Monarchs are ready
By Dave Merchant [email protected] A new coach and an attitude to make the playoffs makes things look good for the Cabrini Monarchs. Brian O’Brycki is back at the helm and ready to roll. His six seniors who he considers the foundation to build the team around are all captains: senior Jackson Stanley 6-5, 235 pounds at tight end and defensive end; Logan Heath 5-11, 220 at tailback and middle linebacker; Nick Ballas 5-8, 166 wide receiver, quarterback and corner back. Jonas Raiha is a 6-0, 225 middle linebacker and offensive tackle; Benjamin Beluzo is a 6-2, 215 defensive and offensive tackle and Damien King is a 6-1, 180 fullback and linebacker. Other seniors are Kule O’Boyle 6-2, 205 outride lineman and defensive end. Daniel Banisovich is a wide receiver. Sophomore Ryan Kugelman 5-8, 155 will play quarterback and defensive back. One final sophomore with fame is Joel Corvus 5-9 , 135 who plays cornerback, wide receiver and running back. Other key players on the team are sophomore Derek Ballas, juniors Ted Williams, Jacob Roman, Darian Syska. More good players are Daniel Szasranski, junior Matt Schultz and center Antonio LaGreca. “We’ve got some good kids,” O’Brycki said. “We can run.” O’Brycki said they play Riverview Gabriel Richard at Ford Field, Lutheran North and University Liggett. The locals open at home against Detroit Voyager at 7 pm on Thursday, August 29. “I am very excited,” he said. “Excited to coach at the school I went to and a second chance to coach them.
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![]() Ted’s Coney Island: Celebrating 30 years in Allen Park By Charla Hamilton [email protected] Ted’s Coney Island is a staple in Allen Park and they recently reached a milestone. On August 10, they celebrated being in business for 30 years. Recently, Allen Park Guardian had the pleasure of speaking with the owner of Ted’s, Louie Mazaris to find out more about his business and his love for Allen Park. Allen Park Guardian: Please provide some general background information on Ted’s, history, how was the business started, etc.? Louie Mazaris: My mom and dad (Ted and Natalie Mazaris) opened Ted’s. Both my mom’s and my dad’s families all had a history of working in and owning restaurants. The building had actually been a fruit market before they took it over. My dad ran Ted’s until he got sick and then I took over running the business. I started working here when I was 7 years old washing dishes. My two sisters and two brothers worked here as well. Our whole family played a part in Ted’s. It really is a family affair. APG: Why was Allen Park chosen to be the home for Ted’s Coney Island? LM: My mom graduated from Melvindale High School and had lived in the Allen Park area and always thought Allen Park was a great tight-knit community and was also very familiar with the area. APG: What are some characteristics you love about Allen Park and owning a business in Allen Park? LM: It is a very close, tight-knit community. If I need help someone is always there. Everyone is always very supportive. APG: What does being in business for 30 years mean to you? LM: It is overwhelming and mind blowing. We have customers that are more like family and mean a lot to us. Hopefully, I can keep it going another 30 years. APG: What do you feel sets Ted’s apart from similar businesses in Allen Park? LM: The small feel of Ted’s, and the familiarity. It’s away from crowds and lots of traffic, and easier to get to. You can come in, see everyone you know, enjoy the great food and fast service and say hi. The location of being downtown Allen Park appeals to our customers. APG: Any other special facts or information you would like the Allen Park community to know? LM: I want to definitely thank the community for supporting us for 30 years. Hopefully, I can keep the tradition going and the clientele here for another 30. Stop in and say hi to Louie and congratulate him on 30 years. Ted’s Coney Island is located at 6790 Allen Road. For more information visit their website at test.tedsallenpark.com or their Facebook page at facebook.com/tedsconeyisland or call them at 313-928-4544. King loves sports
