Wyandotte Warrior, May 25 – June 26, 2023

Wyandotte Community Alliance

DAVE GORGON

Nearly four decades of restoring homes and providing affordable housing have come to an end, but the efforts of the Wyandotte Community Alliance will live on throughout the community.

The nonprofit group had served the city since 1984. The organization’s main job was to restore homes in Wyandotte, provide affordable housing for those interested in purchasing a home in the city, adding the property back to the city’s tax rolls and, ultimately, upgrading neighborhoods.

According to alliance facilitator Corki Benson, due to retirements, relocations and deaths, the original group ceased operations in the late 1990s after completing 14 projects.

In 2005, with the help of then-Mayor James DeSana, a new team was formed to take up the mission, Benson reported. In October 2006, the new group restored its first property in the 1200 block of

Lincoln.

The alliance went on to complete 10 projects in all on 10 different streets, including the Burns House at 2624 Biddle in 2007 and the Labadie House

at 303 Maple in 2010. The alliance also donated funds in 2013 to Blessings in a Backpack, a national program that

Continued from page 1

provides lunches to students during the school year. The last restoration took place in the 500 block of Poplar in November 2021.

Alliance member Margaret Loya said if homes had not been rehabilitated, they likely would have been demolished. Member Mark Kowalewski, a long-time former city engineer, said some of the homes were built in the 1800s.

Since 2006, the re-established alliance spent about $1.2 million to refurbish or restore city homes. Alliance members took on different roles to get the projects started and completed. Jobs ranged from physical labor to seeking bids on the various work that needed to be done to buying furniture. They said it was often difficult to find those in the building trades to complete tasks. Even current Mayor Rob DeSana pitched in.

As alliance members were aging and moving on to other opportunities, they decided it was time to “wind down operations and celebrate all accomplishments of this team,” Benson said.

“We are extremely pleased with all of our hard work and dedication,” Benson said. “We appreciate the chance to serve and especially the

opportunity to enhance our Wyandotte neighborhoods.”

The alliance bylaws require that the organization disperse any remaining funds, which totaled $241,000 in bank accounts at the time it ceased operations.

The group designated funds be dispersed in three ways:

● A total of $100,000 was returned to the city of Wyandotte, which had provided initial funding for the nonprofit alliance. The funds have been added to the city’s capital improvement fund to be used by the Beautification Committee, Recreation Department and/or Shipyard Monument.

● Another $120,000 has been donated to the Wyandotte Scholarship Fund to be used to provide scholarship opportunities for Wyandotte residents that choose to attend trade school after graduating from high school.

● The balance, approximately $21,000, was donated to the Downriver Council for the Arts, located at 81 Chestnut Street in the James R. DeSana Center for Arts and Culture. Members of the Wyandotte Community Alliance attended a City Council meeting on April 24 to present ceremonial checks to city officials, to report on the success of the group and to state where the remaining funds would be transferred.

Elected officials thanked the alliance members for their years of service,

adding that they had done “some amazing work.”

Voters approve millage renewal proposal in Wyandotte

DAVE GORGON

Wyandotte voters have approved a City Charter amendment calling for the renewal of 3 mills over a 10-year period.

Of the 3,271 voters that cast ballots in the May 2 election, more than 72 percent voted in favor of the renewal. The official vote was 2,359 yes and 600 no. Fifteen percent of registered voters cast ballots either at the polls or via absentee voting.

“I would like to thank the voters of Wyandotte for the passing of the recent millage renewal,” Mayor Robert DeSana said. “By passing said millage there should be no change in city services. I would also like to thank the City Clerk’s office, poll workers and all involved for their hard work on such a long and tiring day.”

The financial stability of the city was at stake during the special election, according to city officials.

The ballot question asked for a continuation of the tax currently paid by taxpayers.

Officials said residents will see no increase in their tax bill other than what normally occur due to the normal assessment process or actions associated with other taxing entities outside the city’s control.

The millage levied by the city will be the same. Without approval of the renewal, the city budget would have been cut by about $1.8 million, requiring a reduction of services.

The supplemental operation millage that was approved in 2019 was set to expire in 2023. The renewal covers the years 2024 to 2033.

Alliance members called Benson “the backbone of the community alliance”

and said “she kept everything running.” Benson and Loya are scheduled to be honored by serving as grand marshals of the city’s Christmas parade.

Wyandotte city engineer retires

DAVE GORGON

The City of Wyandotte didn’t have to look far to find a replacement at the top of the Engineering and Building Department.

Jesus Plasencia, the long-time assistant city engineer, has been promoted to succeed his former boss, Greg Mayhew.

Plasencia has worked for the city since August 2015. Mayhew, who continues on in a consulting role, has worked for the city for 31 years.

The mission of the department is wide ranging and includes providing required inspections, permitting, plan reviews and inspection services in accordance with the Michigan Building Code.

According to the city website, the department provides support for city ordinances regarding the sale of all buildings, the rental of buildings and the administration of the community development block grant program, plus the design, inspection, contract administration and calculation of special assessments for projects approved by the City Council.

The Engineering and Building Department and the Department of Public Works administer Act 51 funding (street funds), including the design, inspection, contract award of pavement replacement, resurfacing, pavement placement, new construction and rehabilitation, maintenance replacement and new construction.

Maintenance activities include pavement and curb repairs, snow

Assistant engineer succeeds him

city and to help maintain and improve the community.”

During the April 24 City Council meeting, Mayhew thanked elected officials and co-workers for the support he received over the years, adding that as a team, he and other staff members “accomplished a lot.”

Mayor Robert DeSana congratulated Mayhew on his retirement, and thanked him for his “great leadership,” saying he always did his “best” on the job. Elected officials praised Mayhew as a person and as an employee with City Treasurer Todd Browning calling him “nothing but first class.”

“I hate to see you go,” Browning added, “but in Jesus we have the best replacement we could ever get.”

removal, road painting and traffic signage, the administration of solid waste collection and the disposal and recycling programs.

The department provides design installation, inspection and maintenance and replacement of all public sewers. The department also provides support of Tax Increment Finance Authority and Downtown Development Authority projects.

Mayhew, who was born and raised in Wyandotte and graduated from the University of Michigan with a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering, has worked for the city over two stints and is well known throughout the region. The first stint was 27 years, from 1987 to June 2015, working for longtime City Engineer Mark Kowalewski.

Mayhew left Wyandotte to serve six months as engineer of streets in the city of Detroit and then as city engineer in Taylor. He returned to the City of Wyandotte in 2019 to succeed Kowalewski as city engineer.

Mayhew’s resume includes the oversight of a number of projects in the city, including the extensive rehabilitation of Yack Arena and the move from the former City Hall on Biddle Avenue to its current location in a former bank building at the corner of Biddle and Eureka. He also oversaw the maintenance and improvement of city streets.

“I was very happy to be able to work with Wyandotte,” he said. “I enjoyed working with the people. Being born and raised in Wyandotte, it was a great opportunity to work in the

Plasencia, who was raised in River Rouge, earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from Michigan State University and currently lives in Flat Rock. After graduating from college, he worked for the Wayne County Department of Public Services, serving in various roles, including road construction in the county.

As assistant city engineer in Wyandotte, he held a number of roles, including overseeing infrastructure projects. He said Mayhew has “a wealth of institutional knowledge.”

“I like the people we work with,” Plasencia said. “We get a lot done in our beautiful city while trying to address the concerns of the residents.” One of his first jobs has been to search for his successor as assistant city engineer and to hire a new building inspector.

