Wyandotte Warrior, April 27 – May 24, 2023

Wyandotte millage renewal vote set for May 2

DAVE GORGON

The financial stability of the City of Wyandotte will be determined during a special election on Tuesday, May 2.

Voters are asked to consider a city charter amendment for operating millage. The proposal is a renewal of the current levy of 3 mills for a period of 10 years.

If approved, city officials said, residents will see no increase in their tax bill other than what would normally occur due to the normal assessment process or actions associated with other taxing entities outside the city’s control. The total millage levied by the city would be the same.

The ballot question essentially asks for a continuation of the tax currently paid by taxpayers. City officials said the continued payment of the supplemental operating millage will ensure that services are maintained at the same level as they are now.

City Administrator Todd Drysdale said it is important for city officials to be transparent when discussing the SEE MILLAGE, Page 15

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

Council and Commission Meetings at Wyandotte City Hall

Cinco Block Party & Pub Crawl

Saturday, May 6

Local Artists Guild Art Show

Saturday & Sunday, May 6-7

Council Meeting

Mondays, May 8, 22, 7:00pm

Downtown Development Authority

Tuesday, May 9, 5:30pm

Police and Fire Commission

Tuesdays, May 9, 23, 6:00pm

Firefighters Civil Service Commission

Wednesday, May 10, 5:00pm

Recreation Commission

Wednesday, May 10, 5:30pm

Beautification Commission

Thursday, May 11, 6:00pm

Cultural and Historical Commission

Thursday, May 11, 6:15pm

City Department Contacts

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

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

City Wide Garage Sale

Friday - Sunday, May 12-14

Tax Increment Finance Authority (TIFA)/ Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (BRDA)

Tuesday, May 16, 8:30am

Municipal Service Commission

Wednesday, May 17, 5:00pm

Planning Commission

Thursday, May 18, 6:30pm

Retirement Commission

Friday, May 19, 9:00am

Psychic & Holistic Festival

Saturday-Sunday, May 20-21

Pie & Ice Cream Social

Sunday, May 21

Police and Fire Commission Monday

Pie & Ice Cream Social

Sunday, May 21

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

Downriver Council for the Arts roundup

DAVE GORGON

Registration is under way for classes and workshops at the Downriver Council for the Arts, 81 Chestnut, Wyandotte. For m20-0671.ore information, visit the website downriverarts.org, follow the DCA on Facebook or call (734) 720-0671.

YOUTH AND TEEN CLASSES

Youth Sculpting with Clay

Classes for children ages 7 to 13 are held from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Spring session dates are April 25 and May 2, 9 and 16. Students learn hand-building techniques for sculpting and creating with earthenware clay including pinch, coil and slab methods. Students will experiment with shape and texture with new projects every session.

They also will have the opportunity to glaze their creations with a colorful collection of glazes during the last day of class and pick up their work the following week. All firing and materials are included. The class is open to all skill levels. Dress ready to get creative. If you have taken this class before, note that projects will be different. The cost is $72 per student per session.

Suncatcher-Fused Glass Workshop for Kids:

The May 17 workshop is open to everyone age 8 and older. Kids will create a unique sun catcher by stacking and placing colorful precut pieces of glass on a flat glass base. No experience is required. All materials are included. Creations will be fused and slumped in a kiln and will be available within two weeks after the workshop. The cost is $25 per student.

ALL AGES CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS

Cookie Decorating

This class, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 13, is a great “mommy and me” date for those that want to learn how to decorate sugar cookies. Children must be at least 5 years old. Admission is $50; $35 for children 12 and younger. Each ticket includes a dozen cookies, icing and tools to decorate. No experience is required.

Make a Mug Workshop

The project is perfect for family and friends ages 8 and older. Workshops are scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. Thursdays, May 4, 11 and 18. The cost is $50 per student. Students will work on clay basics, practicing pinch pots, slip and score, and applying glaze. Participants will construct.

ADULT CLASSES AND OPEN STUDIO TIME Yoga

Suitable for all levels, this Hatha Yoga Flow focuses on linking breath to movement, deep stretching, building core strength and improving balance and overall well-being. Beginners and experienced students are welcome. Classes are held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays. The cost is $10 for a drop-in class or $35 for a punch card good for four classes.

Acrylic and Oil Painting

Held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the classes are facilitated by Darryl Frohlich. Sessions include oneon-one coaching, occasional demonstrations and group interaction. Students bring their own supplies. The drop-in cost is $15 per class.

Painting and Drawing

Facilitated by Bruce Times, sessions are held from 1 to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesdays. Sessions include one-onone coaching, occasional demonstrations and group interaction. Students bring their own supplies. The drop-in cost is $20 per class. All skill lessons are welcome.

Watercolor

Learn to paint with watercolor during a class focusing on painting mainly using still life. Besides traditional techniques, students learn to use other mediums with watercolor paint, such as ink and charcoal. The class suits any level, from beginner to experienced. Bring your own supplies. Classes are scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, April 25 and May 2, 9 and 16.

The cost is $25 for a drop-in class; $80 for a fourweek session.

Ballroom Dancing

Former U.S. dance champion and multi-state, multidance champion Barry Douglas offers a full range of group and/or private lessons. He has traveled all over the nation, Canada and Europe teaching for more than 40 years. Classes are open to the public ages 16 and older. All skill levels are welcome. Classes are offered

Wednesdays – West Coast Swing from 7to 8 p.m. and Salsa from 8 to 9 p.m. Many people attend without a partner and find great support in learning to dance.

Pendant Fused Glass Workshop

Students ages 16 and older will learn to make two fused-glass pendants and receive one black cord during the workshop, scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 17. Participants will be introduced to basic glass fusing and cutting techniques and will learn how to cut and nip colorful pieces of glass that stack on a base piece of glass to create a unique design. Admission is $59 per student.

EVENTS

Odd Fellow Concert Lounge Monthly Concert Series

The next show is April 29, featuring Lori & The Darlings, Past Dog Beach, Emily Rose and Voxanna. Doors open at 6 p.m. The first band starts at 6:30. Admission is $10 at the door. Bar proceeds support local charities and Downriver individuals with needs.

East River Folk Society Presents Acoustic Open Mic

Held the second Saturdays of the month at 7 p.m., starting May 13, visitors will experience an evening of folk, acoustic and traditional music. Performers can sign up between 6 and 6:45. There will be eight to 10 open-mic spots available. Open-mic performers will perform two or three songs, depending on the number of performers. Admission is $5, including performers.

Wyandotte native is Women Of Wrestling world champion

DAVE GORGON

AWyandotte native is a professional wrestling world champion.

Marina Tucker, who goes by the name Penelope Pink, is the reigning champion of WOW – Women Of Wrestling, a show broadcast across the nation.

Tucker was born in Wyandotte and spent her early childhood years in the city, attending Trinity Lutheran and Christ the King schools. Her parents, Jeff and Michelle, are former Wyandotte police officers. She remembers her dad playing hockey at Yack Arena.

She moved with her family to Georgia with her family and returned years later to Michigan to attend Ferris State University. Her dad is a captain in the Canton, Georgia, Police Department. Her mother is retired.

Always athletic, including seven years as a cheerleader, Tucker got involved in pro wrestling after graduating in 2016 from Ferris State University, where she majored in sports communications and was the gameday producer for Ferris athletics and a sideline reporter for the football team. She said she loved pro wrestling as a child and thought she could do it someday. Not wanting to look back and regret not giving the sport a try, she moved to Florida and began training.

After graduation, she wrestled in several independent organizations before getting discovered by WOW executive Selina

Majors.

