Wyandotte Warrior, July 27 – August 23, 2023

Wyandotte honors 11 of its fallen in World War II Memorial

By Dave Gorgon

Rod McLean described his late cousin, Chester L. Chormann, as a man with a country but without a city.

Chormann lost his life on March 1, 1942, while serving in the United States Navy during World War II. Yet, his name had not been part of the World War II Memorial in Wyandotte’s Bishop Park, so McLean wrote to city officials requesting that the omission be rectified.

McLean presented research that Chormann grew up in Wyandotte and lived at residences on 16th Street, Pine Street and 17th Street. He attended George Washington Elementary School, Trinity Lutheran Elementary and Roosevelt High School. He joined the Navy a few days after turning 17 years old on September 17, 1940, listing his hometown as Wyandotte on the paperwork. The enlistment upset family members who thought he was too young to serve, especially with all the turmoil in the world at that time, McLean said.

By the time of the enlistment and time of service, McLean noted, Chormann’s father Chet had built a home on Reeck Road in what is now Southgate. However, in the 1940s, Southgate did not exist; the area was considered part of Wyandotte.

“Chet was killed in action at the battle of Sunda Strait when he was 18 serving on the U.S.S. Houston,” McLean’s impassioned letter stated. “The Houston and HMS Perth ran into the Japanese fleet and fought bravely, but were severely outnumbered and both ships were sunk.”

Today, Chormann and 10 other servicemen with ties to Wyandotte are men with a country and a city. The 11 names were added to the Bishop Park

memorial on a bronze plaque that was dedicated before a grateful crowd in a special tribute on June 25 by members of American Legion Post 217 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1136.

Joining Chormann on the plaque and wall are Billy L. Boyd, Hazen Branch Jr., Adolph E Kalin, Louis A. Kwiatkowski, William A. Laffin, George P. Ostrowski, Jack V. Padgett, Ralph R. Shull, Floyd H. Stone and Clarence J. Zempel. Each has a different story of being a casualty of war as do the 163 names that were placed on the original memorial when it was first unveiled.

McLean credited the 2021 book Wyandotte at War: A Michigan Town Fights Back in WWII by Alana Branch Paluszewski as detailing the names that were missing from the monument. The author is a lifelong Wyandotte resident, a distinguished Roosevelt High School graduate and member of the school’s Hall of Fame and a respected historian. Her books have earned national recognition.

“These young men were from Wyandotte or like my cousin believed they were from Wyandotte,” McLean wrote. “They joined the military because they loved this country and all that it stands for. If you had asked

them on that fateful day where they were from, each would have told you: They were an American from Wyandotte, Michigan. Their names are either on head stones overseas or… like my cousin, went down with the ship.

“Families didn’t have the money to visit their graves overseas back then and they just fade away without fellow Americans knowing who they were or the cost they paid for our freedom. We have a solemn obligation to never forget their sacrifice.”

With McLean’s letter in hand, Wyandotte Mayor Rob DeSana formed a committee in the spring of 2022 that included himself, City Councilman Todd Hanna, Executive Assistant Julie Sadlowski, McLean, author Paluszewski, Mark Holthus and Tom Rushman of the American Legion and Brian Martin of the VFW.

In fact, Paluszewski’s late Uncle Hazen Branch Jr. was one of names missing from the monument. She said Branch was one of 10 children in his blended family from Wyandotte. During World War II, Hazen and his brother Don served together on the same Navy ship. Hazen also was lost at sea in 1943, the detailed book says.

“The minesweeper U.S.S. Hogan was deployed to the Battle of Casablanca in Morocco on November 8, 1942,” Paluszewski writes. “Onboard were Electrician’s Mate 2/c Hazen Branch Jr. and Signalman Don Branch, two of the six sons of Lillian Branch Lau and Bill Lau Sr. of Wyandotte. Hazen graduated in the June 1940 class of Roosevelt High School and joined the Navy two weeks later.

His older brother Don graduated from the RHS in the Class of ’38 and enlisted a few months earlier than his brother. Hazen’s request to join Don on the Hogan was granted after his

training was completed.

“The USS Hogan patrolled for enemy submarines during the battle and after the conflict the Branch brothers visited Casablanca briefly… The Hogan arrived back in Norfolk, Virginia, the day after Christmas 1942 and continued minesweeping activities along the East Coast of the U.S.”

The morning of February 7, 1943, the book says, Don went to meet his brother for breakfast at the enlisted men’s mess, but Hazen never showed up.

“Later that day, Don was informed that Hazen was missing overboard in the night and bad weather conditions had prevented a search,” the book says. “Hazen’s personal effects were given to Don, who was sent to personally tell the family the bad news.”

A letter from Navy Commander A.C. Jacobs told the Branch family that Hazen had been on watch and is believed to have been “lost overboard because of rough seas.”

“His name is inscribed on a monument in New York City honoring American servicemen who lost their lives in the Atlantic Ocean,” the book reads. “Don returned to active duty and was honorably discharged in 1946.”

Holthus was master of ceremonies of the patriotic rededication in Wyandotte. He said adding the names to the bronze plaque would “rectify a profound oversight… ensuring their memory and heroism will forever be remembered.”

