Wyandotte Warrior, September 26 – October 25, 2023

Downriver Foster Closet betters the lives of foster parents, children

DAVE GORGON

There’s always something going on at the Downriver Foster Closet.

The nonprofit organization that improves the lives of foster children and foster parents recently relocated to Wyandotte after outgrowing the previous headquarters in Southgate.

Owners Charity Bronson and Kim Allen juggle raising their own children – foster, adopted and natural – while maintaining their packed-out facility, reaching out for volunteers and donations, planning and holding special events throughout the year and taking calls for help during all hours of the day and night.

They also maintain a website, Facebook social media page and Downriver Foster Closet newsletter to help spread the word.

And they both have full-time jobs. Allen owns the cleaning company Suds in a Bucket. Bronson is general manager at the Grecian Center.

SEE CLOSET, Page 3

Photo by Dave Gorgon

Photo by Dave Gorgon

CLOSET

Continued from page 1

“We wanted to make a bigger difference, which is why we started the closet,” the women said in a recent newsletter. “We have big dreams on programs we can do that will help in a larger scale for foster kids and foster parents. However, it takes time and money to run a nonprofit. That’s why your support is so important to us…”

Bronson and Allen said they were foster parents who had adopted children in the foster care system when they started communicating on Facebook. They shared their stories, discovered they had much in common, knew the needs of others and started their first Foster Closet in January 2020 to make a difference in the Downriver area and Metro Detroit.

“It started with a Facebook post,” said Bronson, a Wyandotte resident who has four adopted children and was caring for three foster kids. “Kim called me in the middle of the night. We always talked about opening up a closet, which is a place where you just

give out free clothes. She called me and said, ‘let’s do it.’”

Allen, who lives in Brownstown Township, has fostered 47 children to go with her two biological daughters, a granddaughter and two grandsons. She had adopted two boys and was in the process of adopting three more. She said they talked “every night” about issues facing foster parents and children.

Allen said she loves being a foster parent and providing a home for a child, some of whom have been victims of neglect or find it impossible to find a permanent home.

“We wanted to help them,” she said. “We were hearing stories and we said we’ve got to do something.”

They began collecting donated items at the Safe Storage on West Road in Trenton while setting a goal to one day get a permanent location in a building. They outgrew the storage facility and moved into an old farmhouse in Southgate while continuing to search for an even larger place, renting three storage pods in the meantime. They now have a permanent location at 1753 Ford Avenue in Wyandotte.

“The location is perfect,” Bronson said. “The layout of the building is great. It’s all on one floor. We thought it was enough space.”

It didn’t take long for the aisles of the new Storage Closet to get filled up. They have lots of shelves and storage bins filled with clothing, shoes, diapers, hygiene products and other goods. Carpet was donated to cover the cement floors.

Their needs vary from time to time. In July, they were looking for duffle bags, diapers, shorts and pants for newborns on up, underwear, sandals and flip flops. Back-to-school basics were hot items in August and September. Each child receives a bicycle and a helmet. Other items range from car seats to baby formula

The duo and their volunteers hold seasonal events. Children are given presents on their birthday. They are invited to carve pumpkins and pick out Halloween costumes in October, pick out a winter coat heading into winter, attend a Christmas party and meet the Easter Bunny in the spring.

The friends and business partners admit they had never run a nonprofit organization and had to figure it out as

they went.

“We never expected it to get this big,” Bronson said. “We thought we might get enough to fill a couple of small closets.”

“My dream was a little boutique,” Allen added.

Foster parents and children visit from all over the place.

“The shop for the items they need,” Bronson said. “Everything is totally free for them. And they get to keep it. We request that they not bring it back.” Testimonials have ranged from calling the women “amazing” or “nuts.” Some ask, “how do you do it?”

How can people help?

By making a donation, hosting a fundraising event or volunteering, the women said. Information on how to help is on the website downriverfostercloset.org. Updates can be found on the Downriver Foster Closet Facebook page.

And, of course, consider becoming a foster parent. Bronson and Allen said the need for foster parents is “desperate.” The women will guide you in the right direction.

