Southgate’s 49th Annual Heritage Days took place June 5th-8th at Market Center Park, drawing hundreds of residents for a weekend packed with live entertainment, local food, and family-friendly activities.
June 6th featured “Country Music Night” and the All School All Class Reunion, where alumni from Schafer, Southgate High, Aquinas, and Anderson gathered to reconnect. Guests signed in to represent their alma maters and compete to see which school had the biggest turnout. The evening also included BBQ dinners from Crystal Gardens and country music performances from Double Wide Ride and the Cody Boggs Band.
Photos by Evmorfia Tourikis
Le Gallery marks grand opening
Le Gallery officially celebrated a major milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on June 13th welcoming guests to explore its creative and carefully curated space. The event featured light refreshments and marked the beginning of an exciting journey for the new handmade craft shop, owned and operated by Rosie and Jose Garza.
Featuring the work of more than 30 talented makers, Le Gallery offers a unique collection of handmade goods, including home décor, gifts, and accessories for all ages. Every item reflects the craftsmanship and creativity of independent crafters who help the shop thrive.
From thoughtful gift ideas to statement pieces for the home, Le Gallery invites the community to experience something truly original. With a focus on quality, creativity, and connection, Rosie and Jose are excited to share their passion and create a welcoming space where handmade artistry is celebrated every day.
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!
Two Bedroom Condo on Bimini Island - Bahamas
Your dream vacation is located in Bimini Bay Resort with awesome amenities of a Resorts World casino, five swimming pools, nine di erent restaurants, shopping, beautiful beaches with Caribbean blue water, and marinas for yachts up to 140 feet! An impeccably updated 2 Bedaroom 2 Bath Condo just steps from the stunning infinity pool and pristine sandy beach. Every detail has been thoughtfully curated to impress, from the expansive 98" smart TV to top-of-the-line Samsung Bespoke kitchen appliances. Whether you're relaxing inside or grilling on the gas BBQ, you'll feel right at home. Enjoy a fully equipped kitchen, full-size washer and dryer, and ultra-fast Starlink internet. The turquise waters await you!
OCEAN
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!
Are Medicare Calls
Gettin g Out of Han d?
Filing a complaint with Medicare will not stop them.
Many unwanted calls violate FCC guidelines. Attend our free event and we will teach you how to fight back. Lunch is on us!
11, 2025 at 11am
Elizabeth M. Abshire
Shaun
Abshire
Southgate baseball wraps up strong season
The Southgate Varsity Baseball team wrapped up a successful 2025 campaign with a deep postseason run and a strong overall record under the leadership of Head Coach Andy Green. On May 31st, the team battled through the Division 1 District Semifinals, defeating Wyandotte Roosevelt 3–1 in a gritty, well-played game that showcased their poise under pressure.
Later that same day, Southgate returned to the field for the District Final and went head-to-head with WoodhavenBrownstown in a tight contest. Despite a valiant effort, the Titans fell just short, dropping the title game 7–6 in a backand-forth battle that went down to the wire.
Southgate finished the season with an impressive 24-13 record, a testament to the team’s depth, chemistry, and determination. Along the way, the Titans earned dominant wins over Dearborn Heights Annapolis (10–0), Leslie (12–2), Lincoln Park (15–4), and Riverview (12–2), highlighting their ability to execute in all phases of the game.
Though the district title slipped away, Southgate’s 2025 season will be remembered as a year of progress, resilience, and standout moments. With strong leadership and emerging talent, the program has laid a solid foundation for continued success in the years to come.
‘Train Like a Titan Camp’ blends sports and academics for students
From June 16th–20th, students from across the district gathered at the Anderson/Allen Campus for the annual Train Like a Titan Camp, a weeklong experience designed to give young athletes a taste of multiple sports—while reinforcing literacy and math skills along the way.
Open to students who completed grades K–8, the camp offered participants the chance to explore a wide range of athletic activities including football, volleyball, basketball, golf, soccer, softball, baseball, cheer, wrestling, track, tennis, and swimming. Each sport was led by Anderson High School varsity coaches, athletes, and staff, giving campers a firsthand look at the skills and discipline required to compete at the next level.
But Train Like a Titan wasn’t just about physical activity—it also wove academics directly into the daily schedule. Throughout the week, students engaged in sportsthemed literacy and math activities, book
clubs, and games that made learning feel active and exciting. Campers practiced real-world math by tracking sports stats and learned reading comprehension through sports-related texts, showing how athletics and academics can go hand in hand.
