Riverview Register, May 11 – June 12, 2023

The Riverview Veterans Memorial Day Ceremony Committee in cooperation with the American Legion Post No. 389 and the City of Riverview are looking for motorcycle riders for their Memorial Day Ride.

The ride will take place on Memorial Day, Monday, May 29, 2023.

RIDE DETAILS:

~ 10 a.m. Meet at American Legion Post 389, 17116 Quarry Road, Riverview

~ 10:30 a.m. Stage Bikes to depart on Quarry Road

~ 10:48 a.m. Depart American Legion

~ 11 a.m. Arrive at Young Patriots Park, Riverview.

The plan is to meet at Post No. 389 on Quarry Road in Riverview. We will start to meet around 10 a.m.. We will stage around 10:30 to 10:40. We will plan to leave around 10:48 on the Police-escorted ride to Young Patriots in Riverview.

The ride is only about 10 to 15 minutes in length and will require a short ride on grass near our fire department. One notable point about the ride is part of the route is around the reflection pond on the cart path at Young Patriot’s Park

From there we will park on

Riverview Veterans Memorial Dr. by the library and then head to the ceremony which is to start at 11 AM.

For more information or to let us know you’d like to participate, email Mayor Swift at aswift@ cityofriverview.com

FROM THE MAYOR

It’s Spring! Bring on the outdoor fun

My fellow Riverview residents, spring has arrived. And with it comes a flurry of activity and events.

By the time you read this article we’ve already held an Earth Day Park Cleanup on Saturday, April 22. The event put on by our Recreation Department included cleaning up Vreeland, Memorial, Coachwood and Young Patriots Parks.

Also by the time this is published we held our second State of the City Address at Arnaldo’s.

We use this event to update the community on the accomplishments from the past year and the goals set for the year to come. We also recognize several businesses for their contribution to our community. This civic event is sponsored by the Southgate Rotary and is a fundraiser

to raise funds for scholarships for at least two students that attend Riverview Community High School and Gabriel Richard Catholic High School.

The next event we have coming up is something you don’t want to miss.

The Riverview Highlands Golf Course will be celebrating 50 years in business. The Gold 9 opened on May 15, 1973.

Riverview Highlands features 27 holes of championship golf over a mildly rolling terrain with mature trees, plentiful water hazards and strategic bunkering that makes for an interesting golf experience for all levels of players.

Recently The Riverview Highlands Golf Course earned the prestigious Ping Power Fitter designation. That makes us the only municipally owned course to receive this award in Michigan.

Please join us at the clubhouse patio on Monday, May 15, at 5 p.m. and

help us celebrate the success of this Downriver Destination.

And finally on Monday, May 29, we will be holding our annual Memorial Day Ceremony at the Riverview Veterans Memorial. This event is hosted by The American Legion Riverview Post 389. It is scheduled to start at 11 a.m. with the arrival of the motorcycle ride from the American Legion.

With a city mayoral and council election coming up I thought it might be a good idea if we discussed the form of government that our charter calls for, a strong city manager-weak mayor type.

The strong city manager weak mayor form of government is a type of local government structure in which the city council is responsible for making policy decisions, while the city manager is responsible for implementing those policies and managing the day-to-day operations of the city.

In this system, the mayor’s role is largely ceremonial, with limited executive authority.

In this form of government, the city manager is the chief administrative officer of the city and is responsible for the hiring and firing of city employees, preparing the budget, and overseeing the implementation of city policies.

The city council sets policy and makes budgetary decisions, but does not have the power to manage the city’s day-to-day operations.

This system is often favored by those who believe that city government should be run like a business, with a focus on efficiency and professional management. The city manager is typically a professional administrator with experience in local government, and is responsible for ensuring that the city’s operations run smoothly and that city

ANDREW SWIFT FOR MAYOR. VOTE FOR FAMILY.

My fellow Riverview residents, my name is Andrew Swift.

residents, my

As I stand here today, I am lled with hope for our community’s with our future. I am excited to announce that I am running for re-election to running be your Mayor, with a simple yet powerful slogan: your “Vote for Family”.

Family is at the heart of every community. It’s what brings us together, what gives us purpose, and what makes life worth living. When we put and When family rst, we create a strong foundation for our community to thrive. to thrive.

As your Mayor, I will continue to prioritize the needs and concerns of concerns of families in our city. I will work tirelessly to ensure that our streets are to are safe for our children to play and build an even better relationship with our children to build an better our schools, and that our local businesses have the support they need local businesses they need to succeed and provide for their families. their

I will continue to work to create new job opportunities and attract new businesses to our work new attract new our community, so that families can thrive here for generations to come. to

But I can’t do this alone. I need your support to make this vision a reality. I urge you to vote this vision for me, and to vote for family. Together, we can build a brighter future for our community and for our make it a place where every family can ourish.

Together we can be “RIVERVIEW STRONG!” ank you.

ANDREW SWIFT

RIVERVIEW SCHOOLS

Tonight, We Dance Under the Stars

Memorial Elementary event showcases girls and VIP guests

Memorial Elementary School recently held its ‘Tonight, We Dance Under the Stars’ event, which was open to girls and their VIP guests. The event was held on Friday, April 14 at Orlando Familia Banquet Center. The time and energy spent by members of the Memorial Parent Club to make this event a success was appreciated by all guests.

There were basket raffles, prizes, and a 50/50 raffle, which the winner graciously donated back to Memorial’s Parent Club.

Kuts for Kids holds annual hair donation

Riverview Kuts for Kids held its annual hair donation event on April 19 at Riverview High School.

Nine donors chopped eight inches or more of their hair to donate to Children with Hair Loss. Many of the donors donated their hair in honor or in memory of a loved one who battled a medical condition such as cancer.

They then invited a special person to cut their hair on stage during the event. This is The group’s seventh donation event (taking a break during the pandemic).

The Kuts for Kids Krew works hard throughout the year to do many things. The volunteers at Children with Hair Loss in Rockwood each year.

They also fundraised to help grow our Student Support Fund. This fund is used to help support current students in the district who encounter significant medical conditions, such cancer or other significant medical difficulties while they are students here at Riverview Schools.

Please consider growing your own hair and joining us in future donation events!

Gellin’ with Geometry –Family Math Night

Forest Elementary hosted its first Family Math Night on April 13 from 6-7 p.m. Forest staff members were on hand to help students and their families navigate through numerous Math stations which included: 3-D shapes, area, fraction action, geometry bingo, origami, structures, tangrams and symmetry.

Students were all smiles as they made their way through each station.

They could also snack on geometry salad, which consisted of a variety of snacks in all different geometric shapes and sizes.

The evening was a tremendous success for all.

City of Riverview 2023

And Food Truck Series Young Patriots Park

Wednesdays 6:30-8:30 p.m.

July 5 Shakedown

Classic Rock

July 12 Wayback Machine

Taking you back to the 60’s, 70’s & 80’s

July 19 American Ages

Classic Rock, New Rock & New Country

July 26 Marleyritaville

Music with a Jimmy Buffet vibe

August 2 Atomic Radio

Pop, Rock & Hip Hop

August 9 Bugs Beddow & The Good Stuff

Rock & Soul from the last 4 decades

August 16 Crasherz Trio

Motown, Pop, Rock, Country and Disco to the current hits of today

August 23 Steve Floyd Band

Funky R & B and Pop

August 30 Cruisin’ Jupiter

The best in rock, top 40’s, country, and classic rock.

Reading month winners

In March Riverview schools celebrated reading month. Fourth and fifth grade classes at Huntington Elementary were especially busy reading and competing against each other to be the class that completed the most book reviews for a March library contest. With a total of 179 book reviews turned in, Mr. Vincent Laginess’ fourth grade class won the contest again for the second year in a row. He and his class earned a pizza party as their reward and enjoyed it in April.

Self Defense

Jim and Shawnie Davies are experts in self defense and martial arts. City of Riverview Recreation Department

5-12

Kids Self Defense

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Or Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Or Wednesday, August 23, 2023

6:00-7:00 P.M. City Hall Gym

$20.00 per person

Students will learn easy to use self defense techniques that require little to no strength. These techniques will help to build confidence and allow them to not be intimidated by bullies.

Including:

Bullying and how to address issues • How to “stand up for yourself” • Who can help when you are at school, church and activities • De-escalation Techniques:

Wrist grabs • Blocks • Bear hugs from the front and from behind • Strangulation holds

Don’t let your kids miss this class!

Location: Riverview City Hall Gym

14100 Civic Park Drive, Riverview, MI 48193

734-281-4219 • cityofriverview.com

For All Ages

13-18

Teen Self Defense

Or Wednesday, June 14, 2023

Or Wednesday, August 16, 2023

6:00-7:30 P.M. City Hall Gym

$20.00 per person

Young women and men are invited to learn easy to use self defense techniques that require little to no strength. These self defense strategies will build self confidence and allow young men and women not to be intimidated by bullies or those trying to hurt them in any way.

Including:

Bullying • Sexual assault • Dating violence

Date rape • Red flags • Diffusing dangerous situations

• Exiting parties without being teased.

