Riverview Register September 2025 by GO BIG MULTI-MEDIA

he City of Riverview

celebrate one of its most distinguished residents, William G. Williams, who turned 100 years old on August 19th. A proud Veteran, dedicated family man, and lifelong contributor to his community, Mr. Williams’ century-long journey is a story of service, love, and adventure.

Born in Detroit in 1925, Bill came of age during the Great Depression and World War II, two events that shaped his strong character and sense of duty. At just 18 years old, he enlisted in the United States Army Air Force, serving from September 17, 1943, until January 5, 1946. His service during World War II stands as a testament to the courage and patriotism of what has often been called America’s

Riverview Community Schools Summer Reading: All-Star Success!

Riverview Community Schools’ Summer Reading program, Summer Unplugged, is a free series encouraging kids to put down their electronics and enjoy books and fun activities all summer long.

The second event in the series, All Star Reading, took place July 10th at the high school track and football field. Students began with a story walk around the track, then rotated through sports-themed activity stations that gave them the chance to try some of their favorite sports—or even discover new ones they hadn’t experienced before.

The event was a huge success thanks to the incredible middle and high school volunteers who donated their time to make it all possible. We’d like to thank the following athletes for their time and support:

Baseball/

Softball: Christian Joyce, Keira Logan, Liam Niefert, Noah Schlorman, Avery Smith, and Dean Yates

Cheer: Morgan Allen, Jordyn Allen, Jenna Henderson, Mila Kornijenko, and Jayla Perna Soccer: Reed Donnelly, Calvin Mcginnis, and Bryan Weick Tennis: Noemi Garcia, Sofia Gutierrez, and Max Rebeka

We’d also like to thank the following staff members for generously donating their time during summer vacation: Louisa Burris, Heather Culverhouse, Jeff Edwards, Theresa Grunwald, Megan Gwardinski, Carmen Martinez, Angie Maxon, Brianna Niefert, Kim Ng, and Ruth Wong.

Welcome back to Memorial Elementary

ERIK BROWE

Memorial Elementary School Principal

Welcome back to what promises to be an exciting and enriching 2025-2026 school year! We are thrilled to have our students return to the halls of Memorial Elementary, ready to learn, grow, and create wonderful memories together.

As we embark on this new academic journey, we want to ensure that our families stay connected and engaged with our school community. We have some fantastic events planned that we hope you’ll be able to join us for.

IMPORTANT UPCOMING EVENTS

Parent Teacher Club Meeting

Date: September 22nd

Time: 6:30 PM

Location: Memorial Elementary

Please mark your calendars for our first Parent Teacher Club meeting of the year. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet other families, learn about upcoming initiatives, and discover how you can get involved in making this school year exceptional for all our students.

Fall Trunk or Treat

Date: October 31st

Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Location: Memorial Elementary

Parking Lot

Get ready for spooktacular fun at our first big Fall event! Our annual Trunk or Treat celebration will bring our entire school community together for an evening of safe, family-friendly Halloween festivities. Come in costume and enjoy treats, games, and wonderful community spirit right here in our school parking lot.

David Robbins

RE-ELECT COUNCILMAN DAVID ROBBINS

Riverview City Council Vote Tuesday, November 4th, 2025

Riveview City Council VOTE Tuesday, November 4th, 2025

• Personal Roots & Local Connection – Lifelong Riverview resident, father, neighbor, and proud graduate of Riverview Community High School, Class of 2005.

• Grounded & Approachable – Known for transparency, approachability, and staying connected to the everyday concerns of Riverview families.

• Community Engagement – Maintains a strong presence at events, schools, and neighborhood meetings; listens, follows up, and gets things done.

• Public Safety Advocate – Supported Riverview Police and Fire with updated equipment, vehicles, and resources to keep residents safe.

• Proven Leadership – Four years of dedicated service on City Council, balancing fiscal responsibility with residents’ needs while protecting quality services.

• Hands-On Governance – Actively reviews ordinances, studies every issue in detail, and works closely with fellow council members to guide Riverview forward

• Resident Accessibility – Committed to direct communication, attending community events, and responding personally to residents.

