from the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan, bringing vast non-profit knowledge, staff development and communication skills.

“We believe that every child has the precious right to learn,” said Janet Ames, director of Community Relations. “With Kurt’s dedication and guidance, Penrickton Center for Blind Children has touched the lives of thousands of children, families and community partners, and positioned us to continue the vision of our founders. With the dedicated leadership team our board has put in place, we are looking to our future with pride and enthusiasm.”

Penrickton Center for Blind Children serves blind, multi-disabled children 1 through 12 who are blind and multidisabled through its residential, day care and consultation, at no charge to families. For more information, call Janet Ames at 734-946-7500 or visit the agency’s website: www. Penrickton.org

Obrzut Sebaly Schotthoefer

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 1,300 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.

Famous Lenten fish fry is back at Sacred Heart

An Island tradition is back up and running as Grosse Ile’s Sacred Heart Catholic Church is again this year offering its famous Friday Fish Fries. Run by the parish’s Knights of Columbus, the weekly dinners will be offered every Friday through April 7. The weekly events run from 4 - 7:30 p.m. Come and enjoy some great food and some fine entertainment,

The menu includes a choice of fried cod, broiled cod, fried lake perch, fried shrimp and fried walleye. Each meal includes a baked potato or French fries, house made coleslaw, a fresh Island Bakery dinner roll and house made tartar and cocktail sauce.

Side orders include crab cakes, jumbo shrimp, pierogi, fries and baked potatoes.

There is also a kid’s menu featuring cheese pizza and macaroni and cheese.

Adult dinners run from $12.95 to 17.95 and kid’s meals are $4.95. Prices include tax.

And don’t forget the soup. The Sacred Heart Fish Fry is famous for its rotating variety of homemade soups.

And, if you have room, don’t forget dessert. Sweet options include, Hungarian cherry and apple strudel, famous Sanders hot milk chocolate fudge sundaes, strawberry sundaes, root beer floats and Boston coolers.

A variety of beverages is available, including beer and wine.

The fish fry is held in the Sacred Heart Parish Hall, located at 21599 Parke Lane. Carryout is also available

NEWS FROM OUR NEIGHBORS

Go to... GoBigMultimedia.com to read more news on our digital publications.

Still Rockin’ CF March 19 Race proceeds benefit research ...This year, the race will initiate a special “Kevin Wilson Memorial Mile,” which will become part of the race from now on.

gobigmultimedia.com/grosse-ile-grand

Township governmental duties clearly spelled out

TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR

~ Moderates Board regular and special meetings and study sessions

~ Serves as Township’s legal agent

~ Serves as Township’s Chief Assessing O cer

~ Develops Township budget (with departmental input)

~ May call for special Board meetings

~ May appoint some commission members

~ Serves on Township Election Commission

~ May appoint a Deputy Supervisor

TOWNSHIP TREASURER

~ Collects Township real and personal property taxes

~ Maintains records of receipts and expenditures

~ Issues Townships checks for payments

~ Issues pet licenses

~ Receives and deposits all Township revenue

~ Invests all Township funds in approved depositories

~ Collects delinquent personal property taxes

~ Serves on Election Commission

~ Must appoint a Deputy Treasurer

~ Must post a surety bond

TOWNSHIP CLERK

~ Maintains custody of all Township records

~ Maintains general ledger of Township

~ Prepares and maintains Township board meeting minutes

~ Maintains Township Book of Oaths

~ Publishes all meeting notices and minutes

~ Maintains voter registration les

~ Administers all election functions

~ Serves on Township Election Commission

~ Must appoint a Deputy Clerk

~ Must post a surety bond

TRUSTEE

~ Serves as a Township legislator

~ Required to attend all Board meetings and vote on all issues Responsible for the Township’s overall fiduciary well being..

On page 3

To commemorate Kevin, the one mile segment will start one mile out from the finish line – the toughest part of any distance race for many runners.

concert on Feb. 16, which had the cutest songs that were all about love. The grand finale was “You are My Sunshine.” Thank you to Ms. Kruger, our third-grade teachers, Ms. Vollmerhausen, Mrs. Culverhouse and Mrs. Hilliard for this lovely event.

