Grosse Ile Grand June 2025 by GO BIG MULTI-MEDIA

To know her is to love her. And, do a lot of people know her! It seems everywhere you go on Grosse Ile, you either see her, or people tell you how Wendy Kearney was just here—helping out, leading the charge, or caring for

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Grosse Ile’s best and brightest Class of 2025 top scholars announced

By BILL STEVENSON

The faculty and administration of Grosse Ile High School have announced the final rankings for this year’s seniors. Based upon their cumulative high school grade point averages on a 4.0 scale, the following students are the honor students of the Class of 2025.

Grosse Ile High School held its 113th commencement exercise on May 29, 2025, with 115 students graduating. Congratulations to all the graduates of the Class of 2025!

GI Fire Department issues bridge safety reminder

With the on-going bridge closure impacting traffic on and off Grosse Ile, the Grosse Ile Fire Department is reminding drivers of proper protocol when encountering emergency vehicles—particularly while crossing the toll bridge.

Emergency responders frequently need to cross the island’s bridges with lights and sirens activated. In these situations, it is crucial for drivers to understand that they should not stop while on the bridge. Stopping can create dangerous conditions, as it is extremely difficult for emergency vehicles to pass on the narrow bridge, especially when there is oncoming traffic.

Instead, GIFD advises that drivers continue at a safe, steady speed until they have completely crossed the bridge. Once off the bridge and in a safe location, drivers should then pull to the side of the road at the earliest safe opportunity to allow the emergency vehicle to pass.

It’s important to note that this guidance applies specifically to

vehicles that are on the bridge. In all other situations—on regular roadways—drivers should still follow the standard emergency vehicle protocol: pull over to the side of the

road and slow to a safe stop. Do not stop in a travel lane without pulling over, as this forces emergency vehicles into oncoming traffic to maneuver around the stopped vehicle.

The Grosse Ile Fire Department thanks the community for helping to keep the roads and bridges safe for all drivers and emergency personnel.

School’s Out.. Time to Graduate to Your Dream Home!

Whether you’re celebrating a recent graduate or simply ready for a fresh start, now is the perfect moment to make your next move.

From first homes to forever homes, let me help you find the perfect fit for your next chapter. Congratulations, Cla ss of 2025! Grosse Ile is So Proud of You!

~Kim Draper

DOWNRIVERCU ANSWERS

Watch for ‘Gray Charges’

There are many reasons you should be checking your credit and debit card statements each month to monitor your expenses, and spotting ‘gray charges’ is one of them.

Gray charges are expenses you may have forgotten about, or surprise charges that might have been deceptively tied to another offer you signed up for. They can also include accidental overcharges and double-billings.

Many of these charges come from ‘free trial’ offers or things such as subscriptions that automatically roll over when they are due, according to research released by BillGuard, a company that monitors credit card usage.

And while these charges are usually legitimate, at times they are somewhat deceptive. This is because there are some businesses that rely on you to forget to cancel an offer before costs kick in, or not reading the fine print when you purchase something.

While you can try to fight gray charges, it’s better to avoid these costs in the first place.

Here are some tips to protect yourself:

Beware of ‘free trial’ offers. Red lights should flash in your head if something is ‘free’ but a business wants your credit or debit card information at the time you sign up. Read the terms closely. Is there a cost once the trial ends? How much is it? How can you avoid it? Remember that ‘free’ usually is just a way to turn you into a paying customer.

purchase, such as a magazine or video subscription, future product shipments, or an extended warranty plan.

When purchasing a product, always read the fine print and look for boxes that might automatically be checked. Look for hidden fees, conditions or service charges, and be sure there isn’t another offer tied to your

When you subscribe to something, check for automatic renewals and to see if you’re starting at a reduced fee … because you could be paying much more at renewal time. Often, subscriptions made online will auto-renew until you cancel them, and you need to keep an eye on cost creep – higher charges from one billing to another. Be aware of what you expected to pay and how to cancel a subscription if necessary.

Use a calendar to keep track of when ‘free’ trials end and be sure to keep details of how to cancel an offer before charges begin. Having a good filing system to keep track of due dates, costs and contracts will help you keep track of fees and the businesses you are dealing with.

Can you fight the charges?

It pays to be aware of these costs before you get hit with them because they can be hard to dispute if they were part of the written terms you agreed to.

But you do have options.

If you truly feel there has been a billing mistake or that you have been deceived or defrauded, contact the business and explain why you’re contacting them. Make sure to have evidence which proves your contention. Ask to have the charges reversed, or for an immediate cancellation so you won’t have to pay again.

