SCSD's first intramural chess tournament brought nearly 100 elementary and middle school students together, where they spent hours competing and sharpening their skills throughout the day. The event showcased strong sportsmanship and highlighted the value of student participation in an activity that encourages critical thinking, patience, and a lifelong enjoyment of the game.
All students were recognized for their effort and engagement, with special appreciation extended to the chess coaches, building principals, and the Anderson Chess Club for helping staff and support the event.
Top finishers included Kaleb Moden (DMS) in first place, followed by Jose Pena (DMS) in second and Giovanni Wieczorek (student chess finalist 2026) in third.
Chase Hines (Shelters Elementary), Eddie Fairchild (North Pointe 1B Elementary), Felix Vasquez (DMS), Elliot Duran (DMS), and Jase Young (Allen Elementary) rounded out the top ten, followed by Nolan Mariner (Fordline Elementary), Preston Delezszek (Grogan Elementary), Easton Patel (North Pointe 1B Elementary), Oliver Cywinski (Allen Elementary), and Julius Vasquez (Grogan Elementary).
Students represented their schools with enthusiasm and detennination, making the community Titan Proud. The next tournament was scheduled for March 21 and would separate elementary and middle school divisions.
Unified Titans take down SPD in community showdown
Recently,SouthgatePolice officerstook to the court at Anderson High School to compete against the SouthgateUnified basketballteam in a spiritedgame that brought the communitytogether for a great cause. The event fostered school pride while raising funds for two importantstudent groups - SouthgateUnified and the high school's DECA program.
Unified Sports,primarily offered through Special Olympics,is an inclusiveinitiativethat brings together individualswith and without intellectualdisabilities on the same teams for training and competition.The program promotes friendship,understanding,and teamworkwhile breaking down barriers through shared athletic experiences.Teams are formed based on similar age and ability levels, creating an environmentwhere every participanthas the opportunityto succeed.
DECA is an internationalmarketingorganization that provides studentswith opportunitiesto compete in sales presentations,testing, and overall marketing
and business skill developmentacross a variety of categories.School championsadvance to compete against other schools,with the opportunityto move on to national-levelcompetition.
In the end, the SouthgateUnified Titans ran the SPD officersoff the court 57-35. The Unified team delivereda fun, impressiveperformanceand energized the crowd from start to finish.
Organizersexpressedgratitude for the opportunity to share the court with the Titans and extended special thanks to Coach Tanguayfor coordinatingthe event. Athlete peers played an important role by participating, refereeing,and announcingthe game, while the student sectionpacked the gym with energy.DECA competitorsand other students supportedthe event by working concessionsand assisting throughoutthe day. The event highlightednot only friendlycompetition, but the strength,inclusion,and unity of the Southgate community.
School Resource Officer Morgan Parrish & Logan
March marks MS Awareness Month
Specialized, comprehensive care now available in Downriver
arch is Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness of a complex neurological disease that affects nearly one million people in the United States.
The Multiple Sclerosis Center at the Michigan Institute for Neurological Disorders (MIND) is recognized as a Center for Comprehensive MS Care by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and has expanded its reach with a new Downriver location.
The Riverview office is staffed by a multidisciplinary team, including an MS fellowship-trained neurologist and advanced practice providers, who specialize in caring for individuals with multiple sclerosis and other complex neurological conditions.
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease of the central nervous system that affects the brain and spinal cord. Early symptoms may include fatigue, numbness or tingling, balance difficulties, vision changes, weakness, and cognitive challenges. Because MS presents differently in each person, early evaluation by a neurologist is essential for accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.
Today's treatment strategies focus not only on reducing relapses and new MRI activity but also on slowing disease progression and improving
long-term outcomes. Comprehensive care includes proactive symptom management, rehabilitation support, and patient education - helping individuals with MS maintain independence and quality of life.
During MS Awareness Month, MIND remains committed to advancing care, expanding access, and supporting patients and families throughout their journey.
Possible early signs of MS may include persistent fatigue, numbness or tingling, balance or coordination problems, vision changes, weakness in an arm or leg, and cognitive changes
Dr. Jonathan Doty, a board-certified, fellowship-trained neurologist specializing in MS care, was born and raised in Downriver and practices at MIND Riverview. He is part of the MIND MS Center, headquartered in Farmington Hills, which cares for more than 5,500 MS patients annually.
The program is led by Dr. Martin Belkin, Medical Director of the MIND MS Center, who has extensive experience in MS clinical trials and research. Care for MS usually requires more than a single appointment with a clinician. Patients are monitored over time through thorough neurological examinations, imaging, and continuous assessments of symptoms and disease activity. Treatment plans might include disease-modifying therapies, rehabilitation coordination, support for
cognitive or fatigue-related issues, and education on wellness and lifestyle.