Photo by Dave Gorgon

Plenty of happy hunters

Annual Waterfowler’s Festival is again a big hit

The 75th annual Waterfowlers Festival and Duck Hunter’s Tournament was hosted by the Pointe Mouillee State Game Area on Sept. 16-17. As usual, the event drew thousands to the site for two days of everything waterfowl related. There were competitions for adults, kids and dogs, there was food and drink and plenty of products and crafts aimed at the outdoorsman or woman. This familyfriendly event has been held every year since 1947 and is one of the oldest events of its kind in Michigan. Pointe Mouillee State Game Area – the largest freshwater marsh restoration project in North America located in the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge – is the perfect place for the event.

Photos by Emily Caruso

Experience the City at 100 Mph, 1000 Ft In The Air!

Take The Ride of Your Life:

Max Flight offers a variety of tours that show off different parts of the city and range from 10 minutes to over an hour. From downtown Detroit to Grosse Ile, downriver and even to Ann Arbor, there is much to explore! Sunrise to sunset, 7 days a week, 365 days a year—Max Flight is ready to take you for a joy ride!

From Downtown…

Soar over the City of Detroit to experience its rich history, beauty, and skyline in a new light. With so much to explore downtown, the only way to see it all is up and away. Our pilots and tour guides will share deep knowledge of iconic buildings and landmarks and take you to see highlights of the city including Ford Field, Comerica Park, Belle Isle, the Renaissance Center, Grand Central Station, the Ambassador Bridge and more!

To The Burbs…

Breeze through beautiful suburbs around Metro Detroit. Depart from Grosse Ile Airport in a state-of-the-art Robinson R-44 helicopter and develop a curated flight path to view areas like Novi, Birmingham, Southfield, and tour the Grosse Pointe mansions.

To The Big House…

Are you a Michigan fan or just love the quaint beauty of Ann Arbor? Take a tour to see the University of Michigan campus with incredible views of The Big House, main street, and Lake Erie. Perfect for U of M fans and alumni!

Estate Planning 101

Which plan do you need?

Time to clear up the confusion about Estate Planning ... The following definitions lack legal precision, but makes it easier to get a clear picture of what may be needed in your case.

■ Will – letter of intent of where you want your personal property to go – or not go.

■ Living Will – Documents your wishes during your final days including final healthcare choices and possibly your burial wishes.

■ Trust – This is a “company” that you start, and you become the CEO, “Trustee” and “Settlor.” The company outlives you, but continues to manage your assets as if you were alive by the successor CEO – whom you designate.

■ Power of Attorney – Financial and Healthcare – you need both – the first so someone can pay your bills, the second, sometimes called a Patient Advocate, designates someone to make “hallway at the hospital” decisions to take the stress off the family.

■ Ladybird Deed – probably the best thing that has happened to owning a home. I love these deeds – you grant yourself a life estate – in your own property - but retain the power to sell or borrow against the property. If you do not sell before you pass, this “springs” the house out of your estate, and your heirs have instant ownership, subject to any mortgage or taxes owed or similar.

Again, this is just a general description of the more popular terms – no one choice is a “silver bullet” but depending on how your estate gets planned out you can expedite a clean and clear process for the assets you worked a lifetime to save. Why wouldn’t you want to do that? Stop by or call and make an appointment and I’ll tell you what you’re going to need to do this right.

To my numerous former clients – thank you for allowing me to draft your estate plan!

www.ForresterLawO

What role for government in local-first push?

People older than I am need no education about the process one goes through as they age.

For me, the main consideration is that in the USA, the average life expectancy is 77.28 years, so most likely, I’ve got about 11 percent left on the fuel gauge.

I know, I know, “how pessimistic, how morbid, how defeatist.”

But that’s not it, friends.

The concept of “running out of time” is not some abstract, imaginary concept. The last 11 percent of my life has gone by fast and I know what that means about the 11 percent to come.

I have no way of knowing how I’ll fare in this game. I may get dead earlier than the average, or (perhaps less likely) I may not ever die at all. But the averages tell me that if I have stuff I need to do and say, I’d better get to it.

I think that by now, most readers have gotten the gist of why I write.

