Â
etermination. D It’s a quality you will find in
ample supply Downriver. Even when the obstacles seem large and the odds of success seem long, Downriver residents have shown they don’t give up. They give it their best — always. At no time is that more visible than now, as the region works to move forward and recover from the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic. As this issue was going to press many events were being cancelled — or temporarily postponed — due to the escalating outbreak. One of those events caught in the COVID crossfire was the debut of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge Gateway along the river shoreline that unites the communities of Trenton and Grosse Ile. The attraction was expected to open to the public May 9, but will now have to make its debut at a later date. While any delay is certainly a disappointment to outdoor enthusiasts and all those who have combined their efforts to make the refuge a reality, it’s really just a small bump in a road for a project that has been in the works for nearly 20 years and has had to overcome numerous hurdles already to get to this point. Check out this issue of Downriver Current for much more about the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge and the long‐term impact it is expected to have. For the latest updates on the rescheduled date for the grand opening, visit the refuge online at https://www.fws.gov/refuge/ detroit_river/ If this is your first visit to “Downriver,” let us provide you with a little background on the region, its resident and some of its outstanding features. Downriver is a region comprising about 20 Southeastern Michigan communities. Its residents enjoy the benefits of living by the Detroit River and many walking, biking and water trails. Cities than considered to be part of the regions include Allen Park, Belleville, Brownstown Township, Ecorse, Flat Rock,
Gibraltar, Grosse Ile Township, Huron Township, Lincoln Park, Melvindale, River Rouge, Riverview, Rockwood, Romulus, Southgate, Sumpter, Taylor, Trenton, Van Buren, Woodhaven and Wyandotte. We invite you to enjoy the many amenities that our Downriver area has to offer this spring and summer. In recent years many groups have come together to promote Downriver, including the Downriver Linked Greenways, which transforms the region into a healthier community for people powered transportation, conservation, and recreation, by creating a network of trails and greens spaces that connect people with places. More information can be found at downrivertrails.org. DiscoverDownriver.com is a website designed with all current upcoming events and things to do in our area, Destination Downriver, a group dedicated to getting the word out about all the amenities the area has to offer and now, enjoy our Downriver Current Visitors and Entertainment Guide. Some of our “must see” facilities available in Trenton for group and visitor activities include The Cultural Center, The Trenton Historical Museum, The Trenton Village Theatre, The Trenton Veterans Memorial Library, Open Book Theatre, Elizabeth Park and Marina, Kennedy Recreation Center and Aquatic Center. There are various festivals and events throughout the year including the annual Trenton Summer Festival the last week of June held on West Jefferson Avenue in the city’s old downtown district, the Roar on the River the third weekend in July, Motown on the River the last weekend in July, and Jazz on the River the first weekend in August. Again, though, due to the impact of Covid‐19, please be sure to check with each event’s web site for date changes and cancellations. The Detroit River and northern Lake Erie, both within easy access to area visitors and residents — offers some of the Midwest’s finest fishing, Not only is it a favorite destination for sport fisherman, but it also serves as the
home base for several annual fishing competitions. Elizabeth Park Marina puts you right in the action. Elizabeth Park Marina and Boat Launch provides four launching, four loading wells and 52 transient boat slips. The facility has utility hookup, pump station and a new shower facility. The Marina entrance is located on Grosse Ile Parkway, just west of the bridge. At Elizabeth Park and Wyandotte’s Bishop Park you can rent a kayak at Riverside Kayak Connection. For dates and times, contact Riverside Kayak Connection at (734) 285‐2925 or visit riversidekayak.com, Facebook, Twitter, or their blog. The bridge at the south end of Elizabeth Park is one of two bridge connectors leading to Grosse Ile Township, a unique suburban community that immediately gives you the feeling that you are out in the country.
Grosse Ile serves as home to one of the key elements of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge — the Gibraltar Bay Unit, a vast nature area on the south end of the island. The entrance is off of East River Road, just south of Groh Road. There are many family and outdoor activities to be enjoyed at the island’s Centennial Farms, Cultural and Equestrian Center located at 25797 Third Street. The main business hub is located on Macomb Street, with plenty of shopping and restaurants with walking friendly access. The island also features an airport, two golf courses, three yacht clubs, tennis and fitness center and an alpaca farm to explore. You can find additional information at http://www.grosseile.com/ — Joe Hoshaw Jr. & Kathy Kane Co-publishers
2020 Spring & Summer
Kathy Kane Business Mgr. & Co-Publisher Contributing Writers Joe Hoshaw, Jr., Kathy Kane, Anita Twadesky
Joe Hoshaw Jr. Editor & Co-Publisher Graphic Design Sandy Crawford Photography Dave Chapman, Ilene Flanagan
Advertising Sales Heather Grybel, Kathy Kane, Dennis Peters, Beth Imes Reserve your spot in the Fall-Winter issue now!
Call 734-676-0850
Downriver Current is a publica on of:
& 2615 West Jefferson Ave. • Trenton, MI 48183 Mailig Address: P.O. Box 213, Trenton, MI 48183
Visit us at: www.trentontrib.com or www.islandbeacon.com for regular news updates and a full list of locations where our paper can be found.
2 2020 SPRING/SUMMER DOWNRIVER CURRENT • A PUBLICATION OF THE TRENTON TRIB & ISLAND BEACON
2020 SPRING/SUMMER DOWNRIVER CURRENT • A PUBLICATION OF THE TRENTON TRIB & ISLAND BEACON 3
When it finally does open, the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge Gateway and Visitor Center will be another excellent way for Michiganders to enjoy the great outdoors. A new date for the debut was still unknown as this issue went to press.
