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December 15 — January 20, 2021 • Gi-GrandNews.com
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Grosse Ile wins second straight soccer title; Evans is top coach
Covered in glory
Read story by Dave Gorgon on Page 3 Home is where family gathers, love resides, memories are created, and laughter never ends.
MERRY CHRISTMAS! From the MBA Family To Your Family! Brooke MacNee, Art MacNee, Janel MacNee, Roxanne Rusu, Susie Armiak, Lori Will, Tony Felder, Natalie Robb, Krista Smith
Page 2 • December 15 — January 20, 2021
GROSSE ILE GRAND
In 2020 leo Stevenson has been recognized by: Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” Barron’s “Top 1,200 Financial Advisors” list Forbes: “America’s Top 250 Wealth Advisors” list
2020.
2020
by DAVE GORDON • Grosse Ile Grand GROSSE ILE GRAND
SWEET REPEAT DAVE GORGON Grosse Ile Grand
For the third straight year, Red Devils Coach Jon Evans was named Coach of the Year by the Michigan High School Soccer Coaches Association. He had the job of replacing all but three starters from the 2019 state championship team and the 2020 team had only three seniors on the roster, including Ethan and Zachary Bast. Five sophomores and a freshman were in the starting lineup in the state title game. The Red Devils finished the year 20-1-1, including a 16-game winning streak to close out the season. Evanscoached teams have gone 115-6-9 during his five years of leading the varsity squad. It was the third straight year Grosse Ile played in the state finals. The team was one free kick goal away from making it three state titles in a row. “It’s crazy, I guess,” Evans said. “The last three years, we’ve been in the finals three times and we won the last two. In two years, we’ve had 22 starters in total. We had to replace 15 out of the 22 total starters. Only five from this year’s team had played in the state championship last year.” It was the third state championship in school history in boys soccer. The Red Coach Jon Evans Devils also took the state title in 2002. Since 1997, the Red Devils have won 20 off-season. With the coronavirus, our district championships and six regional first day in a soccer setting was the first titles. day of soccer tryouts. Everything was on “We’re a little bit blessed with high them.” level soccer players in the school district The Red Devils improved with each and having them buy into roles when passing game. The team also held people leave,” Evans said. “When Williamston scoreless, 4-0, in the state previous players graduate, we’ve had semifinal game. Tanyi scored three of young players step up. We will have a the goals. strong sophomore class coming back Evans said a difference in the state as juniors next season. They’ve been championship game was Grosse Ile’s around the team environment and saw ability to defend corner kicks, set kicks what was demanded of the players.” and long throw-ins. During this year of the COVID-19 He also credited sophomore coworldwide pandemic, no one was sure captain Cannon Kawadri with playing there would be a high school soccer through a bloody nose caused early in season. Players still worked out on their the game by a collision. The center back own and gathered to get ready for a is considered the team’s top Warriors on season – if there was going to be one the field and was one of the reasons the – working hard in the off-season. Five Red Devils won more than 30 balls out games were postponed and never made of the air and had a goal line clearance up. Others were shuffled around. with about 10 minutes left in the game. “There’s definitely a strong individual In the second half, Evans moved work ethic on this team,” Evans said. Tanyi from midfield to center forward “They are motivated to become better and he had three opportunities to score. players. They usually do a lot in the Tanyi, Kawadri, Watson and Jonathan
December 15 — January 20, 2021 • Page 3
Duke were selected to the All-State team. “This was a completely new team,” Tanyi said. “I think we filled in the roles very nicely. There were no problems with team chemistry. The three seniors had to be team leaders. We had to be on point and give advice to the guys, give them confidence and always motivate them.” South Christian finished 2020 with a record of 18-1-1.
Coach of the year How good of a soccer coach is Jon Evans? Star player Bosh Tanyi said he has had a huge impact on the Red Devils and “no doubt he deserves” to be coach of the year. “I always look up to him,” Tanyi said “I think he’s an amazing coach. I am really close to him. We talk a lot.” When considering the coach of the year, voters in the soccer coaches association no doubt considered the state championships, took Evans’ ability to replace so many players year in and year out and his ability to get his players prepared for successful seasons. No coach has a better record over the last five years. Evans started playing soccer in River Rouge when he was four years old. By the time he was eight, he was good enough to play for the Michigan Wolves travel program out of Livonia. He played for Vardar and also played for Woodhaven High School. While playing for Oakland University against top teams from the Big Ten and other Division 1 schools, Evans was part of three NCAA tournament bids. In 2010, he was conference player of the year. He got into coaching right out of college, taking over the girls team at Woodhaven for a year. He coached club soccer and ended up getting a job and coaching soccer at Riverview Community High School. Evans just finished his fifth year running Grosse Ile’s varsity team, while overseeing online learning in Riverview. (Coincidentally, the Red Devils’ only loss of 2020 was to Riverview. Grosse Ile won the rematch.) It’s been an eventful 2020 for Evans. Besides coaching the second state championship in as many years, he
Grosse Ile Boys Soccer Honor Roll 2020 A summary of post-season awards won by members of the Grosse Ile High School boys soccer team after their 2020 state championship season Mr. Soccer Bosh Tanyi
All-State Dream Team Bosh Tanyi All-State First Team Jonathan Duke Cannon Kawadri Bosh Tanyi Hayden Watson
All-State Third Team Ali Khaled Clayton Lafayette
All-State Honorable Mention Tyler Garza Coach of the Year Jon Evans All-Region Jonathan Duke Tyler Garza Cannon Kawadri Alli Khaled Clayton Lafayette Bosh Tanyi Hayden Watson
All-Huron League First Team Cannon Kawadri Bosh Tanyi All-Huron League Second Team Jonathan Duke Clayton Lafayette
All-Huron League Honorable Mention Tyler Garza Ali Khaled
Huron League Scholar Athlete All-Academic Zachary Bast
and wife Dani celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary and their first child, Liam, was born on July 26. They live in Ferndale and he commutes to his jobs Downriver. Jon and Dani, who also played soccer at Oakland University, are the club directors of the Downriver location of Detroit City Football Club youth program. Prior to getting pregnant, Dani played for the Detroit Sun semi-pro team and was player of the year for the United Women’s Soccer League. She also coaches the girls soccer team at Lincoln Park High School.
Page 4 • December 15 — January 20, 2021
GROSSE ILE GRAND
The Grosse Ile soccer team won its second straight Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 3 state title last month with a 1-0 victory over Grand Rapids South Christian. Player-of-the-year Bosh Tanyi scored the game’s only goal in the second half with an assist from Ali Khaled. It was Grosse Ile’s third straight trip to the state championship game, where they lost 3-1 in overtime to Hudsonville Unity Christian in 2018 and beat Grand Rapids South Christian 2-1 in a shootout in 2019.
Back-to-back champs!
GROSSE ILE GRAND
December 15 — January 20, 2021 • Page 5
Page 6 • December 15 — January 20, 2021
GROSSE ILE GRAND
Bosh Tanyi caps championship year with Mr. Soccer Award
KING
HILL
of the
DAVE GORGON
As a young boy growing up in Hungary, Bosh Tanyi admits he thought of very little other than playing soccer. Like other young athletes, he dreamt of playing professionally. Soccer, called football in Hungary and most places outside the United States, “is huge,” Tanyi said. “It’s how kids in Europe grow up. No other sport is that big. Everyone wants to be professional. I think it’s in every kid’s mind since the beginning.” When Tanyi was 12 years old, he moved to the United States with his mother Ildiko Gal and older brother Benedek to live on Grosse Ile with his stepfather Csaba Gal, who works for Ford Motor Co. Bosh’s parents met when Csaba visited his parents in Hungary. The parents of Csaba and Ildiko knew each other so it was not a chance meeting. If not for them getting together, the Tanyi boys likely would not have lived on the Island or attended Grosse Ile High School. Bosh’s passion for soccer only grew when he watched his future school play on the soccer field and saw how competitive the players were. While waiting his turn, he played for teams such as the Grosse Ile Chaos and Michigan Rush Downriver. Fast forward to 2020. Tanyi just finished his fourth year of varsity soccer. He has played in the state finals the last three seasons. The Red Devils have won the state championship for the second straight year. And Tanyi, at age 17, has been named “Mr. Soccer” as the best soccer player in Michigan.
Coach Jon Evans made the announcement at a postseason get-together on the home soccer field. What a season it was – and to think it started late due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Eight of last year’s Red Devils had graduated, leaving it up to the next wave of players to take their spots. Tanyi was always considered a player who had speed and a good shot – an athlete who kept his head up and played to the whistle. He watched his diet and worked out a lot, focusing on specific group muscles designed to improve his game. As one of only three seniors on the team and one of the co-captains, Tanyi would be called on to help motivate younger players with fresh legs. He spoke often with Coach Jon Evans and got his marching orders. “Coach talked to me before the season started,” Tanyi said. “He told me I really had to be there for the team as one of the best players. And I had to keep pushing them to get better. “I was really happy to get that role. What pushed me was my team and my brother, who was always there to motivate me. My brother told me to be the best. It really boosted my confidence.” Benedek played for the Red Devils from his freshman to junior years in high school before playing Olympic development soccer. He now competes professionally with the Detroit City Football Club. Tanyi said he and his teammates were already close and the bond grew throughout the year. They worked out
Grosse Ile senior Bosh Tanyi — 2020 Mr. Soccer — scores the game-winning goal against Grand Rapids South Christian in the Division 3 state championship game
Grosse Ile Grand
He’s a really hard-working player. He’s got a very, very good mentality about wanting to be the best and putting in the time and effort to be the best. He puts in a lot of extra time. It’s the things you do when nobody is watching. ~ Coach Jon Evans “At the beginning of the season, that (Mr. Soccer) was my ultimate goal along with the state championship,” Tanyi said. “I talked a lot about it with
my mom. But I didn’t know I was nominated until the last two games of the season.” Yet, he didn’t believe it when
SEE KING, Page 24
GROSSE ILE GRAND
December 15 — January 20, 2021 • Page 7
So, what’s next?
