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Led by Mayor Joe Kuspa, the city of Southgate officially welcomed the holidays with it’s annual tree lighting ceremony at Kiwanis Train Park on Dec.3. There was music and train rides and even Santa Claus as residents celebrated the season. See more photos on Page 3.

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Page 2 • December 13 — January 14, 2022 • SOUTHGATE STAR

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SOUTHGATE STAR • December 13 — January 14, 2022 • Page 3

Welcome Christmas

After a year off because of the pandemic, the Southgate Tree Lighting was back in full force. On Dec. 3 at Kiwanis Tran Park, speeches were made, music rang out and the switch was flipped, lighting up the tree and decorations at the park.

Santa was on hand to greet area children and train rides were presented by the Great Lakes Steamers.

Photos by Larry Caruso

Page 4 • December 13 — January 14, 2022 • SOUTHGATE STAR

CULINARY CAPERS

When you went grocery shopping, did you notice that shelves usually EVELYN stacked with cans of CAIRNES jellied and wholeSouthgate Star berry cranberry sauce were empty? Unfortunately, those shelves may remain bare as a result of tin-can shortages and chain-supply problems, spokesmen for the cranberry industry say. Furthermore, America’s top cranberry producer, Wisconsin, is having a bad year and reports that cranberry production is down nearly 100 million pounds.

I was able to make the following recipes because I always have dried cranberries on hand; I had frozen bags of fresh cranberries before I heard reports about possible shortages; and I had set aside two cans of wholecranberry sauce for the holidays.

After trying the recipes, I quickly added them to my list of favorites.

The cookies, a Taste of Home winning recipe, are addictively delicious, and because they are made with dried cranberries, there’s no need to worry about shortages . . . at least not yet.

The one-bowl Ocean Spray Classic Cranberry Nut Bread is oven ready in only 20 minutes. Among more than 50 pages of online comments about the bread were many from women who had been baking it for 25 to 60 years!

The copycat recipe for Kroger’s Cranberry Celebration Salad, one of several on the internet, is not only delicious, but easy and makes enough to share, which I did for Thanksgiving.

CRANBERRY CHOCOLATE CHIP WALNUT COOKIES 1 cup butter, softened 1 cup sugar 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon salt 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips 1 ½ cups dried cranberries ¾ cup chopped walnuts ½ cup English toffee or almond brickle chips Set oven at 350 degrees. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture,

mixing well. Stir in chocolate chips, cranberries, walnuts and toffee bits (dough will be stiff). Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart onto ungreased or parchment-lined baking sheets. Flatten slightly. Bake for 11 to 14 minutes or until set and edges are lightly browned. Cool for 2 minutes before removing to finish cooling on wire racks.

OCEAN SPRAY CLASSIC CRANBERRY NUT BREAD 2 cups flour 1 cup sugar 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt ¾ cup orange juice 1 tablespoon grated orange peel 2 tablespoons softened butter 1 egg, well beaten 1 ½ cups Ocean Spray fresh or frozen cranberries, coarsely chopped ½ cup chopped walnuts Set oven at 350 degrees. Grease or spray a 9x5-inch loaf pan with baking spray. In a medium-size mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Stir in orange juice, orange peel, butter and egg. Mix until well blended. Stir in cranberries and nuts. Spread dough evenly in pan. Bake for 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a rack for 15 minutes. Remove from pan and cool completely. Wrap and store overnight.

KROGER COPYCAT CRANBERRY SALAD 15-ounce can crushed pineapple, drained (save juice) ½ cup cranberry juice 2 tablespoons lemon juice 3-ounce package raspberry Jell-O gelatin dessert 15-ounce can whole berry cranberry sauce 1/2 cup chopped walnuts Bring to a boil pineapple juice, cranberry juice and lemon juice. Add Jell-O and stir until dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in cranberries.

Refrigerate until almost set, then add pineapple and nuts. Return to refrigerator until set and ready to serve.

MERRY CHRISTMAS! Contact me at Evycairns@aol.com

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 your going to need to do this right.

To my numerous former clients – thank you for allowing me to draft your estate plan!

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SOUTHGATE STAR • December 13 — January 14, 2022 • Page 5

This season rely on these healthy holiday snacks It’s that time of year again -- the gatherings, gift shopping and holiday stress is about to set in.

Instead of giving into unhealthy temptations this season, aim to make wellness a priority with healthy eating that still feels like a treat.

Asked to bring a dessert to a work or family function? Instead of choosing a pie or cake full of added sugar, go for something with a healthy twist like chocolate covered organic strawberries.

Make them even more health-conscious by choosing dark chocolate for dipping.