T
he long‐awaited debut of the Detroit River Interna onal Wildlife Refuge is nearly upon us. The focal point of that effort recently has been the comple on of the Visitor Center that is expected to welcome visitors from throughout the world to a unique refuge area that spans two countries. It’s been a long me coming — nearly 20 years since the refuge area itself was established. The Visitor Center itself was first ini ated in 2013 and had to overcome numerous obstacles to its recent comple on. The grand debut was planned for May 9, though that has been delayed to a later date due to COVID‐19 concerns. But when it finally does open, the expansive region is
access from the expected to provide a sizeable The refuge is home freeways.” to a variety of The Detroit River boost in visitors Interna onal to the region. ecologically Wildlife Refuge is Anita important bird Twardesky, who species, including indeed the first and only interna onal heads the bald eagles, refuge in North coali on ospreys, peregrine America and Des na on falcons; fish species stretches along the Downriver, sees including whitefish, shoreline of the the comple on sturgeon, salmon, Detroit River and and the full perch, and walleye. western Lake Erie. opening of the The refuge focuses Interna onal Wildlife Refuge to be a huge on conserving, protec ng, plus for the region. and restoring habitats for 30 “It’s going to be species of waterfowl, 117 amazing,” Twardesky said. kinds of fish, and over 300 “It’s a na onal treasure. species of birds, while We’re the only interna onal providing quality wildlife refuge in North opportuni es for people to America. It’s in the heart of connect with nature. It is the Downriver Linked home to a variety of Greenways, so there will be ecologically important bird linked bike paths to get species, including bald there. Plus, for the millions eagles, ospreys, peregrine falcons; fish species who live in Southeast including whitefish, Michigan, this is within easy
4 2020 SPRING/SUMMER DOWNRIVER CURRENT • A PUBLICATION OF THE TRENTON TRIB & ISLAND BEACON
sturgeon, salmon, perch, and walleye. U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D‐12th District) said the opening of the Refuge is the comple on of one of her late husband John’s dreams for a region he represented in Congress for six decades. In 2017 a ceremony was held to name the Visitor Center in his honor. “This refuge and conserva on ma ered so much to John. It was his vision for a place to gather, learn and protect the wildlife and natural resources that make our region unique,” Dingell said. “A er decades, and the incredibly hard work of many, I look forward to celebra ng the grand opening of the Detroit River Interna onal Wildlife Refuge Gateway and visitor center in May. Being at the refuge See page 16
2020 SPRING/SUMMER DOWNRIVER CURRENT • A PUBLICATION OF THE TRENTON TRIB & ISLAND BEACON 5
APRIL April 1 — Elizabeth Park Marina opens for the season, featuring 52 transient boat slips. April 23‐25 — 54th annual Jamboree on Ice, a ska ng show at the Kennedy Recrea on Center, 3101 West Road. This is the season ‐end chance for local ska ng prodigies to showcase all they have learned in the past year. It’s always an entertaining show featuring a great variety of ska ng and dancing on ice; call (734) 675 ‐7300 for more informa on.
MAY
May 9 — It’s officially “opening day” for the Detroit River Interna onal Wildlife Refuge’s Humbug Marsh Unit and its new Visitors Center, located at 5437 West Jefferson Ave., Trenton. Editor’s Note: Due to restric ons on business and public gatherings in place to help limit the spread of COVID-19, many upcoming events featured in this lis ng are subject to either being rescheduled or cancelled en rely. For the latest informa on, check with the websites or email addresses of the event or organiza on in ques on. May 25‐Sept. 1 — Public pools are open at the Kennedy Aqua c Center,
3101 West Road, Trenton, and at Water’s Edge on Grosse Ile, at 9339 Bellevue Road. May 29‐31 — Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear, held on Detroit’s island gem, Belle Isle. The event will feature the cars of the IndyCar Series, the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli. The featured event is the Chevrolet Dual in Detroit Indy Car Double Header. Tickets, schedules and complete informa on is available on the official website, www.detroitgp.com. The Belle Isle Bridge is off East Jefferson Avenue as you exit from the downtown area. May 29‐31 — Grosse Ile Islandfest. An annual rite of spring for island residents, the fest is open to all visitors from surrounding communi es and beyond.
noon‐11 p.m. daily; many cra ers, rides and games for the kids; schedules and updates at www.trentonsummerfes val .org or the Facebook Page, www.Facebook.com/ TrentonMidSummer. June 27 — The “unofficial” Cruisin’ Downriver is back. Have a classic me along Fort Street either as an observer or par cipant as thousands of classic car owners showcase their rides through the ci es of Lincoln Park, Riverview, Southgate, and Wyando e. Though the cruise is not sanc oned by any community or organiza on, don’t be surprised if upwards of 500,000 car buffs and enthusiasts s ll show up.
June 12‐14 — Flat Rock Summer Blast at Huroc Park in Flat Rock; visit the website for details on the fun ac vi es planned, flatrockriverfest.com. Event includes a parade, beer tent, monster truck, millionaires tent, splatz paint ball, hot dog contest, electric bull ride, arts and cra s, pony rides, Kiddie Korner and performing music ar sts, just to name a few. June 26‐28 — The 45th Trenton Summer Fes val features live entertainment
June 27‐30 —Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Fishing Tournament on the Detroit River at Elizabeth Park Marina in Trenton.
Don’t miss the Saturday morning parade along Macomb, and then head over to the Municipal Airport area at 9601 Groh Road for carnival rides, games, art and cra ers, food and beverages and live entertainment. And, best of all, there is no admission fee!