The camp concluded on Friday with a high-energy field day that included skill stations, inflatables, games, a Kona Ice truck, and a special closing ceremony. Every student who completed the full week received a camp t-shirt and walked away with new friendships, stronger skills, and a deeper understanding of how sports can inspire learning.
With the support of Anderson athletes, alumni, teachers, and coaches, Train Like a Titan Camp delivered a well-rounded, unforgettable experience—one that celebrated not only athletic growth, but academic development as well.
Photos by Dave Chapman
Allen Elementary student honored for Arbor Day poster contest
On June 6th, Allen Elementary fifth grader Cadence Dayne was recognized for winning the City of Southgate’s Arbor Day poster contest. To celebrate the accomplishment, a tree was planted in her honor on the school grounds.
The special dedication ceremony was attended by Mayor Joseph Kuspa and City Forester Bob Tarabula, who helped commemorate the moment and congratulate Cadence on her achievement. Her creative contribution to the Arbor Day celebration not only earned her the top spot in the contest but also left a lasting mark at her school—one that will grow and be appreciated for years to come.
The event highlighted the importance of environmental awareness and celebrated the impact students can make in their community through art and expression.
DOWNRIVERCU ANSWERS
Paying Off Debt: Snowball vs. Avalanche
Sometimes paying off debt can feel impossible, especially if you owe a lot. So, what can you do?
There are two common methods to help stay focused on clearing debt – the snowball and the avalanche.
Snowball Method
• List all your debts – write down any debt you have from the lowest to highest amounts.
• Pay the minimum – each month be sure to pay the minimum monthly balance on each account.
• Pay extra – use any extra money you have towards clearing the total balance of the lowest bill.
As you roll your payments from the smallest balance to the next one on your list, the amount you can pay “snowballs,” giving you more funds to pay down the bigger debts!
Avalanche Method
• List all your debts – write down any debt you have from the highest interest rates to the lowest
• Pay the minimum – each month be sure to pay the minimum monthly balance on each account.
• Pay extra – use any extra money you have towards clearing the total balance of the account with the highest interest. This way, you can slide your way down the debt mountain, saving money in the long run because you’re paying off high-interest debt first, while still making minimum monthly payments on the others.
Which Method is Better?
That’s up to you. The snowball strategy can be encouraging because you’ll see debts getting paid quickly, while the avalanche attack can save money by paying less in interest costs over time. Ultimately, either method can help you stay focused on paying off all your debt. Now won’t that be cool?
DAYS
Continued from COVER
Southgate Heritage Days
Saturday, June 7th began with the annual parade that traveled down Burns from Northline to Eureka. This year’s Grand Marshal was Wayne County Executive Warren Evans.
The much-anticipated “Taste of the Town” began right after the parade, and was a major hit, drawing huge crowds eager to sample dishes from local restaurants. Attendees voted Parthenon Coney Island as Best Presentation and Angelina’s Mexican Restaurant as People’s Choice.
Families enjoyed a variety of entertainment throughout the day including stilt walkers, a flame thrower, balloon artists, face painting, and meet-and-greets with Bluey & Bingo in the Kids Zone. The annual Kid-O-lympics saw enthusiastic competitors of all ages vie for gold medals.
Saturday’s musical lineup featured DJ Jus B, The Detroit Drive, and Killer Flamingos, keeping the crowd energized into the night. The evening concluded with a crowd-pleasing Laser Hitz light show at lighting up the park in celebration of another successful Heritage Days.
^ Mayor Kuspa presents Wayne County Executive Warren Evans with the 2025 Grand Marshal Crystal Gate Award
The District Elementary Track Meet brought out the best in young athletes, as fourth and fifth graders showcased their speed, endurance, and school pride. Fourth graders took on the challenge of a cross country course, while the fifth graders competed in traditional track events—each showing signs of promise for what could be bright futures in athletics.
Among the fourth grade participants, standout performances came from Lila Mullins and Colton Cervantes of Shelters, who each took first place in their respective divisions. Aubrey Dmytrusz
of Fordline and James Aguilar-Gonzalez of Allen secured second-place finishes, while Brielle Burgos and Zachary Kerr of Fordline and Camren Leach of Grogan rounded out the top finishers in third place. Their determination and strong finishes spoke volumes about their potential as they continue to grow in the sport.