Techniques and how to avoid:

Register online! https://secure.rec1.com/MI/riverview-mi/catalog

16+ Self Defense

Wednesday, May 31, 2023

Or Wednesday August 9, 2023

7:00-8:30 P.M. City Hall Gym

$20.00 per person

These are easy to learn techniques that require little to no strength and no knowledge of Martial Arts in a fun and safe atmosphere. Basic techniques that will increase your self confidence and feeling of security are the focus. Men and women are both encouraged to attend as well as young adults at least 16 years of age. Including: Situational awareness • How to avoid dangerous encounters • Domestic Violence • Weapons & Self Defense Tools • Basic defenses to enable you to ‘get away’:

Blocks

• Shoulder grabs • Bear hugs Strangulations • Hair pulls from the front and behind • Wrist grabs • Question and answer session. Don’t let your teens miss class!

Palm strikes • Hammer punches • Elbow strikes Wrist grabs • Hair grabs • Strangulation defense We will also discuss how to deal with dating violence, peer pressure, and other forms of abuse.

Huntington fourth-graders have library adventure

Huntington Elementary School’s fourth-graders recently adventured to Young Patriots Park and Riverview Veterans Memorial Library via foot and bicycle. Students first had the opportunity to engage in fun park activities and enjoy a picnic lunch.

For the afternoon, students participated in several activities with librarians Mrs.Azitta and Mrs.

Stacey from the public library. Students listened to stories, had a STEM challenge, puzzle challenge, and were able to create bracelets. Finally, students wrapped up the day by creating beautiful artwork for other patrons to enjoy as they entered the library.

Trip makes science and related curriculum come alive

Fifth grade students from all three Riverview elementary schools attended the YMCA Storer camp in Jackson, MI the week of April 18.

“The Great Outdoors” makes science and related curriculum come alive, and significantly more relevant, for each student.

Students participated in natural science programs, which included: In cold blood, lunar learnings, mammalian mayhem and microscopic ponderings. They also learned about fire safety, starting fires and the proper ways to extinguish a fire.

Students also had fun with “Gimme Shelter,” building an outdoor shelter focusing on materials, structure and safety.

Evening activities included singing and telling stories around a campfire and square dancing to traditional and historical folk music.

Response from the students was overwhelmingly favorable. “My favorite activity from camp was predator prey. We learned about endangered species

and the food chain,” said attendee Ciana Litten.

“My favorite activity was predator prey. It was fun and intense. I learned what animals go through and what they have to do to survive” - Jackson Sammons.

My favorite activity was square dancing because I got to square dance with my friends,” - Tessa Logan.

“It was fun to look at different organisms under the microscopes,” – Lily Horvath.

“One of my favorite parts was the meals. I usually don’t eat breakfast and I loved being able to sit with friends to enjoy a meal,” - Jack Walker.

“My favorite part was predator versus prey because I was able to see different types of prey,”Ethan Frost.

“In Cold Blood was my favorite class because we got to hold snakes,” – SaNaya Campbell.

“I enjoyed spending time outdoors with my friends and all the cool counselors,” – Lucas Aben.

Huntington students explore capitalism

The fourth-grade classes at Huntington Elementary completed their Market Day Project the week leading into Spring Break. The fourth-graders finished their economics unit and were given the opportunity to use their new knowledge to start their own business. Second- and third-graders filled the hall to purchase their products that they spent the last month creating.

RCHS Key Club lends a helping hand

Since 1957, the Lighthouse of Trenton has been a supplier of all types of lighting for your home and light commercial building projects. We are a distributor of over 100 manufacturer products from under-counter lighting to complete new home packages. We also have a complete selection of outdoor lighting including landscape lighting to beautify your homes.

The Riverview Community High School Key Club was busy hopping around the city during their Spring Break. Easter baskets were assembled with the Kiwanis Club for 10 families and on April 8, they participated in the Easter Stroll at Young Patriots Park, passing out candy to the little ones that were walking around the pond.

Riverview Recreation Fitness & Fun

CARDIO DRUMMING GOLD

Easy to follow routines that target your whole body. This class is perfect for the beginner and is designed for any ability and can be tailored to your level. Gold classes are great for any age but targets the exercise needs of ages 45 and up. Please bring (up to 75 cm) exercise ball, drumsticks and a bucket for your ball to sit on. If you would like to give it a try, we do have some equipment to borrow. Chairs provided for those who do not wish to stand. This class is for 14 & older.

Instructor: Lisa Magyar

Tues. 10:00-11:00 a.m.

June 6 - August 29

(No class July 4 or Aug 8)

Thurs. 7:10-7:50 p.m. (40 min Express)

June 8 - August 31

Cost: $5.00 drop in Class Limit: 20, City Hall Gym

CLASSIC CARDIO + WEIGHTS

FIT FOR ME

This head to toe workout will start with a 15 minute warm up with easy to follow moves, a 20 minute arm routine, a variety of body toning exercises and an awesome stretch ending. This class is perfect for EVERYONE! A group class where we workout together but at your own pace. If you want to sit in a chair or you want to move it to the max and everything in between, this is YOUR class! Fun music and classes are varied each week. Please bring a mat and a pair of 1 up to 5 lb. hand weights. Chairs provided for those who do not wish to go on the floor. This class is for age 14 and up. Instructor: Lisa Magyar

Thurs. 6:00-7:00 p.m.

June 8 - August 31

Cost: $5.00 drop in Class Limit: 20 City Hall Gym

This awesome cardio class is taught in a low-impact format. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to “pick it up” or “keep it down” to fit your own needs. The second half of class uses light weights (instructor supplied) to challenge and strengthen muscles, leaving you stronger from head to toe. Enjoy some fabulous music and finish class with a great stretch. Leave feeling GREAT!

Instructor: Sue (Flanary) Michetti

Mon. 6:30-7:30 p.m.

June 19 - July 31 (No class July 3)

Cost: $5.00 drop in Class Limit: 20 City Hall Gym

CARDIO RHYTHM WALKING

Combinations are easy to follow and so much fun. Light weights for muscular strengthening round out your class. There is no floor work. You’ll be singing as you get fit with walking combinations. You should come and check it out!

Instructor: Sue (Flanary) Michetti Wed. 9:00-10:00 a.m.

June 21 - July 26

Cost: $5.00 drop in Class Limit: 20 City Hall Gym

STRETCHING FOR THE STARS

Start your day with this 45 minute, no/low impact, low intensity workout that will tone your muscles, increase your range of motion, balance and flexibility, and help you to relieve stress. Through a series of simple stretching and toning exercises, participants will find improvements in overall functionality of the body. Please bring a pair of 1 to 5 lb. hand weights. This class will be done standing so no mat needed. Chairs provided for those who do not wish to stand. This class is for 14 & older. Instructor: Lisa Magyar

Tues. 9:00-9:45 a.m.

June 6 - August 29 (No class July 4 or Aug 8)

Cost: $5.00 drop in Class Limit: 20 City Hall Gym

CRAFT/COOKING WITH LISA

June 13

No Sew Patriotic Ribbon Flag

June 27

Melted Ice Cream Cupcake

Decorating Class

July 11

Painted Pine Cone Wreath

July 25

Silk Flower Paper Lantern

August 22

Painted Stain Glass Picture Frame

Upcoming Events at YOUR Riverview Library

Monday, May 1 @ 6:30 p.m.

Book Club

Readers will meet to discuss A Slow Fire Burning by Paula Hawkins. Copies of Club books are available at the circulation desk. 18+ welcome. No registration required.

Wednesday, May 3 @ 11 a.m.

Early Literacy Storytime

Join us for songs, stories & games!

Best suited for children ages 2-5. Registration begins April 24. Registration required by May 1.

Wednesday, May 10 @ 11 a.m.

Early Literacy Storytime

Join us for songs, stories & games!

Best suited for children ages 2-5.

Registration begins May 1.

Registration required by May 8.

Tuesday, May 16 @ 12 p.m.

Afternoon Book Club

Readers will be discussing Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman. Copies of Club books can be checked out from the circulation desk. 18+ welcome. No registration required.

Wednesday, May 17 @ 11 a.m.

Early Literacy Storytime

Join us for songs, stories & games!

Best suited for children ages 2-5. Registration begins May 1. Registration required by May 15.

Wednesday, May 17 @ 5-6:30 p.m.

Drop-In Art Night: Puzzle Bracelets

Mismatched puzzle pieces and beads will transform into one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces. All ages welcome. No registration required.

Riverview Veterans Memorial Library

14300 Sibley Road, Riverview, MI 48193 www.riverviewpubliclibrary.com | 734-283-1250

Like us on Facebook!

Saturday, May 20 @ 12-1:30 p.m.

Drop-In Coloring Day

The community room will be stocked with a variety of coloring pages and coloring tools for an afternoon of relaxing fun. All ages welcome. No registration required.

Wednesday, May 24 @ 11 a.m.

Early Literacy Storytime

Join us for songs, stories & games! Best suited for children ages 2-5. Registration begins May 1. Registration required by May 22.

Wednesday, May 24 @ 6:30 p.m.

Author Presentation: Lost at Sea with John Wukovits

Join us for an evening discussion of Wukovits' new book Lost at Sea. The book is the forgotten story of American war hero Eddie Rickenbacker's crash landing in the Pacific during World War II, and his incredible 23 day crusade to keep his crew alive. Registration begins May 1. Registration required by May 22.

