Lorraine Bone celebrated her 101st birthday on July 20th. Born in Chicago, Illinois, she spent her first 24 years there, raised by Austrian immigrant parents alongside her six sisters.
She met her husband through her now brother-in-law, and they married just three months later. Lorraine knew he was the one from the moment they met. Together, they had three children and adopted one.
Lorraine’s passions include sewing, storytelling, 40’s music, gardening, and walking. She has crafted over 100 quilts for her family and friends.
Lorraine remains active, encouraging residents at Michigan House to join events and activities. She also helps plant flowers and vegetables in the community garden.
To mark this special occasion, Mayor Andy Swift issued a proclamation celebrating Lorraine Bone and extending the city’s heartfelt congratulations and best wishes.
Happy 101st birthday, Lorraine!
Calling all Pirate fans…….
Our fall athletic season is upon us, and we cannot wait for everyone to come out and support our Riverview student-athletes.
Opening 2024-2025 Home Contests:
Monday, 8/19: Boys JV and Varsity Soccer vs. Wyandotte (4:30/6pm)
Thursday, 8/22: Freshmen, JV, and Varsity Volleyball vs. Belleville (4/5:30/7pm)
Friday, 8/23: Boys JV and Varsity Soccer vs. Milan (4:30/6pm)
Saturday, 8/24: Girls Varsity Swimming and Diving Rock N’ Relays (9:30am)
Wednesday, 8/28: Boys JV and Varsity Soccer vs. Monroe Jefferson (4:30/6pm)
Thursday, 8/29: Varsity Football vs. Renaissance (7pm)
GO PIRATES!!
FROM THE MAYOR
Concerts, family events, and community updates
My fellow Riverview Residents, Our hot summer continues, along with the events that make summertime in Riverview so enjoyable. Thanks to the generous sponsorship from one of our newest businesses, JARS Cannabis, we’ve been able to book some higher-profile bands, resulting in a record number of concert-goers each week. This past week, Capture Detroit thrilled die-hard Journey fans with renditions of several crowd favorites.
Our concert series continues every Wednesday at 6:30PM through September 2nd at Young Patriot’s Park’s Ceaser Pavilion. The upcoming lineup includes Sonic Freeway, Katmandu, Sunset Boulevard, and a Riverview favorite, Shakedown. Young Patriot’s Park is the perfect place to hold an evening concert, where you can enjoy the Reflection Pond and usually a beautiful sunset.
Speaking of our concerts in the park, Riverview unfortunately lost one of our most dedicated concert fans, Audrey Fusinski, a few weeks ago. Audrey and her husband Marv were regulars, always arriving early to park close to the stage so they could enjoy the show from their car, as it was difficult for Audrey to get around. Please join me in offering peace and comfort to her family.
Continuing with the theme of concerts, be sure to check out the article in this paper about the success of our latest Concert-on-the-Course. This midsummer event grows more popular each year. With the addition of food trucks, ice cream, adult beverages, kids’ games, and a car show, it’s quickly becoming a great family tradition.
Our Library Director, Azita Frattarelli, continues to provide a plethora of programs for the youth of our community. The Riverview Veteran’s Memorial Library recently hosted a “Touch a Truck” event outside the Community Center. Vehicles from the police and fire departments, including a police car, fire truck, and ambulance, were available for kids to explore. The
DPW brought a bobcat and a large dump truck, while the landfill provided a monster-sized front-end loader. Both youngsters and parents had a great time, and everyone who attended enjoyed free Kona Ice, courtesy of the library.
The Southgate Rotary recently held its first meeting to gauge interest in starting a satellite club in Riverview. Approximately a dozen people attended, and efforts to establish the new club will continue. If you’re interested in joining as a charter member of the Riverview Rotary, please email Steve Ahles at chiefahles@aol.com or me at aswift@ cityofriverview.com.
Some more fun activities happening in our city include two Movies-in-thePark: one on August 24th at 8:15 PM at Young Patriot’s Park and another on September 7th at 8:00 PM at Lloyd Carr Park. These events are always a hit. Be sure to bring a lawn chair and blanket to make the most of the show.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of being Mayor is recognizing residents who reach the remarkable milestone of 100 years. Recently, I had the honor of celebrating Lorraine Boone’s 101st birthday. Lorraine (who was featured on the cover), is a resident of The Michigan House, is a wonderful individual with whom I happen to share many interests, including a love for gardening.