By Dave Merchant [email protected] Cabrini Monarch Senior athlete Damien King loves his sports. He is looking forward to this year. King plays football and track. “In football I play linebacker and full back and in track I run the 200 and throw shot put,” King said. He said last year they had big moments in football: “Big moments were making the playoffs then winning the first round against Detroit Community,” he said. “I’m excited to lead alongside my friends and classmates.” His favorite teacher was Ms. Hastings and his favorite class was history. His favorite coach is coach Mike and his favorite sport is football. “The goal this season is to be champions, nothing less,” he added. “Big games are homecoming against Liggett, playing GR at Ford Field, and Lutheran North.” “I have multiple ideas for what I want to do in the future, but no set plan yet,” he said. “I’m not completely sure what career I want at this time.” His dad, Christopher King, graduated from Cabrini and played under Coach O also,” he said. “My mom graduated from Kennedy High School.” His hobbies are football and being with friends and family His advice comes from experience: “My advice to underclassmen is do not be afraid to take your shot and compete for your position,” he said. ![]() King loves sports
By Dave Merchant [email protected] Cabrini Monarch Senior athlete Damien King loves his sports. He is looking forward to this year. King plays football and track. “In football I play linebacker and full back and in track I run the 200 and throw shot put,” King said. He said last year they had big moments in football: “Big moments were making the playoffs then winning the first round against Detroit Community,” he said. “I’m excited to lead alongside my friends and classmates.” His favorite teacher was Ms. Hastings and his favorite class was history. His favorite coach is coach Mike and his favorite sport is football. “The goal this season is to be champions, nothing less,” he added. “Big games are homecoming against Liggett, playing GR at Ford Field, and Lutheran North.” “I have multiple ideas for what I want to do in the future, but no set plan yet,” he said. “I’m not completely sure what career I want at this time.” His dad, Christopher King, graduated from Cabrini and played under Coach O also,” he said. “My mom graduated from Kennedy High School.” His hobbies are football and being with friends and family His advice comes from experience: “My advice to underclassmen is do not be afraid to take your shot and compete for your position,” he said. Brett Strong
By Dave Merchant [email protected] Health and life is getting better for one local man. He was able to get a life-saving lung transplant at the University of Michigan Hospital. 22-year-old Allen Park graduate Brett Bowman has had to go through some tough times in life. He has had 65 surgeries and been at the University of Michigan Hospital so much that it feels like a second home. His recent 66th surgery is perhaps the biggest. Brett has Cystic Fibrosis which is a genetic disorder that affects mainly the lungs but also the pancreas, liver, kidneys and intestines. Last week a donor was found and Brett was able to get his transplant. He was notified on Thursday around 8 p.m. and moved to another unit at 11 p.m. He underwent a 12-hour surgery Friday afternoon. His mother, Kim Bowman, couldn’t have been happier. “Everything is going well,” she said. “They even commented that his four years of playing football in high school will help with the speed of the recovery.” She said he is a very tough individual. “He walked for the first time,” she said. “He is ready to start the next chapter of his life.” For her and her family this means so much. Her comment was simple and to the point. “Both him and I want to meet the family of the transplant person. “He wants us to run in a 5K together,” she said. “My heart is full. My heart is full.” This disease has had a toll on his family. His brother Blake died four years ago from the same disease. He was a freshman at APHS and developed double pneumonia. Due to complications and a rare fungus he was unable to fight it off. There is a tree at Allen Park High School planted in his memory. Tom Donasky current Jags football coach and relative to Brett was more than happy about the transplant. “Extremely mentally and physically tough,” Donasky said. “Never complains about his disease just deals with the hand dealt. He is truly a role model for anyone fighting an illness or disease. He has always maintained a positive attitude and lived his life with optimism and hope. Extremely happy for him to be able to truly breath!” Brett’s mom Kim has been very busy. Brett has been in the hospital for several months. The cost of the procedure is covered by her husband Brian’s insurance. The only thing not covered is the cost of the lungs ($40,000). This is not covered because it is considered experimental. Brett was very active in high school playing football and keeping shape. Kim says that this has helped with his fight. Renee Waddell whose son went to elementary school with Brett had this to say about him: “Brett and my son went to elementary school together. Brett is a wonderful