“Most talent become a WOW superhero through tryouts and months of learning the ropes through training in the country’s only all-female training school based in Los Angeles, California, but not Marina,” said WOW founder and CEO David McLane. “She came to

WOW through several people in Florida suggesting her to WOW.”

McLane became well known in wrestling as the creator of GLOW – Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling. He co-owns the all-female organization WOW with Jeanie Buss, controlling owner and CEO of the Los

Angeles Lakers.

McLane said The Fabulous Lana Star, a 20-year-plus veteran, “saw an opportunity to have Marina branded after her favorite color pink and have a real dedicated professional that had the skill set to become a world champion. The result was that Penelope Pink was born.

“Penelope Pink has the work ethic of someone from Michigan, not afraid to get dirty to get the job done the right way. And Penelope has the confidence to become a star in the ring. Add it all up and Penelope Pink has what it takes to be the WOW world champion.”

See WRESTLING, Page 15

St. Cyprian Crafters make a difference for many

DAVE GORGON

About 13 years ago, Anne Gilhool of Riverview suggested to Sister Anne, a nun at St. Cyprian Catholic Church, that they start a knitting group in the parish.

“I said, ‘I knit and I would like to knit with other people,’” Gilhool recalled. “She said ‘no.’ Six months later, someone donated 100 skeins of yarn.”

And the St. Cyprian Crafters were born.

Today, 40 women who knit, sew and crochet are making a difference and bringing joy to people and groups in the Downriver area. Their creations range from neonatal hats for tiny infants to blankets for wheelchair-bound veterans and senior citizens.

The crafters meet from 10 to 11:45 a.m. Thursdays at the social hall at St. Cyprian in Riverview. Besides infant caps and blankets, they create hats and scarves for people of all ages, baby items, quilts, dish cloths, adult bibs and even stuffed toys – whatever the need is that day, Gilhool said.

“Everyone has their own special gift and talent,” Gilhool said. “When I challenged the ladies two months ago to make toys for Easter, they responded by making 191 bunnies.”

About 30 of the bunnies were donated to the Wyandotte Soup Kitchen to distribute to “guests” and their families who visit weekly for food.

Others went to food pantry clients at St. Cyprian, Downriver for Veterans, children in shelters and others in need, said Southgate resident Deborah Knight, who crochets and sews and is always on the lookout for those in need of the crafters’ talents.

Gilhool, a retired school teacher, called Knight “a real go-getter in finding clients.” “I would say we made about 2,700 things last year,” Gilhool said. “I’m a firm believer that we don’t make anything to sit on our shelves. I want it to go and be used by people right away.”

“Linus-type blankets” and duffle bags have gone to the Downriver Foster Closet in Southgate,” Gilhool said. Hats and scarves have gone to hospitals. Bibs went to special needs children in Wyandotte.

“There is just a whole variety of things,” she said. “Some people will make the same things over and over and over again, like hats or baby blankets. They’ll say, ‘this is what I like to do.’

Other people make all kinds of things.” Knight, who crochets and sews, said the crafters enjoy making a difference. She created gathered skirts to donate to the group Dresses for Africa, which provides dresses needed by young girls to attend school in Africa.

“Being part of this group gives you purpose,” the former banker said. “You think you’re sending positive energy into the world. You only can do so much with one person, but collectively look at what you can do.”

Darlene Swift, the wife of Riverview Mayor Andrew Swift, said she learned how to knit just before she retired from the Ford Motor Co. She joined the crafters when the group started.

“Everybody in there has a good attitude,” she said. “This is a time to get together and socialize. It’s a good group. We bring in more people all the time.

“If you get stuck, someone is always there to help. You learn new techniques. It keeps your fingers nimble. It keeps you active and you’re helping someone in need. It’s bringing a smile to somebody’s face. When we make something that goes to somebody in need, many times we get thank-you cards back so we know it’s appreciated.”

Wyandotte resident Sarah Pettigrew, who runs the soup kitchen, said the bunnies were just what her group needed.

“We are distributing Easter goodie

bags to our guests so they can fill Easter baskets for their children, and the adorable bunnies that the St. Cyprian group shared will really make the bags extra special,” she said. “I think some of don’t realize that some people don’t have loved ones who make handmade items for them and these types of gifts continue to cheer you when you’re feeling down. It’s an honor to pass these beautiful gifts along on behalf of the St. Cyprian Crafters.”

Tiffanie Plackowski, preschool director of the Early Childhood Learning Center in the Riverview Community School District, praised Gilhool and her volunteer group, saying the “crafting ladies generously and fastidiously hand-made scarves and hats for the pre-K students” for the fourth year in a row. The recipients are 4- and 5-year-olds.

“Every year,” Plackowski said, “the teachers are grateful and the students are thrilled.” Nothing seems to get the crafters off course. Knight said during the COVID-19 pandemic, crafters got their vaccines and wore masks while meeting in Gilhool’s backyard. During a recent three-hour power failure, Knight made more than a dozen hats with an Easter Bunny on top.

Knight said you’re never too young or too old to learn how to knit, sew or crochet. She taught her daughter Stephanie how to crochet when she

was 9 years old. Now a copywriter, Stephanie makes lap blankets that are given to veterans and those in hospice care.

Her 78-year-old aunt, Barbara Chernick, who is living at American House in Southgate, made 150 hats using a circular loom last year.

Gilhool said she wanted to start the crafter group after her daughter said she participating in “Knitting for Peace” while attending the University of Michigan and her son gave her a book on the topic.

“The writing was on the wall, so to speak,” she said.

Volunteers can craft from home, but being present for weekly meetings at the church creates many opportunities for socialization among the members. Gilhool said they get together for potluck lunches a couple times a year and exchange news when a grandchild is born and when relatives pass away.

“We’ve been happy with each other and sad with each other,” she said. “I’d say about a third of our members are widows.”

Gilhool said anyone interested in helping the cause can join the St. Cyprian Crafters. “You just walk in,” she said. “You don’t have to be Catholic or a parish member. If you don’t know how, we can teach you.”

St. Cyprian is located at 13249 Pennsylvania Road in Riverview.

St. Cyprian Crafters founder Anne Gilhool (right) and members Maryann Diebold and Mary Jane Fitzgerald. Photo by Dave Gorgopn

How Can My Child Become Financially Successful?

Mark Tremper, Vice-President of Marketing & Business Development Downriver Community Federal Credit Union

April is National Credit Union Youth Month and it is a time when Credit Unions across the country focus their attention on helping young people improve their financial literacy. This is a noble endeavor worthy of our time and attention because it can have a significant impact on the future of a young person.

The importance of financial literacy was even recognized this past year as Michigan House Bill 5190, a bi-partisan bill, was signed into law on June 16, 2022 by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. According to the press release issued by the Governor’s Office on the date of signing, this legislation will “add a half-credit personal finance course as a high school graduation requirement, starting with ninth-graders in 2024” (www. Michigan.gov).

Is there a way that parents can ensure that their child is on the path to financial success even before they reach high school? Definitely! Parents

have the greatest opportunity to impact their child’s future by taking the time to teach them about money at a very young age. While many parents may feel ill-equipped to tackle this initiative—especially if they haven’t had any personal finance training themselves—a local credit union can be a parent’s Most Valuable Partner and a savings account can be one of the most helpful tools!

What are the benefits of opening a Youth Savings Account at an early age? Here are just 3 of the many benefits to consider:

Helps a child keep track of their money

A piggy bank can be a great temporary holding place for money, but a savings account provides an accurate accounting of their savings progress. As a parent and child review the monthly statements, the child begins to understand what it takes to accumulate specific amounts of money required for desired purchases or long-term goals, and they are able to see it in writing!