• Active Committee Member – Serves on Landfill, Veterans, Engineering, and Vision Committees

Paid for by the Committee to Elect David Robbins 17550 Quarry, Riverview, Mi 48193

Re-Elect Councilman

David Robbins

Paid for by the Committee to Elect David Robbins 17550 Quarry, Riverview, Mi 48193

Join in on upcoming community tree planting at Vreeland Park

On Saturday, September 20th, from 8:45 a.m. to noon, Riverview residents are invited to roll up their sleeves and take part in a community tree planting event at Vreeland Park. In just a few hours, volunteers will help plant 20 trees that will provide shade, beauty, and long-term environmental benefits for decades to come.

The project is made possible through a strong partnership between ReLeaf Michigan, the City of Riverview, and the DTE Energy Foundation. ReLeaf Michigan, the state’s only nonprofit tree-planting organization, specializes in helping communities restore, grow, and sustain their tree canopy. Their team of experts will be on-site to guide and train volunteers, ensuring the trees are planted properly and with the best chance for long-term success.

“These trees will do more than just beautify the park,” Eve Howell (Advanced Master Gardener) noted. “They’ll provide shade along the pedestrian walkway, pickleball courts, and playground equipment, while

also serving as a privacy barrier for adjacent neighbors. It’s an investment in Riverview’s future.”

Volunteers are encouraged to bring gloves, a shovel, and a hard rake if they have them. Participants should also wear closed-toe shoes, and the event will take place rain or shine. Families are welcome, and no prior planting experience is required.

The effort highlights the power of collaboration. The City of Riverview has committed to enhancing public spaces, while the DTE Energy Foundation’s support helps ensure resources are available to make the project a success. Together with ReLeaf Michigan’s expertise, this partnership is bringing lasting value to the community.

Registration is encouraged at releafmichigan.org/rsvp. Mayor Swift stated, “A few hours of your time can create benefits that last for generations. This is truly a chance to leave a legacy in Riverview.”

Estate Planning 101 Which plan do you need?

Time to clear up the confusion about Estate Planning ... The following deﬁnitions lack legal precision, but makes it easier to get a clear picture of what may be needed in your case.

■ Will – letter of intent of where you want your personal property to go – or not go.

■ Living Will – Documents your wishes during your ﬁnal days including ﬁnal healthcare choices and possibly your burial wishes.

■ Trust – This is a “company” that you start, and you become the CEO, “Trustee” and “Settlor.” The company outlives you, but continues to manage your assets as if you were alive by the successor CEO – whom you designate.

■ Power of Attorney – Financial and Healthcare – you need both – the ﬁrst so someone can pay your bills, the second, sometimes called a Patient Advocate, designates someone to make “hallway at the hospital” decisions to take the stress oﬀ the family.

■ Ladybird Deed – probably the best thing that has happened to owning a home. I love these deeds – you grant yourself a life estate – in your own property - but retain the power to sell or borrow against the property. If you do not sell before you pass, this “springs” the house out of your estate, and your heirs have instant ownership, subject to any mortgage or taxes owed or similar.

Again, this is just a general description of the more popular terms – no one choice is a “silver bullet” but depending on how your estate gets planned out you can expedite a clean and clear process for the assets you worked a lifetime to save. Why wouldn’t you want to do that? Stop by or call and make an appointment and I’ll tell you what you’re going to need to do this right.

To my numerous former clients – thank you for allowing me to draft your estate plan!

Gabriel Richard celebrates first week of school

Gabriel Richard Catholic High School began the new academic year with a week full of tradition, celebration, and school spirit. The first week was marked by events that welcomed new and returning students while setting a positive tone for the year ahead.

Festivities began with the annual senior parking lot painting, where the Class of 2026 added creativity and personality to their designated spots. This colorful tradition brought students together and kicked off the school year with energy and excitement.

New Student Orientation followed, giving incoming students a chance to meet staff, learn about school life, and begin building connections with their classmates. The week also featured the beloved Senior Sunrise, a memorable moment where seniors gathered to watch the sunrise together, reflecting on their final year at Gabriel Richard.

All grade levels officially returned on Tuesday, filling the halls with familiar faces and renewed enthusiasm. The week concluded on a meaningful note with the annual Burgundy and White Mass. Special thanks were extended to Father Mario Amore, Class of 2005, who returned to celebrate Mass with the school community.

