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FROM THE MAYOR
Stronger together: What's happening in Riverviewthis spring
My fellow Riverview residents,
As we move further into spring, there is a great deal happening across our community, and I'd like to take this opportunity to share several important
ANDREW
SWIFT updates, opportunities, and reminders that reflect both the strength and the spirit of Riverview.
I'm pleased to share that the Riverview Police Department recently completed its on-site assessment conducted by the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission as part of the department's pursuit of formal accreditation. This rigorous and highly respected process evaluates every aspect of a department's operations, including policies, procedures, administration, and community engagement.
Chief John Allen and his team have put in a tremendous amount of work preparing for this assessment, and the successful completion of the on-site review represents a significant milestone. Accreditation is not easily earned, it requires compliance with 130 best-practice standards, and achieving it signals a department's commitment to accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement. We are incredibly proud of the dedication shown by our officers and staff throughout this process.
I also want to thank those residents who took the time to provide input
during the public comment period. Your feedback is an important part of this process and reflects the strong relationship between our police department and the community it serves. The assessment team will now present its findings to the full Commission, which will make the final determination regarding accreditation status soon.
In today's fast-paced world, staying connected to your local government should be simple and convenient. That's why I encourage all residents to take advantage of the Cablecast app, which allows you to watch City Council meetings, Study Sessions, and School Board meetings anytime, whether on your phone, tablet, or television. By simply downloading the app and searching "Riverview," you can stay informed and engaged with the decisions shaping our community. While we continue to embrace new technology to improve communication, we must also remain cautious. This month's "Scam of the Week," from the City's Facebook Page, highlights a growing trend involving so-called "wrong number" text messages. What may appear to be an innocent mistake is often the beginning of a scam designed to build trust and ultimately request money or personal information. I urge residents to avoid responding to unknown numbers, to never share financial or personal details via text, and to mark suspicious messages as spam. A simple reply can signal that your number is active, potentially leading to further unwanted contact.
On the topic of communication and safety, the City of Riverview has implemented the Genasys Alert System to provide timely emergency notifications and important updates. I strongly encourage all residents to register at the following link: https ://riverviewcitymi.genasys. com/ portal/en
The process is quick, and it allows you to choose how you receive alerts, whether by text, email, or phone. In critical situations, having accurate and timely information can make all the difference.
Riverview has always been a community that stands up for those who serve, and I am proud to share information about the upcoming "Wounded America" Charity Motorcycle Ride scheduled for July 18, 2026. This regional effort supports Downriver for Veterans and Foundation 14, two outstanding organizations dedicated to assisting veterans and first responders. The event will feature a police-escorted ride, live entertainment, and a community celebration, all with the goal of raising $30,000. Sponsorship opportunities are available, and each sponsorship provides a meaningful way to honor a veteran or first responder on a traveling tribute display.
For additional information or to participate as a sponsor, please visit: cityofriverview.com/news _ detail_ T38 _ R563.php.
Closer to home, one of Riverview's most meaningful traditions will take place on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 2026. In cooperation with
American Legion Post 389, the City will once again host the Annual Memorial Day Motorcycle Ride. Riders will gather at 10:00 a.m. at the American Legion Post on Quarry Road, with a police-escorted departure at approximately 10:48 a.m., arriving at Young Patriots Park for the 11:00 a.m. ceremony. This short but symbolic ride is a powerful tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. If you are interested in participating, please feel free to contact me directly at aswift@cityofriverview. com.
As I reflect on all these activities, I am reminded of what makes Riverview truly special. It is not just the programs, events, or services we provide; it is the people who engage, participate, and care deeply about their community. Whether it supports our police department, staying informed, protecting one another from scams, or honoring our veterans, Riverview continues to demonstrate what it means to be a connected and compassionate city.
Thank you for your continued support, your civic pride, and your commitment to making Riverview a place we are all proud to call home. Together, we truly are "Downriver's Biggest Small City."