Other speakers included Mayor DeSana, U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, past VFW Commander Martin, current American Legion Commander Mark Lawn, current VFW Commander Mike Samson, Michigan Department Commander of the VFW Ray Lopez.

“This was a very deserving

VFW member Bob Louks, World War II survivor Henry Piwowar, Alana Branch Paluszewski and Rod McLean unveil the bronze plaque.

Headshots of Hazen Branch Jr. and Chester Chormann, two of the 11 Wyandotte servicemen whose name were added to the World War II Memorial at Bishop Park.

dedication,” DeSana said. “It’s a perfect example of ‘all gave some and some gave all.’ When Rod told me Mr. Chormann didn’t have a city, it kind of hit my heart. Now they all have a city.”

Congresswoman Dingell called World War II veterans “the greatest heroes in the world” who “knew what the flag stood for.” Her late husband,

U.S. Rep. John Dingell, served in World War II.

“These names, like the countless others inscribed on this monument, embody the courage, valor and unwavering commitment to freedom that defined an entire generation,” said the VFW’s Martin. “World War II was a time of unprecedented global conflict, a battle fought on every

front, a struggle for the very essence of humanity. In the face of unparalleled adversity, these young men and women stood tall, ready to defend the ideals upon which our great nation was founded. They fought not only for their families, their communities or their comrades, but for the future of liberty itself.”

He added: “The 11 names we add today, though late in their arrival, are now forever woven into the fabric of this memorial. They join the ranks of the courageous, the honored and the unforgettable. Their spirits join the

chorus of voices urging us to be worth heirs of their sacrifice.”

A military salute featured three volleys of rifle fire. A moment of silence remembered the fallen. Two surviving World War II veterans – Henry Piwowar, a Wyandotte resident, and Richard “Pops” Pastula – were among the distinguished guests on hand. Piwowar joined McLean, Paluszewski and VFW member Bob Louks in unveiling the bronze plaque. The afternoon concluded with a celebration of heroes at the American Legion hall.

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell with World War II veterans Henry Piwowar of Wyandotte and Richard “Pops” Pastula, VFW member Bob Louks (left) and relatives of Hazen Branch Jr. and Chester Chormann: Alana Branch Paluszewski, Rod McLean and Ann Marie Tourtellotte, plus a friend of Pastula.

Area welcomes new Invasive Species Coordinator

The Detroit River-Western Lake Erie Cooperative Weed Management Area (DR-WLE CWMA) is excited to welcome Jess Davenport as the new Invasive Species Coordinator.

Davenport graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stout with a Master of Science in Conservation Biology in 2021 after which she worked for the U.S. Forest Service as a lead intern and biological consultant. During that time, her team crafted a comprehensive first-step marketing plan for the reintroduction of Red Wolves back into their historic range.

Jess is passionate about conservation biology and her marketing and education experience will be of great benefit to the DR-WLE CWMA.

Established in 2011, the DR-WLE CWMA is dedicated to the collaborative effort for the prevention and spread of invasive species in Wayne and Monroe counties.

The DR-WLE CWMA consists of 21 partners performing invasive species inventory, monitoring, and treatment across southeast Michigan.

Information exchange among partners and educational opportunities for Wayne and Monroe county community members are also a vital function of the DR-WLE CWMA and is

available as a resource for landowners looking to manage invasive species on their own property.

The Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge is proud to be an active member of the Detroit RiverWestern Lake Erie Cooperative Weed Management Area.

More information about the DRWLE CWMA is available online at: https://www.drwlecwma.org and on Facebook at https://www.facebook. com/drwlecwma.

For additional information, contact Wildlife Biologist Jessica Fletcher at 734-362-3729.

For more information about the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, please visit the refuge website: www.fws.gov/refuge/Detroit_River.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit fws.gov.

Riverview Community Schools

One community, every day, charting the course the Pirate way.

23-24 School of Choice

The Riverview Community School District is participating in the State of Michigan’s School of Choice program for the 2023-24 school year and is accepting enrollment applications from students who live in any Wayne County or adjacent county school districts.

Limited Openings in Grades: Young 5s, Kindergarten, 3rd 4th, 5th, 6th, 8th, 9th, 10th 11th

Elementary Schools: Forest, Huntington, Memorial Seitz Middle School, Riverview High School

Unlimited Openings: K-12

Riverview Virtual Academy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pickleball explodes Downriver

Popular game is growing across the county, state, area

DAVE GORGON

It’s Monday night and a dozen Downriver residents are taking pickleball lessons on outdoor courts at Trenton’s Arthurs Middle School from Grosse Ile resident Tom Snider, known as the “ambassador of Wayne County pickleball.”

On the far end of the courts, Mike and Kim Pizzo of Woodhaven arrive with four friends to play. They said pickleball is so popular in Woodhaven that they couldn’t find court space, so they traveled the short distance to Trenton to play.

Four minutes away at Affholter Park, four friends are playing the sport

that “anyone can play” on an older, smaller venue.

In Wyandotte, dozens of players are either on the courts or waiting their turn in a pickleball league at the newly renamed Justin N. Lanagan Memorial Pickleball Courts at FOP Park.

