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Navy veteran Edward McGrath had lost his driver’s license, was addicted to drugs and alcohol, suffered multiple injuries in a motorcycle accident, lost his driver’s license numerous times, faced eight warrants, lost contact with friends and family, felt alone and lost faith in the court system. He admits he had a terrible attitude about life and other people. A number of his closest relatives died. He attempted to commit suicide once. Even after joining the treatment program, he wasn’t completely onboard. Facing 93 days in jail if he didn’t follow the program and regain his driver’s license, he paid $25,000 in fines to take care of 27 suspensions in six counties and to clear up warrants. He did 105 hours of community service SEE VETS, PAGE 3
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Page 2 • July 12 — August 11, 2022 • SOUTHGATE STAR
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SOUTHGATE STAR • July 12 — August 11, 2022 • Page 3
VETS
following the program, the court agrees to line up the veterans with services in the community, such as those provided by the Veterans Administration. Veterans often have a camaraderie with one another, so they can lean on each other during the program. A veteran justice coordinator tracks the progress through the court and the VA. “We not only deal with mental health and substance use disorders, we treat the whole veteran,” Judge Mullins said. “Eighty percent have a disability. We connect them with community resources for unique partnerships. We had a mortgage broker come in and talk about benefits available to veterans to obtain a mortgage or refinance a home. We had a vet become a first-time homebuyer. We connected him
possession – the types of cases we see at District Court.” In 13 years, 39 veterans have graduated from the Continued from page 1 program. – extended from the original 80 hours because he “Graduation recognizes the veterans who have didn’t take it seriously enough at first. He passed completed the program,” the Judge said. “It’s a very all of his drug screens. All were requirements of the intense program that requires tremendous sacrifice program. on the part of the veterans. Our team likens it to Today, McGrath is a different person. another tour of duty – it’s that intense. It’s not for the Two years after he entered the Downriver faint of heart. It’s for people serious about getting Regional Veterans Treatment Court program at the their lives back on track.” 28th District Court in Southgate, he graduated with Sometimes, the veterans get through the programs eight other veterans enrolled in the program. He and want to give back. Navy veteran Ronald Floyd has his driver’s license again, his driving record is of Southgate followed the program to the letter and mostly clean, he is employed as a mechanic, he was had “zero sanctions,” according to the Judge. He just married to a woman who helped keep became close with another veteran from him on track in the program and he has Wyandotte and did not want to graduate temporary custody of his daughters. until his new friend who “went through a On June 29 at the Veterans of Foreign lot” completed the terms of the program. Wars Hall in Southgate, 28th District Court Floyd didn’t want to leave his friend Judge Elisabeth Mullins presented each behind until Mullins convinced him that of the nine veterans who completed the graduating was the most important thing extensive requirements of the Treatment for him. Court program with a certificate of Coincidentally, Mullins met Floyd completion, congratulations letters from while visiting Southgate homes during U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell and U.S. Senator her campaign for judge. Like the other Gary Peters and other recognition. graduates, Mullins said, Floyd is a success “In the beginning, I didn’t think it would story. be worth it,” said McGrath, who lives in Floyd said he has “no regrets Lincoln Park. “By the end, I couldn’t be whatsoever” about participating in more satisfied that I did what needed to be Veterans Treatment Court and, like done. It’s not been an easy life, but in the McGrath, would recommend it to others end, nothing is easy. If it’s easy, something that qualify. wasn’t right. That’s how I look at life.” “I met some great people there who are Each of the nine graduates has a different now part of the peer support group,” Floyd story, but all had a common thread that led said. “I probably go to the court once a them to Veterans Treatment Court, the only month and help veterans any way I can.” such court for veterans in the Downriver When Floyd was in the military in the area. They were military veterans who 1970s, he said, “there was no such thing as suffered from PTSD or related illnesses PTSD. They called it battle fatigue.” 