On Saturday, April 12th, families gathered at Market Center Park for the annual Easter Eggstravaganza that brought joy, excitement, and community spirit to all who attended.
The egg hunt began promptly at noon, with children separated into age groups to search for hidden eggs throughout the park. The event featured separate hunts for children ages 2 to 4, 5 to 7, and 8 to 10. Among the eggs, a few lucky participants found golden tickets, which earned them exclusive Easter baskets filled with special treats.
From noon to 1:00 PM, families also had the opportunity to meet the Easter Bunny and take photos.
The event was free and registration was not required to attend, allowing families to simply show up with their baskets and enjoy the celebration. The event was proudly sponsored by the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and the Southgate C.A.S.E. Commission.
Southgate’s Easter Eggstravaganza proved to be a wonderful afternoon of fun, laughter, and togetherness, highlighting the warmth and spirit of the local community.
Hard hats and homework
Anderson High School students start real-world construction project
Southgate Anderson High School has officially launched a hands-on learning initiative that will bring real-world construction experience to students in its Career Technical Education Construction Trades program. Known as the Fordline/Helen Street Construction Project, this long-term development will be located on the north end of the Fordline Elementary School property, where students will help build one house per year over the next eight years.
The property has been divided into eight residential lots. Each year, second-year Construction Trades students will apply their classroom knowledge onsite by constructing a new home. These houses will be ranch-style, single-family residences measuring 1,539 square feet. Each will include three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full basement, and a two-car garage. The homes are intended for individual families and are designed to contribute positively to the surrounding community.
Work on the first home is set to begin in spring
2025. Professional contractors will complete the initial stages of excavation and foundation work, while students will observe and document the process. Once the foundation is complete, students will begin framing the house and work toward getting it weatherized before the end of the school year. Construction will resume in the fall, with the goal of completing the first house by spring 2026.
Students will be involved in the building process from start to finish, gaining experience in framing, carpentry, drywall, and finishing tasks. Components of the build that require licensed professionals, such as excavation, foundation, flatwork, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC, will be completed by certified contractors. However, students will have the opportunity to observe these phases in order to better understand the full scope of residential construction.
All student participants will be OSHA 10 certified prior to beginning on-site work. This certification demonstrates their understanding of job site safety and ensures they are prepared to work in a secure
and professional environment. Students will also be equipped with appropriate safety gear, including hardhats, work boots, and safety glasses, at all times.
The program is led by Frank Oldt, a seasoned construction professional with over 30 years of experience in building and project management. Under his guidance, students will not only refine their technical skills but also gain valuable insight into working on an active job site. Once each home is completed and sold, proceeds from the sale will be reinvested into the project to help fund the construction of the next home.
This initiative represents more than just a construction project. It offers students a chance to gain hands-on experience, develop in-demand trade skills, and prepare for future careers in the construction industry. The Fordline project aims to establish Southgate Anderson High School as a leader in career and technical education and as a reliable source of skilled, job-ready graduates for the workforce.
Artist rendering
SOUTHERN WAYNE COUNTY REGIONAL CHAMBER
Downriver’s Business Network
SAVE THE DATE!
Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber’s Annual Taste of Downriver
The 9th Annual Taste of Downriver returns on August 12 in Downtown Trenton!
Ron Hinrichs, CEO/President SWCRC
Sample the region’s best cuisine while enjoying a beautiful summer evening in one of our local downtowns. Stroll from eatery to eatery and experience the very best of the Downriver region. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit swcrc.com/events/taste2025.
Students awarded for Arbor Day art
On the evening of May 7th, the City of Southgate awarded three elementary students for their Arbor Day art posters. First Place was awarded to Cadence Dayne (Allen Elementary), Second to Nicolas Duran (Shelters) and Paisley Paris (also from Allen). Nearly 150 young artists from St. Pius, Allen Elementary, Christ the King and Shelters entered this year’s Arbor Day poster contest.
of the business areas and beautify the community.
