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A Star is born!

New Southgate newsmagazine is for and about your community

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Hank Minckiewicz Southgate Star

Hello Southgate, we are happy to be here.

You have in your hands the inaugural edition of the Southgate Star and it is something band new,

something the residents of the city have never really had before - it’s your hometown newspaper.

Yes, there is a long history of newspapers in the city, but always, residents have had to share. Share the pages, share the coverages with fellow Downriver communities. There has

always been Southgate coverage, to be sure, but generally you had to fight through Taylor news and Woodhaven news and Wyandotte sports stories to find it.

The Southgate Star is just about SEE STAR, Page 7

21645 Allen Rd. Woodhaven, MI • 48183 (734) 362-1111 metro.helpusell.com

Page 2 • February 23 — March 22, 2019 • SOUTHGATE STAR

SOUTHGATE STAR • February 23 — March 22, 2019 • Page 3

Natural Connection Downriver linked greenways celebrates, looks to the future

The expansion of the Downriver Linked Greenways includes linkage to the Iron Belle Trail.

BILL STEVENSON Southgate Star

The quality of life Downriver just got better. At least that’s what people were saying as they attended the Downriver Linked Greenways’, “Trail Triumphs” presentation at the Flat Rock Community Center on Jan. 22.

And it was more than just sayin’. They were showing.

The Greenways event brought together civic and business leaders, environmentalists, outdoor enthusiasts, and members of the Beaumont Health Care system in a mini-expo program to celebrate the progress made in the growing network of land and water trails Downriver since 1998, and to announce future recreational enhancements to the more than 100 miles of blueways and greenways in our corner of southeastern Michigan.

The Downriver Linked Greenways Initiative began in 1998 at a meeting of mayors and government officials called by the late State Representative George Mans. Rockwood mayor Dan Guzzi was in attendance and recalls, “It was an initial visioning meeting where plans from other states with extensive outdoor networking plans were presented. It was like building Disneyland, except the question was ‘how are we going to pay for this?’”

The following year, a Downriver Summit, hosted by Congressman John D. Dingell helped to formulate the community-driven regional effort to coordinate non-motorized transportation like biking, walking, hiking, and kayaking in the Downriver area. Eventually, the state of Michigan approved a five percent allocation for non-motorized multi-use trails from the Department of Transportation funds given to counties and municipalities.

Anita Twardesky, President of the Downriver Linked Greenways said,” We have a great community Downriver and are very fortunate to have so many parks, hiking and biking trails, rivers, and other waterways. This gathering

today acknowledges what an asset we have and furthers the vision to make Downriver a statewide tourist destination.

“The communities, nonprofits, businesses, and health care community understand the importance of connectivity and partnership moving ahead.”

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-U.S. 12th District), supported the

collaborative vision in saying, “Every day, John (former U.S. Congressman John D. Dingell) asks me ‘what have you done for the Wildlife Refuge today?’ “The water connects us.

“I grew up in St. Clair, Michigan and fished in the river, swam in the river.

The water connects us. And the trails connect us to the water. By working together, we can attract new businesses, celebrate our Downriver heritage, and

improve the quality of life for all our citizens.”

“Yes, by working together, you can get something done.”

At the confab, Twardesky also announced a partnership with the Friends of the Detroit River, represented by David Howell, Chairman of FDR, and owner of Total Runner to further advance opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Additional partners in the trail network include the State of Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Iron Belle Trail, Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG), Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, Ralph C. Wilson Jr Design and Access Funds, Riverside Kayak Connection, Michigan Sea Grant, Wayne County Parks, Downriver municipalities, and Beaumont Health.

The highlight of the meeting was the unveiling of eleven Downriver Linked Greenways kiosks, road decals, and signage markers that will be placed along the trails from Rockwood to Riverview to River Rouge, and parts in between. Many of the signs will not only provide direction, but also create places that reflect the heritage and unique culture of Downriver.

The expansion of the Downriver Linked Greenways includes linkage to the Iron Belle Trail. While the Iron Belle may conjure images of Rosie the Riveter or your favorite WWF wrestler, the origin of the name is less prosaic.

It’s the longest state designated trail in the United States, stretching from Belle Isle to Ironwood, Michigan in the Upper Peninsula.

More than 1,273 miles of multi-use trails along the eastern side of the state, traversing the northern shore of SEE GREENWAYS, Page 4

Page 4 • February 23 — March 22, 2019 • SOUTHGATE STAR

Mayor Kuspa touts improvement in state of the city address Hank Minckiewicz Southgate Star

It was pretty much wall-to-wall good news when longtime Southgate mayor Joe Kuspa stepped to the podium at Crystal Gardens recently to deliver his annual state of the city address.

Kuspa, who is entering his 10th year as Southgate’s mayor, highlighted several area of achievement, including public safety, financial integrity and neighborhood and infrastructure improvements.

Kuspa began by announcing that in the most recent city audit, Southgate earned the highest grade possible. He also Kuspa said the the city again had a balanced budget, banked $200,000 in the city’s fund balance and reduced the city debt by another $ 1 million dollars. Kuspa added that in his nine years as mayor, Southgate’s

GREENWAYS

debt has been reduced 56 percent, from $14 million to $6.2 million and at the current pace, the debt will be fully retired by 2026.

On the infrastructure front, Kuspa had an announcement that likely will have all residents and visitors cheering - Eureka Road will finally be fixed. Wayne County will spend $2.2 million dollars this construction season to rebuild the road from Dix to Fort Street.

It is the largest road repair expenditure the county will make this year and Kuspa made a point to thank County Commissioner Joe Palamara and County Executive Warren Evans for make the project happen.

The mayor also touted improvements made by the city itself, including road repairs to McCann and Fordline streets and the ongoing relining of the city’s water mains. The city has 88 miles of water mains and the mayor said that 65 percent them have been relined and that none of the relined mains have suffered a break.

The city also completed recreation

Continued from page 3 Lake Michigan along the Wisconsin border make up the bicycle route, with 791 miles of hiking trails cutting across the Lower Peninsula and traversing the Lake Superior shoreline.

Also at the program, Beaumont Health produced a video promoting the social, emotional, and cognitive benefits of an active lifestyle and healthy eating. Besides telling the story of 86 -year –old Trenton resident, Norma Baker who had quadruple bypass open heart surgery on her 80th birthday, the film showcases the Downriver Linked Greenways.

And to further spark motivation and wanderlust, SEMCOG announced a new virtual Southeast Michigan Trail Explorer where you can check out your route and points along both biking and hiking trails Downriver, using Terrain 360.

But just don’t take anyone’s word for it. Get out there, go see for yourself. Your quality of life just got better.

