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After a hiatus because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual Southgate Heritage Days and parade will return this month.

The event will be June 16-19 at Market Center Park in the Southgate Shopping Center. The party kicks off at 4 p.m. Thursday, June 16 with music, KId Olympics and the opening of the carnival. Friday will bring more music, an all schools reunion, the Fool House and the carnival. Saturday is parade day with the march beginning at 11 a.m. The Taste of the Town goes from 12 noon to 2 p.m. and there will be music throughout the day from Wisteria, Boogie Dynamite and Mega 80s. The carnival will be open from noon11 p.m. Saturday and 1-8 p.m, Sunday.

Page 2 • June 9 — July 10, 2022 • SOUTHGATE STAR

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SOUTHGATE STAR • June 9 — July 10, 2022 • Page 3

Southgate Memorial Day ceremony draws a crowd Dave Gorgon Threatening weather conditions caused this year’s annual Memorial Day to move inside City Hall, but the turnout was as big as ever to hear words of remembrance and honor, to witness the presentation of colors, to acknowledge the many colorful wreaths on display and to listen as local veterans were thanked for their service.

The 61st annual ceremony, held May 26 in the City Council chambers, featured addresses by Southgate Mayor Joseph Kuspa, long-time master of ceremonies Jim Austin of the American Legion and Commander Frank Puente of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The speakers talked about the importance of remembering those who served in the military – including those who were killed in action – to preserve the freedoms Americans continue to have today.

“As Mayor of the great City of Southgate, I am proud of our long history of honoring our nation’s fallen soldiers and, in particular, the brave young men and women from Southgate and the entire Downriver region who gave their lives defending our freedom and our liberty,” Kuspa said.

“We can never repay the debt to our fallen soldiers or to the families and lives that they left behind…

It is our responsibility, indeed every American’s responsibility, to preserve their memory, to continue to acknowledge their sacrifice, to assist those that they

Judge Elisabeth Mullins of the 28th District Court and husband Donald are joined by their flagwaving children Caleb, Collette, Corinne and Chrystian.

left behind, and to truly mourn the loss of a fellow American who defended our freedom. Freedom, as we all know, is not free.”

Guest speaker Marilyn Britton of the American Legion Department of State told the inspiring story of Harriet Tubman, who escaped slavery and made missions to rescue many other enslaved people using a network of antislavery activities and safe houses known as the Underground Railroad. Tubman, noted Britton, was unable to serve in the military during her day because she was a woman and an African-

American, but she was a hero nonetheless.

A special presentation was made to the family of the late Charles “Chuck” Dunn, an Army veteran who served in the Korean War and was active for more than 50 years in the American Legion.

A long-time businessman, Mr. Dunn served the community in a variety of ways. He was city councilman, planning commissioner, member of the Downriver Veterans Honor Guard and a volunteer in a number of civic groups. Mr. Dunn passed away in 2020 at age 90. A plaque has been placed near the Southgate War Memorial by the city’s library.

The early evening ceremony concluded with members of the Downriver Veterans Honor Guard firing a three-volley salute outside City Hall and the playing of Taps.

“Memorial Day doesn’t mean anything if you don’t remember,” said emcee Austin, who is adjutant of the Southgate American Legion. “We want to remember people who made the ultimate sacrifice. People who joined the service as 18- and 19-year-olds signed a blank check. These guys unfortunately never cashed it.

It’s because of them that we can do anything we want to do. This is the true meaning of Memorial Day.”

Page 4 • June 9 — July 10, 2022 • SOUTHGATE STAR

Southgate Rotary is still fishing after 30 years The tradition continues for Michigan Memorial Park and Southgate Rotary with their annual derby. For going on 30 years, the kids from Southgate elementary and middle schools special education students are treated to a great day of fishing and picnicking.

The reels and rods are flying through the air as the kids cast into the well- stocked pond. The smiles are worth the worms and tangled lines as each fish is caught and released.

The picnic field in the back of this beautiful park has the kids playing frisbee, kick ball, cornhole and various games while waiting for the hot dogs to come off the grill.

You might even see a deer or two along with ducks and geese from the Huron River.

It is a treasure for these kids to have this much fun in one day.