Fifth graders delivered an exciting set of races on the track. In the 100-meter dash, Kamora Brown and Adysen Stoll of Fordline took first and second among the girls, with Isabella Fregonara of Shelters finishing third. On the boys’ side, Hunter Peek of Fordline led the pack, followed by Shane Bulley of Grogan and Alexander Whitlow of Allen. The 200-meter dash saw Adysen Stoll take first again for the girls, with Presley Davenport of Allen finishing second and Sanaa Bulley of Grogan placing third. Bronx Sage of Allen took the win for the boys, with Shane Bulley close behind in second and Hunter Peek in third.
In the 400-meter races, Presley Davenport once again took the top spot for Allen, with Lennon Newman of North Pointe finishing second and Cadence Dayne of Allen in third. Bronx Sage led the boys’ race for another win, with Alonzo Rodriguez and Alex Kerr of Fordline completing the podium. Relay races brought even more energy to the track. Fordline’s girls took first in the 4x100 relay, followed by Allen and Grogan. On the boys’ side, Fordline again claimed the win, with Allen in second and North Pointe in third. In the mixed 4x200 relay,
Allen
The event was not just a celebration of friendly competition—it was a clear sign of the bright future ahead for many of these young athletes. With natural talent, dedication, and a love of the sport already visible, the Titan track program is sure to have a strong foundation to build on for years to come. From their first races to future victories, these students made their schools proud and showed that their journey in track and field is just getting started.
crossed the finish line first, followed by Fordline and Shelters.
2025 installation and induction ceremony
On June 17th, Soroptimist International of Downriver held its annual installation and induction banquet at Biddle Hall in Wyandotte. The evening began with a heartfelt invocation delivered by President Mary Pilon.
The celebration opened with the installation of Catherine Infantado as the organization’s new director, conducted by President Pilon. This was followed by the induction of four new members: Annie Sharkus, Rose Shuryan, Blair Stamper, and El Johnson.
Membership Chairperson Linda Crisi recognized longstanding members for their years of dedicated service. Roni Drakos received a five-year membership certificate, Catherine Infantado was honored for ten years, and Sue Renaud for twenty-five years. Donna Fickeisen and Mary Evans were each celebrated for an impressive forty years of commitment to the organization.
President Pilon presented the “Rookie of the Year” award to mother-daughter duo Carmen and Jenneatta Mitchell, acknowledging their dedication and contributions to the mission of Soroptimist. The evening’s highest honor, “Soroptimist of the Year,” was awarded to Lisa Clark. Voted on by fellow members, the recognition reflected Clark’s outstanding service and commitment. As Assistant Treasurer, she has consistently volunteered her time and talents and has been present at nearly every Soroptimist event. Last year’s honoree, Mary Pilon, was also presented with a commemorative plaque acknowledging her prior award.
Soroptimist International of Downriver is a volunteer-driven organization committed to service through fundraising, educational programs, direct assistance, and monetary awards that support the advancement of women and girls. Members contribute their time and resources to local food pantries, Vista Maria, First Step, Sparrow Project, Stanford House, Alternatives for Girls, and various women’s health initiatives. The organization also hosts annual and biennial fundraising events and empowerment programs, including the “Battle for Freedom” avantgarde runway hair and fashion gala, the “Save the
Girls” charity golf outing, and the “Dream It, Be It” mentorship program for adolescent girls. You can help improve the lives of women and girls in the Downriver area and around the world by donating to Soroptimist International of Downriver. Your donation will help fund their service projects. This is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Make an online donation via Venmo or by sending a check to Soroptimist International of Downriver, 1644 Vernon, Trenton, MI 48183.
CUTENESS OVERLOAD
His name says it all. Inspired by the name of Scooby Doo’s nephew, this 2-year-old Akita Bullmastiff is a pup with a BIG personality who clearly knows how to lounge real well, too. Scrappy resides with the Bovee family and is a very special part of their lives.
The Downriver Soroptimist organization meets at 6:30 P.M. on the first Wednesday of the month at the Woodhaven Community Center. All women are welcome to attend. You may contribute to the foundation that the Soroptimists support on krogercommunityrewards.com. If you are interested in learning more about Downriver Soroptimists and our other activities, contact them at siofdownriver@gmail. com or check out their Facebook page, Soroptimist International Of Downriver.