With appreciation, Mayor Andrew M Swift
Forest Elementary 4th graders explore and play at Riverview Library
Fourth-grade students from Forest Elementary enjoyed an engaging field trip to the Riverview Veterans Memorial Library on April 17.
The visit, organized by Azita Frattarelli and library staff, offered a variety of interactive and educational activities.
Students rotated through stations that included "Minute to Win It" -style games, a readaloud of What to Do with an Idea?, and a creative project where they designed crowns inspired by their own ideas. They also participated in a tour and scavenger hunt, giving them the opportunity to explore the library and learn about its resources.
Courtside learning for 5th graders
Huntington fifth-grade students recently enjoyed an exciting and enriching trip to the Motor City Cruise Education Day Grune, hosted by the NBA G League affiliate of the Detroit Pistons. The unique experience combined live basketball with hands-on learning, capturing students' attention from start to finish.
Throughout the event, students participated in interactive activities centered on STEM concepts, temnwork, and sportsmanship. The progrmn encouraged critical thinking while immersing students in the fast-paced energy of a professional game. Watching athletes compete at a high level helped students connect classroom lessons to real-world applications.
Beyond the educational impact, the day was filled with school spirit, positive behavior, and lasting memories. Students proudly represented their school with pirate pride, demonstrating respect, responsibility, and enthusiasm throughout the experience.
RCSD values opportunities
The activities kept students engaged and enthusiastic throughout the day, with many naming the games as their favorite part. At the end of the visit, each student received a goodie bag filled with a bookmark, book eraser, stickers, candy, and infonnation on how to obtain a library card.
Following the library program, students enjoyed a picnic lunch at a nearby pavilion and spent time on the playground before walking back to school. The beautiful weather made for a perfect day to explore and learn more about one of Riverview's valued community resources.
that extend learning beyond the classroom, and the Motor City Cruise Education Day Game delivered both inspiration and excitement-proving that meaningful learning can happen anywhere.
RCHSGirls LeadershipClub wraps joy for young patients
The Girls Leadership Club at Riverview Community High School partnered with Riverview's teacher sorority chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa to wrap toys for The Bottomless Toy Chest. This impactful service project supports hospitalized children undergoing cancer treatment by providing toys, crafts, and interactive activities designed to lift their spirits.
The mission of The Bottomless Toy Chest is to promote a positive state of mind in young patients by offering engaging and empowering experiences during a challenging time. Through this partnership, students contributed directly to that mission while gaining a deeper understanding of service and compassion.
Club members enthusiastically participated in the project, wrapping three large boxes of toys that will be distributed to children across the country. The experience was both meaningful and memorable, highlighting the power of giving back and supporting others in need.
Buccaneers give back through reading and leadership
The Riverview Pirates started a K-8 whole-school book club affectionately named the Buccaneer Book Club. The book club brought literacy and leadership to life during a special visit to local elementary schools. As part of a collaborative c01mnunity partnership, eighth-grade Web Leaders visited elementary classrooms to read chapters from Mrs. Z's Class by Emma McKenna and lead engaging activities with younger students.
The visit was a joyful and meaningful experience for everyone involved. Middle school student leaders shared their love of reading while modeling confidence, responsibility, and kindness. After reading selected chapters, Web Leaders guided elementary students through fun, age-appropriate activities that reinforced comprehension and creativity.
For many of the eighth graders,
the visit was especially meaningful. Returning to their former elementary schools gave students the chance to reconnect with teachers who had helped shape their academic journeys. Elementary teachers expressed how much they appreciated seeing their former students return as confident leaders and positive role models.
The day was filled with smiles, laughter, and a strong sense of connection. Elementary students were
excited to meet the middle school leaders, while the Web Leaders took pride in giving back to the schools that helped prepare them for success.
The Buccaneer Book Club visit highlighted the power of literacy, leadership, and c01mnunity partnerships. By connecting students across grade levels, the event fostered relationships, inspired younger readers, and reminded everyone that learning is strongest when schools work together.