Plasencia

Mayhew

Brown Bag Blessings Program feeds dozens of students during the summer

DAVE GORGON

Wyandotte students who qualify for free lunch during the school year may not have such a meal waiting for them at home when school ends. But thanks to the Wyandotte Ministerial Association, there is such a thing as a free lunch during the summer.

The Brown Bag Blessing program is a local offshoot of the national Blessings in a Backpack program, which provides lunch during the school year but is not available in the summer.

Pastor Tom Ferguson of St. Stephen Episcopal Church in Wyandotte said churches in the ministerial association collect different food items and deliver lunches to Roosevelt High School, Washington Elementary School and the Bacon Library – about 100 brown bags in all.

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Pastor Tom Ferguson and wife Chris next to pantry at St. Stephen Episcopal Church in Wyandotte.

Steppin’ out!

Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber Black Tie Gala and Expo

DAVE GORGON

The president and CEO of the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber said the organization’s annual Black Tie Gala and Expo continues to connect small businesses and nonprofit professionals with reliable vendors and potential customers.

In fact, with registration at nearly 400, Ronald Hinrichs announced that this year’s gala was the largest in his seven-year tenure at the chamber of commerce.

“We strive to stick to our vision, which is everything we do at the chamber is about having a positive and lasting impact on our regional

community,” said Hinrichs, who lives in Riverview. “This is a regional celebration of our business community and nonprofits, but it’s so much more than that.”

The May 4 gala was held at Crystal Gardens in Southgate. Hinrichs said the growth in the number of vendors was significant, along with participating businesses and nonprofits. He said with restrictions eased from the days of the COVID-19 pandemic there are more opportunities for participants to connect with potential customers.

Krishelle Kohler, who owns Eldercare Home Care and Island House Senior Living on Grosse Ile has been a believer in the power of the chamber of commerce for about 30 years.

See GALA, Page 7

Photos by Jim Jacek

GALA

Continued from page 6

She has gone from member to committee member to board member to executive committee member to being elected two years ago as chairwoman of the board.

The connections she has made during the three decades have made a huge impact on her business and her personal life.

“My first question any time I need something as business cards to a new $3,000 sign out front of Island House is, ‘who in the chamber does this?’ I always try to use a chamber person first. I really do.”

At her wedding, Kohler estimated that one third of her guests were fellow chamber members who are now friends. At an After Business Ours social gathering five years ago, she looked around and saw that she had connected and worked with every business that was represented at the location.

“At every single table there was someone I personally did business with,” she said. “They used my business or referred me to somebody that I ended up doing business with.”

Chamber membership and social events, she said, have paid off.

Dennis Morier is coowner of Floral Designs in Southgate, a local flower shop that provides everything from sympathy arrangements to wedding flowers. Son Jedidia Daddow is the head designer whose work was recently featured on the cover of Florist Magazine. Proud father Morier had the magazine on display for all to see at his booth at the chamber business gala.

“The chamber does more for me than I’ve ever done for the chamber,” said Morier, who is a chamber board member. “I have an opportunity to meet with a lot of business owners from all over Downriver.

There’s a lot of synergy to this. You find out what people are doing and where their interests lie. You learn there are things that your business can provide to them and things you can use from their business. This event magnifies it. Being in the chamber is an opportunity to source things locally and meet local businesses. It does make a difference… “People say here’s a problem, how can we solve it? This is not only fun but a way to get together with local business owners in our own area. It’s a way to keep up with the community.”

Linda Francetich of Grosse Ile founded her Trenton-based business, DiscoverDownriver.

com, in 2012. Since then, she said, “we have grown to be Downriver’s main source of event information and local promotion for businesses. Our annual website visitors are over 350,000 and growing and we have nearly a million annual page views on our 800-plus page website. We are number one or on Page 1 in Google searches for nearly any event or happening Downriver, from festivals to kayak launches to individual Downriver cities.”

Membership in the chamber of commerce and participation in the agency’s events have had a positive impact on her business, Francetich said.

“Building a professional support system is a beautiful thing,” she said. “When you connect with your community peers, clients and local leaders, that engagement has the potential to lead to sales, friendships, collaborations and much more. The Downriver community is quite connected and networking events such as the SWCRC black tie event reinforces those relationships and friendships.”

Adding to the fun connectivity at the chamber gala, participants get to vote for best in several categories among the vendors on hand. This year’s winners were Rev’d Up Fun, best booth;

First Merchants Bank, best double booth; The Information Center, which won the Al Bates Interactive Booth Award; Prestige Banquet Hall, best entrée; A Serendipity Cakery, best dessert; and Services to Enhance Potential (STEP), best appetizer and the people’s choice award.

Jeffrey Chicoine, the current chairman of the chamber, is regional government relations manager at Corewell Health whose office is in Corewell’s hospital in Trenton.

While Corewell is anything but small, chamber membership and special events give Chicoine opportunities to position the health organization “as an effective and reliable community partner” and to “promote health and wellness of the community.”

He also serves on the board of the nonprofit Information Center, which is also a member of the chamber.

Another attendee at the chamber gala was Jim Perry, executive director of the Southgate-based Downriver Community Conference and the namesake of the James S. Perry Community Leadership Award that recognized outstanding community leaders who demonstrate and inspire others to always put service above self.

The DCC’s goals include enhancing the quality of life for area residents, workers and businesses; shaping public policy at the federal, state, regional, county and local levels; and identifying, obtaining and responsibly managing the necessary financial resources to successfully implement the vision.

“The DCC and the chamber have always enjoyed a great partnership,” Perry said. “We work hand in hand. When business works, people work… Things are happening Downriver. I always tell people it’s the place to be.”

The Teller’s Room

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!

Soroptimists honor women at awards banquet

Five women were recognized with monetary awards from the Trenton and Downriver Area Soroptimists for their ambition and contribution to their communities.

The awards banquet was held on March 14 at the Grecian Center in Southgate. Several essay judges were in attendance to celebrate with the winners. The applicants were evaluated on a set criteria and essays that assessed their contributions to women and society.

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

The Live Your Dream Education and Training Award is about helping women who have faced economic and personal hardships to live their dreams by attaining an education leading to their empowerment, financial stability and independence.

Teiera Baker, of Pontiac, a single mother of two-year-old, was selected to be the recipient of the Live Your Dream award.

Ms. Baker is currently attending Oakland Community College pursuing a bachelor’s degree in social work while working fulltime. Her educational and career goals include running her own Case Management LLC at home, along with opening a chain of transitional shelters for families in crisis, while individualizing services to meet their needs.

Teiera will work towards a master’s degree in social work, with a minor in business management to help her to attain her goals.

Ms. Baker has overcome many heart-wrenching obstacles, physically, emotionally, as well as dealing with a numerous amount of family hardships.

The Virginia Wagner Educational Award is given to a woman aspiring to complete a bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate degree to enable her to reach her career goals. Judging is based on a weighted criteria for judging that includes scholarship, extra-curricular activities, need and effort toward education.

Wafa Askar, of Dearborn, is attending University of Michigan-Dearborn and majoring in health psychology. She decided on a psychology major to help others deal with stress and emotional issues. She is currently working toward her master’s degree while working as an emergency social worker.

Ms. Askar is a refugee from Yemen where girls were and are discouraged from attending school. Growing up in the Yemen countryside with her mother and six siblings while her father worked in the United States,

her four sisters stopped schooling in middle school. Before finishing high school in 2011, the civil war broke out. Despite the risks, she began English classes as the family awaited immigration to the United States.

volunteer efforts. Because we have expanded our community involvement, this year we have three winners.