SOUTHGATE STAR • June 9 — July 10, 2022 • Page 5

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Page 6 • June 9 — July 10, 2022 • SOUTHGATE STAR

Quilt of Valor presented to re-elected VFW commander Dave Gorgon Frank Puente, who was just re-elected commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9283 in Southgate, has been presented a “quilt of valor” by members of the VFW Auxiliary.

Auxiliary members said they felt it was important to honor Puente, who earned a Purple Heart and other honors as a soldier during the Vietnam War and has dedicated much of his time to the VFW. “We love our commander,” said Jennie Prohaska of the Auxiliary. “He’s a very hardworking man. He does so much for the post.”

The quilt was created by Puente’s wife Kathy, also an Auxiliary member, as a way to honor him “with gratitude and love.” The presentation took place in the post hall in the hours following the City of Southgate’s Memorial Day ceremony on May 26.

Other Auxiliary members in on the presentation were President Michelle Stafford, Sharon Lewinski and Beth Lewinski.

Puente served in the Army’s 1st Infantry Division in 1967 to 1969. The 1st Infantry Division was one of the first two divisions sent to defend the Republic of Vietnam. For five years, the Big Red One fought the main force Viet Cong and regular North Vietnamese Army forces in the jungles northwest of Saigon.

Puente was shot three times on duty and earned a

Southgate Veterans of Foreign Wars Commander Frank Puente is presented a “quilt of valor”

by VFW Auxiliary members Jennie Prohaska (left), Sharon Lewinski, Kathy Puente (Frank’s wife), Beth Lewinski and President Michelle Stafford.

Photos by Dave Gorgon

Purple Heart.

Puente has been a member of the VFW for 45 years, dating back to before the Southgate and Allen Park posts merged. He served as commander for one year in Allen Park and is in his third year in Southgate.

Puente spent part of Memorial Day at Mount Hope Cemetery, cleaning gravesites of World War II veterans and placing American flags on them – “so they are not

forgotten.”

Puente said others elected to offices in the Southgate VFW were Bill King, senior vice commander; Joe Hernandez, junior vice commander; Dave LaBodie, quartermaster, a position he has held for decades; Bill Peters, chaplain; and trustees Ed Smyth, John Fleming and Rich Allen.

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Page 8 • June 9 — July 10, 2022 • SOUTHGATE STAR

Community Corner with Sherry Halko

SOUTHGATE STAR • June 9 — July 10, 2022 • Page 9

Localism is exhilarating – join the one-of-a-kind club And another thing.

Or, as I was saying: The more I write about the topic I signed up for, the more confident I get about my mission.

I also find myself nervous about boring readers with the same story, different words.

So, every time a client of mine takes the time to tell me that they read my comments, and/or that they agree with me and urge me on, confidence takes the lead.

In the 1970s, independent retail was, essentially, all there was.

Peter Hudson’s was the awesome Rose standard for department stores and Detroit Metro was the beneficiary. JC Penny was here, as was Montgomery Ward, Sears and then K Mart were all here, but all fashion came from local and independent stores.

I will not regale you again about those days. I will tell you that today, all the cachet and excellence is still coming from local and independent.

I feel sorry for all the poor hipsters that think that hipness is in a website. Hipness is in being actively involved in a community, taking pride in keeping that community buzzing while getting great stuff from other members of the community.

I learned firsthand that selling online is antithetical to everything I believe in, everything I am good at.

During Covid, we tried to become a resource for folks who needed things but could not come to us.

But it was torture. We abandoned that effort pretty quickly.

It’s just not our DNA. I need to be able to talk to people to be able to really help them, let alone get to know them. Indie retailers never want to make a sale if we know it isn’t right for the client.

Does anyone think that Men’s Wearhouse, for instance, approaches business the same way? Yeah, right.

But it’s not just that, either.

If you knew how many times I say “feel this” as I share why I like almost anything in the store, or

“Hipness is in being actively involved in a community, taking pride in keeping that community buzzing while getting great stuff from other members of the community.” demonstrate the stretch in a pair of jeans, or getting a suit on a man to let him see how great the fit is.

See it, touch it, feel it, try it on. Don’t guess.

You’ll never hear me bash an indie competitor.

Never.

Pat Manno in Dearborn is part of the Indie Army.

His is a family business, too. Of course I’d rather you shop with me, but Manno’s is a nice store. He’s operating an independent business against the Wall Street war machine, just like us. He is a competitor, but the real thing. He is not my enemy; he is a compatriot.