If that doesn’t work, lodge a detailed dispute with your card issuer for charges you are sure you didn’t initiate. Remember, the key to avoiding gray charges is knowing what you are getting into at the start.

Last May, this

Murphy is a spoiled lady with very specific tastes—faucet water only, please. When she’s not sipping from the sink, she’s lounging in her cat tower, ruling the house one nap at a time.

Would you like to see your pet become “Downriver Famous” in our Go Big Multi-Media empire? Send a photo and a blurb to Sherry@ gobigmultimedia.com and we will do the rest.

CITIZEN

Continued from COVER

community activities.”

“The selection committee looks at a wide range of criteria: commitment without remuneration, active long-term engagement, mentors/coaches/advises others, self-initiated involvement, not seeking attention or recognition, a role model for youth, a lifestyle of volunteerism, and one who exemplifies our Rotary values of ‘Service Above Self’.”

Wendy Kearney exemplifies all these qualities and more.

In her letter to the Rotary, Grosse Ile Middle School teacher, Lori Rumley said, “Wendy Kearney is an amazing person and outstanding candidate for Citizen of the Year! She is the backbone of the Rec Department, PAT, and PTO and she exemplifies ‘Service Above Self’ more than anyone I have ever met. She has worked tirelessly daily for years (at least 15+ years) creating meaningful differences for all Grosse Ile students and teachers. She provides schoolwide programs such as anti-bullying and self-esteem building programs, March Reading Month author presentations as well as holiday gift shops, dances, and teacher appreciation luncheons. Wendy also runs the Builders Club program, school store, and participates weekly for Parents on Patro! at the middle school. She also helps coordinate the 8th grade farewell party each year. Wendy is an amazing role model for the students and each student appreciates

her hard work and support. Her kindness and giving spirit stands out to the students.”

Further, “In the community, Wendy organizes the Fall Festival at Centennial Farm as well as the Halloween parties, Holiday Santa visits, Valentine’s Day dances, and Easter events. She facilitates the Mother/Son Bowling events, Daddy/Daughter Dances, Mother/Daughter tea parties, and movie nights. She also organizes and coordinates the lsland-wide garage sales each year. Wendy facilitates every Rec Department activity including all of the community classes offered for children and adults. Not to mention the incredible amount of time and effort that goes into lslandfest each year.”

Chairman of the Grosse Ile Recreation Committee, Chad Novak was effusive in his praise of Wendy Kearney as Citizen of the Year. Novak said, “Wendy is not only my best friend, but is family. I can’t imagine doing all the events related to schools, community, and all things Grosse Ile without her. I am one of the last people she talks to every night with late phone calls, planning Island recreation activities. She is always positive, upbeat, willing to take the lead, and keep me calm.”

“There’s a side of Wendy that many do not see—dancing at an Education Foundation fundraiser or going to a Pink concert Downtown. I love her with my whole heart.”

Past President of the Huron Township Rotary and Middle School teacher John Haydamacker supported the selection criteria and recommendations of Rumley and Novak saying, “Believe me when I say that I have NEVER encountered another individual, in all of my years as a teacher and Rotarian, that has exemplified what it means to give tirelessly to her community as Wendy. She is the strongest candidate you will receive this year, I guarantee it! Please do not miss out on the opportunity to acknowledge this absolutely deserving member of our community. She is an angel and a Godsend to Grosse lle, in a time where we need people like her more than ever.”

Kearney and her husband, Keith grew up on Grosse Ile, and raised their two sons, Sean and Alex to “give back, be part of the solution, serve others”—values instilled by her parents, Barbara and Jim McLaughlin.

An emotional Kearney said, “I am truly humbled, grateful, and overwhelmed by this honor.

I am most comfortable behind the camera, and not in front of it. I feel truly blessed to have been able to do the things I have done to bring a little joy and happiness in helping others.”

“As we always say: ‘It takes an Island. . . “

Congratulations Wendy Kearney, 2025 Grosse Ile Citizen of the Year.

Downriver group dedicated to women helping women PEO Holds Spring Fundraiser

By BILL STEVENSON

Members of the Downriver chapters of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) held their annual Soup and Salad Social recently at St. James Episcopal Church’s historic Galloway Hall to great success, advancing the cause “where women motivate, educate, and celebrate women.”