In the recent couple of weeks, Riverview experienced two water main breaks, proving that they can happen at any time of year - not just in the winter. One break occurred on the far east side of the city, affecting one of our two connections to the Great Lakes Water Authority. This caused low water pressure throughout the city, but our DPW quickly addressed and repaired it. The other break happened near the fire department, impacting the west side of Fort Street. Once again, our dedicated DPW team was on the scene, and the issue was resolved within a few hours. When a water main break happens, the city advises running your tap water until it runs clear if you notice any discoloration. If a boil water advisory is necessary, it will be announced on our website and Facebook page.
Until next month - stay cool and enjoy the rest of the summer!
Ron Hinrichs, CEO/President SWCRC
ANDREW SWIFT
THE VICTORY GYM INITIATIVE
At Shop Local Refer Local, we recognize the need for ongoing financial support for Victory Gym VHC. By providing this support, we aim to free the gym from the burden of constantly seeking one-time donations, allowing them to focus on their services.
Donations and similar activities are fantastic; they enable nonprofits to perform their excellent services.
We aren’t a substitute for those terrific programs. We are an alternative option to complement them.
Being 100% operated by volunteers, they don’t have enough time to focus on the gym’s services when organizing fundraisers, golf outings, and seeking out one-time donations.
To thank local businesses for supporting our initiative, we offer the following services for a low monthly investment, getting results!
When they visit ShopLocalReferLocal.com/plans and select the Indoor Billboard Ad package, they receive thousands of dollars in advertising and marketing services monthly, some of which are listed below, while supporting Victory Gym.
TheVictoryGymInitiative.com
• A monthly donation to Victory Gym from you!
• A thirty-second ad repeats on indoor billboards inside Victory Gym 24/7 to a captive and growing audience of veterans, first responders, and community members.
• Each quarter, our journalist, Jazz, highlights our supporter’s businesses in a Facebook live video/ podcast that is recorded and distributed. [Many people assume they know what certain businesses offer; this is your chance to tout your services in detail to our community.]
• Your company information and offers appear on our business directory website, which drives traffic from our community to you.
• Through our partnership with Go Big MultiMedia, you will be in 57,500 publications monthly, like this one, on a page dedicated to businesses that support The Victory Gym Initiative: thevictorygyminitiative.com.
• You’ll receive a window cling stating we support The Victory Gym Initiative, letting the community know you care about our veterans and first responders.
FoodTruck Series
Summer Concerts
August 14 W A Y B A C K M A C H I N E
Taking you back to the 60’s, 70’s & 80’s
August 21 K A T M A N D U Bob Seger Tribute
August 28 S U N S E T B O U L E V A R D A band that will transport you back to the golden age of music, the 1980’s!
September 4 S H A K E D O W N Classic Rock
Concerts held at the gazebo in Young Patriots Park-Wednesdays 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Concert is subject to change or cancellation. Recreation Department 734-281-4219
Riverview senior transportation now available
Great news for Riverview seniors! Senior Transportation has returned to Riverview and the Recreation Department is ready to transport you.
The Recreation Department offers curb-to-curb transportation for Riverview seniors aged 60 and over who are unable to drive. This service will assist you in getting to doctor appointments, the pharmacy, grocery store, and more. If you are under 60 and have a disability that prevents you from driving, you may also be eligible for this service with a physician’s verification.
The service area includes Riverview, Southgate, Taylor, Trenton, Woodhaven, and Wyandotte. Please note that the boundaries may not cover all parts of these cities.
The cost for standard transportation within the service area is $5.00 each
way, while the wheelchair-accessible service is $20.00 each way.
Rides for Riverview residents to attend senior events at the Recreation Center or to pay bills at the City Building are FREE.
You can find the application and complete information on the City of Riverview website. It can also be mailed to you upon request or picked up at the Recreation Department in City Hall.
For any additional information or to schedule an appointment, please call the Riverview Recreation Office at 734-281-4219.
Office hours are Monday thru Friday 9:00AM to 5:00PM (Closed for lunch from 12:00PM-1:00PM).
Operation Manoomin: Restoring Wild Rice along the Detroit River
By John Hartig
Manoomin (mah-NOO-mehn) or wild rice was once very common in coastal marshes along the Detroit River and has always been sacred to First Nations. As Detroit became settled by Europeans, the river’s shoreline hardened with concrete breakwaters and steel sheet piling for commerce and industry, and the river’s water quality deteriorated from pollution, wild rice diminished greatly. Today it is listed as a threatened species in Michigan and the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi wants to restore this species in the Detroit River and to identify it as an indicator of ecosystem health.
