Wyandotte Warrior, April 25 – May 22, 202

In a heartfelt gesture of recognition, Bridging The Gaps Community & Family Development Centers hosted the President’s Service Award Gala. This gala aimed to honor individuals whose unwavering dedication made a profound impact on our community.

The President’s Service Award for Volunteer Service is a distinguished national accolade bestowed upon exceptional individuals in acknowledgment of their sustained commitment to volunteerism. Established to commend and celebrate those who exemplify the spirit of service, this award serves

The best time to talk to a Merrill Advisor? Yesterday.

These markets — they’re a wild ride. But we’ve seen it before. And with a Merrill Advisor, you can do more than just hang on — you can charge forward. Backed by world-class insights. Cutting-edge technology. And a personalized plan to help you thrive. Don’t just ride it out. Ride with the bull. Ride with Merrill.

Wyandotte Group

Wyandotte Group

Leo G. Stevenson, CRPC® Senior Resident Director

Leo G. Stevenson, CRPC® Senior Resident Director

leo_stevenson@ml.com

leo_stevenson@ml.com

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management

2912 Biddle Avenue

2912 Biddle Avenue

Wyandotte, MI 48192

Wyandotte, MI 48192

734.324.3826

734.324.3826

fa.ml.com/wyandottegroup

fa.ml.com/wyandottegroup

What would you like the power to do?

Downriver Community Band awards scholarship to young musician

The Downriver Community Band (DCB) recently extended an invitation to students across the Downriver and Metro Detroit communities to audition for their Spring Concert, titled “To The Summit,” scheduled for April 27, 2024.

Among the talented applicants, Madelyn Updike emerged victorious in the audition process, securing a coveted scholarship to further her music education. Madelyn, a senior at University Liggett School in Grosse Pointe Woods, has exhibited exceptional skill and dedication to her craft. Alongside her parents and two beloved English sheepdogs, Minnie and Max, Madelyn currently resides in Macomb County.

Since the sixth grade, Madelyn has demonstrated her prowess on the string bass, participating in school orchestra classes and lending her talents to the pit orchestra for various school musicals. She also serves as co-principal of the double bass section in the Oakland Youth Orchestra. Not confined to classical music, Madelyn is equally adept at playing the electric bass when the occasion demands.

Beyond her musical endeavors, Madelyn has immersed herself in the robotics program at Liggett for the past seven years, contributing her expertise to the high school team for five of those years. In her leisure time, Madelyn indulges in a diverse array of interests, including reading, baking, cooking, volunteering, video gaming, and pursuits related to engineering and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

With aspirations of pursuing both music and engineering in college, Madelyn harbors dreams of a professional career playing in Broadway pit orchestras, particularly drawn to the vibrant world of showtunes and musicals. To facilitate her ambitions, Madelyn has applied to several esteemed universities, including Michigan, Case Western, Carnegie Mellon, Columbia, Syracuse, and Wayne State, with the intention of pursuing a double major in Engineering and Music.

The DCB expresses its gratitude to Madelyn for rising to the challenge of their concert and commends her exceptional talent and dedication. Through this scholarship, the DCB hopes to support Madelyn as she continues to pursue her passions and endeavors.

YOU’RE INVITED TO REVIEW AND COMMENT ON IDEAS FOR REDEVELOPING FORMER INDUSTRIAL SITES IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Ecorse River Rouge Trenton

Wyandotte and Riverview

Please attend an important Open House Community Meeting to review potential site development concepts for revitalizing former industrial sites in River Rouge, Ecorse, Wyandotte, Riverview, and Trenton, including the Decommissioned DTE Power Plants and other underutilized properties.

Note: There will be two opportunities to attend. Both meetings will have the same information about underutilized industrial sites in all five communities. Everyone is welcome to come anytime and to attend either or both events.