For over 30 years, Southgate has been recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City USA member. This distinction recognizes the City’s commitment to promoting the use of trees to help moderate temperature, clean the air, produce life-giving oxygen, and provide habitat for wildlife. The Foundation also states that trees increase property values, enhance the economic vitality
The poster contest is held annually and is coordinated by the City’s Forester, Bob Tarabula. Mr. Tarabula takes a real interest in trees and does what he can to maintain the heath and vibrancy of Southgate’s urban forest. Mr. Tarabula believes that, “the art contest is just another fun way to acknowledge the importance of trees. It provides our young students with the opportunity to express their ideas as to the value of trees in our community.”
An added bonus that is provided to the First Place poster winner is that they will have a tree planted in their honor at the school they attend. Look for a new tree in the school yard of Allen Elementary soon. And thank Cadence for that new addition!
Think About Your Loan When Purchasing A New Or Used Vehicle
With the prices of new and used SUVs, trucks and cars continuing to rise, it can seem like you’ll never be able to afford one. That’s when a loan can help put you in the driver’s seat.
But not all loans are created equal and some will cost you significantly more over time, even if the payments are lower. The difference in the overall amount you’ll pay on a 4-year loan vs. a 6-year loan can be high, and the longer your loan term the more likely it is that you could owe more on the vehicle than what it is worth, due to depreciation.
If you borrow $30,000 for a 4-year loan at 4% interest, your monthly payment would be $677 and you’d pay a total of $32,514 over the loan term, with $2,514 being interest charges. Over 6 years on that same amount, your monthly payments would only be $469, but you’d owe $3,794 in interest – or an extra $1,280 out of your pocket compared with the 4-year loan.
So, what can you do to save money and still get a reliable ride? Your first option would be to look for a less-expensive vehicle. That might mean cutting back on some options or looking for a more affordable model from a different maker. It could also mean looking at a used vehicle instead of a new one.
You can also search for the best loan rate possible. There are times a manufacturer might offer a loan option of 0% to less than 1% in order move certain models. Some experts recommend starting with your financial institution and doing comparisons from that. No matter what loan rate you qualify for, the more money you can pay up front as a down payment, the less you’ll have to borrow and then repay. And the shorter the term, the less you’ll pay in interest costs.
If you can, experts recommend checking several dealerships to find the best offer on the vehicle you want, and they suggest looking for models with high reliability ratings and long warranties. The last thing you want to buy is a vehicle that could need costly non-covered repairs before you have paid off your loan. If you choose to go used, consider finding a certified pre-owned vehicle with a warranty.
If the cost of a new car is out of your range, a reliable newer used car can save you money because you won’t get hit with the depreciation associated with a new car. It has been estimated that a new vehicle could depreciate in value by more that 10% in the first month and be worth only around 40% of its original price in as little as five years.
The need of getting from point A to point B is a fact of life but paying too much to do that can be controlled. Take your time to research vehicle reliability, look for the best loan rate, make as much of a down payment as you can afford, and look at the value of a new vs. used vehicle.
Your goal should be a reliable vehicle that won’t bust your budget now - or over time.
Titans track team making some noise
Southgate Anderson High School’s Track and Field team has established itself as a strong contender in some of the most competitive meets in the region this season, turning in impressive performances and earning top finishes in a wide range of events.