JUNE
6 2020 SPRING/SUMMER DOWNRIVER CURRENT • A PUBLICATION OF THE TRENTON TRIB & ISLAND BEACON
JULY July 4 — Celebrate Independence Day at the Trenton fireworks. July 8‐11 — The 58th Annual Wyando e Street Art Fair will be held throughout downtown, showcasing 250 jury‐selected fine ar sts represen ng 30 states and Canada. The fair offers a variety of fine art, music, food and ac vi es for all ages. The art fair runs from 10 a.m.‐9 p.m. daily with the entertainment area running from noon‐11 p.m. For more informa on visit www.wyando estree air.org.
July 9‐12 — The 11th annual Uncle Sam Jam in Civic Center Park in Woodhaven, near I‐75 and West Road. The Uncle Sam Jam brings family fun to Woodhaven with Friday night fireworks, Saturday night Laser Show, carnival rides and games, interac ve displays and a rac ons, pe ng zoo and pony rides and free concerts all weekend long. Visit www.unclesamjamfest.com. July 18‐19 — The Roar on
The River, presented by the Trenton Outboard Racing Club, revs up Saturday and Sunday at Elizabeth Park, featuring outboard powerboat racing both days, Jet Ski shows and the Boy Scout pancake breakfast. A dona on is being requested for parking inside the park. Find more details at July 27 — It’s me to hear some Motown on the River. Bring your lawn chair and head down to Elizabeth Park for the sweet sounds of Motown for this free event. There will be food and beverage vendors selling a variety of delicious food and drinks, noon‐8 p.m.; entertainment lineup to be announced in June.
AUGUST Aug. 3‐4 — See famous jazz ar sts perform at the 25th annual Jazz on the River, one of the largest and most highly regarded outdoor jazz fes vals in the Great Lakes Region. The event is open to the public with no admission charge at Wayne County’s Elizabeth Park. Aug. 7‐8 — The always popular Allen Park Street Fair offers many cra ers, rides and games for the kids; schedules and updates at www.facebook.com/ allenparkstree air.
SEPTEMBER Sept. 12 — Dog Days of Summer; the pooches get the last swim of the season at the Kennedy Aqua c Center, noon‐3 p.m. Fido and Fluffy must be accompanied by their owners. Find more informa on by calling Trenton Parks and Recrea on at (734) 675‐ 7300. Sept. 19‐20 — The annual Pointe Mouillee Waterfowl Fes val is a family‐friendly event that has been a Downriver tradi on since 1947. Nature lovers truly enjoy the outdoor events such as dog jumping compe ons and archery challenges. They are one of the oldest events of its kind in Michigan, and we proudly support the conserva on efforts to protect the Pointe Mouillee State Game area. All proceeds will benefit habitat at Pointe Mouillee
State Game Area which is the largest fresh water marsh restora on project in North America located in the Detroit River Interna onal Wildlife Refuge. Visit ptemouilleewaterfowlfes va l.org for more. Sept. 20 — History repeats itself at Somewhere in Time, 11 a.m.‐5 p.m. in Elizabeth Park; a joint effort between the City of Trenton and Wayne County Parks to celebrate days gone by; games, food, boat rides, classic and an que cars and much, much more. Sept. 26‐27 — Have some fall fun at the 18th annual Scarecrow Fes val in downtown Trenton; find updates online at www.scarecrowfes val.net. Features carnival rides, Scarecrow Contest, music entertainment including a Ba le of the Bands, Scarecrow Idol singing contest, plus hayrides, a pumpkin toss, pizza‐ea ng challenge, arts and cra s, dog costume contest, cat costume contest, children’s games, pony rides and more.
OCTOBER
Oct. 3‐4 — Huron Township Applefest in New Boston; find out more online at www.huronapplefest.com. Parade, apple pie contest, old‐ me fiddlers contest, entertainment and more. 2020 SPRING/SUMMER DOWNRIVER CURRENT • A PUBLICATION OF THE TRENTON TRIB & ISLAND BEACON 7
Trenton Trail Town committee plans more features for residents BY KATHY KANE DOWNRIVER CURRENT
T
he Trenton Trail Town commi ee is carving out a path to help put the city front and center as a great place to bike, hike and walk. Since the group’s ini al mee ng in 2019, many plans have come to frui on, the first being the extended trailway from Elizabeth Park to the Detroit River Interna onal Wildlife Refuge. The much an cipated Refuge is set for an official opening May 9. The group recently held a logo contest and chosen a winner who best depicted Trenton Trail Town. The logo, which will be unveiled this spring, will be used on pathway signage and other materials which will be obtained through a Ralph C. Wilson grant later this year. The group is s ll awai ng the processing of Trenton’s Pure Michigan Trail Town applica on, which will help further promote the trails in Trenton. Working together with Healthy Trenton and Des na on Downriver will addi onally provide promo on and opportuni es for Trenton to get on the radar of trailway explorers. A Trenton Trail Town map is available on page 3 of this issue of the Downriver Current.