Some of those players will compete

in games later in the week at Vreeland Park in Riverview.

Pickleball has exploded in the Downriver area, mirroring a nationwide trend. A report by CNN called pickleball “America’s fastestgrowing sport.” A report by the trade

SEE PICKLEBALL, PAGE 11

PICKLEBALL

Continued from page 10

group Sports & Fitness Industry Association says the number of people playing pickleball around the United States grew by 159 percent over three years to 8.9 million in 2022.

The game is considered easy to play, low impact and appeals to a wide range of people, from children to senior citizens. It’s a game resembling tennis in which players use paddles to hit a perforated plastic ball over a net and can be played outdoors or indoors. A typical game is doubles with two players on each side of the court.

The sport has become so popular that Island Athletics on Grosse Ile has expanded pickleball court time to meet the demands of members. Same with the YMCA in Southgate. And at the ceremonial groundbreaking of The Bank Tower in Southgate, the builder announced that pickleball courts would be part of the apartment’s outdoor recreational facilities.

Many Downriver players can’t get enough pickleball.

Grosse Ile resident Lisa BlanzyGlines, who has been playing for three years, now competes about five times a week: outdoors in Riverview, Wyandotte and Woodhaven, indoors at Island Athletics and sometimes in Ann Arbor for lessons and drills.

Lisa Wayne, CEO of the Downriver Community Conference, plays locally and enters tournaments throughout the region, in Michigan and other states.

“You can go anywhere and play,” the Riverview resident said. “You take your paddle. You dress for it. You can play pickup games with other people. That’s the great thing about it: You meet so many people. It’s good exercise and it’s fun.”

Jenee Osburne, owner of Daybreak Salon and Spas in Wyandotte, travels with her 13-year-old son Dominic to play in tournaments across the country. Dominic has been sponsored by the Selkirk paddle company since he was 10 years old.

As pickleball ambassador, Snider is charged with promoting the sport in the region – a responsibility he takes very seriously. He works with local parks and recreation officials to help spread the word, hosts clinics and helps organize leagues and tournaments. If you want to play pickleball, he can tell you where the

courts are located.

A certified instructor, Snider has watched pickleball grow in popularity. His popular classes teach everything from the basics to strategy to precision.

“Pickleball is a hybrid sport,” the Grosse Ile resident said. “It’s ping pong on your feet. It uses skills from tennis, badminton, squash and racquetball. Pickleball changes the better you get. It becomes a chess match on your feet.”

Snider said pickleball saved his life. After suffering a heart attack, his doctor told him he would have died if he had not been exercising by playing pickleball.

“People are very passionate about pickleball,” he said. “For lack of a better word, pickleball is almost a cult.”

Stacy Gajewski, a teacher at Forest Elementary School in Riverview, said playing pickleball has helped her recover from hip surgery and overcome breast cancer.

“Pickleball has been huge in my recovery,” the Trenton resident said. “It keeps me busy, keeps me active and being around all of the people keeps me with a positive attitude. I

have a tennis background and I took pickleball lessons a couple years ago. I fell in love with it.”

Indeed, local players enjoy the friendships they make and the camaraderie of playing pickleball.

“The pickleball community Downriver are genuine and truly the nicest people I’ve met,” said BlanzyGlines. “One of my newly widowed friends said that pickleball saved her life.”

Some local officials really understand the popularity of the sport. Sheryl Riley, superintendent of recreation in Wyandotte, said the city has plans for more pickleball courts.

“I think pickleball is a great thing,” said Todd Dickman, recreation director in the City of Riverview and an advanced level player himself. “I play a good amount. I’m 51. It’s a great sport for any age, actually. You can find competition at any level.”

Like Dickman, Trenton recreation coordinator Kenzie Roberts thinks it’s important to offer pickleball classes –by Snider – and quality facilities.

“We get a lot of requests,” Roberts said. “The classes fill up quickly. When we added a second class, we had a waiting list. Tom’s a great

teacher.

“I really like pickleball. Out of all of the racket sports, it’s the easiest one to pick up. It’s really fun.”

Bobbie Parsons of Island Athletics said staff converts tennis courts into pickleball courts because of the demand from members. She said a two-day pickleball tournament in April at her business drew hundreds of players and raised thousands of dollars to support a cure for multiple myeloma.

The Grosse Ile Golf and Country Club has brought back pickleball due to members’ requests. The club has two clay courts and two regular courts.

“I would say it’s been pretty active out there to say the least,” said Claire Walters, director of marketing and membership.

Ambassador Snider said more outdoor and indoor courts are needed in the all-weather state of Michigan.

“It’s getting more and more popular,” he said. “More courts are being built. There are more opportunities to play. When I became ambassador, my goal was to do my best to build up pickleball as much as I can. I’ve done a fairly good job.”

Thriving local business with local government: Unbeatable

National chain stores want nothing to do with locations that can only draw customers from 180 degrees of a circle, and that’s exactly what these Downriver cities offer, unless fish get counted as customers.

If cities like Wyandotte, Trenton, Grosse Ile, and others are to flourish at higher levels, they will do so through independent, local businesses, 100 percent.