At the Marauder Invitational on April 26, the girls team earned a third-place finish overall, while the boys placed fourth. Leading the way for Anderson was Seth Bodary, who took first place in the 400-meter dash, and Jackson Sage, who claimed first in the 300-meter hurdles. The 400-meter relay team of Hunter Druchniak, TJ Pokorny, Jackson Sage, and Seth Bodary also brought home a first-place finish. Joy Schuck captured first in the 3200-meter run, and Victoria Czyzewski earned top honors in the high jump. Other notable performances included Sean King, who placed third in the 100-meter dash and second in the 200-meter dash, and Artemio Gonzales, who took third in the 300-meter hurdles. Sienna Miller placed third in the long jump, while the 200-meter relay team of Bodary, Druchniak, Sage, and King took second. The 800-meter relay team of Gonzales, Logan Randall, Pokorny, and Ben Ruan finished third. On the girls’ side, the 100-meter and 200-meter relay teams also finished third, with strong contributions from Renecia Hughes, Acelynn Cantineri, Aniya Jackson, Melody Ballinger, Joanna Ruci, Brooke Banks, and Lydia Duran.
At the Warrior Invitational, which featured 20 competing schools, Anderson’s boys placed second among Downriver League teams and sixth overall, while the girls team placed 13th out of 24. Seth Bodary earned second place in both the 200- and 400-meter events, while Jackson Sage secured second in the 300-meter hurdles. The 200-meter relay team consisting of Adonnis Goliday, Sage, Druchniak, and King also finished second. Hazel Beswick earned second in the long jump on the girls’ side, and Sean King placed third in both the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes.
The 400-meter relay team of Goliday, Sage, Pokorny, and Bodary placed fourth, while Sienna Miller took fourth in long jump. Joy Schuck also had a solid showing, finishing fifth in the 3200-meter run.
In dual meet action, Southgate Anderson defeated Edsel Ford with dominant performances from both teams—81 to 33 for the boys, and 70 to 44 for the girls. Leading the way were Melody Ballinger, who won both shot put and discus, and Victoria Czyzewski, who once again claimed first in the high jump. Alana Gomez won the pole vault, and Preslie Armos took first in the 300-meter hurdles. Joy Schuck placed first in the 1600-meter run, while Lydia Duran won the 400-meter. Valerie Morales earned first in the 800-meter run, and both Seth Bodary and Jackson Sage continued their dominance with first-place finishes in the 200-meter, 400-meter, and 300-meter hurdles respectively. Maks Kiss won the 1600-meter, and Tyler Johnson secured first in pole
vault. Drayden Long earned first in shot put and second in discus, while Noah Siebert took second in shot put. Renecia Hughes placed second in pole vault, and Sienna Miller took second in long jump.
Hope Schuck added a second-place finish in the 800-meter and third in the 1600-meter. Lee Hall-Thomas placed second in the 1600-meter, and Artemio Gonzales took second in the 300-meter hurdles. Sean King earned second in both the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes, while TJ Pokorny placed second in the 800-meter run. Chris Natera took second in high jump, and Carter Baker had a strong showing with a first in long jump and second in high jump. Hunter Druchniak placed third in the 200-meter and 400-meter runs, Logan Randall finished third in the 800-meter, and Scott Butterfield won the high jump and placed third in the 300-meter hurdles. Gavin Wrona earned third in discus, and Rafael Gutierrez-Ramos placed third in pole vault. Tyler Schenck secured third in
the long jump.
Joanna Ruci took second in the 400-meter and third in the 100-meter, while Renecia Hughes placed third in the 200-meter. Rylee Sturdahl placed third in the 400-meter, and Abril Castrillon took third in the 800-meter. Emma Dankha placed third in the 300-meter hurdles, and Chloe Rybicki earned third in discus. Hazel Beswick also placed third in the long jump.