If Applebee’s closes in Southgate, who cares?

Seriously! If R.P Murphy’s closed, it would be a real blow for Wyandotte and Metro Detroit and people would miss John and Court, who make that place.

One of those restaurants is a stock market cookiecutter that benefits Wall Street; the other is a local mainstay.

I picked R.P.s randomly, by the way, but also because they are a huge part of this local miracle called localism. For Wyandotte and beyond.

But honest, I am not just about Wyandotte. Is anyone noticing how Trenton is coming alive? None of it is from national retail.

All of it is through a bunch of Indie passion, for our Downriver community.

Remember, Trenton is like Wyandotte in that there are very few businesses that are not local. Hardly any nationals. That means that all that new energy is feeding on earlier stakeholders like Truago.

Just like Wyandotte, all those niche shops and restaurants are owned and operated by local people.

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I make no claims of being perfect about localism.

One of the few examples of eyes wide open contradictory behavior for me got fixed recently, when CVS closed their downtown store on Elm. It was a short walk for me, and their hours were sympatico with my preferences. It really bothered me that I was saying one thing but doing precisely what I urge my readers (and anyone that listens) not to do.

When they closed, I didn’t move my prescriptions to the other CVS in Wyandotte; I moved to Apollo on Eureka. An independent, local pharmacy. My money stays local. I feel relieved, I kid you not.

Relieved to not be hypocritical anymore. It feels great.

I also don’t want to come across as never eating at national chain restaurants.

Capitol Grill, Fleming’s, Morton’s, and others do serve great steaks. But I can get great steaks at awesome, local restaurants, can’t I? Virtually anywhere I go, I have the power to support one of those unique people that have everything they own on the line, or to not support them so I can support corporations with deep pockets. What kind of choice is that?

With every choice I make like that, I exercise my power to make my dollars work harder at the local level, and to deny my dollars from going out of state to companies whose mission it is to take that money out of my local economy.

I’m getting better and better at it, and I urge you to join me.

Imagine the difference we all can make…. together.

Page 10 • June 9 — July 10, 2022 • SOUTHGATE STAR

Veterans Honor Guard desperate for new members Dave Gorgon

A

beloved service for deceased Downriver military veterans is itself dying a slow death.

The Downriver Veterans Honor Guard, which for decades has provided service at funerals, memorials, gravesites and other functions, is down to 16 members and many of them are older and unable to participate much anymore.

Recruitment is under way for younger men and women who served in the military to join their ranks, but it has not been very successful, causing concern among current members, most of whom are in their 70s, 80s and even 90s.

Honor Guard treasurer Frank Mentzer said the group has sent letters to members of area Veterans of Foreign Wars posts and American Legion posts and has advertised on a billboard in a busy intersection.

Members mention the importance of the service to whoever will listen.

At this writing, only two individuals have responded to the call.

Meanwhile, the requests for Honor Guard service seems to grow by the day.

Mentzer, who is in charge of scheduling for the group, said members often provide the military colors at services two or more times a day.

“We have a really big membership drive going on and it’s not been very successful,” said Mentzer, who served in the Air Force from 1961 to 1965 during the Vietnam War era and was stationed in Berlin, Germany, when the wall was installed. “If we don’t get people pretty soon, there’s not going to be an Honor Guard.”

Mentzer, whose son, Douglas, is superintendent of the Trenton School District, said the membership drive is an “act of desperation. We’re really stretched thin.”

Showing up at a loved one’s funeral service or memorial “means so much to the family,” he said. “You put your heart and soul into it. You put yourself in their position.”

Members of the Downriver Honor Guard are former servicemen and servicewomen who are honorably discharged. They come from the VFW, the American Legion, American Veterans (AMVETS) and other organizations.

Larry Dailing, who is a VFW life member and also belongs to the legion and AMVETS, was recognized for his nearly 20 years of service with the Honor Guard during a recent Loyalty Day ceremony at the Southgate Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall. The Southgate VFW is also home to the Honor Guard.

“It’s the most honorable thing I’ve

Operation Desert Storm.

Wiertalla spent 10 years in the Army – 4 ½ in active duty in the United States and Korea; the rest in the Reserves. At 57 years old, he said he is the youngest of the current Honor Guard members.

A resident of Allen Park, Wiertalla said he joined the Southgate VFW because it merged with the Allen Park VFW years ago and still has many members from Allen Park.