Schedule for Parkway Bridge repairs to be released in January
island. And that is a source of fear as well as frustration. “One of my concerns is: What if something should happen to the pay bridge?” posted Janis Osterhout
“I don’t think folks realize just how much our futures are at risk because of all this,” DeBeausset said. Budny said township officials share those concerns, and are putting together an emergency plan for just that scenario. “If the toll bridge went down, could we send an ambulance over the free bridge?” he said. “We know we can’t do regular traffic, but what about essential travel? A part of the plan is who do you contact in the county, the state, the military. Who do we go to?”
local communities to prepare and adequately plan for the future,” the petition states. Knowing that some earlier bridge inspection reports were falsified by one county inspector — now fired — just adds to residents’ anger. But the county under its current leadership has been cooperative, Budny said. “The portrayal of the county’s hiding things is totally untrue,” he said. “I had asked that we have continuous meetings so we know
Smith on Grosse Ile Now, a Facebook group moderated by island activist Kyle De Beausset. “Should all boat traffic causing the bridge to have to open be stopped? What if one of the coal freighters hits it and it was incapacitated?” The toll bridge has been struck by freighters a few times in the past, and did have to be closed for repairs as a result
DeBeausset is the author of a petition, signed by more than 1,000 residents, addressed to county officials. The free bridge closure is “the latest example of Wayne County failing to provide the basic services residents need in order to prosper, and even worse has failed to communicate quickly and transparently in a way that allows for residents and
what’s happening. I’m very pleased that we could get those weekly meetings, so we’re at the table with the county, the state and — when contracts are assigned — the contractor. “We can’t change what happened in the past. We can only make sure those types of things don’t happen again. I can only go forward.”
Finding out recently that the damaged Wayne County Grosse Ile Parkway Bridge - the “free” bridge - won’t re-open until at least next fall is evoking fear and frustration from Grosse Ile residents. The 90-year-old span closed May 6 for structural repairs, and was supposed to re-open this month, but on Nov. 5, county-contracted inspectors discovered that the span’s underwater piers are deteriorating so rapidly that the bridge is unsafe for traffic. Rumors abound that a new bridge will be built instead of PAULA repairing the old one, NEUMAN Grosse Ile but that’s just not so, Grand said new township Supervisor James Budny. The cost of a new bridge is estimated at up to $100 million. The cost of repairs has been estimated at about $15 million so far. “A new bridge is the answer to our long-term problems, but that’s way down the line,” Budny said. Since taking office in November, he has made sure the township puts out a weekly update on the bridge repairs. “Regarding recent statements by a Michigan Department of Transportation employee about replacement of the Parkway Bridge, the township was informed by engineering consultants for the county that both the superstructure and pier repairs are estimated to provide 20-30 years of additional usable life to the Parkway Bridge,” Budny wrote in his Nov. 25 statement. “The county expects pier rehabilitation repairs to commence in spring 2021 and for construction to also be completed in 2021. A detailed construction schedule will be developed in January 2021 and be provided to the township for distribution.” Meanwhile, residents must rely on the privately owned Grosse Ile Toll Bridge, paying a fee of $5 (or $4 with a bridge pass) to cross the river to the
Page 8 • December 15 — January 20, 2021
GROSSE ILE GRAND
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December 15 — January 20, 2021 • Page 9
The lifetime barbecue expertise of three brothers has come to Grosse Ile. Marvin, Darrell and Steve Sullivan recently opened Sully’s BBQ at 8537 Macomb, and despite limitations resulting from a worldwide pandemic, islanders are eating it up. “The community has really welcomed us with open arms,” Darrell said. “Of course, we’ve been backyard barbecue experts all our life, but this is our first restaurant venture.” It’s a natural evolution, he said, noting that the three have hosted events and private parties featuring their favorite foods. “Everyone tells you how good it is, and then maybe they ask you to make them sauce,” Darrell said. “One day you just jump in.” Before that jump, the Sullivans, who all hail from Downriver, toured the area looking for the right place to set up shop. “Grosse Ile just seemed like the perfect storm,” Darrell said. “It’s a quiet community where I didn’t see anything like what we wanted to do. The location is great. There wasn’t a formula. One day we were just driving and said, ‘Hey, that’s the perfect location.’” The Sullivans opened just two weeks before the coronavirus situation hit and they had to change their whole menu to accommodate carryout. Because of the newness, however customers didn’t notice it much. “It wasn’t a big shock for them,” Darrell said. “That worked out in our favor, I believe.” A sitdown opening could happen as soon as August, allowing patrons to experience the 1,700-square-foot dining space and full bar. Whatever happens, the Sullivans will continue striving to be the best at what they do, a commitment they all share. Sully’s is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information call (734) 672-6106 or go to www.sullygotsauce.com.
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CULINARY CAPERS A Christmas tradition that began nearly 50 years ago will continue December 25 with an early-morning breakfast buffet at the Grosse Ile home of Melva and Ron Bonis. Melva doesn’t remember the exact year of the first gathering, but the EVELYN purpose, she said, was to CAIRNS Grosse Ile allow family members Grand to enjoy watching their daughter open gifts from Santa while the adults enjoyed breakfast. The centerpiece on the table has always been — by demand — Melva’s delectable streusel-filled and -topped Christmas Cake, made from a recipe she’s been using since the first gettogether. Melva said she makes two at a time and freezes one for future guests. A new addition this year will be a plate of delicious orange-flavored cranberry shortbread cookies that Melva will bake using a recipe shared by her sister-in-law, Loree Sims, of Grosse Ile. The cookies are appropriate for the holiday, because shortbread, which originated in Scotland circa 1736, was always served at Christmas and New Year’s. I’ve baked both the cake and the cookies and can vouch for their addictiveness! MELVA BONIS’ CHRISTMAS CAKE Topping and filling: 6 tablespoons butter, softened 1 cup brown sugar, packed 2½ teaspoons cinnamon 1 cup chopped walnuts Batter: ½ cup shortening ¾ cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 3 eggs 2 cups sifted flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder ½ pint sour cream Preheat oven to 350 degrees. For topping and filling, with a mixer, cream together the butter, brown sugar and cinnamon. Add the nuts and stir well. Set aside. For batter: Cream together the shortening, granulated sugar and vanilla thoroughly. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Sift the flour with the baking soda and baking powder. Add to the
creamed mixture, alternately with the sour cream, blending well after each addition. Spread half of batter in a greased-and-floured 10-inch tube pan. Dot the batter with half of the nut mixture, being sure to keep the filling away from the sides of the pan so it doesn’t stick to it. Cover with the remaining batter, then cover with the remaining nut mixture. Bake 42 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan 10 minutes, then run a thin knife along the edge of cake before turning it out on a plate. Immediately turn right side up onto a rack to finish cooling. Transfer to a plate to serve. CRANBERRY ORANGE SHORTBREAD COOKIES 2¼ cups flour ½ teaspoon salt 2 sticks butter 1/3 cup granulated sugar ½ cup confectioner’s sugar 1 tablespoon orange zest 2 egg yolks 1 teaspoon vanilla ½ teaspoon almond extract 1 teaspoon orange extract ½ cup dried cranberries (chopped into about ¼-inch pieces) Whisk the flour and salt and set aside. In a food processor, chop the cranberries with 2 tablespoons of the flour called for in the recipe. Cream together the butter, granulated and confectioner’s sugars and orange zest 1½ minutes. Add the egg yolks, vanilla and almond and orange extracts. Add the flour and cranberries. Form the dough into 2 8x1¾-inch logs, wrap the logs in waxed paper and refrigerate 2 hours. Cut the logs into 1/3-inch circles. Place on parchment-covered baking sheets and bake 13 minutes or until a light golden brown on the bottom. Don’t overbake. Cool on pan 3 minutes then sprinkle with confectioner’s sugar. TIP FOR TODAY Too busy to make a holiday treat from scratch? Melva suggests baking a box of Krusteaz Cranberry Orange Muffin Mix instead (zest and cranberries are included). The muffins are so delicious, you may never make muffins from scratch again, she says. MERRY CHRISTMAS! (Contact me at EvyCairns@aol.com)
Page 10 • December 15 — January 20, 2021
GROSSE ILE GRAND
LISTENING IN ON THE ISLAND
Son of Wonder Well owner has made a name for himself Recently, I sent a clipping from the Grosse Ile Grand to Jim Swan showing the modern home being built on the site of the former Wonder Well. Jim, the son of owner Don PAMELA A. Swan, lived in the home behind FRUCCI the Wonder Well, dug in 1905. The Grosse Ile Grand object was to discover oil far below the surface, but the well tapped into an underground flow of water so full of minerals (and the smell of sulfur) that folks came from far and near to buy the water. When Mr. Swan died in 1994, the well dried up. Jim grew up on the Island and graduated from Grosse Ile High School in 1961. Back when I was teaching at the high school, I directed the play “Annie, Get Your Gun” and Jim played one of the roles. To my surprise, when he visited Grosse Ile 30 years later and stood on the stage of the 1911 building (demo-lished in 2000,) Jim recited from memory his lines from the play! After graduating from high school, Jim got his doctorate from the University of Michigan and in 1970 was instrumental in establishing the first Earth Day, the nation’s largest Earth Day Teach-in that
drew a crowd of 50,000. Jim and his wife Roberta and son Andrew now live in New Mexico, where they are involved in producing documentaries. Jim is the CEO of Snow Goose Productions and has appeared as an actor in 20 feature films, three dramatic TV series, and over 30 commercials and print ads. In addition, Jim was a co-executive producer for the reality TV series Wild Justice about game wardens on the National Geogra-phic Channel (2010-13.) This show holds the record for the largest audience for a National Geographic documentary series premiere with 3.2 million viewers. Introducing longtime employee of Kroger If Matt Parmalee looks like a familiar face at the check-out counter in Kroger (even behind a mask,) it’s because he’s been working there for 25 years. Hired in 1996, Matt’s a 1991 graduate of Grosse Ile High School and back then his interest was in economics. Thus, working the cash register at Kroger’s is in line with his interests. Having grown up on the Island, his home is on Manchester, not far from Kroger. After 25 years Matt knows most of his customers, not by name but by face.
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In the time between graduating from GIHS and working for Kroger’s, Matt experienced a serious automobile accident and for several years was recovering while also attending local colleges. He laughs when he says he spent 20 years in higher education and came out with a two-year associate’s degree. When he retires, his interest is still in the line of economics: It’s not that he wants to move up to becoming a manager of Kroger, but he wants to be an investor and live off his investments. Plemmons’ waterfront ready for boating season While the winter weather was holding off, Jaime and Beth Plemmons, our neighbors to the south, had their seawall finished and had new sod laid to make a green bank to their docks on East River Road. The Plemmons added a flag pole with the American flag and when the Spartans are playing well, a green flag flies below it.