Choose healthy alternatives to common dinners.

Hungry for pasta? Pick whole wheat or multigrain noodles instead of enriched white pasta, as well as brown rice or quinoa over white rice.

When baking, try substituting applesauce for oil. If the holiday season gets the best of you, visit our practice to restore balance to your body. We’re here when you need us.

late to see us. Contact our team today if you’d like to book an appointment.

What’s causing your hip pain?

Did you know that between 30-4o percent of adults over 60 suffer from somedegree of regular hip pain? For many, this means that enjoying their golden years becomes filled with pain and difficult mobility instead of laughter and activities they love.

Some of the most common causes

include arthritis, bone fractures, and trochanteric bursitis, which is caused by inflammation in a liquid filled sac near the hip joint.

If you suffer from hip pain, you have more options than just taking pain pills.

Instead, consider visiting us for gentle, focused chiropractic care designed to address the root cause of your pain.

Whatever your age, it’s never too

Just taking a moment to say …

How it happened so quickly we aren’t sure, but with less than two full months of 2021 left, we wanted to hit pause for a second and share our thanks with you.

As your partner in health, we strive to bring you the best in natural wellness.

When you join us for an adjustment, we ask you to partner with us and trust in the power of chiropractic care.

Without your dedication and ability to show up and continue to work for thehealth you deserve, we wouldn’t get to do what we love every day.

Thank you for making what’s been a tough year for the world a little better for our team. As the year winds down and the holiday season begins, we just wanted to say thanks for choosing us, and we look forward to continuing to serve you for years to come.

From Cousineau Chiropractic

Page 6 • December 13 — January 14, 2022 • SOUTHGATE STAR

A Gabriel Richard Update

G

By Josie Bochenek, GR class of 2022

abriel Richard Catholic High School held their annual Giving Tuesday fundraising event, Burgundy Tuesday on November 30, 2021. Students spent the first few minutes of each class period virtually reaching out to family, friends, and even celebrities to draw in donations. The money raised on Burgundy Tuesday will go towards installing air conditioning units throughout the building. Any supplementary funds accumulated will be used to update the science classrooms. In other exciting news around GR, winter sports have recently started their seasons. The GR boys hockey team defeated University of Detroit Jesuit on November 30 and Brother Rice on December 3, with both games resulting in a final score of 5-1. That same night, the varsity girls basketball team won against Southgate Anderson with an impressive score of 48-29. In an effort to raise awareness about the recent tragedy at Oxford High School, Gabriel Richard students wore blue and gold on December 3rd. Each student donated to a fund for the victim’s families and wore Oxford’s school colors to show solidarity with the Oxford community. The Gabriel Richard community will be keeping all of those affected by this tragedy in their prayers.

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SOUTHGATE STAR • December 13 — January 14, 2022 • Page 7

Farewell to a legend

Mary Jarosz retires from Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber DAVE GORGON

Mary Jarosz accepts an award for her years of service to the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber.

At left is husband Richard. At right is chamber President Ronald Hinrichs.

Southgate Star

For more than a quarter of a century, Mary Jarosz booked guest speakers and sponsors of the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber’s Legislative and Business Forum.

Her role as coordinator of the monthly forums came to an end on Nov. 22 as she was honored during one final luncheon at Crystal Gardens Banquet Center in Southgate.

On behalf of the chamber’s Board of Directors, chamber President Ronald Hinrichs honored the Riverview resident for her tireless work on behalf of the residents, business people and elected officials throughout the Downriver area.

“Mary has played a tremendous role in the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber’s service to our Downriver and Southern Wayne County employers and workforce for decades,” Hinrichs said, “and it is a significant honor to recognize her for her many years of service to our community.”

Before she became the forum coordinator, Jarosz brought groups of interested area residents to the series to keep them educated on important matters and issues impacting the Downriver business community.

Hinrichs said then-chamber President Edward Clemente noticed Jarosz’s “consistent attendance and interest” in the forums and offered her the opportunity to lead the series, which she had spoken so highly of to anyone who would listen.

Her efforts provided “critical information on important matters impacting our Downriver business community and” provided “direct access for our region’s employers and workforce to key decisionmakers throughout Michigan,” Hinrichs said.

He credited Jarosz for bringing in “tremendous speakers throughout the years” and built the chamber forum to what it is today. Guests included U.S. President George H.W. Bush, various Michigan governors and attorneys general, secretaries of state, state legislators, various Michigan business and nonprofit leaders and U.S. senators, including current Michigan Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow.