Helps a child become familiar with financial tools

Not only does a child become familiar with the afore-mentioned statements, but they begin to have opportunities to utilize other tools such as online

banking and mobile banking, and eventually checks, payment services, digital wallets, and more! As they begin to save, they will also become familiar with the concept of interest and how it compounds over time, which is an exciting thought when viewed in contrast to paying interest to borrow money!

Helps a child avoid the path of going into debt

Because a child learns how to save for future goals, they develop a habit of knowing what things cost and how much they need to make those purchases. As they develop a savings mindset, they will find it less likely to be in situations where they will need to borrow, or in the case of larger purchases, such as a house, they will not need to borrow as much! This will ultimately result in them becoming more selfreliant and experiencing a life of financial freedom.

Of course, there are so many other benefits, but we’ll stick with those three just to keep it simple and easily attainable for any parent who wants to start their child down the path to financial success! If you have questions, or want to open a savings account for your child, go visit your local credit union! It’s definitely a great place to start!

Wyandotte VFW gets new solar panels New additions impressively reduces monthly electric bill

DAVE GORGON

Monthly electric bills at the Wyandotte Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall have gone from thousands of dollars a month to hundreds of dollars a month, thanks to new solar panels installed at the post.

The energy-savings panels are compliments of the veterans-support group Running to Honor, which is headed by Wyandotte VFW member Aaron Bartal, a Lincoln Park resident who spent six years in the Army as a calvary scout, including two years in Iraq.

Bartal raised the needed funds over a four-year period by hosting 5K runs in Taylor, through donations and via corporate grants from the likes of the DTE Foundation and BASF. The installation was completed in the fall of 2022 and the post has reaped the benefits since.

VFW Post 1136 is located at 633 Ford Avenue (known as Northline Road west of Fort Street). Bartal said Running to Honor targeted the energy bills at the post when he learned the post was paying $2,000 a month for electricity.

“The project was broken up into four phases (one per year) since we couldn’t afford the whole project up front,” he said. “2022 was the fourth year and the money from the Running to Honor 5K was able to finally finish off the project, which had a total cost of $130,000.”

Bartal said he worked with Cresit Energy of Wyandotte. The company installed a 40- kilowatt system consisting of 133 solar panels.

“I had to find a company with a good reputation to purchase them through and install them,” he said “Cresit has installed many of the solar panels in the City of Wyandotte already. They were very flexible with trying to give me a good price since the Wyandotte VFW is a nonprofit and they knew we were struggling with our electricity bills.

In addition to reducing the monthly bills from $2,000 to $200 a month, Bartal said, “every month we get a credit on our electricity bill from the city of Wyandotte as well as we are able to sell some of the unused electricity from our building back to the city.”

Post Commander Brian Martin called the savings for the post “great.”

“For the most part, they have dramatically decreased our electricity bill,” he said. “Our electricity bills are down to nothing.”

Martin said the post faced high electric bills due to expansive refrigeration costs brought on by a lengthy walk-in cooler, two ice machines, a keg cooler, a deep freezer, a triple-door refrigeration unit in the hallway and six air-conditioning units on the roof. “We’re running all that stuff in the summertime,” he said. “Our bill was easily $2,000. On the high end, if the solar panels are working correctly, we’re looking at a $500 electricity bill.”

Martin said the return on investment (ROI) has been

quick and impressive. He said a typical homeowner or business owner that installs solar panels may be looking at 17 years to break even, while the post has seen great savings already.

Running for Honor selects different veterans-related charities and projects to fund.

Registration is under way for this year’s 5K run and walk, which is scheduled for July 29. The event draws hundreds of competitors – including many veterans and current military – to Taylor’s Heritage Park, located at 12111 Pardee Road.

“This year’s theme is mental health awareness and

veteran suicide prevention,” Bartal said. “We will be donating some of the proceeds to Victory Gym in Brownstown and the Taylor VFW.”

The Victory Gym Veterans Health Club is dedicated to conquering PTSD through physical fitness, support and camaraderie.

Bartal said that on average 20 to 22 military veterans “are losing their battle with PTSD every day and deciding to take their own lives. We are hoping by focusing on this very important topic that we can educate others about the importance of keeping in touch with veterans in your family and community and provide tips on how to make sure your veterans are doing OK.”

The fifth annual Running to Honor 5K is a timed, family-friendly run/walk focused on keeping the memory of fallen soldiers and veterans alive “and reminding others that freedom is never free,” Bartal said.

The start time of the 5K and a one-mile walk/run is 8 a.m. in front of the Sheridan Center Open-Air Pavilion. A kids half-K will start at 7:30 a.m.

To register, visit the Running to Honor website or Facebook page. Those who register before June 22 will be guaranteed a black participant T-shirt.

The overall and masters male and female 5K winners receive a challenge coin and a special gift. Age group award challenge coins are given to the top three finishers in each 5K category.

Downriver vocal students earn numerous awards

SHEILA R. MCAFEE

Downriver vocalists brought home armloads of trophies from the Michigan Music Association competition earlier this year in Grand Rapids.

Competing by age in divisions ranging from classical to pop and jazz, the vocalists, ages 7 to 17, are the students of voice teacher Jami Krause, who holds private lessons from a studio at the Downriver Council for the Arts in Wyandotte.

“It was our best year,” said Krause. “They competed well and were so supportive of each other throughout their competitions; it was awesome.”

A graduate of Eastern Michigan

University in vocal music, Krause has annually taken her students to the MMA contest, which offers an outlet for artistic talent and the chance to gain experience and confidence in developing musical abilities.

While her older students have been cast in their high school musicals, her younger students don’t always have the same avenues to showcase their talents. At the MMA contest, they are exposed to the talent of their peers from across the state.

At the end of April, Krause and her students will be attending the American Guild of Music’s 46th annual Great Lakes Regional Contest in Romulus.

It will be a busy weekend for Krause, who is the vocal director for Trenton

High School’s production of “Freaky Friday” being staged the same weekend.

Closer to home, Krause has connected with local arts organizations on behalf of her students to broaden their experiences. She said she finds the Downriver arts community to be very welcoming, supportive of each other, and interested in nurturing the budding talent within the region.

Krause will showcase her students June 10 during a student recital at the Trenton Village Theatre. It is open to the public.

FROM WYANDOTTE:

Aurora Fischer, 16, who recently appeared as Wednesday Addams in Roosevelt High School’s production of

“The Addams Family” musical.

Second Place Jazz category for Open Championship

First Place Classical

Addison Sauve, 14

Second Place Jazz

Erin Burgess, 16

First Place Inspirational

Third Place Pop

Third Place Classical

FROM GROSSE ILE: Evelyn Howes, 13

First Place Broadway and Inspirational

What’s happening Wyandotte ...

CRAFTERS WELCOME

Crafters meet every Thursday from 10-11:45 a.m. in the social hall of St. Cyprian Catholic Church on Pennsylvania Rd, Riverview. We knit, crochet and sew a variety of items such as hats and scarves for all ages, baby items, lap blankets, quilts, stuffed toys, dishcloths, and adult bibs just to name a few to donate to local groups who support those in need such at our veterans, soup kitchen clients, a local hospice and the homeless.

AMERICAN FLAG DISPOSAL

Heart to Heart Hospice of Southgate is a local site for American Flag disposal. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, Heart to Heart will allow the general public to bring their tired and worn American flags to our Southgate office. The office is located

at 1 Heritage Place, Suite 107, Southgate,in the Real Estate One building. For more information, call 734-282-0209.