On page 1

Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Cookies Cooking Class

Also, this year there will not be a two-person half marathon relay, as its popularity has seemed to run its course. But, interest is still strong for the 13.1 Half Marathon, the 5K Run or Walk, and the Virtual Half Marathon. So strong that the half and 5K races had caps – 700 for the half, 600 for the 5K. There will be a 3 hour and 30 minute time limit for the half marathon.

As of this writing, the Half Marathon is sold out! There are still spots left in the 5K and Virtual Half. You can still register online to run or make a donation @letsrockcf.org.

From the event, 100 percent of the proceeds go to the Rock CF Foundation, “changing the face of what living with cystic fibrosis looks like and giving those living with CF the tools to not only survive, but thrive.”

On page 7

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Music fills the air!

Ms. Kruger led our third-grade students at Memorial Elementary School in a beautiful Valentines-themed

Tuesday, May 9 7:00 – 8:15 pm

Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Cookies are so cookies that will melt in your mouth! A perfect balance of tartness sprinkled with a sweet powdery sugar glaze. Add the lemon and blueberries into the cream cheese batter or don’t. Make the cookies to your liking. Perfect to make ahead for your holiday get together. ey freeze well for snacks, lunch treats or surprise for your coworkers. is class includes all supplies and samples to munch on during class.

Please bring a hand mixer and 2 large cookie sheets. Final baking will be done at home. Approximately 30 cookies.

Class fee of $30.00 must be paid by Friday, May 5th. No refunds a er this date. Limit of 20 participants per class. No walk≠ins. Register online! https://secure.rec1.com/MI/riverview-mi/catalog or cityofriverview.com under the recreation tab. Check or cash for in≠person registration at the Recreation Department. Call the Recreation Department if you have any questions regarding programs or issues with online registering.

Riverview City Hall/Senior Activity Room 14100 Civic Park Drive, Riverview, MI 48193 734-281-4219

Classes are for residents and non-residents. Age 12 & up Children aged 6 -11 are welcome to sign up and must bring an adult helper. If the adult helper wants to participate and make their own cookies they must register and pay also. A delicious class for friends and family to get together and have some fun!

On page 14. Available to non≠residents.

Pot,

or not?

Residents to determine fate of retail marijuana stores

Riverview recently began the process of taking applications for licenses for retail marijuana stores a er the City Council voted 4≠3 to allow those businesses within the city limits.

Demand for those licenses has been high. But opposition to the stores has been pretty strong, too, and a group of citizens, spearheaded by

longtime resident and former councilman Elmer Trombley, circulated a petition designed to get the idea of marijuana stores in front of voters...

On page 1

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‘We are Plarners’

Group creates mats for the homeless while creating a bond with one another

A group of volunteers that turns used plastic shopping bags into comfortable sleeping mats for the needy just celebrated its sixth anniversary of making a difference throughout the Region.

Members of “We Are Plarners” have converted countless clean bags into “plastic yarn” – or “plarn” – and ultimately into thousands of mats that are used by the homeless, seniors and others who otherwise

struggle to provide suitable warm bedding or furniture for their families.

The group’s mission statement is “help others while helping the environment.” Founder

Rita LaRosa Carioti of Southgate said each 3-by6-foot mat keeps 650 to 700 plastic bags out of landfills.

“The benefit is extraordinary,” Carioti said. “If we can take plastic bags out of the landfill and make it purposeful, it’s win-win.”...

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Guidance Center presents social media film

The Downriver Guidance Center in conjunction with Stop Underage Drinking and Drugs (SUDDs) will present the film “Like – A documentary about the Impact of Social Media on Our Lives” at 6 p.m. on March 21 at Crystal Gardens. The one-hour film will be followed by a question and answer session with the narrator of the film, Max Stossel.

The event is free, but you must register. Pizza, popcorn and soft drinks will be served. Like breaks down why we find social media so irresistible, examines who is controlling who and gives viewers the tools to pivot to a more balanced and contented relationship....

On page 16

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$1M grant for Kennedy Aquatic Center

The Kennedy Aquatic Center is in need of renovations, especially with the increased traffic the facility has seen post-covid. The 20-year-old facility offers swim lessons, lifeguarding classes, parenttot classes, swim up movies, summer pool parties, triathlons, day camp destinations, day camp home bases, relaxing entertainment, swim competitions for all caliber swimmers, fundraisers, water aerobics, senior exercises, pool side yoga, gardening and so much more.