The Detroit Ins tute of Arts is providing six pieces of art which will be on display from May through July at several loca ons, including Rotary Park, Downtown Trenton near St. Joseph, at the Trenton Police Sta on, at the entrance into Elizabeth Park, by the bridge at the Elizabeth Park exit, at the trail head near Tourist Lodge, and at the Wildlife Refuge. These interes ng trailway features will encourage stops along the path and enhance the trail experience. The Trailtown commi ee is working with SEMCOG and have earmarked several pedestrian crossings that will get a remodel again, compliments of the Ralph C Wilson grant. The full plan is located online www.trentonmi.org/uploads/Library/Files/13Parks%20and%20Recreation/trentonmasterplan_12_11_2018% 20WEB.pdf Along with May 9 being the day of Trenton’s Citywide Garage sale and the opening of the Refuge, the group is working with new business owner, Ashley Young of All About Grace, to establish a pop‐up trail sale in the West Jefferson Avenue downtown area between West and Elm. They are working in partnership with business owners to have pop up cra ers inside their businesses or directly outside on West Jefferson Avenue with tents. The street will be open for traffic, bikes and walkers. Cross promo ons are being worked on to shu le guests for the Refuge opening to downtown as well as garage‐salers to the Refuge and the Trail Sale. For more informa on visit www.trentonmi.org/.
8 2020 SPRING/SUMMER DOWNRIVER CURRENT • A PUBLICATION OF THE TRENTON TRIB & ISLAND BEACON
BROWNSTOWN Baldo's Restaurant (734) 479-0100
FLAT ROCK Leo's Coney Island 26988 Telegraph Rd., Flat Rock (734) 789-7757 www.leosconeyisland.com
GROSSE ILE Airport Inn 9264 Groh Rd., Grosse Ile (734) 675-4200 Bishop’s Cottage Café 7573 Macomb, Grosse Ile (734) 671-9191 Hoy Pan Chinese Restaurant 7599 Macomb, Grosse Ile (734) 671-4920 Hungry Howie’s Pizza 8535 Macomb, Grosse Ile (734) 675-5800 www.hungryhowies.com/ store/01063
Island Coney 8200 Macomb, Grosse Ile (734) 692-6639
Kathy’s Café 9105 Macomb, Grosse Ile (734) 671-5900 Lloyd’s Bar and Grill 8961 Macomb, Grosse Ile (734) 675-3117 http://lloydsbarandgrill.com
Perdino’s 8875 Macomb, Grosse Ile (734) 676-8100
From the Publishers: Beginning on this page is the 2020 Dining and Entertainment Directory in the Downriver area. We have compiled this list of businesses in Trenton and nearby communities to help you satisfy your dining and entertainment needs during your stay. Please make sure to tell them the “Trenton Trib” sent you! Businesses that would like to be added to future listings or wanting to update the information printed here can call (734) 676-0850 or email info@trentontrib.com.
Del’s Pizzeria & Restaurant 2833 W. Jefferson Ave., Trenton (734) 676-2155 http://www.delspizza.net
Domino's Pizza Smokies on the Water 3327 West Rd., Trenton 25555 West River Rd., Grosse Ile (734) 675-4477 (734) 362-0042 www.dominos.com www.sharkeystavern.com
Ume Asian Cuisine 9105 Macomb, Grosse Ile (734) 672-6618
Elliott’s Bakery 2636 West Jefferson Ave., Trenton (734) 676-1940
George’s Family Restaurant 1721 West Rd, Trenton (734) 675-8680 Grotto Pizzeria and Tavern 2441 Van Horn Rd., Trenton (734) 692-4300 grottopizzeria.com
Happy’s Pizza 3300 West Rd., Trenton (734) 362-0000 www.happyspizza.com
TRENTON Brewligans Public House 2385 Fort St., Trenton (734) 675-2300 Buster’s Place 5784 W. Jefferson Ave., Trenton (734) 676-4292 Classics Tavern/10 Pins of Trenton 2591 Fort St., Trenton (734) 675-2695
www.islandconey.com
2020 SPRING/SUMMER DOWNRIVER CURRENT • A PUBLICATION OF THE TRENTON TRIB & ISLAND BEACON 9
From Page 9
Hat Trick (at the Kennedy Recreation Center) 3101 West Rd., Trenton (734) 307-7009 Hawaiian Island Restaurant 3102 Van Horn Rd., Trenton (734) 676-8980 www.hawaiianislandrestaurant.com
Shong Hey Restaurant 2480 West Rd., Trenton (734) 676-0686
WOODHAVEN
Sibley Gardens 916 W. Jefferson, Trenton (734) 285-1707
http://www.fiveguys.com
www.sibleygardens.com
Truago (734) 676-2233
Jet’s Pizza 2301 West Rd., Trenton (734) 671-5387
www.littlecaesars.com
Mom’s Family Restaurant 2691 Fort St., Trenton (734) 671-7667 momsrestauranttrenton.com
2208 West Rd., Trenton (734) 692-2424 www.toarminas.com
Trenton Dairy Queen 1614 West Rd., Trenton (734) 692-0620 www.dairyqueen.com
Scoopy's Ice Cream Shoppe 2081 West Rd., Trenton (734) 675-1680 1926 West Rd., Trenton (734) 671-0990 Ramsey’s Coney Island 2747 W. Jefferson, Trenton (734) 676-5772 Round House BBQ 2760 W. Jefferson Ave., Trenton (734) 671-6100
Applebee’s 23200 Allen Rd., Woodhaven (734) 692-0582 www.applebees.com
Black Rock Bar and Grill 22753 Allen Rd., Woodhaven (734) 307-7335 Blue Margarita 20980 West Rd., Woodhaven (734) 362-0589