“Veterans, no matter what branch they served in, have a camaraderie,” he said. “We kind of see things differently than someone who hasn’t been in the service.”

sponsored seven families of disabled military veterans at Christmas time and they donate to Veterans Hospitals in Detroit and Ann Arbor.

“Money is not the issue – membership is,” said Mentzer, who went from the military to a 40-year career at Great Lakes Steel.

“When we tell them we’re going to do a funeral, one way or another we’re going to be there,” Mentzer said. “I take all the calls: funerals, parades, wherever they need us… We’ve done funerals in barnyards and memorials in front yards and backyards. There are a lot of cremations due to COVID and people are scheduling memorials

ever done, in my opinion,” Dailing said. “I just wish I had been in it sooner.”

Jeff Wiertalla was one of two Southgate VFW post members to sign up for the Downriver Honor Guard in recent months. He saw the billboard advertisement at Northline and Allen roads, but his affinity for honor guards goes back decades, when veterans presented the colors as a living tribute to him once he came home in 1990 after his Army term ended in

“What we’re doing makes a small difference in a person’s life or a family. It might just be a funeral, but the people we’re doing this for thought their military service was important while they were still alive, and their families knew to get us involved in the service. It’s a small gesture that has a big impact on individuals and the community.”

The Honor Guard is presenting eight $1,000 scholarships to high school seniors in the area, they

two-three-four months away. It’s important to them.

“We care about what we do. It’s that simple. We do whatever it takes to get it done. Anybody who wants to join us will. They become a member of our family on day one. No mistakes about that.”

To join the Downriver Veterans Honor Guard or receive more information about the guard or military honors, call Frank Mentzer at (734) 925-3504

SOUTHGATE STAR • June 9 — July 10, 2022 • Page 11

Receive One

Photo by Dave Gorgon

American Legion post and Frank Puente of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The funds were donated by members of the Schaefer High School Class of 1967 reunion committee.

Schafer High grads donate to Southgate American Legion and VFW Dave Gorgon

Frank Puente, who was just reelected commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9283 in Southgate, has been presented a “quilt of valor” by members of the VFW Auxiliary.

Auxiliary members said they felt it was important to honor Puente, who earned a Purple Heart and other honors as a soldier during the Vietnam War and has dedicated much of his time to the VFW. “We love our commander,” said Jennie Prohaska of the Auxiliary.

“He’s a very hardworking man. He does so much for the post.”

The quilt was created by Puente’s wife Kathy, also an Auxiliary member, as a way to honor him “with gratitude and love.” The presentation took place in the post hall in the hours following the City of Southgate’s Memorial Day ceremony on May 26.

Other Auxiliary members in on the presentation were President Michelle Stafford, Sharon Lewinski and Beth Lewinski.

Puente served in the Army’s 1st Infantry Division in 1967 to 1969.

The 1st Infantry Division was one of the first two divisions sent to defend the Republic of Vietnam. For five years, the Big Red One fought the main force Viet Cong and regular North Vietnamese Army forces in the jungles northwest of Saigon. Puente was shot three times on duty and earned a Purple Heart.

Puente has been a member of the VFW for 45 years, dating back to before the Southgate and Allen Park posts merged. He served as commander for one year in Allen Park and is in his third year in Southgate.

Puente spent part of Memorial Day at Mount Hope Cemetery, cleaning gravesites of World War II veterans and placing American flags on them – “so they are not forgotten.”

Puente said others elected to offices in the Southgate VFW were Bill King, senior vice commander; Joe Hernandez, junior vice commander; Dave LaBodie, quartermaster, a position he has held for decades; Bill Peters, chaplain; and trustees Ed Smyth, John Fleming and Rich Allen.

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Page 12 • June 9 — July 10, 2022 • SOUTHGATE STAR

SWCRC Gala

Guests toast to kick off the 2002 Black Tie Gala and Expo hosted by the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber at Crystal Gardens in Southgate.

“Downriver’s premier business expo” is in the books for 2022. The Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber celebrated its Black Tie Gala and Expo with the business community and friends in May in Crystal Gardens in Southgate. The theme was the Kentucky Derby and black ties were optional. Tom Daldin and Jim Edelman, co-creators of the PBS Michigan travel show “Under the Radar,” were guests of honor. Chamber Executive Director Ron Hinrichs announced a three-year partnership between the chamber and UTR to promote “Destination Downriver” on the show. Here is a photo gallery of some of the people on hand for this year’s black tie.