28th District Court Judge Elisabeth Mullins with program graduate that led to getting in trouble while abusing “The important thing about Veterans Ronald Floyd of Southgate. alcohol and/or drugs and they were willing Court is it’s not an entitlement program,” to put in the work to turn their lives around. with Downriver for Veterans, which hooked him up Judge Mullins said. “They’re not receiving special Judge Mullins is a believer in Veterans Treatment with furniture and helped with a broken furnace. We treatment – they earned it. Oftentimes, they suffered Court – calling it her favorite part of her job. The obtained a grant that helped a veteran get his driver’s traumatic brain injury or from PTSD as a result of court was started by her predecessor, retired Judge license back. We referred a vet to a Ford Motor their military service, which can cause them to have James Kandrevas, who also was present for the Company program that trained him to be a welder. emotional imbalances and to lack healthy coping graduation ceremony. We help vets tap into a network of benefits that they mechanisms for everyday stressors that other people “My mission was to continue it because it’s would not get in the traditional court system. It’s a take for granted. Veterans Court is about healing the a unique program not offered anywhere else treatment-oriented approach as opposed to a punitive veteran as a whole.” Downriver,” she said. “It’s a need we have in the approach. During the graduation ceremony, keynote speaker Downriver community that I could fulfill that would “We care about our veterans. We have a whole Ann Rudisill of Wyandotte-based Downriver for not be otherwise fulfilled.” team that wants to improve their lives and prevent Veterans urged those in attendance who knew a The program, the Judge said, “is turning people future criminal behavior. The criminal behavior is a veteran in need of help to spread the word that there into productive citizens.” symptom of a much bigger problem. It’s our job to are places to get help, including Veterans Treatment The requirements, Mullins said, can be intense. root out the problem.” Court and Downriver for Veterans. Like McGrath, participants face regular drug As long as the veteran has completed the term To learn more about the Downriver Regional testing, must speak to an assigned counselor or of his probation, Mullins said, all misdemeanor Veterans Treatment Court, visit the 28th District therapist, must perform community service and other violations are dismissed. More serious crimes, Court at 14725 Reaume Parkway in Southgate. If requirements. They get intensive treatment and face such as drunken-driving violations, remain on the you know a veteran in need of resources, contact a probation officer. individual’s record. Downriver for Veterans at (734) 934-0532. The court reviews the candidates’ military and “This is not for egregious cases,” Mullins said. (Note: The names of Edward McGrath and Ronald criminal history and tracks their progress through “It’s more for simple misdemeanor cases, such Floyd appear here with their permission.) a veterans justice coordinator. In exchange for as retail fraud, simple assault and battery, drug
Page 4 • July 12 — August 11, 2022 • SOUTHGATE STAR
Back to normal After two years of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent shutdowns, the Southgatre Heritage Days returned in full glory in 2022. One of the best parts of the four-day festival is the parade, which runs along Burns Street to Eureka Road at the Southgate Shopping Center, site of Market Center Park and the heart of the Heritage Days celebration. Photographer Dave Chapman was there and he captured some of the fun and excitement of the event.