AAUW SCHOLARSHIPS

The AAUW Wyandotte-Downriver Branch offers several scholarships annually to female undergraduate students at Baker College, Henry Ford College, Lawrence Technological University and Wayne County Community College District. Interested students can pick up an AAUW application at their school’s counseling office. Candidates must have earned a minimum of 12 credits, be a United States citizen and a resident of the Downriver area. An essay is required. For more information, contact rjhart720@yahoo.com or visit downriver-mi.aauw.net.

Roosevelt ‘9’ is playing winning baseball

Thirteen games into the 2023 season, the Roosevelt baseball team finds itself in pretty decent shape. The Bears were 6-7 through the first portion of the schedule, including a pair of Downriver League victories.

The Bears snapped a three-game losing streak on April 18 and they did it with a vengeance, beating Lincoln Park 13-3.

One day later, the team was celebrating another victory, this time a 7-2 road decision at Dearborn Edsel Ford.

It was a great bounce-back for a team that had suffered a few recent blows.

On April 12, the Bears went to Trenton for their Downriver League opener. There, Roosevelt trailed for most of the game only to tie things up with a run in the top of the seventh inning.

Neither team was able to score in extra innings until the bottom of the ninth when Trenton’s Joaquin Maldonado hit his first career home run, a two-run walk off shot.

Two days later the beast welcomed Monroe to Wyandotte for a nonleague doubleheader and it did not go well for the home team. Roosevelt could not score in either game and lost 15-0 and 1-0.

Early in the season Roosevelt went on a spring training trip to Kentucky and lost all three games played there. They lost to Campbell County, Ryle and Connor. All the games were close

except the Connor game in which Roosevelt fell behind early and could never catch up.

In non-league games closer to home, Roosevelt put together a 3-1 record with wins over Riverview, Ann Arbor Huron and Grosse Ile and a

close loss to Flat Rock.

On opening day, Wyandotte went to Riverview, built a 4-0 lead through four innings and went on to post a 5-2 victory. Jason Pente and Manny Guiterrez each had two hits and Emilio Sanchez drove in two runs.

2023 ROSTER

2 Marcos Gonzalez

3 Manny Guiterrez

4 Mark Sobush

5 Keegan Rose

6 Jorde Cruz

8 Jason Pente

9 Aiden Kuzma

10 Alex Nunez

11 Tyler Kurdi

14 Peyton Webster

13 RJ Pauley

17 Emilio Sanchez

19 Jadn McGowan

20 Anthony Piasecki

22 Michael Massengill

23 Juan Cruz

Guiterrez pitched four innings and Jadn McGowan pitched three and the pair fanned a combined 15 Riverview hitters. McGown had eight Ks and Guiterrez had seven.

In a 9-1 blowout of Huron, Roosevelt scored five runs in the first inning and four in the second and the game was essentially over. Mark Sobush had two hits and three RBI, Keegan Rose had two hits and Sanchez had two RBI.

The Bears have plenty of home games on the horizon, so come on down to Memorial Field and cheer the team on.

The Bears host Southgate Anderson on April 24, defending league champ Woodhaven on April 27, Allen Park on May 2 and Trenton on May 3

Photo by Emily Caruso

That winning feeling

Jordan Passuth and the Roosevelt softball team have gotten the 2023 season off to a solid start. The Bears won five of their first eight games and even played Allen Park – the defending MHSAA Division 1 state champion – to a 1-1 tie recently. Sophomore Passuth and the Bears have beaten Melvindale 9-0, Airport 4-3, Southgate 8-0, Ypsilanti 5-1 and Ida 8-0. The Bears have dropped games to Edsel Ford 7-1, Carlson 1-0 and Monroe 2-0. If you’d like to catch the Bears, they have a slew of home games coming up, including games against Taylor on April 26 and Lincoln Park on May 1.

Wyandotte Museums plan three Heritage events for May

Part of the Wyandotte Museums’ annual list of programming, the Heritage Events series offers happenings both on and off the historical campus. During the month of May, staff and volunteers will present the Local Artists Guild Art Show and Pie & Ice Cream Social as well as the Spring City-Wide Garage Sale.

Local Artists Guild Art Show

Since the 1980s, members of the Artistic Creators Guild have been displaying and selling their artwork at the Ford-MacNichol Home in Wyandotte, 2610 Biddle Avenue.

This year’s art show is set for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 6 and 7. Guests can experience works in a bevy of styles, from still life to modernism and everything in between, employing such techniques as pencil, watercolor and oil. Artists will be onsite to discuss their pieces and the museum will be open to tour. Admission is free. A plant swap and sale will take place at the neighboring Marx Home, 2630 Biddle.

Red Cross Blood Drive at First Congregational Church

Spring City-Wide Garage Sale

It’s that time of year again! Spring cleaning will offer up many available items as yard sales abound throughout Wyandotte. This year’s sales are set for 9 a.m. to 4 pm. Friday and Saturday, May 12 and 13, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 14.

Residents may register through May 9 at the historic Burns Home, 2624 Biddle Ave. A map of sales locations can be purchased on the Friday and Saturday of the sale via drive-up service at the Ford MacNichol Home, 2610 Biddle.

Pie & Ice Cream Social

In partnership with the Wyandotte Historical Society, the Ford-MacNichol Home and its grounds will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 21, for an old-fashioned outing of pie, ice cream and history. Visitors to the campus can enjoy refreshments on the porch of the Wyandotte Museum while admiring a plethora of historic Ford Model A cars and playing vintage lawn games. The museum will also be open to tour.

Registration is under way for an American Red Cross blood drive at First Congregational Church Wyandotte. Hours are 1 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 7. The church is located at 98 Superior Boulevard.

To schedule an appointment, log onto RedCrossBlood.org (sponsor code: firstcongressionalwyandotte) or email Eliana Pettigrew at pettigrew24@gmail. com. Pettigrew is a senior at Roosevelt High School, president of the National Honor Society and valedictorian of the Class of 2023. She is helping organize the blood drive because of the need for blood by the Red Cross, as a way to give back to her community and to give honor society members opportunities to volunteer.

“I know the Red Cross is always in need of blood, especially during the summer months,” Pettigrew said.

Everyone donating blood at the church will be eligible for one of five $10 gift cards for various Wyandotte businesses.

“Summer is our most challenging time of the year to keep an adequate supply

of blood readily available for patients in need of live-saving transfusions,” said Beth Frahm, account manager of Donor Resource Development for the American Red Cross of Southeastern Michigan.

“Thirty percent of our daily calendar is comprised of high schools and universities,” Frahm added. “They are not in session June, July and August. Our corporate-sponsored drives do not collect as much since work attendance is down in the summer due to vacations.

“We depend on our community and faith-based sponsors to host drives during the summer months to help maintain the blood supply. The need for blood is constant.”

Scheduling appointments helps streamline the process. Donors can complete pre-donation reading and health history questions.

First Congregational Church Wyandotte will be open earlier in the day to provide meals at Wayneright Community Meals, also known as the Wyandotte Soup Kitchen. Pettigrew’s mother Sarah oversees the soup kitchen.

Photo by Emily Caruso

MILLAGE

Continued from page 1

issue, saying the millage renewal is a necessity to keep the status quo.

Without approval of the tax renewal, the city budget would be cut by about $1.8 million, requiring a reduction of services.

“If you enjoy the current level of service, support of this supplementation operating millage is critical,” Drysdale said.

“To take $1.8 million out of the budget would be devastating,” said Mayor Robert DeSana. “We’re not the federal government. The City of Wyandotte cannot print money to balance the budget.”