Memorial takes families around the world for Art and Literacy Night
Memorial Elementary School hosted a fun and meaningful Art and Literacy Night with an "Around the World" theme, bringing students and families together to celebrate reading, creativity, and cultures from across the globe. Upon arrival, each student received a book to take home along with a "passport" to carry throughout the evening. As families visited various activity stations, students collected stamps in their passports, creating the feeling of a global journey through the school.
Hallways were transfonned into a vibrant gallery featuring student artwork representing all seven continents. Colorful paintings,
imaginative sculptures, and cultural displays showcased what students had learned about different regions of the world, turning the school into a global art exhibit.
The evening also featured a book walk, a giant word search, and a reader's theater perfonnance. A popular highlight was the previously loved book sale, which offered gently used books for families to purchase. Proceeds from the sale will support the school library.
The event was a strong success, offering families an engaging night of learning and fun while strengthening the school c01mnunity through shared celebration of art and literacy.
ON~COMMUNITY.~V~RYDAY.
RCHS students explore Europe on 11-day educational trip
Nineteen Riverview Community High School students spent Spring Break traveling across Europe on an 11-day educational tour through the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and England. The journey began with an overnight flight to Amsterdam, where students prepared for an i1mnersive experience across multiple countries. Throughout the trip, students traveled by bus, streetcar, train, metro, boat, and plane while visiting some of Europe's most iconic landmarks, including the Rijksmuseum, Grand Place, Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben), Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre.
In Amsterdam, students explored the city's canal district on a walking tour, including stops at the Begijnhof and the floating flower market. On day two, they experienced world-renowned art at the Rijksmuseum, viewing masterpieces such as Rembrandt's The Night Watch, before visiting the Anne Frank House. The group then traveled to Bruges, where students explored historic squares and enjoyed local waffles and chocolate in the city often called the "Venice of the North" for its canals. The next stop was Brussels, widely recognized as a center of the European Union, where students dined in the Grand Place and visited the Atomium, built for the 1958 World's Fair.
From Belgium, the group traveled to Paris. Their experience began with a panoramic view from Galeries Lafayette, followed by walking tours past
the Vendome Column, through the Tuileries, and by the Louvre, with a visit inside Notre Dame. Evenings included dinner in the Latin Quarter and views of the Eiffel Tower sparkling over the Seine from Pont Neuf. Over the next two days, students climbed the Eiffel Tower, toured the Louvre, explored Montmartre, and returned to Trocadero for a final nighttime view of the Eiffel Tower light show.
The final stop was London, reached by a short train ride from Paris. Students explored central
landmarks including Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square, and Whitehall, before viewing the Palace of Westminster and Elizabeth Tower. The group also enjoyed traditional fish and chips and visited Camden Town Market. A bus tour and visit to the Tower of London rounded out their time in England.
The 11-day experience provided students with a meaningful opportunity to connect classroom learning to real-world history, art, and culture while inspiring a lasting interest in global travel.
RCHSStudent Council hosts senior living prom at Bellaire
The Riverview Community High School Student Council brought joy, music, and smiles to residents of Bellaire Senior Living during a special Senior Living Prom. Students spent the morning decorating and preparing the space, transfonning it into a festive ballroom filled with lights, color, and classic prom touches.
A DJ provided music throughout the event, as residents danced, sang along, and tapped their feet to familiar favorites. Student Council members served snacks and
cookies, assisted residents onto the dance floor, and ensured everyone felt included and celebrated. The room was filled with laughter, conversation, and meaningful moments as students and seniors connected across generations.
The event served as a heartfelt example of kindness in action, with students representing RCHS with pride, compassion, and enthusiasm. The district is grateful to Bellaire for welcoming its Student Council and helping create such a memorable experience.