If you would like to see Beaumont’s video on their Get Walking/Downriver Greenways, go to youtube.com/watch?v=n5uhdBzSOO4 To view SEMCOG’s site, go to semcog. org “Southeast Michigan Trail Explorer.”

updates, including new playscapes in Rotary Park on the city’s south end, and 2019 will see upgrades to Kiwanis Park, located at the corner of LeRoy and trenton roads, across from Davidson School.

Coming to the park, which is home to the popular Great Lakes Steamers miniature trains, is a new pavilion, a paved and lighted walkway, paved parking and the city’s first dog park, which will be adjacent to Kiwanis Park.

In addition, the golf course got some much-needed new equipment and the ice rink got a new Zamboni machine, it’s first in 25 years.

One central theme of the address was an emphasis on public safety and Kuspa specifically lauded Director of Public Safety Jeff Smith, Police Chief Brett Selby and Fire Chief Mike Sypula.

Improvements to the fire department, included the purchase of a $431,000 fire engine to be delivered later this month, improved drainage at the fire station and the upgrading of the EMT

service from Basic Life Support (BLS) to Advanced Life Support (ALS). The staff has been trained and the EMT vehicles have been outfitted with $90,000 of upgrades. The department has been state certified in ALS and the system will be operational soon, Kuspa said.

The Police Department got building upgrades, including roof repairs, improved locker facilities and a upgraded evidence room. Kuspa said Lowe’s Hometown Heroes Grant helped fund some of the building updates.

The department also continues to improve its patrol fleet, moving from traditional cruisers to SUVs outfitted with improved technology and safety features.

Kuspa also said the city continues to grow and evolve with more than 1,000 building permits issued in 2018, 240 for businesses.

Kuspa concluded his address by saying his goal remains to make Southgate “a premiere place for people to live work and raise a family.”

SOUTHGATE STAR • February 23 — March 22, 2019 • Page 5

FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

Southgate Education Foundation event is May 2

B. The nominee many have contributed time, effort and/or money for a project to benefit the Southgate area or the community in which they now reside without thought of compensation.

Jill Pastor

Special to the Southgate Star

The Southgate Education Foundation (SEF) will hold its in Inaugural Event May 2 at Crystal Garden in Southgate.

The Southgate Education Foundation was formed exclusively to enhance educational opportunities for the students in the Southgate School District.

Our mission is to build partnerships between the community and public education that enhance educational excellence by providing independent funding for innovative and enriching programs. The SEF is a tax-exempt charitable organization..

This foundation offers our community and local businesses an opportunity to come together and contribute to education and strengthen the future of the Southgate School District.

The SEF will: • Enrich our public-school curriculum with programs and activities that provide diverse learning experiences to our students and challenge them to reach well beyond their abilities.

• Foster a culture of excellence in the District with the unique and creative opportunities available to staff through classroom and program grants.

• Give our teachers the opportunity to bring dynamic learning to the classroom.

• Provide student scholarships starting with the Anderson Class of 2020.

• Provide numerous opportunities to recognize your support.

Our Inaugural Event will take place on Thursday, May 2 from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Crystal Gardens, Southgate. Tickets are on sale now until April 19 for $50 per person or a table of eight for $350. The cost includes: buffet dinner, beverages, DJ, photo booth, awards presentations door prizes and more.

For tickets contact Jill Pastor, pastorj@sgate.k12. mi.us or Liz McNees, mcneese@sgate.k12.mi.us or call 734-246-4600 for more information.

There are a variety of sponsorship opportunities available. These include: PARTNER IN EDUCATION • $5,000 Includes up to two reserved tables for up to sixteen people. VIP Reception for you and your guests, a fullpage ad and front cover partner in our event program, a large banner displayed at the event, advertising at our school events, included as a partner in our presentation during the event, and displayed as a feature sponsor in a local newspaper article.

COMMUNITY SPONSOR • $2,500 Includes one reserved table for up to eight people.

VIP Reception for you and your guests, a full-page ad and front cover partner in our event program, a

medium banner displayed at the event, advertising at school events, and displayed as a feature sponsor in a local newspaper article PLATINUM SPONSOR • $1,000 Includes four tickets to our Inaugural Event, a half page ad in our event program, a sign displayed at the event, advertising at our school events, and in a local newspaper article.

GOLD SPONSOR • $500 Includes two tickets to our Inaugural Event, a ¼ page ad in our event program, a sign displayed at the event, advertising at our school events, and in a local newspaper article.

SILVER SPONSOR • $250 Includes one ticket to our Inaugural Event, a business card ad in our event program, advertising at our school events, and mentioned in a local newspaper article.

FRIENDS OF SEF • $100 Includes one ticket to our Inaugural Event and a listing in our event program.

At this event we will have a few awards. We are seeking nominations for these awards. Please see the description for each below.

Wall of Fame: The Mission of the Southgate Education Wall of Fame Committee is to recognize individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to the quality of education in the City of Southgate and Southgate Graduates who have distinguished themselves in their profession. Selection to the Wall of Fame serves as a public thank-you to those individuals, and serves as a model for others to follow. Candidates consist of Southgate School Graduates and Friends of Southgate Schools.

Southgate Anderson, Southgate High, or Schafer High School Graduates A. The nominee may have contributed to their chosen profession through outstanding individual performance or leadership, literary and/or professional publications, or recognized success in particular field of work.

Friends of Southgate Schools A. The nominee may have made significant contributions to the Southgate Schools educational system and/or consideration given to what they have done to benefit Southgate students.

B. The nominee may have served as a school board member, school administrator, teacher, other school employee, and/or volunteer.

Nominee Exclusions for the Wall of Fame 1. Nominee cannot be a current employee of the Southgate Community Schools.

2. Nominee cannot be currently serving as Board of Education member.

3. Nominee cannot be currently serving on the Southgate Education Foundation.

Applications for the Southgate Education Foundation Wall of Fame will be accepted through April 1, 2019. All applications will be considered for five (5) review periods. If the nomination is not approved after that period, a new nomination form must be submitted.

Please request nomination forms from the Southgate Board of Education: Attn: SEF 14600 Dix Toledo Rd, Southgate, MI, 48195 Selection Committee: The selection committee will be monitored by the Southgate Education Foundation Board.

• The committee will consist of six members: two Southgate Community School employees appointed by the superintendent and four Southgate Education Foundation members.

• Applications must be received by 5 p.m., on April 1st of the year they are to be considered.

• All applications will be provided to the committee the week before the meeting for review and will be kept confidential by the selection committee.

• The inductees will be announced at the Foundation’s annual signature event or other event as determined by the committee.

• A plaque will be placed in Southgate Anderson High School to recognize the inductees.

• A maximum of three individuals will be inducted in any year.

• Nominees will be considered for five years.

Candidates removed after the five-year period may be re-nominated at any time.

• If a Wall of Fame nominee is immediate family of a Selection Committee member, that committee member will abstain from voting for that candidate.