With such a strong and spirited start, Gabriel Richard looked ahead to what promised to be a fantastic school year.

Riverview Land Preserve: A legacy of service, a future of challenge

As your Mayor, I have always believed in being transparent about the challenges and opportunities facing Riverview. For more than a decade, Councilman Dean Workman and I spearheaded the effort to secure an expansion of the Riverview Land Preserve. Our goal was to extend the life of a facility that has not only supported Riverview but has also provided financial benefits to all of Downriver for over fifty years.

ANDREW SWIFT

In this article, I want to share with you the history of those efforts, why the expansion was denied, and what it means for Riverview and our neighboring communities moving forward.

If

landfill expenses — whether for heavy equipment, infrastructure, or expansions — were paid for in cash, never borrowed. This deliberate “buy as you go” strategy kept the landfill financially sound and prevented its costs from burdening the City’s General Fund. Some critics claim we should have bonded these costs, but that ignores the crushing interest that would have followed. For example, at 5% interest, a $13 million project like the leachate treatment plant would cost over $1 million in interest and principal each year. By refusing to “spend and pay later,” Riverview avoided decades of unnecessary debt and preserved net landfill income for City operations.

The City’s first major effort came in July of 2017 when Riverview submitted an application for a 45-acre expansion of the landfill. At that time,

included town halls, neighborhood meetings, landfill tours, educational mailings, a video, and a new website designed to engage the community and address concerns before the FIC hearing. Despite these unprecedented efforts and full compliance with the requirements, the County once again denied the application in November of 2022.

We were told repeatedly that if Riverview adjusted its application to meet the County’s conditions, our expansion would be approved. Yet each time we complied, the County shifted the goalposts. Ultimately, the denial was not based on technical merit, but on politics and a small but vocal group of critics within Riverview and in Trenton. County officials yielded to them, ignoring the long-term financial consequences. That short-sighted decision cost Riverview

where disposal costs and hauling costs will skyrocket in the absence of competition.

If Riverview were a larger city like Detroit, our expansion would likely have been approved without hesitation. Instead, our residents and our Downriver neighbors were left to shoulder the financial consequences of Wayne County’s reversal.

The denial of the expansion effectively cut the landfill’s lifespan in half and forced Riverview to plan for closure by December 31, 2032. State law requires that once a landfill is closed, the host community must manage and monitor the site for thirty years. For Riverview, that obligation will cost between $60 million and $90 million.

To responsibly manage the remaining capacity, the RLP has already begun to reduce tonnage

Riverview were a larger city like Detroit, our expansion would likely have been approved without hesitation. Instead, our residents and our Downriver neighbors were left to shoulder the financial consequences of Wayne County’s reversal.

For over ten years, City Council led by Myself and Councilman Workman have been united in a single effort: securing an expansion of the Riverview Land Preserve (RLP). Our mission has always been to protect Riverview residents and the broader Downriver community from the financial hardships that would follow the landfill’s closure.

Since 1968, the RLP has served as the regional disposal site for municipal solid waste. It has provided not just a safe, regulated facility, but also a stable financial backbone for Riverview and surrounding communities. The revenues generated by the landfill have funded public safety, roads, water and sewer infrastructure, and other essential services without requiring tax increases. Residents of Riverview and our Downriver neighbors have enjoyed the benefits of lower disposal costs and financial stability as a direct result of this facility.

Just as importantly, Riverview has always managed the landfill in a fiscally conservative manner. We have worked hard to avoid landfill costs hitting our community. All

the Wayne County Facility Inclusion Committee (FIC) denied the request and imposed conditions that were simply impossible to meet, including curbside recycling for all residents, a new Host Community Agreement, and relocating the landfill entrance. With opposition mounting from neighboring communities, the City had no choice but to withdraw the application in early 2018.

In January of 2021, Riverview tried again with a similar expansion request. Once more, the County’s recommendation memorandum was filled with mandates disguised as recommendations. Among these were moving the landfill entrance into Brownstown Township, which Brownstown refused to consider, and entering into agreements with other communities that showed no willingness to cooperate. On August 2, 2021, the FIC again denied Riverview’s request.