Riverview musicians earn spotlight at Downriver All-Star Band Concert
Riverview students were among the region's top young musicians to perfonn at the annual Downriver All-Star Band Concert on April 11, a prestigious event bringing together standout performers from 14 Downriver school districts, including Allen Park, Flat Rock, Gibraltar, Grosse Ile, Huron, Lincoln Park, Riverview, Romulus, Southgate, Summit Academy, Taylor, Trenton, Woodhaven, and Wyandotte. Hosted by the Downriver Music Guild (DMG), the event selects ten of each district's strongest musicians for an intensive day of rehearsal and perfonnance. Students spend the afternoon preparing unfamiliar music under tight time constraints before presenting a full concert that evening, creating a challenging and inspiring experience.
This year's ensembles were guided by an accomplished group of conductors, including guest conductor Dr. J. Nick Smith. In addition, Riverview teachers Katrina O'Higgins and Alex Pickell-both members of the DMG-were selected to conduct the middle school and high school groups, an honor that highlights their leadership within the Downriver music c01mnunity.
Riverview Co1mnunity High School was represented by nine talented musicians: Faith Daniels and Michael Thomas on clarinet, Hannah Guest on flute, Nathan Harris on trombone, Jonathan Kroll Jr. on trumpet, Jadyn Martin on baritone saxophone, Ashlyn Ruhlig on oboe, Kaylen Sheets on alto saxophone, and Seth Willingham on bass clarinet. Seitz Middle School also showcased
Visitor brings book club story to life
Riverview C01mnunity School
District welcomed a special and unexpected visitor as part of a memorable culminating event for its Buccaneer Book Club. Students across the district celebrated their shared reading of The Kids in Mrs. Z's Class: Emma McKenna, Full Out by Kate Messner with a unique, hands-on experience.
Javi the capybara, visiting from LegaSea Aquarium and The
Reptarium, made appearances at each participating building, including Huntington, Memorial, Forest, Seitz, and the Early Childhood Learning Center. The visit brought the story to life and delighted students throughout the district. The event highlighted the district's commitment to engaging literacy experiences and was made possible thanks to the efforts of the Buccaneer Book Club.
exceptional talent, with Remy McLaughlin on flute; Madison Ritter and Madelyn Shirlen on clarinet; Lily Horvath on alto saxophone; Nicholas Calandra on tenor saxophone; Emma Robertson on trumpet; Lucas Aben and Nolan Shaul on trombone; Carter Joliet on euphonium; and Marion Gribble on percussion.
Participation in the Downriver All-Star Band is a significant achievement, requiring strong technical skill, musicality, and dedication. Riverview's students rose to the challenge, collaborating with peers from across the region and representing their schools with pride and professionalism. Congratulations to all of the All-Star musicians for their outstanding perfonnance and for showcasing the strength of Riverview's music programs.
RCHSspanish 5
students
experience Peruvian cuisine
Riverview C01mnunity High School Spanish 5 students, accompanied by Mrs. Weber, took a field trip to Culantro in Ferndale. The visit gave students the opportunity to experience traditional Peruvian cuisine in an authentic restaurant setting. Students sampled a variety of dishes, including aji de gallina (a traditional chicken dish), came a la plancha (grilled steak with chimichurri sauce), sandwich
de chicharr6n (pork sandwich), pastel de tres leches (threemilk cake), and other Peruvian specialties. The meal provided an engaging and flavorful introduction to Hispanic culture beyond the classroom. The experience was a meaningful extension of classroom learning and offered students a hands-on opportunity to connect language study with real-world cultural experiences.
Community gathers for 7th Annual Strides for Adam
Suicide remains the second leading cause of death among individuals ages 10 to 24, a statistic that became deeply personal for one family and its community with the loss of Adam Holten on December 26, 2018.
In the years since, Adam's memory has continued to bring people together through Strides for Adam, a nonprofit created in his honor. Now in its seventh year, the annual 5K run and one-mile reflection walk has grown into a meaningful community tradition, welcoming participants of
all ages. Families, friends, students, and local residents gathered again this year, with 388 people registered, creating a strong show of support and togetherness throughout the event.