Wild rice is the only grain native to North America and was once common across the Great Lakes region. It is found in shallow waters of inland lakes, slow-flowing streams, and Great Lakes embayments and coastal areas. It usually occurs in water less than two feet deep in areas with a slight current over a mucky or silty bottom. There are actually two species of wild rice in Michigan—Zizania palustris that is adapted to cooler climates and Zizania aquatica that is adapted to warmer climates.
Early Indigenous peoples lived along the banks of the Detroit River and viewed wild rice as sacred and a gift giver. Historian George Cornell in his description of Indigenous life at Wawiiatanong — which roughly translates to “the place on the curve or bend of the [Detroit] river” — noted: “The river course and wetlands were also excellent mediums for wild rice where the water levels were consistent over time. Wild rice was an important foodstuff since it had the capacity to be stored for long periods of time in pottery vessels or bark containers.”
and fill material. By 1982, 97% of the coastal wetlands on both sides of the Detroit River had been lost to development, and including wild rice. Numerous islands in the Detroit River, like Belle Isle and Grosse Ile, had wild rice growing in the marshlands surrounding them. Located just off the mouth of the Detroit River in western Lake Erie is Pointe Mouillee State Game Area. Reports from 1910 noted that there were substantial beds of wild rice. Unfortunately, high water levels in the 1940s had a devastating impact on this emergent vegetation marsh. Seven species of emergent aquatic plants, including wild rice, disappeared and were replaced by submerged aquatic plants. Reports noted that wild rice tried to make a comeback but was out-competed by invasive cattails. By 1949, emergent plants had
cultivate resources like wild rice carefully and to be good stewards, while also providing a harvest for their families.
In December 2023, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer designated wild rice as the state grain. The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi played an important role in advocating for this designation, since 2017.
In response to the substantial loss of wild rice, tribes, including the Nottawaseppi, are leading a statewide effort to revive this Michigan state grain.
“The Nottawaseppi want to re-establish our presence along the Detroit River,” said Harris. “One of the ways we want to do this is to re-establish a variety of wild rice called river rice that is adapted to flowing waters.”
The Nottawaseppi are interested in partnering on a demonstration project to restore wild rice in protected areas in and along the Detroit River. Possible river locations include:
• Belle Isle
• Celeron and Stoney Island Units of Pointe Mouillee State Game Area
• Humbug Marsh, Calf Island, Sugar Island, Mud Island, Grassy Island/Mama Juda Shoal, Gibraltar Bay, or Gibraltar Wetlands Units of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge
• Six Points property owned by the Wyandot of Anderdon Nation
• Grosse Ile’s Gibraltar Bay
Huron and Potawatomi villages were located along the Detroit River near the confluence with the Rouge River. Wild rice was common in this area and provided food for tribal members. It also attracted ducks that provided sustenance to Indigenous peoples.
During the 18th Century, coastal wetlands were extensive along the Detroit River, growing up to a mile wide along both sides of the river. Vegetation types included submersed marsh, emergent marsh, wet meadow and shrub swamp, swamp forest, and lakeplain prairie — a type of wetland on seasonally wet ground of glacial lakeplains. Since 1815, the Detroit River ecosystem has undergone dramatic changes through shoreline and channel modifications like dredging that destroyed habitats and substantially reduced wetlands.
The largest habitat change was human encroachment into the river and hardening of the shoreline by the addition of steel sheet piling, concrete breakwalls
reestablished in one-fifth of the marsh, but heavy browsing by muskrats and uprooting of these plants by carp were suspected of diminishing the abundance of wild rice and soon it disappeared from Pointe Mouillee.
According to Kevin Harris, cultural specialist of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi, for Indigenous peoples, wild rice is viewed as a gift from the Creator. It has been harvested as a staple food for hundreds of years and is used in ceremonies and as medicine. It is a culturally significant plant to the Anishinaabek (Odawa, Ojibwe, and Potawatomi). However, it remains in danger from habitat loss and degradation, climate change, uninformed harvesting practices, water pollution, and other human threats.
“Wild rice is sacred to the Potawatomi,” Harris said. “In our Creation story, we have been told to find the food that grows on water and this is home.”