Monday, May 29

Closed in Observance of Memorial Day

Wednesday, May 31 @ 11 a.m.

Early Literacy Storytime

Join us for songs, stories & games!

Best suited for children ages 2-5. Registration begins May 1. Registration required by May 29.

Mark Your Calendar!

Summer Reading 2023

June 12 - August 10

Join us this summer for games, stories, art, songs & literacy fun! Summer reading schedule will be available online and in the Library June 2023.

Hours September 6 - June 4, 2023

Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Saturday, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Closed Friday & Sunday

JOINUSFOR'READMICHIGAN!'SUMMERREADINGPROGRAM

June12-August10,2023

FUNSUMMERREADINGCHALLENGESFORREADERSOFALLAGESATTHERIVERVIEWLIBRARY!

Children,teens&adultscanearnfunprizesjustbyexercisingtheirbrainsallsummerlong!Ourreadingchallengeruns June12-August10&isfreetoallwhowishtoparticipate.EventsbeginJune19,2023.Pleasenotethatsomeeventsrequirepre-registration.

Rockin'Robins|Ages0-5

Michigandersages0-5areinvitedtoplayreadingbingoforachanceto earnuptofivepostcardsto"mail"atthe"SummerReadingGiftShop". Eachpostcardisworthoneprize.

MagnificentMichiganders|12+

Mittenstateenthusiastsages12+areinvitedtoplayreadingbingofor thechancetoearnupto12entriesintoourgrandprizedrawing.Five participantswillwinaspecialgiftbasket.

Monday,June12-August10,2023

REGISTERFORthesummerreading challenge

Children,teensandadultscanearnfunprizes justbyexercisingtheirbrainsallsummerlong! Signuptotakethechallengeandearnfun prizesalongtheway.Prizescanbecollected untilAugust10,2023.

Alldayregistration__AllAges

RegistrationRequired

Monday,June19,2023

Artsyfun:candyfishingpoles

Skewersandcandywillbetransformedinto ediblefishingpoles.Letusknowoffood allergies/intolerancesbeforeattending.

11A.M.__AllAges

NoRegistrationRequired

Tuesday,June20,2023

Drop-InTuesday:LegoClub

AllLegomasterbuildersareinvitedtojoinus tocreateone-of-a-kindcolorfulbrickcreations.

1-3P.M.__Ages5+

NoRegistrationRequired

Tuesday,June20,2023

afternoonbookclub

Readerswillbediscussing SummerPlace by JenniferWeiner.CopiesofClubbooksare availableatthecirculationdesk.

12P.M.__Ages18+__NoRegistration Required

Wednesday,June21,2023

EarlyLiteracyStorytime

JoinMs.Sueforstories,songsandplay!

11A.M. Ages2-5

RegistrationRequiredbyJune19

Wednesday,June21,2023

earlyeveningevent:claypaintedturtle

Clay,gemsandpaintwillbeusedtomake MichiganPaintedTurtles.

4-6:45P.M._AllAges

RegistrationRequiredbyJune19

Thursday,June22,2023

Bigevent!Inflatableplanetarium

Participantsclimbintoaninflatabledometo seethestarsandplanets.

11A.M.&11:40A.M.__AllAges

RegistrationRequiredbyJune20

Monday,June26,2023

ArtsyFun:CDWindSpinners CDs,stringandgemswillbeusedtocreatea sparklywindspinner.

11A.M.__AllAges

RegistrationRequiredbyJune23

Monday,June26,2023

AuthorChat:PaulVachon

AuthorPaulVachonwilldiscusshisbook

Detroit:AnIllustratedTimeline.

6:30P.M.__Ages16+

RegistrationRequiredbyJune23

Tuesday,June27,2023

DROP-INTUESDAY:CHALKTHEWALK&BUBBLES

JoinusoutsidetheLibraryforsomebubble blowingandsidewalkdecorating.

ating

Wonderfulwolverines|Ages6-11

GreatLakesReadersages6-11canpickupareading bingocardforachancetoearnfivepostcardsto"mail" atthe"SummerReadingGiftShop".Eachpostcardisworthoneprize. Forextrafun,readerscanalsopickupanactivitybooktobegina Michigan-themedactivityadventure.Completethebooktoearn threeadditional postcardsto"mail"atourgiftshop.Each postcardisworthoneprize.

Thursday,July6,2023

BigEvent!Sciencealive! Participantswillgetachancetolearnaboutand pettheirfavoritesmall,exoticanimals. 11A.M.&12:30P.M.__AllAges RegistrationRequiredbyJuly3

Monday,July10,2023

ArtsyFun:Michigan-ShapedStainGlass SunCatcher Joinustomakeabeautifulsuncatchermade frompaper,contactpaperandtissuepaper.

11A.M.-1P.M.__ AllAges

NoRegistrationRequired

Wednesday,June28,2023

EarlyLiteracyStorytime JoinMs.Sueforstories,songsandplay!

11A.M.__2-5

RegistrationRequiredbyJune26

Wednesday,June28,2023

alldayevent:storyscavengerhunt

Pickupascavengerhuntsheetfromthe circulationdeskandthenwalkaround ReflectionPondtoreadastoryandanswer thequestions.

11A.M.-6:45P.M._AllAges

NoRegistrationRequired

Thursday,June29,2023

BigEvent!MusicLady,BeverlyMeyer

TheMusicLadywillbeheretosingsongs,play guitarandentertainparticipantsofallages.

11A.M.__AllAges

RegistrationRequiredbyJune27

JULY

Monday,July3,2023

Artsyfun:donutdecoratingcompetition

Participantswillcompetetocreatedonuts inspiredbybeautifulMichigansummers. Pleaseletusknowofanyfood allergies/intoleranceswhenregistering.

11A.M.__AllAges

RegistrationRequiredbyJune30

Wednesday,July5,2023

EARLYLITERACYSTORYTIME

JoinMs.Sueforstories,songsandgames!

11A.M. Ages2-5

RegistrationRequiredbyJuly3

Wednesday,July5,2023

EARlyeveningevent:Familyfunbingo

Familiesareinvitedtojoinusforsummer bingofun!

4-6:45P.M.__AllAges

RegistrationRequiredbyJuly3

11A.M.__AllAges

RegistrationRequiredbyJuly7

Tuesday,July11,2023

Drop-InTuesday:LegoClub AllLegomasterbuildersareinvitedtojoinusto createone-of-a-kindcolorfulbrickcreations.

1-3P.M.__Ages5+__NoRegistrationRequired

Wednesday,July12,2023

EarlyLiteracyStorytime JoinMs.Sueforstories,songsandplay!

11A.M.__Ages2-5 RegistrationRequiredbyJuly10

Wednesday,July12,2023

alldayevent:storyscavengerhunt Pickupascavengerhuntsheetfromthe circulationdeskandthenwalkaround ReflectionPondtoreadastoryandanswerthe questions.

11A.M.-6:45P.M._AllAges_NoRegistration Required

Thursday,July13,2023

BigEvent!JoelTaceyMagicShow MagicianJoelTaceywilldelightparticipantsof allages!

11:30A.M.__AllAges RegistrationRequiredbyJuly11

Monday,July17,2023

ArtsyFun:EdibleBirdHouses Participantswilluseediblebuildingmaterialsto buildabeautifulanddeliciousbirdhouse.

11A.M.__AllAges RegistrationRequiredbyJuly14

Tuesday,July18,2023

Drop-InTuesday:coloringpages Spendafewhourscoloringandrelaxinginthe communityroom.

1-3P.M.__AllAges__NoRegistrationRequired

Tuesday,July18,2023

afternoonbookclub

Readerswillbediscussing Summeronthe Bluffs bySunnyHostin.CopiesofClubbooksare availableatthecirculationdesk.

12P.M.__Ages18+__NoRegistrationRequired

Wednesday,July19,2023

earlyliteracystorytime

JoinMs.Sueforstories,songsandgames!

11A.M.__Ages2-5

RegistrationRequiredbyJuly17

Wednesday,July19,2023

Earlyeveningevent:puzzlecompetition

Puzzlerswillhavealmost3hourstobethefirst tocompletea500piecepuzzle.Smallprizes awardedtothosewhofinish.

4-6:45P.M.__AllAges

RegistrationRequiredbyJuly17

Thursday,July20,2023

BigEvent!riverviewscavengerhunt

Stopbythecirculationdesktopickupyour scavengerhuntsheet.Participantswillhave until7P.M.tofindanswerstoalloftheclues.

10A.M.-6:45P.M.__AllAges

NoRegistrationRequired

Monday,July24,2023

Artsyfun:DIYsailboats

Wewillusemanyitemsfromourcraftsupplyto makeasailboatthatfloats.

11A.M.__AllAges

RegistrationRequiredbyJuly13

Tuesday,July25,2023

drop-intuesday:beads,beads,beads! Thecommunityroomwillbestockedwith beadsofallshapes,colorsandsizes!

1-3P.M._AllAges_NoRegistrationRequired

Wednesday,July26,2023

earlyliteracystorytime

JoinMs.Sueforstories,songsandplay!