“The forum series under Mary’s

Photo by Dave Gorgon

leadership was started each year with an annual address by Downriver’s champion, U.S. Congressman John Dingell, and now his predecessor, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell,” Hinrichs said.

The speaker on Nov. 22 was Bill Ballenger, known as Michigan’s “crown prince of pundits,” publisher of The Ballenger Report and a regular commentator on politics and government for an array of newspapers and radio and television news stations.

The forum offered an in-depth analysis and forecast of what is ahead for Michigan’s political scene.

Jarosz said that one of her favorite duties has been contributing to the educational opportunities of youth in the region by providing free admission for high school seniors to each forum event, with sponsors paying the way so students could attend at no cost.

Represented at the Nov. 22 forum were students from St. Frances Cabrini High School in Allen Park and Ecorse High School.

“The forums are one of the arms of communication of the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber with their membership and their schools to enhance the continuous growth and exposure of local issues around our Downriver community,” Jarosz said.

“It is a team effort put on by the past and current presidents of the chamber and their staff. I was privileged to be part of that and will continue to support the chamber mission. My love for the chamber has been there and I wish them

the best.”

Hinrichs noted that Jarosz also serves on the chamber’s board of directors, representing Crystal Gardens, where she managed the popular Downriver Town Hall series for many years. She also serves on the chamber’s Public Policy Committee and has worked alongside four chamber presidents: Hinrichs, Clemente, Alan Anderson and Sandy Mull.

Clemente said the legislative forums help provide balance between the public and private sectors, which are crucial for economic development.

“Mary did a great job,” said Clemente, who now serves as senior advisor for trends and development for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and hosts “The Michigan Opportunity” podcast. “It’s nice to see people take their job so seriously for so long and produce a great product.”

Retired chamber President Mull called Jarosz “an invaluable member of the chamber team for all of the 15 years I was on staff. She was a willing worker, always saying yes to any request for help.”

Mull credited Jarosz for having contacts “at every level of government that the rest of us could never dream of reaching. She was organized and efficient. I never had to wonder how a forum would turn out. With Mary in charge, it was sure to be successful.”

“Mary was a dear friend as well,” Mull added. “I’m thankful that I retired before she did. I would not want to do it without her. Mary, I wish you rest and

enjoyment in your retirement.”

Hinrichs, who also lives in Riverview, said Jarosz is a naturalized United States citizen. He said she is a native of Columbia, where she still has family.

After moving to the United States, Mary grew up on the east side of Detroit and attended Wayne State University, where she studied liberal arts, Hinrichs said. She has resided in Riverview for nearly 55 years, serves on the municipality’s Board of Review, has been active in Girl Scouts and is a member of the city’s Hall of Fame.

“Mary has been an integral part of Riverview’s past and we appreciate all she has done – not only for us, but for the whole Downriver region,” said Riverview Mayor Andrew Swift, who was on hand during the November 22 forum.

Today, Jarosz remains very active in local politics, including the Downriver Republican Club, and serving her community. She and husband Rick have two adult children, Inez-Marie Jarosz and Steven Jarosz, two grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Jarosz said her mother Ines Ghilzon, now 101 years old, and her late father Roman and her brother Jim, provided guidance and enlightenment along the way.

“I have reached out to make my community a better community,” Jarosz said. “I’ve given my talents to make sure that they have received leadership.

My life has not ended; I’ve just stopped doing the work.

“I will be in the community, which is very exciting at times. I have met wonderful leadership from all different directions, from the Downriver Community Conference to Wayne County Community College District to all of the sponsors. They have enlightened me. They have given me something to work for. My idea was to please them, the community and the sponsors and I believe I have done that.”

Page 8 • December 13 — January 14, 2022 • SOUTHGATE STAR

Enjoying Michigan’s out-of-doors is shared experience Hannah Schauer

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Michigan is full of opportunities to enjoy wildlife recreation, and full of people who do just that, including people who work for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Many DNR staffers are outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy participating in wildlife recreation pastimes like hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing – just like Michigan’s citizens who benefit from the work the department does.

Along with many others across the state, DNR employees value these outdoor pursuits and want to preserve these opportunities for the future.

“It is our privilege to manage the state’s wildlife resources on behalf of all the citizens of Michigan,” said Jared Duquette, chief of the DNR Wildlife Division. “We all benefit from having a diversity of wildlife and habitats on the landscape.”

Duquette said maintaining the plethora of wildlife recreation opportunities in Michigan is vital to supporting funding for conservation projects and continued public support for conservation efforts.

Wildlife recreation has a significant impact on Michigan’s economy.

According to a 2019 Michigan United Conservation Clubs economic impact study, hunting- and fishing-related purchases in the state generate more than $11.2 billion annually.