Ellen Lewis and Kylie Croft toast with the mugs they were distributing on behalf of Calvary Church of Southgate.

Ron Hinrichs (left), executive director of the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber, listens to Tom Daldin, host of the PBS travel show “Under the Radar” talk about a new partnership between the two groups.

Photos by Dave Gorgon

Genny Daniels, banquet server at The Grecian Center in Southgate, serves samples of appetizers spinach pie and bruciata during the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber Black Tie Gala and Expo.

SOUTHGATE STAR • June 9 — July 10, 2022 • Page 13

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Page 14 • June 9 — July 10, 2022 • SOUTHGATE STAR

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*Payments set forth are examples and will vary based on when said vehicle will be available for delivery. Payments are based on current programs offered which expire on 6-30-2022. 24 mo. lease, 20,000 miles allowed at lease maturity, additional mileage may be purchased for .25 cents per mile, must be well qualified and lease through GM Financial Leasing, GMEPP provisions apply, requires current select Chevrolet lease in household and GM Card Offer, all rebates to dealer, title fee, license fee, acquisition, no security deposit required on B1 tiers and higher, tax extra, license/ title fees extra, $1500 cash or trade equity, due at signing. MSRP Traverse $35,145, Trailblazer $26,095, Blazer $35,420, Silverado $51,820, Equinox $29,325. Residency restrictions apply, File photos depicted.

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SOUTHGATE STAR • June 9 — July 10, 2022 • Page 15

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SOUTHGATE STAR • June 9 — July 10, 2022 • Page 17

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A new nature playscape at the refuge Did you know that getting kids outside for as little as 20 minutes a day can help reduce their stress as much as 28 percent?

At Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, we know that nature is good for all of us. We’re excited to share that you have a new place to get outside and get creative with your kids.

And it’s totally free!

Take a moment to learn about the new nature playscape at The Refuge Gateway near Trenton, Michigan.

What exactly is a nature playscape?

A nature playscape is a play area with natural themed elements that has been made mostly with natural material. Equipment in nature playscapes can be used in a variety of ways, allowing children to decide how they would like to interact with the playscape.

Our nature playscape at the refuge has stepping stumps, boulders, natural wooden jungle gym and tree log tunnels. All our nature playscape equipment is on a soft-landing surface to keep little explorers safe.

Why are nature playscapes important?

There has been a drastic decrease in the amount of time children are playing outside. This decrease in time spent outdoors has been associated with children spending more time on digital devices.

The National Recreation and Park Association notes that American children on average spend less than 10 minutes outside a day. Some spend as little as four minutes!

Meanwhile, studies are showing that children spend roughly 5 to 8 hours a day on digital devices, Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation recently noted.

The difference between the amount of time that children are in front of a screen and time they are outside is alarming.

Here at Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, we recognize this problem and are finding solutions. To help you spend time outside, we built a nature playscape at the refuge. It’s totally free and

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Being outdoors is crucial for a child’s development as there are many benefits that come with spending time outdoors.

Some benefits include being at a healthier weight, having lower stress and anxiety, being happier, and so much more. Many doctors, like Pediatrician Robert Zarr, have begun to write nature-based prescriptions that encourage patients to spend a certain amount of time in nature a specific number of times a week based on the patient’s health needs.

Dr. Zarr does this in hopes that their patients will gain from the many benefits that nature has to offer and that their quality of life will improve.

A special note about safety Though we encourage children to have fun and explore their refuge, we ask that guardians watch over adventurous children to prevent accidents as they play.

You can visit your refuge any day of the week during daylight hours, to play at the playscape, hike, bird, fish, kayak or canoe and more. Please check the refuge website for possible exceptions to this schedule during federal holidays.

Learn more about Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge by visiting our Facebook page or website and plan your trip today!