Harris said, that the Nottawaseppi have a spiritual connection to clean water, fish, waterfowl, and wild rice. These natural resources connect current tribal members with their ancestors and the Creator. In respect for the Earth, the Nottawaseppi strive to
Wild rice is also considered an indicator of ecosystem health. It is like the canary in the coal mine. Wild rice grows in emergent wetlands with high water quality. When water quality declines, so does wild rice. The Nottawaseppi also want to see this important plant species identified as an indicator of ecosystem health for the Detroit River and included in the next ecosystem health assessment performed by partners under the State of the Strait Conference.
John Hartig is a board member at the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. He serves as a Visiting Scholar at the University of Windsor’s Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research and has written numerous books and publications on the environment and the Great Lakes. Hartig also helped create the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, where he worked for 14 years as the refuge manager. This article was originally published by Detroit Public Television’s Great Lakes Now.
Kevin Harris of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi push poling during wild rice gathering. Photo courtesy of Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi
Concert on the Course
is a smashing success
On July 21st, the City of Riverview and the Riverview Highlands Golf Course hosted the third annual Concert on the Course. The event was headlined by the Blues Brothers Tribute Band, accompanied by the Transit Brothers Band, both of whom are highly popular local entertainers. The concert was kicked off by returning local acoustic guitar talent, Mr. Steve Washburn.
A new addition to this year’s concert was a small car show featuring 2003/2004 Ford Mustang Supercharged Cobras from the Motor City Terminators Car Club, adding an extra layer of excitement for car enthusiasts in the crowd.
Concertgoers enjoyed two delectable dinner options: Poppo’s BBQ and Celly’s Food Truck. For those with a sweet tooth, Serendipity Cakery & Ice Cream Shoppe provided delicious ice cream. The Riverview Highlands Golf Course ensured that adult beverages were available to quench the thirst of those 21 and over.
Nearly 500 attendees enjoyed three hours of family-friendly entertainment, making it a memorable evening for all
who came. The event would not have been possible without the support of several generous sponsors, whose contributions were crucial to the concert’s success.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to all who supported live entertainment in the City of Riverview. Your presence and enthusiasm made the evening truly special.
SPONSORS:
Brian & Russ’s Blues Brothers Tribute Band: Sponsored by Green Acres Cannabis
The Transit Brothers Band: Sponsored by Mayor Andy Swift
Stage Sponsors: Go Big MultiMedia, The Bellaire Senior Living, The Michigan House, W.F. Whelan, Safe Spot Storage, Pentiuk-Couverier & Kubilak Attorneys at Law, C.E. Raines Civil Engineers, Bogard Law, Priority Waste, Premiere Pet Supply, The Riverview Highlands Golf Course, and The City of Riverview.
Stay tuned for more community events and continue supporting local talent!
Youngsters compete for prizes in annual fishing derby
By DAVE GORGON
Sixty-five young people competed in the annual Riverview Fishing Derby at Reflection Pond in Young Patriots Park and four of them were the big winners.
Riverview Recreation Director Todd Dickman said children are divided by age groups for the competition and fish were measured by length.
Members of the Downriver Bass Association helped the kids fish and measured their catch. Riverview Towing provided $50 gift cards for the winners. Bass Association members also presented rods and reels to a child in each age group by raffle and dozens more prizes were presented by the Recreation Department.
The four Fishing Derby winners at the July 27 morning event were:
• Presley Instence, who caught a 4 3/4-inch bluegill to win the 6 and under contest.
• Ryder Young, whose 10 ½-inch channel catfish took the prize in the 7-to-9 age group.
• Jacob Delpaz, whose 11-inch largemouth bass was the biggest in the 10-to-12 age group.
• Carson Dennis, whose 10-inch carp earned him the win among 13- to 16-year-olds.
“It was a beautiful morning to fish,” Dickman said. “It was not too hot and not too windy.”
The Fishing Derby has been held for decades with members of the Downriver Bass Association providing assistance, guidance and prizes.
The Recreation Department and Riverview Veterans Memorial Library have combined efforts to stock the pond in the fall of 2023 and again in the spring of 2024. Dickman noted that anyone interested in fishing in the pond can check out fishing equipment to use from the library, located at 14300 Sibley Road.
Bass Association President and Riverview City Manager Jeff Dobek said the club meets at 6 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of each month at the library. New members are always welcome.