In Michigan, MUCC’s study estimates there are 700,000 hunters and 1.1 million anglers. Many DNR staff are among those ranks of outdoor enthusiasts.

In fact, DNR staff often seek out a career in the natural resources management field because they enjoy some related outdoor recreation as a personal pastime.

“Hunting was a major part of my childhood growing up,” said Chad Stewart, the DNR’s deer, elk and moose program specialist. “I enjoyed the camaraderie and traditions associated with hunting season, and as I got older, grew to appreciate the animal’s biology and influence on the landscape even more.

“Having a job where you can uphold those same traditions that were valuable to your youth, while understanding more about the animal itself, is so

Photos courtesy Michigan DNR

A duck hunter motors out across Goose Lake in Marquette County.

incredibly unique. I think it’s safe to say without my early exposure to hunting, I wouldn’t have the same level of appreciation I have now for hunters, and certainly would have another job.”

Like Stewart, many DNR Wildlife Division staffers got started in wildlife management because they grew up with fond memories of experiences such as watching birds or other wildlife or hunting and trapping with their family and friends.

“I know that I wouldn’t have found this career without the experiences I was introduced to when I was young,” said DNR wildlife biologist Shelby Adams, who covers Pigeon River Country, in parts of Otsego and Cheboygan counties. “I feel so fortunate to get to

work with wildlife and encourage the next generation of hunters and wildlife managers. Appreciation of wildlife and the outdoors is something I was taught and is integral to all parts of my life.”

Adams recalls fondly her first deer hunt with her father.

“To this day, it’s still the largest buck I’ve ever harvested,” Adams said. “I love that memory with my dad.”

Kristie Sitar, a DNR wildlife biologist covering Luce and parts of Chippewa and Mackinac counties in the eastern Upper Peninsula, recalled as a kid one of the things she loved was hearing great horned owls at night and seeing bluebirds hunting insects in the fields.

This early interest in birds and other wildlife spurred her to pursue a career in

Michigan’s outdoors offers countless recreation opportunities and beautiful scenery.

wildlife.

“Memories associated with cool sightings of birds, elk antler shed hunting and watching ermine hunt, all got me where I am today,” Sitar said.

“Once you have an appreciation for a bird or animal the next logical step is an interest in maintaining or improving their habitat.

“For example, many bird species are in decline, and having this awareness of a critical habitat need helps me in my job as I work on habitat management for species conservation.”

Duquette has a similar story.

“My love for exploration of wild places started at a young age. I grew up in a family that was active in outdoor recreation, including camping and deer hunting in remote areas of Michigan.

Over time I have expanded my interests to also include studying plants and birding.”

In the United States, an estimated 103.7 million residents 16 years old and older, or 41percent of the population, participated in wildlife-related recreational activities in 2016, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s 2016 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation.

Wildlife watchers made up a wide majority of those residents at 86 million, anglers made up 35.8 million and there were 11.5 million hunters.

“Getting people into the outdoors to experience wildlife in some manner is essential to maintaining and increasing the number of people who are stewards of wildlife conservation,” Duquette said.

Conserving wildlife species and their habitats, especially on public lands, provides a place for people to participate in outdoor and wildlife-based recreation.

“Personally, I really enjoy the challenge of exploring new places and finding the unique wildlife or plants that are there,” Duquette said. “I love doing the homework using field guides and other tools to find areas, like good spots to hunt or places I might find rare plants.

This often takes me to locations I may not otherwise explore. And to have the homework pay off in harvesting a deer or photographing a native orchid is icing on the cake.”

Lately, Duquette has been visiting state-managed lands in southern SEE SHARED, Page 9

SOUTHGATE STAR • December 13 — January 14, 2022 • Page 9

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Continued from page 8 Michigan and has enjoyed exploring the fens and wetland habitats at Waterloo Recreation Area in Jackson and Washtenaw counties.

Adams said her favorite hunting activity is archery deer hunting.

“I also enjoy goose and duck hunting with my husband, brother and cousins,” she said. “I love the community atmosphere of those hunts and the excitement that hits you when you can tell that the birds are coming your way.”

Adams adds that she prefers hunting with others and sharing those moments of excitement or disappointment.

When asked what his favorite wildlife-related activity is, Stewart said picking just one is difficult because it varies from season to season.

“I really love spring turkey hunting because of the ability to interact with the bird from a distance, while trying to beat its amazing eyesight up close,” Stewart said. “I also enjoy archery hunting for whitetails in the fall as their activity combined with the time of year is tough to beat. And I have a blast taking my German shorthair pointer out pheasant hunting, too.”