Not willing to give up, the City submitted a revised application in May of 2022 after undertaking an extensive public outreach campaign that cost Riverview $1.3 million. This

and Downriver communities an estimated $300 million in lost revenue. Those funds would have been more than sufficient to cover closure and post-closure costs, while continuing to fund City operations for decades.

Throughout this process, misinformation has clouded the public debate. Contrary to the claims of a few realtors and political opportunists, Riverview’s 2020 Vision Plan — developed with input from residents, elected officials, and business leaders, explicitly called for the expansion of the Riverview Land Preserve. The false claim that closure was imminent was designed to benefit private interests, not the community.

We were also misled by County leadership. Wayne County Executive Warren Evans and his staff assured us, even up to the weekend before the decision, that our expansion had their support. Yet when the time came, they reversed course and turned their backs not only on Riverview but on the entire Downriver region. The County’s actions accelerated the landfill’s closure and set the stage for what we are now calling the “trash tsunami,”

intake. For calendar year 2025, Riverview is forecasting a reduction of 3% compared to 2024. Beginning in 2026, annual reductions will range from 15 to 20 percent each year until closure. These reductions are designed to strike a balance between tonnage and revenue to cover annual operating costs. The landfill is also no longer accepting new customers and has begun phasing in regular price increases. Two gate rate increases already took place in 2025, and contracted customer rates will continue to climb in the years ahead. By 2026, it is expected that only contracted municipal and commercial customers will have access to the landfill, with public access being eliminated.

This restructuring is essential, but it also means higher costs for small businesses, school districts, hospitals, and municipalities that depend on the landfill. Municipal contracts will be reviewed and renegotiated in late 2026 with an eye toward the reduced capacity. In every case, these costs will be passed along to residents and businesses.

Recycling remains a priority for

Riverview, but as the landfill moves toward closure, changes to operating hours will be considered. Currently, the center is open Mondays and Fridays from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; and

and discouraging investment in the Downriver area.

RLP officials have already shared the “Trash Tsunami” presentation with local leaders, using census data, landfill data, and mapping to show just how severe the impact will be. For the

Adding to the crisis is the consolidation of the waste hauling industry. Where municipalities once had six companies competing to offer the lowest bid for collection services, today there are only a handful. With fewer competitors and the closure of

for the site after closure.

The Riverview Land Preserve has been the backbone of our community for over five decades. It funded services, stabilized budgets, and allowed our City to grow without raising taxes. Its closure, accelerated

Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to noon, with the facility closed on Sundays. These hours may be revised in the coming years, with the possibility of fewer operating days but longer shifts on those days.

The impact of this decision extends far beyond Riverview’s borders. Since its opening in 1968, the RLP has served the needs of 15 Downriver municipalities, providing them with reliable, affordable waste disposal. When the landfill closes in 2032, all of those communities will face higher costs as their waste must be hauled farther distances. Longer truck routes will drive up fuel and labor costs. With less regional competition, disposal fees will rise. These additional costs will inevitably be passed along to residents and small businesses, making it harder for families to make ends meet

16 Downriver communities that rely on the landfill, the closure is expected to add between $15 million and $18 million per year in new hauling costs. When hauling costs are calculated at $1.75 to $4.00 per mile, per truck, per day, those figures add up quickly. Waste haulers will need to extend routes, often waiting 45 to 60 minutes at distant landfills, and collection schedules will be disrupted. Residents may see delayed pickups, evening collections, or weekend service as haulers struggle to adapt, all while paying more for less reliable service. These costs will disproportionately affect older residents on fixed incomes, a population that makes up more than 15 percent of Downriver’s 300,000 residents. For them, rising waste collection bills will be a significant financial burden.

public landfills like Riverview and Sauk Trail Hills, disposal in Wayne County is on its way to becoming a monopoly controlled by two large, publicly traded corporations: Republic Services and Waste Management. Without government oversight of private pricing structures, both hauling and disposal costs will rise unchecked. While Council and I are deeply disappointed by Wayne County’s decision, and opposition from our own Wayne County Representative, along with our own State Senator, we remain focused on ensuring Riverview is prepared for the future. Our City Manager and Landfill Director are already working on a closure plan to balance the remaining capacity with intake, protect our recycling programs, and comply with state law. In time, we will also explore permitted end uses

by Wayne County’s actions, will be a financial challenge not only for Riverview but for the entire Downriver community.