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SOUTHGATE STAR • June 9 — July 10, 2022 • Page 19

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Page 20 • June 9 — July 10, 2022 • SOUTHGATE STAR

Spring season farewells The majority of Anderson High School varsity teams wrapped up the 2022 season by competing in Michigan High School Athletic Association state tournaments. The softball team fell to Wyandotte in a Division 1 pre-district game on May 31 to conclude its season. The track teams ran at the MHSAA Division 1 regional at Saline on May 20. At the Downriver League meet on May 24, the girls were sixth and the boys were eighth. The golf team wrapped up 2022 at a Division 2 regional hosted by Dearborn Divine Child at Lakes of Taylor Golf Course. Chelsea, South Lyon East and Divine Child qualified for the state meet from that regional and Anderson was 14th. The girls tennis team played in a D2 regional at Bedford High School. There, the Titans scored 10 points and finished sixth. The girls soccer team fell 5-0 in a first round Division 2 district game against Allen Park. The Jaguars then went on to lose to eventual district champ New Boston Huron, which beat host Trenton in the district finals. The baseball team found itself in a district tournament with Roosevelt, Carlson, Taylor and host Woodhaven. Carlson beat Wyandotte in a pre-district game, setting up matchups between Carlson and Taylor and Woodhaven and Southgate. Those games were played Saturday, June 4 after the Southgate Star’s deadline.

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SOUTHGATE STAR • June 9 — July 10, 2022 • Page 21

Page 22 • June 9 — July 10, 2022 • SOUTHGATE STAR

Southgate Rotary hosts free Shred Day for community

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Dave Gorgon Members of the Rotary Club of Southgate are calling their 2022 Community Free Shred Day a success.

Rotarians invited area residents to Genthe Honda at 15100 Eureka Road in Southgate on May 7 to have documents professionally shredded.

Rotarian Steve Ahles thanked Andrew Genthe of Genthe Automotive for providing the location and a large shred truck.

While the annual service is free to participants, the Rotarians do accept monetary donations during the day.

Genthe also matched the first $500 in donations, all of which will support the Southgate Rotary’s “Happy Feet” program. At the start of the school year, the Rotary asks elementary school children to take part in a class project by measuring their shoe sizes.

Rotarians then make sure that every child in need receives a new pair of gym shoes that fit their feet for the school year, Ahles said.

The club also received about 250 pounds of non-perishable food items Photos by Dave Gorgon that are turned over to a selected food Southgate Rotarians were on hand to greet visitors to the group’s annual Shred Day at Genthe Honda. They are Charles pantry.

Zammit (left), James Brown, Steve Ahles, Bernie Hughey and Tara McFarland.

Southgate Rotarians Doug Treadwell (right) and Tom Monteleon (center) help load items to be shredded on Shred Day.

Holding the welcome signs for Shred Day are Southgate Rotarian Liz Malkowski (left) and Rotary President Christine Steeves.

SOUTHGATE STAR • June 9 — July 10, 2022 • Page 23

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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Mix together the rhubarb, sugar, orange peel and salt and turn into a buttered baking dish. Combine the brown sugar, oats and flour and sprinkle on top of the rhubarb. Top with dots of butter. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes. Serves 6.

Set the oven at 325 degrees.

Combine the egg, brown sugar, oil and vanilla and beat until smooth. Sift the flour with the baking soda and salt. Add to the first mixture, alternately with sour milk, beating until smooth after each addition. Stir in the rhubarb and nuts, and turn into 2 greased 8 ½ x4 ½ -inch loaf pans. Crumble granulated sugar and butter together and sprinkle over loaves. Bake in preheated 325-degree oven about 60 minutes, or until lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf tests done. Cool on racks.

Note: To make sour milk, add 1 tablespoon vinegar to a measuring cup and add milk to the 1 cup line.

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NANCY KENNEDY’S RHUBARB CRISP 4 cups diced rhubarb 2/3 cup granulated sugar 1 tablespoon grated orange peel Pinch of salt 1/2 cup brown sugar ½ cup rolled oats ½ cup flour 1/3 cup butter or margarine

MAVIS FARRAND’S RHUBARB BREAD 1 egg 1 ½ cups brown sugar 2/3 cup cooking oil 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 ½ cups sifted flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup sour milk (see Note) 1 ½ cups raw rhubarb, cut into ½ inch dice ½ cup finely chopped walnuts ½ cup granulated sugar 1 tablespoon butter

SOUTHGATE (734) 282-9869

I used quick oats the first time, but liked it better the second time, when I made it with rolled oats (also known as oldfashioned oats) instead.

14222 Fort

When it comes to rhubarb, most people I know either love it or hate it.

I was among the latter unti1 I made the Rhubarb Crisp recipe in Nancy Kennedy’s 1988 Favorite Restaurants column in an old Ford Times magazine.