While Stewart enjoys hunting, he never passes on the chance to go birding, hiking and geocaching with his family throughout the year. Places they enjoy exploring include local community parks, Rose Lake State Wildlife Area north of East Lansing and also the Marquette area in the Upper Peninsula.

In addition to abundant hunting and fishing opportunities, Michigan offers chances at some unique wildlife watching you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.

Elk viewing opportunities during the fall months in the northern Lower Peninsula draw people from all

around. Birdwatching opportunities are abundant year-round and statewide with multiple migratory routes converging in the state.

Sitar said that while there are many kinds of enjoyable outdoor and wildliferelated recreation, her favorite activity is bird watching.

And she’s not alone. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife survey, of the 86 million wildlife watchers in the United States, 45.1 million people participated in bird watching.

“I enjoy the challenge of bird identification from sound alone and identifying species at different times of year, when they are changing plumage and as they become more secretive during nesting activities,” Sitar said.

“It requires a lot of patience and is very rewarding to finally identify a bird you’ve been watching or hearing.”

Dollarville Flooding State Wildlife Management Area and the Silver Creek Birding Trail, both near Newberry in Luce County, are places with diverse habitats where Sitar enjoys birding.

She also likes searching out and finding local rarities, like boreal chickadees she photographed recently in Marquette County. Sitar said another great thing about bird watching is it is free, and you can do it anyplace.

“You can hike, bike, kayak, camp or stack wood and be bird watching,” she said. “And with the wide variety of bird species found in Michigan, and that migrate through the state, there is always something new to look for.”

From birdwatching to hunting and fishing to camping, off-road vehicle riding, geocaching, photography and more, DNR staffers enjoy the diverse range of outdoor recreation and wildlife opportunities Michigan offers.

Just like you do.

Learn more about the wide range of outdoor and wildlife-related recreation activities Michigan has to offer on the DNR’s Things to Do page.

Page 10 • December 13 — January 14, 2022 • SOUTHGATE STAR

SOUTHGATE STAR • December 13 — January 14, 2022 • Page 11

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SOUTHGATE STAR • December 13 — January 14, 2022 • Page 15

Page 16 • December 13 — January 14, 2022 • SOUTHGATE STAR

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Titan girls get their first win under new coach The Anderson girls basketball team won just one game last season, against 15 losses. It took this year’s version of the team exactly two games to match that victory total.

On Dec. 3 the Titans hosted Dearborn Heights Annapolis and beat the non-league Cougars 52-39. The victory evened the Titans record at 1-1 after a season-opening loss to non-league Gabriel Richard.

The Titans have not had a winning season in a long time and first-year coach Cole Roberts, who stepped in for longtime coach Larry Sakalas, said he hopes to turn that around.

The Titans feature a 10-player roster this season, evenly divided between seniors and juniors.

The seniors are Miranda Graham, McKenna Freitas, Autumn Bolash, Natalie Packwood, and Danica McCoy. The juniors are Ella Petrarca, Sierra Solo, Ava Zacker, Shelby Plummer and Kamryn McCutcheon.

Against Richard, the Titans fell into an early hole and could never crawl out. Richard scored the first eight points of the game and led 32-10 at halftime.

Miranda Graham, one of five seniors on the On the bright side for Anderson team, had seven points in a loss to Anderson, the team did Richard. bounce back after the intermission and outscored Richard 19-16 the rest of the night.

Richard’s scoring came from two players as Haley Hand and Isabella Assimacopoulos combined for 41 of their team’s 48 points. Hand led all scorers in the game with 25.

For Anderson, Bolash had 13 points and Graham added seven. Petrarca, McCutcheon, Freitas and McCoy also scored.

The Titans have since opened the Downriver League season with games against Trenton and Lincoln Park. They will host Roosevelt Dec. 14 and go to Cabrini Dec. 20 before breaking for the holidays.

2021-22 schedule December 14 Wyandotte, 7 p.m.

December 20 at Cabrini, 7 p.m.

January 7 at Woodhaven, 7 p.m.

January 11 at Carlson, 7 p.m.

January 14 Edsel Ford, 7 p.m.

January 15 at Jefferson, 4:30 p.m, January 18 Allen Park, 7 p.m.

January 21 at Taylor, 7 p.m.

January 25 at Trenton, 7 p.m.

January 28 Lincoln Park, 7 p.m.

February 1 at Wyandotte, 6 p.m., February 11 Woodhaven, 7 p.m.

February 15, Carlson, 7 p.m.

February 18 at Edsel Ford, 7 p.m.

February 22 at Allen Park, 7 p.m.