Ava Carson, a senior and member of the National Honor Society at Trenton High School.

One service project in which she participated was the “Clean Love Project,” collecting items for care packages of essential toiletry items for women and girls in need. Ava also volunteers her time as a Sunday school leader, tutors students at Trenton High and helped a friend with his Eagle Scout project.

The other Trenton High School winner is senior Nina Lomas.

Nina’s special passion is as leader for “Fleece and Thank You,” which involves making blankets to provide comfort for children in hospitals. Each donated blanket has an attached video message to create a connection between the maker of the blanket and to the family which receives it.

Nina also partners in the “Clean Love Project.”

Wyandotte’s first Soroptimist Prime winner is Eliana Pettigrew, a Roosevelt High School senior. Eliana began her work with Amnesty International as a sophomore. Currently its chapter’s president, she is most concerned with protecting the rights of women and to empower them to shape their own futures.

Even after arriving in 2014, obstacles to education continued. Wafa had to wait months for transcripts to be sent from Yemen and converted to U.S. equivalent classes, her English wasn’t very good, and transportation to school was a problem. A top student in Yemen, she failed her first college class and was ready to give up on her dreams.

As a first-generation college student and most proficient in English, Wafa has been responsible to help her family members set up appointments, complete paperwork for immigration and citizenship cases, school admissions and housing issues, and assist two siblings with epilepsy with medical and work issues.

The Soroptimist Prime award is exclusive to SI of Trenton and Downriver Area. High school girls residing in Allen Park, Brownstown, Gibraltar, Grosse Ile, Lincoln Park, Riverview, Southgate, Taylor, Trenton, Woodhaven, or Wyandotte are eligible to apply.

The Soroptimist of Trenton and Downriver Area high school girls’ award honors young women who make the community and world a better place through

Campaigning for support of reproductive rights, fundraising for Ukrainian refugees and volunteering at the Wyandotte Soup Kitchen are a few of the projects of her Amnesty International chapter.

Eliana is also the president of the Roosevelt High National Honor Society, a member of United Sound and Tri-M Music Honor Society.

A copy of the book, Girl Rising: Changing the World One Girl at a Time (by author Tanya Lee Stone) was given to each awardee.

The Trenton and Downriver Area Soroptimist organization meets on the second Tuesday of the month at the Woodhaven Community Center, and the fourth Tuesday at various local restaurants.

All women are welcome to attend. You may contribute to the foundations that the Soroptimists support on krogercommunityrewards.com. If you are interested in learning more about the Trenton and Downriver Area Soroptimists and our other activities, check out our page on Facebook@ SoroptimistInternationalOfTrentonAndDownriverArea or sioftrentonanddownriverarea@gmail.com.

Receiving awards from the Soroptimists were Downriver high schoolers Ava Carson, Nina Lomas and Eliana Pettigrew.

What’s happening Wyandotte ...

HELP WANTED

Wyandotte Municipal Services is accepting resumes/applications for several full time positions in various departments. Submit resumes and applications to the city of Wyandotte, Human Resources Department, Attn: Anne Goudy, 3200 Biddle Avenue, Ste. 300, Wyandotte, MI 48192 or wmsjobs@wyandottemi.gov.

SKIP CLACK’S FISHING DERBY

Saturday, June 3 at 10 a.m. at the Bishop Park Fishing Pier. The free event is open to kids 5-13 years of age.

The fishing Derby is limited to the first 200 participants and all judges’ rulings are final.

Prizes and trophies are awarded for several categories, including longest fish, smallest fish, most fish caught and most unusual item caught.

In addition, every child receives a gift bag with miscellaneous coupons and gift certificates from local merchants including such things as movie passes and recreational and fast food coupons. For more information, contact the city of Wyandotte’s Special Events office at

734-324-4502 or www.wyandotte.net.

WYANDOTTE MARKET

The popular Markets of Downtown Wyandotte will return June 1 and continue through the fall.

Markets will be held at the corner of 1st Street and Elm Street from 2-7 p.m. each Thursday through Oct. 26.

BRUCE HARKNESS

Photographs from Detroit will be presented Tuesday, June 6 at 6 p.m. at the Bacon Memorial District Library, 45 Vinewood, Wyandotte. For more information, call 734-246-8357.

BACON BOOK CLUB

At the Bacon Memorial District Library, 45 Vinewood, Wyandotte is June 7 at 6:30 p.m. Read along with us or better yet – meet with us and share your thoughts. This month we are reading The Family Chao by Chang, Lan Samantha. We meet on the 1st Wednesday of each month. Yearly Booklist will be available on our website. For more information, call 734-246-8357.

much

Communities have life forces of their own

I have dwelled extensively in previous columns on the practices of big business run amok, with no leash, and how they affect America. Specifically, the realm of retail and the sea change of national control vs local control that occurred in the e80s and onward.

The onslaught was overwhelming, with concept after concept breaking on the American public. It never occurred to any of us that it was a feeding frenzy for the stock market and all of the other corporate money genres that just plain took away the apple cart from local and independent operators that were outgunned by seemingly unlimited resources.

I DO know now, though, and I am compelled to share with as many people as I can reach!

Now, one of the people I enjoy staying connected to is Michael Angelo Caruso. All of you know him – everyone knows the Caruso family ‘round these here parts.

What I want to say here is not to hype Michael’s business (which you may want to learn about), but to call out his relentlessly deployed plan that I witness by his frequent postings. His approach includes humor-oriented postings that invite response and steadfast reminders of what he does.

Michael created his own niche by paying close attention to others that have carved out theirs, emulating and honing his version of it, and basically, being the reason for his own success.

Never a “Poor, Poor Pitiful Me” sentiment (hah!). He stays on plan. He grinds his ax, and most importantly, he clearly loves his work. Michael stays engaged and has fun as he plies his trade and makes his living. After all is said and done, the power of a single person to persevere is electric and admirable.

If you read just some of my columns, you can get vibes of “hey, that’s not fair.” If you read others, you learn about my perception of small businesses I have encountered that make a real contribution to the world, even if that world is limited in scope.

I know that what I provide at my trade is hyper-better than what any

corporate alternative can provide. I thrive on the challenge of getting it right for our clientele; it’s actually exhilarating. I love my work too, and everyone in my industry knows that humor is integrated into how I communicate. Humor connects, dissolves anonymity.

Agitation is never conveyed when comparing my stores to other local stores. I don’t have anything negative to say about any of them. I admire and respect them and I advocate for them. They are part of what makes my world hum. Independents are the benchmark that can never be reached by imposters. We can’t afford to lose any of them. The world gets dimmer with every loss, more homogenized and less unique. Less surprising, less delightful. With every national cookie cutter operation that replaces them in their real estate, we get something totally unconnected to the communities that were once served with passion.

When that owner stops making an income, they stop spending their money at other local businesses. They stop spreading their sunlight, too, leaving us with only dim substitutes.

Conversely: Remember the shops around Downriver that used to sell kitchen and bath products?

Bed, Bath and Beyond, to be specific, took so much business away that there wasn’t enough to remain viable for indies.

Don’t blow past that point: The myth of big business providing jobs is really just a lie. Having taken over the niche, they’re filing bankruptcy, and hopefully failing altogether, but also killing those jobs through their own incompetence. So, why hopefully? Because I look

finally better now; what ailed me seems to be gone.

That experience, though, serves to illustrate how much the life force is in play at small, independent businesses of every kind.

