For the Haddad triplets—Josh, Zach, and Drew—high school was more than just academics. From sports to theater, and from AP classes to extracurriculars, they made the most of their years at Trenton High School. Now, all three are off to college, each carving out his
Josh graduated as valedictorian. Drew ranked 25th in their class, and Zach earned a 3.98 GPA. Though they’re heading to different schools in the fall, their bond remains strong.
“Being a triplet in school is great because you always have someone to help you remember when things are due, or when an event is,” said Josh. “It’s also nice to know that someone
would back me up if I ever needed it.” But, he added, “It can be hard at times because people always see you as a package deal. It can be tough to find some separation in our lives, especially because we like doing a lot of the same stuff.”
Josh will attend the University of
$55,500 in scholarships to awarded to Class of 2025 graduates
The Trenton Education Foundation is proud to announce that 26 scholarships totaling $55,500 have been awarded to 24 graduating seniors from the Trenton High School Class of 2025. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.
This year’s recipients include Lilyana Belonga, who received the Clifton Mace Scholarship; Alyssa Berger and Brooke Butson, who were awarded Trenton Education Foundation (TEF) scholarships; and Claire Caldwell, who received both the Jean Pendell Endowment and the Trenton Vietnam Veterans scholarship. Marisa Chuey, Josh Haddad, Sayef Humeidan, Reya Johnson, Annabelle Kurylo, Lillyan Mulford, Grant Riley, Adrian Santoro, Bailey Vallie, and Chloe
Wishart were also awarded TEF scholarships. Natalie Glass, Analy Guth, Jacob Koralewski, James Metric, Miles Mullins, Ashlynne Paar, and Sophia Shaul received scholarships from the Trenton Vietnam Veterans. Drew Haddad earned the Henry Ford Health System scholarship, and Zachary Pauli was awarded the Class of 1984 scholarship. Zach Haddad was a dual recipient of both the Clifton Mace and TEF scholarships, while Miles Mullins also received a TEF scholarship in addition to his Trenton Vietnam Veterans award.
The Trenton Education Foundation extends its heartfelt congratulations to all scholarship recipients and their families, and remains committed to supporting the academic and personal growth of students in the Trenton community.
Writers Showcase celebrates local talent
The Trenton Veterans Memorial Library hosted its annual Writers Showcase on June 14th, a vibrant celebration of creativity, community, and the written word. The event highlighted the talents of local writers and honored the winners of the
library’s recent creative writing contest for adults.
Guests gathered for an inspiring afternoon filled with powerful readings and heartfelt storytelling, as selected contest participants shared their original works with an engaged audience. The showcase offered a platform for writers to express themselves and connect with others who share a love of literature and language.
Adding a special touch to the event, Elliott’s Bakery in downtown Trenton generously donated a variety of delicious treats, which were enjoyed by attendees throughout the afternoon.
The library also extended sincere thanks to the Friends of the Library for their generous support. Their funding made the contest awards possible and continues to help the library uplift and encourage local talent.
The Trenton Veterans Memorial Library thanks everyone who participated and attended, helping to make the Writers Showcase a meaningful and memorable celebration of the community’s creative spirit.
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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?
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!
HADDADS
Michigan to study mechanical engineering. Leaving his brothers behind is bittersweet. “I’ll definitely miss having them around—a ton,” he said. “Not having someone who’s gone through everything with me to talk to will be tough. But I’m looking forward to bettering myself as an individual, and I think it’ll be a great opportunity for people to see me in a new light.”
Sports were central to Josh’s high school experience. “Playing sports is where I met most of my friends, spent a lot of my time, and had the most fun,” he said. “I can’t imagine what my life would have been like if I hadn’t played sports.” He especially cherished sharing the field and court with Drew. “Playing football and basketball with Drew brought us even closer. Me being the center, and Drew the quarterback. We had to rely on each other more than anything. That trust wouldn’t have developed without sports.”