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December 15 — January 20, 2021 • Page 11
New ‘forward-thinking’ zoning for McLouth site satisfies residents PAULA NEUMAN
Grosse Ile Grand
Trenton city officials took action after being blasted by hundreds of Downriver residents, and have created and approved a new Waterfront Revitalization (W-R) category for the former McLouth Steel property. The W-R category — called “cutting edge” by planning consultant Leah DuMouchelle — is being applauded by those who raised their voices in July against an earlier attempt to rezone the property. “The revised zoning ordinance makes it certain for the public record that the leaders of Trenton do not believe that industrial redevelopment on the waterfront is the key to the future prosperity of their city or the region,” posted the Grosse Ile Civic Association led by William Heil. Legislators added their approval. “I applaud Mayor (Steven) Rzeppa and Trenton City Council for working together and accommodating the concerns of community members,” posted U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Dearborn). “This revised zoning plan works to protect our environment, the health of our community, and future possibilities on the waterfront.” State Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) called the Dec. 7 Trenton council meeting via Zoom to commend city officials and activist residents for their work on the W-R category. “I think that this is really amazing,” Chang said. “You will be really moving Trenton forward to a brighter future.” State Rep. Darrin Camilleri (D-Brownstown Twp.) also called the council meeting. “I am very excited to support what I’ve seen of this new revision,” he said, adding thanks to city officials for “their hard work of listening to residents.” The land causing all the uproar and angst is 197 acres adjoining Riverview and directly across the Trenton Channel from Grosse Ile. The former steel plant
While community support for the W-R zoning is strong, those who added their voices to the outcry against the earlier I-W idea are urging future vigilance. site has been sitting bleak, dilapidated and unused for decades. Moroun family-owned Crown Enterprises and MSC Land Co. LLC bought the land for $4 million in 2017, after Wayne County foreclosed on the site, which now is on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Superfund National Priorities List comprising some of the nation’s most contaminated areas. After the cleanup work, the Moroun companies allegedly plan an intermodal shipping facility for the site, which offers a deep-water port. Last summer, an Industrial Waterfront (I-W) category was created by Trenton planners for the property. The I-W category was designed to put some restraints on development while not making it impossible to create an intermodal shipping port there. Making the development impossible would constitute a legal “taking” – the seizure of private property or putting a substantial impact onto its owner’s right to free use — and subject the town’s taxpayers to expensive litigation. Opposition to the I-W category was vehement. The newly created W-R district that replaces I-W doesn’t prevent the development of an intermodal shipping port either, but may help “mitigate the worst possible impacts” of it, wrote the GICA. Rzeppa said the W-R zoning creates a mixed use district for commercial and industrial uses “designed to support a transition away from the heaviest industrial uses along the city’s waterfront and permit a combination of uses which support an emerging economy more focused on innovation and connection than on extraction and fabrication.”
The W-R district has been structured to “preserve and protect the waterfront and natural resources while allowing appropriate and suitable development,” the mayor said. Commercial uses allowed in W-R zoned property include dining, retail and offices. The new ordinance also affords the city’s Planning Commission “greater control of site design for the industrial uses,” Rzeppa said, and requires review and impact assessment for many types of development including industrial. “The purpose of an impact assessment is to evaluate the developmental, ecological, environmental, social, economic and physical impact from a proposed development on and surrounding the development area,” the ordinance states. Will the Moroun companies legally challenge any restrictive new regulations to their property? Time will tell, but many believe that’s entirely possible based on past performance. In the early 2000s, Crown Enterprises acquired 76 Riverview acres that adjoin the McLouth land, and then created a subsidiary company to own the property called the Riverview Trenton Railroad Co. and announced a plan to build an intermodal transport facility there. The cities of Riverview and Trenton as well as Wayne County, concerned about potential environmental and community impacts, took that plan to court. After years of litigation, the county and cities lost, but the site is still undeveloped. Whatever eventually happens to the former McLouth property and the adjoining Riverview land will take years to materialize. The dilapidated buildings on the steel plant site are nearly all removed. Superfund experts now have to assess
the environmental and health hazards that are left on the property and come up with a remedial plan. That cleanup work could start by this summer, and is expected to continue through 2033. Even then, the land likely will never be suitable for residential or park use, according to the EPA. Trenton’s new W-R district also will be applied to the site of the DTE Energy Trenton Channel Power Plant, which is slated to be shuttered in 2022. That closing will further shrink the city’s tax base. The mayor said: “The intent of the district recognizes that the existing conditions on these sites have been profoundly shaped by their industrial past and remain suitable for certain types of such uses due to their locational assets, and further recognizes that they remain desirable to preserve and balance the city’s tax base and employment opportunities.” While community support for the W-R zoning is strong, those who added their voices to the outcry against the earlier I-W idea are urging future vigilance. Some of those voices came from the Grosse Ile Civic Association and some from the Trenton Visionaries and Stakeholders group, which was formed to “educate and engage citizens, community leaders, and city officials of Trenton and its stakeholders in order to advocate for the implementation of the goals and strategies of the Trenton Coast Resiliency Master Plan.” Trenton Councilwoman Wendy Pate founded the Visionaries group. She — and all of the other council members — voted in favor of W-R. “While this is a much better framework for economic development, it is not time to sit back and relax,” she posted on Facebook. “We have to continue to work hard to bring developers to our town who share our vision, and we have to educate ourselves and our commissioners on what this zoning ordinance scope really is.” “This is just the beginning of a long fight over the quality of life and protection of the environment in Trenton, Riverview and Grosse Ile,” posted the GICA.
Page 12 • December 15 — January 20, 2021
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December 15 — January 20, 2021 • Page 13
Island attorney has your interests in mind When you walk through the door at Forrester Law Offices you will find several things: A cordial atmosphere in a clean and comfortable office environment and a no nonsense attorney ready to take your case and guide you through every step of the legal process. As a Ford Motor Company early retiree and an experienced 20-plus year attorney, Jeffrey Forrester brings practical, hands-on experience to his cases. Forrester has been a Grosse Ile resident for 30 years and was named Attorney of the Year by the Michigan Community Resources group in 2012. He received that honor after he negotiated - pro bono - a beneficial deal for SafeHouse Center, a nonprofit organization in Ann Arbor that shelters battered and abused women and children. He is a past Grosse Ile Township Trustee and a two-time commodore of Elba Mar Boat Club. Forrester has worked with attorneys from both Michigan and Florida as many of his clients have homes in both states, so he has a firm grasp on the working of regional legal machinery in both states. “I have had the opportunity to work with some of the best attorneys in southeastern Michigan,” said Forrester. “In Southfield, where I had my first office, I met and worked with the best in the business. I enjoy that network of fellow attorneys, and if I choose not to deal with your legal issue, I can hook you up with the absolute best. Either way – you win.” And hiring Forrester will not break the bank. His local knowledge, legal experience and his far-reaching network come with a reasonable price tag. “I can offer the best results for the best price - period,” said Forrester. “I can guide a client through an otherwise difficult experience and share with them openly and honestly what they are dealing with. “I develop cost options and offer overviews of rewards as well as potential risks. I do not want just one job from you – I want to become your family’s Legal Counsel. I know if I relentlessly take care of my client base, everything else will take care of itself.” When you hire Attorney Forrester, your legal emergency becomes his emergency. Forrester said getting the best results for a client’s legal matter and watching clients learn to trust and appreciate the work that I do for them is the most gratifying part of my job. Compassion, confidentiality, and great results are what makes Forrester Law Office stand out in an otherwise crowded field. Why leave home? We have you covered here on the island.