Another rhubarb gem I enjoyed that year and since was shared by Mavis Farrand of Brownstown, whose delicious Rhubarb Bread has a unique topping of granulated sugar and butter.

Classified as a vegetable, but used as a fruit, rhubarb has been traced to China in the 16th century, where it was first used before it spread to Europe and beyond.

The vegetable/fruit is considered a nutritional gem because it is low in sodium, rich in dietary fiber (which lowers cholesterol and promotes regularity), and is a good source of calcium and Vitamins A and K. When shopping for rhubarb, choose reddish stalks because (the redder the stalks, the sweeter the plant), and if the leaves are still attached, throw them away because they are poisonous.

Unwashed rhubarb should be stored in the refrigerator no longer than a week. It should first be wrapped loosely in foil, then placed in an open plastic bag, or washed, cut into pieces and frozen in a plastic bag for later use.

Michigan’s rhubarb season peaks in June, but fresh or frozen rhubarb is available year-round, and the internet is loaded with rhubarb recipes. If your yard is large enough, you might want to plant rhubarb, which is easy to grow and decorative in the garden as well.

Rhubarb crowns for planting are usually available from nurseries or markets that sell plants. Because rhubarb is a perennial it has a life expectancy of five years.

Rhubarb is especially good paired with strawberries. ( I just finished the last jar of strawberry rhubarb jam I made last season and had stored in my freezer.) The internet is loaded with rhubarb recipes in addition to crisps and breads. Among them are cobblers, puddings, pies, jams, sauces, cakes and much more, many of them containing strawberries.

When I made Nancy Kennedy’s Rhubarb Crisp, which is especially delicious topped with vanilla ice cream, Evelyn Cairns

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Page 24 • June 9 — July 10, 2022 • SOUTHGATE STAR

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

Grand re-opening welcomes all to Refuge, Dingell Visitor Center celebration Call it déjà vu. Or, Refuge 2.0.

Or, maybe a dream come true. But whatever you call the grand reopening of the John D. Dingell, Jr. Visitors Center at the Detroit River International Refuge, it’s all of that, and more.

On a cold and blustery Michigan May 4th, a small crowd of state and local elected officials, media types, and long-time environmentalists gathered to celebrate the latest destination site on the Detroit Bill Stevenson River.

New refuge manager, Dan Kennedy said, “We are honored today to host this event, and to welcome Secretary of the Interior, Deb Haaland, and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell to the Refuge Gateway. We are pleased to again open the Dingell Visitors Center to complement the access to our natural areas that raises the quality of life for all who love the great outdoors.”

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell spoke from the heart when she said, “This refuge was John’s dream. His vision is now a reality, and we take one more step in fulfilling that dream by really opening the visitor’s center.

As a kid, John used to hunt and fish in this area with his father. It was a haven, where you could be one with nature, at peace.

“His dream was to preserve this critical natural resource and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.”

The late Congressman John D. Dingell, Jr. was an avid hunter and outdoorsman, He became the longestserving Representative to serve in the House of Representatives with more than 59 years of consecutive service.

As champion of the environment, he was instrumental in the passage of the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and the Safe Drinking Water Act, among a host of other significant pieces of legislation.

SEE WELCOMES, PAGE 25

WELCOMES

Continued from page 24 Working with a diverse array of partners, Congressman Dingell sponsored the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge Establishment Act, which President George W. Bush signed into law, December 21, 2001.

In 2017, the Refuge Gateway Visitors Center was named after him, honoring his decades of service and efforts in establishing and preserving the last undeveloped mile of shoreline on the U.S. mainland of the Detroit River.

On July 8, 2021 the visitor center opened on the late Representative Dingell’s 95th birthday, as a fitting celebration. But, after five weeks, COVID restrictions closed the doors until this grand reopening.

“Nothing meant more to him than this,” said an emotional Congresswoman Dingell.

“On the day he died, he said, ‘Deborah, you better keep getting more land for that refuge and protecting it.’ I promised him I would.”

Secretary of Interior Deb Haaland thanked her dear colleague, and all those in attendance. She particularly praised the men and women of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service for their “incredible work and resilience in making this day possible.”

Haaland said, “The Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge is a shining example of what it means to nurture effective partnerships within local communities and ensure equity and social justice guide our conservation efforts. We are here to celebrate the opening of a brand new visitors center that will be open for environmental interpretation, educational programming, and outreach to underserved communities.