young man who teaches us strength and courage. Kimmy and the family have been through so much. Brett has taught not only me but Allen Park how to treasure every moment in life. They are a special family to me and I love them dearly.” Tom Hoover former Jags head football coach had this to add: “He is one of the kindest nicest people. I am a big supporter. His mother, Kim, is a ball of energy. Both he and his brother played football. The parents were at everything for their children.” He was diagnosed with CF two days after his first birthday. There was only a 25 percent chance for him and his brother to develop CF, unfortunately they both did. It has been a tough last year for him and even tougher last six months. “The team looks at him as a perfect specimen,” Kim said. “He is great at football and athletic.” There will be a fundraiser for Brett in the coming varsity football game which will be the alumni game on Sept. 20th against the Trenton Trojans. They will have a Purple Out which is the color for CF. Residents of Allen Park will soon be seeing purple ribbons around trees to help fight CF. To donate or help the family out please contact [email protected]. ![]() Stanley is a Standout By Dave Merchant [email protected] Senior Jackson Stanley is one of Cabrini’s tallest and most talented athletes. At 6-5 he stands out under center. He plays basketball and football. In football he plays quarterback, tight end, defensive end, punter and kicker. “Football is my favorite sport,” Jackson Stanley said. “My favorite sport moment is receiving my first offer from D2 school, Davenport University.” He wants to be undefeated and bring a championship to Cabrini. “My goal is that Cabrini can beat anyone in their league,” he said. Chemistry is his favorite class and his favorite teacher is Ms. Kelley Hastings. His favorite coach is the new football coach Brian Obrycki. His mom is Nicole Cousineau, his father is Rick Stanley and his siblings are Colton Stanley and Bryson Stanley. Big games for football are GR and Everest. His hobbies include hunting and fishing. His advice to younger players holds true. “Never give up. Stick with the process,” he said. He wants to play sports in college and he plans to be a chiropractor. ![]() Thomas can play sports By Dave Merchant [email protected] Allen Park High School’s Thomas David Jr. likes to play sports. He plays football, baseball and basketball. He is playing over the summer on a team in Detroit. They travel to other states as well as playing teams in Michigan. He plays with older players and this experience will only make him better for the Jaguars high school teams. “Baseball is my favorite sport,” Thomas David, Jr. said. “I play third, middle infield, and catcher.” He has some favorite memories of playing: “Just winning tournaments with your friends & all the great tournaments & States I’ve been able to play at and now this great opportunity to play the sport I love & represent the city of Detroit at the MLB RBI in Indianapolis.” Mrs. Keisel is his favorite teacher and Andy Green is his favorite coach. “I want to play baseball and be successful in life,” he said. “My college choices are Michigan State, Florida, and LSU. His mom is Rosie, his dad is Thomas and his siblings are DaMario, and Dalyssia. His advice for other athletes is strong: “My advice for other athletes is to work hard for what you want and never give up,” he said.
By J.M. Boggs
Like a homeowner refinancing a home to take advantage of lower mortgage rates, the city of Allen Park saw some sizable savings by restricting some debt. Chief Financial Officer Bob Cady detailed the savings during the May 28 meeting of the City Council. In all, five bond issues were refinanced with bids opened on May 15. “I’m happy to report that the total savings on those issues was almost $2.9 million over the life of those bonds,” Cady said, “an average of $229,496 a year.” Most of the annual savings come through the refinancing of bonds issued to pay for the city’s Brownfield project with an average savings of $117,000 each year. In all about $16 million of bonds were refinanced. Cady praised a wide array of town officials, attorneys and advisors for their work to execute the maneuver, as well as US Bank which will handle the financial transactions. “It was a lot of work by a lot of people,” Cady said. “But you can’t deny the savings. It was beyond what I thought we would do.” The average life of the bands was 12 years and the city would have paid out just shy of $24 million by the time the debt was paid off. Now, the reduction in interest paid will mean the city pays $21,038,000. “It came out very well,” said Mayor William Matakas. |