The goal is long-term disease management - maintaining mobility, independence, and quality oflife while improving treatment options through research and comprehensive, patientcentered care.
Specialized MS care may include comprehensive neurological exams and advanced MRI imaging to monitor disease progression and guide treatment decisions. Care often involves disease-modifying therapies tailored through precision medicine and biomarker analysis, along with personalized symptom management strategies. Patients may also receive coordinated rehabilitation services, education on holistic health and wellness, and access to clinical research opportunities aimed at advancing treatment and improving outcomes.
"As someone who grew up in Downriver, it's meaningful to provide specialized MS care close to home," said Dr. Jonathan Doty. "MS affects everyone differently, which is why early evaluation, consistent follow-up, and individualized treatment planning can make a difference in how patients manage the condition throughout their lives."
Patients at the MIND Riverview location receive comprehensive clinical care and infusion therapy locally.
Advanced MRI imaging and other specialized neurological services are available at MIND's Farmington Hills location, providing patients with access to the full range of diagnostic and therapeutic resources.
In addition to delivering expert clinical care, MIND neurologists actively participate in MS research, helping translate emerging scientific insights into practical, evidence-based treatments for patients.
MIND underscores the importance of early diagnosis, access to experienced MS specialists, consistent follow-up, and coordinated multidisciplinary care. These elements can significantly influence long-term outcomes and quality of life for individuals living with multiple sclerosis - including those in the Downriver community.
More information about MS and neurological care at MIND's Riverview office is available at mindonline.com/ riverview-center/ or call (248) 5530010.
MIN D's Infusion Center provides advanced infusion therapies for patients with multiple sclerosis, delivering specialized treatments in a comfortable, medically supervised setting.
Dr. Jonathan Doty, neurologist and fellowship-trained MS specialist; Angela Brennan, nurse practitioner; Dr. Jake Katzman, neurologist; and Dr. Daniel Singer, neurologist, are part of the multidisciplinary care team at MIN D's Riverview Center.
Spring 1 - March 25th - April 29th (April 29 th - Bring a Friend/Try Skate for Free)
No April 15 th Class due to our Annual Ice Show
Registration Deadline: March 13th -$15.00 Late Fee
Spring 2 - May 6 th - June 3 rd (June 3 rd - Bring a Friend/Try Skate for Free)
Registration Deadline: April 24th -$15.00 Late Fee
Summer - July 8 - August 5 (August 5 - Bring a Friend/Try Skate for Free)
Registration Deadline: June 26th -$15.00 Late Fee After
CLASSTIMES - J2HOURSESSIONATEITHER6:00PMOR6:30PMREGISTRATION LINK
Class Times will be emailed out by Skating Director
• Class Time may change each session
• Proper Skating attire is required. NO BARE SKIN LEGS.
• For Information on our Annual Ice Show, our Competitive Programs or Private Lessons - Please see Skating Director Kaytlynn Bodnar during
GABRIELRICHARD STUDENTUPDATE
Christopher Sawicki Class of 2027
Gabriel Richard Catholic High School is halfway through its spectacular sixty-year anniversary as a staple of downriver Catholic education. The month of January was a busy one for the high school; we celebrated Catholic Schools Week, which was filled with fun dress-up days and on Thursday, all four classes competed in an assembly with the juniors coming out on top. Earlier in the month, GR's Thespian Guild performed two shows of Little Women. The shows were a great success and now the group is on to their spring musical. Lastly, earlier in the year a new club was created; GRTV is GR's very own little news station. Anything that it creates will be put on Gabriel Richard's YouTubechannel,so make sure to keep your eyes out for us!
A number of impressive accomplishments have also been racked up. Our girls' wrestling team is currently ranked 8th in the state out of 190 teams, and multiple trophies have been showing up on the principal's desk for all kinds of different sports. In other news, one GR student got quite the surprise when he found out he scored a perfect 1520 on the PSAT; something very few students in the country achieve. Lastly, it was announced that GR's entire Cross Country team was named Academic All-State; a fantastic accomplishment. A round of applause goes towards everyone who achieved these incredible feats!
So where are we going next? GR keeps hosting Music Bingo and Trivia Nights, both of which are fun experiences, and GR's Theater club is moving on to their spring musical, The Little Mermaid Jr. The production is going full steam ahead towards their shows at the end of May. One special thing the musical has is a kids' ensemble, so if you know anyone between K-Sth grade, let them know! Some GR students are embarking on a trip to France over Easter break, and we wish them all a fun trip! Then of course, there's a plethora of sports matches and games that can be followed on grathletics.org.