11A.M.__Ages2-5

RegistrationRequiredbyJuly24

Wednesday,July26,2023

Earlyeveningevent:Michigancanvasart Joinustomakeamixedmediamasterpiece. 4-6:45P.M.__AllAges

RegistrationRequiredbyJuly24

Thursday,July27,2023

bigevent!Communityhelpercelebration Joinusforpizza,popsiclesandachanceto checkoutafiretruck,ambulance,policecarand backhoe.

11A.M.__AllAges

JULY AUGUST

ired by July 25

RegistrationRequiredbyJuly25

EarlyLitStorytimes-August2,9,16,23

es - August 2, 9, 16, 23

LegoDay-August8|BookClub-August15

PuzzleCompetition-August16 ColoringPages-August22

CITY OF RIVERVIEW, WAYNE COUNTY, MICHIGAN REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES HELD ON MONDAY, APRIL

3, 2023

The Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.

Presiding: Mayor Swift

Present: Councilmembers Gunaga, Norton, ONeil, Workman

Excused: Councilmember Blanchette, Robbins

Also Present: Various Department Heads, Attorney Pentiuk

Approved March 20, 2023, Regular Meeting Minutes by unanimous vote.

Mayor Swift offered Public Comments.

Approved Consent Agenda as follows by unanimous vote.

~ Approve Annual City Donation to the Guidance Center in the amount of $4,000.00.

~ Approve City Participation in the National Opioid Settlement with TEVA, Allergan, CVS and Walmart.

~ Authorize Solicitation to Bid for Emergency and Non-Emergency Electrical Maintenance and Repair Services at City Buildings and Facilities.

~ Approve Budget Amendment as presented.

Approved Amended Council Board, Commission and Committee assignments as follows by unanimous vote.

~ Ad Hoc Civil Engineering Committee: Mayor Swift, Councilmembers

Gunaga, Robbins

~ Ad Hoc Environmental Engineering Committee: Mayor Swift, Councilmembers Robbins, Workman

~ Ad Hoc Land Preserve Committee: Mayor Swift, Councilmembers Norton, Workman, Alternate Robbins

~ Ad Hoc Public Safety Committee: Councilmembers Gunaga, Norton, ONeil

~ Ad Hoc Riverview Highlands Committee: Mayor Swift, Councilmembers

Gunaga, Norton

~ Ad Hoc 2030 Vision Committee: Councilmembers Gunaga, Norton, ONeil, Alternate Robbins

Veterans’ Memorial: Mayor Swift, Councilmember Norton, Alternate Adjourned Meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m. by unanimous vote.

DETAILED MINUTES/ORDINANCES AVAILABLE AT THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK.

Andrew M. Swift, Mayor Cynthia M. Hutchison, City Clerk

CITY OF RIVERVIEW, WAYNE COUNTY, MICHIGAN REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES HELD ON MONDAY, APRIL 17, 2023

The Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.

Presiding: Mayor Swift

Present: Councilmembers Blanchette, Gunaga, Norton, ONeil, Robbins, Workman

Also Present: Various Department Heads, Attorney Hurley

Approved April 3, 2023, Regular Meeting Minutes by unanimous vote.

The Mayor and Downriver Quilters honored Korean War Veteran George Diurisiin with a Proclamation and Cloak of Valor constructed by members of the organization.

Mayor Swift offered Public Comments.

Approved Consent Agenda as follows by unanimous vote.

~ Accept the $500.00 cash donation from an anonymous donor to be used toward Police Expenditures.

~ Award Bid and Authorize Execution of Agreement for Temporary Labor Contracts to Entech Staff Solutions and Global Visse, Inc. for the Land Preserve and Department of Public Works.

~ Authorize Solicitation of Bids for Transportation and Disposal of Leachate.

~ Approve Budget Amendment as presented.

Approved Bid Award for the Spring 2023 Gas Collection and Control System (GCCS) Well Drilling Construction Project with Landfill Drilling and Piping, Inc., in the amount of $432,252.00, with (5%) contingency, for a total cost of $453,864.60 by unanimous vote.

Authorized Execution of Addendum Extending Agreement with Al’s Asphalt Paving at the current pricing until Spring 2023 for Cart Path Repair/ Replacement allowing for remaining budgeted funds of $58,000.00 to be utilized by unanimous vote.

Authorized Clerk to give the First Reading, by title only, of Proposed Ordinance No. 741 – Amending Article VI, Established Grade and Drainage Control of Chapter 86, Buildings and Building Regulations by unanimous vote.

PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO. 741

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CODE OF ORDINANCES FOR THE CITY OF RIVERVIEW BY THE ADDITION OF SECTION 86196, “AUTHORIZED CHANGES FROM ESTABLISHED GRADE,” OF ARCILE VI, “ESTABLISHED GRADE AND DRAINAGE CONTROL,” OF CHAPTER 86, “BUILDINGS AND BUILDING REGULATIONS,” TO UPDATE THE SECTION

Adjourned Meeting adjourned at 7:27 p.m. by unanimous vote.

DETAILED MINUTES/ORDINANCES AVAILABLE AT THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK.

Andrew M. Swift, Mayor Cynthia M. Hutchison, City Clerk

RFD hosts ‘forcible entry’ class

Amy Dunn

Recently the Riverview Fire Dept. had the honor of hosting the final class in a series of “Forcible Entry” for the Downriver area.

Firefighters from Royal Oak, Ecorse, Wyandotte, Lincoln Park, Southgate, Ash Twp and Riverview trained with Rise Above Fire Training Company.

We learned how to gain entry through large commercial doors

Meet

using rotary saws, both gas and electric. Gaining entry in this manner is a rare occurrence, so hands-on training is very important. Being able to gain entry into a large building that is having an emergency is critical to contain the fire and minimize damage. We would like to thank everyone who participated, and everyone who was involved in putting on this series and we look forward to working with everyone again in the future.

WHERE:

WHEN:

WHY:

Riverview State of the City Address

By Dave Gorgon

Progress and challenges were highlighted during Riverview Mayor Andrew Swift’s 2023 State of the City Address on May 3 at Arnaldo’s.

The address, which was hosted by the Rotary Club of Southgate, featured a review of the past year, issues facing the city going forward, recognition to some top businesses in the community and a tribute to U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, whose district still includes Riverview.

“Riverview is known for what it is: a small bedroom community,” the Mayor said. “We’ve got great schools, great city services, we have parks in nearly every subdivision and a community where you’re likely to know most of your neighbors. Riverview regularly makes the list of the safest communities in Michigan. None of these things just happen by magic. Because we are a small community, it is a little easier to focus on what we need to do to make it better.”

However, he spoke of two current challenges facing the city:

●City officials have and will continue to have to overcome the decision by Wayne County to deny Riverview’s proposed landfill expansion request. The Mayor said the landfill is projected to have to close in 10 or 12 years, which will impact the city budget.

The Mayor said new City Manager Jeff Dobek, who succeeded the retired Doug Drysdale, is working with the City Council “to start weening ourselves from an enterprise that has provided $1.5 million to $3 million a year in revenue in place of property taxes since 1968,” Swift said. “This process will take every bit of those remaining years to accomplish the goal of Riverview without a landfill.” To overcome the loss of revenue, the city plans to sell its cell tower on landfill property and two larger parcels of land and restore them to the tax rolls. To help make up for a decrease in business and competition from other landfills, the city will begin accepting foreign household municipal waste for at least a few years. The city will explore providing curbside recycling through a subscription-based program.

●”A big challenge and controversial

challenge council is facing is the resident-driven initiative to restore the prohibition of cannabis within our borders,” Swift said. If a ballot proposal is approved by voters, “the six or seven dispensaries that have opened by later this year or early next year will have to close by June 20 of 2024. If the ballot initiative doesn’t pass and the sale of cannabis remains legal, we could easily have nine to 12 dispensaries by the end of 2024.” Some highlights from the State of the City Address:

●The city has added “well over 200 new and expanded businesses” in the past few years. There are 734 businesses in Riverview.

●Under the direction of new Chief of Police John Allen, the Police Department has been able to hire three veteran officers with experience in other communities, pointing to the enabling of “lateral transfers” as key to making that happen. The department has provided officers with training in responding to active shooter situations and has expanded its outreach to the community through such events as the inaugural Faith and Blue at Young Patriots Park and First Responders and Residents at Memorial Park. The next event is scheduled for 6 to 7 p.m. May 17 at Forest Elementary School.

●The Fire Department, under the direction of Chief Ron Lammers, has increased staffing with three full-time firefighter paramedics to help deal with increased runs of 3,250 – as many as 19 in a 24-hour period. To help with future staffing, the department is involved in a dual-enrollment program in partnership with Schoolcraft College that allows high school juniors and seniors to enroll in firefighter and EMS programs. Riverview firefighters have increased public relations and fire prevention by hosting several events throughout the year and hosting training events for Downriver fire departments.

●The Riverview Highlands Golf Course, which celebrates its 50th anniversary with an event from 5 to 7 p.m. on May 15, continues its multiyear improvement program that has drawn additional golfers and rave reviews. Under the direction of Mike Kettler, season-passes have increased by 36 percent. The Riverview Highlands Invitational – which raises

funds to make those improvements – is set for June 15. The Junior Golf Program sold out within an hour on sign-up day. With 359 young participants, it is one of the largest junior golf programs in the state. Meanwhile, a Drive, Chip and Putt contest is set for June 3. And the Mayor said the Concert on the Course on the Highlands practice facility has proved successful.