Page 6 • February 23 — March 22, 2019 • SOUTHGATE STAR

Remembering Jim Skura

Former band director to be honored with Life Celebration

all levels. You may not know brass or woodwind, but when he was instructing and showing others how it As the family of Jim Skura prepares needed to be done, we all listened and for his Life Celebration, the reality of learned. his passing has not yet fully hit home.

The third trumpet section was as We all have had a time in our important as the first section. It was lives that we need to bury our loved just a note, but the music was taught ones and if we are lucky enough to so we would hear the song the way gather the best it needed to be parts of their life heard, all the song, to display for together, from the all, the gathering oboe to the tuba. almost feels like When I find a violation as myself listening to we go through music today I thank their personal him for giving me belongings, but it the sense to hear all is mostly a healing the small stuff in the remembrance. background, it is so As for Jim, rewarding. many of us have Jim did not just lived a part of his keep a beat and professional life, swing the baton, we know what he he moved with it, has done over the as we got better we years and the effect moved with it, also, he had on everyone Jim Skura (front) and Chris and eventually the around him. But crowd moved, too.

Waara as we uncover lists Once when he and letters, activities, agendas, we truly was conducting ‪the orchestra‬ and see what a real professional he was. choir for the Christmas Eve services Band members, have expressed their at Christ The King, I told my adult gratitude in letters and cards, emails children to watch Paw (as they called and calls, not just now, but for the last him) as he guided everybody through 50 years. It is rather overwhelming to the Alleluia Chorus. see that he just didn’t get better with I remember being part of this. age at his art but was great even when His arms flailed and swung, his feet he was young. arching and jumping and the baton He was thankful for all the people was pointing left and right and then who participated in his programs suddenly - it pointed at you. Yes, you, over the years. He may not have had because he needed you to do your best a chance to tell all of you, but he was at that exact moment (you all know so proud of of you. He always let the what I mean). It was and will be one of family know how proud he was when the most exhilarating moments for me he heard or saw something about a to watch. former student.

He was on top of his game and it It is quite amazing the connection was magical, it was spectacular. His people kept with him through the feeling came out on that podium and years, letting him know how they were through the musicians on that stage to progressing and what a great teacher us in the pews. he was.

He has given me and my family a As a former student I had the bigger appreciation of music. pleasure of playing for Mr. Skura, yes, Thanks, Mr. Skura. the baton side.

I get it, I feel It, I hope you all feel While it was just a class, he had it, too ... music. a way to make you participate in

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SOUTHGATE STAR • February 23 — March 22, 2019 • Page 7

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Continued from page 1 your city. Everything in these pages is about or is of interest to Southgate residents. It is community news distilled down to its purest form.

In today’s edition alone, you’ll find information and stories about the Southgate Education Foundation, Mayor Joe Kuspa’s State of the City Address, the state-tournament-bound Anderson Quiz Bowl team, female state wrestling champion, Johanna Palshan, a junior at Anderson, and more.

Most of these are stories you’re not going to find anywhere else, at least not with the depth and scope we can bring.

There is a lot happening in this city, I know, I’ve lived most of my life here. Although Southgate lacks a true “downtown,” there is still a vital sense of community that permeates the neighborhoods. There is a Titan pride that comes from attending the local school and there is a deep loyalty to the past that includes diverse backgrounds shared by a generation of residents who graduated from competing high schools - Schafter and Southgate High - before those schools were consolidated into one in 1982.

Need proof of that shared past? just check out the Southgate Historical Museum on Dix. Photographer Larry Caruso - another Southgate native nd Schafer grad - did, and you can see his photostory about the museum in today’s edition.

The newspaper industry is

struggling these days and we are losing local voices and diverse voices at an alarming pace. That’s why it’s exciting to be in this position, a position that allows us to fill a much-needed void.

As newspaper consolidation, cutbacks and layoffs and faraway corporate ownership chip away and erode community journalism, it is gratifying for the Star to be able to step in and provide a service vital to our neighbors.

In addition to our editorial coverage, the Star also offers extra benefits to our advertisers.

Like other Go Big Multimedia publications - the Grosse Ile Grand, the Riverview Register and the Wyandotte Warrior - The Star is a true multimedia vehicle. The Star is direct mailed to all homes in the city as well as all business. We are also available online and on news racks through the city and we have an active presence on social media.

If you are a business owner in the community, the Star is a great value and worth a look as an advertising option. If you are a resident, we hope you’ll enjoy what we provide for you.

Also, if you’ve ever though, “hey, that would be a great story,” but really had no idea where to go with it, let us encourage you to give us a call or drop us a line. Your story may be too small for the corporate newspapers, but it likely is just right for us.

Thanks, Southgate, for the opportunity you are providing us.

See, you around.

Page 8 • February 23 — March 22, 2019 • SOUTHGATE STAR

Stepping out in style!

Chamber black-tie expo excites guests with Oscar theme Paula Neuman Southgate Star

Southgate resident Timothy Schramm, director of operations for Howe-Peterson Funeral Home, manned the company booth at the SWCRCC Black Tie Gala and Expo.

Fifty or so diverse businesses — small, large and nonprofit — showed their wares and services to about 300 elegantly clad people at the annual Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber’s Black Tie Gala and Expo Feb. 8.

The event has an Oscar theme, which didn’t disappoint, said chamber President Ron Hinrichs.

“People seemed very excited,” he said. “They came in black tie and ball gowns, and that’s exactly what we were hoping for. Vendors also played along with the theme.

A chamber business member had a photo setup where people could hold an Oscar statuette and have their picture taken, and Sterling Office Systems of Livonia had a 3D printer set up and they were printing little Oscar statuettes.”

About 15 restaurant also offered sumptuous fare for the party-goers.

The three-hour event, held at Crystal Gardens in Southgate, offered everyone a chance to dine, mingle and network, which is the intent of the expo, formerly

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Award winners from the expo are: Best Chef Presentation: Grosse Ile Golf & County Club Best Appetizer: Beaumont Trenton Best Entrée: Whiskeys on the Water Best Dessert: Smugglers on the River Best Booth: Sterling Office Systems Best Multiple Booth: Monroe Bank & Trust Best Interactive Booth: Downriver Community Federal Credit Union held by the Downriver Community Conference and Downriver Metroplex Alliance. It used to be a threeday affair held at Yack Arena in Wyandotte.

The chamber took it over, and in 2018, moved it to Crystal Gardens after “reassessing the needs and desires of our membership,” Hinrich said.

And the event’s afterglow, featuring a live band, was “just a blast,” he added.

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SOUTHGATE STAR • February 23 — March 22, 2019 • Page 9

Credit union slates new branch in Southgate Paula Neuman Southgate Star

A new branch of the Downriver Community Federal Credit Union is coming to Southgate.

