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DECEMBER 14 - january 24, 2020

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Welcoming the season

Photos by Larry Caruso

Under an amazing late fall sky on Dec. 6, Southgate Mayor Joe Kuspa and Santa Claus threw the switch and lit up the city’s Christmas tree at Kiwanis Train Park. After the lighting, the Great Lakes Steamers took kids and their families on rides through the park, which was adorned with all kinds of Christmas decorations. The train ride included a stop to sit and chat with Santa himself, so that children could tell him their holiday wishes.

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Page 2 • December 14 - January 24, 2020 • SOUTHGATE STAR

SOUTHGATE STAR • December 14 - January 24, 2020 • Page 3

It’s beginning to look a lot like

Christmas

Kiwanis Train Park in Southgate took on a festive air Dec. 6 and 7 as officials lit up the city’s Christmas tree and the Great Lakes Steamers took visitors on rides through the fully decorated park.

And, of course, what would a Christmas celebration be without a visit from Santa Claus, who was on hand to hear the christmas wishes of the boys and girls who stopped by to talk with him?

Photos by Larry Caruso

Page 4 • December 14 - January 24, 2020 • SOUTHGATE STAR

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SOUTHGATE STAR • December 14 - January 24, 2020 • Page 5

SOUTHGATE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

The Southgate Rotary Club helps students in Southgate and beyond Jill Pastor

Special to Southgate Star

The Southgate Rotary once again sponsored programs to help children have a happy and warm holiday this year.

Students from all four elementary schools received gym shoes last week.

This was part of the “Happy Feet” program, whose goal is to provide gym shoes to children in need.

The event chair for this program was Sherry Halko. The financing was courtesy of the fall Rotary Shred Day. This event raised $760 and the club purchased 45 pairs of shoes for students from kindergarten through 5th grade.

Halko collaborated with Candace Duane, an elementary school social worker. She collected student names, sizes from staff and then helped to sort and distribute. Please see the letter below shared to the Rotary Club.

Words cannot express how much joy you have brought to our children in need this season. Because of your kindness, countless children now have brand new shoes to wear.

During a time when families are struggling to make ends meet you have helped to take one more item off of the minds & the holiday lists for these grateful parents. Countless teachers have shared how thankful their students were after getting their

new shoes & want to send their thanks to you as well.

Many teachers end up buying their students so many things throughout the school year. You have helped to ease this burden for our teachers and parents that work so hard every day.

Thank you so very much for your generosity. “It takes a village to raise a child” & your thoughtfulness has made a difference in so many lives.

Happy Holidays to you & your families!

Sincerely, Candace Duane and the Southgate School District

The Southgate Rotary did adopt a family of four children and one adult from the Guidance Center. The Boy Scout Troop #1795 donated to this program. The family received about $1,000 worth of requested items. Rotarian, Sharon Schlimmer organized this event.

The Rotary is also in the middle of the “Annual Hats and Mitten Drive.”

Over the years, they have donated hundreds of hats and mittens to the students enrolled in a Head Start program.

Page 6 • December 14 - January 24, 2020 • SOUTHGATE STAR

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A three-quarter scale replica The Vietnam Veterans Memorial will be in Young Patriots Park in Riverview May 28-31. Volunteers are needed to set up and man the three-day exibit.

The Wall That Heals coming Downriver; volunteers needed Paula Neuman Southgate Star

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall in Washington, D.C., is called “The Wall That Heals.’’

A three-quarter scale replica of the wall, which is etched with the names of the more than 58,000 American soldiers killed in the war, is coming to Young Patriots Park in Riverview May 28-31. The exhibit will be open 24 hours a day and is free to the public The original wall was dedicated in 1982, seven years after the official end of the 20-year war that bitterly divided the nation in the late 1960s and early 1970s, when Americans watched on TV as young soldiers in body bags were brought home for burial day after day after day.

The average age of those soldiers was 19. The wall honors those who were killed and the more than three million who served and came home to a public that sometimes received them with scorn and scant support.

The three-quarter scale replica of the wall tours the country now so those who can’t travel to Washington can still experience the memorial, offer their respect and trace the names of the dead. More than 300,000 people visited the traveling Wall That

Heals in 2019.

American Legion Post 389 and the city of Riverview are among those sponsoring the effort to bring the wall Downriver.

“The city of Riverview is excited and proud to be the host of The Wall That Heals, and hopes the wall will bring pride and healing to all those who have served, and remembrance from all Downriver for those who gave their lives for our freedom,” said City Manager Doug Drysdale.

The original wall, designed by Maya Ling Lin, a 21-year-old college student, was built by the nonprofit Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, which also hosts the traveling wall.

“The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund is pleased to bring The Wall That Heals mobile exhibit to Riverview to allow local veterans and their families a change to experience the wall and honor and remember those who have served and sacrificed,” said Jim Knotts, president and CEO of the fund. “Hosting The Wall That Heals provides an opportunity for healing and an educational experience for visitors on the impact of the Vietnam War on America.”

Community support is needed to bring the traveling wall to Riverview. More than 100 volunteers will be needed to set it up and take it

down, staff the exhibit and guide visitors. Donations also are needed. To volunteer, learn more or schedule a tour for school groups, contact Todd Dickman at 734-281-4219 or tdickman@cityofriverview.com, or visit the Riverview Recreation Department’s Facebook page or www.cityofriverview.com.

