Wyandotte welcomes Sour Mama Bakery
On March 1st, a hungry crowd joined in the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Sour Mama, a new sourdough bakery located at 1792 Oak Street. Owner Angie Gambino was surrounded by friends, family, and community leaders as she celebrated the exciting launch of her brick and mortar bakery, which offers a variety of naturally leavened breads and other delectable treats for all ages.
Sour Mama specializes in sourdough, an age-old baking technique that uses live fermented cultures made from a mixture of flour and water. This unique process results in beautifully risen loaves with a soft interior and a slight tangy flavor. In addition to sourdough bread, the bakery’s menu includes bagels, pretzels, cookies, focaccia, and other tasty sourdough-based items.
Photo by Jim Jacek
A member of the Hudick family in Trenton, Tallulah loves spending time with her four human brothers and picking them up from school. She follows her “mom” around wherever she goes, and loves to roughhouse with “dad.” She also enjoys to go for runs and feel the wind in her spots!!
Would
“Downriver
Viral treat finds new home in Downtown Wyandotte
The famous Dubai Chocolate Cup has officially arrived at Yogurt Co. in Downtown Wyandotte, and it’s everything sweet-tooth dreams are made of. Garnering over 2.5M views across their social media platforms, Yogurt Co.’s Dubai Chocolate Cup is taking the dessert world by storm, and you can enjoy it right here in Wyandotte.
This decadent dessert comes in a 16-ounce cup filled with your choice of fresh strawberries or bananas, or a mix of both. Between the slices are layers of crunchy, kanafe pistachio cream, Yogurt Co.’s secret cream recipe, drizzles of rich Dubai chocolate fudge, Nutella, and a scoop of ice cream – if you’re feeling extra indulgent. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and chocolatey goodness.
Yogurt Co. is proud to be the first in the area to offer the new Banana Dubai Cup, adding a fresh twist to this already viral treat. Owner Jay Mahfouz, along with his wife Amy, have been overwhelmed by the excitement the cup has generated and are truly grateful for the support they’ve received from Downriver and beyond. While there may be a line (it’s that good!), they promise it’s worth the wait.
Yogurt Co. is located at 2958 Biddle Ave.
RHS student musicians collaborate with DYS
On March 2nd, Wyandotte Music Roosevelt High School students performed with the Dearborn Youth Symphony (DYS). The talented group included Max Ellenburg, Tommy Rule, Jamie Kilburn, LuzElena CornejoReyna, Ari Fowler, Zoey Johnson, and Riley Brancheau. Eli Michael, also a participant, is not pictured.
Wyandotte Public Schools (WPS) stands out as one of the few Downriver districts offering a string orchestra program, now at its largest size in history, with nearly 200 students involved. Each year, DYS provides amazing opportunities for students in Southeastern Michigan, and it’s exciting to see so many WPS students performing with such a prestigious group.
Elizabeth and Shaun Abshire Licensed Insurance Agents
Happy Pi Day
March is a very special month at Preferred Insured Agency. Our Partners got married on March 14 or Pi Day and we created our agency to celebrate that.
You may have noticed the Pi symbol in our logo. The initials of our company name are PI. Our company colors are Purple and Indigo. Even our puppy is named Pi!
“Preferred Insured” emphasizes the people we serve rather than the products we offer. We are grateful to over 1,500 Michigan clients who trust our agency to put their needs above our bottom line. If you are not yet one of them, why not give us a try?
Come and see us Monday to Friday from 11am to 5pm.
LICENSED AND APPOINTED WITH THESE CARRIERS
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!
Green thumbs wanted
Applications are now open for gardeners looking to join the Wyandotte Community Garden for the 2025 season. The Wyandotte Garden Club, originally founded in 1924 and one of the oldest in the state, is excited to partner with Wyandotte Family Church this year to bring new life to the garden. Together, they aim to create a vibrant, flourishing space that serves as a valuable resource for the community.