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Here is a desert recipe that is satisfying and healthy Who doesn’t love a big bowl of ice cream to satisfy their sweet tooth every now and then? It’s a staple in most freezers, but not the healthiest choice for frequent eating. Here’s a “nice” cream recipe you can make with ingredients you probably already have at home, and with no added sugar and just a couple ingredients, it’s a healthy, yet delicious, dessert option. Ingredients: • 2 large frozen bananas (cut into slices before freezing for easier blending) • Splash of milk of choice • Optional: additional mix-ins such as strawberries, cocoa powder, peanut butter, etc. Instructions: • Place everything into a high-speed blender and blend for 1 to 2 minutes, stopping to scrape the sides a couple times. • If it’s too thick, add more milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach a smooth, soft-serve consistency. • Enjoy immediately or place in a container to freeze for 1-2 hours before scooping. We are grateful for you 2020 has been a trying year for everyone. We wanted to take a moment to pause and reflect on what we’re grateful for and that is you, our
patients. We thank you for entrusting us with your care, for supporting us through this uncertain time, and for referring your friends and family. You are the reason we do what we do and supporting you on your journey to living a healthy, active life is what keeps us going. Again, we thank you. The worst exercises for knee pain If you suffer from knee pain, but want to stay active, there are a few exercises you should avoid. These exercises are known to aggravate the knee joint, are often done incorrectly, and can cause unnecessary strain and inflammation: full-depth lunge, plyometrics (like box jumps), hurdler stretch, deep squats. Instead, only lunge until your legs reach 90 degree angles, try step ups instead of jumps, do side-lying leg lifts, and partial, rather than deep, squats. Cardiovascular exercise and strength training are important and can actually reduce your knee pain when done properly. Stick to low-impact cardio like elliptical trainers and make sure you stretch often. If your knee pain is interfering with your daily activities, give us a call. You may find relief in just a couple visits. ~ Cosineau Chiropractic
Page 14 • December 15 — January 20, 2021
GROSSE ILE GRAND
‘Service above self’
Rotary Club names Bill Tilley Grosse Ile Citizen of the Year When word got out that Bill Tilley had been named the Grosse Ile Citizen of the Year, people on and off the Island gave the news their wholehearted approval. Tilley, a 66-year-old retired Detroit Edison employee, has touched so many lives and organizations, usually behind the scenes and DAVE always on a volunteer GORGON Grosse Ile basis. He received the Grand Paul Harris Award, the highest award given by the Rotary Club of Grosse Ile, which is presented in honor of the Rotary motto “Service Above Self.” The recognition, which was presented during a small ceremony at the Grosse Ile Yacht Club, comes with an engraved Citizen of the Year plaque, a Paul Harris pin and two certificates. The honor has been presented annually since 1961, according to Rotary President Robbin Moyer. Recipients must live on Grosse Ile, don’t have to be a member of the Rotary Club, but should be a humble volunteer that doesn’t seek accolades. “That’s why we chose Bill,” Moyer said. “He fits that criteria. Bill is behind the scenes in everything he does.” Tilley was nominated by Island resident Yi-Chia Schmaeman, who has known him since 2002, when the two became involved in Boy Scouts Troop 1261. Tilley has been a leader and assistant Scoutmaster, has towed the Rotary-funded Scouts trailer on monthly weekend outings, has provided target shooting lessons and gun safety and much more. “And then he would thank me for giving him the opportunity,” Schmaeman said. “He’s that kind of guy.” Long after their Scout-age sons became adults, the two have remained active in the troop. Schmaeman, a retired Ford Motor Co. engineer, sought out her friend in 2014, when she was forming the Wired Devils Robotics Team at Grosse Ile High School. While she pursued
grants, did administrative work and led recruitment, Tilley became a mentor to “the kids,” instructed safety in tools, equipment and electricity, provided hands-on experiments and became instrumental in robot prototype design and build. He also handles the operational needs of the team. That first school year, the team had 12 members, but performed so well that it was named “rookie team of the
year” in Michigan and qualified for the world robotics tournament in St. Louis. The club has since grown to more than 50 members, expanded to middle school and elementary school and even helped start the robotics team at Gibraltar High School. “Bill is an incredible person,” said John Repp, who also serves as a robotics mentor and is on the Rotary committee that reviews the Citizen
of the Year nominations. “The more I got to know him, the more I grew to appreciate his talents, ability and spirit of volunteerism… “He’s a role model’s role model. He really is the kind of person that you want to influence younger people so they are inspired to make appropriate contributions to the community, to their employer and to their country.” Tilley and wife Linda were widowed when they met, fell in love, married and became a blended family on Grosse Ile in 1999. They have three adult children: Lucas Tilley, the Scout who is now a heavy equipment mechanic and business owner; Erika Kazmer, who teaches classes on the operation of laboratory test equipment all over the country; and Allison Brooks, a third-grade school teacher. The Tilleys also have five grandchildren. When asked, Tilley said he inherited his spirit of volunteerism from two generations that came before him, specifically his mother Maureen, who was one of the first police officers in Detroit, and grandmother Clara Walsh, SEE TILLEY, Page 15
GROSSE ILE GRAND
Tilley has actually saved lives DAVE GORGON Grosse Ile Grand
Bill Tilley’s knack for doing good has extended to saving lives. Tilley, who was recently honored as the Grosse Ile Citizen of the Year for 2020, and his family members have found themselves in several situations in which they had to make quick decisions in harrowing situations. They were in the right place at the right time. n In the boating season of August 2016, Tilley, daughter Erika Kazmer and her husband Bryan were sailing when they spotted another sailboat sinking near Celeron Island just south of Grosse Ile across from Lake Erie Metropark. Bill remarked that the small boat had too much sail for the amount of wind that was blowing. The boat tipped over, putting the two people on board in peril. With the boat on its side and the mast and sails under water. Bill jumped in the water, cut the mast to keep the boat from sinking and aided in rescuing the two people who were aboard. n In January 2018, Bill Tilley and his wife Linda were driving on Old Fort Street in Gibraltar when they saw a car on fire. Bill said he stopped his car, ran across the street through traffic and pulled the elderly female driver, her dog and a large bag from the vehicle. Another driver in a passing pickup truck helped by turning sideways in the road to block the two lanes of traffic while Bill assisted the woman, who was using a cane, across the road to the Tilleys’ vehicle. The Tilleys waited with the woman in their car until Brownstown Township firefighters took control of the situation, and then drove the victim home to her apartment. Bill said the fire was the result of a ruptured fuel line in the woman’s car. n In December 2018, Bill and wife Linda made a 911 emergency call to the Trenton police after a woman drove into the Detroit River off West Road. Bill said the woman had been distraught and “decided to drive off the end of the road.” A police officer wound up jumping into the water to save the victim.
December 15 — January 20, 2021 • Page 15
TILLEY
Continued from page 14 who delivered food to widows of World War 1 veterans. Both were “very strong-willed women.” At age 14, Tilley said, his mother told him he needed to contribute 100 volunteer hours a year to help fill in the gaps in society. “Society works because people make it work,” he said. “If you just worry about yourself, what about the person that needs the extra hand? If you see somebody in need and you have the wherewithal and tools to help them, why not?” Even now, he helps deliver 5,000 pounds of Thanksgiving food and Christmas gifts to parishes in one of his trailers on behalf of Sacred Heart Catholic Church to provide for the needy in Detroit. He also volunteers with Christnet, which provides food and shelter to the Downriver area homeless. He was a caregiver for an ill friend in St. Clair Shores. He builds handicap ramps for those that need them. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, too. “Bill is very humble,” said Terry Morreau, Christian services director at Sacred Heart. “I think he first started working with me 20 years ago. If there’s anybody from our parish that needs help, he’s always willing to help them. He’s wonderful – just wonderful. And he always
“He’s a role model’s role model. He really is the kind of person that you want to influence younger people so they are inspired to make appropriate contributions to the community, to their employer and to their country.” ~ John Repp thanks me for asking him.” Tilley’s father Bill Sr. had been a drill sergeant in the Marines before becoming a police officer. Bill Sr.’s influence on his son had a lasting impact when he gave him some harsh career advice. Linda Tilley said her husband was not a particularly good student in high school in the farming community of Deckerville, but was pleased when he secured a job in the local pickle factory in Croswell. “His father sat him down and gave him a good talking to,” Linda said. “He said it was all well and good to work at the pickle factory. He could be a bum for all he cared, but he was not going to do it under his roof. So, Bill went to St. Clair Community College and earned an associates
Bill Tilley degree in electronics. Many of the people he graduated with in Deckerville stayed in Deckerville, working on local farms or in small factories. “Bill was hired right out of college into Detroit Edison (which later became DTE Energy). At the time that he graduated, all this big money was being made in the auto companies. Bill’s college counselors advised him to take a job with the auto companies, but he held firm, and it was the best choice for him.” In his first year of employment at Edison, Tilley joined the Edison Boat Club and took a novice sailing class. He came back the following year as an instructor and taught sailing for more than 45 years. That’s more than 1,000 students over the course of his teaching career. Daughter Erika enrolled in the class and now owns her own sailboat. In 2015, Tilley became involved with Sea Scouts 1148, teaching sailing to a group of young people ages 14 to 21. He supported them in their activities, including racing with them on their 30-foot yacht on the Port Huron to Mackinac sailboat race in 2018 and 2019. “Bill actually taught me how to sail at the Edison Boat Club,” said Tim Branson, Scoutmaster of the Sea Scouts, which is a division of Boy Scouts. “We couldn’t do it without him. He really has the expertise – the skillset he brings to the table and dealing with kids. He’s super with young adults. They respect him. I wouldn’t want to do it without him. He’s a cool guy. “You couldn’t find a better person.”
Page 16 • December 15 — January 20, 2021
GROSSE ILE GRAND
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December 15 — January 20, 2021 • Page 17
Boy Scouts to the rescue
Troop heeds the call to clean-up Open Space BILL STEVENSON Grosse Ile Grand
In an earlier edition of the Grosse Ile Grand, Pam Frucci and I collaborated on an article titled, “Red Alert! Our Open Spaces Need Help Now,” alerting residents of the abuse of our preserved open space areas, and the illegal dumping that has occurred over the course of many years. And while the global pandemic had stalled earlier efforts at reclamation, on a warm and sunny November Saturday, our local Boys Scout Troop 1261 rallied the forces, and attacked the clean-up with great success. Working in conjunction with the township and Open Space liaison, Carl Bloetscher, the work party of scouts, adult scout leaders, and citizen volunteers helped to clean out the East River Open Space parcel between Halcyon Court and Rucker Road. The township Department of Public Services had earlier removed some of the larger items dumped—
refrigerators, a gas dryer, rusted 50 gallon drums, a steel rowboat, a Chrysler marine engine, and literally, the kitchen sink! All this trash was dumped supposedly “out of sight,” and not 200 feet in the woods from East River Road. The clean-up contingency, ranging from Tenderfoot to Eagle scouts broke from formation, and set out with their adult cohorts to reclaim the scattered debris field. The team pulled out more than 30 tires, bricks, cement block, a toy wagon, car/marine batteries, empty barrels, yards of conduit, spark plug wires, fuel filters, old decking and lumber, bottles, cement pieces automobile parts, and other small debris dumped years ago. All the trash filled a Priority Waste dumpster to overflowing. Unbelievable. Assistant Scoutmaster and project lead Patrick Quinlan, assessed the effort, saying, “We are thankful for this opportunity for Scout Troop 1261 to engage in this conservation effort. These hours the Scouts worked from community service can also be
used for conservation hours and rank advancement. “ “Ultimately, this is a win for the environment with a cleaner, more usable place to live.” Indeed, Open Space liaison, Trustee Bloetscher, concurred, “We are so proud of these Scouts, their leaders, and our volunteers for their good work and their leadership in cleaning up our open spaces. It just shows that a dedicated, focused group of citizens can make a real difference in the quality of life for all.” After completing a socially distanced “shoulder to shoulder” sweep of the East River parcel, the Scouts turned their attention to a second location in the Meridian Woods, in the vicinity south of Lancashire Lane. Deep in the woods, off the overgrown cow path, the Scouts were able to dig up the remnants of an old, blue pickup truck (mostly the rear quarter of a truck), long abandoned for more than twenty years. Grosse Ile residents know that Troop 1261 proudly represents the Scout motto: Be Prepared! And, lives up to the Scout Outdoor Code which
states, “As an American, I will do my best to be clean in my outdoor manners, be careful with fire, be considerate in the outdoors, and be conservation minded.” Recognition for Operation: Open Space Clean-up goes to the adult Scout Leaders: Patrick Quinlan (Lead), Neil Quinlan (Eagle Scout—2014), Mike Perricane, Tony Dioso, Eric Heilman, and Brian Maghran. Scouts: James Quinlan, Nino Dioso, Conner Perricane, Carl Pate, Griffin Wilcox, Joey Gall, Enzo Bonomo, Daniel Gerometta, Teddy Gerometta, Aiden Asher, Aaron Glass, Danny Heilman, Levi Gasper, and Diego Gasper. Adult volunteers: Carl Bloetscher (Lead, Township), Matt Gasper, Chris Wilcox, Matt, Gall, Open Space Chair Cliff St. Pierre, and yours truly. For more information about joining the Boys Scout Troop 1261, or to volunteer for future Island Open Space clean-up efforts, email Assistant Scoutmaster Patrick Quinlan at patrick-quinlan@sbcglobal.net or call Carl Bloetscher at 734.612.4165.