As I have shared repeatedly, a much higher percentage of the money spent at local and independent businesses stays in that local community or region, compared to national chains.

And virtually all of the money leaves the region with online spending decisions. So local and small has the only real shot of greater success in cities with geographies like this sliver along the river, and therefore, cities are inordinately dependent on these micro engines.

Small also has the advantage of no internal red tape or hierarchy to cope with. Good ideas get implemented quickly, and change quickly as needed, because the owners are right here on the spot. Small has the advantage of passion and obsession, coupled with uniqueness and force of personality.

These advantages are not enough, make no mistake. Independent restaurants, clothing stores and other retail formats are held to the same standards as companies with bigger budgets.

National companies have massive budgets behind their buildouts, forcing smaller operators to pony up from much smaller resources in order to compete with them.

Internet competitors continue to take a larger and larger piece of the pie for many types of businesses. Costs like wages, services, shipping, and products offered keep going up.

When you see facebook postings (for instance) from Love Wyandotte and Love Local, you see the voluntary, unpaid effort of two people (my wife Janelle and myself) (especially Janelle, OK) to hype and promote businesses within our purview. I’m talking about pictures or even

slideshows, along with upbeat and supportive commentary, posted on more than one social media platform.

We don’t have to publicly post about a nice meal or a nice experience, but we love to do it, and we know it makes a huge difference in a world in which far too many people love to share anything negative they can.

Taking a few moments to not only be nice, but to publicly say nice things about the businesses we patronize is more than just a kindness, though. It is taking responsibility as a member of our community to help businesses succeed where we live.

We are not the only ones doing this, and the more I see it, the happier I am; the more positive I feel about everything. What this amounts to is marketing for the local and independent businesses we value, admire and care about, by enthusiastic, personal, unpaid marketers that do it to help those businesses, which also helps to keep those businesses around so we get to continue to enjoy, and benefit from their portion of the economic engine that benefits us all, collectively.

All of us that do so have fun doing it. It feels very good.

While every city has a different combination of issues and conditions, the operating systems behind the scenes are universal and undeniable. There is no way around the real heart of the matter, which is irrefutable: Humming bee hives of local and independent businesses have to feature local governments that truly love local.

Government at the small city level is far more important than any other level.

So, how do local governments play their vital part in creating stronger towns? It happens in two ways, in my view.

First, it’s the observable participation in the local and independent commerce of the city by elected officials and employees of the city because they feel it, believe in it, and love it. There has to be a belief that they are highly visible

cheerleaders before the public, and examples for the cause that makes their city more of a compelling place to buy a home in, attract visitors and customers, and to enjoy as hubs of commerce.

Without exception, thriving, humming cities have the benefit of that engagement and support. It’s the active support of patronage, doing any part at all to make personal spending decisions that benefit the city, regardless of publicity or lack thereof.

But it’s the joining of that volunteer army of marketers I referred to above that really catapults independent businesses to new heights. It’s not just directly supporting the businesses, but bragging about it. Telling the world about it, and sharing those good experiences, knowing full well that the more that happens, the more people will come check out those businesses and do business there. It’s a disarmingly simple concept.

That’s true for everyone, of course. All of us should be so much more positive and encouraging and supportive of business endeavors that make a city bustle with activity.

The second way, simply put, is ensuring that policies, rules, and regulations reflect that love, support and insistence on nurturing.

It is telegraphed in many ways, but essentially, it just means having as few obstacles to the success of the business community as possible, calling for fewer and less costly fees and conditions.

Those in leadership need to understand that in nearly all circumstances, national chain stores are to be so severely restricted as to essentially render them illegal. The most successful examples of Love Local cities do as little as possible to hinder the doing of local, independent, and unique business, while still maintaining safety, law and order.

Standards should never be wielded as demands are not beyond appeal.

Enforcement should always be friendly and appreciative.

At the same time, policies should be trumpeted that make clear that

buying from local sources is not just a nice thought, but a mandate. That is, until such time as it can be proven unavailable, or that the price paid would be unacceptably beyond a reasonable alternative, including online options.

Imagine then if the city made it a priority to regularly remind its citizens that the city views those policies as standards that the citizens themselves would do well to emulate. That’s what I mean by love.

Local and independent business is not easy.

It exists and succeeds because owners insist, and refuse to be denied. The more that all of us, citizens, and governments, can do to push those businesses upward, the better for everyone that lives in these communities.

When it all works together, successful cities are electric and eclectic beehives of commerce that tilt playing fields towards local and independent because it is astoundingly better. It is the real thing that cannot be substituted.

When there is real synergy in a city, wherein citizens, businesses and government are all on the same page; when all recognize that without the urgent collaboration of all three, success is far more probable. Where such synergy exists, nobody wants to go elsewhere.

Achieving that goal is tricky and calls for cooperative spirits from all that play a role. The shared end result is where the focus has to be, and there can never be a time when there are no weak links. To that end, forums should be regular and routine, in which cities seek feedback, both good and bad, on the state of doing business in such cities.

My own private Idaho is unabashedly utopian. It is, perhaps, unreasonably Pollyanna-ish. Wishing for anything less seems defeatist, though. The things that could be better have to be named and fixed, one by one. Obsessively, compulsively… perpetually. Vive le Independence!