●The Recreation Department, under the direction of Todd Dickman, has expanded offerings with an Easter Stroll that attracted more than 300 children and their families. The Mayor announced that Summerfest, set for June 15-17, would be a great way to kick off the summer. The free Concerts in the Park series returns from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays during July and August at Young Patriots Park. And the City of Riverview 100th Anniversary Celebration is scheduled for September 23. The event is “an excellent opportunity to celebrate the history and growth of Riverview over the past 100 years,” the Mayor said. “The event promises many familyfriendly activities and visitors can expect to experience some memories from Riverview’s 100 years.”

●The Riverview Memorial Library, under the direction of Azita Fratelli, has experienced a surge in circulation and an increase in daily visitors. Story times and other events have been in high demand. The Summer Reading

Program will feature 41 free events suitable for patrons of all ages. Starting May 15, the library will begin checking out fishing poles and seeds for gardens.

●A city primary election is scheduled for August 8, 2023. City Clerk Cindy Hutchinson and her staff are accepting petitions for Mayor and City Council, completing a new records archive room/election machine security room and preparing for new election law changes regarding paying for postage and nine days of early voting for the 2024 election year.

●The Mayor touted several recent projects undertaken by the Department of Public Works, under the director of Jeff Webb. They include the lining of sewer manholes and nearly 7,000 feet of sewer mains to prevent ground water infiltration into sewers; replacing water mains that are prone to breaks with high-density polyethylene pipes that are flexible, corrosion-resistant and have a service life of 100 years; investing $700,000 in street sectioning and carrying out joint and crack sealing this year – all to maintain and improve the city’s infrastructure.

●The Mayor announced that Human Resources Director Carol Mayerich in June. Human Resources is responsible for the coordination, utilization and management activities within city government. Swift thanked Mayerich, along with entire city staff, commissioners and volunteer workers and community service partners.

Former Mayor Tim Durand, Mayor Andrew Swift and U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell

Riverview businesses honored during Mayor’s State of the City Address

Photos by Dave Chapman

Avalon Day Spa

By Dave Gorgon

Avalon Day Spa opened in March at 18104 Fort Street in Riverview. Owner/operator Sarah Vail has specialized expertise in providing skincare treatments for clients with oncology, autoimmune and health-challenged skin. She also offers holistic skincare services for those seeking everyday

Downriver area. Since then, the company has evolved and now employs more than 30 employees and offers services such as hauling, concrete installation, a building supply store and waste management services, including dumpster rentals. In the last year, Michael and Dana Van Marter moved their entire operation to Krause Street in Riverview.

Poke Ur Way

Lance Sulek and Amy Daversa found a new home for their food truck business, Poke Ur Way. They plan to open a storefront restaurant at 17425 Fort Street in Riverview. Sulek started his food truck after visiting his friend’s successful Poke Restaurant in Orlando, Florida, which was offering franchises. Sulek went from appearing at farmers markets in July 2020 to diving into the Dole Whip world and hiring Daversa as general manager in July 2022. They have been featured on Channel 4’s “Tasty Tuesday” and CBS News Detroit. The brick-andmortar restaurant is next.

certified esthetician in the Downriver area. She also runs a blog in which she is one of the content writers. The blog publishes free articles on skincare, makeup, health and wellness. And she co-owns and operates an online beauty emporium, which sells skincare, makeup, health and wellness items.

Signature Services

In 1999, Signature Services started as a landscaping company with one truck and one trailer to service the

Riverview businesses were honored by Mayor Andrew Swift during his State of the City Address on May 3 at Arnaldo’s.

Premier Pet Supply

Premier Pet Supply opened last year at 17096 Fort Street in Riverview, carrying a diverse selection of pet products for dogs, cats, birds, fish, reptiles, small animals and even wild birds. Mike Palmer is the nephew of Ray Hesano, who opened the first Premier Pet Supply in 1992 in Beverly Hills, Michigan. In 2016, Palmer partnered with Steve Shamou,

Fat Daddy’s Hot Chicken and Waffles

Fat Daddy’s Hot Chicken and Waffles, located at 18283 Fort Street in Riverview, is a carryout business that specializes in hot chicken sandwiches and chicken-and-waffle dishes. Chef and owner James Brandon, known as Chef J, dedicated months to perfecting his recipes before opening the Riverview restaurant, which has turned out to be the first of several locations. Chef J drew inspiration and learned cooking techniques from his family and Virginia roots. One of his secrets is marinating the chicken breast for 24 to 48 hours, resulting in juicy, tender meat that stays succulent even when fried. Chef J has shared his expertise on Fox 2 and PBS’ “Under the Radar” podcast.

The Michigan House and Bellaire Senior Living Jacob, Joseph and Mark Bacall of Bacall Development own and operate Michigan House Senior Living at 18533 Quarry Road in Riverview. The location features 30 private and shared apartments on beautifully landscaped grounds with an array of amenities designed to appeal to modern and active seniors. Bathrooms include walk-in showers with built-in

Jeff

and Brandon Thorne and began expanding to 12 locations in Metro Detroit. The business focuses on natural, holistic and America-made goods. They have a knowledgeable staff competitive prices and a loyalty program for customers. They give back to the community, partnering with schools and community groups.

Savvy Sliders

Located at 17800 Fort Street, Savvy Sliders features gourmet sliders that rival any burger in town. The restaurant’s angus beef is never frozen and sandwiches are loaded with the best ingredients. Jean Vila said the owners and operators love serving customers Downriver. Their motto is “Eat Savvy, Be Savvy, Stay Savvy.”

benches and handrails with emergency pull cords in baths and bedrooms. The all-inclusive memory care community offers transitional assisted living for persons starting to experience memory challenges, plus personalized memory care. The family also owns The Belaire Senior Living at 12621 Hale Street in Riverview. This year, Belaire is celebrating its 30th anniversary of offering studio, one-bedroom and newly renovated shared apartments that offer residents three meals daily, all utilities, weekly housekeeping and a seven-day social activities program. Each apartment is private with a kitchenette, bath and living area. Shared suites are available to those with limited finances.

Nagarah

Mark Tremper, Vice-President, Downriver Community Federal Credit Union

Let us know at

Have you ever experienced the helpless feeling of having your debit or credit card rejected? You have a cart full of groceries that were just rung up and the register doesn’t accept your payment. Or maybe you’re traveling on vacation and you attempt to purchase gas only to see a single dreaded word on the screen in all caps that says “DECLINED”. What do you do now?

When this happens, it doesn’t always mean that there’s not enough money in your account. It could mean that the chip on your card is malfunctioning, or maybe your attempted purchase was flagged as a fraudulent transaction. Regardless of the reason, this puts you in an extremely uncomfortable position, especially if there’s a line of people behind you or you are hundreds of miles from home!

According to Pew Research statistics, the number of Americans who don’t carry cash in a typical week has increased by double digits over the past decade. 41% of Americans (4 out of every

10 people) say that none of their purchases in a typical week are paid using cash. Which means that when your card is declined, there is a good chance you don’t have cash on-hand to complete the purchase.

Here are a few tips to ensure that you’re prepared when faced with one of these predicaments:

Carry a second card.

Your back-up card could either be a debit card attached to a second checking account (some would say that this should be at a different financial institution) or a credit card accessing an available line of credit. Just be sure to have the accounts linked so that you can transfer funds between accounts using online or mobile banking. Linking accounts for transfers can usually be done even if accounts are at a different financial institution.

Add your cards to your smartphone’s “digital wallet”.

Contactless payment technology, such as Apple Pay or Google Pay, allows cardholders to make purchases in-store or within apps with just a

touch—and you don’t need your card with you to do it! Of course, if there’s not enough money in the account, this option will not solve that problem.

Carry emergency cash.

The old-fashioned way to be prepared is to carry emergency cash. Just tuck a $100 bill (or more) into your wallet or purse so that if the unexpected happens, you can pull it out to make a payment. Since this should only be used in an emergency, don’t put it with your working cash where you would accidentally spend it, or be tempted to spend it; but if you do, just be sure to replace it right away!

Following all three of these tips is the best way to ensure that you’re protected regardless of whether it’s a technical glitch or human error.

With the warmer weather on its way, we’re all thinking about the things we’re going to do when we can spend more time outside. As you’re planning your summer activities, vacations, or staycations, be sure to plan for those inevitable problems that may arise and spoil your fun!

Don’t Get Stuck Without a Back-Up Plan! What

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!

Waffle Ice Cream Cone Flower Pots Painting Class

Tuesday, May 23

7:00 – 8:00 pm

• Cute trio of terra- cotta pots you will paint to look like ice cream in a wa e cone. So simple to make! Perfect for your summer décor, cute ideas for a shower, party favors or centerpieces. Sizes of pots include 5”, 3.5” & 2.5”.

• Please wear painting clothes and bring a cookie sheet to carry your wet pots home on.

• Class fee of $22.00 must be paid by Friday, May 19th. No refunds a er this date. Limit of 12 participants. No walk-ins.

Register online!

https://secure.rec1.com/MI/riverview-mi/catalog or cityofriverview.com under the recreation tab.