Page 18 • December 15 — January 20, 2021
GROSSE ILE GRAND
TELESCOPING THE TOWNSHIP
Now back to its natural state, Sugar Island has historic past PAMELA A. FRUCCI
Grosse Ile Grand
Last August I got involved in a project that all started with a phone call from Aaron Schillinger to Tony Krukowski, president of the Grosse Ile Historical Society. Aaron, a Detroiter, was producing a documentary not only all about Sugar Island but also Boblo and wanted to know what information we could provide. Since I volunteer at the museum and the Customs House where our records are stored, I called Aaron and we set up a time to meet. He arrived Sept. 7 with a note-taker and cameraman. We started off at the vacant lot where my old friend Melissa Winnie lived until she passed away in 2008. Her former home is now demolished, but the lot faces Sugar Island (a side note: Anthropologist Kay McGowan says the beach in front of Melissa’s former home was where Antoine de LaMothe Cadillac landed on July 23, 1701 to establish a French outpost. When his scouts found out they were on an island which would eventually run out of trees for timber, they moved up the river the next day to found what is now Detroit). That Mon., Sept. 7 turned into an almost all-day event and it opened my eyes to the historic past of Sugar Island. What I already knew was that from the early 1900s to 1936, Sugar Island was an amusement park that the cruiser the Tashmoo would bring Detroiters to enjoy not only an out-of-doors setting, but a place to picnic, swim, dance and buy souvenirs. When the Tashmoo unfortunately hit a rock in
1936 and sank in 18 feet of water off the Canadian shore, Sugar Island lay unused until some black businessmen from Detroit in the 1940s raised enough money to buy a ship called the Seabreeze, which would transport black Detroit residents stuck in the city to an amusement park in the Detroit River. Their plans were never
Also in the works by Aaron Schillinger is a documentary he’s titled “Detroit’s Other Rosa Parks.” It’s a story about Sarah Elizabeth Ray, a black student who along with her class of business students from Detroit, tried to board the Boblo boat in 1945. She was told she couldn’t go to Boblo because she was black and removed from the
Sugar Island has a long, colorful history.
carried out. The ship was mysteriously sunk and the cable connected to the old barn on Melissa’s property to provide electricity to the island to run the amusement rides was also cut. The final blow to their plans was when Grosse Ile Township issued a resolution that Sugar Island would only be used for building residential lots for homes. (Note: A small section of the cable that ran from Grosse Ile to Sugar Island is in the Grosse Ile Historical Society’s museum). Now Sugar Island has made a complete circle back to a natural island that it was before the native Indian population was replaced by modern civilization. It is now owned by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Refuge and can only be used for hunting and fishing.
boat. She sued the Boblo owners and it went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1948. (Sarah Elizabeth’s attorney was Thurgood Marshall.) She won the right to go to Boblo and the company was fined $25. But Sarah Elizabeth never wanted to go to Boblo after she won the right. Because so many of us on Grosse Ile fondly remember the Boblo boats, either riding them or seeing them going by our shores, there may be residents who would like to have a copy of the documentary Aaron’s movie, called “Boblo Boats: A Detroit Ferry Tale.” To order the DVD go to bobloboatsfilm.com or to support the documentary about Sarah E. Ray and her integrating Boblo, go to detroitsotherrosaparks.com.
Orange glow over Canada explained by John Hartig When Jack and I look across the river to the skyline over Canada, we have been mystified by an orange glow in the sky just above the treeline. I called John Hartig, former head of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Refuge and who once served as the Detroit
Photo by Vicki Athens
River Keeper. John is now working out of the University of Windsor as a visiting scholar at the Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research where he handles the clean-up of the worst polluted areas of the Great Lakes. He and his wife Pat have recently moved to Hickory Island. He says they both love their new location. His explanation of the orange glow is that it is caused by the lighting in multiple greenhouses in Leamington, Canada where they grow plants (even marijuana) night and day. The season is over but here’s a golf quote worth repeating My husband Jack put away his golf clubs until the season re-opens late next spring. Recently, one of his golf
buddies emailed him this quote by notable golfer Lee Trevino: “Remember golf is a game invented by the Scots who think music comes out of a bagpipe.” Remembering the sad story of Monique Navarre It was in November 1813 that unfriendly Indians were spotted landing in front of the Mansion House on north East River Road (There’s an historic marker at the site). The home was occupied by 20-year-old Monique Navarre, the wife of William Macomb II whose father built the original house. Unfortunately, her husband had been taken prisoner by the British and exiled to Canada so Monique was home alone with their baby boy Pierre and some servants. The home was set afire and Monique was able to escape out the back door. Unbelievably, she and Pierre made their way to Detroit on foot where she had friends. Because of the dreadful cold, Monique died from exposure when she reached their home, but Pierre survived. Now when I drive to Detroit with all the comforts of a heated Chevy, I think back about Monique. Here’s a way to help keep the Historical Society on the black With the COVID-19 pandemic still affecting not only eating establishments, but museums as well, the popular Holiday Boutique at the Customs House had to cancel this 2020 Christmas season. However, by going to the web site gihistortsoc.org you can view a variety of items, both new and traditional, that would make a family member or friend pleased with your SEE TOWNSHIP, Page 19
GROSSE ILE GRAND
December 15 — January 20, 2021 • Page 19
TOWNSHIP
Continued from page 20 choice. Items for sale are the children’s book Digging Up An Island’s Past, a 2021 calendar with over 50 photos from Grosse Ile’s past and over 250 entries relating to historical events on the Island and elsewhere, the Grosse Ile activity book with mazes, crosswords, drawing tutorials, Morse Code, word searches, color by number, etc., 3D maps of Grosse Ile and the Great Lakes- framed and ready to hang, jackets displaying the Grosse Ile lighthouse, books on Grosse Ile and the Naval Air Station, laminated reference guides on a variety of nature subjects, plus mugs, hats, coasters and more. Payment is online, by check, or cash and can be picked up outside the Customs House (socially distant) at the corner of Parkway and East River. With questions, email the Grosse Ile Historical Society (a 501c3 non-profit organization) at gihistsoc@gmail.com or by calling (734) 675-1250. Boy Scouts spend three hours cleaning trash Three cheers to Boy Scout Troop 1261 and their assistant leader Patrick Quinlan. When they got a call to clear a huge accumulation of trash in open space, 15 scouts turned out along with adults Bill Stephenson, Carl Bloescher and Cliff St. Pierre. Bill is the one who lives near the trail into Open Space and alerted the Open Space Committee about the unlawful dumping. Carl, a township trustee, is the liaison to the Open Space Committee and Cliff heads the committee.
Items like these are available from the Grosse Ile Historical Society website.
Thanksgiving is over, but this poem rings true May your stuffing be tasty and your turkey plump, May your potatoes and gravy have nary a lump, May your yams be delicious, Your pies take the prize, and May your Thanksgiving dinner stay off of your thighs ~ Guy Thomas Appeal to rename Four Corners garden is not successful The Island Beautification Committee (IBC) got a request from a resident suggesting that Four Corners should have a new name that would better fit its four planted areas. A contest was held to re-name Four Corners with a deadline of Dec. 1.
The IBC got only two responses, but also got one from a longtime resident that reminded the group that the name Four Corners shouldn’t be changed since it had been an established part of Grosse Ile for too many years. The IBC tried to get a poll led by the township to sound out the community but was turned down. The committee is asking residents to write the IBC at the township address (P.O. Box 300) with their thoughts on renaming Four Corners. The deadline is Jan. 1. Rebirth of Islanders get a green light When a group of interested Island residents met on Nov. 21 at an exploratory meeting at the VFW to see if there was enough interest in
reviving the Islanders, the theater group which disbanded in 2007, the answer was “yes.” Another meeting was set for 11 a.m. at the VFW on Sat., Dec. 19 to set more concrete plans. Most of those who showed up at the preliminary meeting had been involved in the former theater group. Attendees were Jack and Pam Frucci, Scott and Mary Gray, Barry Van Engelen, Linda Stanko and Mike Walls. A newcomer was Fred Watson, who had suggested reviving the Islanders, since he felt the community was missing live theater. The next meeting will select a board of directors and make plans for an opening event to gauge if there is enough interest among residents for the revival.