In the relays, Anderson’s dominance continued. The 100-meter relay team of Adonnis Goliday, Tyler Johnson, Kameron Klingensmith, and Sean King earned first place, as did the girls’ team of Renecia Hughes, Acelynn Cantineri, Aniya Jackson, and Melody Ballinger. The 200-meter relay team of Bodary, Druchniak, Sage, and King also took first, along with the girls’ team of Hughes, Brooke Banks, Scarlett Sage, and Ballinger. The 400-meter relay team of Druchniak, Pokorny, Goliday, and Sage earned another first-place finish, and the 800-meter relay team of Julianna Nadolski, Valerie Morales, Hope Schuck, and Joy Schuck also came out on top. Second-place relay finishes went to the team of Addie Kosturko, Niyrell Jones, K’era King, and Alana Gomez in the 100-meter; Marylou Berner, Hazel Beswick, Sienna Miller, and Lydia Duran in the 200-meter; and Gio Passalacqua, Henry Johnson III, Conner Hankins, and Leo Gallardo in the 100-meter. The 800-meter relay team of Logan Randall, Ben Ruan, Easton Rushlow, and TJ Pokorny also earned second place, as did the 400-meter relay team of Mykia Thomas, Abby Zaborowski, Victoria Czyzewski, and Brooke Banks.
Finally, the relay team of Preslie Armos, Dania Sandoval, Alana Gomez, and K’era King earned third place in the 400-meter relay.
With depth, determination, and consistent excellence across nearly every event, Southgate Anderson’s Track and Field program continues to build momentum and stand tall among the top programs in the region.
Twin athletes commit to Albion College
On April 23rd and May 2nd, twins Jackson and Brooklyn Sage each signed their letters of intent to compete at the collegiate level for Albion College, marking a proud milestone for the Sage family and their community.
Jackson Sage was the first to commit, officially signing on April 23rd to play football for Albion. Surrounded by his parents, grandfather, grandparents, siblings, and cousins. Jackson’s signing was a memorable celebration of his years of dedication to the sport. The event highlighted the hard work, discipline, and perseverance that brought him to this point in his athletic journey.
Just over a week later, on May 2nd, Brooklyn Sage followed suit by signing to wrestle for Albion College. She was joined by family, friends, teammates, coaches, school administrators, and SRO pup Titan in a joyful event that celebrated her own impressive accomplishments on the mat.
The back-to-back signings of the Sage twins represent not only individual achievement, but also a shared legacy of athletic excellence and school spirit that they will carry with them to the next level.
Anderson baseball and softball teams heat up despite cold spring
Despite chilly spring weather, Anderson High School’s baseball and softball programs have been on fire, picking up a series of impressive wins over the past few weeks.
The varsity baseball team has been especially strong, notching key victories over Woodhaven (6-5), Grosse Ile (6-3 and 12-8), Wyandotte (3-2), Cass Tech (2-0), and Escanaba (3-0). The team’s pitching and clutch hitting have been major factors in their early-season success.
Meanwhile, the JV-A baseball squad earned decisive wins over Richard (8-5), Wyandotte (140), and Melvindale (18-1), showing their depth and potential for future varsity contributions.
The JV-B team also had a dominant stretch, sweeping Riverview in back-to-back games by scores of 14-0 and 8-1.
On the softball diamond, Anderson’s varsity team delivered strong performances with big wins over Crestwood (18-2), Grosse Ile (17-6 and 13-6), Lutheran (13-2), and Edsel Ford (9-0), combining explosive offense with solid defense.
The JV softball team followed suit with victories over Summit Academy (22-5) and L’Anse Creuse North (22-12), demonstrating the program’s depth and talent at all levels.
With both programs clicking in all phases, Anderson’s spring athletes are proving that a cold start to the season won’t slow them down.
AHS student artwork selected for display at the DIA
Five pieces of student artwork from Anderson High School have been accepted into the prestigious Wayne County High School Art Exhibition. The selected works will be on display at the Detroit Institute of Arts from June 20th through July 20th.
This exhibition showcases the creativity and talent of high school students from across Wayne County, and the inclusion of AHS students highlights the strength of the school’s arts program. The opportunity to exhibit at such a renowned institution is a significant achievement for these young artists.
Visitors are encouraged to view the exhibit and support the rising talent from Anderson High School.
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!