PETER ROSE

While every city has a different combination of issues and conditions, the operating systems behind the scenes are universal and undeniable.

At the fair

The annual Wyandotte Street Art Fair is one of the highlights of the summer Downriver and the 2023 version did not disappoint. Thousands thronged to Biddle Ave. July 12-15 to enjoy a wide selection of food and drink, view amazing crafts and art and listen to live music. This year’s event – the 62nd annual Art Fair – was hampered a bit by rain on the final day, but outside of that setback by Mother Nature, it was another successful summertime spectacle.

Photos by Emily Caruso

More Percentage Yield

By Chris O’Shea

What to know about APY

The term “Annual Percentage Yield”

(APY) plays an important part in your finances. APY refers to the percentage of interest, you earn on your bank or credit union accounts. Let’s take a look at what you should know about APY.

What is APY?

APY uses compound interest to calculate the return on your interest-earning accounts. Depending on the account, the interest could compound daily, monthly, or annually. Compound interest is the interest added to your principal balance. Let’s say you earn $7 on your $20,000 balance this month. Next month you’ll

earn interest on $20,007.

APY vs APR

The terms APY and APR seem similar, but they are different. You can think of it this way: APY refers to the interest you earn, and APR — annual percentage rate — refers to the interest you pay.

APY Variables

Depending on what type of savings account you have, APY can vary. If you

have a regular savings account, the APY will fluctuate based on the market. If you have a CD, the rate will stay the same as when you purchased it.

Why APY Matters to You

APY matters because the more money you have saved, the more money you can earn. Compound interest might seem small, but it adds up over time. So when shopping for a savings account, be sure to find the best APY available. Check your local credit union as they typically offer better APYs for their accounts than big banks.

*Used by permission from Savvy Money in partnership with Downriver Community Federal Credit Union.

College is not for everyone

BASF Tech Academy shows high school seniors, recent graduates career options

DAVE GORGON

Twenty-one Downriver high school students and recent graduates know some of their career options after completing a weeklong BASF TECH Academy this summer.

The program was designed to inform students about the high demand in good-paying technical jobs for individuals who don’t have a four-year college degree.

From June 19-23, the young men and women participated in discussions, interactive/hands-on activities and tours at BASF in Wyandotte, Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD) in Taylor, Gorno Ford in Woodhaven, Fritz Products in River Rouge and the City of Wyandotte Fire Department.

The academy was funded by BASF and was provided free to students.

“College isn’t for everybody,” said Marika Diamond, who designed the program as head of public relations at BASF in Michigan. “This program is so fulfilling. To give these kids various opportunities, BASF is making a difference in the community.”

Days one and five of the academy were held at the BASF Wyandotte site. Students were introduced to innovation and technology that BASF uses to create a sustainable future. They explored promising manufacturing and lab tech careers that the chemical industry has to offer and the high-wage, high-demand jobs available at BASF.

Students learned about the unique opportunity to gain on-the-job training and earn industry-recognized credentials while receiving a fulltime wage through the BASF North American Apprenticeship Development Program. Students participated in manufacturing and lab tours, lab experiments, demonstrations and interactive simulations, including Z Lock, Lockout/Tagout, electric circuits and welding.

Day two provided students with an introduction to robotics and the certifications and programs associated with the field. Fritz Products opened its doors to students for a behind-thescenes tour of its scrap metal processing facility where they saw how metals are processed and experienced robotics in action, discussing functionality,

Us On

purpose, safety and troubleshooting mechanisms.

On day three of the academy, students spent the morning at WCCCD’s Michigan Institute for Public Safety Education learning about emergency training and response and the requirements for various careers in fire services.

Then the students headed to the Wyandotte Fire Department where Mayor Robert DeSana welcomed the participants, who participated in handson simulation training in fire equipment management, search and rescue and medical and on-scene evaluation.

BASF TECH Academy day four was hands-on for the students. In the morning at WCCCD’s Automotive Lab, students focused on auto maintenance and repair procedures, working on engines, vehicle alignments, changing brakes, rotors and tires and much more.

In the afternoon, they visited Gorno Ford in Woodhaven. The Gorno team provided an overview of technical careers within automotive dealerships as students toured the showroom, service and body shop.

The 21 students who graduated from the inaugural program were Caden Bacon, Joshua Burks, Bret Meggison and Aiden Rice of Wyandotte; Cruz Garza and Adam Hancock of Southgate; Johnny Medvice of Trenton; Jailyn Saunders of Riverview; Brandon Stachak and Isaac Trombetta of Grosse Ile; Darius Ausberry, Jack Brinker, Kevin Lenard and Javon Toma of Gibraltar; Dean Birchfield of Taylor; Miles Brooks of Allen Park; Whitney Cotter, Kaeli Kopytko and Adrian Radeback of Flat Rock; Fatima Dino of Lincoln Park; and Ronell Huston of Wayne.

Among the variety of summertime

programs offered, TECH Academy is unique to BASF. The program is part of the company’s workforce development efforts and underlines BASF’s commitment to a sustainable future –to create chemistry in the region that brings people to work together toward a successful future.