The branch is planned for 15261 Trenton Road, just south of Eureka, and marks the credit union’s 77th anniversary, celebrated Jan. 29. President and CEO Robert La Palme said the project will be a twostory building with 12,000 square feet of office space.

Groundbreaking is expected to take place in the spring, “as soon as all this wonderful weather breaks,” said Mark Tremper, vice president of marketing and community development. A fall 2019 opening is projected.

DCFCU is based in Ecorse, and now has branches in Lincoln Park, Woodhaven and Wyandotte. Adding a facility in Southgate was planned to provide a central Downriver location.

“We needed something more central to the whole Downriver area so we’re able to meet the needs of all our members and prospective members,” Tremper said.

Anyone who lives, works, worships or attend school Downriver can join the credit union, which offers banking services in-person, online and by phone, and is accessible via thousands of ATMs and service centers across the country.

This drawing shows the western view of the proposed Downriver Community Federal Credit Union branch to be built in Southgate.

The credit union was organized in 1942 by a group of employees of Great Lakes Steel Corp. Its name then was Great Lakes Steelworkers Federal Credit Union. In 1943, the organization opened up its services to all employees of Great Lakes Steel and their families. Its “office” was in the local union until 1960, when the credit union raised a building on West Jefferson Avenue in Ecorse.

In 1982, the name was changed to Downriver Community Federal Credit Union, and its charter changed to allow all Downriver residents to be part of the organization. The Woodhaven office opened in 2003 and the Lincoln Park branch opened in 2004.

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Page 10 • February 23 — March 22, 2019 • SOUTHGATE STAR

County Commissioner Palamara named to high school Wall of Fame

Palamara

PAULA NEWMAN Southgate Star

Joseph Palamara has public service in his blood.

He’s been an elected official representing Downriver since 1984.

His father, Sam Palamara, who died Jan. 10 at the age of 90, was an administrator in the Wyandotte

Recreation Department for 25 years, an elected member of the Wyandotte City Council and active in many community organizations.

Joseph Palamara, a resident of Grosse Ile, has been named to the 2019 Roosevelt High School Distinguished Graduate Wall of Fame for his decades of public service. His father earned the same honor in 1994, and that means a great deal to the son.

“That’s what makes this so special and humbling,” said Joseph Palamara, who graduated from Roosevelt in 1971.

“I am honored beyond words. The first thing I thought of when I heard about it was my dad.”

Joseph Palamara was first elected as a state representative in 1984, and he served for seven terms until term limits first took effect. In 1998, he was elected to the Wayne County Commission, where he currently serves as vice chairman. He also serves on the commission’s committees of Ways and Means, Economic Development and Public Services. The district he represents comprises Grosse Ile

Township, Wyandotte, Ecorse, River Rouge, Gibraltar, Riverview, Southgate and Trenton.

Palmara was first nominated for the Wall of Fame by former Southgate Mayor Norma Wurmlinger, another Wall of Fame inductee who graduated from Roosevelt in 1949. That was a few years ago. More recently, Palamara was nominated for the honor again by former Wyandotte Mayor James Wagner.

Palamara — like his father who played professional minor league baseball for the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago White Sox and Brooklyn Dodgers — was a top-rated athlete.

In his senior year at Michigan State University, he led the Spartans’ baseball team in hitting, received his team’s Sportsmanship Award and was named to the All-Big Ten and AllAmerican teams as a second baseman.

He graduated from MSU with a degree in business, and in 1985 he earned his juris doctorate degree from the Detroit College of Law (now MSU College of Law), going to school at

night while he worked during the day.

He been licensed to practice law for more than 30 years.

His wife Aline and both of his parents are Roosevelt High School graduates, and, while Palamara has been honored before in many ways, he considers being named to the school’s Wall of Fame as “one of the greatest honors of my life,” he said.

And coming so soon after losing his father makes the honor that much more meaningful.

“It’s very emotional for all of us,” Palamara said. “I’m grateful.”

He serves as a member of the Michigan Association of Counties Board of Directors, is a former member of the Board of Directors of Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital and a former member of the Aerotropolis Executive Board. He was master of ceremonies when President Bill Clinton visited Wyandotte, and has served as a guest lecturer at the Detroit College of Law. A devoted family man, Palamara and his wife are parents to Lauren, Lance and Samantha and grandparents to four.

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SOUTHGATE STAR • February 23 — March 22, 2019 • Page 11

What’s Happening Southgate ...

Adult coloring Coloring has gained widespread popularity among adults in recent years - it’s a great way to relax and unwind.

The Southgate Veteran’s Memorial Library offers fun and intricate coloring pages to help residents express their artistic sides.

now for more than forty years, has been reported with growing frequency and alarm, but has never before been written about as searingly from the inside. J. D. Vance tells the true story of what a social, regional, and class decline feels like when you were born with it hung around your neck.

Book Club Join us at the Southgate Veterans Memorial Library for our Book Club!

Meetings are held the third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome, whether you’ve read the book or not. Copies of the upcoming title will be available at the Southgate Library, just ask at the front desk.

April 17th - The Great Alone

by Kristin Hannah Ernt Allbright, a former POW, comes home from the Vietnam war a changed and volatile man. When he loses yet another job, he makes an impulsive decision: he will move his family north, to Alaska, where they will live off the grid in America’s last true frontier.

At first, Alaska seems to be the answer to their prayers. In a wild, remote corner of the state, they find a fiercely independent community of strong men and even stronger women.

The long, sunlit days and the generosity of the locals make up for the Allbrights’ lack of preparation and dwindling

March 20th - Hillbilly Elegy

by J. D. Vance Hillbilly Elegy is a passionate and personal analysis of a culture in crisis— that of white working-class Americans.

The disintegration of this group, a process that has been slowly occurring

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Entertainment by Jim Zang of Bass Note Productions. Door prize for bestdressed “Wearing of the Green” guest.

For tickets, contact the Mission House at 734-285-2966.

Teen Dungeons and Dragons The Teen D&D Club welcomes veteran players and newcomers between the ages of 12-18 on Saturdays from noon - 3 p.m. All are welcome to pick up up some dice, a player sheet and join the fun.

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Page 12 • February 23 — March 22, 2019 • SOUTHGATE STAR

Remembering the past

The Southgate Historical Foundation is dedicated to documenting and preserving the current and past history of the great community of Southgate, Michigan. The foundation runs the Southgate Historical Museum at 14120 Dix Toledo Road. The museum is packed from top to bottom with decades old memorabilia documenting Southgate’s 60-year history. So if you are a Southgate oldtimer and you’d like to relive some past memories, or a newcomer wondering about the city’s past, the museum is well worth a stop. The museum hours are, first weekend of each month from 2-5 p.m. or by appointment. Call them at 734-775-0425 The Southgate Historical Foundation Board of Directors meetings are open to the public and are held on the first Monday of each month at 4:30 p.m. at the Southgate Veteran’s Library, 14680 DixToledo Road.