Wednesday, May 8, 2024 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Council Chambers, River Rouge City Hall 10600 W. Jefferson Avenue River Rouge, Mich. 48218

Thursday, May 9, 2024 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Detroit International Wildlife Refuge 5437 W. Jefferson Avenue Trenton, Mich. 48183

For more information, contact: Jazmine Danci, Downriver Community Conference Jazmine.Danci@dccwf.org or 734-362-7038

Local art show on deck

Prepare to immerse yourself in a world of creativity and craftsmanship at the upcoming Fine Art Show & Sale hosted by the Artistic Creators Guild. Featuring an exquisite array of pottery, jewelry, and other artistic masterpieces, this event promises to captivate art enthusiasts and collectors alike. Held at the historic Ford-MacNichol House, this event takes place on May 4th and 5th, 2024, from 11:00AM-4:30PM each day. With free admission, everyone is invited to explore the art and support our local artists. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of fine art and celebrate the talents of our community. For inquiries, please call (734) 324-7284.

GET GREAT NEW GLASSES, SAVE SOME MONEY!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Schmittou said he has over 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.

AWARD

Continued from page 1

as a testament to the invaluable contributions of volunteers across the nation.

Amidst the sea of commendable recipients, Lisa Vilella shines as a beacon of inspiration. As the Founder and Executive Director of Mimi’s Mission, Lisa dedicates her life to fostering inclusivity within our community, particularly for autistic children and adults. Central to the organization’s mission is the provision of unique programs and resources tailored to the needs of autistic individuals and their families. In addition to offering these vital services,

Think Spring SALE

Lisa has played a pivotal role in empowering and training first responders. She has led various initiatives aimed at educating and equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective interaction with individuals on the autism spectrum.

Lisa’s exemplary service and unwavering commitment did not go unnoticed. On Sunday, April 14th, she was honored with the prestigious President’s Lifetime Achievement Award. This esteemed recognition was a testament to Lisa’s profound impact and serves as a testament to her dedication to making our community a better place for all.

This publication does not just happen by sorcery

The Grosse Ile Grand was the first venture of the Go Big enterprise that now includes four other Downriver publications. This is article 82, and that’s how long ago The Grand began. First of all, that’s really hard for me to understand. Time really and truly IS accelerating. 6 years, 10 months ago. Gone, in what feels like a flash. Wheeeee!

Along the way, Chelsea and Willow Tree have been real-life examples of the power of localism, by consistently investing in the family of publications that we helped grow to five papers, each of which serves one of five specific communities that otherwise have no mouthpiece, no publications at all that are all about those communities.

We all know how advertising works, of course, but sometimes it does help to spell it out clearly. The advertisers in any marketing venture are what enable the news to be published. No advertisers, no papers, no news. So having been a part of these stillnew publications, I have to tell you that I’m really glad we have helped. We have been part of the reason Go Big has not just eked by, but has grown and has further growth in its future. My stores can’t ALWAYS advertise here, but when we do, we are indeed acting as [art of the circle that keeps everything going.

Never lose sight of the fact that all five of the Go Big papers are part of a local and independent business that serves our region. They are in the exact same genre of business that I write so consistently about, meaning that the ownership is independent (not part of a big, corporate conglomerate) and locally owned (the owners live in the region they serve).

This nearly guarantees that these businesses are connected and engaged. We don’t live in Nairobi, or, as my mother used to say, East Cupcake. We live here. We spend our incomes HERE. Supporting these businesses, therefore, is more than just getting what we want for any given product or service.

There are a LOT of independent businesses in

In the case of these Go Big publications, one might not even see their base of operation. The work they do is behind the scenes, out of sight. Or, actually: We see these publications after all the work is done, and the papers are delivered. They show up in our mailboxes and at places of business, and not by magic. No, they appear as the last stage of the journey, delivered by mail or hand so that we have publications that serve the cities with their nameplates.

our Downriver communities. They offer all manner of products and services, and when you deal with them, you find the experience so much more rewarding and satisfying than you could ever hope for at a chain store. It is better. Competitive pricing, and infinitely more engaged service. It requires effort to find them sometimes. Sometimes, you drive by a place every day and it never sinks in to inform who they are, what they do. We’re all busy, we all get distracted.