A question-and-answer section of the city website about the “city operating millage” says “approval of the ballot question authorizing the continuation of the supplemental operating millage will replace the prior approved supplemental operation millage that was approved in 2019 and is set to expire in 2023.”

If approved, the millage renewal would cover the years 2024 to 2033.

In recent years, the website says, voters have approved charter

amendments three times for supplemental operating millage.

In November 2011, voters approved a 1.75-mill increase to the operating millage authorized in the charter. At the time, the city was facing a projected annual deficit of $1.4 million. The increase was limited to a three-year term.

Once that term expired, the projected annual deficit remained at $1.4 million, which necessitated the extension of the supplemental operating millage.

In 2014, voters approved three mills for a period of five years. The millage was renewed in May 2019 for a period of five years, which ends this year.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on May 2. Absentee ballots are available at the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall, 3239 Biddle Avenue at Eureka Road.

For more information, visit the city operating millage section of the city website, wyandotte.net, or call the Mayor’s Office at (734) 324-4544, the City Administrator’s Office at (734) 324-4545 or the City Clerk’s Office at (734) 324-4560

WRESTLING

Continued from page 5

Penelope Pink is part of a stable headed by Star, who made her mark decades ago by wrestling with McLane’s prior promotion, Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (GLOW). Her teammates in the Fabulous Four are WOW tag team champions Laurie and Lindsey Carlson and Vickie Lynn McCoy. All five in the group are considered “villains” in a sport that typically features good vs. bad.

When the previous WOW champion, “The Beast,” was injured, Penelope competed against 10 other women in a gauntlet match to win the world championship.

With about seven years in the wrestling business, the 28-year-old Tucker has accomplished more than many wrestlers will do in their entire career. The WOW world title is the latest on her resume.

As Marina Tucker, she has been

Coastal Championship Wrestling ladies champion twice, WXW women’s champion and tag team champion.

She lives in Tampa, Florida, with boyfriend Eric Child, who is also a professional wrestler.

Tucker still has family living in Wyandotte, including her biggest supporter, grandfather Randy Oginski. She returns occasionally to enjoy the Wyandotte Street Art Fair, BobJo’s custard, Bishop Park and other Downriver mainstays.

“I am very proud of where I’m from,” she said. “I’m a small-town girl.”

Tucker/Penelope Pink is very active on social media, including Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Locally, “Women Of Wrestling” TV series is broadcast on WKBD (Channel 50) at 11 p.m. Saturdays. Matches are called by McLane and A.J. Mendez, who was a world champion as A.J. Lee in WWE, World Wrestling Entertainment.

Lions Club Flea Market a success

The Wyandotte Lions Club held its annual Flea Market and Antiques Sale April 1-2 at the Yack Arena and the always-anticipated event drew thousands over the two days. More than 120 vendors were on hand to sell a wide variety of collectables, crafts and antiques. The Flea Market and Antique Sale is the largest fundraiser of the year for the Wyandotte Lions Club. The club is part of Lions Club International, the world’s largest service club organization with more than 1.4 million members in approximately 46,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas around the world.

Photos by Emily Caruso

Outdoor Wilderness Living

Workshops help teach kids outdoors skills and much more

Today, the teachings of primitive skills needed for living outdoors are a difficult education to find for our children and young teenagers.

These courses will show your children the foundations and building blocks of these forgotten skills of our past. Operators of OWL feel a responsibility to guide their youth to learn and master these skills from ancestral elders and their wisdom.

The prime focus will be based around these four necessities for living outdoors: Fire, Shelter, Water and Food. Gaining knowledge from all they encompass.

They learn to understand them and respect them in the ancient traditional ways of living in balance with the Earth.

The goal for this class is providing the tools, skills and formulas to the children today, so they will find the safeties and the enjoyments one can find in Nature. To bring them back to the protection and adventure that can be found within every day and night. To help them find true purpose within themselves and their families. Nature is there every day with her discipline and honor. It’s only waiting to be embraced and enjoyed. The Guidance is through Outdoor Wilderness Living with Mother Earth.

“The most exciting thing for me are days when I get up, see the sun rise and I am able to slow down, breathe deeply and center myself,” said one of the workshop leaders. “Then, later, when I may be stressed, I take time to think back to that morning and recapture the feeling. These are the types of skills we also want to pass on to our students.”

The things taught at OWL are based on the teachings of Tom Brown Jr., one of America’s most acclaimed outdoorsmen. Brown founded the Tracker School back in 1978, a program based on the teachings of Stalking Wolf, the Apache elder from whom Tom learned his skills when he was just seven years old.

After learning from Stalking Wolf, Brown spent the next 10 years wandering the wilderness throughout the

Like Us On

America’s with no manufactured tools – in most cases not even a knife – perfecting these Grandfather’s skills and teachings.

Here are the practical matters that OWL will cover:

FIRE

They will show two ways to make fire. The traditional bow drill and hand drill. Specifics for this subject will focus on types of woods, wet wood vs. dry wood, cautions and precautions for the respect for fire. What woods and plants not to burn.

What ancient grass burns were used for rejuvenating soils with nutrients? How and where to build a proper fire structure to prevent destruction, root fires and forest fires. The properties of ash and the benefits and dangers in relation to dry ash vs. wet ash from a fire.

How and why to build five different fire structures based on the conditions of wet, dry , humid, dark, hot, light, snow and cold environments.

WATER

Finding water. Purifying water. Finding springs. Natural catches, dew collection, solar still, body ratio to water and the relation to the planet and the

freshwater locations vs. salt water.

SHELTER

Clothing, debris hut, high speed movement, camouflage, air pockets, lattice pockets, snow huts, pits, and materials needed for the weather conditions in comfort in the woods.

FOOD

Fox walk, stalk walk, tracking, identifying trails, runs, secondary runs and escape routes of animals and their tracks.

How to make primitive traps, hunting tools and cordage. Cooking in nature, edible plants, poisonous plants, fungi’s identification and guidance. Approaching, honoring, sitting and respecting where and how to obtain food and plants.

One OWL leader explained, “With the Four basic rules of Fire, Water, Shelter and Food we will also introduce the ‘Temples of Nature’ within us and how it relates to nature outside of us. This will allow us to help the youth and their body’s understand the calm, ebb and flow movements nature shows us.”

They continued, “We just need to slow their internal clock down to see it. So they can find their personal involvement they are a part of. To show them how important their participation is needed from nature and how nature is waiting for them to understand their true role as nature’s caregivers to our planet.”

The workshops are being run in conjunction with St. James Episocopal Church, but times and exact locations have not been determined. The cost will be between $20 and $40 per class.

If you are interested, call 734-790-4942 and leave a message. Information will be mailed to you.

DAVE GORGON

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.”

Let us know at

Founder

Rita LaRosa Carioti of Southgate said each 3-by-6-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.”

Carioti, who has been married 38 years and is the mother of three, said she grew up in a “charitable family” in Wyandotte.

After leaving a job at a Taylor school, she started crocheting mats at her home and then considered how “much faster and better” it would be of there was a group of volunteers working together. Group meetings started at Christ the Good Shepherd Church in Lincoln Park. Now they meet in the basement of First Baptist Church of Wyandotte and seven other locations in the area.

“I think what pushed me to create a plarning group is that we all have talents and can use them,” Carioti said. “I loved to just be real crafty. It’s where my joy was. I know there is a lot of homelessness in the Detroit area. I volunteered for Christnet. I met homeless people that needed comfort. If we can do a little bit to bring warmth to them then it’s a win.”

She said the mats are comfortable, provide a barrier between the body and the ground and help retain body heat while sleeping. If they get dirty or muddy, they can be easily cleaned.