Photos by Larry Caruso

White Furniture’s Annual Income Tax Sale 10 GREAT REASONS TO SHOP AT WHITE FURNITURE 1. EVERYTHING IS SALE PRICED up to 70% off 2. WE PAY YOUR SALES TAX on orders not financed 3. 48 MONTHS NO INTEREST FINANCING* 4. FREE 2 YEAR LAY-A-WAY 5. FREE DELIVERY within 20 miles purchases over $299 6. SALE PRICES ON SPECIAL ORDERS 7. ENTER TO WIN A FREE LEATHER RECLINER 8. FREE $25 GIFT CARD WITH PURCHASE OF $250 TO $499 9. FREE $50 GIFT CARD WITH PURCHASE OF $500 TO $999 10. FREE $100 GIFT CARD WITH PURCHASE OF $1000 AND UP

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February 23 — March 22, 2019 • SOUTHGATE STAR • Page 13

Page 14 • February 23 — March 22, 2019 • SOUTHGATE STAR

Have an Event or Fundraiser? Let us know at 734-282-3939

Anderson Quiz Bowl team qualifies for state tournament The Southgate Anderson Quiz Bowl team had a wonderful 2018-2019 season, qualifying for the state tournament in Lansing for the first time in school history.

The Quiz Bowl state championship will be held on the campus of Michigan State University and hosted by its Honors College on April 12-13.

The team had wins over Redford Union, Trenton, Annapolis, Lincoln Park, Wyandotte, Riverview, Romulus and Woodhaven. Two two losses came against Gibraltar Carlson and Huron, giving the team an 8-2 season record.

This year’s Quiz Bowl team was comprised of: Ben and Zach Altizer, Kreshnik Idrizi, Chloe Jankowski, Cayden Koweck, Emily Lang, Jessica Li, Megan Mearnic, Lexi Nadolsky, Anna Pochini, Anthony Sampson, Zane Seal, Noah Taylor, Cameron Wolske and is coached by Jennifer Furkas. The squad started practicing every Friday after school and started playing matches in October.

Since there is cost associated with competing at the state tournament, the team is hosting its first Trivia Night at the Woodhaven Moose on March 16 from 7-9 p.m.. Doors open at 6:30 and play begins at 7.

For $20 per person, you’ll get pizza, soda, snacks, dessert, and a chance to compete with your friends.

There will be prizes for the top teams as well as raffle baskets and 50/50.

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The Anderson Quiz Bowl team qualified for the State tournament for the first time.

Teaching Toys

February 23 — March 22, 2019 • SOUTHGATE STAR • Page 15

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Page 16 • February 23 — March 22, 2019 • SOUTHGATE STAR

Southgate Star

Melva Bonis of Grosse Ile returns to Culinary Capers with her mother’s deliciously simple recipe for New England Corn Chowder, a perfect bowl for a frigid day. Melva’s mom was from Boston, which is famous for another chowder, of course — with clams.

But instead of using canned corn in her mother’s recipe, Melva buys fresh ears at a farmer’s market every summer, cuts off the kernels and freezes them to make the chowder year-round.

NEW ENGLAND CORN CHOWDER 2 cups red or yellow potatoes (about 3 or 4 medium), peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes 6 strips bacon 2 medium-sized onions, sliced thinly, then chopped roughly (about 1 cup) 1 tablespoon butter 1½ tablespoons bacon drippings 14.5-ounce can cream-style corn 15.25-ounce can whole kernel corn, undrained 12-ounce can evaporated milk 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste ¼ teaspoon pepper, or to taste Cook potatoes in salted water just to cover, until tender but not too soft.

Meanwhile, cook bacon and remove from pan, reserving drippings. Sauté onions in butter and 1½ tablespoons of drippings until light golden in color.

Add potatoes and water in which they were cooked to onions. Add creamstyle and whole-kernel corn. Stir in evaporated milk. Add salt and pepper.

Ladle into bowls. Crumble bacon and sprinkle over soup. Serve with crusty bread.

••• One of my long-time favorite bowls is a slow-cooker stew I’ve been making since 1995, using a recipe included in the cookbook that came with my second Crock-Pot. While the stew stews, I like to bake corn muffins using an awesome recipe I found on Jennifer Segal’s Once Upon a Chef website.

However, being very cholesterolconscious, when I bake the muffins, I substitute 1/3 cup cooking oil for the butter, using a substitution chart. (If you would like a copy of the chart, email me at Evycairns@aol.com). Like Jennifer,

I prefer to bake the muffins in greased tins instead of paper liners. By the way, they freeze well — should there be any left!

FAVORITE CROCK-POT SLOWCOOKER STEW 2 pounds stewing beef, cut into 1-inch cubes ¼ cup flour ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon pepper 1½ cups beef broth 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 clove garlic, 1 large bay leaf 1 teaspoon paprika 4 large carrots, sliced 3 medium potatoes, diced 1 medium onion, chopped 1 rib celery, sliced Place meat in Crock-Pot. Combine the flour, salt and pepper and pour the mixture over the beef, stirring to coat it. Add the broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, bay leaf, paprika, carrots, potatoes, onions and celery. Stir to mix well. Cover and cook on Low 10 to 12 hours, or high for 4 to 6 hours. Stir stew thoroughly before serving. If necessary, add additional flour to thicken.

CORNBREAD MUFFINS (By Jennifer Segal) ¾ cup yellow cornmeal 1¼ cups all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon baking powder ½ cup sugar 1 teaspoon salt 2 large eggs 2 tablespoons honey ¾ cup milk ½ cup unsalted, melted and cooled butter Preheat oven to 350 degrees; prepare muffin tins by greasing or using paper liners. Whisk cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar and salt in a large bowl.

In another bowl, break up the eggs with the whisk, then whisk in the honey and milk. Add milk mixture and butter to dry ingredients and stir until just blended. Do not overmix. Spoon into muffin tins. Bake 17-20 minutes until tops are set and golden. Makes 12 muffins.

HAPPY COOKING!

Stay at Home HealtHcare Stay at Home Care LLC has been helping the elderly and disabled in the privacy of their own homes for 7 years. The business started as a result of both co-owners Brenda Rademan and Diana Cain having Diana Cain & Brenda Rademan difficulty finding the means to care for their own parents at home.

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When talking about your loved ones, there is nothing worse than dealing with impersonal care.

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What’s old is new again

Local artist repurposes items into stunning art There is a plaque right in the lamp saying, presented for lifetime achievement from the citizens of Wyandotte.

HANK MINCKIEWICZ Southgate Star

Paul Affholter, a Southgate High grad and a retiree from DTE, has no formal art training, but you’d never believe that after checking out some of his amazing pieces.