Their mom, Janet, coached them in basketball throughout their youth and into high school. She’s a journalism teacher at Roosevelt High School in Wyandotte and will coach the girls’ varsity basketball
team next season. Their father, Chris, teaches middle school social studies at Renton Junior High in New Boston. “I loved having my mom as a coach,” Josh said. “Our coach-player relationship helped me improve quickly and brought us even closer.”
The triplets’ connection runs deep. “We’re all pretty close,” Josh said. “I’d say Drew and I are the closest since we share a lot of the same interests and spend the most time together. But we all support each other no matter what. We always have each other’s backs.”
Zach, too, is ready for the next chapter. He’ll attend Bowling Green State University, where he plans to major in education or advertising, with a minor in theater. At Trenton, he shined in performing arts—performing in three competitive shows and four musicals—and played football with his brothers.
“There are always two friends in your class,” he said about being a triplet. “It’s comforting, but I’m also looking forward to standing on my own.” Zach plans to continue with drama in college and is excited to explore his passions in a new environment.
Drew, known for his positivity and upbeat personality, is heading to Saginaw Valley State University to pursue kinesiology. “I’m thinking physical educa-
tion will be my focus, but I’m also really interested in exercise science,” he said. “There are so many paths to explore without changing my major, and I’ll be able to follow my dream of becoming a basketball coach.”
Leaving his brothers behind is something he’s still processing. “Being away from them hasn’t fully set in yet,” Drew said. “It’ll be a big adjustment, but with social media and other ways to stay in touch, we’ll still be able to support each other.”
Like his brothers, sports were a major part of Drew’s high school life. He played basketball and football all four years, serving as the varsity starting quarterback his senior year and varsity point guard for three years. “Playing football and basketball with Josh has been special,” he said. “We were always in practices, games, and workouts together. Being the quarterback and center brought its challenges and rewards, but it kept us close.”
The triplets also have an older brother, CJ, who just finished his sophomore year at Central Michigan University, studying to become a teacher.
“Me and my brothers have been close since day one,” Drew said. “We’ve been in the same elementary classes, on the same sports teams, and shared so many experiences. That closeness is something I hope never changes.”
As the Haddad triplets head off to college, one thing is clear: their individual dreams are just beginning, but their lifelong bond remains unshakable.
^ Haddad triplets on the last day of 5th grade
< Trio on the field: Josh (#78), Drew (#15), & Zach (#69)
STAY ACTIVE AND CREATIVE!
Trenton Parks & Recreation Staff
Tim Beaker - Director
Sam Sawnick - Program & Marketing Manager
Matt Stanley - Operations Manager
Ken Naysmith - Facilities Manager
Heather Lear - Program & Fitness Coordinator
Janet Floyd - Recreation Program Aide
Kathy Benko - Recreation Program Aide
Isabella Frendo - Marketing Coordinator
Jacque Miller - Senior Coordinator
Kennedy Recreation Center 3101 West Road Trenton, MI 48183
Phone: 734-675-7300
TRENTON PARKS AND RECREATION . . .
Trenton baseball ends season in regional finals
By DAVE MERCHANT
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.
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.
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. The Trojans tacked on another run in the bottom of the inning, stretching the lead to 6-0. Riverview got on the board in the fourth with a solo home run to left field by sophomore Carson Rice — their only run of the game.
Henrik Parish drove in Trenton’s final run in the bottom of the sixth on a fielder’s choice, and Easton Curry closed things out in the seventh, striking out two to seal the 8-1 victory and punch Trenton’s ticket to the final.
Trenton then faced off against the Chelsea Bulldogs in the Regional Final. Despite a strong pitching performance from Joel Mator, the Trojans couldn’t get the bats going and fell 2-0 in a hard-fought game.
“Losing to Chelsea was tough,” said Head Coach Todd Szalka. “The one thing I wasn’t worried about heading into the game was our hitting. Joel Mator gave us a great effort on the mound, but we couldn’t put enough guys on base to threaten Chelsea.”