Founded in 1869 by seven female students at Iowa Wesleyan College, the nonprofit organization has grown to over a quarter of a million members throughout the world strengthened by the bonds of sisterhood, friendships, and benevolent works. Chapter AFBU President Sue Anderson was pleased with the evening’s event, “Our annual fundraiser was a really fun night. Not only did we have a great social event, but we were able to raise money to support our P.E.O. mission ‘to celebrate the advancement of women, educate women through scholarships, grants, awards, and loans—all the while motivating women to achieve their highest aspirations.’”

college student at Albion, she was welcomed in 1959. Marshall explains, “I have been a proud member of P.E.O. for 66 years. We believe in the power of community and connection. P.E.O. offers a warm and welcoming environment where every woman feels engaged, empowered, and equipped to go on to change the world.”

September 1st and November 1st of their junior year. P.E.O. has awarded more than $15 million in the past fifteen years.

In addition to the Star Scholarships and supporting Cottey College, other philanthropic funds offered by the P.E.O. include:

-The Educational Loan Fund (ELF) “to lend money to qualified women to assist them in securing higher education. ELF has loaned $249.8 million.

-The International Peace Scholarship Fund (IPS) “Established after World War II, designed to provide scholarships for women from other countries for graduate study in the U.S. or Canada.

IPS has granted $49.8 million in scholarships.

The guest speaker for the evening was no stranger to philanthropy and paying it forward. Long time educator, Andrea Stevenson has been the beneficiary of grants from the National Science Foundation that advanced her as a state awardee for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science teaching. For the past seven years she has been the treasurer of the Grosse Ile Educational Foundation providing educational grants to both the community and schools. In addition to other charitable work, she spoke that evening of establishing the Blessing Box ministry at St. James Episcopal—a 24 hour food pantry serving those in need.

Also, among those attending the sisterhood soiree was third generation P.E.O. member, Marilyn Marshall. Over a hundred years ago her grandmother joined the organization in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, her mother joined in New York, and as a

“Joining P.E.O. not only builds lifelong friendships, it’s an investment in women’s futures.”

And by the looks of it, over the years the nonprofit organization has helped “more than 125,000 women pursue educational goals by $432 million in educational assistance.”

As a philanthropic organization at the local chapter level, the project focuses around two goals: offering the P.E.O. Star Scholarships to exceptional young women in their senior year of high school, and encouraging female graduates to attend Cottey College in Nevada, Missouri—the only nonsectarian institution of higher learning solely owned and supported by women.

The P.E.O. Star Scholarships are $2,500 and recipients need to have a 3.0 GPA, exhibit excellence in many facets of their lives and potential for future success. Potential candidates need to be recommended by the local chapter between

-The Program for Continuing Education (PCE) “Established in 1973. A need-based grant to women whose education has been interrupted and who find it necessary to return to college to complete a degree or certification to support themselves and/or their families. $74 million has been granted since the program’s inception.”

- P.E.O. Scholar Awards (PSA) “PSA is a meritbased award for women who are pursuing a doctorallevel degree at an accredited college or university. PSA has awarded $36.7 in scholarships.

The P.E.O. Foundation “is a nonprofit corporation established in 1961 to encourage tax-deductible giving to the educational and charitable projects of the P.E.O. Sisterhood.

Event Chairperson Julieanne Kohn reflected, “Educational support is at the heart of everything we do. Our Sisterhood proudly offers unwavering support to deserving women from all walks of life.” Indeed, P.E.O. demonstrates that Sisterhood is Powerful!

If you would like to join the P.E.O., reach out to President Sue Anderson at sues389@yahoo.com. Or, if you’d like to donate to the P.E.O. Foundation visit peointernational.org.

Red Devils baseball builds momentum ahead of postseason

By DAVE MERCHANT

The Grosse Ile varsity baseball team is heading into the postseason with solid momentum and a string of strong performances to build on.

On May 16th, the Red Devils took on the Melvindale Cardinals and came away with a 7-4 victory. Sam Weise pitched five innings and earned the win on the mound.

The team followed up with a thrilling extrainning win on May 19th, edging out Riverview 8-7 in a 12-inning battle. Evan Brown led the offense with three RBIs, while Joe Keenan, Brady Prudom,

and Kolton Bodner each recorded two hits. Caleb Jones delivered an impressive seven innings of relief work and picked up the win.

On May 22th, Grosse Ile honored its seniors during a hard-fought 8-6 loss to Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central. The team recognized five graduating seniors: Evan Brown, Joe Keenan, Dylan Korczyk, Caleb Jones, and Sam Weise for their leadership and contributions to the program.

May 24th, brought a challenging doubleheader on the road at Monroe High School. The Red Devils dropped the first game 11-1, and despite a late rally in the second, fell just short in a 13-12 loss in the bottom of the seventh inning.