That I’m told so often by readers that they read every column is wonderful; it informs me that there is resonance.

There are points made that strike folks as flat out true.

Since my very first column (written only for the Grosse Ile Grand), my focus has been congratulating citizens for their understanding that economically for the region, localism provides better results for everyone, especially the residents of the region that rely on things being healthy and bouncy.

I have tried to educate about how important every purchase is, how much every single person matters in the

equation.

Never forget: Three times more money stays in the area, circulating and echoing with ripple-effect spending with purchases made at local and independent businesses, compared to national chains of any kind, and the comparison is far wider for internet purchases.

Three times more stays local, benefiting everyone that lives around here!

In the last couple of columns, I have directed commentary towards the local government’s role and impact on just about everything related to the health of the cities they govern. Considering that my words above are fact, not opinion, it makes a ton of sense that time each local government does everything it can, all the time, to maximize that truth.

Cities like Wyandotte (and Trenton, Grosse Ile, Riverview and much of Southgate) are heavily “local and independent” - oriented. In a world of national sameness and mediocrity, such towns can lay claim to being something very different, and very much better, in that what shoppers and diners do find in such towns is authentic, original, unique, and with meaningful connections to the cities they all serve.

The Indie businesses of our Downriver non-freeway cities are fortunate in being mostly guaranteed to not have the closeat-hand competition of national chains, but that doesn’t mean that those chains or internet sites don’t suck up a significant portion of the revenues that would otherwise flow to those locals.

Independent business is not easy, friends. The difference between survival and failure can be slim indeed. For all any of us know, the appearance of a going business may appear that way

because the owner is not taking a salary, or is taking less than he/she wishes for all their work, perhaps to ensure that his employees are paid well enough.

I can’t tell you how many happy, supportive posts we have done through Love Wyandotte and Love Local that have resulted in an appreciative call or note from the owner.

I hope you know I mention this not to brag but to illustrate that small businesses can always use kind words, and help in spreading their word. It takes seconds to be kind and maybe help. Making people happier is addictive, anyway! And I just don’t have a clue what “making a corporation happy” means.

In my perfect scenario, therefore, small cities that are so dependent on small, independent, and local businesses would enjoy the employ of countless employees and elected officials that were relentless in finding ways to help those businesses thrive, by official policy and by urging all involved to be a part of an excellent solution.

Constant hyping and cheerleading, with positive posts and references.

Finding ways to direct some money towards collective marketing that draws people to the towns they lead and serve.

Buying nothing for city needs in the way of supplies and services that could have been sourced locally.

Bragging about all these things, and exhorting the entire populace to truly accept the responsibility to help.

I remain totally enamored of more than just my own specific business.

I’m fascinated by the aggregation of businesses in a concentrated area, and how those downtowns vary in level of success, vitality, and force of nature. As such, I love to see who does it better than

my town.

Not to criticize, but so as to emulate their path to greater success.

Almost always, I see only the surface level as I visit other towns. I rarely get the chance to talk with the people that played a role in getting their towns to a higher plane, and then keeping them there, continuing to grow. I don’t have that much time, either. I experience what I do in a short time and come away with opinions on all manner of things that comprise the appearance and functioning of those places.

I get great pleasure from finding things that surprise me and energize me, and give me ideas to share and/or wish for. I live in a state of constant wishing for better, in my businesses and my city. Always looking for the weak link to improve.

Local and Independent business is always under the assault of national, stock-market companies that seek to capture as much of the local money as possible. It’s how the national economy works, but it can be pushed back against at the local level.

It took 20 years for Michigan to find the way to demand that Amazon (et al) collect Michigan sales tax, giving a state mandated 6 percent competitive edge to Amazon on purpose, and it’s not just Michigan.

I wish for a more perfect world, but I’ll take a better region and collective of cities that all “get it” and ensure that the policies they oversee are in sync with making damned sure that their local businesses thrive, not just survive, which makes property values rise and more people want to move to the city and spend money there….and so on and so on. It really is just that simple.