SOUTHGATE STAR • July 12 — August 11, 2022 • Page 5
Page 6 • July 12 — August 11, 2022 • SOUTHGATE STAR
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Jeff Smith (center) presents a check for $700 and a plaque to Jim Austin (left) of the Southgate 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 The leaders of two Southgate veterans organizations were thrilled to accept a donation from graduates of the former Schafer High School. Jeff Smith, a retired Southgate public safety director and current administrator of the 28th District Court, presented a check for $700 to Jim Austin, adjutant of American Legion Post 478, and Frank Puente, commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9283. The funds, which were left over from the Schafer Class of 1967 reunion committee, will be split between the two veterans organizations. The money could go toward scholarships for Southgate Anderson High School graduates. Smith was selected to make the donation on the evening of the city’s Memorial Day service because his parents, Linda and Larry, both graduated from Schafer. Linda, who was class treasurer, remains a member of the reunion committee. She said the funds were left over from the most recent reunion in 2016. “Mom and the other reunion committee members were looking for something to put the money toward,” Smith said. “Mom and her group thought one of the best places to donate their money was to
the Southgate American Legion and VFW because so many members of their graduation class served in the armed forces and went off to war in Vietnam.” Larry Smith, in fact, served in the Army and in Vietnam. He is a member of both the American Legion and VFW. Larry is a Ford Motor Co. retiree; Linda is a retired X-ray technician. The Smiths, who met in high school, recently celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary. “The reunion committee members see the donation as a reinvestment in the City of Southgate,” said Jeff Smith, who is a member of the Sons of the American Legion. The committee created a plaque for the occasion that says “with respect, honor and gratitude for your service, we thank you veterans.” “This is phenomenal,” said Jim Austin on behalf of the American Legion. “Like every organization, we’re always scratching for funds. When citizens of Southgate thank us it means a lot.” VFW Commander Puente said the donation is a sign of respect for veterans. “The VFW and American Legion work together to make a better community,” he said. “This is so meaningful “
SOUTHGATE STAR • July 12 — August 11, 2022 • Page 7
Southgate volunteer seeking runners and walkers for annual 5K Dave Gorgon Southgate resident Deborah Eskridge has been a runner and a volunteer much of her life. She has combined both of her interests in directing the Trenton Exchange Club’s Blue Ribbon Run, a 5K set for Sunday, Sept. 25, at Woodhaven Community Park. While Eskridge is not an Exchange Club member, she is a believer in the cause. The proceeds from the race go to the prevention of child abuse and neglect, along with scholarships and other club missions. A mental health and substance abuse counselor, Eskridge discovered she had more time to get involved in worthwhile events once she retired. While volunteering at a substance abuse and prevention camp at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Southgate, Eskridge was approached about becoming a race director by Trenton Exchange Club member Marge Sharlow, who knew of her affinity for running and walking. “Marge asked if I would like to direct a run for the Trenton Exchange Club for child abuse awareness and I said sure,” Eskridge said. “I had participated in runs. I had run tennis tournaments before. But I had never organized a run before.” Six years later, the race is a Downriver fixture. The location in the Woodhaven Community Park at 23101 Hall Road now includes “the thrill of the hill” in which runners have the option of testing their ability to run up a tall sledding hill. “Last year was the first year we included the hill,” she said. “It adds more oomph. A lot of runners like going up the hill and down the hill to see if they can do it. Walkers don’t want to do it and we don’t make them. They go around it. I enjoy the challenge.” Eskridge has been running “on and off since the 1980s.” She has run many 5Ks, enjoys walking as well and has competed in longer races, including four straight Detroit Free Press Marathons, in which she runs and walks. She is a member of the Island Road Runners on Grosse Ile and competes in their 8Ks. She also enjoys yoga and bike riding, is active in her church, St. Frances Cabrini and spends time with her husband of 46
Deborah Eskridge, Blue Ribbon race director.
Timeout Teddy, the race mascot (played by Lincoln Park Mayor Tom Karnes) and race committee chair Marge Sharlow.