Grosse Ile closed out its regular season on a high note, defeating Farmington 8-4 on May 28th. In a unique team effort, seven different pitchers each took the mound for one inning to secure the win.

The Red Devils now turn their attention to the postseason. They open district play on Friday, May 31th, facing Melvindale on the Cardinals’ home field. The winner will move on to compete for the District Championship.

Photos by Dave Chapman

GIHS clay target team aims high this season

By DAVE MERCHANT

The Grosse Ile High School Clay Target Team (GIHS-CTT), founded in 2017, continues to make its mark as a varsity spring sport available to all athletically eligible high school students. Middle school students can also participate through the Grosse Ile Recreation Department, offering younger athletes an early introduction to the sport.

Now in his third year as head coach, Mark Johnson leads a dedicated coaching staff that includes Assistant Coaches Paul Conz, Andy Morrison, Travis West, and Scott Singelyn. The team is supported by a strong booster organization, with Janell Wilcox serving as president of the GIHS-CTT Booster Club.

This year, the team features 16 athletes—13 boys and 3 girls. Five of those athletes are middle schoolers. The senior class includes Griffin Wilcox, Virginia West, Reese Reaume, Desmond Morrison, John

Boucher II, and Arianna Bianchi. Representing the junior class is Brennen Hoover, while Parker Conz stands as the team’s lone sophomore. Freshmen athletes include Joseph Pistole, Nathan Warner, and Tyler Pynn.

Eighth-grade members are Mateo Parisi, Luke Donnelly, and Nolan Borg, while seventh graders Stella Litteral and Gavin Hayes round out the roster.

The team practices and competes at the Wayne County Sportsman’s Club in Inkster, holding practices

on Wednesdays and competitions on Sundays. The team is a proud member of the Michigan High School Clay Target League, part of the national USA Clay Target League. They compete in the American Trap discipline.

As a “postal league,” teams submit their scores online rather than competing in person—except for the State Championship held in Mason each June. The league emphasizes safety, fun, and marksmanship—in that order. “Without safety, there is no fun or marksmanship,” Coach

Johnson emphasizes.

Athletes are responsible for supplying their own equipment, including firearms and ammunition, and must follow all school, state, and federal transportation laws. The team is entirely self-funded through student contributions and donations.

Despite these challenges, the team has seen impressive performances. In 2023, the team’s MVP was a female athlete who also competed in cheerleading; she won her class in 2022, outperforming both male and female competitors. The 2024 MVP shot an outstanding 48 out of 50 at the State Meet, tying for third place overall.

Clay target shooting is not just a high school sport—it’s also recognized at the collegiate and Olympic levels. One member of this year’s GIHS team has earned the opportunity to compete at the college level, highlighting the strong foundation built through the program.

GI girls track shows grit at league meet

By DAVE MERCHANT

The Grosse Ile girls track and field team put forth a strong and determined effort at the Huron League Championship Meet on May 20th, competing against seven other teams in a highly competitive field.

In the sprint events, Mady Trevino placed 8th in the 100-meter dash and finished 6th in the 200 meters. Zoya Troeger earned a 6th-place finish in the 400 meters, while Bailey Kerr turned in a standout performance in the 800 meters, securing 3rd place.

The Red Devils made a strong showing in the hurdles. In the 100-meter hurdles, Marissa Trombley placed 4th, followed by Aurelia Miles in 5th and Ali Harp in 7th. Trombley shined again in the 300-meter hurdles, finishing 2nd and earning All-League honors, with Miles close behind in 5th.

In the relay events, the 4x100 and 4x200 teams — composed of June Benson, Kaelyn Moczydlowsky, Ali Harp, and Mady Trevino — both

finished 5th. The 4x400 team of Julia Noureddine, Marissa Trombley, Zoya Troeger, and Bailey Kerr took 6th, while the 4x800 relay squad — Sophia Mihalko, Julia Noureddine, Taylor Karasinski, and Bailey Kerr — placed 4th.

In the field events, Lorelei Troeger placed 4th in the discus. Lila Somerset claimed 1st place in the high jump, clearing 5 feet 2 inches and earning 1st Team All-League honors. In the long jump, Aurelia Miles leapt 15 feet 9 inches to take 2nd place and also earned AllLeague recognition. In the pole vault, Charlotte Vesperman took 2nd, with Somerset adding a 3rd-place finish to her impressive day.

Looking ahead to the State Finals on May 31st, Grosse Ile will be represented by Lila Somerset in the high jump and Marissa Trombley in the 300-meter hurdles — both looking to cap off their seasons with strong performances on the state’s biggest stage.