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Continued from page 6 together in small groups whenever possible before the start of the season – he said much of the focus was on their weaknesses – and kept the hard work and improvement going once the games started. Tanyi said the players knew what the team had accomplished the year before, of course, but went into 2020 season level-headed. “We got the trophy and the guys got rings, but we were never a bragging type of team,” he said. “That’s not our style. It’s maybe even bad luck. We just tried to focus on the game.” Coach Jon Evans said: “The amount of growth and effort and time he put in during the shutdown improved his game and improved him as an overall athlete. The result showed for him and our team.” As the Red Devils went 20-1-1. Tanyi finished the year with 49 goals and eight assists. Evans said he would have shattered the school record for goals in a season if the coronavirus had not caused the cancellation of five games. The school record of 52 was set in 2018 by then-senior Jacob Sawicki. He did break a Sawicki record for most goals in a game when he scored seven against Detroit Cristo Rey in an early-round playoff game. Tanyi finished with 91 goals and 27 assists for his four varsity seasons. He had 27 goals and 13 assists as a junior, 13 goals and 6 assists as a sophomore
GROSSE ILE GRAND
and two goals as a ninth-grader. Tanyi had multiple defenders cover him throughout the senior season and had four Clawson players cover him in a regional tournament game. But some of his most important goals came in the biggest games. Seven of his goals were scored in the state semifinals and finals the last two years. He had three goals in the 4-0 state title game in 2019 and had the only goal in this year’s 1-0 game that resulted in back-to-back state championships. Both finales were against Grand Rapids South Christian. “I think that’s the most important part about scoring,” Tanyi said. “You have to be there in the most important games and help out the team. That’s the best part about scoring.” Evans said Tanyi deserves to be Mr. Soccer. “He’s a really hard-working player,” the coach said. “He’s got a very, very good mentality about wanting to be the best and putting in the time and effort to be the best. He puts in a lot of extra time. It’s the things you do when nobody is watching. He takes care of his body and becomes a better athlete and better soccer player. He’s more of a quiet player than you would imagine. He lets his play do the talking. He led by example and everybody looked up to him.” Tanyi said he is looking forward to next year’s Red Devils building on their success. “I think they will be great,” he said. “The guys already have really good chemistry. The team
Tanyi finished with 91 goals and 27 assists for his four varsity seasons. He had 27 goals and 13 assists as a junior, 13 goals and 6 assists as a sophomore and two goals as a ninthgrader. will basically be the same except for one starter.” Himself. Tanyi said he has not decided where to go to college – has a number of offers – but he plans to study business. He also plans to participate in the Olympic development soccer program, perhaps college and semi-pro, and then turn professional like his brother. “It’s the only option for me,” he said. “I take this very seriously. I will play professionally in two or three years.” To fulfill that childhood dream.
December 15 — January 20, 2021 • Page 25
This is a very different holiday season
Peter Rose
Grosse Ile Grand
I’m happy to tell you that the “Black Friday” weekend brought lots of people out to support the indie community. It was a big relief; we had no idea of what to expect. Trade news varies wildly. Some are brashly positive for the prospects of small businesses in the holiday season; most are much more uncertain. The National Retail Federation predicts a 4.7 percent increase over last year for all retail, but it’s a meaningless number. Why? Because their numbers include everything that will be purchased on-line, and everything sold in mass-market,
publicly traded operations like Target and Walmart and nearly every store you see in a mall. There is absolutely no way they can predict that in this time of corona, but it doesn’t stop them. Their numbers have nothing to do with the stores I advocate for, because Indie stores do not report to the stockholders. One source reported that in a survey they conducted, 70 percent of the respondents said that they intended to do 100 percent of their holiday shopping online. You might imagine the consternation felt by merchants as we enter the period that is well known to be crucial. After all, while we had our Small Business Saturday, over the course of that weekend, internet shopping shattered records. What do I say to the readers of this column that I haven’t said already?
We’re in a pandemic, so I can say it all with more urgency, perhaps, but most of you, even if you see some validity to my words, will still buy online. You surely can bypass the local provider of all manner of “things,” sit at home and click. This has been happening in growing numbers, year after year, but now comes this dangerous virus, and there will absolutely be a far bigger number that sends their money away from the region, cities and stores that define our Downriver. There are very few local shops that flaunt safety measures. We take it very seriously and if you’re nervous and tell us so, we can give you greater protections by distancing, masking and services that make it worth your while. You don’t have to hang around for a long time, increas-
ing the risk. All of the stores you might normally visit at this time of year will be so appreciative if you find a way to support them, ensure that they are not on the endangered species list as the season ends. You’re well aware that the lost 80 days of the spring season was a killer, and that sales have been suppressed ever since for many. I don’t actually expect to affect real change as I write these columns. I earnestly hope to reach some of you, as many as I can, to get you to consider the result and cost to our community of sending your money away. Many of us have on-line options, many will do curbside delivery, others will do home delivery for the asking. Take the time to ask, because the stakes are high. There really are a lot of people that need no such preach-
ing. They don’t need me to explain it. For all the reasons I’ve written about and more, they prefer shopping small, where they can actually get help from people that know what they are talking about. Where they can simply chat with people that know them, appreciate them, and care about them. To me, warmth and glad tidings trumps all, and especially at this time of year. We need to be with people that when they say, “Thank You,” you know they mean it. I don’t mean to be selfserving here, but the small idea of supporting this publication through the purchase of ads is something that Amazon and Macy’s will never do. The Grosse Ile Grand, Wyandotte Warrior, Southgate Star and Rivereview Register are local and independent, serving people through support of local and independent businesses. Without revenue, you have no community paper. This is how our local capitalism works, here in our Downriver beach ball. We either prioritize keeping the ball inflated, or being indifferent as we make choices that deflate it, without having even given the whole thing any thought. It is our community to enrich by keeping money local …or not. Lastly: Please do everything you can to get your food from the local restaurants you love. We can’t buy every meal from them, but we should heighten our efforts. Don’t use delivery services if you can help it; they have to pay for that service. Tip like crazy; overtip big. Sincere thanks to all that take the time to tell me they identify with the ideas expressed in these columns. What better time than to tell you it’s gratifying to think that people do listen and do care. Merry Christmas and happy holidays to one and all!
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Miss Amazing, indeed
Jo Brighton grad is winner of statewide pageant PAULA NEUMAN
Grosse Ile Grand
Amy Douglas, a graduate of Jo Brighton Skills Center, is the winner of the Michigan Miss Amazing 2020 pageant. The competition, which took place in September in Novi, is held each year to empower girls with disabilities to “have confidence in their goals and pride in their abilities.” Amy, 28, who has Down syndrome, will go on to national competition in Nashville, Tenn., in August. She entered the pageant at the last minute, said her mother, Janet Sides of Brownstown Township. “We did it for fun,” Janet said. “We’ve been having some Covid downtime, so we thought we’d do something happy. Amy was very excited.” Being in the spotlight is something Amy is quite used to. She has done some modeling and has appeared in a few TV commercials, including one for Delta Air Lines. “She has always loved the camera,” her mom said. “If you had a camera, she was posing. She just decided one day she wanted to be a model.” Amy’s natural ease and personal flair has captured the attention of modeling agents and photographers, and she’s now represented by several agencies. One local photographer, Carol Ann Garrett of Trenton-based Perfectly Timed Photography, donated her services behind the camera recently at Rags to Riches consignment boutique in Brownstown when Amy met Ms. Michigan 2015, Rachael Adams of Lincoln Park. The meeting was arranged by shop owner Tina Brossia. It was all about one pageant winner encouraging another. The event was covered by Fox 2 Detroit.
The Miss Amazing pageant judges base their choice of a winner on applicants’ talent acts and on personal interviews. For her talent act, Amy modeled fall fashions.
“She has quite a talent for putting outfits together,” Janet said. “I think she won just by her charm and the way she knows how to work a crowd.” For the state pageant, Amy donned the same dress she wore to the Jo Brighton prom a few years ago. But for the national pageant, a new dress was needed. So she and her mom went to Rags to Riches. The boutique is a place
Janet and Amy visit quite often. They know Tina, and Amy loves to try on beautiful clothes. “I thought we should put a dress on layaway because Amy has expensive
glam, and she loves dresses. After we got it on her, we had a heck of a time getting her to take it off.” What is about the dress she loves so much? “I like twirling (with the dress on),” Amy said. “I like the sparkle.” So Janet put a down payment on the dress. “Tina said even if I couldn’t afford it, she’d let us borrow it,” she said. “My thought was that because Amy was so in love with the dress, there was no borrowing.” Janet posted about it online, and someone who read about the dress paid it off anonymously for Amy. After learning that the dream dress was truly hers, Amy went to her room, fetched her big, white piggy bank, handed it to her mother and said she wanted to help other girls get a dress, too. “Amy’s got the biggest heart,” Janet said. “She has literally just given things away because somebody else loved it and it made them happy.” Tina said: “Amy brought her piggybank in here and asked if she could keep it in the store and ask for donations to help other girls in need of a little extra change to be pretty. That’s how she worded it.” Amy’s piggy bank is at Rags to Riches, 23549 Telegraph Road, with a flyer she and her mother created asking Amy Douglas for donations to help girls short of funds purchase their own dream dresses. The first Photos by Carol Ann Garrett/Perfectly Timed Photography recipient of the fund will be taste,” Janet said with a laugh. “We a girl from Jo Brighton, in accordance started looking at ball gowns, and Amy with Amy’s wishes. She loves Jo found one she loved — a purple one.” Brighton. Amy said her favorite color is purple. “If people want to donate, they can Her bedroom is purple. When she tried just call 734-675-1343 and pull up on the glittery purple gown with its full, outside,” Tina said. “I can bring the poofy skirt, that was it. piggy bank out to the car. A few people “She loved it,” Janet said. “I hadn’t have already done that.” ever seen her just fall in love like that SEE AMAZING, Page 27 with a ball gown. Amy loves glitz and
December 15 — January 20, 2021 • Page 27
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Continued from page 26 Amy, who now attends Paragon Support Systems in Wyandotte, has other charity endeavors, as well. Last year, Dr. Noel Jackson of Jackson Snider Parker Dentistry in Trenton asked Amy if she’d be an elf at the practice’s annual holiday party. “Every year, they’ve had a huge Christmas party for kids with presents and Santa and everything,” Janet said. Clothes-loving Amy actually had an elf costume in her wardrobe, and she put it to good use working as an elf at the charity party. “She was super excited,” Janet said. “She loves little kids.” But this year, because of Covid, the party has been canceled. However, Amy still wants to be an elf and help children in some way. So she and her mother have chosen three charities to benefit through an online fundraiser — South Rockwood-based Children with Hair Loss; Farmington Hills-based Jay’s Juniors, a program created by radio station WNIC to grant the wishes of chronically or terminally ill children;
and the neonatal intensive care unit at the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor where Janet works. “I like to help babies and kids,” Amy said. “I like to help people with disabilities have a voice. I like modeling, acting, singing and dancing. I’ve been dancing since I was a little kid. I love going to concerts.” One memorable concert for Amy and Janet was a few years ago when Scottish singer-songwriter KT Tunstall was performing at a bar in Detroit. Amy and her mother were seated in the very front. “Of course, Amy had to wear this coat that was total glitter,” Janet said. “All of a sudden, KT came up to her and high-fived her and asked her name. Amy told her and then she said, ‘Let’s hear it for Amy.’ Everybody in the whole room was chanting ‘Amy, Amy, Amy.’ Her drummer gave Amy the drumsticks at the end of the concert. It was so, so cute. She was dancing right up against the stage. She’s got such life in her, such a passion for people and showing love.”