In the case of these Go Big publications, one might not even see their base of operation. The work they do is behind the scenes, out of sight. Or, actually: We see these publications after all the work is done, and the papers are delivered. They show up in our mailboxes and at places of business, and not by magic. No, they appear as the last stage of the journey, delivered by mail or hand so that we have publications that serve the cities with their nameplates.

In my opinion, we all do ourselves a big disservice by not thinking the process through.

Years ago, I was President of the now-defunct Wyandotte Business Association. I read Big Box Swindle by Stacy Mitchell. It put a spotlight on Walmart in particular, and their heavily damaging tactics as they expanded into towns across America. Mind you, this was not then or now an independent business, but a NYSE corporation, and the mantra - - - the rallying cry - - - as they entered each market was a declared mission to put every business that could compete with them OUT of business. So that

the mom-and-pop grocery store, or the florist, or hardware store that had been there for generations were in the crosshairs of one of the most predatory machines in history. In many cases, the cities they located in had competed with other nearby cities to get Walmart to locate in their city, and tax breaks had been offered. Tax breaks given to BIG so as to put SMALL put of business.

The book is still available, find it through Brooks Books in Wyandotte or through the website IndieBound.com. It is a depressing, eye-opening examination. But I digress. The book ended with examples of cities with local and independent businesses that were smart enough to band together to create a larger entity through which to fight back. That’s what electrified me. The idea of getting our Association to try harder to be a united front, and to market ourselves as the superior shopping area was compelling to me. It still is.

It is that spirit that still motivates me, stimulates my brain. Magic is not all that common, after all. Neither is hard work for a common cause. Fighting to keep more money circulating locally is worth the effort for the ALL, but it also helps the ONE.

If you’re a business, give the Go Big papers a shot. They put out quality papers in the representation of Grosse Ile, Southgate, Trenton, Riverview, and Wyandotte. AND if you’re just a reader, keep it up! When you can, support the advertisers that help the papers to keep doing their jobs!

PETER ROSE

Softballers trying to match hoop team’s success

BY HANK MINCKIEWICZ

By all accounts and according to many metrics, the Roosevelt girls’ basketball team recently finished up an excellent season.

The Bears went 16-8 overall and 11-5 in the Downriver League, good for third place behind undefeated league champ Trenton and runner-up Woodhaven. In the MHSAA districts, Roosevelt took six-time defending district champ Riverview down to the wire before falling by two points.

Now the Roosevelt softball team is ready to pick up the mantle and carry on with the success begun by the roundballers.

And – so far, so good.

The Bears posted a 3-1 mark in

their first four games of the 2024 season, beating Westland John Glenn, Southgate, and Dearborn Edsel Ford.

The only team to top Roosevelt during their recent stretch was Trenton, an 11-6 victory on April 10.

Trenton is a veteran team that has gone deep into the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 2 state playoffs each of the past two seasons, but Roosevelt jumped out ahead of the Trojans in their game by scoring two runs in the bottom of the first inning.

The lead was short lived, however, as Trenton scored five times in the top of the second inning to gain control.

Trenton eventually built leads of 10-2 and 11-3 before Roosevelt scratched out three runs in the bottom of the seventh to get to the 11-6 final.

The Bears outhit Trenton 10-9 in the

game, but the numbers that count – on the scoreboard – favored the visiting Trojans.

Natalee Lesko had three hits, and Grace Papler and Ellie Isenegger each chipped in with two hits. Lesko and Isenegger are sophomores and Papler is a freshman.

Outside of the Trenton game, there is little to report about the Bears that is not good news.

Roosevelt pounded Glenn 14-0 to start the season. The Bears then pulverized Southgate 12-2 in their Downriver League opener and smacked Edsel Ford 10-4.

Against Edsel Ford on April 15, the game was a lot less competitive than the final score looked. Roosevelt scored four times in the first inning, three times in the third, and was on the verge of mercying the Thunderbirds

before Edsel saw its offense sputter to life with four runs in the seventh inning.