The wall replica is transported across the country in a 53-foot trailer, which, when parked, opens with exhibits built into its sides. The traveling wall itself is 375 feet long and stands 7.5 feet tall at its highest point.

The exhibit center offers digital photo displays of “Hometown Heroes” — soldiers from the local area whose names are engraved on the wall. The fund’s In Memory program also honors Vietnam veterans who came home and died later as a result of their service.

As on the wall in Washington, the names on the traveling wall are listed in chronological order by the day of casualty. The replica, made of synthetic granite, is in a chevron shape like the original wall.

Lighting allows the names of the fallen to be read or traced day and night. Two fund staff members lead volunteers on site, educate visitors and ensure the reflective atmosphere of The Wall That Heals.

Visit thewallthatheals.org to learn more.

SOUTHGATE STAR • December 14 - January 24, 2020 • Page 9

Downriver mourns loss of Trenton Mayor Kyle Stack The untimely death of Mayor Stack is truly sad for her family, her community and our Downriver area.

PAULA NEuMAN Southgate Star

Kyle Stack, mayor of Trenton, a “visionary leader” for her community and for Downriver, died unexpectedly Nov. 29 after suffering two heart attacks. She was 62.

Stack lay is state at Trenton City Hall and her funeral service was Dec. 5 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Trenton.

U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Dearborn, who called Ms. Stack a “visionary leader,” gave the eulogy for Stack during the visitation and service at Trenton City Hall.

“Kyle leaves a deep hole in our community,” Dingell said. “Kyle was not just a close friend and advisor to me, she was a visionary leader of Downriver. She loved Trenton and devoted everything to see it through good times and bad. As a community we remember all she did and continue her work to make Trenton and Downriver a thriving community to live, work, and go to school.”

Other community leaders expressed shock at her death, and are mourning her loss and praising her life — a life that was dedicated to public service.

She served the city for 43 years — eight years working in the Parks and Recreation Department in Trenton, her lifelong home, 26 years as city clerk, and was elected mayor for the first time in 2011. City voters returned her to a third term in the four-year post in November.

Ms. Stack and her husband, William Jasman, were active in the Trenton Rotary and many other civic endeavors. She graduated from Trenton High School and attended Henry Ford Community College.

Riverview Mayor Andrew Swift said: “I was totally shocked and heart-broken when I heard Kyle had passed away. Of all the mayors Downriver, I’ve worked with Kyle the most. She had such a good heart and truly cared for residents. I will miss her conversations on a personal level and her input on a professional level. On behalf of our City Council, staff and residents, we offer our most sincere condolences to her husband,

~ Joseph Kuspa, Southgate Mayor

William, and her entire family. We also offer our best to her staff at City Hall and to all the residents of the city of Trenton.”

Wyandotte Mayor Joseph Peterson said: “I am so shocked. She was such a wonderful lady, so hard-working.

She loved Trenton. She’s going to be missed terribly. She wasn’t just the mayor, she was Mrs. Trenton. She was doing a fantastic job. She finally got something moving on McLouth Steel. She put her heart into making something happen, and it’s finally happening.”

With other area leaders, Ms. Stack put countless hours into securing the ongoing demolition of the dilapidated McLouth Steel mill on Jefferson Avenue, its environmental cleanup and its future redevelopment.

Southgate Mayor Joseph Kuspa said: “The untimely death of Mayor Stack is truly sad for her family, her community and our Downriver area.

Kyle was a bold public servant who was not afraid to speak up for her constituency or the region that she cared so passionately about. Her advocacy, experience and strong voice will be deeply missed.”

Wayne County Commissioner Joseph Palamara of Grosse Ile, whose district includes Trenton, Grosse Ile, Riverview, Southgate and Wyandotte, said: “It’s hard to believe. She was

such a personal and professional friend that I’m having a hard time wrapping my mind around that she’s not going to be there championing her community.

“I have worked with a lot of local leaders over the years, and nobody was better than Kyle Stack at representing her community.

“She understood that there was a proper balance you need between economic development and a sound environmental stewardship.

There couldn’t be a more respected individual in public service. She loved life and her community so much.”

Grosse Ile Supervisor Brian Loftus said: “I’m going to miss her. I loved working with her. I learned a lot from her. She certainly had an impact on improving Downriver. She made all of Downriver a better place to live.”

Wayne County Executive Warren Evans said: “The passing of Trenton Mayor Kyle Stack is a great loss for Wayne County. She and I worked closely together on the redevelopment of the long abandoned McLouth Steel plant as well as improvements to Elizabeth Park and the nature preserve to strengthen Trenton and Downriver.

“I knew her to be a tireless champion for Trenton residents. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones as we mourn her passing.”

State Rep. Darrin Camilleri, D-Browntown Twp., whose district includes Trenton and Grosse Ile, posted on Facebook that he had had breakfast with Ms. Stack the week before her death. At the meeting, she talked with excitement about new projects in the works for Trenton, and tried to convince him to move to her city because “it’s the best city around,” she told him. He praised her leadership and her friendship.