The 2025 garden season promises to be an exciting one, with a focus on nurturing a variety of flowers, plants, and fresh produce. This partnership will not only enhance the beauty of the garden but also provide fresh, healthy food to local organizations and residents, improving access to nutritious options.
Through this collaborative effort, the garden will also become a lively hub
for community events, promoting the joys of gardening and bringing people together. Apply now to be part of this meaningful project and help transform the Wyandotte Community Garden into a thriving space for all. For more information and to apply, visit WyandotteGardenClub.org and navigate to the Wyandotte Community Garden tab.
2025 Downriver Area Soroptimists’ annual awards banquet
Six women were recognized with monetary awards from the Soroptimist International of Downriver for their ambition and contribution to their communities. The awards banquet was held on March 4th at Biddle Hall in Wyandotte. Some of the essay judges were in attendance to celebrate with the winners. The applicants were evaluated on a set criteria and essays that assessed their contributions to women and society.
Soroptimist is an international organization of almost 1,500 clubs in nineteen countries for and by dedicated women who use their collective power to help other women and girls transform their physical, mental, and emotional lives and the lives of their families.
Downriver Soroptimist is a volunteer group that offers service by way of fundraising and donations, public awareness/educational programs, and hands-on assistance; as well as presenting yearly monetary awards to individuals to help support and further their future. These women give their time and talents to local food pantries, Vista Maria, First Step, Sparrow Project, Stanford House, Alternatives for Girls, and to area women’s health institutions. They host annual charity fundraisers and programs such as “Save the Girls” charity golf outing, the “Dream It, Be It” program for adolescent girls, and the biennial “Battle for Freedom” avant-garde hair and fashion show.
The Live Your Dream Education and Training Award was established in 1972 to provide monetary assistance to women who provide the primary source of financial support for their families to obtain the skills-training or undergraduate degree program necessary to improve their employment status and standard of living for themselves and their family.
Each year, over $3 million is awarded to more than 1,800 women in Soroptimist’s member countries and territories. The women receiving these financial awards may use them for any costs associated with their educational
efforts, including tuition, books, childcare, and transportation, many of whom have overcome enormous obstacles including poverty, domestic violence, the death of a spouse and/or substance abuse. The “Live Your Dream” chairperson is Nancy Nagle.
Maria Burkett, of Ecorse, is a winner of the “Live Your Dream Award.” The single head of her household, the mother of a seventeen-year-old and a twentytwo-month-old, has overcome many obstacles on her way to an associate’s degree at Wayne County Community College,
resolve to continue her education. DeAnisha said, “It teaches my children about resilience and the importance of lifelong learning. I genuinely want them to know that no matter the setbacks they may face, they can still pursue their goals and dreams.”
The Virginia Wagner Educational Award is given to a woman aspiring to complete a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree to enable her to reach her career goals. Judging is based on a weighted criteria for judging that includes scholarship, extra-curricular activities, need, and effort
She worked as a junior programmer after she obtained her associate’s degree, and then went on to complete her bachelor’s degree in computer information science, while working as well.
Rachelle suddenly lost her fiancé in 2023, but leans on her faith to be an example for her daughter. She received wonderful references, including one professor who stated, “she has demonstrated to me through all her work the highest level of dedication, enthusiasm, professionalism, attention to details and an unconquerable spirit that is inspired by ambition
while working ninety hours per week. “Becoming the primary income earner in my household at just fourteen-years-old set the stage for a path of responsibility and growth. Despite the struggles, I’ve always aimed to better myself and prioritize education, knowing it is the key to a brighter future for my family.”
Also winning the LYD award is Detroit’s DeAnisha Alexander, the full-time working mother of children nine, eleven, and fifteenyears-old. After being out of school for eleven years, she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan- Dearborn with a major in human services, with the goal to be a social worker for elementary-age children. A car accident, the death of the children’s father, and her son’s reluctance to attend school, spurred her
toward education. The Virginia Wagner chairperson is Fallon Donovan.