The goal is to add ADA compliant pool lifts, replace uneven concrete, repair gutter systems, rework current locker room facilities, create a sensory integration space, repair deck drains, create new signage, and create a new entrance that will be barrier free for ease of access.

New statewide outdoor recreation plan offers wealth of insights

The overall goal of the 2023-2027 SCORP is to “ensure that Michigan’s outdoor recreation assets are equitably distributed, developed and managed to provide convenient and welcoming access to the outdoors for healthful, outdoor physical activity; and while sustaining our lands, waters and wildlife for current and future generations, drive broad-based economic and quality-of-life benefits to people and communities.”

SCORP strategies to achieve the goal include:

• Improve collaboration: Outdoor recreation stakeholders collaborate and cooperate to ensure that Michigan’s recreation system meets the needs of residents and visitors.

• Improve and expand recreational access: Recreation opportunities are connected and accessible to residents and visitors of all backgrounds, abilities, means and geographic locations.

• Enhance health benefits: Outdoor recreation increases the physical activity and health of Michigan’s residents and visitors.

• Enhance prosperity: Outdoor recreation advances economic prosperity and supports a high quality of life as well as talent retention in Michigan’s communities.

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Friends of the Detroit River’s Spring Cleanup is April 22

Come join The Friends of the Detroit River (FDR) on Saturday, April 22 for their annual Lower Detroit River Cleanup event.

The event will start out from the Trenton Rotary Park boat launch at the foot of Harrison St. on the Detroit River. This year the event is sponsored by the DTE Foundation and EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc.

For nearly two decades, FDR has been fortunate to attract a small army of dedicated volunteers. What makes their clean up event unique, from most other such clean-up events that take place in our local watersheds each spring, is that theirs relies on a small flotilla of boats to get their volunteers out to the various islands and shorelines that are only accessible by water.

Many of these sites are the recipient of much of the trash and debris that makes its way into the river from spring storm runoff and if it wasn’t for the dedicated work of their volunteers, this trash and debris would continue to collect along these otherwise inaccessible shorelines.

This year volunteers will meet at Trenton Rotary Park, in Trenton, for the

pre- cleanup orientation at 9 a.m. At that time volunteers who wish to get out on the river will be paired up with a boat and be assigned a cleanup site.

Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear boots, have gloves and bring an extra life jacket if they have one.

Those with boats on a trailer will be able to use the park’s boat launch to launch their boats free of charge or drive their boat up to the park to dock and pick up volunteers.

For those who would like to help out, but aren’t able to get out on the water, FDR is always in need of volunteers to help with shore-based cleanup locations as well as helping including unloading the boats as they come back to the park. Lunch will be provided to all who help out at the event.

This is a great opportunity to participate in a community event that gives back to the Detroit River.

If you have a boat that you would be able to supply, give us a call at 1-734676- 4626. You can also get additional information and register for the event on FDR’s web site at www.detroitriver.org.

Volunteers bring in boat loads of debris and litter picked up off uninhabited islands and dikes in the lower Detroit River to unload at the boat ramp at Trenton Rotary Park.

Annual Miss Amazing Pageant scheduled for May 6

It’s almost here!

The annual Michigan Miss Amazing Pageant is set for Saturday, May 6 at Novi Civic Center.

It’s open to girls ages five and up with a disability and there’s no fee to participate.

Spread the word! You can find out more about the organization, and sign up to participate or volunteer here: https://missamazing.org/chapters/MI

To kick it all off we have a prepageant event planned.

Tina Brossia, owner of Rags to Riches Designer Consignment Boutique in Brownstown, has generously offered to close their doors the evening of Tuesday, March 7 so participants can pick out a free dress. Participants must be signed up before March 7 to receive a free dress and free jewelry set.

The pre-pageant “Dress for Success” event will include special guests:

~ Miss Amazing registered participants.

~ Michigan Miss Amazing Directors: Rachael Dooley - National Director, and Rachael Hunter - Morning Show 99.5 WYCD/Country Music Hall of Fame Recipient.

~ Jewelry Giveaway - Amy Douglas, Michigan Miss Amazing 2020

Senior Miss - Commercial Model, Actress and Spokesperson for people with disabilities.

~ Contenders Assistant and Encouragement Coach - Mrs. Michigan USA 2022 - Rachael Adams LogsdonActress, Model, Motivational Speaker, Entrepreneur.

~ Photographer - Joe Maroon Photography, special events photographer to the stars.