Affholter specializes in “repurposed art,” the ability to take everyday objects and turn them into something more than just the sum of their parts; some bits of metal become a plane, a block of wood and a motorcycle gas tank becomes a lamp, tin ceiling panels becomes a beautiful, colorful wall hangings.

It’s hard to pigeonhole the work that Affholter does. He paints, yes, but he is not just a painter, he sculpts, but he is more than a sculptor. He carves, he stains and tinkers and when he is done - magic.

Recently Affholter created a lamp using an old fireman’s helmet and a brass nozzle he found at an antique store. It was a glittering masterpiece and Wyandotte Mayor Joe Peterson saw it online and bought with the idea of presenting it to the Wyandotte Fire Department and installing it in the newly renovated fire station.

After making contact with Affholter, Peterson found out he also made a police lamp so the mayor - a former Wyandotte cop - bought that piece, too, and gave it the the police department.

After meeting Peterson and learning about his past - he has been in the military, been with the WPD and been a city councilman before being elected mayor - Affholter decided to build a personalized lamp for the mayor.

Using items from Peterson’s time in Viet Nam, his law enforcement years, like handcuffs and his original badge, and various items from his time in city government, Affholter crafted a one-of-a-kind personal memento and presented it to the mayor.

Affholter is quick to point out that his is not a personal gift from him, but a thank-you from all the citizens of Wyandotte.

Paul Affholter (left) and Mayor Joe Peterson

“There is a plaque right in the lamp saying, presented for lifetime achievement from the citizens of Wyandotte,” Affholter said. “The mayor has done so much for the community and the country that it seemed right to do this.”

For his part, Peterson was blown away by the gift.

“When you see it, it’s my whole life,” Peterson said. “It starts when I was a 17-year-old kid and and I went to Viet Nam, to my time with the police, to now. I see this thing and it’s like getting into a time capsule. I can’t believe how awesome this is.”

Peterson posted the lamp on Facebook and it gained a lot of notoriety, but it is just one of many, many pieces that Affholter has and has created.

“I’ve always had a mechanical mind and I’ve always liked to create things,” said Affholter. “I really just never had the time to really focus on that.”

After retiring, time became more readily available and “my mind started opening up,” Affholter said.

Affholter said he likes working in steel and he likes making big projects, but the bigger objects take up lots of space and are harder to sell than smaller ones.

To make his projects more marketable, he makes much of his art “functional,” incorporating a clock or lamp into the mix.

To get material for his projects, Affholter says he cruises antique shops and resale stores. And he rarely has any idea what he’s going to do with his purchases.

“As long as it’s interesting, I’ll buy it,” he said.

As a painter, Affholter, who is a member of the Downriver Council for the Arts, tends to favor abstract works and he also finds himself drawn to pieces that require multiple materials and precise threading and fitting. That has led to quite and eclectic assortment of art pieces designed, exhibited and sold by him.

Shortly after starting his foray into the art world, Affholter’s good friend John Martin, bought a lathe

and began fooling around with his lifelong passion - woodworking - and before you know it, he, like Affholter, had what amounted to inventory.

So the two got together and formed “Repurposed Art Plus More.” You can find them on Facebook and connect there if you see items you like. The pair, along with their wifes, who contribute their handmade jewelry and other items, also attend craft fairs around the area.

Some of the things Martin makes are cutting boards, pepper mills and beautiful, hand-turned pens. He has pens especially for hunters, firemen, members of the military and just about anyone you can imagine.

“The staining and finish John puts on wood is just unbelievable,” said Affholter. “It’s really beautiful.”

Martin actually turned, carved and finished the small mayor’s gavel that adorns the lamp that Affholter presented to Peterson.

“More people should know about these guys,” said the mayor. “They are real artists and their stuff is just amazing.”

If you are interested in the work of Affholter or Martin, find Repurpose ort Plus More on Facebook.

You can also meet them and check out there art in person at the sixth annual Downriver Indie Art Fair at the James R. DeSana Center for Arts and Culture, 81 Chestnut, Wyandotte on March 8 and 9. The event runs 6-9 p.m. on Friday, March 8 and from 10 a.m. 6 p.m. Saturday, March 9.

There will be more than 50 artists at the three-floor art fest, jam-packed into the centuries old arts center. The event features of independent makers, artists and do-it-yourselfers. There will also be raffles, musics and food and drink for sale.

Have an Event or Fundraiser? Let us know at 734-282-3939

February 23 — March 22, 2019 • SOUTHGATE STAR • Page 17

Page 18 • February 23 — March 22, 2019 • SOUTHGATE STAR

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Girls high school wrestling

Sports

Anderson’s Palshan wins state championship DAVE GORGON Southgate Star

Johanna Palshan’s latest achievement was one for the record books: ● She dominated three wrestlers in the 112-pound weight class to win a championship in the very first Michigan high school girls state tournament, which took place Feb. 3 at Adrian College. ● Palshan’s state title was the very first in varsity wrestling at Southgate Anderson High School, which has a rich tradition in the sport. She is the only girl on an otherwise all-boys team. She wrestles boys in practice and beats boys on other teams in meets throughout the season. ● A high school junior who has wrestled since she was 7 years old, Palshan unselfishly competed in a higher weight class than usual at the state tournament so a friend at another school could compete – and win – at 105 pounds.

“JoJo could have been state champion in the first three or four weight classes,” said Anderson assistant coach Dave Ely, who has helped guide Palshan’s career since she started with the Downriver Wrestling Club. “She looked that good. She was on a mission. Nobody was going to stop her.”

The all-girls tournament was organized by the Michigan Wrestling Association. While the event was not officially sanctioned by the Michigan High School Athletic Association – the official body of Michigan high school sports – it was sponsored by the MHSAA. After a first-round bye, Palshan pinned Abigail Geairn of Marshall in one minute, 34 seconds. She then won by a 16-1 decision over Ella Turnblom of Fenton in the second round. In the state championship match, Palshan

defeated Alexis Poupore of Saline, 133, and took her spot on the top row of the podium.

“I was on cloud nine for a week,” Palshan said.

The three wins left her record at 26-16 for the season. The state championship is something her coaches saw coming based on her skill level.

“JoJo is an outstanding wrestler,” said Anderson varsity Coach Craig Laponowski. “It’s a good reward . She works just as hard as the boys on the mat. It was nice to see her compete with her peers.

“Some girls are there just to compete. Most usually get beat by the boys readily. We didn’t go just to compete. We went to go make sure we won it and we did.

“We knew she was one of the best girls in the state. When you can compete with the boys at the level she does, we knew that when she

gets in against females, she’s one of the – if not the – best. In the girls state championship, she dominated all three of her opponents and looked like the best female in the entire tournament.

She wrestled outstanding.”