The race has become more than just a run or walk. It serves as a way to connect, reflect, and give back. Funds raised each year go toward scholarships for graduating seniors at Gabriel Richard and Riverview, while also helping support local athletes. Through these efforts, the event continues to invest in young people
and strengthen the community in a way that reflects Adam's spirit.
Adam is remembered by those who knew him as someone who truly made an impact. He was known for his smile, laughter, and genuine ability to lift others up. He filled many roles in his life, including brother, son, grandson, cousin, nephew, friend, neighbor, classmate, co-worker, Boy Scout youth leader, student, and athlete.
He was described as caring, sensitive, strong-willed, and
hardworking, with a creative mind and a dry sense of humor. Following his passing, many people shared stories of his kindness - moments when he reached out to help others or offered support when it was needed most. Through Strides for Adam, those qualities continue to live on. The annual event not only honors his memory but also brings the community together in a positive and supportive way, ensuring his legacy continues to make a difference for years to come.
FARMERSMARKET
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EVERY WEDNESDAY MAY - SEPTEMBER
2:00-7:30PM
YOUNG PATRIOTS PARK
DURING SUMMER CONCERTS IN JULY AND AUGUST!
Taylor Swift Craft Class
Rocco Rock Painting
Volleyball Skills
Christmas in July Kids Book Club Art in the Park - Learn & Paint
Animals of Oakwoods
Magic of Harry Potter What's in the Water? Picnic in the Park Tie
Pirate ro\Ning strikes gold and builds momentum
The Riverview crew team has put together a strong season of hard work, recently highlighted by success at the 62nd Hebda Cup at Wyandotte Boat Club. The Riverview Rowing Pirates earned two gold medals, with the Men's Lightweight 4+ and Women's Novice 8+ both finishing at the top of their events.
The team's efforts have been consistent throughout the season, with athletes training early in the morning on the Detroit River and continuing to build momentum across multiple regattas. Support for the program has remained strong as the athletes dedicate themselves to their training and competition schedule.
Earlier in the season, Riverview rowers also competed at the Grosse Ile Island Sprints, where several athletes delivered standout performances. Notable results included a silver medal finish for Ella Mclean in the Women's Novice Lightweight, along with strong individual showings such as Amelia !sham's personal-best time in the Women's Junior Lightweight 2K and Trevor Connolly's 2K personal record in the Men's Novice category. The Women's Junior Team Relay of Ella Mclean and DBCC also earned a silver medal, while the coaches secured a bronze in the Mixed Open Relay.
_fhotos by Dave Chapman
Riverview Track and Field Teams Show Early Growth and Talent
The Riverview Community High School boys and girls track and field teams continue to demonstrate steady growth as the 2026 season progresses, building confidence, improving performances, and developing a competitive team culture.
On the girls side, the Pirates have made significant strides despite still working toward overall team success. The sprint group has led the way, with Kailyn Frierson and Ashley Robinson consistently delivering top finishes. Ashley Dorsey has been a standout in the hurdles, earning multiple victories while setting personal bests in both the 100-meter and 300-meter events. She has also already secured early qualification for the MHSAA State Meet, highlighting her strong start to the season.
Riverview's relay teams have also shown improvement, as both the 4xl00 and 4x400 squads continue to lower their times with each meet. In distance events, Ella Mcfarlane and Aubree Rroko have provided strong performances, while Analya DeJesus has contributed in the discus. With several athletes nearing state qualifying standards, the team's focus on daily improvement is helping build momentum for a strong finish to the season.
The boys team, despite opening the season with a losing record, is also trending upward with each
meet. Several athletes are emerging as serious contenders for the MHSAA State Meet at Hamilton High School on May 30.