Small business is far more resilient, nimble, and clever than big business. But it is also more prone to the singular loss of “if I say it, it’s so” energy. For every small business, that energy is akin to a self-winding watch; seemingly endless when business is strong and vibrant, and when people give positive reinforcement by simply doing business there.

forward to independent businesses filling that niche again. It was . I hope one opens in Wyandotte, it’s an unfilled niche and believe me, it’s going to be a thing again.

We citizens supported the invasion of that publicly traded company. We shopped there. No sense in crying about it now.

The point is to look forward and decide who you don’t want to see fail because of big.

When you do that, you will indeed have connected the dots, and you won’t need the likes of me to tell you all about it.

My whole purpose here is at least trying to get people to understand that what they see as just another choice is something far more than that. I want people to not just be sympathetic, but to do everything they can to protect what they count on being there.

Forces far more powerful and controlling are the adversaries of every independent business. The forces of capitalism on the macro scale, and the forces of government that not only allows it, but fosters the uneven playing field are the enemies that have done so much damage.

I’m still here; countless others had their worlds taken away.

In 2022, post-covid sapped me of not just the physical energy I was accustomed to, but the ability to focus and propel. We all rely on batteries; that’s where humans fuel their drive, focus and passion. When those are attacked and even erased, and even worse: when the ability to make decisions and be the heart of the business are sucked down, personal and business peril looms large. I’m

That’s the driving force, my friends. That’s the magic. The magic is not really magic, but it may as well be, for all that it shares back.

It would be a terrible thing to lose the positive energy of my above mentioned call out. What he provides can’t be delivered by big, national business. What Michael does is care about the people he interacts with and in many cases, does business with. His business has little direct connection to mine.

But his life force is crucial to all of us. I don’t do business with him, but I recognize what he brings to the table as remarkable, and I herald it because we need that positive energy, more and more and more in a world that can sap it all away if we’re not careful.

I never ask my readers to support my business in these columns. I ask you to understand the difference between local and independent of all kinds in your community (and wherever you go, frankly).

If we don’t; when we bypass local and independent of any and all kinds, we kill the golden geese of our own, local economic power plant. And we give the power to those that don’t need any more power.

Pushing back against entropy works really well if enough of us band together. It is true: Communities are living, breathing entities that share a collective life force, composed of all the independent businesses that keep money flowing through wallet after wallet…by keeping it local. Protect your locals; protect your community. And have more fun.

Those of you that already do know exactly what I’m talking about. Don’t you!

PETER ROSE

U-Michigan Club of Downriver hosts scholarship event

The University of Michigan Club of Downriver met on May 8 at Arnaldo’s Banquet Center in Riverview. The purpose of the meeting was threefold: To elect board members, to explain the admissions process for University of Michigan to promising juniors from Downriver high schools, and award three Leaders and Best scholarships to high school seniors who will attend U of M in the fall.

The board members who were re-elected are Steve Van Every and Ray Yee. Newly elected to the board is Rhonda Ellston.

The juniors were asked to bring their chairs in front of the podium after the buffet dinner. A representative of the office of admissions on the Ann Arbor campus Daniela Guzman explained in detail the admissions process and encouraged students to apply early in their senior year.

The UM-Dearborn director of admissions Urana Pridemore related the advantages of a degree from her university. The invited students were an attentive audience.

The assembled group heard from Mr. Henry Baier who is the U of M Associate Vice President for Facilities and Operations. He is responsible for the 37,000 square feet of facilities at the University. He let the students and others in attendance know something about the behind the scenes at the Ann Arbor campus. The university continues to grow and adapt to a changing world with over a billion dollars in construction projects in the works.

The recipient of the club’s 2011 Lloyd Carr Leader and Best scholarship Kalli Bates spoke about her life since she graduated from U of M in 2015. Her enthusiasm for the university experience was palpable. She explained that though it is a huge campus, you find your niche there and make it your own. She truly inspired the juniors there to apply, and the high school seniors in the audience to look forward to the fall.

Finally scholarship chairperson Katie Hartwell announced the recipients of the three $1,500 merit based scholarships.

The awards were determined by a point system that includes rank in class, SAT score, strength of academic curriculum, scope of their extra curricular activities including work experience if any, leadership in organizations, community service, participation in sports, science activities and the arts.

Once all those points were tallied, the board of the Downriver Club read and scored each essay. Finally Ms. Hartwell and her assistant Ms. Rebecca Markus interviewed the top six finalists on Zoom.

This year there were 17 amazing applicants. They were from a true cross section of Downriver high schools. Of these applicants nine were valedictions of their school. The six finalists all scored in the upper 90th percentile on the SAT test.

There were three students who just missed winning the scholarships and they are: Sydney Botten from Grosse Ile High School, Siya Patel from Carlson High School and Carl Pate from

Trenton High School.

The recipient of the George and Sue Ghindia Leaders and Best scholarship is Eliana Pettigrew. Eliana is first in her class at Wyandotte Roosevelt High School. She will be attending Penny Stamps School of Art and the College of Literature Science and the Arts (LSA) doing a double major.

Eliana has had an amazing high school career. To mention just a few of her activities: multiple community service projects, marching band with her flute, playing in the Detroit Youth Symphony, and an actor in her high school plays.

Eliana’s very serious essay dealt with the importance in her life of social activism based on the work of Ruth Bader Ginsberg. She believes that more people will want to join a cause if they see someone standing for their beliefs in a respectful way. She hopes to help “create a more just, kind and inclusive world.”

The Lloyd Carr Leaders and Best award went to Serafim Dionyssopalos. Serafim is No.1 in his class at Grosse Ile High School. He will attend LSA in Ann Arbor this fall planning to go eventually into medicine.

In addition to his outstanding academic work, he clearly demonstrated his leadership ability by being president of his class freshman and sophomore year and then president of student council his senior year. He was the build-leader on the Robotics team, team

captain of varsity track and president of his church youth group.

Serafim’s essay dealt with, in a mature way, the importance of the Golden Rule.

The Kenneth Hartwell Leaders and Best Award went to Lidia Cappelletti of Allen Park High School. She was also top of her class. Lidia will soon be up in Ann Arbor in the Ross School of Business. If she participated in an organization she became a leader. She was captain and attorney for the mock trial events of Michigan Center for Civic education, president of student council, president of National Honor Society, captain of varsity soccer and a taekwondo instructor.

In her essay we learned that Taekwondo has been a huge part of her life and contributed to the fine young lady she is today. She is a third degree black belt.

In summary, President Steve Van Every pointed out the University of Michigan Club of Downriver has many events each year including supporting U of M sports and musical theater.

There are family events such as trips to our local zoos, trips to Tigers baseball, tailgates at the Michigan football games, and service projects among other activities.

To learn more about the club and get notification about their events please go to our website at alumni.umich.edu/communities-clubs/downriver/.

The three Leaders and Best Scholarship recipients: Eliana Pettigrew, Lidia Cappelletti and Serafim Dionyssopoulos

Area Soroptimists host Fourth ‘Mommy and Me Tea Party’

To celebrate Mother’s Day and introduce women and girls to Soroptimist, the Trenton and Downriver Area Soroptimists hosted their fourth “Mommy and Me Tea Party” on May 13, 2023.

One hundred fifteen moms, grandmas, aunties and little ladies joined Trenton and Downriver Area Soroptimists for a sold-out, fun-filled afternoon.

Several attendees brought in new infant or children’s swimwear, beach towels, life jackets, goggles or summer toys that will be donated to the Downriver Foster Closet.