PETER ROSE

William:

Always a great place to have a bite. Great food • Late-night dining • Casual • Daily specials • Cozy atmosphere

Meg:

Had the fish dinner, and it was amazing! Best cod I’ve had this Lent season! We will be back even after Lent!! Plus I love the redo on the inside, it looks really good! Hip atmosphere • Casual • Cheap eats • Child-friendly • Large portions • Chic décor

Kristen: Food is on point. I AM VERY IMPRESSED!

Tasting menus • Chic décor • Hip atmosphere

Libby:

It’s very nice inside with the wonderful owners. Healthy options

• Comfort food • Scenic views • Large menu • Farm-to-table

• Great food

Leticia: Warm and friendly atmosphere. The owners and staff are so kind and treat everyone so well. It’s nice and refreshing to see a business treat people like family and not just another dollar in their till! Awesome place!

Michelle:

Just had one of the most perfectly cooked “medium rare” burgers I’ve found since moving back. Will definitely be back for another. No pic as I was licking my fingers. Next time...

Tracey: Wonderful management!!!! If you have a concern he is right on the problem to fix it!!! Great fried shrimp!!! Thank you for coming to our table and talking with us.

Mark: Friendly atmosphere... The food is good and the beer is cold. Stylish interior.

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.

Downriver Bass Association is SE Michigan’s largest

DAVE GORGON

Southeastern Michigan’s largest bass club is based in Riverview.

The Downriver Bass Association meets monthly at the Riverview Veterans Memorial Library. Members participate in special events on land and fish on waterways throughout the region.

The goal is to share fishing tips and techniques while creating camaraderie, friendships and opportunities among members and spreading their joy for a lifelong sport.

Meetings, which are open to the public, are held at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month. There are no meetings in December, although club members often meet socially that month.

“It’s a club about camaraderie and learning to fish,” said program director and board member Rick Fike. “We’re not competitive. There are no trophies, cash prizes or formal recognition of an angler of the year. We share a lot of information with one another before we fish, while we fish and after we fish.”

Fike takes his fishing seriously. He creates a Google data sheet after a day of fishing, charting such information as where members fished, what they caught, the size of the fish and the weather conditions of the day.

Fike said members learn a lot by listening to the success other members have had on a selected waterway. Fishermen with boats are partnered with fishermen without boats.

“If there are 10 boats on a lake and everybody says how they did it, it’s like me going to the lake 10 times,” he said. “It accelerates your learning curve. I feel like I’ve been fishing for 40 years, not 10. It’s pretty cool.”

The Downriver Bass Association has been in existence since the 1970s and currently has about 35 members, Fike said. Current club President Jeff Dobek is Riverview’s city manager. He runs the meetings at the library.

“We talk about the water and conservation and what’s new in the world of bass fishing,” Dobek said. “We talk about the upcoming lakes we’ll be fishing on, water temperatures, patterns, depths… It’s a science.”

Eric Kennedy is event director and treasurer. He collects the dues, which are $36 a year. Members receive a

Us On

:

monthly newsletter published by Fike, who serves as secretary.

Fike also schedules special guest speakers at the meetings from September through April. Speakers have included Kim Stricker from the streamed TV program “Hook and Look,” Lake St. Clair fishing guide Gerry Gostenik, touring professional fisherman Marcel Veenstra and Captain Wayne Carpenter.

This month’s speaker will be local tournament fisherman Dave Hasty. In October, there will be a discussion on how to winterize boats. In November, Bob Burns from the Friends of the Detroit River will speak.

Bass Club members participate in a variety of fishing events such as the recent Riverview Fishing Derby on Reflection Pond and the upcoming Sept. 23 fishing event during Riverview’s 100th anniversary celebration. Club members will work with autistic children and their families through Mimi’s Mission.

Dobek said participating in fishing events is a chance for club members to “give back” and get young people interested in fishing.

“We hope that by teaching them how to fish, the next generation will carry on,” he said. “It’s time away from the computer and gaming and off the

couch and a chance to get out and enjoy nature.”

Club members work with the Riverview Library to help maintain fishing equipment that can be borrowed by children and adults. Library Director Azita Frattarelli said the “very popular” program allows library card holders to check out fishing poles and tackle boxes containing lures, extra hooks, bobbers and pliers. The club also donates equipment to the library and as prizes for the Fishing Derby.