The program was a year in the making. Diamond pitched the concept as a pilot program to BASF local leaders who encouraged her to make it a reality. Through numerous discussions with BASF leadership, WCCCD administrators and input from community leaders, this year’s focus was narrowed to include manufacturing, robotics, automotive, lab operations and first responders.

“It takes a village,” Diamond said. “I worked with awesome colleagues at BASF and WCCCD and engaged the Wyandotte Fire Department and Gorno Ford and Fritz Enterprises to help with creating a hands-on, interactive and meaningful experience around these topics and volunteer their time during the week.”

The program was marketed to high schools in the region through the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber, through business networks, on social media and in various publications.

“We were so pleased with the response: 130 applicants,” Diamond said. “Given that it was a pilot, we were targeting a small scale – 21 being an optimal size.”

Diamond said the pilot was an opportunity to find out what worked and what could be done differently to make the program even better. Based on active student engagement throughout the week and positive stakeholder feedback, “the program was a success,”

she added.

Wyandotte Mayor DeSana thanked BASF and the city’s firefighters for “organizing such a wonderful experience for these kids to witness, including what goes on in a firefighters’ life, safety hazards and life-threatening situations, saving lives and property.”

Firefighter Thomas Cunningham agreed the program was “great.”

“I wish I could have done something like this when I was in high school,” the three-year firefighting veteran said.

Cunningham, 25, said he followed in the footsteps of his father and uncle, who were both firefighters, attended the fire program at WCCCD and went to Schoolcraft College for paramedic training. He started Rockwood’s volunteer Fire Department, which hired him out of high school. After completing paramedic training, he was hired in Wyandotte.

“It’s the best job in the world,” Cunningham said. “It’s always what I wanted to do. I lucked out by going with my childhood dream job.”

Jailyn Saunders, who will enter her senior year at Riverview Community High School, said she had “no idea at all” about skilled trade jobs that were available before entering the academy. As head waitress at Arnaldo’s in Riverview, she said she had no plans to attend college.

“I’m in more of a blue-collar family,” she said. “I like trucks – I’m looking at being a diesel mechanic. I definitely want to look into EMT and paramedic courses. I want to help people.”

Planning is already under way for the 2024 session of BASF TECH, scheduled for June 17-24. The application window will open in February. To receive notification, send an email to marika.diamond@basf.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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Happy Birthday, America!

For 86 years the city of Wyandotte has celebrated our nation’s birthday the same way, with an old fashioned Independence Day Parade right down the middle of Biddle Avenue. Thousands lined the streets as bands, clowns and veterans groups paraded past. The Shriners were there, of course, and there was lots of candy passed out to the grateful children. Wyandotte is proud to recognize and honor our veterans and servicemen and servicewomen and provide a quality family event to Downriver citizens. Since this is the largest Fourth of July Parade in the area, it is viewed by thousands of citizens over Wyandotte’s cable network and along the main street. For nearly one hundred years people have gathered in Wyandotte to celebrate the founding of the United States of America and the tradition is still going strong.

Photos by Larry Caruso

SWCRC Taste Of Downriver presented by PNC Bank

Hinrichs, CEO/President SWCRC

The SWCRC is proud to host Downriver’s annual premier tasting event, this year taking place in downtown Allen Park on Tuesday, August 15! Sample signature items from the best eateries of Southern Wayne County while enjoying a relaxing summer night with your closest friends and colleagues! Come as a group or enjoy a night out with your sweetie. Walk from eatery to eatery enjoying the best of our Downriver region.

The event runs from 6 to 9 p.m., attendees will purchase a wristband as their “ticket” and with a menu showing each participating restaurant and what they are serving. You will have the opportunity to sample signature entrées from each participating eatery! Wristbands can be purchased at the event or in advance at www.SWCRC.com/Taste2023.

Yum! Come and eat, drink and be merry! You will love this! We extend a colossal thank you to our sponsors listed below.

NEWS FROM OUR NEIGHBORS

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Pickleball explodes Downriver

Popular game is growing across the county, state, area

Let us know at

Have an Event or Fundraiser?

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Totally street legal

Simsonian 5K celebrates its great tradition

... To date, more than $51,000 have been awarded throughout race history. All proceeds from the race go to the Steve Sims Leadership Scholarship.

The 21st annual Simsonian 5K Kick-Off Classic

...The game is considered easy to play, low impact and appeals to a wide range of people, from children to senior citizens. It’s a game resembling tennis in which players use paddles to hit a perforated plastic ball over a net and can be played outdoors or indoors. A typical game is doubles with two players on each side of the court.

The sport has become so popular that Island Athletics on Grosse Ile has expanded pickleball court time to meet the demands of members. Same with the YMCA in Southgate. And at the ceremonial groundbreaking of The Bank Tower in Southgate, the builder announced that pickleball courts would be part of the apartment’s outdoor recreational facilities.

Many Downriver players can’t get enough pickleball.

Grosse Ile resident Lisa Blanzy-Glines, who has been playing for three years, now competes about five times a week: outdoors in Riverview, Wyandotte and Woodhaven, indoors at Island Athletics and sometimes in Ann Arbor for lessons and drills.