Red Devil golf ends a strong season

By DAVE MERCHANT

The Grosse Ile boys’ golf team has wrapped up a standout season, marked by steady improvement, lateseason wins, and a ticket to the State Finals.

“What stood out most was the progress,” said Red Devils Head Coach Charles Butler. “At the beginning of the season, it was clear how much work we had ahead of us. But as the weeks went on, the improvement was undeniable—and it proved that all the hard work was worth it.”

While the team had early success in Huron League play, they came up just short in the initial tournaments. That narrative began to shift after a strong second-place finish at the Jim Bennett Invitational.

“In the last week alone, we won the Marauder Invitational, the second day of the Katke Classic, and capped it off by taking first in the seasonending Huron League Tournament,” said Butler. “We also posted a top-ten finish at the Jackson Area Invite.”

Grosse Ile finished the Huron League season undefeated, with the added bonus of giving every player on the roster the opportunity to compete in at least three varsity events.

At the Division 3 Regional Tournament held May 27th, the team placed second with a team score of 316, finishing behind Jackson Lumen Christi (304) and ahead of Ann Arbor Greenhills (336), all three of whom qualified for the State Finals.

Luke Lazorka and Michael Olenchak led the way with matching rounds of 77, tying for 4th place overall. Braden Chessor carded an 80, while Nick Naso and Palmer Kehoe each contributed with solid 82s.

Reflecting on the Regional performance, Butler credited the team’s fundamentals and composure.

“There were moments when it could have gone either way, but the guys dug in and played some really solid golf when it mattered most,” he said. “West Shore was in great condition but definitely played tough, which you can see from the 336 it took to place third.”

Grosse Ile girls’ tennis clinches fifth straight Huron League title

By DAVE MERCHANT

The Grosse Ile High School varsity girls’ tennis team has once again proven its dominance, securing the Huron League championship for the fifth consecutive year. The Red Devils remained undefeated in league play and posted a strong overall record of 14-3-2. Their stellar performance throughout the season earned them a second-place finish at Regionals, qualifying them for the Division

4 State Finals for the fourth straight year.

Twelve players were named to the Huron League First Team, a testament to the depth and talent across the roster. Ava Dame, a junior, excelled at 1 singles, while senior Jamie Lofstedt held down the 2 singles spot. At 3 singles, junior Addison Boggs made her mark, followed by sophomore Nya Lee Wah at 4 singles. The 1 doubles team featured senior Emily Riopelle and sophomore Maddie Mahanic, and the 2 doubles court was led by sophomores

Robinson and Tania Bhatti. Senior Ava

anchored the 3 doubles team, and the 4 doubles position was shared by juniors Ari Lopez, Nora Wharton, and Morgan Proctor.

Leadership on and off the court came from team captains Jamie Lofstedt and Emily Riopelle, who helped guide the team through another standout season. As they prepare for the State Finals, the Red Devils continue to represent Grosse Ile with pride, dedication, and a tradition of excellence.

Anna

Kowal

Scholarships awarded by University of Michigan Club of Downriver

This spring, the University of Michigan Club of Downriver awarded meritbased scholarships to three graduating seniors who will attend University of Michigan this fall from Downriver high schools. Club scholarship chair person Katie Hartwell has been awarding these scholarships over 20 years to promote fine representation at U of M from the downriver area.

This year out of the twenty-two high schools who were eligible to have their students apply, two of the students who are recipients went to Grosse Ile High School.

Tommy Cappellino will attend the Ross School of Business this fall. He’s from a large family. When the committee interviewed him on Zoom, they wondered why he was wearing headphones while talking to us. He was not listening to music. He explained with 6 noisy siblings in the house, it gets a little hard to concentrate. The committee said the most interesting thing they learned about Tommy is not that he is valedictorian of Grosse Ile High School, nor that he managed to play the triple threat of sports; baseball, football and his forte basketball, it’s that he started and operated his own lawn care business the last two years while maintaining his high grades and multiple outside activities. Tommy was awarded the Lloyd Carr Scholarship.