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In time of need, local businesses need your support The calendar year 2020 has been a hard year for everyone, especially small business owners, entrepreneurs, and our regional workforce. The Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber of Commerce (SWCRC) has worked tirelessly to bring critical information and resources to Downriver’s job providers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The SWCRC is tackling the biggest challenges businesses continue to face, such as
Development (LEO) is offering Weatherization Grants for qualified small business owners who have needed to invest in temporary structures to promote social distancing with outdoor equipment such as extra tables and chairs, portable heaters, igloos and tents and more. Applications may be made for expenses purchased between Aug. 1, 2020 and Dec. 30, 2020. Small businesses can be awarded grants between $1,000 to $10,000. Commercial property owners and municipalities will be considered for grants of up to $15,000.
understanding rapidly changing guidelines and governmental orders, moving traditional office jobs to remote platforms, and helping business owners find the latest loan and grant opportunities. Small businesses had numerous unexpected expenses running their businesses this year that was not in their budget. Many small business employers previously did not have to provide personal protective equipment for themselves and their employees until this year. To protect our entire community, employers have spent thousands of dollars on masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer to safely and responsibly operate their businesses during the ongoing crisis. Many business owners also needed to invest in new equipment to expand their business to accommodate social distancing guidelines and indoor capacity restrictions. The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic
Loan and grant opportunities are vital to support small business owners, but they are not enough to keep businesses afloat. With the added regulations that went into place on Nov. 18, 2020, by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, businesses find themselves again having to navigate through difficult closures and restrictions. Many businesses cannot be converted into a remote platform to perform operations. Retailers are now restricted to 30 percent capacity during the biggest shopping season of the year. Bars and restaurants are now forced to shutter indoor dining services, missing out on the most popular nights of the year when people go out and reconnect with family and friends. Many people see these businesses struggle and wonder what they can do to help. It’s up to us as the consumer to choose where we spend our money. If
From Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber
we want to continue to see the Downriver region grow and thrive, it is more critical now more than ever to shop locally. As it is true that we must all work together to protect our community from this dangerous virus, we must also remember to support our region’s small businesses and job providers, who are hurting significantly and are facing difficult decisions in the days to come. When you spend money locally, the money stays locally. Small business owners take part in our community not just as an entrepreneur, but as a neighbor, a friend, or a family member. Let’s continue to grow Downriver into a vibrant community and support those employers that make Downriver and Southern Wayne County such a great place to live, work, and play. I am confident that we can support our region’s businesses safely and responsibly, while also keeping our community safe. The Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber of Commerce asks consumers to support your local community this holiday season and beyond. Instead of buying a new video game, consider platinum membership to Rev’d Up Fun in Woodhaven. Over the next few weeks, support our locally-owned restaurants and order takeout or delivery from eateries like Bierkeller in Taylor. Mask up and shop at retailers like Chelsea’s Menswear and The Willow Tree in Wyandotte, or Kevin James Menswear in Trenton and experience a more personal touch when choosing an outfit. Take a break from streaming services and engage in a one-on-one virtual theatre performance with Open Book Theatre Company in Trenton. Purchases like these may be small to you, but they make a huge difference to a small business owner and our local economy. Let’s come together and continue to build our local economy. When you take part in shopping locally this holiday season and beyond, be sure to post about your adventure on social media and use the hashtag #SupportDownriver. Visit our website at SWCRC.com/ SupportDownriver to find out more about our Support Downriver campaign and how the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber of Commerce is committed to coming together and making sure Downriver continues to flourish.
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GROSSE ILE GRAND
Page 30 • December 15 — January 20, 2021
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Accepting New Patients It’s a small island with a huge heart The Sacred Heart Parish food pantry will be offering a Christmas Day meal to those Grosse Ile residents affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, the state shutdowns and hardship caused by the loss of work. The food pantry is supported by the churches on the Island and the organizations here. The meal will be in a basket, which will have a ham and all the fixings for a great meal, ready for pick up on Dec. 21 or 22.
The basket will also include a $10 gift card for you to purchase bread and butter, and if you have children, we will include new pajamas for them to wear on Christmas morning. We will need their sizes when you register. All you have to do is call our office at 734-676-1378 X 209. Your name will be kept private. Please register by Dec. 16. Together we will take care of each other!
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Interesting and interested podcast focuses on Island life
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Grosse Ile Grand
hat’s the deal, Grosse Ile, is not just the rhetorical question of the day, but the name of a new podcast by Islander Ben Fogt, found at whatsthedealgi.com. With the popularity of such “audio blogs” exploding in 2020, Fogt sensed a void in the information stream on Grosse Ile, and figured out that people had lots of questions of interest, and were interested in hearing the answers. According to the Podchaser website, “host, producer, and editor, Ben Fogt enjoys helping people connect the success they see in other people to their own successes and seeks to grow mutual appreciation of the community they live in.” In his Oct. 1 teaser for Premier, Fogt explains, “I’ve set out to interview people about what it is that makes Grosse Ile a unique place to visit or to live. I started out in my own backyard. . . . well. . . basement really. Over the years, my wife Deborah and I built a video and audio production studio for our sons, Duncan and Tristan, recognized around the island as the GI Bread Brothers. “When they were younger, I would take them to our exceptional libraries in the cities in which we lived (Columbus, Ohio, Ft. Wayne, and Columbus, Indiana) which offered free use of video and audio equipment for kids to develop their own YouTube videos. When we moved to the metro Detroit area, there wasn’t the opportunity for that creative experience to continue, so over the course of time, we built our own facility at home.” And in the depths of 2020 whatsthedealgi.com was born. Professionally trained as a singer, and armed with degrees in World Religions and Philosophy from Capital University, Fogt’s podcasts reflect his
“interesting and interested” nature, through his eclectic careers. Currently working as an historical interpreter at the Henry Ford/Greenfield Village, he has worked as a technical specialist in a variety of companies, and became a serial entrepreneur in such fields as geocaching, coin of the month club, off track betting, mobile wood fired pizza catering, and of course, video and audio production. “Our podcast of the Real Witch Wives of Grosse Ile with Jenna Jones, and the videos that accompanied the Halloween parade, went viral, with initially more than a half a million views.” In addition to the Witch Wives episode, What’s the Deal, Grosse Ile podcasts include interviews with the GI Bread Brothers; Clayton and Erica Jackson of Westcroft Gardens and Farms; GI Lift, GIGrub & GIHopp with Rob Sawyer; Steven J. Frey on the history of the Wonder Well, Marie Pucak and the GI Pet and Garden Center, the Gibraltar Bay Unit of the Detroit International Wildlife Refuge with John Hartig, and the Grosse Ile Rotary with Tracey Pearce. “Every Thursday, there is a new podcast which lasts twenty to thirty minutes,” said Fogt, “People can listen at their leisure at home, on their commute, wherever they’d like. Listeners can access the podcasts through Applepodcast, Spotify, Pandora, or Amazon.” And, born out of the blur of the COVID-19 pandemic, listeners were known to say, “I don’t even know what day it is.” Undaunted, Fogt developed another podcast series called, Today Is. According to Fogt, the podcast has one goal—to let you know what day it is. Listening to Fogt’s warm and welcoming voice for five to six seconds not only informs you, but provides calm in a sea of anxiety. If you want to know what day it is, or get the inside story on Everything Grosse Ile, tune in to Ben Fogt’s interesting and interested podcasts found @podcast.apple.com or whatsthedealgi.com. So, What’s the Deal, Grosse Ile?
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December 15 — January 20, 2021 • Page 35
Skaters on hold as uncertainty surrounds coming season HANK MINCKIEWICZ Grosse Ile Grand
During a regular season, the Grosse Ile hockey team would have at least a half dozen games under its belt by now. During his tenure as head coach, Jason Durbin has generally scheduled about 10 games before the Christmas holiday and then taken a two week break before beginning the run to the end of the year and the Michigan High School Athletic Association state playoffs. This year COVID-19 has changed all that. The Red Devils lost their spring and summer ice time to the pandemic and they had fewer than two weeks together on the ice before the most recent “pause” from the state was ordered. Things are so out of whack that Durbin does not yet even have a completed roster. He said he plans to carry 20 players. Six of them will be seniors and four will be juniors. The rest will be underclassmen. About the only good news for Durbin in all of this is that he has gotten to spend a lot of time deer hunting on family property on the west side of the state. Time in the woods during deer season is something rare for high school hockey coaches, who are generally too busy with their teams. Durbin said there has been no indication or word about when the practice will resume, only that there will be no games until after the first of the year. Even then there are questions as districts like Ann Arbor have already said that their teams will not play until at least the third week of January. All this is an especially big problem for Grosse Ile because Durbin said this year’s team is one that needs time on the ice. “We are going to have to do a lot more teaching this season.” he said. “There will be a real focus on learning and development. We have some experienced players, but we have a lot of inexperience, too. “The guys we have coming back
the starter for most of the season. It was a tough move then, but it is paying dividends now as Bonham is back with a year’s worth of experience. During the spring shutdown, Bonham travelled to Arizona to stay with an uncle. Arizona was more open then than Michigan and he played and practiced hockey with high-level players in the southwestern state. His hard work, experience and intellect (he is a 4.0 student) earned him the captain’s “C” this season. Ben Carter, who Durbin calls “the anchor” of the defense, is back for his junior season. “He’s going to get a lot of ice time and be on all the specialty teams,” the Grosse Ile coach said. Sophomore Travis Simons (who is still playing football, which is also paused) and senior Eric Ellis are two of the other stalwarts, who will play in front of Bonham. “Our goaltending should be fine, our defense will be good, but we may struggle a little on offense,” said Durbin. “Hopefully we can find a guy to put the puck in the net on a consistent basis. “Right now, we are probably going to play a lot of close, low-scoring games.” Durbin said that when File photo by Larry Caruso it all shakes out, he hopes If the season event does get started, the Grosse Ile hockey team hopes for plenty of Michigan teams get at celebratory moments like this. least a 10-game regular played last year, but not in a lot of key the ice, its strong suits will be defense season and the state playoffs. positions like powerplay and penalty and goaltending. “For the kids, I hope we get that kill, so even our experienced guys have Last year goalie Owen Bonham was much,” he said. “This has been tough a lot to learn.” forced into the starting role when the for everybody. The hardest part is not Durbin said that when the team hits prospective starter was injured. He was knowing what’s going to happen.”
