On April 17th, students and staff at Parke Lane and Meridian Elementary Schools enjoyed a heartwarming celebration of Pet Day. The event brought together beloved family pets and excited students, creating a joyful atmosphere filled with wagging tails, happy faces, and lots of love. From dogs and cats to more unique companions, the variety of animals made for a memorable day. It was a wonderful opportunity for the school community to share in the fun and showcase the special bond between students and their pets.
GI teachers receive educational grants
The Downriver Chapter of MARSP (Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel) recently sent out grant applications to the 18 school districts our chapter represents. Teachers were encouraged to apply for a chance to win a $100.00 grant to be used for supplies, equipment, or any resources they need to enhance learning in their classrooms. The following teachers from Grosse Ile were granted the $100.00 grants:
Lindsey Parsons – Grosse Ile High School – DCTC (Career & Tech.)
Mishelle Tracy – Parke Lane Elementary – Transitional Kindergarten MARSP is a clear, non-partisan, respected voice representing ALL retired (and presently working) school personnel, since 1951. We make certain all our members’ voices and views are heard in Lansing. MARSP is your lobbying partner on critical issues impacting retirees and an authority of the MPSERS
pension and healthcare system. More information can be found about MARSP online at marsp.org . Our Downriver Chapter has a Facebook page: MARSP of Downriver and you can become a member by visiting marsp.org to join not only the state level but also our local Downriver/Wayne Chapter. Please contact our membership chairperson, Linda Trupino @ 734-771-1537 for information about becoming a member. We always welcome new members! Our local Downriver/Wayne Chapter meets four times a year. Our next luncheon is Thursday, June 19th @ noon at Crystal Gardens in Southgate. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP by contacting Kim Zeppa @ 734834-1237 no later than June 1st.
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Monthly recap with Rep Linting
It’s an incredible honor to be serving our Downriver community in the Michigan Legislature! I was born in Wyandotte, and I’m a proud Grosse Ile High School graduate. I love being out and about in our area, stopping into shops, talking with hardworking small business owners, meeting with people, and being our voice in Lansing as important issues are being debated.
While I review different bills at the state Capitol that impact our communities and families, I’m also committed to making myself available across our community. That means understanding what matters to you. It means hearing your stories, experiences and knowing there are great people here who are the heartbeat of the places we call home.
That’s what this column is about and will continue to be about going forward. It will highlight the many good things happening across our communities and transformational things I’m working to bring to our region so it’s an even better place to live, work and raise a family.
One example I came across recently is a young man who is working hard to raise money for homeless animals. In early April, I had the pleasure of meeting Henry Bryant and getting to know more about the incredible work he’s doing in the Downriver community. Through a nonprofit lemonade stand, Henry has raised nearly $36,000 to help local animal shelters – some who do not receive funding from state or local governments and operate almost entirely on donations. One of Henry’s recent fundraisers occurred in Wyandotte, and I presented him with a state tribute for his generosity and service to our area. It is incredible to see future generations across our communities selflessly working to give back. Thank you, Henry!
In addition to Henry, I met with other future leaders from Southgate Anderson High School at the Women of Tomorrow’s annual graduation event in Dearborn. It was inspiring to hear about this group’s many achievements and listen to what their plans are going forward.
I also was honored to recently join Southgate Rotary volunteers for a fun event they put on over Easter weekend to help people safely dispose of sensitive personal information. The shredders were out in full force for this free event, and many people who stopped by made donations of non-perishable food to Fish & Loaves Food Pantry. Last year, the Federal Trade Commission received over 1.1 million reported cases of identity theft, which was an increase of almost 100,000 compared to 2023. A huge number of people are impacted by this every year, including in Michigan! Our Southgate Rotary volunteers were able to help reduce risk for people while gathering resources for fellow community members in need. I also recently had the privilege of speaking at the Trenton Rotary Club. I was appreciative of the warm welcome and for the great conversation, and I look forward to stopping by again.
The greatness of a community is measured by the compassionate actions of its members. I have seen that strength my whole life Downriver and during my first term representing us in the Legislature. I look forward to sharing many more sterling examples going forward, along with work I am doing on your behalf.