Dobek, who called bass “a great sport fish,” said he joined the club in January 1988 after meeting representatives at an event at the Southland Shopping Center in Taylor.

“I love fishing,” he said. “My mom said I got my fishing bug from my grandfather. When I joined the club, I didn’t have a boat, just the basic gear. I didn’t know the difference between a clothesline and a fishing line. The guys took me under their wings and showed me how to do it. It was great. I learned about different rods and lures.”

Dobek said he “trial tested” the equipment to improve his chances of catching fish. He bought his first boat in the early 1990s and his interest in fishing has only grown from there. He said the club is “100-percent catch and release.”

“People who have an interest in fishing but don’t have a lot of experience can get in other people’s boats and learn all about rods, reels, lines and lures and under what conditions. You get to go out with people with multiple years of experience. They know the water. A lot of times, guys let them use their equipment. It’s a great learning experience.”

Riverview Mayor Andrew Swift raved about the Bass Association and all that the members contribute to the community and each other.

“The Downriver Bass Association’s partnership with the City of Riverview is the perfect example of a win-win situation,” the Mayor said. “They benefit by getting the word out about their club and our community benefits by learning about an awesome family activity, fishing.”

Dobek said he always looks forward to his next time on a lake.

“I enjoy being on the water,” he said. “It’s a great getaway. It’s relaxing. I’ve met a lot of good friends from it. We do things socially. It’s a really good club.”

Fike added: “If you hunt or fish, it’s kind of your passion. Whether you bowl or golf, you enjoy doing it with your friends.

“You build friendships that last forever.”

Members of the Downriver Bass Association at the Riverview Fishing Derby. In the front row are Luke Yasuhara (left), David Benson, Jeff Dobek, Bruce Yinger and Rick Fike. In the back row are Paul Grech, Gary Lloyd and Ray Maggard.

Photo by Dave Gorgon

What’s happening Wyandotte ...

GOLF OUTING

The Wyandotte Boat Club’s annual golf outing will be Oct. 14 at The Riverview Highlands Golf Course.

The event features 18 holes of golf, lunch at the turn and dinner at The Sportsman’s Den.

Individual or foursomes are welcome. The cost is $100 per person. Check-in is 8 a.m. with a shotgun start at 9 a.m.

For more information, email Adam Wlodkowski: golf@ wyandotteboatclub.com

CRAFT SHOW

Community of Christ Church, 14601 Pennsylvania Road, will host a Holiday Extravaganza Craft Show on Nov. 18 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

The event will feature a craft show, rummage sale, bake sale and lunch cafe.

Admission is free.

To find out more information or to inquire about availability of tables, please contact Mandy Laughner at

734-301-6365 or Mandylmike@yahoo. com.

DOWNRIVER BAND

The Downriver Community Band will host its annual Big Band Dinner Dance Oct. 21 at PRCU Hall in Wyandotte. This event has always proven to be one of the group’s most popular events.

The event features a live big band playing all your favorite dancing hits by the greatest artists of all times.

The dance floor will be open to enjoy with your favorite partnerexpress yourself, reminisce. Don’t feel like dancing? That’s Ok too.

Dinner is included in the price, provided by owners of Bierkeller, Taylor, MI. Cash Bar will be available.

The price is $40 per guest and $20 for those under 12.

Visit www. downrivercommunityband.org.

DONATION STATION

The popular Christ The King Donation Station, 16700 Pennsylvania Road, Southgate, will reopen on Thursday, Sept. 28, from noon to 2 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 30, from 10 a.m. to noon.

AMERICAN FLAG DISPOSAL

Heart to Heart Hospice of Southgate

is a local site for American Flag disposal. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, Heart to Heart will allow the general public to bring their tired and worn American flags to our Southgate office. The office is located at 1 Heritage Place, Suite 107, Southgate,in the Real Estate One building. For more information, call 734-282-0209.

Let us

Spooky happenings

Downriver woman promotes Trenton Exchange Club Halloween

DAVE GORGON

With Halloween just around the corner, the annual Trenton Exchange Club 5K has a Halloween theme this year.

