Trenton Mayor Steven Rzeppa delivers the state of the city address Feb. 12 during the Boujee Banquet 2 at the Westfield Center.
Attendee Steve Hugg (right) is recognized as the Best Dressed Man Feb. 12 during the Boujee Banquet 2 at the Westfield Center.
‘Luxurious yet humble’
By SUE SUCHYTA
Sunday Times Newspapers
TRENTON – City officials and the Rotary Club of Trenton celebrated the annual state of the city and awards ceremony Feb. 12 with the second annual Boujee Banquet at the Westfield Center.
Boujee is hip-hop slang for something “luxurious in lifestyle yet humble in character,” a phrase that could be said to capture the character of the community.
In addition to being a celebration of the city, with speeches by Mayor Steven Rzeppa and Trenton Public Schools Supt. Doug Mentzer, awards were given to public servants, businesses and volunteers.
A recognition of the best dressed attendees committed to the Boujee theme were given to attendees Steve Hugg, who paired a green velvet dinner jacket with jeans, and to Jackie Ford, who rocked a purple sequined gown with a tiara.
The Rotary Club of Trenton’s Paul Harris Fellow Award was given to Ron Hinchrichs, president and CEO of the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber. The award recognizes individuals who contribute $1,000 to the Rotary Foundation, which fosters international understanding and humanitarian efforts.
Sherri Gramlich of the Trenton Business Association presented the Deacon Bob Bovich 2026 Business Grant to the Ramsey Family Restaurant.
Fire Chief Keith Anderson recognized Jeff Glowacki as the Outstanding Firefighter, while Police Chief Mike Hawkins recognized Jonathan Lipa as the Outstanding Police Officer.
Community superstar volunteer Joel Sherrard received the Outstanding Trentonite Award from Rzeppa.
Trenton Police Chief Mike Hawkins (left) presents Jonathon Lipa with the Outstanding Police Officer Award Feb. 12 during the Boujee Banquet 2 at the Westfield Center.
During his seventh state of the city address, Rzeppa said attendees could take immense pride in the direction the city is taking.
He said he is pleased with the transformation that is occurring at the DTE Battery Energy Storage System site, and the goal is to have it live and running by the end of 2026 or early in 2027, and it will be the largest battery energy storage system in the Midwest.
Rzeppa said Riverside Hospital has been completely demolished, with erosion control measures in place.
He said the city has invested nearly $3 million in improvements and renovations to local parks, with approximately 45 percent of the funds coming from grants and donations.
Rzeppa said the Wayne County Park Millage provided new playground equipment and upgraded fencing for the Cambridge and Sycklemoore tot lots, while Slocum Park received money from Wayne County Community Development Block Grants for new pickleball courts, a basketball court, an Americans with Disabilities Act inclusive playground, walking paths and baseball field upgrades, with 2026 seeing a new boardwalk extending to the river, completion of the pavilion, signage and improved water access points.
He said the Westfield Activities Center received major structural and interior renovations, with enhanced accessibility and functionality.
Rzeppa said the Kennedy Recreation Center received a new parking lot in 2025, and solar upgrades will be installed in 2026 to support long-term efficiency and sustainability.
He praised community events, from the summer festival to the fireworks, which he said is one of the largest fireworks displays outside of Detroit.
Rzeppa praised the work of the Downtown Development Authority, led by Angelia Pusino, mentioning business grants, as well as events like Lobsterpalooza, Witches Night Out and the Trenton Village Theater Legacy project.
He said the summer arts festival saw five additional murals added to the downtown.
Rzeppa said the DDA was awarded a $40,000 Southeast Michigan Council of Governments Planning Assistance Grant to create a West Jefferson Streetscape study.
He also provided updates on the Department of Public Works projects, the police and fire departments, the emergency management department, human resources, the wastewater treatment facility and the Trenton Veterans Memorial Library.
“We have so much to be thankful for here, and so much to be excited about in 2026,” Rzeppa said. “Trenton will continue to be the premier place to be Downriver and with your help, much more, far and wide than that.
“Remember, alone we can do so little, but together we can accomplish so much.”
Trenton City Administrator Dean Creech speaks Feb. 12 at the Boujee Banquet 2, a state of the city and awards banquet at the Westfield Center.
Trenton Public Schools Supt. Doug Mentzer delivers an update Feb. 12 during the Boujee Banquet 2 at the Westfield Center.
Attendee Jackie Ford (right) is recognized as the Best Dressed Woman Feb. 12 during the Boujee Banquet 2 at the Westfield Center.
Ron Hinchrichs (right), president and CEO of the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber, receives the Paul Harris Fellow Award from Mark Angellotti of the Trenton Rotary Club on Feb. 12 during the Boujee Banquet 2 at the Westfield Center.
Sherri Gramlich (left) of the Trenton Business Association presents the Deacon Bob Bovich 2026 Business Grant to the Ramsey Family Restaurant Feb. 12 during the Boujee Banquet 2 at the Westfield Center.
Trenton Fire Chief Keith Anderson (left) presents the Outstanding Fire Fighter Award to Jeff Glowacki Feb. 12 during the Boujee Banquet 2 at the Westfield Center.
“Community superstar” Joel Sherrard (left) receives the Outstanding Trentonite Award from Mayor Steven Rzeppa Feb. 12 during the Boujee Banquet 2 at the Westfield Center.