Photo by Larry Cross
Estate Planning 101 Which plan do you need?
Time to clear up the confusion about Estate Planning ... The following definitions lack legal precision, but makes it easier to get a clear picture of what may be needed in your case.
■ Will – letter of intent of where you want your personal property to go – or not go.
■ Living Will – Documents your wishes during your final days including final healthcare choices and possibly your burial wishes.
■ Trust – This is a “company” that you start, and you become the CEO, “Trustee” and “Settlor.” The company outlives you, but continues to manage your assets as if you were alive by the successor CEO – whom you designate.
■ Power of Attorney – Financial and Healthcare – you need both – the first so someone can pay your bills, the second, sometimes called a Patient Advocate, designates someone to make “hallway at the hospital” decisions to take the stress off the family.
■ Ladybird Deed – probably the best thing that has happened to owning a home. I love these deeds – you grant yourself a life estate – in your own property - but retain the power to sell or borrow against the property. If you do not sell before you pass, this “springs” the house out of your estate, and your heirs have instant ownership, subject to any mortgage or taxes owed or similar.
Again, this is just a general description of the more popular terms – no one choice is a “silver bullet” but depending on how your estate gets planned out you can expedite a clean and clear process for the assets you worked a lifetime to save. Why wouldn’t you want to do that? Stop by or call and make an appointment and I’ll tell you what you’re going to need to do this right.
To my numerous former clients – thank you for allowing me to draft your estate plan!
Biddle Bowl set to close after 76 years
By DAVE GORGON
Biddle Bowl, an eight-lane bowling center that has been owned and operated by three generations of the same family for 76 years, will close on August 23.
Brother-and-sister owners Rob Woelkers and Judy Sadler said they are ready to retire and have sold the bowling center that was founded by their late grandfather, Fred, and then owned by their father, Robert, who is 96 years old.
Woelkers, who lives in Riverview, and Sadler, who lives in Trenton, announced the closing in a July 14 Facebook post that was met with hundreds of responses from saddened bowlers and well-wishing community members.
“Biddle Bowl has been sold!” the owners said in the social media post. “With sadness and joy, we will be closing on August 23rd. No more bowling. We sincerely thank you for all your support and friendship. We are very excited about this new chapter in our lives. Our memories of all of you will be treasured for the rest of our lives… thank you!”
The new owner is Simeon Investment Co, which is expected to use the space for storage.
“Biddle Bowl is a staple in the city,” said City Treasurer Todd Browning. “They have been there for years… To think they’re retiring, I’m happy for them, but it’s like losing a family member. It’s truly bittersweet.”
The bowling center has provided recreation and entertainment to countless bowlers since 1948, when Fred Woelkers gave up his job at Chrysler and became his own boss by purchasing what had been created as a recreation center for factory workers.
In 1972, Fred sold to his son Robert Sr., who had helped his father while working at the Genthe bump
shop. Robert added a bar and two upstairs apartments to provide a residence for himself and his wife. He also decided to automate the bowling alley, especially when “pin boys” were becoming hard to find.
Robert’s daughter Judy Sadler has worked at Biddle for more than 50 years. She and brother Rob purchased the center from their dad and shared the workload. They offered leagues for children, adults and groups, tournaments, open bowling and parties to meet the community’s needs. Other family members worked at the center periodically.
Since the community had been so good to Biddle Bowl, the siblings decided to give back to the community. Browning said Biddle Bowl has been the top fundraiser for the Wyandotte Goodfellows, mainly through collecting and cashing in returnable bottles and cans and holding raffles on bowling nights. Woelkers and Sadler have raised more than $110,000 for the organization, including a high of $15,000 last year.
“A lot of bowlers had stories of how Goodfellows had helped out their families,” Rob Woelkers said.
He said they plan to make one more donation of this year’s fundraising efforts in November before turning over the keys to the new owners in December.
“The friendships we’ve made have been just incredible,” Sadler said. “You feel like you’re part of their life. There’s been so much of a ‘Cheers’ atmosphere.”
Wyandotte resident Ray Walters was 14 years old when he started working at Biddle Bowl as a pin-setter
and has bowled on Monday nights for 51 straight years. For Walters, Biddle was a family affair. He started bowling with his father Leo and continues to bowl with his son, Ray Jr. In between, he provided pinball machines for the Biddle bar and it was so successful that he started a gaming business.