State Sen. Stephanie Chang, D-Detroit, whose district includes Trenton, Grosse Ile, Riverview and Wyandotte, also posted about Ms. Stack.

“She was a true public servant who was incredibly dedicated to the people of Trenton,” Chang wrote.

And Ron Hinrichs, president and CEO of the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber of Commerce, posted, as well.

“She was one of my closest friends and mentors,” he wrote. “What she means to our Downriver community and the phenomenal leadership she has demonstrated has truly left a positive and lasting impact on every single one of us.… She was not only an amazing visionary, but a true leader who rolled up her sleeve and got the job done….

Kyle always thought of our region as a big family, and it’s time for us to come together and mourn this loss, but also to honor the amazing legacy Kyle leaves for us all.”

Trenton Mayor Pro-Tem Steven Rzeppa will take over as interim mayor.

Page 10 • December 14 - January 24, 2020 • SOUTHGATE STAR

SOUTHGATE STAR • December 14 - January 24, 2020 • Page 11

When every second counts

Area residents benefit from nearby Primary Stroke Center BILL STEVENSON Southgate Star

This past spring, Beaumont Hospital, Trenton (formerly Oakwood Southshore), received an honor whose timeliness is of the utmost importance to residents of Southeastern Michigan.

The Stroke Program at Beaumont Hospital, Trenton, was certified by the Joint Commission and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Heart-Checkmark for Advanced Certification as a Primary Stroke Center.

The Joint Commission accredits more than 20,500 organizations worldwide and focuses on continually improving health care by setting the highest standards for health care quality throughout the world. Such accreditation is considered the gold standard in health care.

The Stroke Program at Beaumont Health, Trenton, under the direction of neurology specialist, Dr. Christopher Whitty, M.D. and Dawn Rote, Stroke and Sepsis Coordinator, has made tremendous progress in reducing what the American Stroke Association calls the “door to needle” times for eligible patients being treated with tPA (tissue Plasminogen Activator) or clot buster for acute ischemic strokes.

When it comes to a stroke, time is more than of the essence, it is a matter of life or death: tPA intervention can only be administered up to three hours upon onset of a stroke.

More than 80 percent of strokes are called ischemic strokes caused by a blood clot or plaque that blocks a blood vessel in the brain. The faster physicians can dissolve or remove this blockage, the less damage is done to the brain tissue.

When one is having an ischemic stroke, it is estimated that two million brain cells die every minute until blood flow is restored to the brain.

The other main type of stroke is a hemorrhagic stroke that occurs when a blood vessel bursts in the brain causing blood to spill into or around the brain, creating swelling and pressure, also

Our goal is to continually improve our practices and procedures to respond to patients that manifest stroke symptoms, but also to educate our community in healthy living to control the stroke risk factors for brain health.

~ Dr. Christopher Whitty damaging cells and tissue in the brain.

Hemorrhagic strokes make up about 13 percent of stroke cases. Critical in stroke care is knowing the symptoms and reacting in time.

“By adhering to a very specific set of national treatment guidelines, our team at Beaumont, Trenton have made it a priority to deliver high-quality care to all patients affected by stroke,” said Dawn Rote, Stroke Coordinator.

Beaumont Hospital, Trenton, met or exceeded all the standards established by the Joint Commission.

“We were able to reduce our response times by analyzing the process and the logistics by which we are treating stroke victims, with rapid interpretation of brain imaging, and a holistic team approach to care,” said Rote. “Part of my job is rapid performance data feedback with live chart auditing, working with the doctors and nurses in making the best determination of treatment for our patients.”

This past August, the Stroke Center Team celebrated four stroke cases that had a 20 minute door-to-care response.

Dr. Christopher Whitty said, “We are proud of our certification as a Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission. Our excellent doctors, nurses, and technicians work hard to provide the finest medical care for our patients in a most professional and timely manner. Our goal is to continually improve our practices and procedures to respond to patients that manifest stroke symptoms, but also to educate our community in healthy living to control the stroke risk factors for brain health.

“The most effective way to reduce

stroke mortality is to prevent a stroke from occurring, to begin with.”

With the holidays in full swing, it’s easy to get caught up in the mirth and merriment of the Yuletide, which many times turns into busy, hectic, stressful hurrying to get “everything done.” More often than not we forget the reason for the season, and become immersed in rampant materialism and overindulgence.

The hustle and bustle of the holidays can bring unexpected, or even tragic medical concerns, including increased risk for heart attacks and strokes.

According to the Mayo Clinic, “several studies have shown that the incident of heart attack and stroke increases in December and January, particularly on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.” Beaumont Nurse Manager for the Emergency Department, Bill Sweet acknowledges the holiday spike in strokes or heart attacks, but attributes it to patients with pre-existing medical conditions or people with undiagnosed morbidities.

“People with hypertension, diabetes, sedentary lifestyle, with poor diet habits. . . for them, the extra sodium, or alcohol, or fat laden meal, pushes them over the brink, and closer to stroke or heart issues.

“The other problem we see is that people don’t want to ruin the holiday and they wait, which is one of the worst things they can do. Time is brain. Time is heart. Time is muscle.”

Beaumont Hospitals take the FAST acronym of the American Stroke Association, in knowing the signs if you think you or a loved one is having a stroke to a FASTER meaning:

FACE—drooping or numbness on one side of the face; when asked to smile, person’s smile is uneven.