Check or cash for In person registration at the Recreation Dept. Call the Recreation Dept. if you have any questions regarding programs or issues with online registering. One account per household.

Riverview City Hall/Senior Activity Room

14100 Civic Park Drive, Riverview, MI 48193 734-281-4219

A perfect class for friends and family to get together and have some fun!

Classes are for residents and non-residents. Age 12 & up Children aged 6 -11 are welcome to sign up and must bring an adult helper.

No Sew Patriotic Ribbon Flag Craft Class

Tuesday, June 13th 7:00 – 8:30 pm

Fun and easy! Come create a beautiful hanging decoration for your door, wall or porch. So pretty hanging from a tree or a garden flag holder. The flag will be approximately 18”x18” and constructed on a wooden dowel. We will attach red, white and blue patriotic ribbon and fabric to the dowel for a stunning, handmade flag.

• Please bring a hot glue gun with hot glue sticks and scissors. If you don’t have these, I have extras to borrow.

• Class fee of $25.00 must be paid by Friday, June 9th. No refunds after this date. Limit of 20 participants per class. No walk ins.

Location: Riverview City Hall Senior Activity Room 14100 Civic Park Drive, Riverview, MI 48193 734-281-4219 • cityofriverview.com

Register online!

https://secure.rec1.com/MI/riverview-mi/catalog

Age 12 & up.

Memorial Day Ceremony

Memorial Day

SUMMER PRESCHOOL PLAY

Preschool Scout Cabin in Memorial Park 17510 Valade, Riverview, MI 48193

Tuesdays beginning June 20th through August 1st No class 4th of July 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Ages 5-10

Cost $100 Limit 21 Call 734-281-4219 for more information

Cooking Activities

SUMMER FUN WITH FRIENDS

Preschool Scout Cabin in Memorial Park 17510 Valade, Riverview, MI 48193

Tuesdays beginning June 20th through August 1st No class 4th of July 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Ages 5-10

Cost $100 Limit 21 Call 734-281-4219 for more information

Cooking Activities

Communities have life forces of their own

I have dwelled extensively in previous columns on the practices of big business run amok, with no leash, and how they affect America. Specifically, the realm of retail and the sea change of national control vs local control that occurred in the e80s and onward.

The onslaught was overwhelming, with concept after concept breaking on the American public. It never occurred to any of us that it was a feeding frenzy for the stock market and all of the other corporate money genres that just plain took away the apple cart from local and independent operators that were outgunned by seemingly unlimited resources.

I DO know now, though, and I am compelled to share with as many people as I can reach!

Now, one of the people I enjoy staying connected to is Michael Angelo Caruso. All of you know him – everyone knows the Caruso family ‘round these here parts.

What I want to say here is not to hype Michael’s business (which you may want to learn about), but to call out his relentlessly deployed plan that I witness by his frequent postings. His approach includes humor-oriented postings that invite response and steadfast reminders of what he does.

Michael created his own niche by paying close attention to others that have carved out theirs, emulating and honing his version of it, and basically, being the reason for his own success.

Never a “Poor, Poor Pitiful Me” sentiment (hah!). He stays on plan. He grinds his ax, and most importantly, he clearly loves his work. Michael stays engaged and has fun as he plies his trade and makes his living. After all is said and done, the power of a single person to persevere is electric and admirable.

If you read just some of my columns, you can get vibes of “hey, that’s not fair.” If you read others, you learn about my perception of small businesses I have encountered that make a real contribution to the world, even if that world is limited in scope.

I know that what I provide at my trade is hyper-better than what any

corporate alternative can provide. I thrive on the challenge of getting it right for our clientele; it’s actually exhilarating. I love my work too, and everyone in my industry knows that humor is integrated into how I communicate. Humor connects, dissolves anonymity.

Agitation is never conveyed when comparing my stores to other local stores. I don’t have anything negative to say about any of them. I admire and respect them and I advocate for them. They are part of what makes my world hum. Independents are the benchmark that can never be reached by imposters. We can’t afford to lose any of them. The world gets dimmer with every loss, more homogenized and less unique. Less surprising, less delightful. With every national cookie cutter operation that replaces them in their real estate, we get something totally unconnected to the communities that were once served with passion.

When that owner stops making an income, they stop spending their money at other local businesses. They stop spreading their sunlight, too, leaving us with only dim substitutes.

Conversely: Remember the shops around Downriver that used to sell kitchen and bath products?

Bed, Bath and Beyond, to be specific, took so much business away that there wasn’t enough to remain viable for indies.

Don’t blow past that point: The myth of big business providing jobs is really just a lie. Having taken over the niche, they’re filing bankruptcy, and hopefully failing altogether, but also killing those jobs through their own incompetence. So, why hopefully? Because I look

finally better now; what ailed me seems to be gone.

That experience, though, serves to illustrate how much the life force is in play at small, independent businesses of every kind.

Small business is far more resilient, nimble, and clever than big business. But it is also more prone to the singular loss of “if I say it, it’s so” energy. For every small business, that energy is akin to a self-winding watch; seemingly endless when business is strong and vibrant, and when people give positive reinforcement by simply doing business there.

forward to independent businesses

filling that niche again. It was . I hope one opens in Wyandotte, it’s an unfilled niche and believe me, it’s going to be a thing again.

We citizens supported the invasion of that publicly traded company. We shopped there. No sense in crying about it now.

The point is to look forward and decide who you don’t want to see fail because of big.

When you do that, you will indeed have connected the dots, and you won’t need the likes of me to tell you all about it.

My whole purpose here is at least trying to get people to understand that what they see as just another choice is something far more than that. I want people to not just be sympathetic, but to do everything they can to protect what they count on being there.

Forces far more powerful and controlling are the adversaries of every independent business. The forces of capitalism on the macro scale, and the forces of government that not only allows it, but fosters the uneven playing field are the enemies that have done so much damage.

I’m still here; countless others had their worlds taken away.

In 2022, post-covid sapped me of not just the physical energy I was accustomed to, but the ability to focus and propel. We all rely on batteries; that’s where humans fuel their drive, focus and passion. When those are attacked and even erased, and even worse: when the ability to make decisions and be the heart of the business are sucked down, personal and business peril looms large. I’m

That’s the driving force, my friends. That’s the magic. The magic is not really magic, but it may as well be, for all that it shares back.

It would be a terrible thing to lose the positive energy of my above mentioned call out. What he provides can’t be delivered by big, national business. What Michael does is care about the people he interacts with and in many cases, does business with. His business has little direct connection to mine.

But his life force is crucial to all of us. I don’t do business with him, but I recognize what he brings to the table as remarkable, and I herald it because we need that positive energy, more and more and more in a world that can sap it all away if we’re not careful.

I never ask my readers to support my business in these columns. I ask you to understand the difference between local and independent of all kinds in your community (and wherever you go, frankly).

If we don’t; when we bypass local and independent of any and all kinds, we kill the golden geese of our own, local economic power plant. And we give the power to those that don’t need any more power.

Pushing back against entropy works really well if enough of us band together. It is true: Communities are living, breathing entities that share a collective life force, composed of all the independent businesses that keep money flowing through wallet after wallet…by keeping it local. Protect your locals; protect your community. And have more fun.

Those of you that already do know exactly what I’m talking about. Don’t you!

PETER ROSE

It’s Spring and we still have buyers unable to find homes. List now while the competition is still low. competition For a free value report, call us.

734.671.3020

Search for listings online or download our home search app at C21Riverpointe.com Like us on Facebook and Instagram to get valuable statistics and information, and follow our Blog for advice and

CENTURY 21

This is Ernie, our 6 month old Boston Terrier. Don’t let that adorable face fool you for he is as energetic as a Jack Russell Terrier, can jump as high as a kangaroo, and has the long legs & speed of a Kentucky race horse. Ernie shares his home with John & Vicki Roberts.

SPRING SALE!

“Hi, I’m Al. My ape also calls me ‘Albertomundo,’ ‘Spandrel’ and ‘Cookie Batter.’ I answer to all his names because I think I’m a dog. Here I am enjoying the longer days.”

E. Ann Redfield Broker / Owner

Many people - most, perhaps - go to an optometrist, get an eye exam and then follow the lady in the white coat over to the wall of frames and pick out a new set of glasses.

The story ends with the customer paying way more than he or she ever expected.

If that pretty much describes you, Bob Schmittou says there is something you should know: He can save you money, maybe lots of money.

Schmittou, a proud military veteran, owns New Eyes Optical, located on 1616 Ford Avenue, right at 16th Street in Wyandotte.

There are no doctors at New Eyes, just lots of frames and Schmittou, who can get you into fashionable new glasses for a lot less than all of the other chains and franchises out there.

Just bring your eyeglass prescription to him and see what kind of magic he can work for you.

“I am kind of like what the pharmacy is to your doctor,” Schmittou said. “Your doctor writes you a prescription. He doesn’t try to sell you the drugs. You go to the pharmacy. The same is true with us. You bring us a prescription and we will fill it.”

New Eyes Optical does not accept insurance, but their low prices mean that is often not an issue.

Schmittou has been in the eyeglass game for a long time. He enlisted in the Army after graduating from Lincoln Park High School and Uncle Sam sent him to school to learn how to make eyeglasses.

He did that in the Army for nearly four years and then worked for Lenscrafters and for private doctors after that.