Rose Kilburn, of Wyandotte, is a full-time, 4.0 student currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in music education at Eastern Michigan University, while also working as a marching band instructor and Door Dash delivery driver. Music has always helped her severe anxiety disorder, so becoming a music instructor to help others is her goal.
Rose also received excellent references letters; one professor stated that “Rose is very dedicated, hardworking, and shows great potential to be an amazing leader”.
Trenton’s Rachelle DeArmond expects to complete her master’s degree at the University of Michigan-Dearborn in computer and information science next year.
there that she realized that wheelchair-bound people were excluded from most of the park activities. Lilly designed “Wings 4 Wheelchairs” for her Girl Scout Gold Award project, which focused on creating a national disability inclusion education and advocacy platform. Through multi-media exposure for funding, she reached over a million people. Partnering with the City of Southgate, a wheelchair-accessible platform and an ADA adult harness swing were installed. In addition to our Soroptimist Prime award, Lilly has been recognized with the U.S. Presidential Service Award.
The second Soroptimist Prime award winner is Elizabeth Rumley, a senior at Grosse Ile High School. Her involvement with CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates, an organization for children under the care of the court system whose parents have been incarcerated, began as a freshman. Elizabeth coordinated holiday programs to provide toys, pajamas, gloves, and mittens to the children of CASA; and updated the system’s community service resource guide.
and guided by a highly ethical moral compass.”
The Soroptimist Prime Award is exclusive to SI of Downriver. High school girls residing in Allen Park, Brownstown, Ecorse, Gibraltar, Grosse Ile, Lincoln Park, Melvindale, River Rouge, Riverview, Southgate, Taylor, Trenton, Woodhaven, or Wyandotte are eligible to apply for the $1000 award. The Soroptimist Downriver High School Girls’ Award honors young women who make the community and world a better place through volunteer efforts.
For the first time, we have a winner from Southgate. A junior at Southgate Anderson High School, Lilly Truel began her volunteering as a camp counselor at VIP Camp Connect, a summer recreational program for profoundly disabled children and young adults. It was
You can help improve the lives of women and girls in Downriver and around the world by donating to Soroptimist International of Downriver. Your donation will help fund our service projects. This is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Make an online donation via Venmo or by sending a check to Soroptimist International of Downriver, 1644 Vernon, Trenton, MI 48183.
The Downriver Soroptimist organization meets at 6:30 P.M. on the first Wednesday of the month at the Woodhaven Community Center. All women are welcome to attend. You may contribute to the foundation that the Soroptimists support on krogercommunityrewards.com. If you are interested in learning more about the Downriver Soroptimists and their other activities, contact them at siofdownriver@gmail. com or check out their Facebook page, Soroptimist International Of Downriver.
DOWNRIVERCU ANSWERS
Home Equity Loan or Line of Credit?
Homeowners often find themselves in a position where they have significant equity built up in their homes, yet they may not realize the financial potential they hold. When it comes to borrowing against and tapping into the equity in your home, you have two main options: a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit (HELOC).
Both can be valuable tools for financing home improvements, debt consolidation, or other major expenses. However, they have distinct characteristics that make them suitable for different financial situations.
When to Choose a Home Equity Loan
A home equity loan might be a good option if:
- You need a lump sum of money for a specific purpose.
- You prefer a fixed interest rate and predictable payments.
- You’re comfortable with a longer loan term.
Ideal Scenarios: Home equity loans are excellent for projects with a clear budget, such as remodeling a kitchen or consolidating high-interest debts. The fixed rate ensures your payments remain consistent, which can be beneficial for long-term planning.
Benefits and Considerations: The main benefits of a home equity loan are predictable payments and a set payoff timeline. However, it’s important to consider the total cost, including interest, over the life of the loan.
When to Choose a Home Equity Line of Credit
A HELOC might be a better choice if:
- You need flexibility to borrow funds as needed.
- You’re comfortable with variable interest rates.
- You anticipate needing funds over a shorter period.