Runners and walkers can wear costumes as they compete in the Blue (Boo) Ribbon Run, which gets under way the morning of Sunday, Oct. 8, at the Woodhaven Community Park, 23101 Hall Road.

The Spooktacular One Mile Trot for Treats starts at 9 a.m. The Ghostly 5K Run and Walk follows at 9:30. Running up the tall sledding hill – aka The Casper the Friendly Hill portion of the race—is optional. Bib holders will receive treats.

Registration is ongoing at the website runsignup.com/Race/ MI/Woodhaven/BlueRibbonRun.

Admission is $35 for the Ghostly 5K. It’s $20 for the one-mile trot for treats up to Oct. 7. Donations to the Exchange Club of Trenton also are accepted for the prevention of child abuse and neglect.

Race director Deborah Eskridge

of Southgate stressed that costumes are optional, not mandatory. She said the 5K is being held early enough in the month that it won’t interfere with the annual trunk or treat event at Woodhaven High School. She said the event is a “friendly” race in which dogs on leashes and strollers are welcome.

Eskridge, a mental health and substance abuse counselor, is both a runner and volunteer. While volunteering at a substance abuse and prevention camp in Southgate, Eskridge was asked to become race director by Trenton Exchange Club member Marge Sharlow. Since Eskridge believes in the cause, she accepted Sharlow’s invitation.

Seven years later, the race is a Downriver fixture.

The Exchange Club of Trenton is a service organization that has been active in the Downriver area since 1927. The club is dedicated to helping the community be a better place to live.

The prevention of child abuse has been the national project of the Exchange Club since 1979. The Trenton club provides a variety of

public materials to inform and increase awareness. The club supports the Kid’s Talk program of forensic interviewing and legal assistance.

Club members contribute time and resources to the Western Wayne County First Step Domestic Abuse Shelter and the group’s activities.

The club’s latest “claim to fame” was sponsoring a successful two-day workshop for police and school personnel that identifies and intercepts school violence through cyber investigation. Sharlow, who is club secretary, said the workshop led to instant success as a Flat Rock school resource officer apprehended a suspected drug dealer within 24 hours of the class.

Other funds go to community service and special events. The club targets homeless Michigan veterans through the Eleven/Eleven at Seven program and provides American flags to children in elementary schools to wave in parades. Club members have sponsored Trenton Boy Scout Troop 1721 since its founding in 1927 and sponsors an annual fire prevention

poster contest for fourth- and fifthgraders that awards prizes of $100 and $50.

The Exchange Club provides a yearly scholarship called the A.C.E. Award to a graduating senior at Trenton High School. A.C.E. stands for Accepting the Challenges of Excellence and goes to a student who has shown dramatic resiliency during his or her high school years. The student may be overlooked for his or her accomplishments.

Sharlow, who is a retired schoolteacher, said this past year Trenton graduate Ella Masserant won the Trenton Exchange Club scholarship of $500, plus the Michigan Exchange Club scholarship of $1,500. Masserant is attending Saginaw Valley State College.

This year, the Trenton club will provide scholarships to graduating seniors at both Trenton and Woodhaven high schools.

Sharlow said the proceeds from the race go to great causes and “the race is a lot of fun.”

Race Director Deborah Eskridge and her dog Katie at a recent event in Taylor.

Trenton High School grad Ella Massarant, who earned Exchange Club scholarships before graduating and heading to Saginaw Valley State College

Carlson’s huge first quarter spells doom for Bears

It’s not likely you’re going to see this too many times.

The Carlson football team came out against Roosevelt on Sept. 15 and hit the Bears with a 41-points first quarter. Fortyone points! In 15 minutes.

Carlson had six first-quarter possessions, including three in a row before the Roosevelt offense even took the field. All six of those possessions led to touchdowns and when the first quarter finally ended, the score read Carlson 41, Roosevelt 0.

The Marauders used that start as a springboard to a dominant 55-7 victory. It was the second time in two weeks that the Calson offense had eclipsed 50 points. The Marauders beat Taylor 57-12 On Sept. 8.