In 2012 he opened New Eyes Optical and has been there ever since.

Schmittou said he has over 1,300 frames in his building and can make arrangements to get others if customers come in with a specific brand or style in mind.

For sunglass lovers, Schmittou said he has the largest selection of Ray Ban and Oakley sunglasses in the area.

If you come in, you will deal with Schmittou himself. He and his wife Pam are the only employees. Schmittou does the fitting of the eyewear, and Pam orders frames and keeps the shop looking fresh by arranging the frame displays and decorating.

So, if you are in the market for new glasses, would like a little personal attention and a really low price, give Schmittou a call at 313-587-4204, drop an email at neweyesoptical2012@gmail. com or contact them through their Facebook page, Facebook.com/neweyesoptical.

Outdoor Wilderness Living Workshops help teach kids outdoors skills and much more

Today, the teachings of primitive skills needed for living outdoors are a difficult education to find for our children and young teenagers.

These courses will show your children the foundations and building blocks of these forgotten skills of our past. Operators of OWL feel a responsibility to guide their youth to learn and master these skills from ancestral elders and their wisdom.

The prime focus will be based around these four necessities for living outdoors: Fire, Shelter, Water and Food. Gaining knowledge from all they encompass.

They learn to understand them and respect them in the ancient traditional ways of living in balance with the Earth.

The goal for this class is providing the tools, skills and formulas to the children today, so they will find the safeties and the enjoyments one can find in Nature. To bring them back to the protection and adventure that can be found within every day and night. To help them find true purpose within themselves and their families.

Nature is there every day with her discipline and honor. It’s only waiting to be embraced and enjoyed.

The Guidance is through Outdoor Wilderness Living with Mother Earth.

“The most exciting thing for me are days when I get up, see the sun rise and I am able to slow down, breathe deeply and center myself,” said one of the workshop leaders. “Then, later, when I may be stressed, I take time to think back to that morning and recapture the feeling. These are the types of skills we also want to pass on to our students.”

The things taught at OWL are based on the teachings of Tom Brown Jr., one of America’s most acclaimed outdoorsmen. Brown founded the Tracker School back in 1978, a program based on the teachings of Stalking Wolf, the Apache elder from whom Tom learned his skills when he was just seven years old.

After learning from Stalking Wolf, Brown spent the next 10 years wandering the wilderness throughout the

America’s with no manufactured tools – in most cases not even a knife – perfecting these Grandfather’s skills and teachings.

Here are the practical matters that OWL will cover:

FIRE

They will show two ways to make fire. The traditional bow drill and hand drill. Specifics for this subject will focus on types of woods, wet wood vs. dry wood, cautions and precautions for the respect for fire. What woods and plants not to burn.

What ancient grass burns were used for rejuvenating soils with nutrients? How and where to build a proper fire structure to prevent destruction, root fires and forest fires. The properties of ash and the benefits and dangers in relation to dry ash vs. wet ash from a fire. How and why to build five different fire structures based on the conditions of wet, dry , humid, dark, hot, light, snow and cold environments.

WATER

Finding water. Purifying water. Finding springs. Natural catches, dew collection, solar still, body

ratio to water and the relation to the planet and the freshwater locations vs. salt water.

SHELTER

Clothing, debris hut, high speed movement, camouflage, air pockets, lattice pockets, snow huts, pits, and materials needed for the weather conditions in comfort in the woods.

FOOD

Fox walk, stalk walk, tracking, identifying trails, runs, secondary runs and escape routes of animals and their tracks.

How to make primitive traps, hunting tools and cordage. Cooking in nature, edible plants, poisonous plants, fungi’s identification and guidance. Approaching, honoring, sitting and respecting where and how to obtain food and plants.

One OWL leader explained, “With the Four basic rules of Fire, Water, Shelter and Food we will also introduce the ‘Temples of Nature’ within us and how it relates to nature outside of us. This will allow us to help the youth and their body’s understand the calm, ebb and flow movements nature shows us.”

They continued, “We just need to slow their internal clock down to see it. So they can find their personal involvement they are a part of. To show them how important their participation is needed from nature and how nature is waiting for them to understand their true role as nature’s caregivers to our planet.”

Times and exact location of the classes have not been determined. The cost will be between $20 and $40 per class.

If you are interested, call 734-307-3004 and leave a message. Information will be mailed to you.

We Provide Peace of Mind

Melted Ice Cream Cupcake Decorating Class

Tuesday, June 27th

7:00 – 8:15 pm

Certified Public Accountants

Robert (Rob) Bovitz, CPA, President, Member AICPA, MICPA 1651 Kingsway Court • P.O. Box 445 • Trenton, MI 48183-0445

Phone: 734-671-5300 • Fax: 734-671-6504

Website: bovitzcpa.com • Email: bovitz@bovitzcpa.com

Business Accounting and Tax, Individual Tax and Retirement Planning Eldercare Advisory Services

We will be decorating pre-baked cupcakes to look like a dropped ice cream cone with melting ice cream effect. The cupcakes are double tiered so there will be a white cake layer and a chocolate layer with lots of sprinkles! Make 8 cupcakes.

Melted

• Please bring a container to carry your cupcakes home in.

Tuesday, June 27th

7:00 – 8:15 pm

• Class fee of $16.00 must be paid by Saturday, June 24th. No refunds after this date. Limit of 15 participants. No walk ins.

Let Us Cater Your Next Event

$549

Feeds 50 people

Your Choice of 2 meats: Pulled Pork, Beef Brisket, St. Louis Ribs, BBQ Chicken, Smoked Turkey Breast, or Smoked Sausage.

Your Choice of 2 sides: Slow-Smoked Baked Beans, Creamy Coleslaw, Green Beans, Macaroni & Cheese, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Potato Salad, Corn on the Cob, Cinnamon Applesauce, or Collard Greens. Also includes... 4 dozen slider buns, 50 pieces of Jalapeno Cornbread, and a bottle of house made BBQ sauce.

THE BEAST FEAST

$649

Feeds 50 people

BBQ Chicken (upgrade to Turkey for $20)

Slow Smoked Pulled Pork

Slow Smoked Beef Brisket

Grilled Smoked Sausage Links

Mac & Cheese

Slow Smoked Baked Beans

Creamy coleslaw (upgrade to garden salad for $20)

Slider Buns

Jalapeno Cornbread

BBQ Sauce & Fresh Brewed

Tea or Lemonade

734-671-6100

Rob Bovitz CPA

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! www.ForresterLawO

SPECIAL FRI AND SAT FEATURES

SPECIAL FRI AND SAT FEATURES

PRIME RIB

PRIME RIB PERCH & CHIPS

“Finest Cut Downriver” PERCH & CHIPS

“Freshest Weyands Fish Served”

Open Mic Night on Thursdays

Hosted by Keelan Starr

Taco Tuesdays and $3 Margaritas Trivia Name That Tune on Tuesdays, too

Daily Lunch Specials Under $10

Daily Lunch Specials Under $10

1926 West Trenton

1926 West Rd Trenton 734-671-0990

Taco Tuesdays $3 Margaritas

Ladies Night Wednesdays

Live Entertainment on Wednesdays

Online Menu: www.misternickstrenton.com

Online Menu: www.misternickstrenton.com

Have you ever had a question about your vacuum cleaner or carpet shampooer? Of course, you can always look online for help, but it’s generally better to have someone – a professional – to speak with.

If you ever find yourself in that situation, simply head over to B & D Vacuum in either Southgate or Trenton and the dedicated, experienced staff there can help you with any problem or question.

When it comes to knowledge about all things vacuum, there is no better place than B & D.

Owner Matt LeFervre is the rookie of the shop with “only” 29 years of experience. His time in the business is dwarfed by manager of the stores, Ron Vaughan (39 years), business manager Linda Mullins (39 years), salesman David Archer (39 years) and repairman Brian Knapp (36 years).

Vaughan has been with B & D for 39 years, but he has been in the vacuum business for nearly five decades. He is the shop’s “Mr. Fix-it” and the go-to person in the shop.

When Mullins is not looking after her rescue dog Ralphie, she is handling the billing, the paperwork and the other business needs for the stores. Archer, who has used one sick day in 39 years, is a drummer, a grandfather and takes pride in being one of the forward-looking faces of B & D Vacuum.

Knapp will make a sale when the stores get busy, but most of the time he is a behind-the-scenes kind of guy, content to be the main repair man for the stores.

They are an amazing staff, with years of experience that they are willing to share. Whether you have a broken machine, need a new one or are just looking for advice, come on in. Matt, Ron, Linda, David and Brian will be happy to help, and we will do flips for your business, just like our ad!

SPRING

Continued from page 3

services are delivered efficiently and effectively.

The weak mayor in this system is often seen as a figurehead, with limited authority over city affairs. The mayor may preside over city council meetings, represent the city at ceremonial events and provide leadership and vision for the city, but does not have the power to make executive decisions or manage city operations.

Advocates of the strong city manager-weak mayor form of government argue that it allows for professional management of city

operations and reduces the potential for political interference in city affairs.

However, critics argue that it can lead to a lack of accountability, with unelected officials making important decisions without direct oversight from elected officials.

Overall, the strong city managerweak mayor form of government is a unique system that has its advantages and disadvantages.