“At the Department of Interior, we understand that nature is essential to the health, well-being, and prosperity of every community in America.

And we shine a spotlight on North America’s only international wildlife refuge.”

So, what can you expect when you visit the Refuge Gateway and the John D. Dingell Jr. Visitor Center? The visitor center itself is a 12,000-squarefoot Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum design.

Inside, visitors will find a wildlife observation room, two classrooms for educational programs for all ages, a multi-purpose room, and areas devoted to handson learning activities for both children and adults. There’s even a gift shop

with specialty items germane to outdoor enthusiasts.

Venturing to the Trenton Channel, there is a 740-foot dock, a 200 foot fishing pier that extends out into the river and a kayak launch to explore the meandering waterways of the Humbug wetlands.

Along the shoreline, there are three observation decks, an outdoor environmental classroom, and over three miles of hiking trails. Bike paths bring one to the Gateway entrance, and are connect to more than 100 miles of Downriver Linked Greenway Trails Back towards the visitors center on the south side, there is a gathering area with Adirondack chairs that provides a commanding view of the river. Or, in chillier or inclement weather you can move inside to the comfortable chairs by the fireplace. There, one could find respite reading the works of John Muir or Rachel Carson. And, simply peace and quiet after a long day.

A place to dream, to be lost in reverie. A place to drop a line or two, or to take in the beauty and power of nature.

The vision has come to fruition.

To learn more, or to volunteer visit www.fws.gov/ refuge/detroit_river. Call 734-365-0219 Follow on Facebook: facebook.com/DetroitRiverIWR/ Better yet, get out there – at the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge 5437 W. Jefferson Trenton, MI 48183

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SOUTHGATE STAR • June 9 — July 10, 2022 • Page 25

Page 26 • June 9 — July 10, 2022 • SOUTHGATE STAR

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Behavioral health pharmacy in The Guidance Center ready to serve Genoa Healthcare pharmacy located in Building 4 on Southgate campus A unique on-site pharmacy specializing in serving people with mental illness, substance use disorder and other chronic, complex conditions held its grand opening within The Guidance Center in Southgate on Tuesday, May 17.

The new Genoa Healthcare pharmacy will help individuals receiving services at The Guidance Center, which provides a wide variety of services that foster developmental growth in many areas to help people thrive at home, school, work, and in the community.

The Guidance Center recognizes that meeting the needs of people throughout their lives requires strong relationships and partnerships with other organizations that share their goals and values.

Their program areas include adult services, children and youth services, early childhood, intellectual and developmental disabilities, KidsTALK Children’s Advocacy Center, Adult and Family Services, Champions of Wayne and Nurture the Future.

In Michigan, approximately one in 20 adults live with a serious mental illness such as schizophrenia,

bipolar disorder, and major depression.

Research shows that when pharmacy services are integrated with health care providers, people are more likely to obtain their prescriptions and stay on their medication plans. Genoa’s specialized pharmacy services include using pre-filled pill organizers to help people stay on their medications, proactive outreach calls, help with prior authorizations and other hands-on pharmacy care.

This approach to pharmacy care helps patients stay on their medications at a rate of more than 90 percent, compared to about 50 percent with a traditional approach.

A study published in a peer-reviewed journal found that this type of integrated pharmacy also reduces emergency room visits and hospitalizations, which significantly reduces the total cost of care.

“On behalf of The Guidance Center, I want to welcome Genoa Pharmacy as our health care partner,” said Kari Walker, president and CEO of The Guidance Center. “Their expertise and commitment to working with persons with special needs is evident in everything they do.

We look forward to working together to better the health of our community.”

Kari Walker and Guidance Center COO Laura Huot were joined by Mayor Joseph Kuspa of the City of Southgate, agency Board Vice Chair Kevin Fischer of NAMI Michigan, Genoa Director of Operations

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Since 1958, The Guidance Center has responded to the ever-changing needs of Downriver and Southeast Michigan residents as an innovative leader providing quality behavioral health; early children education and programs; substance use and community outreach services; and most recently was designated as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC).

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Page 28 • June 9 — July 10, 2022 • SOUTHGATE STAR

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

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We have these England sofas, loveseats, & sectionals and many others in stock for immediate free local delivery.

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