Carlson scored on its opening drive against Wyandotte, recovered a pooch kick and scored again and then recovered another pooch kick and scored again. That sequence gave the Marauders a huge lead before Roosevelt even ran an offensive play.

After a three-and-out by the Bears, a blocked punt gave the Marauders excellent field position again and they cashed it in. A pass interception and another recovered pooch kickoff led to the other Carlson points in the quarter. The Marauders len scoffed twice in the second quarter to expand their lead to 55-0.

The Marauders rang up 334 total yards in the game against the Bears, including 148 rushing yards from sophomore Izaiah Wright, who scored five of his team’s eight touchdowns. Senior Jack Zachary, junior Landon Vida and sophomore Trent Ison scored the others.

Roosevelt finally got on the scoreboard just before halftime when quarterback Tommy Cappuccilli hit Chase Cline with a 74-yard scoring bomb.

Roosevelt’s late second quarter touchdown capped the scoring in the game and after a combined 62 points in the first 15 minutes of play, the second half was scoreless.

The loss was a letdown for the Bears, who entered the game riding a little two-game winning streak.

After an opening night 40-21 loss to Woodhaven, Roosevelt regrouped and beat Lincoln Park 32-7 and Edsel Ford 35-7.

Roosevelt tried to get back in the win column on Sept. 22 when the Bears (2-2) hosted Trenton (3-1).

The Bears will finish the season at Allen Park, Sept. 29, at South Lyon East Oct. 6, home against Taylor Oct. 13 and at Southgate Anderson Oct. 20.

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Photos by Dave Chapman

NEWS FROM OUR NEIGHBORS

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

~ Robotics Equipment Update, Competition Costs, and Evolution Swerve Wheel Systems for elementary and high school teams.

~ BookBreak School Author Series for both elementary schools

gobigmultimedia.com/grosse-ile-grand

FROM THE TOWNSHIP

Art and roadwork headline Summer accomplishments

... This summer alone we will be resurfacing 10 highly traveled roads...

Already anyone coming to the island will notice a difference in the roads and there is more to come...

[R]esidents and visitors will notice ... our business district on Macomb Street. It is our “Art on the Ile” project.

This is an ongoing project by our Downtown Development Authority to introduce sculptures and murals to the business district.

renovation just two year ago, but more problems have been found. State Rep Jamie Churches (D-Wyandotte) and Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton) where joined at the ceremony by County Commissioner Joe Palamara, U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell and a representative from County Executive Warren Evans’ office.

On page 4

Roaring 20s Bootleggers’ Bash Oct. 7

Grosse Ile Education Foundation plans annual fundraising gala

To date we have six buildings with murals of a muscle car to old ships to a map of the Island. My favorite is the first one you see turning onto Macomb Street which is a theme of Grosse Ile with boats, the bridge and the sun.

We also have 13 sculptures along Macomb Street. Some are glass, others are metal, but all are eyecatching.

So please drive the Island and enjoy the sites on Macomb Street and drive around this beautiful island on our new roads...

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State officials deliver $20 million for bridge refurbish

Grosse Ile Supervisor James Budny (center) accepts a $20 million dollar check to go toward the repair, refurbishing or rebuilding of the Grosse Ile Parkway Bridge. The money is not enough to complete the project, but it is a huge first step. The bridge underwent a long and extensive $9 million

... Since its inception in 1995, the Grosse Ile Educational Foundation has donated over $1.7 million dollars in providing educational opportunities to Grosse Ile families. Within the last two years, the Foundation has awarded more than $200,000 in grants to such outstanding programs as:

~ The Grosse Ile Historical Society’s “Reimagined” Historical Museum —“A Small Town with a Big History”

~ The upcoming December 2023 Boar’s Head Festival

~ Comprehensive Orton-Gillingham Literacy Training and Equipment for all Parke Lane and Meridian Elementary Teachers and Administrators

~ Weight Room equipment at GIHS

~ Scholastic Digital and Print subscriptions for elementary students

~ Biography and Historical Book Club books for all 4th graders

~ 5th grade Band instruments

~ Bookworm Vending Machines and books

~ Foreign Language Differentiation magazines for middle schoolers.