And bugs don’t seem to like the plastic.

The First Baptist group comes together from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursdays. Volunteers work as a production-line team in stations, starting with sorting plastic grocery bags by size and Color.

The body of each bag is cut into 3½-inch strips. The strips are cut into loops, which are strung together to make a plarn ball.

Using a size Q crochet hook, each member works to create a mat one at a time. Many members also work on their mats at home. The end result is a strong but lightweight, easy-to-carry mat that can be rolled up with a handle for transporting. The mats are stored at the church and delivered to various locations, many of which are documented on the We Are Plarners Facebook page.

Beneficiaries have included Wyandotte-based Downriver for Veterans, Wayneright Community Meals (Wyandotte Soup Kitchen), Crossroads of Michigan Detroit, All Saints in Pontiac, Capuchin Soup Kitchen, the Out-Wayne County Continuum of Care, Little Dresses for Africa and other locations.

In March, 300 mats were delivered to Motor City Mitten Mission. Mats also have been delivered to the Downriver elderly and have served as community service projects for Downriver youth.

Gathering together in one location has led to friendships and even counseling between one another. Patty Lennon of Taylor said she relied on the kindness of

volunteers at her group at First Baptist after the passing of her husband Patrick two years ago.

“It’s actually been therapy for me,” said Lennon, who is in charge of flattening and sorting bags. “I have lupus and it keeps my hands moving and my mind active. I have met some beautiful people. We have become a little family.”

Lennon and Peggy Kanowski of Wyandotte were two of the original six volunteers in the group. Kanowski said she became a plarner after multiple sclerosis led to her losing her job as a respiratory therapist at Henry Ford Hospital’s main campus.

“Rita asked me if I wanted to come,” Kanowski said. “It became so much more than Plarning, it became family. This group has seen a lot of hardships. It turns into something bigger than volunteering.”

The sixth-anniversary party at First Baptist Church drew dozens of contributors who enjoyed food, beverages and each other’s company, while demonstrating to newcomers how plarning works. Lead Pastor Kenny Beasley said he is happy to host a group that makes such a difference.

“It’s amazing we’ve been together for six years,” Carioti said. “It has brought me so much joy. I think we have the best volunteers ever.”

Diane Slagle of Riverview said she was introduced to the group by a friend. “Honestly, I was overwhelmed by what I saw,” Slagle said. “By the time the meeting was over, I knew this was something I needed to do. A lot of the women here will tell you they came for the activity and became incredibly good friends. It’s like a therapy group. You get so much more than you bargained for when you work with a group that is for the greater good.”

Carioti said that while We Are Plarners has plenty of plastic bags, they always need volunteers. “Not all of us crochet,” she added. “You can always sort bags, cut bags or string them. If you crochet, that’s a plus.”

Meetings can be found almost every weekday. On Thursdays, plarners gather at First Baptist Church of Wyandotte, located at 1925 Ford Ave. (Northline Road), from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and at Atria Kinghaven Assisted Living at 14800 King Road in Riverview from 2:20 to 4:30 P.m.

Monday meetings are held from 6 to 8 p.m. at St. Joseph/St. Vincent Pallotti Parish at 344 Elm St. in Wyandotte. St. Cyprian Catholic Church at 13249 Pennsylvania Road in Riverview hosts meetings from 6 to 8 p.m. every other Tuesday. Other Tuesday meetings are held at St. Rock’s Catholic Church in Flat Rock and St. George Episcopal Church in Milford.

Additional meetings are held from 10 a.m. to noon the first and third Wednesdays of the month at Our Lady of the Woods at 21892 Gudith in Woodhaven and from 9:30 to 11:30.a.m. every Wednesday at the Ford Senior Center at 6750 Troy in Taylor.

‘We are Plarners’ Group creates mats for the homeless while creating a bond with one another

Spring has sprung at Detroit’s Eastern Market

SUSAN PINKOWSKI

When was the last time you visited Eastern Market?

Or have you never?

It’s bursting at the seams now with all kinds of vendors, farmers, artists, independent restaurants, shops and even a blues club, all spread out on 43 acres just a mile and a half east of downtown Detroit.

You can check out the directory here: https:// easternmarket.org/public/district/directory.

It’s the largest historic public market district in the country, according to the all-knowing Wikipedia. An average of 45,000 people will make their way through the market on Saturdays from spring to fall. There are a few secrets to shopping there, though, so take note!

There are farmers from all over southeast Michigan - Monroe, Stockbridge, Chesterfield, Columbus, and even Detroit – and they all have their company banners proudly displayed so you know exactly who you are dealing with.

Then, there are also a bunch of fruit and vegetable

stalls that only carry the EBT logo as an identifier. These folks get their wares from the Detroit Produce Terminal south of the Ambassador Bridge on Fort Street.

This is also the place where most local restaurants and grocery stores buy their produce very early in the morning. What the restaurants and grocery stores pass on is what is then sold by all the nonfarm vendors at Eastern Market.

Another secret to successful shopping is to get there very early.

It opens at 7 a.m. when most people are still asleep on a Saturday morning. You can get in and out relatively quickly at that time. Come 10, 11 o’clock and on, that’s when the crowds show up and you haven’t seen a crowd until you’ve been to Flower Day around noon at Eastern Market. This year, it’s scheduled on Sunday, May 21 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The best kept secret about Flower Day? You can get the same deals on the Saturday before without 60,000 of your neighbors showing up with you!

Flower Day usually comes only once or twice a year, and it features vendors from the Metro Detroit

Flower Growers Association and all over the Midwest.

But this year, to help keep the crowds down, Eastern Market is offering all five Tuesdays in May where you can purchase the same flowers from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Sheds 5 and 6. If you can take time out of your weekday to stop by, traffic – both people and vehicles - should be much improved.

One more thing Eastern Market is doing to help cut congestion is a daily flower market in Shed 6 from Mother’s Day until Father’s Day, from sunrise to sunset.

If you really don’t want to mix with thousands of people, Eastern Market now has an online shop set up where you can order during the week and have a contactless pick up of your purchases on Saturday. Check out https://eastern.market/.

For FAQs check out https://easternmarket.org/ public/markets/things- to-know.

And for you carnivores, there are lots of options –you won’t be disappointed.

No matter when you go, it’s always an interesting and enjoyable adventure!

Like Us On Facebook : WYANDOTTE

Local independent businesses are under siege

You might have gleaned that Peter Rose has a “thing” against national entities going toe to toe with local businesses that occupy a niche. You may have sensed that.

Folks, it isn’t about me raging against the machine for the menswear and womenswear industry fighting the invaders that dumbed down an industry while eliminating the players that served their regions far better. It’s a fairly accurate comparison to refer to Ukraine under siege by Russia. Ukraine may or may not prevail, but even if they do ... can you begin to comprehend how a nation comes back together when cities are rubble? How many viable, humming businesses are now history?

Likewise, countless good merchants here buckled under the overwhelming force of capitalism at its predatory worst. There really is no difference between the marauding Russians and the marauding capitalists.

People still challenge my view on capitalism. “How can you be so anticapitalist, being a capitalist business yourself?!? How can you be such a hypocrite, Peter?”

I always challenge the question because I believe most challengers know better, and if they don’t, they learn, as quickly as I can tell them. That is my job, after all.

But the truth is, most of them know exactly what I mean as they read it. They just hate having to think about it.

My view is simple and direct. If you allow businesses at the local level to

thrive and prosper, the benefit flows up to the greater, broader good.

If you allow “big” to steal the business from those local businesses, you hurt the very constituency that you are here to protect and help flourish.