The story of the Riverview Land Preserve is one of successes for more than fifty years. It provided revenue, stability, and regional cooperation, making life more affordable for thousands of residents and businesses. Its forced closure represents a missed opportunity to continue that legacy. Although the expansion was denied, our commitment remains unchanged. We will continue to advocate for fairness, represent the interests of our residents, and ensure Riverview transitions responsibly into the post-landfill era. It is important for everyone to understand what was lost — and why.

September

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Big Changes Afoot!

For t St

The Dictionary Project returns

January

We told you this was coming!

But I never had to pay before...

I will read that notice next year!

Disruptive Medicare Changes Arre Coming

Medicare requires the health plans to inform members about plan change for the coming year. An Annual Notice of Change is mailed in September.

Ignoring those notices might have worked out fine in the past, but we advise you to pay attention this year. Some popular Michigan plans have real doozies coming in 2026. A few plans are terminating altogether and you will need to shop for a new one.

Don’t panic. Let us help!

Call us Monday to Friday from 11am to 5pm.

If you are tech-savvy, please scan the correct QR code to get started!

CARRIERS

Kiwanis of Riverview President Diane Kinlen at a recent meeting said 4,170,598 third graders across the United States this school year are on the brink of a critical moment in their educational journey. “Third grade is when students solidify their reading skills, laying the foundation for lifelong learning and success. This is where we can make a difference.” She went on to say.

The Kiwanis of Riverview are committed to empowering every third grader in our community by providing them with a key to unlock the vast world of ideas, a dictionary. They are partnering with the Dictionary Project, and since 2007, with the support of local businesses, and generous citizens, Kiwanis have distributed 4,616 dictionaries to Riverview Schools’ third graders.

President Kinlen said “Now, we’re reaching out to you to join us in this year’s project. We’re inviting sponsors to help us continue this tradition. With a donation of at least $75.00, your name or your company’s name will be prominently displayed on the

front of each dictionary we distribute. Additionally, you’ll receive a 5” x 5” decal to showcase your support at your business.”

Their goal is to raise $1,400.00, covering the cost of the dictionaries, shipping, and handling. Every contribution, no matter the amount, brings us closer to this goal and makes a meaningful impact on the lives of Riverview students.

If you would like to support this initiative, please send your donation by Wednesday, September 24th, to: Use the QR-Code or PayPal aswift1@comcast.net. To donate by check: Kiwanis of Riverview, Dictionary Project, P.O. Box 2057, Riverview, Mi. 48193.

Elizabeth M. Abshire Licensed Insurance Agent

Shaun Z. Abshire Licensed Insurance Agent

As students and teachers headed off for summer break, the RCHS Maintenance staff rolled up their sleeves to get to work – deep cleaning, repairing, and preparing every corner of the school for the year ahead.

During the school year they ensure that our classrooms, hallways, restrooms, and common areas remain clean and functional. They work early & late to keep the school safe and pleasant. From sweeping floors to sanitizing surfaces and fixing leaks, their work allows the rest of the school to focus on learning without distractions.

However, during the summer months RCHS custodial staff truly shine. Once the halls are empty, they take on the enormous task of deep cleaning the entire school. They strip and wax the floors, shampoo carpets, paint walls, and tackle any major repair. The summer is when this team goes above and beyond to make sure that RCHS is not just ready for a new year, but better than ever!

The RCHS maintenance uses the summer to inspect and repair essential systems – HVAC, lighting, plumbing, and more. Whether it’s replacing ceiling tiles, upgrading classroom equipment, or maintaining athletic fields, they touch every part of campus life.

Too often, these contributions go unnoticed, but without this maintenance team, RCHS simply wouldn’t run. They are the backbone of RCHS. They are dependable, diligent, and deeply committed to our community.

As another year at RCHS starts, we’d like to recognize and thank them for all that they do. The Pirate family truly appreciates you!

REMARKABLE

Continued from COVER

Following his military service, Bill returned home and began a lifelong career with Ford Motor Company, where he worked as a draftsman for 30 years. His talents and dedication contributed to Michigan’s proud automotive legacy, and he remained committed to the values of hard work and innovation that defined his generation.