Szalka tipped his cap to Chelsea pitcher Will McCalla, who held Trenton in check all game.
“Although he only registered two strikeouts on the day, he kept us off-balance,” Szalka said.
Despite the loss, Trenton finished an outstanding season with a 30-10 record and several impressive team statistics: a 1.82 team ERA, a .963 team fielding percentage, and a .340 team batting average.
“This group of seniors had back-to-back 30-win seasons and back-to-back District Championships,” Szalka said. “Every year, these kids make it a joy to go out and coach baseball. They just want to learn, and our staff loves teaching the game.”
Photos by Dave Chapman
Trojan girls tennis share league title
By DAVE MERCHANT
The Trenton Trojans girls tennis team wrapped up another successful season, earning co-champion honors in the Downriver League with an impressive overall record of 9-1-1. The Trojans shared the title with Gibraltar Carlson.
Led by a core group of four seniors — Jordyn Dorey, Brooklyn Buttson, Cecily Sawicki, and Giana Qualls — the team showed consistency and depth throughout the regular season. Trenton also put up a strong show-
ing at the regional meet, advancing to the MHSAA State Finals. However, the state tournament proved challenging.
“We had a tough draw and didn’t win a match,” said Head Coach Rich Menzel. “Carlson and Wyandotte each picked up two points, and Allen Park earned one.”
Despite the early exit at states, the Trojans’ league performance and regional run marked a standout year for the program and capped off a memorable season for the senior leaders.
New girls varsity bowling coach appointed
Trenton High School is proud to announce the appointment of Chris Legut as the new Girls Varsity Bowling Coach. Coach Legut brings a strong background in the sport, along with energy, experience, and a passion for developing student-athletes both on and off the lanes.
With a focus on growth, teamwork, and leadership, Coach Legut is committed to helping Trenton’s bowlers reach their full potential. The athletic department and Trojan community are excited to see the program flourish under his leadership.
Girls softball fall short in regional final game
By DAVE MERCHANT
The Trenton High School girls varsity softball team opened their Regional tournament run with an impressive 5-1 victory over Chelsea in the semifinal round. The win showcased the team’s determination and grit, but their postseason journey came to an end later that day with a 10-2 loss to Carleton Airport in the Regional Final.
Despite the tough ending, Trenton Coach Rick Tanguay expressed immense pride in his team’s performance and resilience throughout the season.
“Our 2025 Trenton High School softball season concluded yesterday with a loss in the regional championship game,” said Tanguay. “It was an incredible season and journey with these players and coaches. After
graduating eight seniors in 2024, we entered the season with high hopes, expecting six key players to return.”
Unfortunately, two of those expected returners were sidelined by injury and illness before the season began, and a third was lost to a season-ending injury just three games in. That left the Trojans with a young and inexperienced roster, but the team rose to the challenge.
“Our players and coaches got to work, developing many new faces within our program,” Tanguay said.
Trenton finished the season with a 19-15 record, capturing a District Championship—the 19th in the program’s 55-year history—and reaching the Regional Final for the third time in five years.
With a solid core of developing talent and strong leadership, the future looks bright for Trenton softball.
Photo by Dave Chapman
Monthly recap with Rep Linting
LINTING State Representative
There are several things I have been working to bring home to our Downriver community. I wanted to update you on these targeted investments for our area that involve local infrastructure, public safety and more.
A road funding plan I voted for would dedicate more than $3 billion to local roads across Michigan annually, including Downriver –without raising taxes! Riverview would see a road funding increase of nearly $2 million from current year distributions. Southgate would receive over $5 million more, Gibraltar ($1.5 million), Wyandotte (over $4.6 million), with Trenton (over $3.1 million) and Wayne County, which includes Grosse Ile Township, would receive $239.8 million.
This additional money would provide local road agencies that often lack resources with what they need to make repairs. That nasty pothole that you see while out running errands can get filled, and that street that’s needed to be re-surfaced for years can finally get paved. A bill I sponsored as part of this plan would hold school funding harmless, so we aren’t shifting money away from our kids and classrooms to pay for our roads.