years, George, and their dogs. The Southgate woman also volunteers to help with other races, the most recent being the Happy Soles 5K, which provides funding for the Fish & Loaves Community Food Pantry that serves hungry people in Southgate and other Downriver communities. “Running is good for mental health,” Eskridge said. “It’s good for overall fitness. It just gets me out in the fresh air and clears the mind. You can think about things while you’re running. It’s nice being out in nature in the fresh air.” Sharlow called Eskridge a “gogetter” who brought knowledge and energy to a new event. “We were kind of new to everything,” Sharlow said. “She got us up to speed. We try to improve the course each year. Debbie is the brains
behind the racing. She runs almost every weekend or helps out with different races.” As Blue Ribbon Race director, Eskridge’s duties are many. She visits other races, such as the Trenton Art Fair Run, and puts fliers on windshields of cars to attract more runners. She seeks sponsors. She places mile markers and directional signs on the course. She instructs the Boy Scouts and Robotics team members serving as course martials where they’re supposed to be on race day. She’s pretty much involved in everything related to the races. Since the Blue Ribbon Run is the major fundraiser of the Exchange Club, Eskridge’s goal is to build up participation in the 5K and related events. “This is important,” she said, “and we’re hoping that the more we do it,
the more people will come out for the race.” Race package pickup is scheduled for 8:15 to 9:15 a.m. on Sept. 25. The “No Hill 1 Mile Run/Walk” begins at 9 a.m. The 5K run/walk starts at 9:30. Awards are presented to the 5K winner and runner-up male and female, masters winners and age group winners. There is a post-race raffle, snacks and access to vendors. The entry fee is $30 in advance for the 5K and $20 for the one-mile fun run. It’s $5 more on race day. T-shirts are guaranteed to those who register by September 16. Register and make donations online at www.runsignup. com. The Exchange Club of Trenton is a service organization active in the Downriver area since 1927. Exchange Club is the oldest service group in the country. More than 650 clubs provide individuals with opportunities to volunteer their time and talents to benefit their local communities and country with the core values “family, community and country.” The Trenton club “is dedicated to helping our community to be a better place to live,” Sharlow said. “The Blue Ribbon is the symbol of the prevention of child abuse and neglect.”
Page 8 • July 12 — August 11, 2022 • SOUTHGATE STAR
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Page 12 • July 12 — August 11, 2022 • SOUTHGATE STAR
SOUTHGATE STAR • July 12 — August 11, 2022 • Page 13
Running for a cause Southgate residents competed in the Happy Soles 5K supporting the Fish & Loaves Community Food Pantry. The event was held at Heritage Park in Taylor. Fish & Loaves serves Downriver hungry people year-round, including Southgate residents. Photos by Dave Gorgon.
Kathy Kelly, 72, (left) of Allen Park and Christine Chapoton, 78, finished the 5K event in just over 59 minutes
Alesha Russellia, 31, finished fifth among women ages 30 to 39 and 25th overall in 31 minutes, 13 seconds.
Four Southgate residents, including new Fish & Loaves Executive Director Stephanie McNees, walked the 3.1-mile course together. In the photo are Drew Kroll (left), Stephanie McNees, Liz McNees and Margaret Goudreau. They all hit the finish line in just over 51 minutes.
April Thomas, 52, was first among women ages 50 to 59 and 38th overall in 38 minutes, 5 seconds.
Hayden Thomas, 16, was third among males ages 15 to 19 and 39th overall in 40 minutes, 4 seconds.
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Page 14 • July 12 — August 11, 2022 • SOUTHGATE STAR
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SOUTHGATE STAR • July 12 — August 11, 2022 • Page 19
a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Did you know Bacon Library has a huge stash of Legos? Stop in the Maker Space Room every first Wednesday of the Month. For more information, call 734-246-8357 or visit baconlibrary.org.