~ Supporting Academic Success and Personal Achievement program at GIMS..

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gobigmultimedia.com/riverview-register

From the Superintendent

Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year Pirate families

... As you have probably heard, the State of Michigan has allocated funds to our schools to provide breakfast and lunch to all our students at no cost to our families.

While this is great news, it is quite an undertaking, therefore a special thank you to our food service

team as they prepare to make this new program a success and benefit to our students.

Finally, much credit is given to all the other groups from administrators, secretaries, teachers, bus drivers, and support staff who have spent the

last several weeks making sure all the logistics of educating nearly 3,000 students are ready to go when the school year officially starts.

One of our biggest points of “Pirate Pride” is our collective responsibility to help all our students achieve and learn at high levels. From all the groups mentioned above, to our deeply talented teaching staff, we know that OUR students are going to get the best educational experience around...

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What’s happening Riverview ... A Matter of Balance

Sponsored by the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan. Wednesdays, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sessions 1-8: Sept. 20 to Nov. 15, Westfield Activities Center, 2700 Westfield Rd., Trenton. If you have not exercised in a while, talk to your doctor first about increasing your physical activity. Pre-registration is required. To register or for more information on MOB, visit www.nkfm.org/matterofbalance, email mobprogram@nkfm.org, or call 734-675-7300.

Reopening Of Christ The King Donation Station: At 16700 Pennsylvania Road,Southgate. Open on Thursday, Sept. 28, noon to 2 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 30, from 10 a.m. to noon.

Crafters Welcome

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

Taylor Garden Club

gobigmultimedia.com/southgate-star

Southgate Markets in the Park and Concert Series is a huge success

The return of the Southgate Markets in the Park and Concert Series put smiles on faces throughout the summer at Market Center Park in the Southgate Shopping Center.

the Downriver Chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Unit 127 and auxiliary senior vice president of the Michigan Department of the Purple Heart, came up with the idea for the parking spot. She approached Southgate post Commander Bill King, “who ran with it.”

“I thought it would be an honor for Purple Heart veterans,” said Lewinski, who has been senior vice president of the Southgate Auxiliary for 14 years and served as president before that. “This parking spot is something special for veterans who were wounded. We need to honor them.”..

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Like Us On

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Trenton Parks & Recreation Special Fall Events Program

Operated by the Southgate Downtown Development Authority, the weekly series featured music, vendors and family fun. Each Tuesday had a different theme.

“This year’s summer concert series was a huge success,” said DDA Director Kaylee Mondrella. “We are already looking forward to next year so that we can make each event bigger and better.”

Mondrella said the market was the first since 2019. There were approximately 25 vendors each week. The DDA hosted 11 concerts in the park; a 12th had to be canceled due to flooding from rainfall in the park...

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VFW has special parking space reserved for a Purple Heart recipients

Members of the Southgate Veterans of Foreign Wars Post have a special place in their hearts for recipients of the Purple Heart award. Now they have a special parking space for them, too.

The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those wounded or killed while serving in the U.S. military.

Sharon Lewinski, who is auxiliary president of

A special insert in the latest Trenton Times

Trenton Veterans Memorial Library is a valuable resource

...You can borrow a hotspot, laptop or use our public computers and printers. We have free apps for eBooks, eAudioBooks, music, movies, magazines, TV shows and graphic novels. A safe and friendly place for all! Including open area seating, study tables, silent study room, meeting room for non-profit groups, vibrant children’s area and knowledgeable, friendly staff to help all ages.

Meets the third Thursday of the month September through June. Meetings are held at Taylor Senior Activity Center. Hospitality at 6 p.m., meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. Guests are welcome to attend once for free. Membership fee is $15 per year. You do not have to live in Taylor to join the group. For more information, contact Nancy Smith at 734-2876851 or by email at smithnan88@yahoo.com.

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Please check our Events Calendar https://www. trenton.lib.mi.us/events-1#/events/ for the latest listings of programs for children and adults.

Library hours are Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday/Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Closed on Sunday

Here are some on-going library programs starting the first in September (for youths and adults)...

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