jetspizza.com/
Little Caesar’s Pizza 2340 West Rd., Trenton (734) 362-1900
5 Guys Burgers & Fries 23414 Allen Rd., Woodhaven (734) 692-3483
TV’s Deli Diner 2441 Fort St., Trenton (734) 671-5676 www.tvsdelidiner.com
TV’s Grand Event 2651 West Jefferson Ave., Trenton (734) 671-5676 www.tvsgrandevent.com
Bob Evans 23100 Allen Rd., Woodhaven (734) 671-5488 www.bobevans.com
Buffalo Wild Wings 20990 West Rd., Woodhaven (734) 676-9464
Iggy's Pizza 19450 Van Horn Rd., Woodhaven (734) 675-6566 Jersey Giant Sub Shop 23112 Allen Rd., Woodhaven (734) 362-0575 www.jerseygiantsubs.com
Kwan's Chop Suey 22136 West Rd., Woodhaven (734) 692-2044 Leo’s Coney Island 23305 Allen Rd., Woodhaven (734) 318-9999 Maverick's Kitchen 20970 West Rd., Woodhaven (734) 672-7514 www.worldofbeer.com
MOD Pizza 23071 Allen Rd., Woodhaven (734) 759-1055 www.modpizza.com
www.buffalowildwings.com
Chipotle 23061 Allen Rd., Woodhaven (734) 962-0828 www.chipolte.com
Christoff’s 22900 Allen Rd., Woodhaven (734) 675-4626 IHop 21055 West Rd., Woodhaven (734) 675-4982 www.ihop.com
http://roundhousebbq.com
10 2020 SPRING/SUMMER DOWNRIVER CURRENT • A PUBLICATION OF THE TRENTON TRIB & ISLAND BEACON
Olga’s 23404 Allen Rd., Woodhaven (734) 675-0500 www.olgaskitchen.com
Olympic Coney Island 23748 West Rd., Woodhaven (734) 362-8757 Panda Express 19360 West Rd., Woodhaven (734) 671-1360 https://www.pandaexpress.com
From Page 10
Panera 19440 West Rd., Woodhaven (734) 675-3500 www.panerabread.com
Sammy's Cucina 19135 West Rd., Woodhaven (734) 671-3065 www.sammyscucina.com
Shish Garden 22673 Allen Rd., Woodhaven (734) 362-6600 www.shishgarden.com
The Big Salad 19143 Allen Rd., Woodhaven (734) 301-3833 Six Star Family Restaurant 18737 West Rd., Woodhaven (734) 671-1115 www.wildconey.com
WYANDOTTE Belicoso Martini Cigar Bar 3030 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte (734) 282-2244
Gizzmos Martini Bar 3225 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte (734) 284-3459 Joe’s Hamburgers 125 Elm St., Wyandotte (734) 285-0420 http://joeshamburgers.net
Magdaleno Ristorante 152 Elm St., Wyandotte (734) 283-8200 www.magdalenositalian.com
Nanna’s Kitchen 2962 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte (734) 281-9093 www.nannaskitchen.com
On the Rocks 134 Maple, Wyandotte (734) 720-9731 Portofino’s 3455 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte (734) 281-6700 www.portofinoontheriver.com
R P McMurphy’s 2922 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte (734) 285-4885
www.belicosocafe.com
www.rpmcmurphys.com
Big Boy Restaurant 3366 Biddle, Wyandotte (734) 285-8400
Rookies Sports Bar 1519 Oak St., Wyandotte (734) 281-9419
www.bigboy.com
Boston Tea Room 121 Elm St., Wyandotte (734) 281-2244 http://bostontearoom.com
Brass Monkey 1519 Oak St., Wyandotte (734) 796-2728 www.brassmonkey.bar
Camino Real 3851 Fort St., Wyandotte (734) 258-8790 Coastal Thai 140 Sycamore St., Wyandotte (734) 282-3885
Sanders Chocolate and Ice Cream 3042 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte (734) 284-4800 www.sanderscandy.com
The Waterfront 507 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte (734) 286-9046
Elizabeth Park 4250 Elizabeth Dr., Trenton (734) 675-1476
www.thewaterfrontwyandotte.com
www.waynecounty.com
AMC Woodhaven Village 10 21720 Allen Rd, Woodhaven (734) 561-1060 www.amctheatres.com
Brownstown Sports Center 21902 Telegraph Rd., Brownstown (734) 676-5500 www.brownstownsportscenter.com
Centennial Farm 25797 3rd St. Grosse Ile (734) 561-3927 www.grosseile.com
Comedy Room at Portofino 3455 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte (734) 281-6700 www.portofinoontheriver.com
Disc Golf McLouth Park, Trenton www.discgolfscene.com
Downriver Youth Performing Arts Center Trenton Village Theatre 2447 West Jefferson Ave., Trenton (734) 362-8153 http://dypac.com
Gibraltar Bay Alpaca Farm 8545 Groh Rd., Grosse Ile (734) 675-6220 Gibraltar Bay UnitDetroit River International Wildlife Refuge 28820 East River Rd., Grosse Ile Humbug Marsh UnitDetroit River International Wildlife Refuge 5437 West Jefferson Ave., Trenton (734) 692-7608 https://www.fws.gov/refuge/ detroit_river/refuge_units.html
Grosse Ile Golf & Country Club 9339 Bellevue Rd., Grosse Ile (734) 676-1166 www.gigcc.com
Kennedy Ice Arena and Aquatic Center 3101 West Rd., Trenton (734) 676-7172 www.trentonmi.org
Lake Erie Metropark 32481 West Jefferson Ave., Brownstown (734) 379-5020 www.metroparks.com
Whiskey’s on The Water 2903 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte (734) 720-9738 www.whiskeysonthewater.com/
Call (734) 676-0850 or email info@trentontrib.com to submit your info.