Suitable Situations: A HELOC might be more suitable if you’re unsure of the exact amount you’ll need or if your funding needs will shift over time. This flexibility is advantageous for projects with varying costs, such as ongoing home repairs or educational expenses.
Benefits and Considerations: The flexibility of HELOCs can save money if you only borrow what you need. However, the variable interest rates mean your payments can change, potentially increasing your overall costs. Plan accordingly and ensure you can handle fluctuations in payment amounts.
To learn more about Home Equity Loans, contact a Home Loan Specialist from Downriver Community Federal Credit Union today at 313-386-2200 x1137 or visit DownriverCU.com/HomeEquity.
NSDAR
Meeting to Feature Native Plants Program
The Monguagon Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) will hold its monthly meeting on Saturday, April 12th at 10:30 AM at the Southgate Veterans Memorial Library, located at 14680 DixToledo Rd., Southgate, MI. This month’s program will focus on conservation, featuring guest speaker Bob Hauser from Wild Ones of Wayne County.
Hauser, a Livonia resident for nearly 48 years, is a former Master Gardener with a strong passion for landscaping with native plants. Since 2008, he has worked to raise awareness about the importance of native plants in residential gardens and has been an active member of two Wild Ones chapters since 2010. During the meet-
ing, Hauser will share his expertise on the significance of native plants and their role in supporting local ecosystems. He will also provide insight into his personal experience, highlighting the over 35 species of native plants thriving on his own quarter-acre lot.
The community is invited to attend this informative event to learn more about how native plants can benefit our environment. The program will explore how these plants help combat invasive species, support local wildlife, and promote a healthier, more sustainable landscape.
The Monguagon Chapter of the NSDAR encourages both members and nonmembers to join them for this educational presentation.
Roosevelt girls win district quarterfinals, fall in semifinals
The Wyandotte Roosevelt girls’ basketball team kicked off their playoff run on March 3rd with a solid victory in the district quarterfinals. In a Division 1 district hosted by Allen Park, Wyandotte Roosevelt faced off against Taylor. The Bears came out on top, winning 36-20. Annie Zieger led the way with 12 points, Emma Jordan added 8, and Madison Noe contributed 7 points to help secure the victory and advance to the district semifinals.
On March 5th, Wyandotte Roosevelt took on Allen Park in the district semifinals. Despite a hard-fought
game, the team fell short, losing 29-35, and their playoff journey came to an end.
Following Wyandotte Roosevelt’s loss, Allen Park went on to win the district finals against Riverview. However, their postseason run ended in the regional semifinals when they were defeated by Temperance Bedford.
Although Wyandotte Roosevelt’s season ended earlier than hoped, the team’s strong performance in the playoffs and throughout the year was a testament to their hard work and dedication.
2024-25 Girls Basketball Roster
#1 Alicia Poyle - SG - Junior
#2 Ophelia Kochoian - C - Junior
#3 Hannah Parish - PG - Senior
#5 Annie Zieger - PG - Junior
#10 Anaya Glenn - C, PF - Junior
#11 Haylee Parish - PG - Senior
#14 Maddy Noe - PF, SG - Junior
#21 Emma Jordan - PF - Junior
#22 Amelia Grenz - PF, SG - Senior
#32 Sophia Toboy - SG, PF - Freshman
Strong Regionals for RHS bowling, Webster and Murray represent at States
The Wyandotte Roosevelt bowling teams competed in the MHSAA Division 1 Regionals at Skore Lanes on February 21st-22nd, with both the boys and girls teams delivering impressive performances. On the boys’ side, the team finished 4th overall with a total score of 3,364. Senior Peyton Webster had a standout performance, claiming the title of Individual Regional Champion with a score of 1,331. This victory secured his spot in the MHSAA Division 1 State Finals, which took place on March 1st at Thunderbowl Lanes. Although Webster put
up a strong effort at states, he did not make the top 16 during the qualifying block, finishing 44th with a score of 1,080.