Hear the music The Southgate Downriver District Authority (DDA) is again this year sponsoring Thursday night Concerts at Market Center Park. The shows run each Thursday night from 6-8 p.m. until Aug. 25. Here are the bands remaining on the schedule: July 14 – Toppermost, Beatles tribute July 21 – Weekend Comeback July 28 – Downriver Dan August 4 – Athens Creek August 11 – Category 5 August 18 – All Directions August 25 – Acoustic Beer League | Polish Night Polish Night at Market Center Park in Southgate is back, Friday July 22. Enjoy delicious Polish food served up by Crystal Gardens and other local businesses. Live music and entertainment from The Kielbasa Kings. Have an ice cold beer or drink from the bar and shop from some of the amazing vendors. The event runs from 6-10 p.m. This is the event you don’t want to miss! For vendor opportunities, please email us at GLPEvents14@gmail.com. Computer Class Facebook for Beginners: Taylor Community Library, Taylor. July 14 from 1-2 p.m. This class is designed for those with little or no experience with Facebook. You will learn how to create a Facebook account, connect with friends, create a post, add pictures, and more. Class size is limited to 8 participants on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information, call 734-287-4840. Masks required. Downriver Poets & Playwrights At the Bacon Memorial District Library, 45 Vinewood, Wyandotte, July 5 & Aug. 2 at 6 p.m. For more information, call 734-246-8357 or visit baconlibrary.org. Lego Wednesdays At Bacon Memorial District Library, 45 Vinewood, Wyandotte, July 6, & Aug. 3 from 10
Tattoo Paint & Treats At the Bacon Memorial District Library, 45 Vinewood, Wyandotte, July 13 at 2 p.m. Learn how to make temporary tattoo paint in honor of Pirates and Sailors Week. Make-Design-Wash Away. This event will be held outside. Wear clothes that can get dirty. A special treat will also be served. For more information, call 734-246-8357 or visit baconlibrary. org. Things with Wings Sponsored by the Grosse Ile Nature & Land Conservancy, from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, July 16 at the Airport Natural Area, 28820 East River Rd, Grosse Ile. On this walk we will learn about insects on the move- look for praying mantids and their egg cases (ootheca), bees, butterflies, dragonflies, and more. For more information, email GINLC. education@gmail.com or visit www.ginlc.org/ upcoming-events. Christmas in July Presented by Our Lady of the Scapular Parish at St. Stanislaus Kostka Site, 266 Antoine St., Wyandotte, July 21,22,23 & 24. Preview Thursday, July 21, 4-7 p.m., $5 admission; Friday, July 22, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., free admission; Saturday, July 23, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., free admission; Sunday, July 24, by ticket only. Visit the Christmas Wonderland sale of new & used Christmas items, raffles galore and international food available each day. Reservations and $50 per person payment for Frankenmuth’s Bavarian Inn Restaurant Catered Dinner on Sunday, July 24 are now being taken at the parish office 734-284-9135 & Online at ourladyofthescapular.org until sold out. Visit the parish website ourladyofthescapular.org for more event information. Hike in Airport Natural Area Sponsored by the Grosse Ile Nature & Land Conservancy, enter at 28820 East River Rd, Grosse Ile, from 1-4 p.m. Event runs through Sunday, Oct. 30. GINLC hosts will be available to open the trails of the Airport Natural Area every Sunday from May to October. Spend a few hours enjoying the trails, ponds, bays, lookouts, and woods of this hidden gem. For more information, email GINLC. education@gmail.com. All GINLC programs are free to the public, but donations make them possible. Visit www.ginlc.org. Job Assistance The SEMCA Michigan Works! in Southgate,
15100 Northline Rd, Room 103, is offering help with job searching. Free services may include career assessment and guidance; GED preparation, basic skills assessment & enhancement; resume and interview assistance; and job search assistance. Stop in to register and ask about the next orientation session. Connect with a Career Coach and return to work faster. Reasonable accommodations will be made upon request. For more information, call 734362-3448 or visit SEMCA.org. Taylor Garden Club The club meets the third Thursday of the month September through June. Meetings are held at Taylor Senior Activity Center. Hospitality at 6 p.m., meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. Guests are welcome to attend once for free. Membership fee is $15 per year. You do not have to live in Taylor to join the group. For more information, contact Nancy Smith at 734-287-6851 or by email at smithnan88@yahoo. com. AAUW scholarships The AAUW Wyandotte-Downriver Branch offers several scholarships annually to female undergraduate students at Baker College, Henry Ford College, Lawrence Technological University and Wayne County Community College District. Interested students can pick up an AAUW application at their school’s counseling office. Candidates must have earned a minimum of 12 credits, be a United States citizen and a resident of the Downriver area. An essay is required. For more information, contact rjhart720@yahoo.com or visit downriver-mi.aauw.net. Huron River Fishing Association The group holds general membership meetings at 6:30 p.m. the first Monday of each month at the Flat Rock Community Center, 1 McGuire St., Flat Rock. The group holds fly tying classes at 6:30 p.m. on the 3rd Monday of the month at the FRCC. For more information, visit huronriverfishing.com or email FISH@huronriverfishing.com. Great Lakes Steel Salaried Retirees Club The club meets every third Monday at Crystal Gardens, 16703 Fort St. Southgate. Doors open at noon. Lunch promptly at 1 p.m. Cost $12 for members, $13 non-members. Door prizes and 50/50 raffles. Open to any salaried retiree of Great Lakes Steel. For more information, contact Desta Pulter at 313-842-0385. Bingo Every Thursday at 6:15 p.m at the VFW Post No. 9283, 16200 Dix-Toledo Road, Southgate; doors open at 4 p.m.; $500 jackpot; all proceeds go to the VFW Ladies Auxiliary general fund.