State Rep. Rylee Linting serves the 27th House District in Wayne County, which includes the township of Grosse Ile, the cities of Gibraltar, Riverview, Trenton and Wyandotte, and a portion of the city of Southgate.
Louie is an amazing dog. He resides with the Sensoli family in Southgate. Louie stays active doing zoomies, taking walks in the neighborhood, doing the sniper crawl and swimming during trips to Higgins Lake. On May 8th this active pup turned 3 years old. Happy Birthday, Louie!
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.
Think About Your Loan When Purchasing A New Or Used Vehicle
With the prices of new and used SUVs, trucks and cars continuing to rise, it can seem like you’ll never be able to afford one. That’s when a loan can help put you in the driver’s seat.
But not all loans are created equal and some will cost you significantly more over time, even if the payments are lower. The difference in the overall amount you’ll pay on a 4-year loan vs. a 6-year loan can be high, and the longer your loan term the more likely it is that you could owe more on the vehicle than what it is worth, due to depreciation.
If you borrow $30,000 for a 4-year loan at 4% interest, your monthly payment would be $677 and you’d pay a total of $32,514 over the loan term, with $2,514 being interest charges. Over 6 years on that same amount, your monthly payments would only be $469, but you’d owe $3,794 in interest – or an extra $1,280 out of your pocket compared with the 4-year loan.
So, what can you do to save money and still get a reliable ride? Your first option would be to look for a less-expensive vehicle. That might mean cutting back on some options or looking for a more affordable model from a different maker. It could also mean looking at a used vehicle instead of a new one.
You can also search for the best loan rate possible. There are times a manufacturer might offer a loan option of 0% to less than 1% in order move certain models. Some experts recommend starting with your financial institution and doing comparisons from that. No matter what loan rate you qualify for, the more money you can pay up front as a down payment, the less you’ll have to borrow and then repay. And the shorter the term, the less you’ll pay in interest costs.
If you can, experts recommend checking several dealerships to find the best offer on the vehicle you want, and they suggest looking for models with high reliability ratings and long warranties. The last thing you want to buy is a vehicle that could need costly non-covered repairs before you have paid off your loan. If you choose to go used, consider finding a certified pre-owned vehicle with a warranty.
If the cost of a new car is out of your range, a reliable newer used car can save you money because you won’t get hit with the depreciation associated with a new car. It has been estimated that a new vehicle could depreciate in value by more that 10% in the first month and be worth only around 40% of its original price in as little as five years.
The need of getting from point A to point B is a fact of life but paying too much to do that can be controlled. Take your time to research vehicle reliability, look for the best loan rate, make as much of a down payment as you can afford, and look at the value of a new vs. used vehicle.
Your goal should be a reliable vehicle that won’t bust your budget now - or over time.
Shau
Ahhhhh, you’re on vacation…
Your morning in paradise starts with sipping your coffee sitting at your nautical teak table overlooking lush tropical landscaping on your private balcony or taking a short stroll to the tiki hut at the end of the pier to watch the sunrise over the Atlantic. The perfect start in paradise.
After a fun filled day of boating, fishing, scuba diving or soaking up the sun relaxing by one of the largest pools in the Florida Keys or relaxing by the pool overlooking the marina and Atlantic ocean, or even sinking your toes in the sand like the song says “only worry in the world is the tide going to reach your chair” on our private upland sunning beach. There is always something for everyone!
Paradise isn’t over yet as you walk through your own private courtyard, a bricked patio garden with relaxing furniture, then up just one flight of stairs, your private oasis awaits you…where you can unwind from a fun filled day. You can cook your fresh day’s catch in your fully equipped new kitchen with lots of natural light glistening off the solid surface countertops and the stunning stainless steel appliances and eat in comfort. Or go “out on the town” and relax in some of the best restaurants in the area where you are pampered as your fresh catch is being prepared to your specifications as you relax drinking a glass of wine watching the beautiful Florida Bay Sunset. The perfect end to a wonderful day in paradise.