Dave Pinkowski, long-time assistant principal and athletic director at Anderson, said Palshan made the entire school proud.

“We’re real excited about what she was able to accomplish,” he said. “At Southgate Anderson, we’ve had a lot of great wrestling – a long history.

But we could not get past it to win an individual state championship We went to the state finals in Battle Creek before and have been in the top eight teams in the state. We’ve had numerous wrestlers go to the state championship, but the best they could achieve was second place.

“And here comes JoJo and she wins the state championship. It’s the

first year with a girls wrestling state tournament and she runs the table and finishes first. Thank God for JoJo.” Coach Laponowski added: “It’s great for the school to finally get that state championship… It’s like a little monkey off our back, per se. Now we’re looking for a state championship for the boys.”

Interestingly, if it wasn’t for wrestling at Anderson, Palshan might not have entered the girls state tournament much less won it all. The teen-ager lives in Taylor and decided to attend Anderson on the “school of choice program” because Taylor high schools did not offer wrestling to student athletes.

Palshan started wrestling at age 7.

Her older brother Logan was a member of the Downriver Wrestling Club.

Johanna would accompany Logan and SEE CHAMP, Page 20

Have an Event or Fundraiser? Let us know at 734-282-3939

February 23 — March 22, 2019 • SOUTHGATE STAR • Page 19

Page 20 • February 23 — March 22, 2019 • SOUTHGATE STAR

Have an Event or Fundraiser? Let us know at 734-282-3939

CHAMP

Continued from page 19 mom Nicole to practices and matches.

It wasn’t long before the then-49pounder she became his teammate.

“I started because of my brother,” she said. “I had to go to tournaments and practices anyway. I fell in love with the sport.”

At practice, she worked with boys.

The Palshan siblings tangled away from practice as well, putting each other to the test.

“My first year, I picked up things pretty fast,” she said. “I discovered I was actually pretty good.”

By the time she was 8, Palshan was attending the first of four straight United States Girls Wrestling Association national tournaments. She won the U.S. title three years in a row, competing against young girls from all over the country.

When it was time, she followed her brother to Anderson. There was no question which sport she would take up in high school, even knowing the competition more often than not would include high school males.

“I choose to step out on the mat and do the same thing they do every day,” she said. “Some of them have to feel awkward. I’ve gotten voids (forfeits) from some guys who choose not to wrestle me. They’ve got to feel awkward.”

Palshan admitted she enjoys defeating boys.

“I’ve been wrestling guys my entire life,” she said. “I like seeing the guy’s face after I beat him. That’s usually pretty fun. I like how mentally tough wrestling has made me and how it’s preparing me for life in general.”

School administrator Pinkowski said: “I think it’s real difficult for boys to wrestle females. (Either way) you can’t win. It’s a bias stigma. If you beat a girl, you were supposed to. If you get beat, there is sexism. It is intimidating for boys. It’s like lose-lose. I’ve seen boys get humbled really fast. It’s tough for those boys. But once a girl has an excellent reputation like JoJo, when a boy wins, you’ve got a quality win.”

Mother Nicole, who admits to having been a “nervous wreck” whenever one of her children stepped on the mat, is naturally is proud of her daughter’s success.

“She puts a lot of work into it,” she said. “It comes naturally to her, but she puts a lot of time and effort into it. She’s one of the guys on the team. They treat her like a little sister. She’s made a name for herself in the Downriver area through youth programs. It used to be, ‘Uh oh, I have to wrestle a girl.’ Now, it’s ‘I’m wrestling Johanna.’

“I’m extremely proud of her, whether she wins or loses. Every time she steps on the mat, I’m proud of her.

It takes a lot of guts to get out there and do what she does.”

Assistant coach Ely said Palshan has

improved steadily.

“JoJo is a very technical wrestler,” he said. “Some rely more on strength.

She’s been wrestling so long and is smart and mat savvy. She loves to learn and is very coachable.”

Head coach Laponowski agreed.

“We knew JoJo was talented when she came to us,” he said. “Sometimes girls fare well against boys; sometimes they can’t. She’s such a technical wrestler. She can hang at 105 and 112. She knows a lot of moves and countermoves.

She initiates moves. She has a great wealth of knowledge.”

Now 16 years old, Palshan carries a 3.9 grade point average.

After two years of playing baritone saxophone in the high school band, she’s a member of the color guard. She even took up rowing for a year.

What made this year’s state championship even more impressive was the fact that Palshan and her teammates wrestled the day before in the Downriver League Meet at Anderson.

“It was great – a long-time coming,” Ely said. “I saw her progress through the sport and grow up. To see her accomplish something like that, it was

great.”

Palshan has made plenty of friends in the sport, some of whom competed in the state meet. When she learned that a long-time friend and wrestling opponent would be competing, the Anderson 11th-grader unselfishly insisted on moving up from the 105-pound class to 112 pounds so the girls wouldn’t have to compete against each other. Like Palshan, Rayana Sahagun of Sparta High School won a state championship.

Coach Laponowski called the sponsorship by the MHSAA a “stepping stone” to forming a statesanctioned event for girls.

“They wanted to see how many girls would compete,” he said, adding that the MHSAA sanction could come in “a couple years.”

“Female wrestling has a place,” Pinkowski said. “Girls have always been able to wrestle. They are tough wrestlers. They wrestle the boys. The sport is more popular countrywide.

Girls are starting to get scholarships.

This has legs.”

Palshan has a chance to do it all over again next season. She’s 24 wins shy of 100 in her high school career. She hopes to earn a wrestling scholarship to college and will wrestle in several states in national competition.

“She’s really a great personality,” Pinkowski said. “She’s a great young student. Every time you see JoJo, she has a smile on her face. She’s not one of those ‘me, me, me’ people. It’s not all about her. She’s a great teammate to the kids. She’s very humble. She’s always in a good mood. It couldn’t happen to a better kid.”

Anderson’s Alec Balog wins regional, heads to state wrestling meet Hank Minckiewicz Southgate Star

Anderson’s Alec Balogh won three more matches at the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 1 regional at Saline on Feb. 16, improved his record to 48-3 and claimed the 119-pound individual regional championship along the way.

Based on his record and his seeding, Balogh, a senior, drew a first-round by at the state finals, to be held at Ford Field March 1-2. Balogh will begin his finals tournament against either Wyatt Nault (27-4) of Hartland and Jesse Veldhouse (33-6) of Grandville, who will meet in a first-round match.

At regionals, Balogh pinned Plymouth Salem’s DaQuan Baker at the 2:34 mark of the match. Baker

is a 37-match winner this year and will also attend the state finals.

To get to the weight class championship match, Balogh pinned Nathan Antolin of Belleville and then stuck Ryan Farris of Novi.

Two other Titans also qualified for the state finals.