For the girls’ team, they also performed strongly, taking 3rd place with a team score of 2,966. Sophomore Megan Murray earned a spot in the MHSAA Division 1
Murray Webster
State Finals by finishing 4th in the region with a score of 1,057. This marks Murray’s second consecutive year qualifying for the state finals. However, like Webster, she ended her season during the qualifying block, finishing 45th with a score of 969.
Photos by Dave Chapman
RHS boys swim a season of success
The Wyandotte Roosevelt Boys Swimming team had a competitive and record-breaking season in 2024-2025. With a balanced 4-4 record during the regular season, the team showed both strength and growth in various events, highlighted by several individual athletes who set new records and earned prestigious honors.
A standout performer this season was freshman Brendan Miciura, whose contributions were nothing short of extraordinary. In December 2024, B. Miciura broke a 23-year-old freshman record in the 100 Backstroke, previously held by Craig Smith, with a time of 1:02.72. B. Miciura’s time of 57.17 marked a significant improvement and set a new standard in the event. But his achievements didn’t stop there. In January 2025, he again etched his name in the record books by breaking a 36-year-old freshman record in the 500 Freestyle, which had been held by Ken Johns since 1989. His final time of 5:14.89 in the event surpassed the old record of 5:22.21, further cementing his impressive debut season.
Another emerging talent was sophomore Noah Amori, who took on the challenge of swimming distance freestyle events. Amori began the season with a time of 7:26.69 in the 500 Freestyle but made an incredible leap, finishing the season with a time of 6:13.78, dropping over a minute and improving by 1:12.91.
Sophomore Jack Kellogg also swam distance freestyle events this season. Starting with a time of 6:58.14 in the 500 Freestyle, Kellogg shaved off 58.52 seconds to finish the season with a new personal best of 5:56.74, showcasing his steady improvement.
Freshman Anderson “Andy” Bowers also had a standout season, competing in both swimming and diving events. At the Downriver League Meet, Bowers earned an 8th-place finish, qualifying for the Division 2 Regional Meet, where he finished 17th overall.
At the Downriver League Meet held from February 26th-28th, Wyandotte Roosevelt finished 5th,
narrowly missing out on 4th place by a single point to Gibraltar Carlson. Despite this close result, the team celebrated several championship victories, including the 200 Medley Relay, which saw B. Miciura, Emerson Miciura, Keegan Simmons, and Daniel Kulcsar earn top honors. E. Miciura also claimed the title in the 200 I.M., while B. Miciura triumphed in the 100 Backstroke and E. Miciura in the 100 Breaststroke. Additionally, Eli Shimko placed 2nd in the 1 Meter Diving event. The team’s success at the league meet was also reflected in the recognition of several athletes with All-League Honors, including B. Miciura, E. Miciura, Simmons, Kulcsar, and Shimko.
The team’s exceptional performances carried over to the Division 2 State Meet held at Oakland University. Wyandotte Roosevelt sent five athletes to the prestigious competition, showcasing the depth and talent of the team. These athletes were freshman Brendan Miciura, sophomore Keegan Simmons, junior Eli Shimko, and two seniors, team captains Daniel Kulcsar and Emerson Miciura.
The 200 Medley Relay team, consisting of B. Miciura, E. Miciura, Simmons, and Kulcsar, finished 16th with a time of 1:42.69.
E. Miciura, finished 16th in the 200 I.M., with a season-best time at prelims of 2:00.40. This set a new Wyandotte Roosevelt High School Varsity record, breaking the previous mark set by Ken Johns in 1992. It also set a new RHS Varsity pool record. In 1 Meter Diving, Shimko finished 11th with a score of 383.15.
B. Miciura swam a season-best time of 57.17 in the 100 Backstroke, finishing 24th, while E. Miciura also posted a season-best time of 1:01.46 in the 100 Breaststroke, finishing 19th.
The 400 Freestyle Relay team, consisting of Kulcsar, Simmons, B. Miciura, and E. Miciura, finished 23rd with a time of 3:28.29.