“It’s going to feel weird on Monday nights not coming down here when you’ve done it for 51 years,” Walters said. “When you stand here and look around and think of all the people you’ve met. You get to know them well and wonder where they are all going to go. I may never see them again.”
Robert Woelkers Sr. thanked the bowling public for so many years of support of “our friendly bowling center” – and especially for supporting Goodfellows.
“We have had the greatest bowling friends ever,” he said. “I hope there is a bowling center in heaven.”
A sign outside Biddle Bowl announcing the closing reads: “Time to say goodbye after 76 years. Thank you for your love and support. Bob, Judy, Rob.”
NEWS FROM OUR NEIGHBORS
Go to... GoBigMultimedia.com to read more news on our digital publications.
gobigmultimedia.com/grosse-ile-grand
Summer 1949 revisited A tale of mud and memories
... As we began walking, I spotted a tennis ball covered in mud in a ditch, likely lost or discarded by someone. I picked it up and rubbed off most of the mud and dirt, transforming it into what you could call a toy. This simple find led us to a lifetime of joy and wonderful memories. I bounced the ball a couple of times and then threw it to Wayne. He did the same and then threw it back. We played catch for a while until he suddenly threw it hard, sending it over my head. I chased after it and finally caught up with it in front of a party store on the corner of Kercheval and Hurlbut.
As we stood there, we heard loud cheering coming from an outdoor speaker connected to a radio inside the store. It was the Detroit Tigers’ first baseball game of the season, and the cheering was for an inside-thepark home run by the Tigers’ centerfielder, Johnny Groth, which had just put the Tigers ahead. Wayne and I, both fond of playing a little softball at school,
stood on that corner and listened for a while, soaking in the excitement.
We continued to our grandparents’ house, and as we walked inside, we could hear the same game playing on their radio. Believe it or not, Johnny Groth was up to bat again, and he hit another home run—two home runs in the opening game of the year! The Tigers went on to win the game, with Hal Newhouser as the winning pitcher. My Grandpa, a longtime Tiger fan, shared many stories about baseball and the Tigers with us. From that day on, Wayne and I became lifelong fans
On page 10
Simsonian 5k celebrates great tradition Still chasin’ the dream Twenty-two years ... and still running.
The 22nd annual Simsonian 5k Kick-Off Classic will be held on Saturday, August 17th, 2024 at Grosse Ile High School. Over the past two plus decades, the charitable race has been established as a long-standing Grosse Ile tradition. Moreover, growing support of the event reinforces what many have known for even a longer time—Grosse Ile is a generous and caring community that values education and the future of their children.
On that third Saturday in August, the Friends and Family of Steve Sims, in partnership with the Grosse Ile Educational Foundation, Inc. will offer a fun, family-filled event in either a One Mile Fun Run/ Walk or the 5K Race. Each shares a common bond— raising money to advance the education of Grosse Ile’s outstanding male and female scholar/athletes at Grosse Ile High School.
All proceeds from the race go to the Steve Sims Leadership Scholarship. To date, more than $56,000 have been awarded. This year’s scholarships were awarded to 2024 graduates, Jack Calcut and Kaitlyn Molnar. Calcut and Molnar were valedictorians of
their class. Calcut excelled in tennis and track & field, while Molnar was the state champion in both track & field and women’s diving. They both exemplified selfless leadership in school and community service...
On page 13
gobigmultimedia.com/southgate-star
Lemonade Henry: Turning citrus into charity
At just eight years old, Henry has already made a significant impact on his community through his lemonade stand. His first stand was in May of 2022,
where he raised $202 and donated it to the Wyandotte Animal Shelter. Since then, each stand has seen the amount donated increase significantly. Every year, Henry chooses a different shelter in need to donate to, and his efforts have made a substantial difference. Henry has donated thousands of dollars to Wyandotte Animal Shelter and Shelter to Home. This year, he chose the River Rouge Animal Shelter, which is overwhelmed with dogs testing positive for heartworm. As a result of his most recent lemonade stand on June 22nd, Henry has raised over $8,000 for the organization. His incredible work was even recognized nationally as he was featured on ABC
World News Tonight on June 25th.
In total, Henry has raised over $15,000 for local shelters, showing his unwavering dedication to helping animals in need. While Henry continues to make a difference for animals through his lemonade stands, the community also rallied behind him when his own dog needed help. In April, Henry’s pup, Pickles, had a medical emergency following a routine procedure and ended up in the ICU for 11 days, resulting in nearly $20,000 in vet bills. The Downriver community graciously supported Henry and Pickles, raising nearly $11,000 towards the vet bill...