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AT A GLANCE REGARDING PROPOSAL 1

Voting YES Means: NO.

It’s up to you... Riverview! A ballot proposal regarding marijuana is on the Aug. 8, 2023, primary ballot.

will again offer both an in-person and virtual race option for all to enjoy.

The Grosse Ile traditional in-person race will be held Saturday August 19, 2023, at Grosse Ile High School 7800 Grays Drive. All participants can register before August 19 on runsignup.com. You can also sign-up on race day at the Grosse Ile High School track.

The One Mile (1) Fun Run/Walk begins at 8:30 a.m. with the 5K race starting at 9 a.m.

The course is a fast, flat course with views of the Detroit River and natural areas, with a finish on the Grosse Ile High School track. Runners receive a coveted T-shirt, DJ’d after race party, refreshments, and great raffle prizes (must be present to win).

For those who cannot join us in-person, the Friends of Sims are offering the wildly popular alternative Virtual Race experience, with the window of competition from Aug. 1 to Aug. 18, 2023. You can use your GPS to map your 5K and run, walk, or crawl your own race, at your own place, at your own pace. If you are not able to participate in the live or virtual events, supporters can donate and help advance this most worthy cause...

On page 7

Lisa Wayne, CEO of the Downriver Community Conference, plays locally and enters tournaments throughout the region, in Michigan and other states.

“You can go anywhere and play,” the Riverview resident said. “You take your paddle. You dress for it. You can play pickup games with other people. That’s the great thing about it: You meet so many people. It’s good exercise and it’s fun.”

On page 31

You DO NOT want pot

dispensaries

Voting NO Means: YES. You DO want pot dispensaries

Cut and Save for Reference

The ballot proposal is a petition initiated by citizens seeking to initiate legislation pursuant to Section 6 of the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act (MRTMA). The ballot proposal seeks to reinstate the city’s prohibition on marijuana and disallow the sale of marihuana in the city.

On page 1

Gearing up for some big summertime fun Riverview-style

... We have concerts planned for every Wednesday in July and August. That’s nine awesome weeks of entertainment at Young Patriot’s Park from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. And leading the way just happens to be my favorite local band, Shakedown. There will be a food truck at each event for those who want a quick bite to eat during the show.

Returning again this year to the Riverview Highlands Golf Practice Facility is our popular “Concert on the Course.” Gates open for this free event at 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 16.

There are “no coolers allowed” as there will be

alcohol available for sale. We will have the Poke Ur Way food truck on site to provide an affordable dinner. A Serendipity Cakery and Ice Cream treats for dessert will be available for purchase.

This “Pine Knob” style concert will have an opening act by Acoustic Guitar Live, Mr. Steve Washburn. The performers for the main event are “Bonnie and the Working Girls” who specialize in 50’s and 60’s classic rock. This five member band will be providing the concert goers with two great hours of entertainment.

Please bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. Later this month we will be hosting our annual fishing derby on the Reflection Pond located at Young Patriot’s Park. This event normally took place during Summerfest, but this year it has become its own event.

We have a very generous sponsor in the Downriver Bass Association. There will be bass boats for the children of all ages to touch and sit in and enjoy. There will be plenty of prizes to be awarded for three different age groups, ranging from seven years to 16.

Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 29. The fishing completion starts at 9 and runs till 10:30 a.m.

On page 5

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Introducing The Bank Tower Downriver’s biggest structure to become an apartment building

The 14-story former Security Bank building at 16333 Trenton Road in Southgate has been the topic of conversation for months since the empty building was purchased by Gordon-Begin Properties. The new owners, along with city and county officials, were on hand on June 21 to make a public announcement on the future of the iconic building.

The structure, rebranded The Bank Tower with a nod to its past history, will become a 215-unit upscale apartment building.

The open house was held on a Wednesday; five days later there was tangible proof that the project was moving forward as asbestos abatement teams descended on the building and began remediation. The Bank Tower is expected to open in mid-2025.

On page 1

Weekly event a hit at Southgate’s Market Center Park

... Markets in the Park started June 20 and will continue through Sept. 12. Dozens of vendors are set up in a farmers market setting from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Concerts are held from 6 to 8 p.m.

Organizers in the Southgate Downtown Development Authority, the vendors and local shoppers and concert goers said they are enjoying the results.

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Sports card dealer helps collectors fill baseball and football sets

When Tom Appleby was 10 years old, he remembers opening up a pack of baseball cards and finding his Detroit Tigers hero Al Kaline. He was so excited that he ran out the front door of the Wyandotte party store that sold him the pack card and into the street where he was struck by a passing police car.

Each Tuesday, there is a different band and a different theme.

Coming up in July are the Cody Boggs Band and a country western theme on July 11, the Toppermost Beatles tribute band and retro day on July 18 and the band Weekend Comeback and the Christmas in July theme on July 25.

There are five Tuesdays in August, featuring Beats with Ben and a Hawaiian luau theme on August 1, Acoustic Beer League and movie night on August 8, the Kielbasa Kings performing on Polish night on August 15, the Boogie Woogie Kid performing on kids day on August 22 and Ain’t Dead Yet performing on Ladies night, August 29.