The Wyandotte Roosevelt Boys Swimming team’s 2024-2025 season was a showcase of individual talent, teamwork, and record-breaking performances.
From breaking long-standing records to earning top honors at the Downriver League and competing at the Division 2 State Meet, the team demonstrated their commitment to excellence. The athletes’ dedication and hard work set a new standard for future generations of Wyandotte Roosevelt swimmers.
Photos courtesy of Coach Stephanie Armiak
B. Miciura
E. Miciura
Shimko
Kulcsar, E. Miciura, B. Miciura, Simmons
Famous Lenten fish fry is back
An Island tradition is back up and running as Grosse Ile’s Sacred Heart Catholic Church is again this year offering its famous Friday Fish Fries.
Run by the parish’s Knights of Columbus, the weekly dinners will be offered every Friday from March 7th through April 18th. The weekly events run from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Come and enjoy some great food and some fine LIVE entertainment from groups such as Barry Van Englelen and Pics & Bows. Each week will also come with a theme, including Michigan, USA Night, and St. Patrick’s Day.
jumbo shrimp, pierogi, fries, and baked potatoes.
There is also a kid’s menu featuring cheese pizza and macaroni & cheese.
Adult dinners run from $13.95 to $17.95 and kid’s meals are $4.95. Prices include tax.
The menu includes a choice of fried cod, broiled cod, fried lake perch, fried shrimp, and fried walleye. Each meal includes a baked potato or French fries, house made coleslaw, a fresh Island Bakery dinner roll, and house made tartar and cocktail sauce.
Side orders include crab cakes,
And don’t forget the soup.
The Sacred Heart Fish Fry is famous for its rotating variety of homemade soups, especially the lobster bisquethe lobster comes from Maine from a friend of the cook.
If you have room, don’t forget dessert. Sweet options include Hungarian strudel and floats.
A variety of beverages is available, including beer and wine.
The fish fry is held in the Sacred Heart Parish Hall, located at 21599 Parke Lane, Grosse Ile. Carryout is also available.
Check the current week’s offerings: www.kofcgi.com
Mark your calendar for the Seaway Chorale’s
The Seaway Chorale is set to take audiences on a musical journey back to the 1970s with their Spring 2025 show, ”LISTEN to the Music.” The concert will feature a selection of classic hits from legendary artists including Queen, Chicago, the Bee Gees, and the beloved musical Grease. Audiences will also be treated to a nostalgic sing-along to Kermit the Frog’s heartwarming hit, “The Rainbow Connection.”
This year’s show will also highlight Voices of the Young, a talented group of singers bringing even more energy to the stage. Under the direction of Vanessa El-Zein Lai, the Voices of the Young performers include Madison Green, Chelsea Sauve, Lilliani Reeda, Lucy Hurst, Lani Argo, Leyla Noiya, McKenna Lezette, Eliana McLain, Annika King, Ember Miller, Sarah Strong, Bradey Kurlfink, Libby Turner, Emmily Turner, Alice Smith, Emma Green, and Aurora Mitchell. This talented ensemble promises to make the show bigger and better than ever before, singing lively tunes like “ABC.”
The Seaway Chorale Spring Ensemble, featuring Debbie Baron, Cara Phillips, Lin Dishaw, Rosemary Freeman, Jeanne Martin, Joyce Mitchell, Colleen Herman, Dave Strafford, Chris Utz, Paul Wieckowski, John McKinney, Byron Weise, and Dave French, will also perform a variety of songs to delight the audience.
Additionally, new and returning members of the Seaway Chorale will be joining the performance, including Bebecca Green, Jannelle Turn, Beth French, Dave French,
Jennifer Engle, Amanda Mathieu, and Cynthia King.
The LISTEN to the Music performances will take place on Friday, May 2nd, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 3rd, at 4:00 p.m. at the Flat Rock Community Auditorium, located at 25600 Seneca, Flat Rock, MI.