ARMS—one arm drifts down when raising both arms, or one arm is weaker and more numb.

STABILITY—dizziness, difficulty keeping balance or trouble walking, loss of coordination.

TALKING—slurred words, unable to speak, hard time being understood or understanding speech.

Eyes—difficulty seeing out of one or both eyes, double vision.

REACT—Call 911 immediately. Call if a person is experiencing any of these symptoms - even if they go away. Get to a hospital at once. Try to remember when the symptoms first began.

Perhaps, this holiday season will be the year that we slow down and savor the time spent and memories made with family and friends. Maybe, we all might find the time to take care of ourselves, spiritually, physically, and emotionally. Hug your babies.

Much Happiness and Love to you and your family. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Blessed ‘Eid, Joyous Festivus, Happy Yule, Belated Diwali, Happy Bodhi Day, Bah Humbug! And have a healthy, happy New Year.

If you would like more information about identifying the warning signs of stroke, visit: youtube.com/ watch?v=wkXJOUe5G60.

If you would like to take a free online stroke risk assessment quiz from Beaumont Hospital, go to: beaumont.org/free-online-stroke-riskassessment.

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Page 14 • December 14 - January 24, 2020 • SOUTHGATE STAR

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SOUTHGATE STAR • December 14 - January 24, 2020 • Page 15

Do you “hate” Christtmas shopping? Step out of the mass produced rat race and return to the way shopping used to be: Local, warm, friendly.

PETER ROSE Southgate Star

At no time of year is the “disconnect” I worry about more obvious, more undeniable than during the holiday shopping season.

That’s the disconnect between citizens, their spending choices, and the impact on their local economy.

That disconnect has happened slowly but unrelentingly over the period of time that national retail went from minimal to massively dominant.

My objections to this thing that happened are not surprising. My clothing stores are just two of maybe a dozen stores still in business from those far better indie retail days of the 1970s and 1980s.

I remember those days with a sense of amazement. The crowds in our stores were surreal back then. The number of units we sold still startles

me, makes me wonder how we did it.

What happened in our stores happened all throughout our indie retail community?

We were good at it, all of us.

See, I’m not trying to convey a singular experience in my writing. I feel a profound sense of loss for all the so-called competitors that are no longer here to compete.

Actually, there really wasn’t all that much direct competition. We all had our regions, our store locations that served our local shoppers. People came to us in droves and we helped them personally, with connection and warmth and shared concern about getting the recipient the perfect gift(s).

I think we all did a good job of this, even if I feel my stores were the best of the bunch.

That was then. Today, hardly any of us are left to be that connection.

Today, we are beset by a barrage of advertisement, advertorial and just plain straight out advocacy on the part of local media for all the best deals

out there in “National land.”

When we get to those locations, genuine help is virtually non-existent.

Yes, I know there are exceptions to that overly simplified perception, but by and large, you have to agree that there really is no such thing as knowledgeable service at the national chain stores that have become the overwhelming majority of our options out there.

It’s appalling to me from a professional angle, to be sure. But the topic of this month’s column is the loss to the Detroit-area shoppers of real, warm, friendly, knowledgeable and caring sales people that made the process so much easier, and that actually talked to us and laughed with us as we shopped.

I know this from first-hand experience, having helped thousands of people over my career. It is not a hypothetical thing, nor a false memory. Most of the people reading this remember those days as well.

Many of you will recognize that the

pleasure of shopping was long ago relegated to the trash heap. A lot of people now hate to go shopping.

I submit to you that what the national chains now offer is the “why” in that equation. Special has been lost. Warm has been lost. Real and personal have been lost, and together, all those things that helped to make the Christmas shopping season seem so magical have been replaced by innocuous stuff that we are left to fend for ourselves about.

I say lost because all these local stores are far less prevalent. There are still lots of stores, though, that do exactly what I’m accusing national of taking away from us. Independent and locally owned businesses are still here to do our things to provide a benefit through our service. In doing so, we also serve to act as defenders of a Christmas spirit that otherwise feels all too corporatized here in 2019.

We occupy a far smaller niche than we once did. But the very service I have described as lost is, in fact, available on demand for those who make different decisions.

For many of you, I preach to the choir - you know this and you make sure this doesn’t go away, through supporting indie and enjoying what you get in return.

Mainly, of course, I write this to hopefully make a certain synapse snap to life. I hope to paint a picture that makes you realize that what you’re missing is available to you, yours for the asking.

I’m happy to tell you that the previous 30 columns I‘ve contributed to these papers has resulted in many folks saying, “thank you, I never thought of it that way.” Many of these people have “found” my stores, and that’s great.

I get almost as much pleasure thinking that my perspectives are to any extent the reason that another independent store and shopper have connected. Maybe it’s a new connection, maybe it’s a restored connection. Either way, both are happier. It means trying harder, yes.

The rewards, though, are worth it.

Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays to you LL, my friends.

Here’s to a happier 2020 that we all bring about by ... you guessed it, shopping local!