Public safety is also a huge priority for people I talk with across our region – and I took those sentiments to Lansing. I voted to ramp up resources for our communities through a new public safety trust fund to help upgrade equipment, retain officers, and keep our neighborhoods and families safe. Southgate would receive nearly $170,000 in additional public safety funding if this plan became law, and Wyandotte would receive over $103,000. Similar to the road funding plan, other Downriver communities I represent would also receive additional public safety resources, including Riverview (over $37,000), Trenton (over $30,000) and Grosse Ile Township (over $2,700).
We are also continuing to work on our House budget plan and right-size spending for Michigan. As part of this budget process for the upcoming fiscal year, I am fighting for critical funding proposals that will make
our Downriver communities an even better place to live, work and raise a family.
One budget request I made was a full bridge replacement on West Road in Trenton. The bridge’s failing condition has already forced the closure of two lanes of traffic, creating bottlenecks and safety concerns for motorists and rail traffic. A $10 million appropriation would enable Wayne County to begin construction on a new bridge and get shovels in the ground within the next fiscal year while the county also puts funding into the project.
I am also pushing for funding to fix both bridges that Grosse Ile Township residents use to get on and off the island. The toll bridge is in desperate need of repair to continue operations. The other bridge, which is free for motorists to use, is owned by Wayne County, which has requested funds to begin the process of permitting and engineering for a full bridge replacement. I have requested $40 million to go toward repairing these two bridges because it’s critical for both to operate so that residents have a way on and off the island if one closes for maintenance.
Other funding project requests I have made include natural gas reciprocating internal combustion engines to increase electric capacity and meet rising demand in Wyandotte and new water mains for residents in Southgate.
I will continue fighting for our communities and serving as your voice 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.
RYLEE
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
Florida Keys Vacation!
Beautiful Two Bedroom Condo in Key Largo
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!
Perfect day for the “Save the Girls” charity golf outing
The Downriver Soroptimists hosted their highly successful third annual golf outing fundraiser on June 7th at Wesburn Golf & Country Club in South Rockwood. The event drew 126 attendees, including 108 golfers who participated in a four-person shotgun scramble that began at 8:00 a.m. With perfect weather and great energy, the $100 entry fee included greens fees, food and beverages, and door prizes. Attendees also enjoyed a variety of raffles, including gift baskets, gift cards, 50/50 drawings, and golf-related prizes. Highlights included a $500 Carl’s Golf Land gift card, $400 VIP tickets to Detroit’s Summer Cruise Series, and gift bags for participants.
The Soroptimists raised over $16,000 to support their educational scholarship programs for Downriver women and to fund vital service projects that empower women and girls through initiatives focused on human trafficking awareness, education, healthcare, and domestic violence prevention. Thanks to the leadership of golf outing chairperson Fallon Belisle and the dedicated efforts
of countless Soroptimist members, this year’s event exceeded expectations and surpassed the success of last year’s fundraiser.
The Soroptimists extend their heartfelt thanks to the many generous tent, cart, and hole sponsors whose support was proudly showcased with signage throughout the event: The Willow Tree; Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber; Vreeland Market; Donny Konja Sells; Waterfront Banquet & Event Center; Advantage One Credit Union; Iron Bandogs LE/MC; Tittle Brothers Construction; Kallas Restaurant Accounting; 3Sixty5 Realty;
Allegra Printing, Christoff’s Restaurant, and Belisle Construction; contributions from Nan Begola and Susan McCusker; and Christine Kuhn Consulting; and in Memory of Joseph and Leona Saunders; Matt Speedie; Pauline Donovan; Richard Fickeisen; Emil & Pearl Crisi; Mary Batcheller; Rita Klein; and Robert “Smokey” Belisle.