February 25 Taylor, 7 p.m.

February 28 At Districts (Roosevelt) 2021-22 roster 3 Miranda Graham, senior 4 McKenna Freitas, senior 5 Autumn Bolash, senior 10 Natalie Packwood, senior 22 Ella Petrarca, junior 23 Sierra Solo, junior 32 Danica McCoy, senior 33 Ava Zacker, junior 42 Shelby Plummer, junior 50 Kamryn McCutcheon, junior

Southgate Education Foundation full of good works The Southgate Education Foundation (SEF) was created in 2019 and hosted the first Have a Heart Gala that spring.

The committee were all staff members from the district, now there are a couple of parents of students/alumni on the committee; That first year, SEF was able to raise over $35,000 through various fundraising platforms, with the Gala being the most rewarding.

A SEF Hall of Fame was started and had the first inductees -fout in all - at the Gala.

Staff members and clubs were able to apply for grants and the committee got together to determine which would be awarded. Some of the money raised was used for those grants. Here are a few things those grants provided: • Positive sayings murals at Davidson Middle School • Flexible seating at Davidson • Wellness Wednesdays at Anderson High School • Therapeutic space at Anderson • Bottle filling station at one of the schools • Horticulture activity at an elementary school • Science models • Preview night for incoming 6th graders at Davidson • Diary of Anne Frank novels • Walkie talkie radios for an elementary school • Microscopes • Alternate energy and environment project • Workout shirts for the ROTC program • Safety shirts for a Washington DC trip • Asher pride project • Scholarships for some class of 2020 graduates The Foundation had been planning the Gala for spring of 2020. The date was set, favors were ordered, deposits made, tickets were sold, donations were coming in and sponsors had stepped up to help us make it a successful year.

The ball was rolling rather quickly and then COVID-19 hit. Everything came to a halt. The 2020 Gala was canceled.

Some of the sponsors decided to still make the donation to our organization even though there would be no gala. Because of their generosity, SEF was able to award more scholarships.

Only two $1,000 scholarships to 2020 graduates who applied, but we were able to give 14 $1,000 scholarships to the graduating seniors from the class of 2020!!

The Gala for 2021 was never planned because of COVID. The 2022 Gala is in the midst of planning and the organization is thrilled to be back at it. The Foundation’s goal this year is to double the amount we raised in 2019.

The 2022 Have a Heart Gala will take place on Friday, April 22, 2022 at Crystal Gardens in Southgate from 6:30 pm-11:00 pm.

Tickets go on sale Jan. 4 and will be $65 per person or $600 per table (up to 10 seats).

Buffet dinner will be served and beverages are included.

This is an event for district staff, parents and family members, community members, business owners, friends, and neighbors to come together outside of work and support this amazing community non-profit organization.

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SOUTHGATE STAR • December 13 — January 14, 2022 • Page 17

Page 18 • December 13 — January 14, 2022 • SOUTHGATE STAR

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SOUTHGATE STAR • December 13 — January 14, 2022 • Page 19

Page 20 • December 13 — January 14, 2022 • SOUTHGATE STAR

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An interesting year is rushing toward the finish line As you listen to and watch the news in these last few weeks before Christmas and as the season is dissected and information disseminated to one and all, I want you to be sure to be super clear that what you are hearing is PETER the observations of ROSE organizations and Southgate Star people that know only totals and reportable results.

The Gap shares its numbers, as does every publicly traded retailer.

As the owner of an independent retail business, I don’t. No one in the world can disseminate information that they don’t have. But that’s what will happen, as it always does. They report national numbers that have nothing to do with what happens here in localville (Bring it on down to Localville!).

Watching CBS News this morning, one of the anchors was marveling about the wonder of Etsy, which he had just discovered. By the way, Etsy is not one of the problems when it comes to internet presences. Quite the contrary, actually. But I digress.

This anchor was taken by the fact that he was spending more time there than he was on his Amazon account.

He is an Amazon shopper, and he shares openly as if (and it’s true) everyone is. Except me, of course.

That tacit communication of “the way things are” is everywhere. It’s a fact of life, it’s no big deal, get over it, Peter……

Well, believe it or not, I am in the process of getting over it.

My company is in good company with local and independent menswear and womenswear stores everywhere.

Along with so many other small businesses that are experiencing fantastic sales this whole year, and showing no signs of falling flat this holiday season.

We’re all just scratching our heads with relief and wonder and happiness, and racing to keep up with demand.

We’re all experiencing a solid rush of open support for Small, that seems to be growing in scope and degree.

Now, how can I know anything?