Serving Downriver for 35 Years
(734) 671-CARE (2273) Jackson, Snider, Parker DDS
Also: Ask about our “Enhanced Listing” option, which is available for a nominal charge. 254 West Road, Trenton, MI 48183
2020 SPRING/SUMMER DOWNRIVER CURRENT • A PUBLICATION OF THE TRENTON TRIB & ISLAND BEACON 11
From Page 11
Lake Erie Metropark Golf Course 14786 Lee Rd., Rockwood (734) 379-5020 golf.metroparks.com
MJR Movie Theatre 15651 Trenton Rd., Southgate (734) 284-8083 www.mjrtheatres.com
Open Book Theatre 1621 West Rd., Trenton (734) 288-7753 http://openbooktheatrecompany.net/
Rev’d Up Fun 19830 West Rd., Woodhaven (734) 307-3711
Westcroft Gardens 21803 W River Rd., Grosse Ile (734) 676-2444
Discount Tire 22160 Allen Rd., Woodhaven (734) 362-0970
westcroftgardens.com
www.discounttire.com
Westfield Activities Center 2700 Westfield Rd., Trenton (734) 675-0063 www.trentonmi.org
West Shore Golf & Country Club 22843 West River Rd., Grosse Ile (734) 676-1944 www.westshoregcc.com
Woodhaven Lanes 20000 Van Horn Rd., Woodhaven (734) 675-3554 http://bowldetroit.com
Fully Promoted 2245 Eureka Rd., Wyandotte (734) 281-1500
3625 Biddle Ave, Wyandotte (734) 324-7270
Gibraltar Boat Yard 28731 N. Gibraltar Rd., Rockwood (734) 676-3177
http://revdupfun.com
Riverside Kayak Connection 4016 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte (734) 285-2925
www.wyandotte.net
https://riversidekayak.com
Riverview Highlands Golf Course 15015 Sibley Rd., Riverview (734) 479-2266 www.riverviewhighlands.com
Sportway of Brownstown 19640 Allen Rd., Brownstown (734) 479-0340 www.sportwayinc.com
The Studio 7596 Macomb St., Grosse Ile (734) 991-6070 thestudiomi.com
10 Pins of Trenton 2591 Fort St., Trenton (734) 675-2695 http://www.10pinsoftrenton.com
Water’s Edge Golf Course 25215 W River Rd., Grosse Ile (734) 675-0777 www.grosseile.com
Julianne Kohn, owner 24212 E. River Rd, Grosse Ile (734) 675-1701 fsuitcase@gmail.com AROUND THE CORNER OR AROUND THE WORLD, THE FLYING SUITCASE WILL SEND YOU THERE!
All About GraceUnique gifts 2815 Rosewood, Trenton (734) 307-3730 A & M Autobody 1310 West Rd., Trenton (734) 676-4231 Auto Value 2431 Fort St, Trenton (734) 676-6060 Belle Tire 23901 Allen Rd., Woodhaven (734) 720-9081
www.gbymi.com
Great Lakes Marine Transport 2595 Will Carleton Rd., Flat Rock (734) 789-0116 Grosse Ile Hardware 7737 Macomb, Grosse Ile (734) 676-0411 The Henderson Realty Team of EXP Realty (313) 909-3349
Holbrook Roofing 5588 W. Jefferson Ave., Trenton (734) 675-3456 www.holbrooksroofing.com
Howe-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services 9800 Telegraph Rd., Taylor (313) 291-0900 howepeterson.com
Howe-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services 22546 Michigan Ave. Dearborn (313) 561-1500 howepeterson.com
Sarah Wells,
Downriver CBD Distributer
734-818-6993
www.cbdinthedotte.com •US Hemp Authority Certified Hempworx CBD tinctures •CO2 Extracted for a pure solvent-free CBD, Organic & 100% Pure
JSP Dental 254 West Road, Trenton (734) 671-2273 www.trentonsmiles.com
Keck Hardware 2132 West Rd., Trenton (734) 676-2282 www.keckhardware.doitbest.com
thehendersonrealtyteam. exprealty.com
www.belletire.com
Best Chimney (313) 292-7722 www.bestchimneyandroofing.com
Colors By Kim Day Spa and Salon 3259 West Rd., Trenton (734) 671-4247 www.colorsbykim.com/
3259 West Rd Trenton 734‐671‐4247
12 2020 SPRING/SUMMER DOWNRIVER CURRENT • A PUBLICATION OF THE TRENTON TRIB & ISLAND BEACON
See page 13
From Page 12
Lighthouse of Trenton 1595 West Rd., Trenton (734) 676-7922 www.lighthousetrenton.com
Lyon’s Towing and Service Center 16130 West Rd., Trenton (734) 676-6333 www.lyonstowing.net
Messer Limo 150 Maple St., Wyandotte (734) 284-0477 www.messerlimousine.com
Mans Lumber 3300 West Jefferson Ave., Trenton (734) 676-3000 www.manslumber.com
Nail Garden 23760 West Rd., Brownstown (734) 676-5800
Nutrition Unlimited 1920 West Rd., Trenton (734) 672-6161
Serenities Now LLC (734) 676-6752
Nykiel Dentistry 22150 Allen Rd, Woodhaven (734) 676-6672
The Studio 7596 Macomb St., Grosse Ile (734) 991-6070
Philip Duell DDS PC 22341 West Rd., Woodhaven (734) 671-1620 www.drduellcom
Professional Autobody 734 Elm St., Trenton (734) 692-1350 Riverview Towing and Auto Repair 13396 Sibley Rd., Riverview (734) 285-4343 Semi-E News semienews.com Send Out Cards Linda Pastor (734) 778-2541
serenitiesnow.com
thestudiomi.com
Salon Panache 2624 West Jefferson Ave., Trenton (734) 676-3600 Timber’s Hair Salon 2007 West Rd., Trenton (734) 676-4949 Total Transmission 21909 Allen Rd., Woodhaven (734) 362-6000 www.totaltranz.com
Trinity Transportation 4624 13th St., Wyandotte (877) 284-4200 www.trinitytransportation.com
The Tutoring Center 15305 Dix-Toledo Rd., Southgate (734) 785-8430 southgate.tutoringcenter.com
Violetta’s Tailoring 1910 West Rd., Trenton (734) 362-8545 Winners Auto & Cycle 17700 Telegraph Rd., Brownstown (734) 229-1009 www.winnersautoandcycle.com
Call (734) 676-0850 or email info@trentontrib.com to submit your info. Also: Ask about our “Enhanced Listing” option, which is available for a nominal charge.