Cole Gilbert is the salutatorian of Grosse Ile High. He is a true leader. Throughout high school, he found purpose in leadership and mentorship— whether guiding his rowing team as a coxswain, helping teammates improve their soccer skills as team captain, teaching camping techniques to fellow Boy Scouts, or leading and supporting his robotics team as captain. The thing the committee found most endearing about Cole was that he failed to mention he was an Eagle Scout. That huge accomplishment was barely listed on his application and not mentioned in his essay. So, like Wilbur in Charlotte’s Web, the committee found Cole Gilbert one word. HUMBLE. He is going off to study engineering in Ann Arbor in the fall. Cole has been awarded the John and Sue Ghindia Award.

third recipient was Adia Pettigrew, who will be joining her sister in Ann Arbor. Her sister received one of their scholarships two years ago. Adia did not have a traditional high school education. We all know that sometimes brilliant people just do not fit like a square peg fit in a round hole. Her mom helped this brilliant young lady get started out at The Roeper School. When that did not work out as they had hoped, Adia came back to Riverview High School. Again, not a fit. So, Adia ended up taking college classes at U of M Dearborn through her high school. While she completed high school through Riverview, she also earned 38 credit hours of college work. The committee congratulates both Adia and her mom for finding a way that worked for Adia. She will attend the residential college this fall. Adia is the Kenneth Hartwell Scholarship Recipient.

The awards were presented on May 8th at Arnaldo’s Banquet Center in Riverview where dinner was served before a well-attended program. The keynote speaker was Ashlee Baracy, WDIV award winning meteorologist. She graduated from U of M and had many great stories to tell about how attendance there was the start of her wonderful career. She was captain of the dance team at U of M and was crowned Miss Michigan in 2008. The scholarship from that honor helped put her through the university.

Juniors in high school who are interested in attending U of M were very intrigued to hear her thoughts on why they should attend her alma mater. They also heard from admissions executives from the Ann Arbor campus, Daniela Guzman, and Urana Pridemore from the Dearborn campus.

The finale of the evening was the presentation by Nouman Abrar, the 2024 scholarship recipient, who spoke about his experiences as a freshman at U of M. “It was challenging but just as ‘amaizing’ as you would expect the Maize and Blue school to be.”

You can learn more about our scholarships, activities, and missions of the club at our alumni.umich.edu/communities-clubs/downriver/.

The

SHOPPING CONVENIENCE

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Garden Decor

Peruse our selection of wind spinners, wind chimes, garden stakes, bird baths,houses and feeders to enhance your outdoor living space!

Grosse Ile Spirit Wear

• T-shirts • Hats • Koozies • Hoodies

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• Sizes from Toddler to 3XL Adult

DAVID L. DYER

As I reflect back to June of 2013, I’m reminded of a week filled with anticipation, pride, and powerful memories. Just weeks earlier, I had attended a moving Memorial Day ceremony for a World War II pilot who died in 1943. She had never received full military honors—because she was a woman. That wrong was finally made right that day, and it stirred something in me.

So when I heard that the American Rosie the Riveter Association’s national convention was coming to the Dearborn Inn the weekend of June 14–16, I knew I had to be there.

100,000 tanks, and millions of weapons and supplies. They didn’t just help win the war—they changed the American workforce forever.

That night, there were around 150 attendees, including fifteen original Rosies. I spoke first, sharing my Vietnam story, and Joann followed— wearing her original Red Cross uniform and an Army field jacket identical to the one I once wore. After dinner, Donnaleen and a partner performed a joyful dance to Rosemary Clooney’s “Sisters,” which brought smiles all around.

After connecting with ARRA President Donnaleen Lanktree, I was invited not only to attend the Saturday night dinner on June 15, but to speak as part of the evening’s program. Alongside me would be Joann Kotcher, a Red Cross “Donut Dolly” who served during the Vietnam War. With a group of a dozen friends, we made our way to the Dearborn Inn that evening—eager to meet the women who helped shape history. Before the event, I spent some time learning more about the Rosies. These women weren’t just factory workers—they were riveters, welders, crane operators, machinists, and so much more. From small towns to big cities, over six million women stepped up after Pearl Harbor to fill the roles left behind by men going to war. They built 300,000 aircraft,

I had the chance to speak with several of the Rosies afterward. Ruth Webb, 90, told me she moved from Indiana to work at Willow Run Airport because the pay was better— though it was still only $50 a month, far less than the men earned. She recalled traveling in an open flatbed truck with her family—and a goat they milked for the kids. Identical twins Wilma and Amelia, also 90, came from Nebraska and worked on B-17 bombers in Seattle, later becoming mechanics. Rosie Jean from Kentucky proudly stated, “We had to produce an airplane every 57 minutes.”

Their stories were humbling, powerful, and unforgettable. The ARRA, founded in 1998, exists to preserve their legacy and remind us that their motto—“We can do it”— wasn’t just a slogan.

They did it. And we must never forget it.

–GROSSE

Grosse Ile summertime tradition

By BILL STEVENSON

“The joy is in the act of running and in the journey, not in the destination.”