After dinner retreat to your 1480 sq. ft. Newly Decorated Beautiful two bedroom townhouse with a smart open floor plan, 14’ vaulted ceilings. Relax with ELEGANT Tommy Bahama furnishings and a 65” HDTV in the great room.
Now time for a perfect night’s rest as you enjoy a wonderful view from the master bedroom giving the feeling of nestling in the trees. A beautifully tropical draped four-poster, king size bed with ultra comfort mattress assures a perfect night’s sleep and offers the ideal spot to view the 48” flat screen TV. An en suite bath features a corner spa tub, the perfect way to end a day of sightseeing.
Welcome to 901 Mariners Club! We are glad to have you here!
Small but Mighty: GIHS track teams push limits, chase state success
BY DAVE MERCHANT
The Grosse Ile boys’ and girls’ track and field teams may be small in numbers, but they’re proving that heart, hard work, and leadership can go a long way. With just 21 athletes on the boys’ team and 18 on the girls’, the Red Devils are showing resilience, recording personal bests, and competing with some of the top programs in the region.
RED DEVILS GIRLS TRACK: STRONG PERFORMANCES, STATE FINAL POTENTIAL
Led by head coach Jim Frost in his fourth year, the Grosse Ile girls’ track team has been leaning on a talented core of athletes to make a mark this season.
The team is 1–3 in dual meets, with a victory over Flat Rock and close losses to league powerhouses Monroe Jefferson, Milan, and Airport. The girls also placed 4th out of 20 teams at the Warrior Classic and took 6th at the Carlson Invite.
Senior leadership has been key. Taylor Karasinski, competing in distance events, set a personal best of 6:22.21 in the 1600m at the Marauder Invite. Thrower Lorelei Troeger, ranked fifth in the region, recorded a PR of 112’1” in discus and is on track to qualify for the state finals. Fellow senior Marissa Trombley has had an exceptional season in sprints and hurdles. Her time of 49.34 in the 300 hurdles, also set at the Marauder Invite, ranks third in the region, and she too has a strong chance of advancing to state.
Several juniors have stepped up, including Sophia Mihalko, a distance runner and high jumper, who was
part of the 4x800 relay that clocked a season-best 11:09.09. Sprinter June Benson, the first leg of the 4x100 and 4x200 relays, posted a season-best 29.50 in the 200m. Bailey Kerr ran a PR of 2:39.10 in the 800m, while Zoya Troeger set a 400m PR of 1:07.90. Hurdler and jumper Aurelia Miles ranks third in the region in long jump with a mark of 15’7.5”, and she’s aiming for a state spot in both long jump and the 300 hurdles. Julia Noureddine set a high jump PR of 4’3” and contributes across mid-distance and relay events.
The underclassmen are bringing energy and potential. Sophomores Ali Harp, Kaelyn Moczydlowsky, and Lainey Brown are all contributing in sprints and hurdles. Harp’s 100m hurdles time of 17.75 and Brown’s 400m PR of 1:13.52 show promising growth. Freshmen Mady Trevino (100m PR of 14.14), Lila Sumerset (high jump PR of 5’1”), and Kendaleigha Troeger (discus PR of 66’7”) are making their mark. Sumerset is currently ranked third in the region and is vying for a spot at states in high jump.
GI BOYS TRACK: VETERAN COACH, CHAMPIONSHIP GOALS
The Grosse Ile boys’ track team, led by longtime coach Larry Swick, is off to a solid 2–1 start in league competition. With upcoming meets, including a key quad on May 6th, the team is showing signs of growth and strength across events. Swick, a second-grade teacher on the island, is in his 34th year of coaching—17 years at the middle school and now 17 at the high school level. His passion is deeply personal: six of his seven children ran track for GI, and he credits mentors like Jim Okler, Bill Stevenson, Ray Geist, Mary Chapman, and the late Steve Sims for shaping his coaching philosophy.
jumper Ethan Nykiel, who finished third in the league last year, recently jumped a PR of 19’3” and runs critical legs in both the 4x400 and 4x800 relays.
The sophomore class is growing into their roles.