sendoutcards.com/u/13680
Mark and Patty Henderson
"We are moving Michigan. Let team Seeour page 13 work for you." 2020 SPRING/SUMMER DOWNRIVER CURRENT • A PUBLICATION OF THE TRENTON TRIB & ISLAND BEACON 13
Wildlife Refuges BY ANITA TWARDESKY DOWNRIVER CURRENT
Our Na onal Wildlife Refuge System is one of the great stories of U.S. conserva on history and refuges across the country offer world class nature experiences. How did it all begin? “In the late 1800s, the whims of fashion dictated that women’s hats would be decorated by bird feathers. To meet this need, poachers hunted many species of birds to the brink of ex nc on. Concerned ci zens, scien sts and conserva on groups found a champion in President Theodore Roosevelt. “Their concern about the rookery at Pelican Island on the Atlan c Coast of Florida inspired Roosevelt to use his presiden al powers to protect pelicans, egrets, ibises and other birds. With the establishment of the first na onal wildlife refuge on Pelican Island on March 14, 1903, Roosevelt created the Na onal Wildlife Refuge System. While in office, he would go on to create 50 more federal bird reserves and four na onal game preserves within the refuge system.” – excerpt from NWRS in a press release from last year. (h ps:// www.doi.gov/blog/ celebra ng‐115‐years‐ na onal‐wildlife‐refuge‐ system) Wildlife refuges are protected areas of lands and waters, set aside by the United States government,
Detroit is the first and only international refuge in North America. The Detroit River connects us to Canada, as well as wildlife. for the conserva on of wildlife and their habitat. Wildlife refuges also provide a variety of great outdoor experiences — from wildlife observa on, photography and hun ng to fishing, environmental educa on and interpreta on. Wildlife refuges are administered and managed as a na onal network by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, an agency in the Department of the Interior. Currently, there are 568 wildlife refuges. The Na onal Wildlife Refuge System includes protec on for more than 850 million acres in wildlife refuges, wetland management districts, and na onal monuments across the USA — with at least one in every state and territory, from Maine to Guam, Alaska to the Caribbean. Downriver sits amongst this lo y list as the only Interna onal
Refuge with our neighbors in Canada. There are six refuges in Michigan, and one wetland management district. h ps://www.fws.gov/ refuges/refugeLocatorMaps/ Michigan.html The largest area managed by the NWRS is the Pacific Remote Islands Marine Na onal Monument with more than 313 million acres. The largest with the name “na onal wildlife refuge” is the Arc c NWR at more than 19 million acres. Both are managed under the same guiding law, the Na onal Wildlife Refuge System Administra on Act of 1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. 668dd et seq.) The smallest is Mille Lacs Na onal Wildlife Refuge in Minnesota > was established in 1915 and is known as the smallest refuge (o.57 > acres). Detroit is the first and only interna onal refuge in North
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America. The Detroit River connects us to Canada, as well as wildlife. The conserva on of the river and wildlife connect us! Nature doesn’t recognize our countries’ poli cal boundaries, so we work to improve condi ons to meet nature’s – and people’s – needs across those boundaries. Where exactly is the Refuge? Boundaries aren’t really the key factor in the charge. The DRIWR is authorized in an area that extends from the Rouge River to the Ohio border. Our Congressionally‐ designated purpose is to work outside of our boundaries too — including in/with Canada (to help educate and conserve ecosystems of the Detroit River). Detroit is one of 14 priority Urban Refuges, in See page 18
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Long-awaited Wildlife refuge to provide boost in visitors to region From Page 4
truly reinforces one’s apprecia on of the outdoors, and I hope everyone can join us for the occasion.” “President Trump and I are commi ed to expanding access and use of our public lands, and the grand opening of the Detroit River Interna onal Wildlife Refuge Gateway and visitor center will be another excellent way for Michiganders to enjoy the great outdoors,” said Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt. “This Visitor Center will provide a place for all to develop a
love of the great outdoors through educa on and explora on.” For outdoor lovers, the wait has been a long one, but all of the major pieces of this recrea onal catalyst are ready to make their debut. “We are proud to announce that we will be opening the new John D Dingell Jr. Visitor Center to the public on May 9, 2020,” said U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Regional
The Detroit-River International Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center will have to wait a little longer. Director Charlie Wooley. “We appreciate our partner’s and the community's pa ence as we near comple on of this beau ful, new facility, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Regional Director Charlie Wooley said. “This will be a wonderful gathering place and beginning of a new chapter for the Detroit River Interna onal Wildlife Refuge in the Downriver community and we hope everyone will come out and help us celebrate this Spring.” In the early 2000s, then‐ Representa ve John Dingell joined then‐Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Herb Grey to form a group of local, regional, state, and federal agencies to establish a wildlife refuge along the lower Detroit River ecosystem. Dingell grew up hun ng and enjoying the outdoors in these same areas and made it his mission to establish the refuge. The process formally began in 2001 when President Bush signed legisla on wri en by Dingell
to create the Detroit River Interna onal Wildlife Refuge. Since that me, the refuge has grown from a couple of small tracts of land into a 6,200‐acre refuge that
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spans 48 miles of the lower Detroit River and western Lake Erie. The Refuge Gateway embodies the vision of the refuge. Co‐managed by Wayne County and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, it includes restored na ve habitat on the site of a former factory, a 700‐foot fishing pier into the Detroit River, and a state‐of‐the‐art LEED‐cer fied visitor center and offices. The Refuge Gateway will provide public access to the river in Trenton, and is the gateway into the hiking trails of the refuge’s Humbug Marsh, the last undeveloped mile along the United States side of the river.