Roosevelt had only four hits in the game (Edsel had five), but the T-Birds committed eight errors, opening the door time and again for the opportunistic Bears.

Papler had two of the hits and Isenegger and Lesko had the others. Collecting RBI for the Bears were Tegyn Gourlay (2), Isenegger, Papler, and Lesko.

In the win over neighboring Southgate, it was pretty much all Bears as Roosevelt scored in five of the six innings that were played. The Bears got just one run in the first, four in the second, and two more in each the third and fourth innings to put a

Photos by Dave Chapman

SUCCESS

Continued from page 14

death lock on the game. Anderson’s only two runs came in the bottom of the second inning.

Roosevelt pounded out 15 hits, led by Papler, who was 4-for-4 with three doubles and four RBI. Lesko had three hits and three RBI, while Summer Gregoria had three hits.

The Bears opened the season with a non-competitive game against John Glenn. Roosevelt scored eight runs in the bottom of the first inning and the game was theirs the rest of the way.

The Bears pounded out 11 hits on their way to 14 runs and the shutout victory.

The Bears have plenty of home games scheduled the next month and a half, so come on out and cheer the team on as they battle some great Downriver League teams, who are among the best in the state.

Allen Park won the D1 state title in 2022 and was a regional finalist last year; Trenton went to the D2 state finals in 2022 and was a quarterfinalist last year; and

2024 Roosevelt Spring Schedules

BASEBALL

April 22 Carlson, 4:30 p.m.

April 24 at Lincoln Park, 4:30 p.m.

April 25 Taylor, 4:30 p.m.

April 27 at Ply Academy (DH), 10 a.m.

April 29 Anderson, 4:30 p.m.

May 1 at Trenton, 4 p.m.

May 2 at Garden City, 4:30 p.m.

May 6 at Edsel Ford, 4:30 p.m.

May 8 Allen Park, 4:30 p.m.

May 9 Woodhaven, 4:30 p.m.

May 10 Jenison, 4:30 p.m.

May 11 Zeeland East, 11 a.m.

May 11 Hudsonville, 1 p.m.

May 13 at Carlson, 4:30 p.m.

May 15 Lincoln Park, 4:30 p.m.

May 16 at Taylor, 4:30 p.m.

May 18 at Canton (DH), 11 a.m.

June 1, MHSAA Districts, TBD

SOFTBALL

April 22 Carlson, 4:30 p.m.

April 23 at Gabriel Richard, 4:30 p.m.

April 24 at Lincoln Park, 4:30 p.m.

April 25 Taylor, 4:30 p.m.

Woodhaven was the D1 state runnerup last year, losing to Hartland in the state championship game.

The Bears have two games each scheduled against those three teams and, in addition, the Bears are also in the same MHSAA district tournament as Allen Park.

Come tournament time, Roosevelt will be in a district hosted by Allen Park. Joining the host Jags and Bears in an all Downriver League field will be Lincoln Park and Taylor.

April 27 Riverview (DH), 12 p.m.

April 29 Anderson, 4:30 p.m.

May 1 at Trenton, 4:30 p.m.

May 2 at Garden City, 4:30 p.m.

May 4 at Salem (DH), 10 a.m.

May 6 at Edsel Ford, 4:30 p.m.

May 7 Belleville, 4:30 p.m.

May 8 Allen Park, 4:30 p.m.

May 9 Woodhaven, 4:30 p.m.

May 11 at Monroe SMCC, 1:30 p.m.

May 13 at Carlson, 4:30 p.m.

May 15 Lincoln Park, 4:30 p.m.

May 16 at Taylor, 4:30 p.m.

May 18 at Dundee, 11 a.m.

May 22 at Belleville, 4:30 p.m.

June 1 MHSAA Districts, TBD

June 8 MHSAA Regionals, TBD

TRACK

April 23 at Carlson, 3:30 p.m.

April 25 at Saline, 4 p.m.

April 26 At Marauder Invite 3 p.m.

April 30 Woodhaven, 3:30 p.m.