According to Coach Swick, the team’s five returning seniors are the foundation. Sam Vesperman, the twotime state champion in pole vault, continues to lead with a school record vault of 15’6”. Coached by his father, a former collegiate vaulter, Sam is committed to vaulting at Eastern Michigan University next year. Fellow seniors Joey Christnagel (mid-distance), Sam Flitt (sprints), Brendan Wroblewski (sprints), and team manager Jack Fox have also been instrumental in both performance and leadership. Junior contributions have been crucial. Alex Caldwell is one of the team’s top 400m runners with a PR of 53 seconds. Distance standout Matthew Carbajo, son of GI alum Eric Carbajo, runs all the distance events, posting a 1600m PR of 4:43. He is among the top runners in the league. He’s setting the pace alongside freshman Nicholas Ranka, a promising young distance runner. Sprinter and high jumper Tyson Harp leads off the sprint relays and continues to improve every meet. Thrower Noah Cole set a PR of 110’5” in discus at the Carlson Invite and also competes in the 800m. Long
Rodney Mullins, a recent transfer, is already making a name for himself in the sprints and long jump. As the anchor of the 4x100 relay, Mullins holds a PR of 20’4.5” in long jump and consistently finishes among the top in his events. High jumper Carson Twiner, son of former GI runner Marissa Danville, has cleared 5’8” and is also among the top sprinters. Thomas Fox continues to develop in the 100m and 300m hurdles, showing noticeable improvement each meet.
Other key sophomores include sprinters Brady Czopek and Gage Cross, throwers Michael Dinevski and Tyler Dudash (who is also sprinting this year), and multievent athletes like Adalar Hovis, Zachary Wilson, and Carson Twiner. Dudash, under the direction of throwing coach Trey Swick, is showing impressive progress in both shot put and discus.
Freshman Dylan Draper is finding his footing as a sprinter, while Nicholas Ranka’s dedication to distance training has been a welcome addition to the Red Devil distance squad.
As the season progresses, both the boys’ and girls’ teams will continue to rely on grit, determination, and the leadership of seasoned athletes to push for personal bests and postseason success. Small in size but big in heart, Grosse Ile track is proving they’re a team to watch.
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Memorial Day reflection
The first Memorial Day was observed on May 30th, 1868. It was established to honor and commemorate the U.S. military personnel who gave their lives in service to our country. On that day, thousands of Americans came together to decorate the graves of the fallen with spring flowers, a time chosen specifically because the blooms would be at their peak.
A full century later, in 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. Memorial Day was officially designated a federal holiday to be observed on the last Monday in May, a tradition that continues today.
But for me, I don’t need a special day to remember.
It has now been 54 years since I returned from Vietnam, and I carry those memories with me every single day.
On a visit to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., I found myself on my knees, overwhelmed. In that moment, I was transported back in time…to the battlefield, to the blood-soaked emergency rooms, to the young men with severely injured bodies and terror in their eyes. I could still hear the anguished screams of the wounded, begging for morphine to ease their pain.
And then I saw him again: a 22-year-old burn victim, dying in my
hands, calling out for his mother with his final breath.
Still on my knees, I made a vow. In honor of every name on that wall, I gave up alcohol, and I kept that promise.
But when I came home, the insomnia set in. Without alcohol to dull the pain, the memories came flooding back. Words I had kept locked away for decades poured out faster than I could write them down. I believe it is by God’s will that I continue to remember—and to speak for those who no longer can.
We lost over 58,000 Americans in the Vietnam War. Thousands were draftees - young men taken from their homes, jobs, and families.
What was a draftee? In the 1960s and early ’70s, every young man had to register for the draft upon turning 18. They were issued a number, and when their number was called, if they were healthy and not enrolled in college, they had no choice. They were sent to serve. Most were just 22 or 23 years old.
After only eight weeks of basic training and another eight weeks of advanced training, they were deployed and shipped thousands of miles away to fight in a country many had never even heard of. Thousands never came home.
So this Memorial Day, I ask you to take just a moment.
A moment of silence.
To remember them.
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Charity Week 2025 brings significant support to local organizations
Grosse Ile High School’s Student Council successfully raised $7,158 during Charity Week 2025, thanks to the generosity and support of the school community. The funds were split between two impactful organizations: T.A.I.L.S and Camp Kesem.