Tickets for the event are available online at seawaychorale.org or from any Seaway Chorale member. Don’t miss this chance to experience an evening of musical nostalgia, filled with memories and incredible performances!
Like Us On Facebook :
The annual Soup Day event, hosted by The Grecian Center on March 12th, brought together several hundred guests to sample and enjoy over 30 soups prepared by local restaurants, all while supporting the Salvation Army. The event, which is always a highlight of the year, featured an impressive variety of soups, showcasing the talents of chefs from across the Downriver area.
A big thank you goes to all the vendors who donated their time, staff, and culinary expertise to make this event such a success. Participating vendors included Big Bear Lodge, Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que, Hungarian Rhapsody, Jo Brighten Skills Center, Leon’s Family Dining, McCaffery’s Bar, Michael’s on the River, Nona’s Diner, Pipers Restaurant, Prush’s Bar and Grill, Sabina’s Restaurant, Taza Fresh Grill, The Biddle Hall, The Grecian Center, The Meat Guys BBQ Shack food truck, The Salvation Army Soup Kitchen, The Thirst Parlor Saloon, TV’s Deli and Diner, and Vic’s Casual Dining.
After an afternoon of tasting and mingling, the winners were announced, earning bragging rights for their delicious contributions:
- Best Overall Soup: TV’s Deli and Diner with their Classic Lobster Bisque
- Most Unique Soup: The Thirst Parlor Saloon with Dill Pickle Soup
- Best Dessert Soup: Jo Brighten Skill Center with Chocolate Dessert Soup
- Best Display: Big Bear Lodge
The event not only highlighted the creativity and skill of local chefs but also reinforced the spirit of community as they supported the Salvation Army’s ongoing efforts. A heartfelt congratulations to all the winners, and a huge thank you to everyone who participated and made Soup Day 2025 such a memorable success!
Photos by Jim Jacek
NEWS FROM OUR NEIGHBORS
Go to... GoBigMultimedia.com to read more news on our digital publications.
THS Competitive Theatre Team takes 4th at states
The Trenton High School Competitive Theatre Team recently competed at the Michigan Interscholastic Forensic Association (MIFA) State competition at Wayne State University on February 15th, where they earned an impressive 4th place in Studio D1. Their performance of James & the Giant Peach captivated judges and audiences alike, earning them the Innovation in Theatre and People’s Choice awards, along with several individual and ensemble honors.
This incredible achievement follows their strong showing at MIFA Regionals on February 1st, where they placed 2nd and received multiple Superior and Excellence awards. The team’s hard work and dedication paid off, as they continued to build on their success and elevate their performance to new heights for States.
PAGE 17
Trojans capture regional title, fall in State quarterfinals
On February 26th, the Trenton Trojans clinched the Division 2 Regional title with a commanding 7-0 victory over Temperance Bedford. Although the Trojans struggled to score early in the game, they soon found their groove and cruised to their eighth consecutive regional championship.
The Trojans started the game by generating
multiple scoring opportunities, though they couldn’t capitalize on them in the first period. It wasn’t until just under five minutes into the second period that Trenton finally broke the scoreless tie. That goal sparked an offensive surge, with the Trojans scoring four goals in the second period, two of them coming just 77 seconds apart. Trenton took full advantage of their power-play chances, converting on every manadvantage opportunity as Bedford committed only three penalties throughout the game.
In the third period, Trenton added three more goals, including one just eight seconds in, securing the victory. Nine different players recorded at least one point, and seven different players scored during the game.
The City of Southgate celebrated their first graduates of the Southgate Citizens Public Safety Academy (SCPSA) on Thursday, February 27th. This eight week program, which began in early January, focused on providing an in depth look at the City’s Police and Fire Departments.
Each week, members of the Public Safety Departments met with the participants and discussed a wide variety of important subjects.
PAGE 9
kindness through fitness, music, and art
During the month of February, all of the specials’ teachers at Forest Elementary were working on activities in their classes that teach kindness. In the gym, students learned about how to keep their heart healthy so they may be able to be good sports in all their activities. They performed many heart fitness exercises along with learning different ways to be a good friend and use good sportsmanship.