In 1947, Bill married Elizabeth (Betty) Jesson, and together they built a beautiful life in Allen Park, where they made their home for 50 years. Their marriage was a model of devotion, lasting 71 years until Betty’s passing in 2018. They raised three children—Carol, Nancy, and David—and were later blessed with five grandchildren and one great-grandson. Family has always been the center of Bill’s world.

Beyond his career and family life, Bill embraced a love for recreation and travel. He enjoyed golf, bowling, table tennis, boating, skiing, and family vacations across the U.S. and abroad. One of his greatest joys was spending time at the family cottage at Canadian Lakes near Big Rapids, a place filled with cherished memories for multiple generations.

Since 2017, Bill has called Atria Kinghaven in Riverview his home. The City of Riverview takes special pride in being chosen by Mr. Williams as

the community where he continues to live a full and meaningful life in his later years. His presence enriches the city, and his story inspires both young and old alike.

“Reaching 100 years of age is a milestone very few achieve, and to do so with such grace, love, and service behind you is extraordinary,” said Mayor Andrew Swift. “We are proud that Mr. Williams has chosen Riverview as his home. His life story is

a reminder of the values that make our community strong—family, service, and perseverance.”

As friends, family, and neighbors join in honoring Mr. Williams on this milestone birthday, the City of Riverview extends its deepest appreciation for his contributions to our country, his community, and the countless lives he has touched. His century of life is not just a celebration of years lived but of a life well lived.

Gabriel Richard volleyball teams start season strong

The Gabriel Richard varsity and junior varsity volleyball teams kicked off their season with a strong showing, notching several impressive victories in both preseason scrimmages and regular season matchups.

The season began with preseason scrimmages where both teams demonstrated their readiness and teamwork. Junior varsity defeated John Glenn in a clean 3-0 sweep, while varsity battled through a competitive match to secure a 3-2 win over the varsity squad.

Momentum continued into the regular season with the first home game on August 26th against Voyageur College Prep. In front of a supportive home crowd, both JV and varsity delivered dominant performances, each earning 3-0 victories.

The success didn’t stop there. On August 27th, Gabriel Richard faced Michigan Collegiate, and once again, both teams came out on top. JV and varsity secured back-to-back wins, continuing their undefeated start and showcasing their growing skill and team chemistry.

With early-season confidence and a strong foundation, the Lady Pioneers look poised for a competitive and exciting volleyball season ahead.

Gabriel Richard Varsity Volleyball Schedule

9/16 – @ Austin Catholic High School

9/18 – vs Detroit Cristo Rey High School

9/24 – vs Cabrini High School

9/29 – vs Academy of the Sacred Heart

10/1 – @ Divine Child High School

10/7 – @ Bishop Foley Catholic High School

10/10 – vs St. Catherine of Siena Academy

10/21 – vs Taylor High School

Riverview High School fall 2025 varsity sports schedule

Fall sports are well underway, and the Riverview Pirates are competing hard across the board. Below are the remaining schedules for each varsity team this season.

Boys Varsity Football

September 12 – at Carleton Airport

September 19 – at Monroe Jefferson

September 26 – at New Boston Huron

October 3 – vs Flat Rock

October 10 – at Monroe St. Mary Catholic

Central

October 17 – vs Grosse Ile

October 24 – vs Toledo St. Francis De Sales (OH)