If you try to get away with selling America that “Trickle Down” is viable, you lose America. You have lied, you have sold out, you have wrecked what should have been beautiful.

Nobody has warm fuzzy memories of their warm, fond experiences at national companies – no one.

We remember virtually everything about the connectivity of America when it was local and independent. But we have accepted the bilious crap that we’ve been sold, haven’t we!

What, you can’t fight city hall?

Nonsense.

You just have to want to fight “city hall”.

Walmart’s mission statement was to invade a territory, and take all the business that was once handled by local businesses, connected to their communities. Their strategy was to lowball the prices until the competition capitulated, then raise those prices.

America bought it. America made the Waltons one of the wealthiest families in the nation by destroying countless communities of businesses across the nation.

Amazon took that model and added steroids. Amazon has aims for every form of commerce there is.

They don’t want to dominate a market, they want to be the market.

Seriously, you guys, you have to let that sink in and realize what that means.

Dollar Tree (which owns Family Dollar, too), and Dollar General

are exploding all over the nation at breakneck speed. Every single one of them takes business from the local providers in their area. The profits from those operations leave the region, leave the state.

Looking at these few large examples alone, the picture is instantly clear. The strategy is to replace the sales of the local versions with their national versions.

The strategy is to put as many siphon tube hoses into as many local economies everywhere, so as to suck as much money out what used to stay local, where it benefited local people.

With every door they open (and website they launch), the Wall Street economy gets stronger … at the direct and damaging expense of the “Main Street” economies across America.

Each city is a “Main Street” economy.

Grouping them together as we do in our circumstance to create a larger local economy (Downriver) still forms a local economy. When we flourish here, without any meddling and siphoning off, we retain more circulating capital. We have more people doing well, which tilts the playing field for all for the residents that live here.

It really isn’t a difficult concept to get one’s arms around at all. Yet the indifference is astounding, especially among those that benefit the most from my scenario vs the “siphons scenario”. We happen to be watching a new niche being tackled by national. I’ll mention just one, because frankly, I don’t want to lend any credence to any of them.

In Southgate, sort of across Eureka Road from the A&T Car Wash, a huge project is underway, declaring that

Tommy’s Express Auto Wash is coming soon.

Yes, a national chain of car washes now. More than one.

Now, A&T happens to be an excellent car wash with an excellent reputation. But if you think that no one will switch to the shiny new model across the street, you really don’t want to believe what I’m talking about.

Who knows how big of a hit will be delivered to A&T?

I know what kind of a hit Men’s Wearhouse was to Chelsea quite a while ago, that forced us to learn how to survive on less volume, and they were just one of the shiny new models to tempt the public.

I know that carving 20 percent off the top for any independent business is traumatic, and … shall we say … unwelcome.

If a new, local car wash opens up, I can’t make the same argument. There is such a thing as legitimate competition. But no local can do what this national can do with their deep pockets full of money from people elsewhere.

So, are we just supposed to accept unfair competition, beyond our ability to do anything about it?

It is not OK, friends. It will never be OK. And think about it: What’s going to happen to the little pharmacies around Downriver when Amazon enters the prescription drug fray?

Are you going to be OK with having your choices whittled down to only national options? It’s coming, believe me. Might I suggest that we all collectively start screaming to our governmental officials, making it clear that a lot of us are disgusted and fed up, and that we stand opposed?

Seaway Chorale to present ‘Most Anything Goes’ May 5-6

After a successful return in December to Flat Rock Community Auditorium, the Seaway Chorale and Orchestra will be presenting its spring concert on Friday May 5 and Saturday May 6.

The title of the concert is “Most Anything Goes” and it truly lives up to its name. The group will be singing a potpourri of musical genres with selections from the realms of classical, spiritual, jazz, Americana, rock, pop, folk music and barbershop. The group will also sprinkle in some movie favorites along the way.

Like Us On Facebook : WYANDOTTE

The Seaway Orchestra will be performing their own instrumental pieces and, for the first time, the Dearborn Youth Choir will join the group with a couple of Disney numbers. So, there will certainly be something for everyone to enjoy, including an all-cash raffle!

The concert begins each night at 7:30 p.m. at the Flat Rock Community Auditorium. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and children. Children under 5 are free.

Advance tickets are available through the website at www.seawaychorale.com and from Chorale members. Information is also available by calling 734-552-3645.

Our Customers Love Us

GET GREAT NEW GLASSES, SAVE SOME MONEY!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Schmittou said he has over 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.

Like Us 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!

www.ForresterLawOffice.com

Downriver for Veterans starts tiny homes initiative

DAVE GORGON

An initiative by the nonprofit group Downriver for Veterans calls for the creation of a series of tiny homes for area veterans.

Ann Rudisill, founder of the Wyandotte-based organization that serves former members of the armed forces, said the first tiny homes would be built in Flat Rock and the first resident would be Bob Harris, a World War II Army veteran from Southgate.

Rudisill said veterans would be selected for placement in other tiny homes and that the agency hopes to expand the initiative beyond Flat Rock to other Downriver communities.

Meanwhile, Downriver for Veterans has scheduled a number of fundraising events to help pay for the project and is seeking sponsors.

The organization also is working toward partnering with the City of Flat Rock to hold a summer barbecue to introduce the tiny homes concept to residents in the vicinity of Moses Street near Telegraph Road.

“We’re hoping to put a shovel in the ground next March or April,” said Rudisill, an Air Force veteran during the Vietnam War era. “This will be the first tiny homes project Downriver. Flat Rock is ecstatic to have us. We need sponsors, we need funding and we need people to help spread the word. We hope this gets out and other cities will do this as well.” Tiny homes have been popping up in recent years in conjunction with a movement about downsizing living spaces, simplifying and “living with less.”

Rudisill said the initial plan is for two tiny homes – about 350-square-feet apiece – to be built on small lots on acreage that has been donated for the project, plus a community center that would allow residents of the homes to welcome company for special events. The lot sizes will be 220 by 110 feet and 110 by 50 feet.

“Our goal is to get six tiny homes,” Rudisill said. “We’re happy starting with two.”

The agency plans to raise $50,000 to prepare the land for the homes with electricity and water service. She said it would take only two days to put a tiny home on the site.

Bob Howey will serve as architect and builder, Rudisill said. Quint Plumbing

will participate in the process. TLC Property Management will install landscaping.

The homes would be fully furnished by Downriver for Veterans. Rudisill said church members have volunteered to help decorate the homes. The veterans would bring their own personal belongings.

The first recipient was chosen by the Downriver for Veterans board of directors. Rudisill said Harris currently lives in an apartment in Southgate, paying $700 for monthly rent, of which $300 is paid by Downriver for Veterans.

Harris would pay $350 a month to live in a tiny home, which Is what he can afford. Downriver for Veterans will pay the utility bills, she said.

Rudisill said Harris’ awareness is good, he’s self-sufficient and he can afford to pay part of the rent. A veteran hoping to be selected cannot be homeless, an alcoholic or drug user. They have to keep the place clean and pay rent on time.

A veteran would sign a year-to-year lease. After seven years, he or she would own the home.

A number of fundraising events have been planned to support the project. A concert by Blues Brothers tribute band American Made is scheduled for July 22 at UAW Local 387 on Telegraph Road in Flat Rock. The all-female band Pink Pumps will perform on August 29 at the Grecian Center in Southgate. Other fundraisers are posted on the Downriver for Veterans Facebook page.

Rudisill, who lives in Wyandotte, said she founded Downriver for Veterans six years ago because there was no other such agency in the region. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit is dedicated to supporting local veterans in a variety of ways.