Read and Save at SOUTHGATESTAR.COM

Holiday Shopping Was Once a Far Warmer Thing

Page 16 • December 14 - January 24, 2020 • SOUTHGATE STAR

EVELYN CAIRNES Southgate Star

You’re stressed out because Christmas and the New Year are just around the corner and you will be hosting a cocktail party or playoff gettogether preceding the Super Bowl. If you need easy recipes so you can spend more time with your guests, read on for some old and new ideas.

Two of the recipes appeared in the Grosse Ile Grand before it was joined by sister publications the Riverview Register, Southgate Star and Wyandotte Warrior. The first recipe is so simple it’s almost sinful if you buy the meatballs instead of making them yourself. And the hummus recipe is not only delicious but takes only minutes to put together.

Irresistible is the word for the Crabmeat Bites, which I adapted from one of the wonderful old recipes in “The Lincoln Park Historical Society Cooks.” Perfect fare for a football crowd would be the dill pickle and beer cheese recipes, super simple and favorites of beer drinkers. If you’re from Kentucky or Cincinnati, you have to know about Kentucky Beer Cheese, which originated there in the 1940s and has spread beyond.

PARTY MEATBALLS Combine 1 pound ground beef, 1 beaten egg, ¼ cup plain breadcrumbs and salt and pepper to taste. Form into walnut-size balls. Bake at 400 degrees 15-20 minutes. Meanwhile, combine 12-ounce jar Heinz Chili Sauce and ½ cup grape jelly in a saucepan. Stir and heat until jelly is melted, then add meatballs and simmer 1 hour. Serve and enjoy.

ADDICTIVE CHEESE/CRABMEAT BITES (Adapted) 5-ounce jar Kraft Old English Cheese Spread, at room temperature ½ stick butter, at room temperature 1 pinch each onion powder and garlic powder Dash of Tabasco sauce 8-ounce can crabmeat, very well drained 6 English muffins, halved, sliced and cut into quarters Blend well the cheese, butter,

powders and Tabasco. Mix in crabmeat, spread thickly on quarters and broil until puffy and golden brown. Can be frozen.

TASTY ROASTED RED PEPPER HUMMUS In the bowl of a food processor, pulse 3 cloves garlic until minced. Add 2 15-ounce cans garbanzos, drained, reserving 1/3 cup liquid. Add liquid, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, ¾ teaspoon salt, 1-2 teaspoons cumin and about half of a jarred roasted red pepper. Process until smooth. Chill before serving.

OVEN-FRIED DILL PICKLES 24-ounce jar Kosher dill pickle spears ½ cup all-purpose flour 2 large eggs ½ cup panko bread crumbs ½ cup yellow corn meal ¼ cup plain bread crumbs 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese 1/4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste ¼ teaspoon black pepper Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray.

Drain pickles and place on a papertowel-lined plate. Pat with more paper towels until completely dry (or the breading won’t stick).

Add flour to a shallow bowl; in another bowl, add eggs and whisk. In a third bowl, combine panko, cornmeal, bread crumbs, cheese and peppers. Dip pickles in flour, then eggs, then crumb mixture, coating evenly and pressing to adhere crumbs. Place on baking sheet. Spray with canola oil spray. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, rotating halfway through; then spray other side. Be sure pickles are browned and crispy before removing from oven. Serve with a dip of buttermilk ranch dressing, adding dill weed to taste.

KENTUCKY BEER CHEESE Add to bowl of a food processor 2 peeled cloves garlic and ¼ small onion, thinly sliced, processing until minced. Add 12-ounce bottle flat lager beer, 1 ½ pounds shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1-2 teaspoons Tabasco and ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste. Puree until very smooth. Add freshly ground black pepper and more Tabasco to taste, pulsing to incorporate.

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Floral Designs By Marcia proudly serves the Southgate area. We are family owned and operated. We are committed to offering only the finest floral arrangements and gifts, backed by service that is friendly and prompt. Because all of our customers are important, our professional staff is dedicated to making your experience a pleasant one. That is why we always go the extra mile to make your floral gift perfect.

We specialize in the following services: • Large inventory of fresh flowers • Tropicals • Plants • European/dish gardens • Contemporary and traditional arrangements • High-style floral arrangements • Silk arrangements

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With gifts to purchase, visiting family and meals to plan, for some, the holiday season can be full of stress.

Enjoy these five helpful tips to help keep your cool in the coming weeks.

1. Seek sunshine. If it’s sunny, take a walk outdoors. If the weather is dreary meditate inside.

2. Set realistic goals. Say it with us—you can’t please everybody all the time. Weigh what you can actually accomplish with what you’d like to and make a plan from there.

3. Be conscious of what you’re eating. During the holidays we tend to eat a lot, and it’s not always the best types of food. Stay aware of what you’re putting into your body and be sure to get your fair share of fruits and veggies.

4. Don’t overdo it. Getting enough rest plays a key role in leading a happy and healthy life.

5. Take a break. Set aside time for yourself to regroup.

Healthy New Year Resolutions Consider setting these goals to make the transition easier than ever.

1. Add instead of subtracting.

When it comes to resolutions, a lot of people start by promising to “give up” bad foods. Instead, try to focus on adding healthier options to your diet, including more glasses of water each day.

2. Eat the rainbow. Purchase fresh fruits and vegetables of all varieties— you can even make a game out of it with your family by vowing not to leave the market until you’ve found

food of 5 different hues.