On the final day of Charity Week, the Student Council Executive Board had the honor of presenting donation checks to both organizations. Representatives from T.A.I.L.S and Camp Kesem
expressed sincere gratitude for the contributions, which will go toward supporting their missions and the individuals they serve.
The success of Charity Week reflects the compassion, commitment, and teamwork of the students, staff, and supporters who came together to make a difference. Through their efforts, Southgate Anderson continues to show what it means to lead with purpose and give back to the community.
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Riverview’s ‘Concert on the Course’ returns for its 4th year
Get ready to groove on the green! The City of Riverview’s 4th Annual Concert on the Course is set to bring high-energy music, great food, and community spirit to the fairways once again on Sunday, July 20, 2025 — and this year promises to be bigger and better than ever.
What began in 2022 with a local favorite, Backdraft, has since grown into one of Riverview’s most anticipated summer traditions. Following crowd-pleasing performances by Bonnie and the Working Girls and the unforgettable Transit Brothers with the Blues Brothers Revue, organizers are thrilled to announce the return of the Transit Brothers to the Riverview Golf Practice Course for an encore performance.
This free community concert is sponsored by the Riverview Rotary Club, who ask attendees to bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to the St. Cyprian Food Bank. Supporting a great cause has never sounded so good.
Festivities kick off at 4:00 p.m. with a live acoustic performance from Downriver favorite Steve Washburn, a seasoned guitarist and vocalist known for his smooth sound and strong local following.
Then at 5:00 p.m., the main event hits the stage. The Transit Brothers, a powerhouse 10-piece horn band from Detroit, will deliver a thrilling mix of soul, funk, and classic rock. From Motown legends to Bruno Mars, from the Blues Brothers to Stevie Wonder, and the feel-good vibes of Huey Lewis & The News, this band doesn’t just play music ignite the stage with it.
“We knew we had to bring them back,” said Riverview Mayor Andrew Swift. “Last year’s show was a smash hit, and this band brings an energy that really connects with the crowd. It’s the perfect way to bring the community together on a summer evening.”
SEE PAGE 10
Celebrating 13 sweet years
A Serendipity Cakery and Ice Cream Shoppe proudly celebrated 13 years in business this May. The family-owned dessert shop, known for its creative custom treats and community involvement, officially began as a home business on May 1st, 2012. What started with simple cake drops at street fairs, festivals, and farmer’s markets has since grown into a thriving full-scale cakery offering custom cakes, cookies, chocolate-dipped treats, hot cocoa balls, and more.
After outgrowing its original home-based operation, A Serendipity Cakery moved into its first brick-and-mortar location in Wyandotte in 2015. Within just six months, the business had outgrown that space, prompting a move to its current location in Riverview in 2018, where it continues to flourish.
Run by founder Tammie Bachran and supported by her family, including her son Ben, stepsons Daryl and Johnathan, and her husband of 19 years, Alan, the shop operates with an average of 10 employees. The family’s dedication and hands-on approach are a key part of the business’s charm and success.
The shop remains highly engaged with the Downriver community, participating in annual events such as National Night Out in Riverview, providing desserts for Riverview Community High School’s senior class events, and attending regular vendor events like Downriver Fanfare and the Southgate Band Boosters Craft and Vendor Shows. Serendipity has also been a staple at the popular “All Things Detroit” markets for over a decade.
SEE COVER
The Wyandotte Figure Skating Club and Wyandotte Learn to Skate Program proudly presented Dynamic Duos, Buddies, Friends and Family! at the Yack Recreation Center. The performances took place on Friday, April 4th and Saturday, April 5th, and were sanctioned by the U.S. Figure Skating (#75783).
The opening number, Encanto, was coached by Teresa and Stephanie, showcased skaters Gianna DePalma, Jaida Elliot, Abbey Heer, Emma Henri, Miranda Hunter, Lorelai Kubiak, Rebecca Kubiak, Aidan Kennedy, Addison Somerset, and Alexis Zuziak. In a similar energetic spirit, the High Freestyle Trolls routine featured the same group of skaters, capturing the fun and flair of the Trolls theme.