Leading the charge are throwers Magnus Geiger and Niko Papadopolous, who have become one of the top duos in the area. Geiger leads the region in discus with a throw of 144'5", while Papadopolous follows at 139' 10". In shot put, Papadopolous holds the top mark at 49'5", with Geiger close behind at 45'8".
On the track, Ashton Robinson has established himself as one of the fastest sprinters in the region, ranking second in the 100-meter dash with a time of 11.04 seconds and first in the 200-meter dash at 22.69.
The hurdles have been another strong point, led by Tyler Marcissuk, who broke the 17-second barrier in the 110-meter hurdles with a personal-best 16.89 and added a 44.21 in the 300-meter hurdles, placing sixth regionally in both events.
Riverview's future is also promising, with freshmen already making an impact. Adam Ibrahim is nearing the five-minute mark in the 1600-meter run with a time of 5:05, while Carson Vetter has impressed with a 42-foot throw in the shot put.
Lady Pioneers look strong headed into playoffs
At the time of press, the Gabriel Richard girls soccer team holds a 5-5 record as they continue to work through their season.
The Pioneers have earned some solid victories, including some shutouts: a 3-0 win over Dearborn Advanced Tech Academy, 8-0 dub over Marine City Cardinal Mooney and another 8-0 victory over Detroit Cristo Rey.
While the team has also faced setbacks in other matchups, the Lady Pioneers have demonstrated resilience as they continue to build chemistry and develop their play on the field. With the season still underway, Gabriel Richard looks to carry the momentum from their wins into upcoming games and improve their standing in league play.
Brickhouse debuts in Riverview
The grand opening of Brickhouse was held at 16278 King Rd, marking the launch of a new boutique event venue in the community.
Owned by Sydney Mullins, the space welcomed friends, family, and local community leaders who gathered to celebrate the opening of the new venue. Guests toured the updated space and joined in recognizing the start of a new local business designed for intimate and meaningful events.
Brickhouse is a boutique event venue offering a flexible setting for showers, graduations, birthdays, micro weddings, and other special occasions.
The space accommodates up to 54 seated guests, making it ideal for smaller, personalized gatherings.
The celebration marked an exciting milestone for the owners and community members who came together to support the new venue as it officially opened its doors in Riverview.
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ACE Kitchen, Bath, and Flooring builds trust, community through 10 years of remodeling excellence
Founded by Brandon Cowan, ACE Services, Inc. (DBAACE Kitchen, Bath & Flooring and ACE Exteriors) will celebrate its 10-year anniversary on June 17. What started in an employee's basement and later a small space in Riverview has grown into one of the largest remodeling showrooms in Southeast Michigan, complete with offices, a warehouse, delivery team, and multiple in-house crews. Cowan launched the business after experiencing unreliable contractors firsthand, determined to create a remodeling company centered on trust, transparency, and customer care. Today, Ace is best known for kitchen and bathroom remodels, while also expanding back into exterior services. ACE offers a full-service, one-
stop-shop experience, handling everything from materials to labor in-house. Customers work directly with one salesperson from start to finish, simplifying the renovation process with detailed estimates and personalized service. The company has also embraced technology through its customer project management app, allowing homeowners to manage payments, paperwork, and communication in one place.
Beyond remodeling, ACE takes pride in giving back to the community through charitable outreach, school sponsorships, and helping local families in need. The company has earned recognition including the Angi Super Service Award and strong relationships with customers who often stay connected long after projects are complete.
Serving Up Support: Riverview Rallies to End Summer Hunger
Riverview is once again demonstrating the strength of its community through a collaborative effort focused on supporting local families. This May, a Community Cereal Drive is bringing together multiple organizations to help ensure children have access to a healthy breakfast during the summer months.
The initiative represents a partnership between Gleaners Community Food Bank, Children's Hospital of Michigan, the City of Riverview, the Riverview Rotary Club, the Riverview Kiwanis Club, the Riverview Knights of Columbus Council #13980, and the Riverview Community High School Key Club. Together, these groups are working toward a shared goal of addressing food needs within the community.