The music classes worked on a song called, “Count on Me,” by Bruno Mars. The song talks about friendship, kindness and always being there for people who are special to them. The emphasis of the song is loving those around you unconditionally and under any circumstances. The students had wonderful conversations about those who they love and the distance they would go for them.
PAGE 15
GR’s hockey season comes to a close Riverview Gabriel Richard’s 2024-2025 hockey season will be remembered for its resilience, leadership, and determination. Facing the toughest schedule in program history, the team still managed to capture their eighth consecutive regional title with a 5-2 win over Detroit Country Day. Their remarkable run ended in the state quarterfinals, where they faced Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood on March 1st—almost a year to the day from their
PAGE 16
Southgate hold first SCPSA graduation ceremony
Celebrating
previous matchup.
In this highly anticipated game at Yack Arena in Wyandotte, the stakes were just as high, but the defending D3 state champions from Cranbrook came out on top with a 3-2 overtime win. Despite the heartbreaking loss, Richard’s journey was one of growth and achievement. The team was led by stellar seniors, including Matthew Cole (#6), Teig Lucidi (#14), Tony Venturini (#22), and Jake Csekei
(#27), as well as their strong leadership trio: Tony Venturini (C), Jake Csekei (A), and Connor Forster (A).
The 2024 season may have ended earlier than they hoped, but the contributions from the players, coaches, families, and fans ensured that Gabriel Richard’s hockey program continues to thrive.
PAGE 12
Grosse Ile takes the plunge
While seeing people in the water at Grosse Ile’s Sunrise Park may be common during the summer, it’s a different story when bathers are braving the cold on a chilly Saturday morning in February. This was the scene on Saturday, February 25th, when the 2nd Annual Law Enforcement United Crusade Against Suicide Polar Plunge took place at Sunrise Park.
The event was organized to raise awareness and funds to combat the rising number of police suicides across the country, while supporting mental health resources for law enforcement officers. The Polar Plunge serves as a critical reminder of the mental health challenges faced by officers and the need for greater support.
The foundation behind the event was established by Woodhaven residents Brian and Marie Sizemore, following the tragic suicide of their 24-year-old son, Lucas Sizemore. Lucas, a police officer in Atlanta, Georgia, died by suicide, prompting the Sizemores to create The Lucas Foundation: Law Enforcement United Crusade Against Suicide to address mental
health concerns within the police force.
The idea for the Polar Plunge event came from Brownstown Police Deputy Chief and Grosse Isle resident Andy Starzec. Similar to last year, officers from the Atlanta Police Department participated in the event, plunging into the icy waters of the Detroit River off Grosse Isle’s eastern shore at Sunrise Park.
PAGE 29
Non-porfit organization lands at Grosse Ile Airport
On February 22nd, Grosse Ile Municipal Airport had the honor of hosting some very special visitors— volunteers from Turtles Fly Too, a non-profit organization dedicated to using general aviation to transport endangered species. The mission of Turtles Fly Too is to facilitate air transport for critically endangered animals while promoting conservation through education and outreach.
The highlight of the visit was the introduction of Turtle Flier One, a Cessna Skymaster aircraft donated by a long-time supporter of the organization. This aircraft marks a significant milestone for Turtles Fly Too, as it will help expand the organization’s efforts in protecting endangered species. In addition to transporting endangered animals, Turtle Flier One will also be available to support whale entanglement rescue teams and conduct marine animal surveys.
PAGE 23
Parke Lane students dive into Grosse Ile history
On January 28th, members of the Grosse Ile Historical Society had the pleasure of meeting with secondgrade students from Parke Lane Elementary to explore the influence of Native American peoples in the local area. The focus of the discussion was on the Potawatomi tribe, as they were the group most closely associated with the settlement of Grosse Ile by the Macomb brothers in 1776.
PAGE 10
Like Us On Facebook : WYANDOTTE WARRIOR