3. Schedule time to exercise. If you actually pencil in a time to visit the gym or go for a walk, you’re more likely to accomplish it and continue the pattern going forward.

Wondering what else you can do to better yourself for the New Year?

Consider making a chiropractic checkup to start the year at your best.

A Gift Guide for Your Spine Looking for the perfect gift for yourself or someone in your life that’s experiencing back pain? Look no further. Consider these four thoughtful and spine-friendly presents.

A gym membership Back pain can sometimes be the result of weak muscles. Strengthening your back and body can help prevent future aches and pains.

An ergonomic chair If you do a lot of sitting at work or home, a chair designed to support your spine is a necessity.

A massage Back pain can also result from constantly tense muscles. Relieve them with a gentle, soothing massage.

A chiropractic checkup If you haven’t seen us lately and are experiencing back pain, give us a call to schedule a visit or two before the New Year so you’re able to fully enjoy the holiday season. Or, consider giving the gift of chiropractic to a loved one.

From Cousineau Chiropractic

Tai Chi for seniors The Southgate Recreation Dept. will host a Tai Chi class for seniors in January.

The 10-week program begins Monday, Jan. 13 at 11:45 at the Recreation Center.

The program is open to those 50 and older.

For more information, call 734-258-3033.

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SOUTHGATE STAR • December 14 - January 24, 2020 • Page 17

Page 18 • December 14 - January 24, 2020 • SOUTHGATE STAR

Be prepared to stay safe and healthy in winter

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From the Center for Disease Control Winter storms and cold temperatures can be dangerous. Stay safe and healthy by planning ahead.

Prepare your home and cars. Prepare for power outages and outdoor activity. Check on older adults.

Although winter comes as no surprise, many of us are not ready for its arrival. If you are prepared for the hazards of winter, you will be more likely to stay safe and healthy when temperatures start to fall.

Many people prefer to remain indoors during winter, but staying inside is no guarantee of safety.

Take these steps to keep your home safe and warm during the winter months.

Winterize your home n Install weather stripping, insulation, and storm windows. n Insulate water lines that run along exterior walls. n Clean out gutters and repair roof leaks.

Check your heating systems n Have your heating system serviced professionally to make sure that it is clean, working properly, and ventilated to the outside. n Inspect and clean fireplaces and chimneys. n Install a smoke detector. Test batteries monthly and replace them twice a year. n Have a safe alternate heating source and alternate fuels available. n Prevent carbon monoxide (CO) emergencies.

Install a CO detector to alert you of the presence of the deadly, odorless, colorless gas. Check batteries when you change your clocks in the fall and spring.

Learn symptoms of CO poisoning: headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion.

Get your car ready for cold weather use before winter arrives Service the radiator and maintain antifreeze level; check tire tread or, if necessary, replace tires with allweather or snow tires. n Keep gas tank full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines. n Use a wintertime formula in your windshield washer. n Prepare a winter emergency kit to keep in your car in case you become stranded. The kit should include: cell phone, portable charger, and extra batteries; blankets; food and water; booster cables, flares, tire pump, and a bag of sand or cat litter (for traction); compass and maps; flashlight, battery-powered radio, and extra batteries; first-aid kit; and plastic bags (for sanitation).

Equip in Advance for Emergencies Be prepared for weather-related emergencies, including power outages.

Stock food that needs no cooking or refrigeration and water stored in clean containers.

Ensure that your cell phone is fully charged.

When planning travel, be aware of current and forecast weather conditions.

Keep an up-to-date emergency kit, including: Battery-operated devices, such as a flashlight, a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio, and lamps; extra batteries; first-aid kit and extra medicine; baby items; and cat litter or sand for icy walkways.

Protect your family from carbon monoxide n Keep grills, camp stoves, and generators out of the house, basement and garage. n Locate generators at least 20 feet from the house. n Leave your home immediately if the CO detector sounds, and call 911.

Take These Precautions Outdoors Many people spend time outdoors in the winter working, traveling, or enjoying winter sports.

Outdoor activities can expose you to several safety hazards, but you can take these steps to prepare for them: n Wear appropriate outdoor clothing: wear a tightly woven, preferably wind-resistant coat or jacket; inner layers of light, warm clothing; mittens; hats; scarves; and waterproof boots. n Sprinkle cat litter or sand on icy patches. n Learn safety precautions to follow when outdoors: Work slowly when doing outside chores; Take a buddy and an emergency kit when you are participating in outdoor recreation; Carry a cell phone; and be prepared to check on family and neighbors who are especially at risk from cold weather hazards.

Do This When You Plan to Travel When planning travel, be aware of current and forecast weather conditions.

Avoid traveling when the weather service has issued advisories.

If you must travel, inform a friend or relative of your proposed route and expected time of arrival.