The little ladies arrived attired in an array of fancy dresses. The venue was held at the Apollo Ballroom at the Grecian Center, 16300 Dix-Toledo, in Southgate, where the spacious room was decorated in a unicorn theme in the most feminine fashion in splashes of pastel colors. Eye 4 Events LLC provided a magnificent balloon arch and table centerpieces. Each table was adorned in the height of proper teatime, complete with centerpieces, fancy teapots, and real ceramic teacups and saucers.

A pizza bar lunch, which included salad, garlic bread, chocolate brownies, tea, and lemonade was provided. A cash bar featuring mimosas and bloody Mary’s were available for the moms and grandmas. There were two gaming stations: A unicorn ring toss and a unicorn bean bag toss, but the biggest hit of the tea was the glitter bar by KJ Art. The line for bedazzled “jeweled” and glitter face decals took up an entire wall of the ballroom.

Charity Bronson, of the Grecian Center, is also a cofounder of Downriver Foster Closet. Charity described her own experience with fostering children.

Downriver Foster Closet is located at 1753 Ford Avenue in Wyandotte. Learn more about DFC on their website.

They do so much for children in foster care. Their organization provides clothing, underclothing, toys,

shoes, baby equipment and gear and even furniture to children placed in the foster care system for any area. Items always in need are formula, bottles, diapers and wipes Visit their website and their Facebook Page at downriverfostercloset.com/ and facebook.com/Downriverfostercloset

The Trenton and Downriver Area Soroptimist organization meets on the second Tuesday of the month at the Woodhaven Community Center, and the fourth Tuesday at various local restaurants.

All women are welcome to attend. You may contribute to the foundations that the Soroptimists support on krogercommunityrewards.com. If you are interested in learning more about the Trenton and Downriver Area Soroptimists and our other activities, check out our page on Facebook@SoroptimistInternationalOfTrentonAndDownriverArea or contact us at sioftrentonanddownriverarea@gmail.com

Roosevelt girls nab third at Metro Classic

The Roosevelt boys and girls track teams ran in the annual Metro Classic meet at Woodhaven on May 13. The Metro Classic is the remnants of the old News-Herald Track & Field Invitational and featured most of the area’s teams plus a few others.

The Wyandotte girls had a fine day, scoring 78 points and finishing third behind champion Riverview and runner up Allen Park. Roosevelt, Huron and Grosse Ile rounded out the top five girls teams.

The Wyandotte boys were fifth with 41.33 points. The boys finished behind meet champion Riverview, Carlson, Woodhaven and Allen Park.

Roosevelt’s distance star Samantha Cost had a strong showing, scoring a

pair of individual second-places and anchoring the winning 4x800 relay.

Cost was second to Woodhaven’s Peyton Scheffler in both the 800 and 1,600 meters and she anchored the relay team of Eleanor Grant, Abby Caudill and Mercedes Dziendziel to a victory in 10:06. The Bears finished 11 seconds ahead of second-place Allen Park.

Taylor Fuller tied for first in the pole vault; Ania Toboy was second in the discus and fifth on the shot put; Grant added a third place in the 3,200 meters and a sixth place in the 1,600; Katherine Fugon-Saravia was third in the discus; Leela Hall was fourth in the high jump; Lauren Marino was fifth in the 3,200; Wilana Dancy was fifth in

the 100 hurdles; and Maci Krajewski was sixth on the high jump.

Points were a little more difficult to come by for the boys.

DeMario Roetherford was first in the discus and teammate Lukas Ray was second; Ray was also second in the shot put; Chase Cline was second in the 300 hurdles and fourth in the high hurdles; and Alex Emory was part of a nine-way tie for third place in the high jump.

The Bears were at an MHSAA Division regional at Saline on May 19. Any state qualifiers from that meet will compete at the D1 state finals at Rockford High School June 3.

Before that, the Bears will host the Downriver League meet on May 23.

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Photos by Dave Chapman

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Roosevelt shines at local rowing events

The Wyandotte rowing team won the men’s and overall championships at the nine-team 50th annual Wy-Hi Rowing Regatta, hosted by the Wyandotte Boat Club in the first weekend in May.

Joining Roosevelt at the regatta were fellow WBC member schools Gibraltar Carlson, Dearborn Heights Crestwood, Grosse Ile, Riverview, Southgate Anderson and Trenton. Also in the field were Perrysburg High School making the trek up from Ohio as well as the LaSalle Rowing Club based out of Windsor, Ontario.

Roosevelt finished with 249 points to claim the overall title. Perrysburg finished second overall with 150 points. Carlson (105) finished third, then it was Grosse Ile (90), Riverview (43), Trenton (37),

Crestwood (29), LaSalle (28), and Anderson (5) rounding out the field.

Roosevelt collected eight first-place finishes, more than any other school. Six of those eight first-place finishes for the Bears came the men’s side including the Senior 4, Novice 8, Junior 4, Junior 8, Freshman 4, and Senior 8.

On the women’s side, Roosevelt collected first place in the Novice 8 and Junior 4.

A week earlier at the 59th annual Hebda Memorial Challenge Cup Regatta, the Bears were again first among men’s teams and they won the overall championship.

Roosevelt picked up the overall team championship thanks in large part to five first-place

finishes on the day. Overall, the Bears placed in the top three in 10 of the 16 events.

Three of those five first-place finishes for Roosevelt came on the men’s side of the ledger. The Bears across the eight events accumulated 26 points which was 11 points clear of runner-up Grosse Ile. Those first-place honors included the Junior 4, Varsity 4, and Junior 8.

Over on the women’s side of things, Roosevelt managed wins in the Varsity 4 and the Lightweight 4. The women’s team for the Bears finished fourth out of six teams (14 points) but were just five points back of the now two-time defending women’s champions from Carlson (19).

Photos by Dave Chapman & Emily Caruso

Striking out breast cancer

‘Pink Out’ softball game raises $2,600 to aid recovery victims

DAVE GORGON

A high school varsity softball game between Southgate Anderson and Wyandotte Roosevelt may not have had quite the same competitive spirit as usual, but the end result left both teams feeling like winners.

The Pink Out Softball Game on May 15 at Anderson’s home field raised $2,600 to purchase supplies to make breast cancer patients feel more comfortable after undergoing surgery.

The hosting Titans and the visiting Bears went all out to make sure the game was a success.

Both teams wore special T-shirts. Anderson girls and coaches were dressed in pink; Roosevelt girls and coaches wore white shirts outlined in pink. They had student-designed logos on the front and the name of cancer patients they were dedicating the game to on the back.

Admission was free and the stands on both sides – decorated with pink balloons and posters of cancer patients – were pretty much standing-room only.

Everyone seemed to agree that the most startling attraction was the on-field base lines, in which Anderson field maintenance personnel used a special pink paint, to go with a painted pink “STA” abbreviation (for Southgate Thomas Anderson) and a painted pink ribbon, the symbol of the fight against cancer. The effort surprised and put smiles on those on the field and in the stands.

Girls on both sides came together before the start of the game to pose for photos. In fact, some Roosevelt players thanked Anderson coaches and players for letting them be part of the game.

Instead of a seventh-inning stretch during the game, cancer survivors in attendance were recognized and received bouquets of flowers during the fourth inning as players exited their dugouts and applauded.

Anderson parents worked concessions during the game, selling 50/50 tickets and raffle tickets to win one of 19 prize baskets, including three donated by Roosevelt players and three donated by sponsors.

The Titans won the game, 7-4, but everyone seemed

to go home happy.