Clean-up marks 50th anniversary of Earth Day F
or the first me in the history of the Detroit River, an interna onal community‐based effort, the Great Global CleanUp: Detroit River is expected to hold the largest one‐day cleanup event on Saturday, April 25, between 8 a.m. and noon. In collabora on with the Earth Day Network and to mark the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, nine local organiza ons from the United States and Canada will mobilize an es mated 5,000 volunteers from both countries to join together to protect, restore and enhance one of our environmental assets. Locally, the annual Lower Detroit River Cleanup sponsored by the Friends of the Detroit River was planning to be part of the effort. As this issue was going to press, though, Detroit Riverkeeper Bob Burns said the organiza ons involved were reassessing whether or not to postpone or cancel this year’s event due to the impact of Covid‐ 19. Visit the website listed at the end of the ar cle for addi onal updates on the event’s status. While all of the organiza ons have held cleanups in the past, this is the first me they have joined forces to make the biggest impact possible. Along with FDR, the other organiza ons involved include the Belle Isle Conservancy, Detroit River Canadian Cleanup , Essex Region Conserva on Authority , Friends of the Rouge, Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, Milliken State
For several years the Friends of the Detroit River has sponsored a local river cleanup effort. Park and Harbor (Michigan Department of Natural Resources), The Outdoor Adventure Center (Michigan Department of Natural Resources) and Green Living Science. Volunteers of all ages from Detroit and Ontario are needed to convene on the river’s banks from Belle Isle to Downriver at mul ple sites on both sides of the river, each championed by one of the Detroit River Bina onal Coali on organiza ons, to remove waste and plas c pollu on, improve wildlife habitats and prevent harm to the shared ecosystem. The Friends of the Detroit River convenes its volunteers at Trenton’s Rotary Park, located on the riverfront at the foot of Harrison Road. “In global solidarity with more than a billion people worldwide, each working together to clean up their community on Earth Day, the Great Global Cleanup: Detroit River will help to
preserve a part of what is almost 20 percent of planet Earth’s surface freshwater,” said Genevieve Nowak, director of environmental
ini a ves and affairs for the Belle Isle Conservancy. “The Great Lakes water system is arguably the largest source See page 19
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What is the purpose of our wildlife refuge? From Page 14
the Na onal Wildlife Refuge System. As an urban refuge the focus is on our neighbors and opera ng with inten onal community engagement – across the diversity of communi es for environmental jus ce, equity, diversity, and inclusion. “We know that people are inherent in the conserva on equa on and we want to empower everyone to be a part of a healthy ecosystem,” said Susan White, Manager Detroit Interna onal Wildlife Refuge. What exactly is the purpose of our wildlife refuge? “To protect the remaining high‐quality fish and wildlife habitats of the Detroit River before they are lost to further development and to restore and enhance degraded wildlife habitats associated with the Detroit River; To assist in interna onal efforts to conserve, enhance, and restore the na ve aqua c and terrestrial community characteris cs of the Detroit River (including
associated fish, wildlife, and plant species) both in the United States and Canada; To facilitate partnerships among the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Canadian na onal and provincial authori es, state and local governments, local communi es in the United States and in Canada, conserva on organiza ons, and other non‐federal en es to promote public awareness of the resources of the Detroit River.” What a gem we have Downriver! We will be celebra ng this amazing des na on right in our own backyard this spring. Stay tuned for more details on the party — May 9. Hope you make our Detroit River Interna onal Wildlife Refuge one of your favorite des na ons! Contribu ng writer Susan White, manager, Detroit River Interna onal Wildlife Refuge.
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Volunteers mission to protect, and preserve the Detroit River From Page 17
ecosystem and, together, of freshwater on the planet help keep the Detroit River and with this historic healthy,” said Jacqueline partnership we all have a Serran, remedial ac on plan chance to preserve it coordinator for for our shared use The Great and enjoyment.” Global Cleanup Detroit River Around the world, was expected to Canadian Cleanup. other Great Global be the largest “And most importantly, we will Cleanup campaigns volunteer meet new friends, will take place in cleanup effort build our April, making it the in history. communi es, and largest volunteer enjoy our natural treasures effort in history with the together.” goal of removing billions of Groups, businesses, pieces of trash from green families and individuals are spaces, urban communi es welcome to join the effort. and waterways. To learn more about the “We encourage everyone Great Global CleanUp: to join us on April 25 in this Detroit River, volunteer tremendous effort to reduce projects and to register to the harmful effects of par cipate, visit www.great‐ pollu on and trash globalcleanupdetroitriver.org. impac ng the river’s
2020 SPRING/SUMMER DOWNRIVER CURRENT • A PUBLICATION OF THE TRENTON TRIB & ISLAND BEACON 19
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