Follow these safety rules if you become stranded in your car: Make your car visible to rescuers. Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna, raise the hood of the car (if it is not snowing), and turn on the inside overhead lights (when your engine is running); Move anything you need from the trunk into the passenger area. Stay with your car unless safety is no more than 100 yards away; Keep your body warm. Wrap your entire body, including your head, in extra clothing, blankets, or newspapers. Huddle with other people if you can; Stay awake and stay moving. You will be less vulnerable to cold-related health problems. As you sit, keep moving your arms and legs to improve circulation and stay warmer; Run the motor (and heater) for about 10 minutes per hour, opening one window slightly to let in air. Make sure that snow is not blocking the exhaust pipe—this will reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Above all, be ready to check on family and neighbors who are especially at risk from cold weather hazards: young children, older adults, and the chronically ill. If you have pets, bring them inside. If you cannot bring them inside, provide adequate, warm shelter and unfrozen water to drink.

No one can stop the onset of winter. However, if you follow these suggestions, you will be ready for it when it comes.

Be sure to visit CDC’s Winter Weather webpage for more winter weather safety tips.

Sports

Anderson girls hope to compete better in 2019-20 HANK MINCKIEWICZ Southgate Star

Anderson’s Courtney Mabery

Photo by Larry Caruso

Last season the Southgate Anderson girls basketball team won just three games.

It is a good bet the Titans will do better than that this year.

Coach Larry Sakalas’ team is a little light on varsity experience, but long on character and with an influx of players off a successful 2018-19 junior varsity team, the Titans will be a handful for a number of teams on the schedule this season.

Anderson opened the season with a victory over non-league Warren Woods-Tower and then played a competitive game with defending Downriver League champion Allen Park before falling 48-35.

“I feel like we can compete with anyone,” said Sakalas. “This is a hungry young team, but we have to get better offensively.”

That the Titans need some offensive polish was evident in the loss to the Jaguars. Ancderson had numerous chances at the basket, but went long stretches without scoring, which allowed the Jags to pull away.

In the end, Anderson lost by 13 points and the Titans missed 13 free throws.

The Jags led 10-9 at the end of one quarter and 26-18 at halftime. The Jags essentially put the game away with a 7-0 run late in the second quarter when their lead went from 17-14 to 24-14.

Clearly though, there are some parts there. Senior Courtney Mabery is an athletic specimen, one who can handle the ball and get to the basket. But, like the others, finishing at the hoop is not automatic.

In the middle, 6-foot-2 junior Faith Plummer is hard to miss, but she, too, needs to work on her offensive skills and has to work on her physical play. The lack of physicality showed up against an aggressive team like Allen Park, which has never seen an opponent it didn’t want to foul.

Mabery finished the game with nine

2019-20 Anderson Girls Basketball 3 Miranda Graham 4 Madison Freitas 5 Autumn Bolash 11 Celese Tomocik 14 Madison Moon 15 Natalie Beltran 21 Ava Peryam 22 Brooke Johnson 23 Caitlyn Weatherbee 24 Riley Thacker 32 Courtney Mabery 42 Faith Plummer 50 Marcella Thomas points. Ava Peryam, Brooke Johnson, Plummer and Natalie Beltran each had five points.

Allen Park senior Julia Martin had 13 points to lead all scorers. Gabrielle Vera had nine and Kyleigh Richards had eight.

Defensively, the Titans can get after it. They swarm and go for the ball, a trait that will cause plenty of turnovers this season.

The Titans feature six seniors on a roster of 13 players. The 12th-graders are Mabery, Madison Frietas, Celese Tomocik, Madison Moon, Brooke Johnson and Caitlyn Wetherbee.

The juniors are Plummer, Natalie Beltran, Ava Peryam and Marcella Thomas and the three sophomores on the varsity roster this year are Miranda Graham, Autumn Bolash and Riley Thacker.

How the Titans will fare in the Downriver League is a little up in the air, according to Sakalas because there are so many new coaches at so many league schools that it’s hard to tell who the contenders are.

Come playoff time, the Titans will find themselves in the five-team tournament at Riverview. Joining Anderson there will be the host Pirates, River Rouge, Lincoln Park and Roosevelt.

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SOUTHGATE STAR • December 14 - January 24, 2020 • Page 19

Page 20 • December 14 - January 24, 2020 • SOUTHGATE STAR

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SOUTHGATE STAR • December 14 - January 24, 2020 • Page 21

The road is long, but the Titans are determined Southgate Star

It’s still looking like a long road back to the top for the Southgate Unified hockey team, but third-year Coach Rick Butler is undaunted.

He played for Southgate Anderson from 1989 to 1992, and assistant coach Scott Stewart played for the Titans from 1987 to 1989 and was a member of a state championship team. Rob Beaver also is an assistant coach, and Rick’s son, Jacob Butler, played four years in the program and is helping coach this year.

As a coach, the elder Butler’s story has been a little different. He went 0-26 his first year and 3-23 last year.

“We’re trying to rebuild the whole program,” he said.

Southgate merged with Monroe and Monroe Jefferson last season, an experience Butler called “a great year” despite the less-than-stellar record.

This year’s Southgate Unified team has six players from the two Monroe schools; only four players on the entire roster are seniors.

“Combining kids from both cities was a learning process,” he said. “But they don’t have a rink and they wanted to play, so we brought them onto our team.”

Butler likes the work ethic of this year’s squad.

“I call them a blue-collar team,” he said. “They do the dirty stuff and get their jobs done.”

They’ve played four games so far, losing the last two 8-0 and 6-5. In the latter game, his team took

35 minutes in penalties and was missing a couple Gavin Buchanan from Monroe, along with junior of players who were out for Thanksgiving vacation.