May 3 at Golden Triangle, 12 p.m.

May 7 at Southgate, 3:30 p.m.

May 11 at Metro Classic, 8:45 a.m.

May 17 at MHSAA Regionals, TBD

May 21 League meet, 2:30 p.m.

June 1, MHSAA State Finals, TBD

SOCCER

April 22 Edsel Ford, 6 p.m.

April 25 atSouthgate, 6 p.m.

April 29 Carlson, 6 p.m.

May 2 Allen Park, 6 p.n.

May 6 at Cabrini, 5 p.m.

May 8 DRL position round, TBD

May 11 Gabriel Richard, 3 p.m.

May 13 DRL position round, TBD

May 15 DRL position round, TBD

May 17 Dearborn Adv Tech. 6 p.m.

May 22 MHSAA districts, TBD

June 4 MHSAA regionals, TBD

TENNIS

April 23 at Edsel Ford, 4 p.m.

April 30 at Carlson, 4 p.m.

May 2 Southgate, 4 p.m.

May 6 Gabriel Richard, 4 p.m.

May 7 Allen Park 4 p.m.

May 8 Riverview, 4 p.m.

May 11 at MHSAA pre-regional, 9 a.m.

May 16 MHSAA regionals, TBD

May 20 at League meet, 9 a.m.

May 31 at MHSAA state finals, TBD

GOLF

April 24 at Warren Valley, 8 a.m.

April 26 at Riverview Highlands, 8 a.m.

May 1 at Lakes of Taylor, 2:30 p.m.

May 3 DRL Tournament, TBD

May 8 at Riverview Highlands, 2:30 p.m.

May 15 at Wyandotte Shores, 2:30 p.m.

May 17 at Lake Erie, 8:30 a.m.

May 22 at Fellows Creek, 9 a.m.

May 30 MHSAA Regionals, TBD

ROWING

April 27 Hebda Cup, 8 a.m.

May 4 Wy-Hi, 8 a.m.

May 11-12 at Kensington, 8 a.m.

May 18 at Kensington, 8:30 a.m.

May 25 at London Western HS, 8 a.m.

May 31 at Canadian Secondary, 8 a.m.

June 1 at Canadian Secondary, 8 a.m.

June 2 at Canadian Secondary, 8 a.m.

We

excited about

we

and customers are the key to success. Meet the owners and operators of the Tipsy Fish: Rob and Rosanne Bruner and Shelby Langlands.

e Bruners are successful restaurateurs; they currently own and operate Mister Nick’s, the classic neighborhood

destination located in the heart of Trenton, MI. With Nick’s thriving, Rob and Rosanne decided they wanted to expand their wings and open a second restaurant. Within this new business, they wanted to capture the community a ection of Mister Nick’s and add the nuisance of a one-of-a-kind experience. So, they began manifesting their dream, e Tipsy Fish.

With 17 years of restaurant experience, Shelby Langlands, will be the General Manager of Tipsy Fish

Authentic Mexican Cuisine

We pride ourselves in serving the most authentic Mexican cuisine in Southeast Michigan. We are known for our great home-style food, great friends, and great atmosphere. WELCOME! Eat. Drink. Enjoy. 3851

Let Us Cater Your Next Event When it comes to your next event, let us take care of the food with our delicious and expertly crafted catering options featuring a wide range of authentic Mexican dishes that are sure to please any palate. ORDERING

Take Us Home With You

Our restaurant is proud to offer the convenience of online ordering for our customers. This allows for easy ordering, pick-up and delivery options, making it simple to enjoy your favorite dishes whenever and wherever you want.

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!