“It was honestly just a good feeling,” said Paige Olson, the lone senior on the Roosevelt team. “A lot of people in my life have had breast cancer. Our fans were able to go to another school and see things like pink chalk on the field and cancer awareness symbols on the field. It was a heartwarming feeling. It’s amazing we could all come together to do it.”

The special game was the idea of Anderson players, who approached Coach Eric Druchniak, who said he “put the ball in their court” by making them pick the charity, decide how to raise the money and select a date on the schedule for the Pink Out game.

“A couple days later, they came back with all kinds of ideas,” Druchniak said. “I’m proud of them. They took the initiative to come up with the ideas.”

A meeting with team parents followed. Rebecca Heyer, a nurse at Corewell Health in Trenton and the mother of Titans player Izzy Heyer, suggested proceeds be used to purchase special items for patients of Dr. Helen Mabry, a renowned breast cancer surgeon at Corewell.

“It picked up steam from there,” Druchniak said, especially after Roosevelt Coach Ricky Dennis said his team was in.

“We are playing for fun, but a lot of people play for other reasons, too,” Dennis said. “This was a great opportunity to get out there and play for something good.”

Families put together gift baskets for the raffle. Three businesses donated to the cause: Tres Solgne, a medical spa in Riverview, donated a gift basket with $500 in services. Floral Designs in Southgate provided a half-off savings on bouquets that were presented to cancer survivors during the fourth inning. Joy Moon

Photos by Dave Chapman

PINK OUT

Continued from page 20

of Balloon Joy of Southgate donated balloons and a basket with a gift certificate for the raffle.

Anderson player Gabby Jones and Roosevelt’s Aubrey Lyons designed the jerseys, which were ordered and delivered quickly by local vendors.

Dr. Mabry, who lives on Grosse Ile, said she was honored to be selected as the recipient of 70 surgical caps made of fabric, 70 heart pillows that help patients feel more comfortable after surgery and 70 lanyards that are used to assist patients after surgery – all funded by the game’s proceeds.

Anderson assistant coach Dan Neil was especially touched by the announcement that Mabry’s office was chosen to receive the items. Neil’s wife Carol is a breast cancer survivor. Mabry was her surgeon.

“My wife was diagnosed in November 2020,” Neil said. “It was an emotional roller coaster – one of the worst feelings ever. Early detection and mammograms were the key. We can’t preach about it enough.

“She was fortunate that they found it in early stage two during a regular routine checkup. It was cut out by surgery, and she just had radiation after that – and thankfully no chemotherapy.”

Neil had Carol’s name on the back of his shirt.

“My wife was proud to be there,” Neil said. “It was a cool moment. She was over the moon. We know how special Dr. Mabry and her staff are. They’re fantastic people. We can’t thank them enough. We owe my wife’s life to them.”

Anderson senior Hope Solo called the game “a really good experience.” She said she and her teammates “really wanted to do it.” Solo honored her Aunt Cheryl who had undergone breast cancer before she was born.

“It was a really fun game to play,” Solo said. “We’re all super close with the Wyandotte girls and especially since we were fundraising for a good cause. We had no idea the grounds crew was going to pink out the field until we got to the field. That was so special. The bleachers have never been so full. It was a really good experience and it did raise a lot of money.”

Junior teammate Taylor Mydlarz said the game created a lot of energy and said she was glad she pushed for it, especially knowing people who have

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suffered from breast cancer.

“It’s really a cause I want to fight for,” she said. “I definitely learned that people are willing to help and chip in when it’s a good cause. It really felt like it was a great experience. Everybody was excited.”

Dr. Mabry said breast cancer touches so many people – one in eight women in the United States will get it.

“It’s so common but it can be cured with proper and timely treatment. I would say there is a very effective treatment. If you take everyone with breast cancer, there is an 85-percent cure rate overall. It’s constantly improving. The treatments are improving.”

Mabry said she was proud of the teams that came together for a cause.

“Isn’t this amazing?” she said. “I’m so touched. I can’t even believe it. I’m so happy. We have patients coming in all the time with breast cancer. It can happen to anyone. You can do

everything right and still get it or do everything wrong and not get it. We know the risk factors. You see people getting it that you don’t expect to have it

never just a trivial thing. It’s always a wonderful and important thing to do.

You see people stepping outside of their own problems to help somebody

and you see people who live and never get it. The element of it is so random. It makes it more frightening and unpredictable.

“Acts of generosity are things that make our community stronger,” she said. “We see a lot of it here, but it’s

else. It makes a wonderful community.”

Roosevelt’s Olson said she and her teammates were “honestly really excited” when Anderson chose them to play in the game.

“Win or lose, everybody wins,” she said.

Have you ever had a question about your vacuum cleaner or carpet shampooer? Of course, you can always look online for help, but it’s generally better to have someone – a professional – to speak with.

If you ever find yourself in that situation, simply head over to B & D Vacuum in either Southgate or Trenton and the dedicated, experienced staff there can help you with any problem or question.

When it comes to knowledge about all things vacuum, there is no better place than B & D.

Owner Matt LeFervre is the rookie of the shop with “only” 29 years of experience. His time in the business is dwarfed by manager of the stores, Ron Vaughan (39 years), business manager Linda Mullins (39 years), salesman David Archer (39 years) and repairman Brian Knapp (36 years).

Vaughan has been with B & D for 39 years, but he has been in the vacuum business for nearly five decades. He is the shop’s “Mr. Fix-it” and the go-to person in the shop.

When Mullins is not looking after her rescue dog Ralphie, she is handling the billing, the paperwork and the other business needs for the stores.

Archer, who has used one sick day in 39 years, is a drummer, a grandfather and takes pride in being one of the forward-looking faces of B & D Vacuum.

Knapp will make a sale when the stores get busy, but most of the time he is a behind-the-scenes kind of guy, content to be the main repair man for the stores.

They are an amazing staff, with years of experience that they are willing to share. Whether you have a broken machine, need a new one or are just looking for advice, come on in. Matt, Ron, Linda, David and Brian will be happy to help, and we will do flips for your business, just like our ad!

Bears ready for MHSAA baseball playoffs

The Roosevelt baseball team, which has played pretty steady .500 baseball this season, will soon wrap up the regular season and get ready for the Michigan High School Athletic Association state tournament.

The Bears, who recently won four of five Downriver League contests, will head to Woodhaven for the first round of the postseason.

Roosevelt drew a pre-district

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.

game this year and will face league rival Taylor on March 25, with the winner advancing to the actual district tournament on June 3.

On June 3, at Woodhaven High School, the Taylor-Wyandotte winner will face Southgate Anderson at 10 a.m. At noon, host Woodhaven will face Carlson.

The championship game will be played under the lights at 7 p.m.

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Photo by Dave Chapman

Finding funding for contaminated sediment remediation

JOHN HARTIG

For over a century, vast amounts of toxic contaminants were discharged by industries into the Detroit and Rouge Rivers. Many of these contaminants now reside in river-bottom sediments and are often referred to as “legacy pollution.”

Although you cannot see or smell these contaminants, they contribute to health advisories for fish consumption, are toxic to invertebrates and other aquatic life, can result in restrictions on dredging for navigational purposes and can limit future shoreline development.

Michigan has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to remediate these contaminated sediments, but this will not occur unless non-federal partners can meet match funding requirements.

CURRENT STATE OF SEDIMENT CONTAMINATION

The recent State of the Strait Report found that Michigan faces enormous challenges with the need to remediate

up to 5.1 million m3 of contaminated sediment on the U.S. side of the Detroit River and an estimated 350,000 m3 of contaminated sediment in the lower Rouge River mainstem. No additional contaminated sediment remediation is needed on the Canadian side of the Detroit River.