~ John Bingham

The 23nd annual Simsonian 5k KickOff Classic will be held on Saturday, August 16th at Grosse Ile High School. After 23 years, the run has become ingrained in the collective DNA and culture of Grosse Ile, and with that community nature and nurture, has grown into great success.

Held every third Saturday in August, the Grosse Ile Educational Foundation and the Family and Friends of Sims will offer a fun, family-friendly event in either a 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk or the 5K Race, which 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 GIEF Steve Sims Leadership Scholarship. To date, more than $60,000 has been awarded throughout race history. This year’s scholarships were awarded to 2025 graduates, Mason Crowley and Ella Gatti. They both exemplified selfless leadership in school and community service.

The 23nd annual Simsonian will again offer both an in-person and virtual race option for all to enjoy. The Grosse Ile traditional in-person race will be held Saturday August 16, 2025 at Grosse Ile High School 7800 Grays Drive. All participants can register before August 16 on runsignup.com. You can also sign-up on race day at the GIHS track house, near the concession stand.

The One Mile (1) Fun Run/Walk begins at 8:30 a.m. with the 5K race starting at 9:00 a.m.

The course is a fast, flat course with views of the Detroit River and island natural areas. The start is on Grays Drive, with the return of the finish in the newly refurbished stadium. Runners will receive a coveted T-shirt, DJ’d after race party, refreshments, and great raffle prizes (must be present to win).

For those who cannot join us in-person, the Friends of Sims are offering the wildly popular alternative Virtual Race experience, with the window of competition from August 1st-16th. You can use your GPS to map your 5K and run, walk, or crawl your

own race, at your own place, at your own pace. If you are not able to participate in the live or virtual events, supporters can donate and help advance this most worthy cause. Over the years, virtual runners have run the Simsonian in such places as Seattle, Miami, Toronto, Washington, D.C., London, and even Saudi Arabia, making it a truly international charity event.

For many who do not know, the 23nd Annual Simsonian is held in memory of beloved teacher and coach, Steve Sims, who died unexpectedly of a dissecting aortic aneurysm in 2003 at age 47. Steve was the winningest coach in Grosse Ile history in both Girls’ Basketball, and Girls’ Track and Field. But, more so, he was known for his great sense of humor, his ability to inspire his students and athletes, and his passion for excellence. He was instrumental in developing strong, independent young men and women.

So, your participation and support go to advance the spirit and legacy of Steve Sims in paying it forward to another generation of promising youth--just what the Grosse Ile Educational Foundation, Inc. has done for 30 years.

Cost of registration for the Virtual Race is a flat fee of $30 (includes postage and handling) for all ages and categories. After registering, an email will be sent to you with all information you will need to upload your results and photos to see how you rank among the other racers.

Cost for in-person participation for both Fun Run and 5K are:

Children ages 10 and under--$10. Students 18 and under--$20, Adults--$25

Late (after August 13, 2023) or Race Day Registration—10 & Under $15

Students $25; Adults--$30.

Awards for In-Person Race: 5K first male/female overall. Gold, Silver, Bronze each

Male/Female age group 12 & under; 13-16; 17-20; 21-29; 30-39; 40-49; 5059; 60 & over. Package pick-up will be at the GIHS track house near the concession stand on August 16, 2025, beginning at 7:15 a.m.

Come join as you can to support a great time and an even better cause. And see heredity and environment in action. “’Cause that’s the Spirit that Made America.’”

TURNING 65?

Outstanding educators to retire

By BILL STEVENSON

There will be some new faces in the Grosse Ile High School Athletic Department this coming fall, as long time Athletic Director Jim Okler, and his Administrative Assistant Patti Duffett will be retiring in July. After a decades long successful run, they each cited their successful careers at GIHS and the desire to spend more time with their families. Both agreed it’s “game over, time to play.”

In his retirement letter to the Superintendent and Board of Education, Okler noted, “My 30 years has been immensely fulfilling, and I take great pride in what we have accomplished in the athletic department. Among our Red Devil notable achievements: 46 State and Runner-up Teams, 110 Regional Championship Teams, 104 District Championship Teams, 412 Individual League Champions, 212 League Championships, 15 Girls All Sports Teams, 9 Boys All Sports Teams. 38 Academic All-State Titles, 7 Honorable Mention Academic All State, 8 MHSAA ScholarAthlete Awards, 12 District Coaches of the Year Awards, 23 Regional Coaches of the Year, 18 State Coaches of the Year, and 5 National Coaches of the Year. Additionally, I oversaw four athletic facility renovation projects.”

he was the president of the Michigan Interscholastic Track & Cross Country Association, past president of the High School Coaches Association, serving as its Executive Director. He’s been active in the Michigan Athletic Administrators Association, winning the “Regional Athletic Director of the Year”. and the Jack Johnson Distinguished Honor Award. And the list goes on and on. . . Whew!