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Page 20 • July 12 — August 11, 2022 • SOUTHGATE STAR
An enlightening conversation with John Hartig
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Susan Pinkowski
W
hen sitting down with a scientist for a serious discussion, you might think you were in for some boring statistics, ideas over your head, or information you don’t really care about. However, if the scientist is Downriver’s own John Hartig, you are in for a treat! There isn’t a more enthusiastic scientist in the area and he’s very excited about the future of Downriver. Since he retired a few years ago from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service after decades of working to improve our waterways, greenways and even brownfields, John is busier now than ever, dividing his time between the United States and Canada working on some major projects that are going to benefit all of us. He is a Visiting Scholar at the University of Windsor’s Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research where he is evaluating the effects of cleanup efforts on the most polluted areas of the Great Lakes (https:// www.sciencedirect.com/science/ article/pii/S0380133020300824), including the Detroit River and he’s also working with partners to assess ecosystem health of the Detroit River and western Lake Erie by compiling and interpreting long-term trend data on key indicators like bald eagles, wetlands, lake sturgeon, climate change, contaminated sediments, invasive species, and more (https:// scholar.uwindsor.ca/softs/9/). Stateside, he’s the chair of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan’s Great Lakes Way Advisory Committee and is also on the Board of Directors of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. He’s basically the scientist who can explain everything to the policy makers so the right policies, that affect all of us, can be put into place. He’s written numerous books which have received three literary awards and he’s also received over 17 scientific and service awards recognizing the dedicated work he has done studying the cleanup and restoration of the most polluted areas
of the Great Lakes. But what has John so enthused now is that all the pieces are coming together which will improve our lives, connect us back to nature, and back to each other. The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan is creating a Great Lakes Way (www.greatlakesway.org), an interconnected set of greenways and water trails or blueways that connects Port Huron to Toledo. You eventually will be able to ride your bike, or even walk, the whole distance, if you are up to the challenge! They are working with partners to put in more kayak/canoe launches to help reconnect people with our continentally-significant natural resources. They are also seeking a national trail designation to help put us on the map and bring in folks from around the country. Their vision is that: “All residents and visitors of southeast Michigan are connected to and benefit from worldclass freshwater, wildlife, recreation, and heritage right in our backyard through a Great Lakes Way.” All 156 miles of the blueways are complete and accessible and eventually there will be 160 miles of greenways
stretching from southern Lake Huron through western Lake Erie. This new trail will become more exciting in 2024 when it, along with Michigan’s longest statedesignated trail called the IronBell Trail (Ironwood in the Upper Peninsula to Belle Isle in Detroit), will be connected to the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail in Canada and the Trans Canada Trail (Pacific to Atlantic) are connected by a dedicated bicycle and pedestrian lane on the new Gordie Howe International Bridge. A pressing problem that stands in the way of completing The Great Lakes Way is contaminated brownfields – abandoned or underused industrial or commercial properties where redevelopment is burdened with environmental contamination. Currently, there’s the former Atofina site, the former McLouth Steel area, portions of U.S. Steel, BASF South Works, the Trenton Channel Power Plant, and the Eastman Chemical site. Considerable cleanup and multiple logistics have to be worked out but imagine all of these areas being converted into multi-use areas that open up access to the Detroit River for everyone! “The success of the Refuge
