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.