Lexi is the regal lady of the house. At 19-years-old, she is slowing a bit, but still rules the roust. Never an outdoor cat, Lexi enjoys welcoming visitors and lets you know when she wants to be petted by giving you her paw. Longevity runs strong in her Southgate homeowner Nancy Gratz is 92 years young and enjoys Lexi’s loving company.
Would you like to see your pet become “Downriver Famous” in our Go Big Multi-Media empire?
Send a photo and a blurb to Sherry@ gobigmultimedia.com and we will do the rest.
^ Mary Pilon & Soroptimist of the Year Lisa Clark
June recap with Rep. Linting
NEW EYES OPTICAL Veteran Owned Since 2012
Summer has arrived across our Downriver community, and there is so much to see and do!
It has been a tremendous honor to be a part of different events throughout the area over the past few months. I wanted to highlight a few, while also showcasing other great summer traditions we have.
Earlier in June, I joined the Grosse Ile community at the Ford Yacht Club for their Opening of the Island celebration. Boating is a huge part of our culture Downriver and one of the most popular recreational activities we have. Whether it’s fishing, taking the jet skis out for a spin, or dropping the anchor and enjoying quality time with family and friends, Downriver does it. Since we border the southern portion of the Detroit River and we’re close to both Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair, there’s a lot of water around us to traverse. I was honored to attend and watch the opening ceremonies, and I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable boating season. Fair winds and following seas!
With prescription or not
now,
tend the swearing-in ceremony for Wyandotte’s new city council. The role our local elected leaders play is critical to our communities! They are consistently in communication with residents, local business owners and advocacy groups, school administrators and neighborhood leaders about what is working for our communities and what isn’t. That serves as an extremely valuable conduit for elected leaders at the state level who help craft policy that impacts all of us. I am looking forward to working with the new council, and I will continue to fight for local decision-making authority and champion the importance of local input in Lansing.
The club’s opening is part of several celebrations on the island as we ring in the arrival of summer. Islandfest, which started in the mid-1980s and has a family history all the way back to World War I, is also one of these traditions. It has grown to be one of the largest and most wellattended festivals in the area, with a parade, carnival, car and motorcycle show, concerts and more. I want to thank township leaders, the Grosse Ile Historical Society and the Grosse Ile Recreation Department – who do a tremendous job putting on this wonderful event each year. This year was no different.
I was honored to recently at-
I also attended the Southgate Heritage Days festival at Market Center Park and was honored to be a part of the parade! For nearly 50 years, this event has been a summer staple in Southgate with live music, games, a car show, fantastic barbecue, and more. A job well done to the entire community and all the event organizers who keep this tradition going. I am already looking forward to next year’s 50th anniversary!
It’s an honor serving as a voice for our communities and reviewing bills at the state Capitol. But in addition to being a legislator, I’m a Downriver girl – and I know just how much our region has to offer this time of year! Whether it’s meeting with local decision-makers in Wyandotte, cooling off by the water on Grosse Ile, or getting some ice cream in Riverview, our communities are the place to be for workers and families. I look forward to keeping you updated on the latest both locally and in Lansing!
State Rep. Rylee Linting serves the 27th House District in Wayne County, which includes the township of Grosse Ile, the cities of Gibraltar, Riverview, Trenton and Wyandotte, and a portion of the City of Southgate.
GREAT LAKES MOMENT: Creating a U.S. Great Lakes Waterfront Trail
By JOHN HARTIG
The Eastern Seaboard has the East Coast Greenway and the Appalachian Trail. The Western Seaboard has the Pacific Crest Trail. The Rocky Mountains have the Continental Divide Trail. Right now, the Council of State Governments, Midwestern Office (CSG Midwest) is working with the eight Great Lakes states, and other trail partners, to explore creating a U.S. Great Lakes Waterfront Trail to meander along the shorelines of the largest freshwater system on Earth.
Imagine a trail of national significance connecting visitors and residents to 20% of the standing freshwater on the Earth’s surface. This is precisely what is being envisioned as the U.S. Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, showcasing the history, ecology and culture of this bioregion. It will also have several connections to Canada’s Great Lakes Waterfront Trail.
Examples of transboundary trail crossings include:
- The Seaway International Bridge connecting Cornwall, Ontario and Massena, New York.