The summer concert season concludes with Downriver Dan and a focus on local business on September 5 and the Southgate Anderson High School band performs on Titan pride night, September 12.

Kaylee Mondrella, director of the Downtown Development Authority, said changing the theme every week “gives the community a good reason to check us out each week.”

“Come for the market, shop around, stay for the concert and get dinner in between,” Mondrella said.

“It’s a nice Tuesday out.”

On page 5

Young Tom suffered a slight concussion that day, but the memory of finding a Kaline baseball card stayed with him. Decades later, while selling baseball cards at a sports memorabilia show in Taylor, Appleby told the story to his childhood hero, who was signing autographs nearby.

“Kaline told me, ‘you can’t blame me for that,’” Appleby recalled as the two laughed.

Eventually, that passionate 10-year-old boy became a sports card collector and dealer who more than 60 years later helps find Al Kaline and other cards to help fill gaps in baseball and football card sets of collectors near and far...

On page 1

Trenton hosts annual Pride celebration

...The City of Trenton became the first community in the Downriver area to raise a Pride flag in June of 2021 and was one of the first municipalities in Michigan to enact city-wide rules against discrimination.

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Mayor Rzeppa referenced this accomplishment in his statement, saying in part, “It’s important that we continue to lead on these things like we did as one of the first cities in the state to pass a comprehensive Non-Discrimination Ordinance to prohibit discrimination in employment and housing based on sexual orientation and gender identity. When we take actions like these and proudly show our values as a community, you can never underestimate the impact it can have on even one individual who can feel safe, loved, and accepted for who they are.”...

On page 11

Totally street legal Simsonian 5K celebrates its great tradition

Runners, walkers, and health enthusiasts of all ages will take to the streets in late summer for the 21st Annual Simsonian 5K Kick-Off Classic. The 1 mile fun run/walk, and the 5K race have become, ahem. . . a long running tradition on Grosse Ile.

The Friends and Family of Steve Sims have joined forces with the Grosse Ile Educational Foundation, Inc. to make this the best road racing fundraiser yet. The partnership with the GIEF, which began last year, offers a fun, family-filled event which shares a common bond—advancing the education of Grosse Ile’s outstanding male and female scholar/athletes at Grosse Ile High School.

This year’s scholarships were awarded to 2023 graduates, Tyler Swick and Samantha Justusson.

To date, more than $51,000 have been awarded throughout race history. All proceeds from the race go to the Steve Sims Leadership Scholarship.

The 21st annual Simsonian 5K Kick-Off Classic will again offer both an in-person and virtual race option for all to enjoy.

The Grosse Ile traditional in-person race will be held Saturday August 19, 2023, at Grosse Ile High School 7800 Grays Drive. All participants can register before August 19 on runsignup.com. You can also sign-up on race day at the Grosse Ile High School track.

The One Mile (1) Fun Run/Walk begins at 8:30 a.m. with the 5K race starting at 9 a.m.

The course is a fast, flat course with views of the Detroit River and natural areas, with a finish on the

Grosse Ile High School track. Runners receive a coveted T-shirt, DJ’d after race party, refreshments, and great raffle prizes (must be present to win).

For those who cannot join us in-person, the Friends of Sims are offering the wildly popular alternative Virtual Race experience, with the window of competition from Aug. 1 to Aug. 18, 2023. You can use your GPS to map your 5K and run, walk, or crawl your own race, at your own place, at your own pace. If you are not able to participate in the live or virtual events, supporters can donate and help advance this most worthy cause.

The 21th Annual Simsonian is held in memory of beloved teacher and coach, Steve Sims, who died unexpectedly of a dissecting aortic aneurysm in 2003 at age 46.

Steve was the winningest coach in Grosse Ile history in both Girls’ Basketball, and Girls’ Track and Field. But, more so, he was known for his great

sense of humor, his ability to inspire his students and athletes, and his passion for excellence. He was instrumental in developing strong, independent young men and women.

So, your participation and support go to advance the spirit and legacy of Steve Sims in paying it forward to another generation of promising youth--just what the Grosse Ile Educational Foundation, Inc. has done for almost 30 years.

Cost of registration for the Virtual Race is a flat fee of $30 (includes postage and handling) for all ages and categories. After registering, an email will be sent to you with all information you will need to upload your results and photos to see how you rank among the other racers.

Cost for in-person participation for both Fun Run and 5K are:

Children ages 10 and under – $10.

Students 18 and under – $20.

Adults – $25.

Late (after August 13, 2023) or Race Day Registration – 10 and Under $15, Students $25 and Adults $30.

Awards for In Person Race: 5K first male/female overall. Gold, Silver, Bronze each Male/Female age group 12 & under; 13-16; 17-20; 21-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60 & over.

Package pick-up will be at the Grosse Ile High School track on August 19, 2023, beginning at 7:15 a.m.

So, come join as you can to support a great time and an even better cause. ‘Cause, “That’s the Spirit that Made America!”

BILL STEVENSON

ENGLAND FACTORY SUMMER SIZZLE SALE

only on orders placed during the month of July.

We have these sofas & loveseats in stock for immediate free local delivery. All prices are as stocked but all can be ordered in 50 fabrics at the same price. 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.