It is up to each individual community to decide which form of government is best suited to their needs and priorities.

This form of government has served the citizens of Riverview well since its inception of a city in 1959.

Spring has sprung at Detroit’s Eastern Market

SUSAN PINKOWSKI

When was the last time you visited Eastern Market?

Or have you never?

It’s bursting at the seams now with all kinds of vendors, farmers, artists, independent restaurants, shops and even a blues club, all spread out on 43 acres just a mile and a half east of downtown Detroit.

You can check out the directory here: https:// easternmarket.org/public/district/directory.

It’s the largest historic public market district in the country, according to the all-knowing Wikipedia. An average of 45,000 people will make their way through the market on Saturdays from spring to fall. There are a few secrets to shopping there, though, so take note!

There are farmers from all over southeast Michigan - Monroe, Stockbridge, Chesterfield, Columbus, and even Detroit – and they all have their company banners proudly displayed so you know exactly who you are dealing with.

Then, there are also a bunch of fruit and vegetable

stalls that only carry the EBT logo as an identifier. These folks get their wares from the Detroit Produce Terminal south of the Ambassador Bridge on Fort Street.

This is also the place where most local restaurants and grocery stores buy their produce very early in the morning. What the restaurants and grocery stores pass on is what is then sold by all the nonfarm vendors at Eastern Market.

Another secret to successful shopping is to get there very early.

It opens at 7 a.m. when most people are still asleep on a Saturday morning. You can get in and out relatively quickly at that time. Come 10, 11 o’clock and on, that’s when the crowds show up and you haven’t seen a crowd until you’ve been to Flower Day around noon at Eastern Market. This year, it’s scheduled on Sunday, May 21 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The best kept secret about Flower Day? You can get the same deals on the Saturday before without 60,000 of your neighbors showing up with you!

Flower Day usually comes only once or twice a year, and it features vendors from the Metro Detroit

Flower Growers Association and all over the Midwest.

But this year, to help keep the crowds down, Eastern Market is offering all five Tuesdays in May where you can purchase the same flowers from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Sheds 5 and 6. If you can take time out of your weekday to stop by, traffic – both people and vehicles - should be much improved.

One more thing Eastern Market is doing to help cut congestion is a daily flower market in Shed 6 from Mother’s Day until Father’s Day, from sunrise to sunset.

If you really don’t want to mix with thousands of people, Eastern Market now has an online shop set up where you can order during the week and have a contactless pick up of your purchases on Saturday. Check out https://eastern.market/.

For FAQs check out https://easternmarket.org/ public/markets/things- to-know.

And for you carnivores, there are lots of options –you won’t be disappointed.

No matter when you go, it’s always an interesting and enjoyable adventure!

NEWS FROM OUR NEIGHBORS

Go to... GoBigMultimedia.com to read more news on our digital publications.

Let us know at

gobigmultimedia.com/grosse-ile-grand

Hometown hero honored

Veteran of Foreign Wars site is named for Joseph P. Berkey

...At a March 15, 2023 dual ceremony,Grosse Ile VFW building was officially named after Joseph P. Berkey for his life of service, dedication to our country, and his tireless efforts on behalf of VFW Post 7310, and the greater community it serves.

Wind chills hovered around 11 degrees, but that did not stop the more than 1,000 runners from hittin’ the streets to Rock Cystic Fibrosis.

Overall winner in the half marathon was Andrew Bowman of Rochester Hills with a blazing time of 1:06:03. Not far behind, the women’s champion in the half was Sydney Devore of Ferndale in a scorching 1:16:19.

In the 5K, Christopher McFarland of Cleveland, Ohio was chill with a time of 19:20, while Lauren Couls from Brighton was really cool in 21:14.

On page 10

gobigmultimedia.com/southgate-star

Art Ambience Show and Sale call for artists

This is a unique show since it highlights only the Downriver artists. There is a juried fine art show and sale and a non-juried smaller works show and sale. Last year there were more than 150 pieces of original artwork on display. Cash Awards are over $800.

The Fine Art section will be juried by a qualified artist who resides outside the Downriver area. This art exhibit show and sale will be held at the beautiful Woodhaven Community Center 23101 Hall Road...

On page 9

Downriver for Veterans starts tiny homes initiative

An initiative by the nonprofit group Downriver for Veterans calls for the creation of a series of tiny homes for area veterans.

And equally officious— veterans, family, friends, and dignitaries also celebrated his centennial birthday. Remarkably, to top it off, his wife Ann also celebrated her 100 th birthday!

Longtime friends and fellow veterans, Gary Latendresse, Bill Iverson, and Post 7310 Commander Barry VanEngelen led the team that helped make the day possible, and keep it a secret from Berkey.

Even though the United States Navy doesn’t have an offi cial motto, the one most often used is Non sibi sed patriae—“Not self but country.” Other sources claim that “Semper Fortis,” is the Navy’s unoffi cial battle cry— “Always Courageous.” Whatever the case, those words aptly describe the life of Joe Berkey...

On page 1

Runners brave a frosty 2023 Rock CF race

...The 12th annual Rock CF Rivers Half Marathon and 5K races were held on Sunday, March 19 in what had to be the coldest race ever on Grosse Ile.

The 34th annual Art Ambience Show and Sale will be April 28-30 and the show is reaching out to area artists to participate.

Ann Rudisill, founder of the Wyandotte-based organization that serves former members of the armed forces, said the first tiny homes would be built in Flat Rock and the first resident would be Bob Harris, a World War II Army veteran from Southgate.

Rudisill said veterans would be selected for placement in other tiny homes and that the agency hopes to expand the initiative beyond Flat Rock to other Downriver communities.

Meanwhile, Downriver for Veterans has scheduled a number of fundraising events to help pay for the project and is seeking sponsors.

On page 22

Robotics Program with the addition of the new Boyd Arthurs Middle School TorquNados junior varsity Team.

The FIRST Tech Challenge team had a strong rookie year and is already planning for next year. In sports we talk about having a “building year” after a large pool of senior talent graduates. Which was the case for this year’s TorquNados Team 5090 at Trenton High School.

“We came into the season after losing 12 seniors in 2022, leaving only one student with build room experience and one former programmer,” said coach Katherine Nelson

On page 18

Trenton Rotary Shamrock Shindig is a Hit!

On March 11, 2023, Trenton Rotary held its biggest fundraiser of the year, the Shamrock Shindig, held at the Bentley in Wyandotte.

gobigmultimedia.com/wyandotte-warrior

Wyandotte native is Women Of Wrestling world champion

A Wyandotte native is a professional wrestling world champion.

Marina Tucker, who goes by the name Penelope Pink, is the reigning champion of WOW – Women Of Wrestling, a show broadcast across the nation.

Tucker was born in Wyandotte and spent her early childhood years in the city, attending Trinity Lutheran and Christ the King schools. Her parents, Jeff and Michelle, are former Wyandotte police officers. She remembers her dad playing hockey at Yack Arena.

Wyandotte VFW gets new solar panels New additions impressively reduces monthly electric bill

Monthly electric bills at the Wyandotte Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall have gone from thousands of dollars a month to hundreds of dollars a month, thanks to new solar panels installed at the post. The energy-savings panels are compliments of the veterans-support group Running to Honor, which is headed by Wyandotte VFW member Aaron Bartal, a Lincoln Park resident who spent six years in the Army as a calvary scout, including two years in Iraq. Bartal raised the needed funds over a four-year period by hosting 5K runs in Taylor, through donations and via corporate grants from the likes of the DTE Foundation and BASF. The installation was completed in the fall of 2022 and the post has reaped the benefits since.

Over 200 people attended this event with an Irish dinner, drinks, games and a large raffle drawing with over 20 amazing prizes awarded to raffle ticket holders.

All proceeds from this event go to local charities in our community who are in need of assistance. Trenton Rotary Club is a dynamic service organization comprising of business and professional leaders who live or work in our community.

For more information please visit trentonrotary. net.

On page 40

She moved with her family to Georgia with her family and returned years later to Michigan to attend Ferris State University. Her dad is a captain in the Canton, Georgia, Police Department. Her mother is retired.

Always athletic, including seven years as a cheerleader, Tucker got involved in pro wrestling after graduating in 2016 from Ferris State University, where she majored in sports communications and was the gameday producer for Ferris athletics and a sideline reporter for the football team.

She said she loved pro wrestling as a child and thought she could do it someday. Not wanting to look back and regret not giving the sport a try, she moved to Florida and began training...

On page 5

On page 11

VFW Post 1136 is located at 633 Ford Avenue (known as Northline Road west of Fort Street). Bartal said Running to Honor targeted the energy bills at the post when he learned the post was paying $2,000 a month for electricity...

We have England sofas, loveseats, chairs & sectionals in stock for immediate free local delivery. All prices are as stocked but all can be ordered in 50 fabrics at the same price. Several hundred fabrics are available at varying prices. All can be upgraded to firmer seat springs & seat cushions. The current wait time for custom orders on this brand is 6 to 8 weeks. England Furniture offers a 10 year warranty on their seat cushions and a lifetime warranty on frames & seat springs.

Sofa $899 Loveseat $869

Sofa $999 Loveseat $969

Sofa $899 Loveseat $869

Sofa $899 Loveseat $869