- The Peace Bridge connecting Fort Erie, Ontario and Buffalo, New York.
- The soon-to-open Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan.
- The Grand Portage-Pigeon River border crossing that connects Grand Portage, Minnesota with Neebing, Ontario.
This trail will be a collaborative effort among the eight Great Lakes states, building on the foundation of existing and planned trails, over time completing trail gaps. The goal will be to welcome as many non-motorized users as possible and provide unforgettable trail experiences along the Great Lakes.
in rural and northern regions), and 11% is on provincial highways with enhanced shoulders.
Canada’s Great Lakes Waterfront Trail uses interim routes to achieve connectivity, which is critical to motivating community participation and ensuring public confidence in the initiative. Trail communities and the Waterfront Regeneration Trust work continuously to improve trail alignment and expand the connections to and from the trail.
No such meandering greenway route currently exists along the U.S. shoreline of the Great Lakes, although many segments of such a trail exist. That is why CSG Midwest is facilitating collaboration among the Great Lakes states and other trail organizations to create a U.S. version of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail that will have connections to Canada’s.
In 2024, the initiative received a non-financial, technical assistance grant from the National Park Service’s Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) program. Both RTCA landscape architects and
design a trail system that is resilient, connected and rooted in place.
“CSG Midwest and the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Legislative Caucus are excited to be facilitating this initiative to create a U.S. Great Lakes Waterfront Trail across our eight Great Lakes states,” said Jessica Lienhardt, Great Lakes Program Director, CSG Midwest. “With connections to Canada, it will become a continentally-significant, binational, recreational trail along the largest chain of freshwater lakes in the world, connecting communities and businesses along spectacular scenery.”
The benefits of this trail collaboration are enormous, including expanding outdoor recreation and ecotourism economies, promoting conservation, encouraging healthy lifestyles and enhancing quality of life.
It is well known that trails allow communities to increase commerce, support and create jobs, increase property values, reduce commuter costs, and provide lowcost health benefits.
CSG Midwest is leading this initiative through an ongoing set of roundtable discussions among the eight Great Lakes states and other key trail organizations. A consensus vision provides direction to this initiative: all residents and visitors of the eight Great Lakes states are connected to and benefit from world-class freshwater, wildlife, recreation and history through the U.S. Great Lakes Waterfront Trail.
Canada’s Great Lakes Waterfront Trail has been in existence for more than three decades. This Ontario trail stretches from Lake Superior to the St. Lawrence River at the Ontario-Québec border — approximately 2,250 miles. It is a greenway route of interconnecting roads and off-road trails. This greenway system will join 177 communities along the Canadian Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River waterfronts — including Indigenous nations.
A celebration of nature and culture, the Canadian Great Lakes Waterfront Trail is part of a strategy to protect the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth and connect people to them. It is a legacy project of the Waterfront Regeneration Trust, a charity, and its community partners.
The long-term goal of Canada’s Great Lakes Waterfront Trail is to be as close to the water’s edge as ecologically feasible. Today, 13% of this route is dedicated paths and quiet residential streets, 76% is on secondary roads (often
Purdue University geographical information system experts are working with state partners to map this trail along 84 counties and complete a gap analysis.. RTCA is also assisting The Council of State Governments with facilitation and partnership-building.
The first state to be mapped was Indiana. This trail is locally known as the Marquette Greenway and is approximately 60 miles long and 76% complete.
“Indiana will be honored to have the Marquette Greenway become part of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail in the United States,” said Mitch Barloga, active transportation manager with the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission. “Being part of this Great Lakes Waterfront Trail initiative will help promote our portion of the greenway and will help bring more outdoor enthusiasts to and through our trail, accessing several popular destinations on Lake Michigan, which in turn will provide a boost to our local businesses.”
Preliminary maps have also been prepared for Pennsylvania, Illinois and Minnesota, soon to be followed by Wisconsin, Ohio and New York. Michigan will be the last state mapped because it has the most Great Lakes shoreline and, therefore, most challenging.
In addition, this initiative has received support from the University of Michigan’s School of Environment and Sustainability for an eco-design capstone project. Graduate students are helping Pennsylvania engage with local trail stakeholders and assess, synthesize and help
Examples of economic benefits include:
- A 2019 Rails to Trails Conservancy report found that the net economic impact of trails in Wisconsin is as much as $1.5 billion USD.