Gateway in Trenton – the home of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge – has shown what can be done with brownfields and how sustainable redevelopment can change the perception of Downriver,” John said. Future uses of these brownfields could include parks and trails, high tech industry, light industrial, commercial, and some retail – the imagination runs wild with what could be! This will bring much needed revenue into the Downriver area. The Detroit River has been a gem in the rough for a long time, and now is its time to shine. John was instrumental in developing, along with Congressman John Dingell, the Downriver gem called the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, including Humbug Marsh and the Refuge Gateway. If you have not been there, you need to visit. There is a world-class fishing pier that extends 775 feet into the Detroit River. There are also three observation decks and spotting scopes where you can view waterfowl and the growing population of bald eagles. You can launch your kayak or canoe at Humbug Marsh and either stay in SEE HARTIG, PAGE 21
HARTIG
Continued from page 20 protected waters or head out into the river. There are three miles of walking and bike trails. There is a Gold LEED Certified visitor center, which has a large section devoted to hands-on and minds-on displays for children. Along Humbug Marsh there is a mechanical audio system that you hand-crank that can entertain children with information about their surroundings. Outside the visitor center, there are two patios, picnic tables, and a playscape made of rocks, wood and rope – sort of a confidence course for children. Pedro Hernandez and his wife, Liz (one of John’s three daughters), are frequent visitors to the International Wildlife Refuge and Humbug Marsh. They went to the center a couple of weeks ago and saw about 50 people fishing off the pier when the silver bass were running. Pedro, originally from Spain, was pleased to see the diversity of people and cultures and how welcome they felt. He indicated that the center is amazing and has a small theater, a gift shop, and even an area to borrow a fishing pole and binoculars. One of the trails goes right through wetlands so kids can get up close to native flora and fauna without harming it. There is even a somewhat secluded deck overlooking the river and pier with Adirondack chairs just waiting for visitors to sit and enjoy the view and activities on the pier. While this is a great beginning, John further indicated that there is still a lot of contaminated sediment lurking below the river, and those areas were the subject of last month’s State of the Strait conference at U of
M Dearborn that he helped organize. This conference, put on by the U.S. and Canada every two years, tackles an issue that needs attention. The 5.1 million cubic meters of contaminated sediment on the American side of the Detroit River was this year’s topic. How does contaminated sediment affect us? Hartig said that sediment contaminants accumulate first in plant and animal plankton, then invertebrates, small fish, and eventually large fish. These contaminants
biomagnify or increase in concentration as they move up the food web. One result you’re probably familiar with are the health advisories on eating fish pulled from the river. Once these sediments are remediated, the water will improve and there will be fewer advisories. Currently, Hartig said the state and federal governments are sampling the sediment at the Monguagon Creek in Riverview by the Grosse Ile pay bridge to measure the size of the problem. John stated that 65 percent of the cost of cleaning up these sites is provided by the federal government through the Great Lakes Legacy Act. The remaining 35 percent needs to come from nonfederal partners. Another problem affecting the health of our water is the combined sanitary and storm sewers that are in certain communities Downriver. When they overflow during and after large storms, the Detroit River becomes polluted with raw and partially treated sewage. He suggests you avoid swimming in the Trenton Channel and the Detroit River after a major storm. Swimming is generally safe at Belle Isle, Sugar Island, Celeron Island and Sterling State Park, according to John. Good information to know as summer is finally here. Since the river has been getting cleaned up, we’ve seen a return of beavers, peregrine falcons, osprey, river otters and eagles. Underwater, there’s been an increasing return of lake sturgeon, lake whitefish and walleye. The restoration projects are not done yet, so who knows what other animals will make a return appearance. John won’t take credit for this, but he’s been a major part of it and for that, we all thank him.