Ryan Cacicedo was third in the 130 pound class and Adrian Rosas was fourth at 103.

Cacicedo, who is 35-9 this season, won a 3-2 decision over Wyandotte’s Nick Biundo in the thirdfourth place match at regionals. He fell out of the winner’s bracket with a loss to Novi Detroit Catholic Central’s Camden Trupp and then bounced back with a pinfall over Saline’s Kotlen Malinczak.

Cacicedo will begin the state finals against Andrew

Barrett of Macomb Dakota.

Rosas went 2-2 at regionals, beating Brandon Liu of Northville and Brent Marvin of Saline and losing to Josh Mars of Westland John Glenn and Alex Biundo of Wyandotte. Biundo beat Rosas by injury default in the third-fourth place match.

Rosas will fave unbeaten Kavan Troy of Rochester on the first round of the state finals.

Anderson’s 189-pound Ian Norsica was also at the regional meet, but he did not qualify. Norsica won one match at the regional, beating Cage Dye of Temperance-Bedford 7-5, but losing to Andrew Attallah of Plymouth and Dean Elder of Dearborn.

Anderson cheerleaders qualify for regionals

Before a raucous full house in the gym at Anderson High School on the evening of Feb. 15, the Anderson competitive cheerleading team hosted and finished third and a Michigan High School Athletic Association cheerleading district and qualified for regionals.

The top four teams in each district qualify for regionals and the qualifiers at Anderson were Gibraltar Carlson, Carleton Airport, Anderson and Trenton. Carlson won with a score of 785.02. Airport was second with 772.46, followed by the Titans (741.04) and Trenton (734.86).

Carlson is the defending Division 2 state champion and has won the state title in nine of the past 11 years.

Anderson was fifth in the Division 2 state finals last year and the Titans were Division 1 state champs in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

Those four teams will compete at the Division 2 regional in Fenton Feb. 23.

The top four teams from that regional will advance to the state finals March 1

at the Deltaplex in Grand Rapids.

The regional field at Fenton will be a tough one as joining the qualifiers from Anderson will be Allen Park and Dearborn Divine Child, two powerful Division 2 teams. Allen Park finished second to Carlson at last year’s state finals and was the 2017 state champ, edging the Marauders in the finals by .06. Divine Child was sixth in the finals last year fourth in 2017 and is a regular in the state finals.

The Titans, a young squad this year with just seven seniors, are, Carley Affholter, Sydney, Alexus Daddow, Destiny Dahl, Neveah Doucet, Alivia Ensign, Alexandrea Fitzgerald, Julia Griggs, Kayla Harmon, Gracie Koerber, Kayla Lawyer, Mackenzie Livernois, Mikeila Martinez, Alexia Newman, Lexee Peters, Alana Proudlock, Ava Proudlock, Nadia Redd, Kayli Renaud, Selena Rivera, Kylie Smith, Lenora Sylejmani, Breanna Unis and Hailey Wright.

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Here come the playoffs

It’s late February and that can mean just one thing for high school sports watchers - the Michigan High School Athletic Association state playoffs are right around the corner.

Here’s where Anderson’s teams will be: Boys Basketball The Titans will face Downriver League rival Roosevelt in a first-round game on Feb. 25 at Lincoln Park High School. The winner of that game will tangle with Allen Park on Feb. 27.

On the other side of the bracket, host Lincoln Park will face Taylor Feb. 25 and the winner will get Riverview on Feb. 27.

The district finals are slated for March 1 Girls Basketball Anderson’s girls received a first-round bye in the district hosted by Allen Park High School. On March 4, Wyandotte will face Taylor and the winner of that game will battle Anderson on March 6.

On the other side of the bracket, host Allen Park will face Riverview on March 4 with the winner getting a March 6 date with Lincoln Park.

The district finas are set for March 8.

Hockey This year the Titans are in the Division 1 regional hosted by the Dearborn Ice Skating Center.

Anderson will face Farmington in a first-round game on Feb. 25 and the winner of that contest will face Saline on Feb. 27.

Elsewhere in the regional, New Boston Huron will face Northville on Feb. 25 with the winner advancing to meet host Dearborn Edsel Ford on Feb. 27.

The regional championship will be played March 2 with the winner advancing to the state quarterfinals at Ann Arbor’s Ice Cube on March 6.

Bowling The Anderson boys and girls teams were in a regional hosted by News Boston Huron at Town and Country Lanes Feb, 22-23. If any individuals or either team qualified for the state meet, it will be March 1-2 at Century Bowl in Waterford.

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Hank Minckiewicz Southgate Star

A long and difficult season continued for the Southgate Anderson girls basketball team on Feb. 12 as the Titans fell to Downriver League foe Trenton 55-17.

With the loss, the Titans find themselves with a 2-15 record with just three games left before the start of the Michigan High School Athletic Association state tournament.

Anderson’s two victories this season have come in Downriver League play, against Dearborn Edsel Ford and Lincoln Park.

In the game against Trenton, both teams got off to slow starts, but while the Trojans eventually heated up a little, the Anderson offense really never came around. It was halfway through the first quarter before anyone scored and Anderson did not get its first points until just 30 seconds before the period ended.

Trenton led 12-2 at the end of one quarter and 25-10 at halftime. It could have been a tighter game if Anderson

had shot a little better at the freethrow line. The Titans did a good job of getting there, but they only made 3-of-12 free throws in the first half and 6-of-20 for the game.

Trenton ran away with the contest in the second half as they shut down Anderson’s inside game and the Titans had trouble hitting shots from the outside. For the night, Anderson made just five baskets and six free-throws.

On defense, the Titans could not control the Trenton threesome of Alayna Mulford, Carrie Karp and Therese Hebda as those players combined for 36 of Trenton’s 55 points and they basically played just the first three quarters. Mulford was the leader with 19.

Anderson got points from Aleah Valdez, Courtney Mabrey, Rai’Onna Walker, Mikayla Borg, Emily Martin, Malia Borg, Megi Veizaj and Madison Freitas.

After finishing out the regular season, Anderson will head to Allen Park for district play. The Titans have a first-round bye and will play the winner of the Wyandotte-Taylor game.

While this season has not been a great success record-wise, coach Larry Sakalas said he has seen no quit in his team.

“These girls are great,” he said.

“They work hard they never miss practice and no one has a GPA under 3.”

The Titans have some pretty fair athletes, too, it’s just that many of them are primarily softball and volleyball players, rather than basketball players.

But Sakalas sees a program on the rise. Both the junior varsity and the freshman teams have had good seasons. There are 16 freshmen in the program, said Sakalas, and four of them played the season on the jayvee.

Add those newcomers to Mabrey and Brooke Johnson - the two best athletes in the junior class, according to Sakalas - and you have the makings of a potentially resurgent Anderson varsity in 2019-20.

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