Girls Varsity Golf

September 15 – vs Flat Rock

September 17 – at Carleton Airport

September 22 – vs New Boston Huron

Boys Varsity Soccer

September 15 – vs Monroe St. Mary Catholic

Central

September 20 – at Allen Park Inter-City Baptist

September 22 – Huron League Tournament

October 2 – vs Riverview Gabriel Richard

October 6 – at Monroe

October 7 – vs Lincoln Park

Girls Varsity Swimming and Diving

September 16 – vs Grosse Ile

September 23 – at Flat Rock

September 30 – vs Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central

October 7 – vs Milan

October 14 – at New Boston Huron

October 21 – at Trenton

Boys Varsity Tennis

September 16 – at Dearborn Divine Child

September 18 – at Milan

September 23 – vs Carleton Airport

September 25 – vs Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central

October 2 – Huron League Meet

October 6 – vs Riverview Gabriel Richard

Girls Varsity Volleyball

September 15 – at Grosse Ile

September 17 – vs Flat Rock

September 22 – vs Carleton Airport

September 24 – at Milan

September 29 – at New Boston Huron

October 6 – Huron League Tournament

October 23 – at Belleville

October 27 – vs Dearborn Edsel Ford

Boys and Girls Varsity Cross Country

September 16 – Huron League Jamboree #1 at Munson Park

September 27 – Marauder Invitational at Lake Erie Metropark

September 30 – Huron League Jamboree #2 at Sterling State Park

October 4 – Wayne County Championships at Willow Metropark

October 11 – Downriver Gabriel Richard Invite at Young Patriots Park

October 16 – Huron League Meet at Willow Metropark

October 25 – Regionals at Lake Erie Metropark

November 1 – State Finals at MIS (Michigan International Speedway)

Fixing the Future: 100,000 Cats and Dogs Spayed/Neutered by Women-Led Effort

By LOU ANN DURAND

On June 19th, The PAWS Clinic celebrated an incredible milestoneperforming 100,000 low-cost spay and neuter procedures - with an Open House attended by staff, volunteers, pet parents, and friends new and old. There were refreshments, prizes, a tour of the clinic, and art created by Amy Van Sickle’s Riverview Community High School students.

Despite the efforts of animal shelters and rescue groups, far more animals are born each year and enter shelters than there are available homes for them. The sad consequence for a high percentage of these animals is euthanasia.

The PAWS Clinic was conceived by a small group of volunteers from P.A.W.S. of Michigan, a rescue group founded in Riverview which operated from 2007 until 2021. Terra Muscat, Chrissy RomanoMcGill, and Karin Pigott of Wyandotte; and Kris Jordan and Eve Howell of Riverview were actively involved in leadership, fostering, and fundraising for P.A.W.S. and volunteered regularly at local animal shelters where they could see first-hand the enormity of the animal overpopulation crisis.

After attending a PetSmart Charities forum in 2007 Kris Jordan, Terra Muscat, Karin Pigott, and Chrissy Romano-McGill decided they could do more to end animal homelessness and euthanasia of adoptable animals by preventing births rather than by concentrating solely on attempting to find homes for those animals that had already been born. Through the passion and dedication of these women and many like-minded volunteers, and with the financial support of P.A.W.S. of Michigan, community members, PetSmart Charities, and the Pepsi Refresh Project, the PAWS Clinic opened for business in September of 2011.

Kris Jordan was the Director of the Clinic until she retired in March of 2022. Terra Muscat is now the Director and Chrissy RomanoMcGill is Director of Clinic Operations.

The PAWS Clinic is a 501c3 non-profit located at 21210 Goddard in Taylor. Its charitable mission is to decrease animal homelessness and needless euthanasia by making high-quality, affordable spay/neuter services available to the community. Operations are performed by licensed veterinarians specializing in spay and neuter and supported

by caring and compassionate trained staff and volunteers. Information about the clinic’s services can be found on their website www.thepawsclinic.com or by calling 313-451-8200. Fundraising and donation information can be found on the website and the PAWS Clinic Facebook page. They are currently offering discounts to veterans, active military and first responders for spay/neuter of cats and dogs. On September 19th, the clinic will celebrate 14 years of operation.

^ 100,000 Strong: Jessy White, Shauna Philp, Chrissy Romano-McGill, and Torinne Alexander

^ Happy Retirement: Terra Muscat, Kris Jordan, Chrissy Romano-McGill and Gina Angellotti

DOWNRIVERCU ANSWERS

Smart Giving: How to Make Sure Your Donation Counts

In our Downriver communities, generosity runs deep. Whether it’s neighbors collecting donations for flood victims, church groups raising money for missions, or local fundraisers supporting families in crisis, giving back is part of the culture here in Wayne and Monroe counties. But with so many groups asking for help, how can you be sure your money is going where it should?

Why You Need to Be Careful

Unfortunately, scammers know that people here are willing to give. Fake charities often spring up after natural disasters or during the holiday season, tugging at heartstrings but pocketing the money for personal gain. Even if the intent is good, a donation made to a fraudulent group never reaches the people who truly need it. That not only wastes your generosity—it can also shake trust in legitimate local nonprofits working hard every day.