Access to nutritious food plays an important role in children's health and development. While many families rely on school meal programs during the academic year, those resources are not available in the summer. The cereal drive is intended to help bridge that gap by providing a simple way for residents to contribute.
From Monday, May 11 through Friday, May 29, residents may donate boxes of cereal at designated drop-off locations, including Riverview City Hall, the Riverview Police Department, and the Riverview Veterans Memorial Library.
Donations will support local families through Gleaners Community Food Bank and St. Cyprian Food Pantry, helping provide consistent access to breakfast options.
Additional support for the initiative is being provided through Children's Hospital of Michigan and other regional partners, with more collection
opportunities available throughout the area. Residents may also visit gcfb.org/cereal or use the event QR code to locate additional drop-off sites, including participating Kroger stores, or to make an online donation.
The effort reflects ongoing collaboration among local service organizations and student groups, including the Riverview Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club, Knights of Columbus, and the Riverview Community High School Key Club, highlighting a continued commitment to community service across different groups and generations.
A final public collection event is scheduled for Saturday, May 30, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Riverview City Hall parking lot, offering one last opportunity for residents to contribute before the drive concludes.
For more information or to get involved, residents may contact Mayor Andrew Swift at aswift@ cityofriverview.com; Pam Taurence, RN, National Coordinator with Children's Hospital of Michigan, at (313) 745-6456 or ptaurenc@dmc.org; Wendi Tague, Community Coordinator with Children's Hospital of Michigan, at (313) 745-5267 or wtague@dmc.org; or the Gleaners Community Food Bank Community Giving Team at (313) 308-0579 or communitygiving@gcfb.org.
More Big Medigap Rate Hikes?
After getting socked with a second big premium increase (around 20%), you may wonder why your Medigap Plan G rate has gone up so much. The premiums are normally held down by preventing folks with health issues
f II" 00 00
rom enro mg. However, over l , 0 people in Michigan were able to join Plan G without any health questions if they were in a Medicare Advantage plan that is no longer offered in their county. Come to our free event to learn about Innovative Plan G and ShaunZ.Abshlre other plans that offer protection from
these side door enrollments.
Southgate Senior Center
Reaume Pkwy in Southgate June 25, 2026 at lla.m.
Go to ... GoBigMultimedia.com
TRENTON .MES
Trojans rowing launches season with speed, medals, and momentum
The Trenton Trojans rowing teams have kicked off the season with impressive performances at two sprint competitions. At the Island Sprints, the rowers set the tone for the season with numerous personal records and podium finishes. The women's team shined, earning medals across multiple categories: Alexis Lopez took bronze in Women's Novice Ltwt, Karter Adams earned bronze in Women's Novice, Trinity Kelly captured silver in Women's Junior, Mikayla Schmidt earned bronze in Women's Junior Ltwt, and the Women's Junior Relay team of Sam R., Nina C., Kelsey S., and Trinity K. brought home bronze as well. While the men's team did not snag any hardware, they still posted strong performances and hit their target splits, showcasing depth and speed in a highly competitive field.
The momentum continued at the WBC Sprints, where the teams excelled across age groups and weight classes. Highlights included 1st place finishes for Kelsey Smith in Women's Ul 7, Trinity Kelly in Women's Ul9, Justin Blevins in Men's Ul9, and the Women's Relay team of Trinity Kelly, Kelsey Smith, Annika Hermanson, and Leland Tait. Additional top finishes included 2nd place for Annika Hermanson in Women's Ul9 Ltwt and 2nd & 3rd place for Tytus Kelly and Bryan Durbin in Men's Ul9 Ltwt, among others.
SEEPAGE 11
Community partners bring smiles to local families
The Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, in partnership with the Wyandotte Police Department and Wyandotte Fire Department, hosted an Easter Basket Giveaway on April 1. The event provided Easter baskets to children in the community while supplies lasted.