ESTIMATED COST OF SEDIMENT REMEDIATION

For the U.S. side of the Detroit River and the lower Rouge River, the good news is that the federal Great Lakes Legacy Act can fund up to 65 percent of the cost. The bad news is that there is no magic pot of money to make the non federal match requirement.

For example, if there are no known potentially responsible industries and the contaminated sediment area is considered an orphan site, then the Great Lakes Legacy Act will provide 65 percent of the cost and the remaining must come from non-federal sponsors like the state, a county, a city or other non-federal entity.

In general, if there is a willing industrial partner, then the cost share is often 50 percent federal and 50 percent from industry or industries with some known potential liability for the site. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Great Lakes National Program Office typically determines the appropriate cost share for industrial partners.

For the Detroit River, U.S. EPA and Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) staff have estimated a total sediment remediation project cost of over $900 million. Of that total project cost, they are hopeful that over $580 million will be covered by the U.S. EPA through the Great Lakes Legacy Act and $245 million will be covered by industrial partners. That leaves approximately $75 million needed to cover all the likely orphan sites in the Detroit River.

For the Rouge River, U.S. EPA and Michigan EGLE staff have estimated a total project cost of over $470 million. Of that total, they are hopeful that over

$254 million will be covered through the Great Lakes Legacy Act and $200 million will be covered by industrial partners.

A consortium of industrial partners is already meeting to complete mapping out the severity and extent of sediment contamination in the lower Rouge River mainstem and explore collaborative funding to make the non-federal match requirements. That leaves approximately $25 million needed to cover all the likely orphan sites in the Rouge River.

Therefore, the State of Michigan would need approximately $100 million to be able to provide the 35 percent cost share for the known orphan sites in the Detroit and Rouge Rivers.

These cost estimates may increase or decrease significantly as more information is gathered.

FUNDING

Continued from page 26

COLLABORATIVE FUNDING

Minnesota provides a good example of using state funds to match Great Lakes Legacy Act funds for sediment remediation.

In 2008, Minnesota’s voters passed the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment to the Minnesota Constitution to protect drinking water, protect and restore habitats, preserve arts and culture, support parks and trails and protect and restore surface and groundwater.

During 2010-2018, over $19 million in Minnesota Water, Land, and Legacy funding was used to help make a match on contaminated sediment remediation in the St. Louis River Area of Concern in Duluth.

In 1998, Michigan voters authorized the state to borrow $675 million for the Clean Michigan Initiative. This initiative helped clean up and redevelop contaminated sites, clean up contaminated sediments in rivers and lakes, protect and improve water quality, prevent pollution, abate lead contamination, reclaim and revitalize community waterfronts, and enhance recreational opportunities.

A good example of the benefits of the Clean Michigan Initiative was the cleanup of the former Black Lagoon on the Detroit River’s Trenton Channel.

In 2004 and 2005, the U.S. EPA and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality removed 88,000 cubic meters of severely contaminated sediment from Black Lagoon at a cost of $9.3 million. Sixtyfive percent of the funds came from the Great Lakes Legacy Act and 35 percent from the Clean Michigan Initiative. It was the first fully funded project of the Great Lakes Legacy Act in the Great Lakes and was considered a major success in removing environmental blight from the Downriver area.

Upon completion of this project, the Black Lagoon was renamed Ellias Cove in honor of the family who donated the adjacent land to Trenton which became Meyer-Ellias Park. However, as funds in the Clean Michigan Initiative were depleted and no new funding was obtained, it lost its effectiveness.

In 2019, the Renew Michigan fund was created within the Michigan Department of Treasury to promote the

cleanup of contaminated sites, waste management, and recycling. Initially, it received $69 million.

A good example of how the Renew Michigan fund has helped make the match requirements on contaminated sediment remediation projects in the Detroit River is the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park under construction on the Detroit Riverwalk.

The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy has received a $1 million grant from Renew Michigan fund to help make a match on a nearly $30 million project to remediate contaminated sediment, restore habitats, and create a water garden that will be the centerpiece of the park.

The U.S. EPA is providing about $19 million through the Great Lakes Legacy Act and the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. The balance of the funds is being provided by the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, with $1 million being provided by the Renew Michigan fund. This Renew Michigan funding was essential in realizing the vision of Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park.

However, the Renew Michigan fund is not adequately funded to meet the estimated $100 million non-federal match requirements for the remaining sediment remediation in both the Detroit and Rouge Rivers.

One way of doing this in Michigan

would be to secure a “special appropriation” for Michigan EGLE to help make the necessary match on this much-needed contaminated sediment remediation. As of January, Michigan was estimated to have a $9 billion surplus.

State environmental officials are ready and willing to work with all partners who are willing to step up with match money to clean up the rivers.

“The Michigan Department of Environment Great Lakes and Energy has a long history of working with the U.S. EPA on contaminated sediment cleanups and is currently working with this agency on the search for all possible partners, including industrial, governmental, and nongovernmental organizations to take advantage of these funds,” said Michael Alexander, Environmental Manager at Michigan EGLE.

“If lawmakers decide to prioritize our tax dollars for this purpose, we are ready to continue this partnership to ensure these funds are invested to bring about the most cost efficient and environmentally appropriate cleanups for the Detroit and Rouge Rivers Great Lakes Areas of Concern.”

Michigan State Senator Stephanie Chang, District 3 is advocating for this funding and said: “Cleaning up the Detroit and Rouge Rivers must be a priority. Water is life, and our

communities are deeply connected to our rivers. We have a great opportunity in this moment to provide matching state funds to remediate the sediment in our precious rivers and utilize Great Lakes Legacy Act federal funding. I’m hopeful that the state can step up to help make this happen for the good of our environment and public health.”

Clearly, there must be a sense of urgency to raise the non-federal match dollars because there are only about four to five years left of federal Great Lakes Legacy Act funding. If this window of opportunity is missed, there is no guarantee that comparable federal money will be available in the future. This is a long-standing problem in our region, and we have a once-ina-century opportunity to address it for both present and future generations.

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.

Reprinted with permission from Great Lakes Now.

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True ‘community’ event draws excitement

Grosse Ile’s popular Boar’s Head Festival makes its return

...[T]he much-loved Boar’s Head Festival will return this coming Dec. 7-10 at Sacred Heart Church.

The grand Christmas pageant, which involves more than 600 volunteers, has become the premier celebration of community involvement, musical entertainment, and the Christmas spirit.

Grosse Ile’s Bottoms Up group nearing one million distributed diapers to the needy ...Founded in 2015 by church congregation member Elaine McElwaney of Riverview, Bottoms Up is operated by a board that receives donations to purchase diapers in bulk from Sam’s Club in Southgate and distributes them at a rate of 120 every other month to clients at Fish & Loaves. The national standard on diaper need is 60 per month per child.

Fish & Loaves is the state’s largest clientchoice pantry. The pantry vets clients based on income and need and allows those qualified to shop at no charge in a grocery-like setting. Fish & Loaves is faith-based and, like the diaper bank, relies on donations, grants and other funds to operate.

In 2022, the pantry served more than 2.3 million pounds of food to needy individuals who are able to “shop” every other month. Fish & Loaves also distributes food to hundreds of visitors on Saturdays while supplies last and provides food on an emergency basis as well.

Fish & Loaves will celebrate its 15th anniversary later this year with the motto “ensuring no one goes hungry.”..