Simple

Ways to Check

The good news is, it doesn’t take much time to verify a charity. Start with the basics: look up the organization’s name and mission online. For local groups, make sure their address matches local city names and zip codes, and check if they have a history of community involvement. Many respected charities in the area, such as Children with Hair Loss or Fish & Loaves Community Food Pantry, proudly share stories of their work in schools, churches, and local papers.

Following the Money

A key step is reviewing financial information. A trustworthy charity makes it clear how much of its budget supports actual services versus administrative or fundraising costs. If you can’t find this information—or if a group avoids answering—it’s a red flag.

National resources can also help. Websites like Charity Navigator, GuideStar, and the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance rate nonprofits on transparency and accountability. For smaller, homegrown charities that may not be listed, don’t hesitate to call and ask for details about their programs, finances, or success stories. A reputable organization will be glad to answer.

The IRS also provides a Charity Search tool that shows whether an organization is officially tax-exempt. This matters not just for tax deductions, but as proof that a nonprofit has met federal standards.

Spotting Red Flags

Be cautious if you get aggressive phone calls or emails pushing you to “donate immediately.” A real charity won’t pressure you or demand personal information like your Social Security number. Also, be wary of names that sound almost identical to a well-known organization—scammers often hope you won’t notice the difference.

Giving With Confidence

There are countless nonprofits doing incredible work in Wayne and Monroe Counties—including food collections from Taylor to Trenton and youth programs from Melvindale to Monroe. By doing a little homework, you can be confident your gift will strengthen these efforts and make a real impact close to home.

Generosity is one of our community’s greatest strengths. With a few simple steps—research, asking questions, and trusting your instincts—you can ensure your donation truly helps the neighbors and causes you care about.

Thank You for Your Support!

Closed on Sundays.

The Literary Hideaway Boutique Bookstore Cafe

The

The Literary Hideaway Boutique Bookstore Cafe

Hideaway is more than a bookstore. It is where the community gathers for children's storytime, for book clubs with friends, for late-night Thursdays, and so much more!

Coffee - Food - Wine & Beer

The Literary Hideaway is

The Literary Hideaway is more than a bookstore. It is where the community gathers for children's storytime, for book clubs with friends, for late-night Thursdays, and so much more!

The Literary Hideaway is more than a bookstore. It is where the community gathers for children's storytime, for book clubs with friends, for late-night Thursdays, and so much more! comb St, Grosse Ile, MI 48138 (734) 982-4028 theliteraryhideaway.com

mb St, Grosse Ile, MI 48138 (734) 982-4028

theliteraryhideaway.com

8166 Macomb St, Grosse Ile, MI 48138 (734) 982-4028 theliteraryhideaway.com

NEWS FROM OUR NEIGHBORS

Trenton to debut banner series

The City of Trenton announced a new partnership with CGI Digital to launch a series of decorative streetscape banners featuring six unique designs. The initiative offers local businesses and organizations the chance to become banner sponsors, with each sponsor’s logo displayed on the bottom third of the city’s banner(s). Sponsors may also select their preferred streetlamp locations along W. Jefferson Avenue or West Road, with spaces reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.

SEE COVER

Bacon Memorial District Library announces renovation project

Bacon Memorial District Library has announced that renovations to the main portion of the library will begin in September 2025. The building has not undergone major renovations since 1993, and the upcoming project was designed by MCD Archi-

tects with input from library patrons, staff, and the Library Board of Trustees.

SEE PAGE 4

Simsonian 5K earns pedigree

Conceding perspective to Sydney Sweeney, the Sims Run has good genes, too. The 23rd annual Simsonian 5k Kick-Off Classic was held on August 16th at Grosse Ile High School, and proved that it has become the premier summertime tradition for both families and the community And judging by the shared experience of more than 200 happy runners and walkers, the legacy lives on.

This year’s 5K winner was Grosse Ile’s own, Matthew Carbajo, blistering the course with a time of 16:05. The women’s overall winner in the 5K was Anna Malonson, also from Grosse Ile, with a fine time of 19:29.

SEE PAGE 12

Southgate PD hosts two successful backpack giveaway events

The Southgate Police Department recently held two successful backpack giveaway events aimed at helping local students gear up for the new school year. Between both events, hundreds of students received backpacks and essential school supplies, thanks to generous donations and strong community support.

SEE PAGE 16