I will be stunned if Amazon doesn’t have yet another record year. Meaning that spending is going on there as well. It’s not just Amazon, of course.

Watch a little bit of broadcast TV and take in all of the direct-to-consumer websites that sell everything.

For the people like the anchor I referenced, it’s manna from heaven.

They don’t have to talk to people, what a relief! They don’t have to worry about making sure their local business climate is humming and growing. They couldn’t care less.

But there is no question that the steady drumbeat of localism messaging is having an impact. So many people are telling me to keep writing. Of course, they’re “the choir” and people I don’t preach to. They value what is offered at Small. What we sell is not more expensive here than at Big. They couldn’t care more about leveraging their discretionary spending to maximum effect, so that the echo (ripple) spending that results from their decision is felt over and over and over again, right here in their neighborhoods and region.

They get it.

And they tell me all the reasons, including how much we mean to them (wow!). I can’t express the satisfaction of having people educate me on the importance of it all.

In the process, of course, my

company benefits directly.

Obviously, my stores benefit tremendously from each and every decision to “get it from us.” On the simplest of levels, local people can pay the salaries of the people that work here with their decision to buy here.

When you broaden that out and you realize that each store has to pay rents and health care and taxes and payroll and that we can all help them do that, or not…..well, geez, it’s astoundingly, powerfully simple.

But that’s not what I am talking about.

I just want to be included in a mindset that simply asks, “where can I get this locally?” for every single purchasing decision made by as many people as humanly possible, every day of the year. Not to keep me inbusiness, in particular, but because the more that happens, the more the meshwork of our entire local economy becomes so much stronger and bouncy and generous.

It’s not a “Small Business Saturday” concept. It’s thinking it all through and recognizing that every single purchase matters, big and small, all the time.

Chelsea and Willow Tree are enjoying this year a very gratifying demonstration of appreciation for what we contribute to our local

percolating economy.

Our little cog in that wheel. It feels very good. We work very hard all year long, every year. But we’re not so “special” (well, ok, we are that special if you ask me, but I just might be biased). Every single indie business is in the same boat. And as you know, it’s all of our healthiness that makes the difference.

It’s Christmas time. Enjoying success happens one customer at a time that makes a decision to contribute to that success, but it is felt particularly strongly at this time of year. I’m very grateful, as are all of us independent businesses that have earned your support. Together, we make our Downriver community thrive. More and more people are feeling this in their minds and hearts.

It’s a trend. It’s a shared feeling of community.

Believe me, it all adds up to a very warm feeling, my friends.

We (my wife, Janelle and I) add to that feeling of warmth by saying nice, positive, warm things about every local place we can.

I think we can all help stem the tide of apartness by caring about each other. Selfishly, being nice and appreciative makes me feel I can help.

It’s pretty addictive stuff.

Merry Christmas to all. Thank you to all.

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SOUTHGATE STAR • December 13 — January 14, 2022 • Page 21

Page 22 • December 13 — January 14, 2022 • SOUTHGATE STAR

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Keep swinging all year long

Golfers improve their game, get fitted for clubs at indoor facility DAVE GORGON

Ken Moore, the lead instructor at Riverview Highlands Golf Club, emerges from The Loft, a section of the indoor training facility in which golfers can improve their game and get fitted for new clubs.

Southgate Star

Downriver’s hottest new indoor golf training facility and most complete golf club fitting operation are found on the second level of the clubhouse at Riverview Highlands Golf Club.

The Riverview Highlands Indoor Practice Facility features areas to practice driving, chipping and putting.

In addition, there is a private coaching area, known as The Loft, designed for private lessons and complete custom club fitting.

The location allows golfers in the region to work on their game year-round no matter the weather outside.

Riverview Highlands, owned by the City of Riverview, features a series of three golf courses located at 15015 Sibley Road. The Indoor Practice Facility is a collaboration between Highlands golf director and PGA pro Mike Kettler and veteran golf coach Ken Moore, who returned to Riverview Highlands in 2019 after four decades of coaching golfers at various levels and working with golf equipment manufacturers.

The time better prepared Moore to help people play the game better and fit their equipment more accurately.

For years, the second floor of the pro shop at Riverview Highlands was used infrequently as a site for banquets after golf outings. The space was considered underutilized and was perfect for an overhaul that would provide a good use that would continue to build on the Highlands’ growing reputation in golf.

The Lead Instructor Moore’s connection with Riverview Highlands dates back to 1977 when he washed golf carts and wound up working in the golf shop. By 1982, he had worked his way to become head golf professional responsible for teaching, coaching and running a fairly large retail shop downstairs – part of the 16-store franchise known as CaddyShack.