On page 3
Engines roar and businesses soar
On June 15th, Downriver Community Federal Credit Union hosted the 2nd Annual Heritage Car Show & the 1st Annual Business Expo as part of
Southgate Heritage Days. Held at their Trenton Road location, this event brought together car lovers and local businesses for a day of celebration and community spirit.
Spearheaded by DCFCU’s Mark Tremper, car enthusiasts of all ages gathered to admire a diverse array of vehicles, from meticulously restored classics to the latest models showcasing automotive innovation.
In tandem with the car show, the Heritage Business Expo provided a platform for local businesses to engage directly with the community. Attendees had the chance to discover new products, services, and special offers from a variety of vendors, showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit that defines Southgate and Downriver.
On page 13
gobigmultimedia.com/trenton-times
Inaugural Downriver VA clinic opens in Trenton
The path to health and wellness for Downriver Veterans just got shorter, by miles! The Detroit VA Healthcare System opened the first-ever Downriver VA Outpatient Clinic on June 3rd, 2024. The clinic is located at 1640 W. Fort Street in Trenton in the Professional Art Centre building just south of
King Road. It will offer a full scope of primary care services and be connected to their network of specialty care providers and services.
“We are so thrilled to bring care closer to Veterans in the Downriver community,” said Chris Cauley, Detroit VA Executive Director. “This is part of an effort by VA to lessen the drive time for Veterans to their VA appointments in the region.” Detroit and Ann Arbor are the only other two closest locations for service.
Sherri Gramlich, Army Veteran, Chaplain for the American Legion, Post 426 in Trenton, and Squad Leader for EXP Realty’s Veterans Network for Michigan noted the importance of this location: “It especially makes it better for seniors! Assisted living facilities will be able to transport some of the older Veterans which is a godsend. Those that are not able to drive often have to find someone to take them for even the most routine visits. This is amazing for all of us!” Trenton resident Susan Phillips agrees, “Driving to Ann Arbor has gotten much more difficult with the aggressive drivers and with us getting older. This will be fantastic.”....
On page 1
Trenton Parks and Recreation 2024 Recap
... As the weather started to warm up, the recreation department took advantage. The gardeners took to planting the veggie and flower gardens. They hosted their first-ever Spring Roundup, inviting new and seasoned gardeners alike. All in all, we ended up with many new gardeners whose hands have been helpful to our volunteer team.
Summer has been busy for us in Parks and Recreation. The Aquatic Center opened June 15th to mark the start of summer. Our pool has been buzzing from the swimming lessons, Trenton Swim Club and the daily open swim sessions. The Friday Night Pool Parties were a blast with visits from
mermaids to the Red, White & Blue fun to so much more! Our weekly food trucks have been a delicious addition to our Friday Night Pool Parties as well. Whether you’re an elementary school student or a senior citizen, we had something to keep you busy in Trenton! We offered several craft options for kids of all ages, from creating fairy gardens to crafting by the pool. Mrs. Segedi taught many baking and art classes at the cultural center. We held sessions for adult pickleball and youth/adult tennis....
On page 6
gobigmultimedia.com/wyandotte-warrior
The best of the best:
2024 Wyandotte Street Art Fair
The Wyandotte Street Art Fair is pleased to announce this year’s award winners. The event showcased remarkable talent and local culinary delights, making it a memorable experience for all attendees. Congratulations to all the winners and participants for their outstanding contributions. The Wyandotte Street Art Fair looks forward to another year of artistic excellence and community spirit.
BEST OVERALL SHOW: Scott Sternberg
BEST BOOTH DISPLAY: Mike Allen
BEST NEW ARTIST: Beth Schulte
PEOPLE’S CHOICE: Matt Kane
BEST FAIR FOOD: Grateful Crow
BEST RESTAURANT: Frank’s Pizza
On page 4
Red, white, and Biddle
On July 4th, Wyandotte hosted its cherished annual Independence Day parade. Excitement filled Downtown Wyandotte as the parade route kicked off at Walnut Street and made its way southbound along Biddle Avenue. The street was lined with attendees
ready to cheer on the organizations and various participants passing by, including Rod McLean as Grand Marshal. The day was filled with fun, community camaraderie, and patriotic spirit in the heart of Wyandotte.