Downriver Soroptimist is a dedicated volunteer organization committed to serving the community through fundraising, donations, public awareness campaigns, educational initiatives, and direct hands-on support. Each year,
the group presents monetary awards to individuals to help them pursue and achieve their goals. These passionate women volunteer their time and talents to support local causes, including food pantries, Vista Maria, First Step, Sparrow Project, Stanford House, Alternatives for Girls, and various women’s health institutions. The Soroptimists also organize impactful charity events and programs, such as the biennial “Battle for Freedom” avant-garde runway hair and fashion gala, the annual “Save the Girls” charity golf outing, and the inspiring “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.
NEWS FROM OUR NEIGHBORS
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GI Fire Department issues bridge safety reminder
With the on-going bridge closure impacting traffic on and off Grosse Ile, the Grosse Ile Fire Department is reminding drivers of proper protocol when encountering emergency vehicles— particularly while crossing the toll bridge. Emergency responders frequently need to cross the island’s bridges with lights and sirens activated. In these situations, it is crucial for drivers to understand that they should not stop while on the bridge. Stopping can create dangerous conditions, as it is extremely difficult for emergency vehicles to pass on the narrow bridge, especially when there is oncoming traffic.
Instead, GIFD advises that drivers continue at a safe, steady speed until they have completely crossed the bridge. Once off the bridge and in a safe location, drivers should then pull to the side of the road at the earliest safe opportunity to allow the emergency vehicle to pass.
It’s important to note that this guidance applies specifically to vehicles that are on the bridge. In all other situations—on regular roadways—drivers should still follow the standard emergency vehicle protocol: pull over to the side of the road and slow to a safe stop. Do not stop in a travel lane without pulling over, as this forces emergency vehicles into oncoming traffic to maneuver around the stopped vehicle. SEE PAGE 5
this season by capturing the MITCA Team State Championship for the first time in school history. The Pioneers dominated the competition, finishing more than 185 points ahead of runner-up Kalamazoo Hackett.
Leading the way was Joey Calhoun, who won the 100-meter dash in 11.1 seconds. Derek Lesko took the 200-meter dash title with a time of 22.38. The sprint relay teams were equally impressive. The 4x100-meter relay team of Antonio Sobush, Nick Sobush, Lesko, and Calhoun won with a time of 44.17. The 4x200-meter relay team, Calhoun, Wisdom Nwadioha, Antonio Sobush, and Lesko, claimed first place with a time of 1:30.05, breaking the MITCA meet record in the process.
Nwadioha added another first-place finish in the long jump, soaring 21 feet, six inches. The 4x400meter relay team of Antonio Sobush, Kris Vigars, Andreas Laskaris, and Nick Sobush broke a school record that had stood for 32 years.
SEE PAGE 18
Southgate
soldier interred at Arlington
On April 29th, Colonel John Paul Kuspa (Ret.) was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery, a place reserved for the nation’s most distinguished military service members. His career spanned 32 years, 26 in the U.S. Army, and six as a civilian with the Department of Defense.
The full military ceremony reflected the magnitude of Colonel Kuspa’s life of service. A military band,
honor guard, rifle salute team, and bugler paid tribute as family, friends, and fellow veterans gathered. Pastor Mike McKinley of Sterling Park Baptist Church delivered the eulogy, noting, “No one can buy their way into Arlington. The only way is to earn it. And John Kuspa most certainly did.”
More than 90 people attended the ceremony. Among them was Donna (Hale) Slankster, a Southgate resident and high school classmate of John. “I’ve known John for over 60 years,” she shared. “He was a man of unwavering faith, integrity, and quiet strength. I watched with pride as he went on to do great things.”
Joseph Kuspa, John’s youngest brother, recalled a man who was a mentor, dedicated family man and patriot. “John encouraged us all to challenge ourselves and to be our best,” he said. “When I was around six, he taught me to play chess. His funeral at Arlington was a fitting exclamation point on a life of purpose and honor.”
SEE COVER
Bears softball ends strong season
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.
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
GR boys track makes history with MITCA state title
The Riverview Gabriel Richard boys track and field team etched their names into the record books