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• Retaining Walls
• Concrete Installation
• Pavers & Edging ,
• Grading & Sod -~.:
• Mulch & Decorative Stone;\~:_•
• Sprinkler Systems
• Tree Removal
..Auto-Owner~ INSURANCE
Monthly recap with Rep Linting
It is great to get out in our communities and meet with residents, local leaders and small business owners. This RYLEE LINT/NG helps me serve as State Representative a VOiCefor US in the Legislature so our priorities can be heard! I wanted to share another update of where I've been and local events I've been honored to attend over the past few weeks.
I want to congratulate and thank the Trenton Rotary for hosting Trenton's State of the City and inviting me to attend. We're truly blessed to have strong communities like Trenton in our area. This is a community that has been part of the fabric of southeast Michigan for almost 200 years, having been founded in 1834. I'm grateful for the people and leaders and I was very interested in hearing plans for what's ahead for this great community.
Local infrastructure improvements are part of that future. As part of the current year's budget, I secured a $10 million appropriation that will go towards construction on a new bridge on West Road. Lane closures due to the condition of the existing bridge have created bottlenecks and safety concerns for motorists and first responders who need to use it during
an emergency. I remain committed to fighting for resources for Trenton and other communities I represent across the district.
In addition to the State of the City event, I stopped by the Atria Kinghaven Retirement and Assisted Living Facility in Trenton to help one of its residents, Isabelle, celebrate her 101st birthday! I presented Isabelle with a legislative tribute and chatted with her. It was a great time, and I want to thank the staff at Atria Kinghaven for allowing me to be a part of such a special moment!
I also presented four tributes to Southgate police officers at a recent city council meeting. Last year, two of these officers were shot when responding to a call with a third officer. A fourth officer rendered first aid on site. Thankfully, the suspect who shot these heroes was arrested a few hours later. We are incredibly grateful for the sacrifices our law enforcement officers make for our families and neighborhoods every time they put on the uniform. It was great to formally honor these four courageous officers with their families, Mayor Joseph Kuspa, Southgate Police Chief Mark Mydlarz and members of the Southgate City Council.
I look forward to providing everyone Downriver with more updates soon!
Titan wrestling caps off outstanding season
The Titan wrestling team finished off an incredible season, leaving a mark for both the girls and boys programs. Highlisted by back-to-back Downriver League championships, it was a great season for STA Wrestling and a testament to the dedication of the athletes and coaches.
Individual league champions included Devin Sears, Sam Wilhelm, Nathan King, Liam McMillian, and Johnny Pardo, each earning top honors in their respective weight classes.
The team also captured the District title after a hard-fought night against Allen Park and Wyandotte, with Conner Dell'Eva emerging as District Champion.
The Titans continued their success at Regionals, sending eight qualifiers: Devin Sears, Johnny Pardo, Habib Majedi, Nathan King, Cyrus Conner, Devin Jordan, Liam McMillen, and Joy Schuck. Johnny Pardo earned the title of Regional Champion, while Conner Dell'Eva, Liam McMillian, and Nathan King joined him in qualifying for the state tournament at Ford Field, which took place after the press deadline for the Southgate Star.
Downriver Unified Hockey celebrates exciting and historic season
The Downriver Unified Hockey team, made up of players from Southgate Anderson, Saint Mary Catholic Central-Monroe, Dearborn High School, and Edsel Ford High School, wrapped up the 2025-26 season with an impressive 14-131 record. The Southgate Anderson players-Captain Jackson Moul Gunior), Kaeden Petrarca (sophomore), and Gabriel Wallace (freshman}--were key contributors in a season full of standout performances.
A new coaching staff brought renewed energy and excitement to the program. Head Coach Garret Presnell, along with assistants Branden Miller, Bob Curpit, and Craig Rutkowski, introduced a fresh coaching philosophy and a redesigned jersey that helped
unify the team and inspire players throughout the year.
The team delivered several dominant victories, including 8-0 and 10-2 wins over New Boston Huron, an 8- 3 win against East Kentwood, a 6-2 victory over the MidMichigan Raptors, and a 7-2 win over Allen C
time in ten years. They defeated New Boston
Huron 10-4 before falling to Canton, marking a significant step forward for the program and giving players a memorable postseason experience.
"The Downriver Unified Varsity
Team's 2025-26 season was Park. These games ...__________ ____,a successful one. The showcased the team's skill, teamwork, and determination on the ice.
The season also featured a historic milestone for the Anderson and SMCC programs, as the team advanced past the first round of regionals for the first
team finished with an above .500 record and went on to win their first playoff game in recent years. The team is young and hopes to continue its successful ways in the future," said Head Coach Garret Presnell.
SCSD Athletic Director Mitch Dobek echoed that sentiment, "This season was about growth in every sense of the word. Finishing north of .500 and winning a historic regional game reflects the progress our group made, but the real success was in how we competed, developed, and laid a solid foundation we can build on. Hosting regionals was a tremendous opportunity for our program, the school, and the city. The feedback on our hospitality was outstanding, and it speaks volumes about the continued partnership between our athletic department and the Southgate Parks & Recreation Department. We're excited to keep building on what was a very positive season."