Okler went on to thank a number of individuals who were instrumental in the Athletic Department’s success. Particularly, he praised former and current administrative assistants, “To Virginia Konczalski, Ann Fielder, Sandy Gatt, and Patti Duffett for “your talents and professionalism made this journey a successful career while I worked alongside you— knowing how devoted you were to every student, athlete, staff, parent, and fans who are a part of our Red Devil journey.”

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.

In his time as Athletic Director, Okler served in many leadership positions at the local, state, and national levels. He was past president of the National High School Athletic Coaches Association, and has served on its board since 2005. In Michigan,

Duffett, started with the Grosse Ile Schools in 1999, and has been the mainstay in the Athletic Department since 2009. Okler and the Grosse Ile High School coaches agree that “Patti Duffett has been the nerve center of the athletic department throughout her time here. Scheduling, re-scheduling athletic contests, eligibility, event management and accounting, GIHS athletic history, and press releases on student successes—she’s done it all and more. She and her husband, Todd and their family are true Red Devils, through and through. She will be deeply missed.”

Congratulations and happy retirement to both Jim Okler and Patti Duffett!

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!

Duffett

Okler

NEWS FROM OUR NEIGHBORS

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WFD launches new secure lock box program

The Wyandotte Fire Department is proud to announce the launch of a new program designed to provide seniors and disabled residents with faster access to emergency care when they need it most. This initiative will provide secure lock boxes for qualifying residents, allowing firefighters and paramedics to enter homes quickly and safely during emergencies—without the need to force entry and cause property damage.

The program is made possible through additional funding from Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital, BASF Corp., and the Wyandotte Rotary Club, demonstrating a strong community commitment to protecting Wyandotte’s most vulnerable residents.

SEE PAGE 3

Becoming a coaching legend takes time, dedication, and a genuine love for the game. Trenton base-

ball coach Todd Szalka certainly fits that description, both on the field and in the classroom.

Szalka earned his 400th career win this season in a matchup against Gibraltar Carlson on April 17th.

His passion for coaching began early. His father, Gary Szalka, was a longtime varsity coach at Melvindale High School, and it didn’t take long for Todd to follow in his footsteps.

“I started coaching when I was in high school, doing T-ball for the City of Woodhaven,” Todd said. “After college each year, I would come back and help out at Woodhaven and/or Melvindale on a volunteer basis. While at Central Michigan University, I coached the club baseball team before joining CMU’s varsity team as a student coach. After the fall season, I returned to playing for the club team.”

SEE PAGE 14

The City of Southgate has welcomed Maria Diaz as the new Director of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), bringing with her over two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership and a deep, personal connection to the Southgate community. Hired in May, Diaz hit the ground running, immediately becoming involved in major city events such as Heritage Days, Market Days, and the summer

Concerts in the Park series.

Diaz has already represented the city at public functions, including a grand opening event for a new local business, Q&A Abilities Center, where she joined Mayor Kuspa and engaged with residents and entrepreneurs. Her energy and presence are already being felt throughout the community.

For Diaz, this role is not just a job; it’s a continuation of a lifelong commitment to service and community development. “The DDA position is a great opportunity to work with the community,” she said.

“There’s so much potential here, and I’m excited about all the positive things we can accomplish together.”

SEE PAGE 4

GR boys track makes history with MITCA state title

The Riverview Gabriel Richard boys track and field team etched their names into the record books this season by capturing the MITCA Team State Championship for the first time in school history. The Pioneers dominated the competition, finishing more than 185 points ahead of runnerup Kalamazoo Hackett.

Leading the way was Joey Calhoun, who won the 100-meter dash in 11.1 seconds. Derek Lesko took the 200-meter dash title with a time of 22.38. The sprint relay teams were equally impressive. The 4x100-meter relay team of Antonio Sobush, Nick Sobush, Lesko, and Calhoun won with a time of 44.17. The 4x200-meter relay team, Calhoun, Wisdom Nwadioha, Antonio Sobush, and Lesko, claimed first place with a time of 1:30.05, breaking the MITCA meet record in the process.

SEE PAGE 18

Szalka earns 400th win, reflects on baseball journey

Diaz named new DDA director

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