Ryan Klotz.

Despite those things, the Titans were down 6-1 at one “They know what the rules are and what they have point and came back to make it a one-goal game. to do,” Butler said. “Those guys take care of the off“If we’d stayed out of box, we’d have been all ice stuff for us and are great in the room. They help right,” Butler said the younger players with “We’re looking ahead, lockers and show them how 2019 Southgate Unified we’re looking good and things are done.”

Boys’ Hockey Team we’re just working our Goalie Kyle Sutherland

butts off,” Butler said. “As has been standing on his

8 Dominic Beaver coaches we tell them how head for his team, facing an

21 Nathaniel Bess we played and how we average of 35 to 40 shots

14 Gavin Buchanan want to get back there. We a game — and he’s only a

22 Joshua Calhoun reiterate that this is how sophomore.

6 Dominic Carmouche it’s done; we’ve just got to “He will steal some games

5 Connor Giles work.” for us,” Butler said.

25 Marcus King Butler and his staff Sophomore Ashton

7 Ryan Klotz are showing his team old Petrarca leads the team in

2 Garrett LaBeau VHS tapes from their own points.

13 Jackson Longfellow playing days so that players “He’s got so much talent,”

18 Gabriel Obourn can see what success looks Butler said. “He’s going to

12 Garrett Obourn like, but are keeping their be a leader coming up. It’s

9 Ashton Petrarca expectations in check. just a great bunch of kids.

23 Dominik Sudak “It’s going to take time,” There’s no arguments, and

1 Kyle Sutherland he said. “It’s a process.” they’re always helping each

17 Jacob Zaddock Coaches soon will start other. giving some chalk talks Butler believes that and have booked some despite the growing pains, community service gigs so players can do some the results will eventually come, and he’s hoping fans team bonding. Previous service included handing out will come out and support his hardworking team as gloves and hats in Detroit’s Clark Park; this year they the rebuild progresses. will work with homeless shelters and shovel snow for “We just want to get the community out here to elderly residents. watch these boys,” he said. “They love playing in Team leaders this year include seniors Dominic front of the fans.”

Beaver Jackson Longfellow, Jacob Zaddock and

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Tom Tigani

Page 22 • December 14 - January 24, 2020 • SOUTHGATE STAR

Suggestions or Comments? We are listening at 734-282-3939

Titan cagers hope to play with league’s top teams Hank Minckiewicz

Anderson 2019-20 Basketball Roster

Southgate Star

The Anderson basketball team was just 11-11 last year, but for the past couple of seasons, the team has been just that close to knocking off the best teams in the area. In each of the past two seasons, the Titans have lost early in Michigan High School Athletic Association district play by a single point to the team that eventually went on to win the district championship.

Only a couple of players remain from those teams, but those few are well versed in coach Eugene Kolbusz’s style of play.

“We are definitely young,” said Kolbusz, “we have just four seniors, but those seniors have run the system for three or four years. They definitely now the system, so we don’t have to spend a lot of time working on that.”

The seniors are Aaron Jaciuk, Cole Hinsman, Max Walker and Brandon Payne. Payne is a transfer from Carlson and Kolbusz said he has had a good summer getting ready for his senior campaign in burgundy.

“These guys are all in and hopefully it will all come together for us this season,” Kolbusz said.

Making the seniors’ job a little easier is a sophomore and a pair of juniors that Kolbusz said will each make a big impact this season. The sophomore, Jake Peer, has turned some heads already this season.

“I think he will be a huge asset for us,” said the coach.

The juniors are Jordan Fogg and Spencer Mcmahon.

Mcmahon is better known as the best pitcher on the Anderson baseball team, but the 11th-grader can play some hoop, too.

“Baseball may be Spencer’s game,” said Kolbisz, “but he can really shoot

00 Daveon Jones 1 Giovanni Hugan 2 Anthony Gutierrez 3 Andrew Calhoun 4 Maxton Walker 10 Cole Hinzmann 11 Jake Peer 21 Brandon Payne 23 Spencer McMahon 24 Jordan Fogg 33 Aaron Jaciuk

Photo by Larry Caruso

the basketball.”

Kolbusz said two other sophomores - Anthony Gutierrez and Giovanni

Hugan - have shown some spark as well.

Overall, Kolbusz said, this year’s

team has a good feel to it.

“We have no “mes” on this team this year,” he said. “Everyone gets along and we’ve had no issues at all.”

That’s good if the Titans hope to challenge the top teams in the Downriver League Woodhaven has reigned in the DRL the past few seasons and Kolbusz said the Warriors will be strong again this season, he also named Wyandotte and Carlson as top teams in the conference, and, the coach was not shy about putting his squad among the league favorites, as well.

Anderson started the season on Dec. 10th against non-league Riverview and they started the league campaign on Dec. 17 against Lincoln Park.

When it comes to MHSAA district play this season, the Downriver League teams are divided into two tournaments.

Woodhaven, Carlson and Trenton will head south and join Monroe and Bedford at the tournament hosted by Bedford.

Anderson will go to Lincoln Park, along with Allen Park, Roosevelt, Riverview and the host school.

Districts run March 9-13, 2020.

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