- The Parks and Trails Council of Minnesota has reported that non-motorized trail users spend $2.7 billion USD annually and support 37,000 jobs in Minnesota.
- An economic benefits study of The Great Lakes Way in Michigan found that the total estimated economic impact of greenways, water trails, parks, unique natural areas, waterfront reclamation, connections to Canada, and historical and heritage attributes was approximately $3.75 to 5 billion USD annually.
- In 2023, the Trans Canada Trail released a report quantifying the world’s longest trail’s economic, environmental, and public health impacts. Based on this study, the total economic, environmental, and public health impacts of the Trans Canada Trail in Ontario (a large percentage of this is the Canadian Great Lakes Waterfront Trail) was $9.8 billion CAN.
CSG Midwest has thus far received letters of support or support statements from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, the Great Lakes Commission, the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Legislative Caucus, The Great Lakes Way, The Marquette Greenway, Northwest Indiana Regional Planning Commission, the Wisconsin Nonmotorized Recreation and Transportation Trails Council and the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative.
If a local trail organization is interested in becoming a collaborator, please contact CSG Midwest at gllc@csg. org.
John Hartig is a board member at the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. He serves as a Visiting Scholar at the University of Windsor’s Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research and has written numerous books and publications on the environment and the Great Lakes. Hartig also helped create the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, where he worked for 14 years as the refuge manager.
^ Great Lakes Waterfront Trail Concept Map
NEWS FROM OUR NEIGHBORS
Trenton baseball ends season in regional finals
The Trenton Trojans varsity baseball team wrapped up a strong 2025 season with a trip to the Regional Finals at the University of Michigan on June 7th. The Trojans opened the day with an impressive 8-1 win over Riverview in the semifinals but fell short in the final, losing 2-0 to the Chelsea Bulldogs.
Bears softball ends strong season
title both junior and senior year, clearing 14 feet, 7 inches each time to claim his second and third state championships.”
“Sam holds the Grosse Ile High School record with a vault of 15 feet, 3 inches, and recorded his
In the semifinal matchup against the Riverview Pirates, Trenton wasted no time taking control. Pitcher Ashton Rooney opened the game by striking out two batters and allowing just one hit in the top of the first. The Trojans’ offense backed him up right away, scoring two runs on two hits in the bottom of the inning to grab an early 2-0 lead.
The Roosevelt Bears varsity softball team wrapped up a successful campaign with a final record of 21 wins and 11 losses. “We had a very good season,” said Head Coach Joseph Chlipala. “We were a very young team, and the strides they made make our entire staff incredibly proud.” Despite battling through tough injuries, the Bears pulled together, with several players stepping up to contribute across the board.
Trenton added to their advantage in the second, plating three more runs. Zach LaMay contributed with a key RBI double to help make it 5-0.
On the mound, Talon Vanhovel struck out the side in the top of the third, continuing Trenton’s dominance.
SEE PAGE 14
Highlights of the season included winning the Kavanagh Classic Tournament in Yale, Michigan, and competing well at the Michigan Challenge in Canton. The Bears also secured fourth place in the highly competitive Downriver League.
SEE PAGE 11
Vesperman state champ for 3rd time
At the MHSAA Track and Field Division II Championships, held May 31st at Hamilton High School, GIHS senior pole vaulter, Sam Vesperman made history as the first athlete to win three consecutive state championships in his prep career.
Sam followed in the footsteps of his father Jay Vesperman, principal of Woodhaven High School and Sam’s vault coach, throughout his high school career. The elder Vesperman was an outstanding pole vaulter in high school, clearing 13 feet 4 inches and wrestled collegiately at Central Michigan University.
Providing much of the backstory, a proud Jay Vesperman recounted, “As a freshman, Sam made an immediate impact, clearing 14 feet, 4 inches to earn third place at the state finals. He captured his first state title as a sophomore with a personal best at the time of 15 feet, 1 inch, and went on to defend his
career-best jump of 15 feet, 6 inches at a summer competition.”
Head Varsity Track & Field Coach, Larry Swick praised Sam saying, “Sam is an outstanding student athlete with a great work ethic. He helped lead the team as one of our captains and he leads by example. Sam sets personal goals for himself and is diligent to achieve them through hard work and practice. He has high honors academically and is a great friend to many.”
SEE COVER
New harmony: Island Music changes hands
The baton has been passed.