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Grosse Ile wins three playoffs games and then waits Hank Minckiewicz Grosse Ile Grand
And then they waited. Like everything else in the world today, high school football, in general, and the Grosse Ile Red Devils, in particular are at the mercy of the COVID-19 pandemic. After a .500 six-game regular season, the Red Devils have been on a tear, winning three straight playoff games. They most recently beat Romulus Summit Academy 14-10 on Nov. 20 to win a district championship. It was the school’s first district football title since 2012 That win pushed the Devils into the regional finals against Lansing Catholic Central, the defending Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 5 state champions and then ... all stop. The state health department put everyone, including high schools, on a three-week pause. The game had been rescheduled for Dec. 15 but the pause extension has changed that. The delay has been a bit of a momentum killer for Grosse Ile, which started the playoffs with a 45-28 win over Huron League rival Monroe Jefferson and then beat Dundee 47-28 before moving on and beating Summit in a close game. Both Summit and Grosse Ile had plenty of scoring chances in the district championship game, but each team had several defensive stands with its back up against its goalline. The final stand - the game-winning stand - came in the game’s final seconds when Luke Taulbee sacked the Summit quarterback on a fourth-down play from the Grosse Ile 15-yard line. Grosse Ile’s points came on a 23-year run by Joe Pizzo and on a 58-yard pass from quarterback Nate Brown to Tyler Swick. For the game, Brown was 6-of-15 for 116 yards and Pizzo rushed 26 times for 160. Swick and Keegan Mott had three catches each. Pizzo kicked two extra points, but missed a short field goal. Defensively Taulbee was a monster. In addition to his game-clinching quarterback sack, he had 14 tackles in the game. Swick had a pass interception and Curtis Heard caused a fumble that was recovered by Will Davis. “The kids persevered; they definitely earned it. I’m so proud of them,” said coach John Bodnar. Grosse Ile’s first two playoff games were not close. Against Dundee, Pizzo rushed for two touchdowns, caught another one, kicked six extra points and made a field goal. Brown rushed for two touchdowns and threw one to Davis. Pizzo had 160 rushing yards and Brown had 129. Pizzo also caught two Brown passes for another 51 yards. Taulbee again was the defensive leader with 13 tackles. Trey Swick had 11. Against Jefferson, Pizzo and Brown shared top
Senior running back Joey Pizzo, a All-Huron League selection, rushed for 160 yards each in playoff wins over Summit Academy and Dundee and 258 against Jefferson. Photo by Larry Caruso
billing as Pizzo led with an astounding 258 rushing yards on 35 carries and Brown passed for 214 yards and four touchdowns. Tyler Swick caught two of Brown’s scoring passes and Davis caught the other two. Grosse Ile got some good news when the All-Huron League team was announced. Earning first-team all-league honors were seniors Pizzo (SB/K), Brown (QB/DB) and Mott (WR/DB)
and sophomore Tyler Swick (WR/DB). The Devils’ second-team picks were seniors Trey Swick (LB/RB), Jack Weise (OL/DL) and Mitch Lewis (OL/DL) and junior Jake Reno (OL/DL). Seniors Will Davis (WR/DB), Taulbee (LB/RB), Nick Esordi (LB/RB) and Ethan Bammer (OL/DL) were named honorable mention.
December 15 — January 20, 2021 • Page 37
Grosse Ile girls depending on some new faces Tom Tigani Grosse Ile Grand
The fortunes of the Grosse Ile High School girls’ basketball team in 2021 will depend on a younger cast than last year’s team. This year’s team will have to adjust to the loss of four graduated seniors, including Helena Formentin, who averaged 19 points per game. She also holds the all-time single-game record with 39 points in a Jan. 30 game against a young Milan team last season. “While we have some key returning players, we will be counting on a lot of young, untested players,” Coach Bill Fleming said. “We think they are all ready to step up and lead us to success. We might end up with three 12-point scorers to replace our 19-point scorer. Last year we got three sophomores ready, and they ought to be pretty skilled this year. “There will be some growth that will have to happen early in the season. We expect to compete for the top of the league, and to be successful in our district — but there will probably be some growing pains along the way.” The Red Devils’ four graduating seniors provided great leadership, Fleming said, and none more than Formentin, who is now playing tennis at Hillsdale College. The plan this year is to replace her scoring with a more diverse and balanced lineup, starting with the team’s three captains. Seniors Emmi Pilkington and Reanna Wludyka return for their second year on varsity. Both played significant minutes last year and are fierce defenders with scoring ability. Fleming said they will be counted on for leadership both on and off the court.
Emma Johnson
Junior Emma Johnson, now in her third year on varsity, will continue as the team’s floor general at point guard. “She is calm under pressure and has a very high basketball IQ,” Fleming said. “She also provides some scoring, both from driving to the basket and with her ability to shoot from outside.” Other returning players include juniors Natalie Christnagle and Ashlyn Weatherly. “Natalie is a gifted scorer and will be counted on to pick up some of the scoring that graduated,” Fleming said. “Ashlyn has worked hard on her game in the off-season and will anchor the inside for us this year.” Senior guards Melanie Ferguson and Selena Gargasoulas are good shooters, who must continue
to improve this year for the Red Devils to be successful. Center Brea Asher also returns for her senior year having shown much improvement in her game over the off-season. Newcomers include Juniors Katie Frucci, Lindsey Miller and Alyssa Naso. This year’s roster also will feature three sophomores: Samantha Justuson, Natalee Kirk and Cailey O’Farrell. “All of these players have skills that will be critical to our success, but it is too early to tell what their exact impact will be,” Fleming said. A strong impact is needed, however, in a league that Fleming said has proven over the past several years to be one of the most competitive in the state, with numerous teams advancing past districts. Riverview and Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central went
all the way to regionals last season and Milan made it to the district finals before losing. This season will be no different. “League champ Flat Rock will again be strong,” he said, “as will Riverview, who always puts five players on the floor that can shoot from outside. Airport graduated many of their top players but always puts a competitive team on the floor.” Additionally, SMCC is always tough and returns one of the best post players in the league. Milan, Huron and Jefferson were young last year, and will all be improved this season. “Top to bottom, the Huron League is as strong as it has ever been,” Fleming said. That’s some challenging terrain for a Grosse Ile team that will be relying on a lot of youth for scoring this year, but he’s optimistic. “If they step up like we think they can, we can compete with the top teams in the league. Losing the early games ahead of league play will hurt us a little, but I am confident that by year’s end we will be able to compete with every team we play.” While the varsity team plays through a season of change, Fleming is excited about Grosse Ile’s freshman team, which many schools no longer field. “We’ve maintained a freshman team all the way throughout our program, and this year’s ninth-graders are going to be good for a long time,” Fleming said. “I believe in having a freshman team, and I think this year it’s really going to pay off for us.” It’s a perk that’s especially timely this year, which has seen every team affected in some way or another by a global pandemic. Grosse Ile has always tried
2020 Grosse Ile Red Devils Brea Asher Natalie Christnagel Melanie Ferguson Kate Frucci Selena Gargasoulas Emma Johnson Sam Justusson Natalee Kirk Lindsey Miller Alyssa Naso Cailey O’Farrell Emmi Pinkowski Reanna Wludwyka
to run a strong off-season program for players at all levels, but the pandemic made this very difficult. For example, no team camp and no open gyms. The only workouts before school started were some outside sessions, four girls at a time — all unguarded, socially distanced activities. Since school began, the Red Devils have been able to get inside with four girls at a time while wearing masks. “We are not sure at all how our rotations will work having to wear masks while we play,” Fleming said. “That is the main reason behind carrying a roster of 14 this year.“ (That, and the a healthy competition for the final roster spots) He said they had had a great first week of practice before shutting down again in midNovember. Since then they have been conducting daily virtual sessions, alternating between learning/video and remote team workouts. “I keep telling the girls to take each day that we are able to play as a positive,” Fleming said. “Who knows what tomorrow will bring?” There is one thing he does know, however. “We are going to be good,” he said. “It may take us a few games to get the message to this team, we have a lot of talent, even if most of it is young.”
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Page 38 • December 15 — January 20, 2021
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The team who plays together and brings their all every night will win and will have great success throughout the season. ~ Coach Mohamed Elhaj
The bar is high for the Red Devils’ basketball team Tom Tigani Grosse Ile Grand
“I see our team winning the Huron League this year and going far in districts,” Coach Mohamed Elhaj said. “We’ve been wanting that league title for quite some time now. “I feel that this team has great potential to win this year. We have to put in a lot of work to achieve those goals, and I know this group is willing to do whatever it takes to win.” Helping to lead that charge will be Keegan Mott, one of the Red Devils’ leading scorers and rebounders last season. Mott is one of seven returning players who Elhaj believes bring a lot to the program. “He brings hard work and dedication to this team,” the coach said. “His offensive and defensive work ethic is great.”
Trey Swick is another returning player he’s counting on. “Trey is a great leader who leads by example,” Elhaj said. “He will do anything for his teammates just to see them succeed.” The Red Devils will have to compensate for the loss of big man John Blanzy to graduation. Elhaj said Blanzy brought toughness and motivation to the team, and was the one who got everybody going. This year, he expects Joey Cappellino to bring that toughness and motivation. “He’s been in the weight room and working on his game over the summer,” Elhaj said. The Red Devils will need similar efforts from all of his players, Elhaj said, in order to keep pace in a competitive league. “I’ve been coaching in the Huron League for a while now, and I can tell you this for sure, whoever plays the hardest will win the game. All of the teams
match up pretty well, and we all compete with one another. “The team who plays together and brings their all every night will win and will have great success throughout the season.” It’s a season that’s been delayed for everyone by COVID-19, which, as one might expect, resulted in some disappointment for the Red Devils. “With COVID we weren’t able to have our tryouts and start our season, but that is for everybody right now,” Elhaj said. “It would’ve been great to get in the gym and get going. We are unable to get any scrimmages in this year due to COVID, which the team looks forward to every year. “We also don’t know if we will play our full 20 games this year, or if that will get shortened. We just have to wait and see, but when we are able to get in the gym, we will be ready to compete.”
December 15 — January 20, 2021 • Page 39
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