Organizers expressed gratitude for the incredible support from donors, whose generosity helped ensure that many children could enjoy the joy of the season. The WPD played a key role, providing a welcoming space and partnering in the event to make it possible.
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gobigmultimedia/the-telegraph-tribune
WWII veteran Charles Smalley celebrates 102nd birthday
Family, friends, and neighbors gathered to celebrate a remarkable milestone as World War II veteran and Flat Rock resident Charles Smalley marked his 102nd birthday.
Born March 24, 1924, in Lake Orion, Smalley spent his early years there before moving with his family to Flat Rock in 1929. At the time, Flat Rock was still a small village, where neighbors knew one another and life moved at a slower pace.
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Crossb
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Titans make fast start in girls flag football debut
A new chapter in Michigan high school athletics is already taking shape in Southgate, where the newly formed Southgate Titans varsity girls flag football team is quickly gaining attention for its strong start, enthusiasm, and rapid development in a new sport that hopes to become an MHSAA sport next year.
The Titans are part of the inaugural wave of programs participating in girls' flag football, a fastgrowing sport that emphasizes speed, teamwork, strategy, and skill over contact. Despite being a brand-new program, the Titans have already shown promising early success on the field.
With a roster of21 student-athletes, the team has embraced the challenge of building chemistry from the ground up.
SEEPAGE 10
GIHS crew takes home the Hebda Cup
The Grosse Ile rowing team turned in an impressive performance at the 62nd Hebda Cup Regatta, capturing both the Overall Points Trophy and the Men's Points Trophy in a memorable day on the Detroit River. Hosted by the Wyandotte Boat Club, the long-running event brought together nearly a dozen schools to compete on the 1,500-meter course stretching between the western shore of Grosse Ile and Wyandotte.
With favorable winds and steady river conditions, crews were able to showcase their preparation and skill throughout more than five hours of racing.
Grosse He's rowers consistently delivered strong finishes across multiple events, demonstrating the depth and dedication of the program.
SEEPAGE 17
WYA .D
Spring Home Projects: Plan Smarter in 2026
It's springtime in Michigan. The weather finally warms up after a long winter, and suddenly the to-do list starts growing-new floors, a kitchen update, maybe finally tackling that bathroom project you've been putting off.
Sound familiar?
Across the Downriver area, more homeowners are jumping into home improvement projects this time of year. And they're not alone-according to the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies, Americans spend over $470 billion each year on home improvements.
But in 2026, many homeowners are taking a closer look at how they pay for these projects-especially as costs and interest rates continue to rise.
Paying for Projects-Without the Stress
In the past, many homeowners relied on credit cards or short-term loans to cover renovation costs. While that might seem convenient, it can quickly become expensive-especially with
today's higher interest rates.
That's why more people are exploring options that offer flexibility without adding unnecessary financial pressure.
So what :Sthe smartest way to pay for a project like this without adding unnecessary stress?
A Smarter Way to Use What You Already Have
If you've owned your home for any
length of time, you may already have a resource available: your home's equity.
Home equity loans allow homeowners to borrow against the value they've built over time-often with more predictable payments and lower rates compared to other financing options.
It's one way many homeowners are turning "possibility" into "progress"
without stretching their monthly budget too thin.
The Bottom Line
Spring is a great time to invest in your home-but how you pay for those projects matters just as much as what you choose to do.
Before you get started, take a few minutes to:
- Get a rough estimate of your project costs
- Check what your current payments could realistically handle
- Look into options that won't add unnecessary high-interest debt
For many homeowners, that starts with taking a closer look at the equity they've already built. A quick conversation with a home loan specialist at Downriver Community Federal Credit Union can help you see what's possible, compare your options, and choose a plan that fits your budget-so you can move forward with confidence, avoid unnecessary financial stress, and focus on the upgrades that matter most.
Turn Possibility into Progress!