Island Music, LLC, a revered Grosse Ile business specializing in private music lessons for students of all ages, has new owners. In an eleventh hour agreement, former owners Kim and Hunter Eberly wanted to keep the music playing for generations to come, and transferred ownership to Grosse Ile residents, Jim and Jennifer Johnson.
The Eberlys, both award-winning musicians, were moving and were faced with closing the door on their beloved Macomb Street studio. Kim served as the Music Director at Gabriel Richard High School and was former director of the Detroit Symphony
Orchestra’s Civic Youth Symphonic Band. Hunter is the Principal Trumpet of the DSO. Through mutual connections, they were able to find the Johnsons as the bridge in the change of melody.
Many Island residents know Jim and Jennifer Johnson through their work with St. James Church, the Boar’s Head Festival, and their lifelong love of music. Jennifer is an accomplished cellist who has given many recitals and presentations throughout her career. Jim, a retired principal who had “dual careers” with “fifty years on the bench,” started playing organ and piano in churches in Texas as a teenager, and was the Director of Music at St. James Episcopal Church until recently.
SEE PAGE 3
Grosse Ile names new head coach of varsity boys hockey team
Grosse Ile High School has officially named Scott Sebastian as the new head coach of its Varsity Boys Hockey program, signaling a new era for Red Devil hockey. With a rich background in the sport as both a player and coach, Sebastian brings decades of experience and a strong vision for the program’s future. Sebastian is no stranger to Downriver hockey.
A former standout at Gabriel Richard from 1983 to 1986, he was drafted into the United States Hockey League by the Jr. “A” Dubuque Fighting Saints in 1986. His playing career continued with the Hennessey Engineers and later the 1987–88 Jr. “A” Compuware Ambassadors, a team that finished as national runners-up. As a coach, Sebastian led Gabriel Richard to a Division 3 State Runner-up finish in 2003.
Joining Sebastian on the bench is an impressive and well-rounded coaching staff. Grosse Ile alumni Steve Balint (Class of 2003) will serve as Director of Player Development, while Mac Howey (Class of 2012) steps in as Assistant Coach. The staff also welcomes Brent Wishart, a former East Coast
Hockey League (ECHL) player and Ferris State University alumnus, and Mike Potter, a former USHL forward—both of whom will serve as assistant coaches. Rounding out the staff is Mike Humphrey, a former state champion wrestling coach at Monroe Jefferson, who will lead the strength and conditioning program.
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Bruster’s Real Ice Cream opens first Michigan location in Riverview Ice cream lovers, rejoice! Bruster’s Real Ice Cream has officially opened its doors in
Riverview—marking a delicious milestone as the very first Bruster’s franchise in the state of Michigan.
The Grand Opening celebration took place on Friday, June 6th at their new location, 17088 Fort Street, and it didn’t take long for the buzz (and the brain freezes) to begin. In fact, the shop has already scooped up a New Business Recognition Award, presented by Mayor Andrew Swift during his annual State of the City Address, a testament to the positive impact Bruster’s has already had on the community in just a few short weeks.
Khalil Moussa of Bruster’s Real Ice Cream was quoted as saying “I would like to first and foremost thank Riverview Community for welcoming me and my family to your esteemed community, I have been working back and forth with you and a number of your community members and I have to say it has been my pleasure, to experience your kindness and continuous help in getting to where we are today. It has been a long two-year journey.”
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Local roots, regional impact and community commitment
In a time when many service providers are consolidating or outsourcing, Stevens Disposal & Recycling Services stands as a shining example of how a locally owned business can grow while staying true to its community-based values.
Established in 1988 by Carl Stevens III—who still owns and leads the company today, Stevens Disposal has spent over three decades building a reputation for dependable service, innovation, and a fierce commitment to the customers and communities it serves.
Headquartered in Petersburg, Michigan, with
a second location in Gibsonburg, Ohio, Stevens Disposal has become a regional powerhouse in the waste and recycling industry, serving Southeast Michigan and Northwest Ohio with speed, efficiency, and personal touch. From its humble beginnings to now employing over 200 team members, Stevens has scaled responsibly, never forgetting its’ Downriver roots.
The company maintains its community first approach with a locally staffed customer service team of 16 representatives, each equipped with a deep understanding of the service area and customer needs. Whether it’s a question about recycling schedules or a special service request, customers are speaking to someone who lives where they live.