Lady Titans roll strong, compete at States
The STA girls bowling team finished the season with a standout perfonnance. They placed second in the Downriver League with a 12-5 record and earned second place at Regionals with a total score of 2,861-just two points shy of first-place Belleville. Individually, Mallory Addison led the way, finishing 10th at Regionals with a score of 999. Lydia Bednar followed in 12th with 971, Kaitlin Williams took
15th with 943, Paige Barnes placed 29th with 862, and Dayton Wasilewski and Alison Croft finished 42nd and 43rd with 772 and 763, respectively. Their Regional showing earned them a spot at States, where their season ended in the qualifying block.
Congrats on a great season!
DOWNRIVERCU ANSWERS
Open the Door to Something Great with these Smart Homebuying Tips
For many families across Wayne and Monroe Counties, homeownership is one of life's most meaningful milestones. Whether you're buying your first home, moving up for more space, or downsizing, it's about more than square footage - it's about stability, community, and building memories.
In today's Downriver market, preparation matters. While inventory has improved compared to the height of the buying frenzy, well-priced homes still move quickly. Interest rates remain higher than pandemic-era lows, making it especially important for buyers to plan ahead.
If you're considering a move this year, here are practical steps to help you open the door to something great.
1. Get Pre-Approved Before You Shop
Before you start touring homes, know what you can truly afford. A mortgage pre-approval helps you avoid wasting your time (or that of a real estate agent or seller) looking at homes outside your budget.
Pre-approval gives you a clear price range, estimated monthly payment, and stronger buying power when you're ready to make an offer.
Even if you're months away from buying, starting early gives you a financial roadmap and positions you as a confident, qualified buyer.
2. Work with a Local Real Estate Expert
Each Downriver community has its own character and pricing trends. A knowledgeable local real estate agent can guide you through neighborhood differences, school districts, and comparable sales.
Choose someone who listens to your goals and understands what matters most in your next home. In a competi-
tive market, experienced guidance can make a significant difference.
3. Budget Beyond the Listing Price
The purchase price is only part of the picture. Ongoing homeownership costs include:property taxes, homeowners insurance, utilities, maintenance and repairs, and closing costs
Older homes - common throughout the Downriver area - may require updates over time. Setting aside funds for unexpected repairs protects both your investment and your peace of mind.
4. Think Long-Term
Before making an offer, ask yourself:
Will this home meet my needs for the next five to seven years?
Is there space for remote work or future growth?
Does the location support my lifestyle and commute?
Buying with long-term goals in mind can reduce the need to move during less favorable market conditions.
5. Don't Skip the Inspection
Even when homes sell quickly, a professional inspec-
tion is one of the smartest financial planning tools you have. From the foundation to the roof and HVAC system, an inspection identifies current concerns and potential future repairs before closing.
Knowing what improvements may be needed - and when - allows you to budget appropriately, prioritize upgrades, and avoid unexpected financial strain. Instead of surprises after move-in, you gain clarity and a proactive plan to protect both your home and your long-term investment.
6.
Explore Opportunities to Save
As market conditions shift, buyers should explore available programs and promotions that may reduce upfront costs. Even modest savings at closing can ease the financial transition into homeownership.
For example, Downriver Community Federal Credit Union is currently offering $500 off closing costs on qualifying mortgage loans - a meaningful savings that can help free up funds for moving expenses, home updates, or building your emergency savings.
Opening the Door to What's Next
The Downriver region has long been built on hardworking families who take pride in their homes and neighborhoods. While today's market requires patience and preparation, opportunities remain for buyers who are informed and financially ready.
For those seeking guidance, Downriver Community Federal Credit Union offers mortgage education, personalized support, and community-focused lending solutions designed to help members accomplish great things at every stage of life.
Happy Pi Day
March is always special for us here at _ereferred Insured Agency. Our Partners got married on March 14 or Pi Day and we created our agency to celebrate that.
You may have noticed the Pi symbol in our logo. The initials of our company name are Pl. Our company colors are Elizabeth and Shaun Abshire Purple and Indigo. Even
Agents our puppy is named Pi! "Preferred Insured" emphasizes the people we serve rather than the products we offer. We are grateful to our many Michigan clients who trust our agency to put their needs above our bottom line. If you are not yet one of them, why not give us a try?
Capitol Hill Visit
We proudly joined hundreds of agents in Washington, DC last month to raise awareness for bipartisan bills that boost affordability and choice for our Downriver clients. We thank Elissa Slotkin, Shri Thanedar, Rashida Tlaib and their office staff who met with us. We will do our part to make health care work better for you!