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Tonight, We Dance Under the Stars

Memorial Elementary event showcases girls and VIP guests

Memorial Elementary School recently held its ‘Tonight, We Dance Under the Stars’ event, which was open to girls and their VIP guests. The event was held on Friday, April 14 at Orlando Familia Banquet Center.

The actual serving of a roasted boar can be traced to ancient Roman times when the wild porcine was the preferred dish at great feasts.

As early as the 14 th century in medieval England, Christians considered the wild boar a ferocious beast and a symbol of great evil. They adapted the Roman custom of serving a boar’s head on a platter to represent the triumph of the Christ Child over evil. Particularly poignant at Christmas time.

Grosse Ile’s Boar’s Head Festival has been held since its inception in 1980, launched by the late Josephine “Jo” Ramage with the Islanders theater group, and sponsored by the Interfaith Council of Churches on the Island. This year’s production will be directed by Open Book Theatre’s founder, awardwinning Krista Schafer Ewbank.

On page 1

The time and energy spent by members of the Memorial Parent Club to make this event a success was appreciated by all guests. There were basket raffles, prizes, and a 50/50 raffle, which the winner graciously donated back to Memorial’s Parent Club.!

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Gellin’ with Geometry – Family Math Night Forest Elementary hosted its first Family Math Night on April 13 from 6-7 p.m. Forest staff members were

on hand to help students and their families navigate through numerous Math stations which included: 3-D shapes, area, fraction action, geometry bingo, origami, structures, tangrams and symmetry. Students were all smiles as they made their way through each station.

They could also snack on geometry salad, which consisted of a variety of snacks in all different geometric shapes and sizes. The evening was a tremendous success for all.

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gobigmultimedia.com/southgate-star Play ball!

The Anderson baseball team has been off the local radar for the past few years, but veteran coach Andy Green, in his first year at the helm of the Titans, has the team playing some fine baseball this spring. At last count the Titans were 7-4 (4-2 in Downriver League play) and among their victories were blowouts of Lincoln Park, Garden City and Grosse Ile, as well as a thrilling 6-5 win over Trenton in extra innings. The Titans are also playing in some cool locations this year. On May 1 they played Melvindale at The Corner Ball Park on the site of the old Tiger Stadium and on May 16 the Titans will play Lincoln Park at Fifth Third Field in Toledo,

musical with an electrifying 1960s pop/rock score by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman.

Seymour Krelborn (played by Morgan Morris in STA’S production) is a meek and dejected assistant at a floral shop who happens upon a strange plant, which he affectionately names “Audrey II” (Fatima Samples) after his crush Audrey (Allison Hilliard) at the shop. Little does he know that this strange and unusual plant will develop a soulful R&B voice, a potty mouth, and an unquenchable thirst for human blood.

As Audrey II grows bigger and meaner, the carnivorous plant promises limitless fame and fortune to Seymour, as long as he continues providing a fresh supply of blood. Just when it’s too late, Seymour discovers Audrey II’s extra-terrestrial origins and his true drive for world-domination.

The STA production almost sold out each night, filling the auditorium that can hold 300 people with up to 250-290 each night. Those numbers make it one of the most successful musicals Southgate Anderson High School has put on ever...

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Robotics Program with the addition of the new Boyd Arthurs Middle School TorquNados junior varsity Team.

The FIRST Tech Challenge team had a strong rookie year and is already planning for next year. In sports we talk about having a “building year” after a large pool of senior talent graduates. Which was the case for this year’s TorquNados Team 5090 at Trenton High School.

“We came into the season after losing 12 seniors in 2022, leaving only one student with build room experience and one former programmer,” said coach Katherine Nelson

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Trenton Rotary Shamrock Shindig is a Hit!

On March 11, 2023, Trenton Rotary held its biggest fundraiser of the year, the Shamrock Shindig, held at the Bentley in Wyandotte.

Over 200 people attended this event with an Irish dinner, drinks, games and a large raffle drawing with over 20 amazing prizes awarded to raffle ticket holders.

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home of the Mud Hens. The Titans are currently on an extended stretch of road games, but they finish the regular season with three straight home dates on May 18, 23 and 24. MHSAA districts are June 3 and the Titans will be at Woodhaven, along with the host school, Carlson, Taylor and Wyandotte.

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STA’s ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ was a big hit ...Little Shop of Horrors is a delectable sci-fi horror

gobigmultimedia.com/trenton-times

Another great year for Trenton Robotics

This year the Trenton High School Robotic program grew to become the Trenton Public Schools

All proceeds from this event go to local charities in our community who are in need of assistance. Trenton Rotary Club is a dynamic service organization comprising of business and professional leaders who live or work in our community.

For more information please visit trentonrotary. net.

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Let us know at

Don’t Get Stuck Without a Back-Up Plan!

Mark Tremper, Vice-President, Downriver Community Federal Credit Union

Have you ever experienced the helpless feeling of having your debit or credit card rejected? You have a cart full of groceries that were just rung up and the register doesn’t accept your payment. Or maybe you’re traveling on vacation and you attempt to purchase gas only to see a single dreaded word on the screen in all caps that says “DECLINED”. What do you do now?

When this happens, it doesn’t always mean that there’s not enough money in your account. It could mean that the chip on your card is malfunctioning, or maybe your attempted purchase was flagged as a fraudulent transaction. Regardless of the reason, this puts you in an extremely uncomfortable position, especially if there’s a line of people behind you or you are hundreds of miles from home!

According to Pew Research statistics, the number of Americans who don’t carry cash in a typical week has increased by double digits over the past decade. 41% of Americans (4 out of every

10 people) say that none of their purchases in a typical week are paid using cash. Which means that when your card is declined, there is a good chance you don’t have cash on-hand to complete the purchase.

Here are a few tips to ensure that you’re prepared when faced with one of these predicaments:

Carry a second card.

Your back-up card could either be a debit card attached to a second checking account (some would say that this should be at a different financial institution) or a credit card accessing an available line of credit. Just be sure to have the accounts linked so that you can transfer funds between accounts using online or mobile banking. Linking accounts for transfers can usually be done even if accounts are at a different financial institution.

Add your cards to your smartphone’s “digital wallet”.

Contactless payment technology, such as Apple Pay or Google Pay, allows cardholders to make purchases in-store or within apps with just a

What happens if I...

touch—and you don’t need your card with you to do it! Of course, if there’s not enough money in the account, this option will not solve that problem.

Carry emergency cash.

The old-fashioned way to be prepared is to carry emergency cash. Just tuck a $100 bill (or more) into your wallet or purse so that if the unexpected happens, you can pull it out to make a payment. Since this should only be used in an emergency, don’t put it with your working cash where you would accidentally spend it, or be tempted to spend it; but if you do, just be sure to replace it right away!

Following all three of these tips is the best way to ensure that you’re protected regardless of whether it’s a technical glitch or human error.

With the warmer weather on its way, we’re all thinking about the things we’re going to do when we can spend more time outside. As you’re planning your summer activities, vacations, or staycations, be sure to plan for those inevitable problems that may arise and spoil your fun!

We have England sofas, loveseats, chairs & sectionals in stock for immediate free local delivery. All prices are as stocked but all can be ordered in 50 fabrics at the same price. Several hundred fabrics are available at varying prices. All can be upgraded to firmer seat springs & seat cushions. The current wait time for custom orders on this brand is 6 to 8 weeks. England Furniture offers a 10 year warranty on their seat cushions and a lifetime warranty on frames & seat springs.

Sofa $899 Loveseat $869

Sofa $999 Loveseat $969

Sofa $899 Loveseat $869

Sofa $899 Loveseat $869