It was there that Moore met his wife Marleen, who worked for him in the shop from 1986 to 1990.

He also coached golf at Gabriel

Photo by Dave Gorgon

Richard High School in Riverview, drawing dozens of students to the sport.

In 1989, Moore decided to go into golf sales.

He worked for Slazenger Golf for 13 years, serving as the sales rep for Southeastern Michigan, selling golf balls, gloves and apparel. In 2001, he accepted an opportunity to work for Ping, which lasted for 18 years through 2019, when he retired after making countless contacts in the golf industry and winning national awards.

“I wasn’t ready to retire,” Moore said.

“As corny as it sounds, this (Riverview Highlands) is kind of where I grew up, where a substantial amount of my golf experience came from.”

The Indoor Training Facility Moore talked to Highlands’ Mike Kettler about the possibility of establishing a “coaching presence” while raising the bar on the training facility and expanding service on fitting golf equipment.

“The indoor facility gave us the potential to provide coaching and teach year-round,” Moore said, “and provide a place for locals to practice in the winter.”

The indoor facility was born, converting the rarely used spacious second floor into an inviting area that draws golfers to visit, practice, learn more about the game and get properly fitted for well-known brands of golf equipment.

With the closing of Pro Golf in Southgate, Riverview Highlands

suddenly was given an opportunity to fill a need for custom fitting in the Downriver market.

“There was nowhere in the Downriver area to go and get fitted properly,” Moore said. “We started fitting only Ping and Tour Edge. Since then, we have evolved to include Callaway, Wilson, Taylor Made, Titleist and Cleveland. We will be the most extensive fitting facility this area has ever seen.”

At the same time, Moore began offering individual and group lessons using technology such as Trackman, V1 and Boditrack – “cutting edge technology for coaching and teaching,” he said.

Success Stories The indoor practice facility is open to the public for $10 an hour. Contact the golf shop to reserve your time at (734) 479-2266. Also available is an indoor membership that is available for $250 per golfer, good from November through March 31. A variety of other memberships are also available, both indoors and outdoors.

As an indoor member, you can work on full swing, chipping and putting.

Sixty-four golfers are currently enrolled as indoor members.

Combined with a successful summer program, the training options at Riverview Highlands have grown exponentially.

The indoor practice facility has been a solid partnership with the entire golf operation, providing golf training yearround.

With the addition of The Loft for custom fitting, the plan is to have the largest selection of fitting equipment – such as multiple drivers, shafts, fitting irons and heads, Moore said.

All of the equipment has created an environment where the consumer doesn’t have to go anywhere else to get properly fit, he said.

“We’re going to provide a very unique experience with all of the technology and all the fitting tools we provide,” Moore said. “Between all of the manufacturers, we will have more than 500 shaft options. No one has done this Downriver.”

The creation of a “world class learning center” has impacted the golfing lives of dozens of golfers.

Since he has been at Riverview, Moore has instructed golfers of a variety of experience, including more than 50 high school golfers – three of whom went on to excel in the 2021 state tournament.

When Riverview resident Julia Lizak, a senior at Dearborn Divine Child High School, helped her school with the state championship in girls golf, she made a special trip to Riverview Highlands to show the team trophy to Moore, who she credits with improving her game.

“Ken has helped me better my game mentally and physically,” said Lizak who now also works at Riverview Highlands. “My consistency and confidence have also improved.

“I’m here almost every day in the winter,” she said. “I’m here year-round.

I practice here, I play here, I work here. It’s like my second home. I enjoy coming up here. Your game gets better.”

Highlands pro and golf director Mike Kettler sees nothing but growth in the months and years ahead – adding that the reinvestment in the second floor of the golf headquarters has already paid for itself.

“Ken has been here about 2½ years now,” he said. “He started teaching and without advertising it’s taken off through word of mouth. With the improvement of the upstairs and the improvements to the golf course, we have seen an overall increase in traffic for the entire golf operation. Revenue is up and the amount of people are up…

It’s been really successful.”

SOUTHGATE STAR • December 13 — January 14, 2022 • Page 23

Page 24 • December 13 — January 14, 2022 • SOUTHGATE STAR

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by Wells Fargo. monthly payments required. Special orders require a deposit. Plan code:8101-18month or 8102-48month

3025 Biddle Avenue Wyandotte, MI 48192 734-282-2155

mon & Fri: 9:00am - 8:30 Tues, Wed, Thur & Sat: 9:00am - 5:30pm Closed Sunday

See us on Facebook at: facebook.com/whitefurniture

A local family business serving southeast Michigan since 1946

HOURS:

whitefurniture.com