The Downriver Chapter of MARSP (Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel) recently sent out grant applications to the 18 school districts our chapter represents. Teachers were encouraged to apply for a chance to win a $100.00 Visa Gift Card to be used for supplies, equipment, or any resources they need to enhance learning in their classrooms. The following teachers from Wyandotte were granted the Visa Gift Cards, Jennifer Reynolds, who teaches 6th Grade Science at Wilson Middle School, Lora Currie, who teaches at The Lincoln Center, and

Wyandotte teachers receive classroom enhancement grants

Colleen Falwell, who teaches at Jo Brighton. MARSP is a clear, respected voice representing all retired school personnel since 1951. They make certain all members’ voices and views are heard in Lansing. MARSP is a lobbying partner on critical issues impacting retirees and an authority of the MPSERS pension and healthcare system. More information can be found about MARSP online at marsp.org. The Downriver Chapter has a Facebook page as well, MARSP of Downriver. The local chapter meets 4 times a year. The next meeting will

be on June 20th at Crystal Gardens in Southgate at noon. The cost is $19.00. Please RSVP by calling Kim Zeppa at 734-834-1237 by June 1st. You can become a member at the state level or at the local Downriver/Wayne Chapter by visiting marsp.org. Please contact the membership chairperson, Linda Trupino @ 734-771-1537 for information about becoming a member. New members are always welcome.

Falwell Reynolds Currie

NEWS FROM OUR NEIGHBORS

Go to... GoBigMultimedia.com

to read more news on our digital publications.

gobigmultimedia.com/grosse-ile-grand

Team Rubicon coming to Grosse Ile

...Don’t be alarmed and take to social media with wild rumors of an invasion or a local version of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre. They are members of Team Rubicon, “a veteran-led humanitarian organization, built to serve global communities before, during, and after disasters and crises.” Most notably, they assist FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) in disaster relief.

On that weekend, 20-25 Team Rubicon volunteers and support staff will be conducting training operations in Chainsaw Proficiency Development. They will be clearing and sawing trees which have been already marked by the Nature Conservancy and Greenways/Open Space committee. Team Rubicon does all their work on the ground and does not climb trees or conduct aerial cutting.

Grosse Ile Nature & Land Conservancy Stewardship Chair, Peter Kantz, explains, “This is a win-win situation for our natural areas and Team Rubicon. They use community projects such as ours for training volunteers and sharpening their skills. They like to cut up fallen trees and generally work on the weekends on projects that simulate disaster response.”...

On page 16

Unveiling Grosse Ile’s “History Walk”

Residents and visitors of Grosse Ile are invited to embark on a journey through the island’s rich history with the unveiling of the new “History Walk” at the Historical Society property, located

at the corner of Grosse Ile Parkway and East River Road. This captivating timeline comprises seven panels adorned with accompanying photos, offering a comprehensive overview of Grosse Ile’s evolution from its earliest days to the present.

Recognizing the constraints of limited museum hours, the Historical Society envisioned a display that would allow the community to explore the island’s history at their leisure. The History Walk serves as an accessible and engaging alternative, providing a glimpse into Grosse Ile’s past for all to enjoy...

On page 23

gobigmultimedia.com/riverview-register

Riverview figure skater ventures into international figure skating circuit

At just 13 years old, Adeline Chinavare, affectionately known as Addy, is already making waves in figure skating as she gears up to showcase her talent internationally. A student at Seitz Middle School, Addy is set to represent Team USA at the 8th Nations Cup. This is a prestigious international competition for theatre on ice and synchronized skating

that is to be held in France at the end of April.

Addy’s dedication to her skating is evident in her rigorous training schedule. The young skater spends close to 15 hours on the ice each week. She splits her time between Skate Company’s Skating Club in Lincoln Park, MI and The Ice House Skating Academy in Hartland, MI, home to the Harmony Theatre Company. The organization’s senior team has secured six national theatre on ice titles, making them the most successful team in the nation.

Addy has been honing her skills on the ice since she was four years old. While her three siblings are also involved in skating, her older sister has greatly influenced her in her competitive journey. Addy aspires to be as talented and recognized as her older sister, who, in Addy’s words, is “really, really, REALLY good.”...

On page 12

Riverview culinary students place in the top 5

...Teams competing in the Pasta Category are given just 60 minutes to craft a handmade pasta dish before adding their own creative touch to create a stand-out pasta dish.