KAWASAKI CARES: Read Owner’s Manual and all on-product warnings. Warning: The RIDGE® side x side can be hazardous to operate. For your safety: Always wear a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Never operate under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Avoid excessive speeds and stunt driving. Be extra careful on difficult terrain. Protect the environment. The Kawasaki RIDGE side x side is an off-highway vehicle only, and is not designed, equipped or manufactured for use on public streets, roads or highways.
2025 Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.
This vehicle's HP was measured
92
standards by which the horsepower of many cars is
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Celebrating 13 sweet years
A Serendipity Cakery and Ice Cream Shoppe proudly celebrated 13 years in business this May. The family-owned dessert shop, known for its creative custom treats and community involvement, officially began as a home business on May 1st, 2012. What started with simple cake drops at street fairs, festivals, and farmer’s markets has since grown into a thriving full-scale cakery offering custom cakes, cookies, chocolate-dipped treats, hot cocoa balls, and more.
After outgrowing its original home-based operation, A Serendipity Cakery moved into its first brick-and-mortar location in Wyandotte in 2015. Within just six months, the business had outgrown that space, prompting a move to its current location in Riverview in 2018, where it continues to flourish. Run by founder Tammie Bachran and supported by her family, including her son Ben, stepsons Daryl and Johnathan, and her husband of 19 years, Alan, the shop operates with an average of 10 employees. The family’s dedication and hands-on approach are a key part of the business’s charm and success. The shop remains highly engaged with the Downriver community, participating in annual events such as National Night Out in Riverview, providing desserts for Riverview Community High School’s senior class events, and attending regular vendor events like Downriver Fanfare and the Southgate Band Boosters Craft and Vendor Shows.
Serendipity has also been a staple at the popular “All Things Detroit” markets for over a decade.
SEE COVER
Bears sweep double-header
Wyandotte Roosevelt Varsity baseball is looking for great improvement this season. Coach Brandon Justice is ready for a good year.
After season opening losses to Huron and Plymouth Christian Academy, the Bears rallied back and flattened Grosse Pointe South during a double header (11-2, 5-3) on April 5th. “We lost our first league game to Woodhaven, 4-1,” Justice said. “Just timely hitting and errors that went their way, and some diving catches in RBI spots for us that left 7 runners in scoring position.”
Last year, they finished 11-18 overall with a really competitive non-conference schedule. In the league, they finished 5th out of 9 teams, and had a record of 7-8.
Justice said this is his 8th year as a high school coach and his third as a head coach. Last year was his first year at Wyandotte.
The Downriver League is tough. The teams are strong and ready to dominate.
“The league has a lot of parity in the top-six this season,” he said. “The toughest teams are probably Trenton and Southgate. We, along with Allen Park and Woodhaven, should all be pretty even.
SEE PAGE 14
Trenton Education Foundation awards over $13K to educators
The Trenton Education Foundation Mini Educational Grants for 2025 have been awarded, totaling $13,761 in enhanced learning materials
for Trenton educators and students. These grants support programs and initiatives that promote excellence in teaching and learning across the district. The funds are available for individual teachers, grade levels, departments, entire schools, or the district as a whole, with grants of up to $1,000 available.
Some of the exciting projects funded this year include STEM supplies for Ms. Kennedy’s classroom at Hedke Elementary, flexible seating for Ms. Franzen’s classroom also at Hedke, and Trenton High School’s PBIS Rewards program.
SEE PAGE 11
GI lacrosse growing as a team
According to Grosse Ile lacrosse coach Greg Meyring, lacrosse is “the fastest sport on two feet.” And the Red Devils are certainly keeping up the pace. Grosse Ile’s varsity lacrosse team is
currently above .500 and playing with energy and determination.
On April 24th, they earned a strong 11-4 win over Woodhaven. The day before, they fell to a talented Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett team, 13-5. On April 21st, the Red Devils topped rival Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central, 17-10. Earlier in the season, they also picked up wins over Detroit Cass Tech, 15-4, and Allen Park, 14-9. On April 11th, they dropped a high-scoring game to the Belleville Tigers, 19-9.