Flea Market and antiques sale

The Wyandotte Lions Club will hold its annual Flea Market and Antique Sale Saturday and Sunday April 1-2 at the Yack Arena in Wyandotte.

The sale runs from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday and from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Sunday. There will be more than 120 booths at the sale and admission is just $3. Children under 12 are free.

This is the 29th annual event and all proceeds from the flea market will be used by the Lions Club for their various community service projects. This year’s event is dedicated to Richard Cadaret, Andy Swiecki and Richard Bialobrzeski, three deceased Lions Club members, who were crucial to the success of the flea market.

Call 734-324-7292 for more information.

hopping! He just loves his toys, treats and his mom and dad. Thanks for looking!

These are our babies, Chloe and Lucy. We adopted Chloe at 6 weeks old and a year and a half later, the rescue called us that someone turned her sister/litter mate in and did we “know anyone who might want her”. We were in the car the next day picking Lucy up.

Markings are identical. However the length of their legs are quite different. LOL.

Mayor and Council Members

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

27th District Court Chief District Judge, The Honorable 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 The Community Development Office

Phone: 734-324-4566

Email: tdrysdale@wyandottemi.gov

Council and Commission Meetings at Wyandotte City Hall

Council Meeting

Mondays, March 27, April 3, 7:00pm

Police and Fire Commission

Tuesdays, March 28, April 11, 6:00pm

Municipal Service Commission

Wednesdays, April 5, April 19, 5:00pm

Zoning Board of Appeals and Adjustment

Wednesday, April 5, 6:30pm

Firefighters Civil Service Commission

Wednesday, April 12, 5:00pm

Recreation Commission

Wednesday, April 12, 5:30pm

Beautification Commission

Thursday, April 13, 6:00pm

Cultural and Historical Commission

Thursday, April 13, 6:15pm Planning Commission

Thursday, April 20, 6:30pm

Vodka Social @ District 142

Friday, April 21, 9:00am Retirement Commission

City Department Contacts

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 and Building Department

Greg Mayhew, City Engineer

Phone: 734-324-4550

Email: engineering1@wyandottemi.gov

Finance and Administration

Todd Drysdale, CPA, City Administrator

Phone: 734-324-4545

Email: tdrysdale@wyandottemi.gov

Fire Department

Tom Lyon, Fire Chief

Phone: 734-324-4404

For Emergencies Call 911

Email: tlyon@wyandottemi.gov

Municipal Services

Paul LaManes, General Manager

Phone: 734-324-7100

Email: talk2wms@wyandottemi.gov

Police Department

Chief Brian Zalewski, Chief of Police

Phone: 734-324-4405

For Emergencies call 911

Email: bzalewski@wyandottemi.gov

Recreation, Leisure and 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

Beautiful Two Bedroom

Luxury Condo in Key Largo

Ahhhhh, you’re on vacation…

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!

Paradiseisnítoveryetas youwalkthrough yourownprivatecourtyard,a brickedpatio gardenwithrelaxingfurniture,thenupjust one ightof stairs,yourprivateoasisawaits youÖwhereyoucanunwindfroma fun lled day. Youcancookyour freshdayíscatchin yourfullyequippednewkitchenwithlotsof naturallightglisteningoff thesolidsurface countertopsand thestunningstainless steelappliancesand eatin comfort. Or goìoutonthetownî and relaxin someof thebestrestaurantsin theareawhereyou arepamperedas yourfreshcatchis being preparedtoyourspecifi cationsasyourelax drinking a glass of wine watching the beautiful FloridaBaySunset. Theperfectendtoa wonderfuldayin paradise. Afterdinnerretreattoyour1480sq.ft.Newly DecoratedBeautifultwobedroomtownhouse withasmartopen oorplan,14í vaulted ceilings. RelaxwithELEGANT TommyBahama furnishingsand a 65î HDTVin thegreatroom.

Nowtimeforaperfectnightísrestasyou enjoyawonderfulviewfromthemaster bedroomgivingthefeelingof nestlingin thetrees. Abeautifullytropicaldraped four≠poster,kingsizebedwithultracomfort mattressassuresa perfectnightíssleepand offerstheidealspottoviewthe48î atscreen TV. Anensuitebathfeaturesa cornerspatub, theperfectwaytoendadayof sightseeing.

Welcometo901MarinersClub!

Wearegladtohaveyouhere!