The Pasta Category was sponsored by KitchenAid. All top 5 placement winners of this category are invited to participate in the Beyond the Green program at the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, where they will also participate in a showcase on May 22...

The competition helps students gain firsthand experience in critical industry skills like food safety, business management, menu development and marketing. Annually, more than 6,400 Michigan students at 86 high schools and career centers participate in the ProStart curriculum. It is a two-year

high school program that connects the classroom to the restaurant and foodservice industry.

On page 20

gobigmultimedia.com/southgate-star

Southgate honors heroes

Collaboration saves lives in apartment fire

On October 3rd, 2023, a towering inferno engulfed the Meadows Senior Apartment complex in Southgate, thrusting the community into a state of emergency. The blaze, which erupted in the 117-unit structure housing 129 active residents, quickly escalated to become one of the largest structure fires in Southgate’s history.

In the face of this daunting challenge, Southgate’s emergency services responded with unparalleled courage and efficiency. The city’s dedicated police and fire departments were the first on the scene, swiftly initiating evacuation procedures and battling the blaze to prevent further devastation. Their heroic efforts, coupled with the absence of fatalities, stand as a testament to their unwavering commitment to protecting the lives and property of Southgate’s residents.

However, the magnitude of the fire necessitated

additional support, prompting a collaborative Downriver Mutual Aid Response. This cooperative effort saw the seamless integration of resources and personnel from eight neighboring fire and police agencies, including Allen Park, Brownstown, Ecorse, Riverview, Taylor, Trenton, and Wyandotte...

On page 1

Free community shred day at Genthe Chevrolet

The Southgate Rotary and Genthe Chevrolet are proud to host a FREE Community Shred Day on Saturday, April 27th, from 9:30am-12:00pm. Visit

them at 15600 Eureka Rd in Southgate for secure, on-site shredding provided by a trusted mobile document shredding company.

Residents from all communities are welcome to take part in this event. You may bring up to 5 boxes of sensitive documents for shredding. Accepted items include standard office paper, computer print-outs, credit card receipts, envelopes, binders, photocopies, photographs, and checks. Please note that books, magazines, x-ray films, computers, and computer accessories will not be accepted.

Partnered with the Rotary Club of Southgate, participants in Shred Day are invited to bring nonperishable food items to support a local food pantry or donations to support Rotary projects. For more information, contact Fran Waszkiewicz at (313) 633-9916. Don’t miss this opportunity to securely dispose of your documents while giving back to the community!

On page 7

gobigmultimedia.com/trenton-times

Trenton’s own version of spring cleaning

by Mayor Steven Rzeppa

When many people around Trenton think of “Spring Cleaning,” they think about the Citywide Garage Sale (which will be held the weekend of May 18-19, by the way). But this year, our spring cleaning around town involves a much bigger lift than finally getting those shelves in the garage cleaned off or some old furniture from the basement brought to the curb. For us, we are laser focused on getting the demolition and cleanup work done at both the former Riverside Hospital site and former DTE Trenton Channel power plant.

By the time that this article goes to print, my hope

is that the last of the buildings will be down at the Riverside hospital site and, while demolition and cleanup will continue well through spring and summer at the DTE site, the “stacks” will be down, and major structures imploded...

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A skyline without the stripes

...In advance, DTE removed all hazardous materials, verified by third party state inspectors. Air monitoring took place, and while shifts in winds aren’t much of a factor, severe weather can be, which was monitored on the day of demolition. High power misting machines were used to mitigate dust from leaving the site and clouds dissipated quickly.

“We’ve worked with Dykon Explosive Demolition on the Conners Creek demo, this is what they do and are the best,” assures Leo from Independence Excavating. “This procedure is the safest way to do it, it’s controlled and lessens the impact on the community.”

The Trenton community has been vocal about how to best serve the community, and the City Council has been listening. In December of 2020, Council approved the “Waterfront Revitalization” zoning code for former industrial waterfront areas, including DTE’s. Since then, various studies by MSU and U of M graduate students offered renditions of how to repurpose the land which inspired discussions with DTE...

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