“We’ve paid the bills for veterans that needed teeth, we’ve given away 48 cars, we’ve provided a mobile home for a veteran and his wife and we’ve paid for countless number of attorney fees and medical fees,” she said. “We’ve probably spent over $200,000 since we started.”

Now located in a former church building at 2322 Ford Avenue in Wyandotte – a building that was donated to the group, Downriver for Veterans also serves as a gathering place for the organization as well as a hub for services and goods needed by veterans.

For more information, visit the website www.downriverforveterans.org and follow the group on Facebook.

Like Us On Facebook : WYANDOTTE WARRIOR

Let us know at

NEWS FROM OUR NEIGHBORS Go to... GoBigMultimedia.com to read more news on our digital publications.

Leads were played by seniors Christopher Connolly and Rahne Olson; juniors Ava Allen, Keila Gonzalez and Benny Miller; and sophomores Jason Kolbusz, Alex Rodd and Kira Saiti.

gobigmultimedia.com/grosse-ile-grand

Hometown hero honored

Veteran of Foreign Wars site is named for Joseph P. Berkey

...At a March 15, 2023 dual ceremony,Grosse Ile VFW building was officially named after Joseph P. Berkey for his life of service, dedication to our country, and his tireless efforts on behalf of VFW Post 7310, and the greater community it serves.

Wind chills hovered around 11 degrees, but that did not stop the more than 1,000 runners from hittin’ the streets to Rock Cystic Fibrosis.

Overall winner in the half marathon was Andrew Bowman of Rochester Hills with a blazing time of 1:06:03. Not far behind, the women’s champion in the half was Sydney Devore of Ferndale in a scorching 1:16:19.

In the 5K, Christopher McFarland of Cleveland, Ohio was chill with a time of 19:20, while Lauren Couls from Brighton was really cool in 21:14.

On page 10

Cast and Crew totaled 55 students who sang and danced their hearts out to audiences who sang and danced along with them.

The Winners Took it All in a weekend that proved Riverview’s got talent all over the place!

Thank you to all who supported Drama Club’s efforts!

On page 11

St. Cyprian Crafters make a difference for many

About 13 years ago, Anne Gilhool of Riverview suggested to Sister Anne, a nun at St. Cyprian Catholic Church, that they start a knitting group in the parish. “I said, ‘I knit and I would like to knit with other people,’” Gilhool recalled. “She said ‘no.’ Six months later, someone donated 100 skeins of yarn.”

And equally officious— veterans, family, friends, and dignitaries also celebrated his centennial birthday. Remarkably, to top it off, his wife Ann also celebrated her 100 th birthday!

Longtime friends and fellow veterans, Gary Latendresse, Bill Iverson, and Post 7310 Commander Barry VanEngelen led the team that helped make the day possible, and keep it a secret from Berkey.

Even though the United States Navy doesn’t have an offi cial motto, the one most often used is Non sibi sed patriae—“Not self but country.” Other sources claim that “Semper Fortis,” is the Navy’s unoffi cial battle cry— “Always Courageous.” Whatever the case, those words aptly describe the life of Joe Berkey...

On page 1

Runners brave a frosty 2023 Rock CF race

...The 12th annual Rock CF Rivers Half Marathon and 5K races were held on Sunday, March 19 in what had to be the coldest race ever on Grosse Ile.

gobigmultimedia.com/riverview-register

Mamma Mia! What a show!

The Riverview Community High School Drama Club turned us all into Dancing Queens and Kings from March 16-18 at the high school!

Students began rehearsals in mid-January and transcended a bounty of obstacles to premiere three joyous, hilarious, entertaining performances to packed houses every night.

And the St. Cyprian Crafters were born.

Today, 40 women who knit, sew and crochet are making a difference and bringing joy to people and groups in the Downriver area. Their creations range from neonatal hats for tiny infants to blankets for wheelchair-bound veterans and senior citizens.

The crafters meet from 10 to 11:45 a.m. Thursdays at the social hall at St. Cyprian in Riverview. Besides infant caps and blankets, they create hats and scarves for people of all ages, baby items, quilts, dish cloths, adult bibs and even stuffed toys – whatever the need is that day, Gilhool said.

“Everyone has their own special gift and talent,” Gilhool said. “When I challenged the ladies two months ago to make toys for Easter, they responded by making 191 bunnies.”

On page 15

gobigmultimedia.com/southgate-star

Art Ambience Show and Sale call for artists

The 34th annual Art Ambience Show and Sale will be April 28-30 and the show is reaching out to area artists to participate.

This is a unique show since it highlights only the Downriver artists. There is a juried fine art show and sale and a non-juried smaller works show and sale.

Last year there were more than 150 pieces of original artwork on display. Cash Awards are over $800.

The Fine Art section will be juried by a qualified artist who resides outside the Downriver area. This art exhibit show and sale will be held at the beautiful Woodhaven Community Center 23101 Hall Road

On page 9

Southgate Rotary invites the community Free shred day on April 29 at Dick Genthe Chevrolet

The annual Free Community Shred Day hosted by the Rotary Club of Southgate is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 29, at Dick Genthe

Chevrolet, 15600 Eureka Road.

The service will be provided on site by a secure mobile document shredding company.

Monetary donations will be accepted for a veterans project. Non-perishable food items will be collected for a local food pantry.

There is a limit of five boxes of paper. Permissible items include standard office paper, computer printouts, credit card receipts, envelopes, binders, photocopies, photographs and checks. Non-permitted items include books, magazines, X-ray film, computers and accessories.

Dick Genthe Chevrolet is the sponsor of the day. Rotarians said last year’s shred day had a “huge turnout.”

For more information call Fran Waszkiewicz at (313) 633-9916

On page 1

Girls basketball team is a Downriver League powerhouse

...Since Perez and Sayre arrived on the scene four years ago, Trenton girls basketball has been the big kid on the Downriver League block.

The Trojans have won three league titles in that span and the year they did not win they finished second and lost to the league champ – Carlson – by one point.

Perez, who has around 200 career victories, has those three league titles and an amazing four-year record of 55-6 in Downriver League games...

On page 12

gobigmultimedia.com/trenton-times

Register for TECH Academy, a free summer program for future skilled workers

High school juniors and seniors in Trenton and the rest of southeast Michigan who are interested in skilled trade careers can now apply for the BASF TECH Academy sponsored by BASF Corporation.

This week-long summer program will run from June 19 - 23 at the Wayne County Community College District’s Downriver Campus located at 21000 Northline Road, Taylor, MI, 48180.

During TECH Academy, students will combine morning classroom activities with afternoon visits to a wide variety of company workplaces to learn first-hand about technical careers and the education necessary for those jobs including manufacturing, robotics, auto, lab operations, and first responders

On page 5

Like Us On Facebook : WYANDOTTE WARRIOR

On page 8

We have this England sofa in stock available for immediate free local delivery. It has a lifetime warranty on it’s frame & seat springs & and 10 year warranty on the seat cushions.

Sale Price $799 as stocked

Custom orders from this vendor are taking about 8 weeks now.

Serta stock and floor sample closeout Made in Michigan

Best rocker recliner or wall hugger recliner in stock as shown with brown top grain leather seating areas. Available to order in other colors.

Rocker recliner in stock as shown and available to order in several other colors at no extra charge.

We have this England 72” sofa in stock as shown available for immediate free local deliv-ery. It has a lifetime warranty on it’s frame & seat springs & and 10 year warranty on the seat cushions. Sale Price $999 as stocked or in your choice of 50 fabrics. Custom orders from this vendor are taking about 8 weeks now.