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Wyandotte’s 61st Annual Street Art Fair is upon us, right in sync with me – Peter Rose – as I manufacture my 61st article for the Go Big Newspaper empire of Downriver. Many merchants dread it. It is taxing, it is tiring. But it is also an event that reenergizes me every single summer, going back to the mid-70s. I work every hour of every fair, and am an Peter active participant. Rose Last year the fair marked the emergence from being without such events for a long time. Because it was still rather iffy, with Ann Arbor serving as a green light when they declared it was on, the Fair was very different. The artists jumped on board, as did the traveling food trucks that make the Fair a fair. There was no beer area, nor heavily amped music. Wyandotte’s Social District was (and is) in effect, enabling the restaurants and bars to become the sole providers of alcohol. Kudos to Heather Thiede-Champlin and her team for saving the day. It was awesome. Their efforts resulted in a spectacular fair, arguably the best I have experienced over all these years. People were so happy and relieved to be out and about. All four days were simply peaceful and vibrant, and people really wanted to buy stuff. Artists were delighted by the absence of loud music and massive beer consumption, which resulted in more people enjoying the art and the show that felt less hectic, more bucolic. For merchants like me who see 200,000 people come past our doors in four days, the Fair is Christmas in July. Seriously, our Wyandotte stores have had the benefit of a massive surge in transactions in a month that was always difficult for our mall stores. I’m very grateful for it, and am probably the only person in the world that wishes it was a longer event. Every year, I hate to see it end. I know, I know, I’m a lunatic. There is a point here; I’m not just hyping the Street Art Fair. I’m calling attention to the fact that its makeup
is precisely what I advocate for, seemingly non-stop: The Wyandotte Street Art Fair is a stunning example of localism from near and far, concentrated in four days to create a Fair that is loved by so many. Without really focusing on it as such, people support it because they love these artists and their passion, their talent, their independence as they travel around. They do this in a town that is virtually all local and independent. Remember that I advocate first and foremost for Wyandotte, as that’s where my businesses are. Right behind that is the local and independent business community of the Downriver area. Then the state, and finally, small, and unique anywhere they are. I have purchased so many things at past Wyandotte fairs, and many others that are absolutely unique. Would never find them anywhere else. And it is deeply satisfying to me that every time I have, I’ve helped that artist stay independent. I’ve “bought their chairs,” to steal a line from the movie Phenomenon, which has really stuck with me since I heard it so long ago. Independence seems incredibly amped up any more to me, more important than ever. More and more and more people
seek that authenticity, that passionate urgency that one cannot find in businesses funded by Wall Street and related forms of investment. There is no soul in places like that. They exist to satisfy shareholders and business plans that siphon money away from the communities they infest. Love Wyandotte is the familiar name of the Wyandotte Independent Business Alliance, which exists to hype indie businesses in Wyandotte, to whatever extent we can. But we support Local everywhere, so we created Love Local. That facebook page is where we say nice things about businesses that appreciate the support. If we get one more customer for a business, we are elated, but honestly, we are very selfish in this mission, in two ways: 1.) We do something to boost businesses we like and hope to be able to patronize in the future. 2.) It feels remarkably good to be nice, to be supportive, to be happy by doing this. It gets really wearisome to read about people calling out businesses in public, with vengeance and hostility. The amount of work that goes into operating any indie business is incredible, and it is, once again, the energy of a single passionate and resolute person that lives among us all.
Being mean is frankly intolerable. We’ll never succeed in getting “those people” to keep their poison where no one can feel it, but we can do an enormous amount of good in counterbalancing the depressing effect such morons have on our psyches. Over-tipping to a waiter that just got stiffed by a stingy or nonexistent tip just before you…..helps them stay or get happy. That’s one illustration of the rewarding vibe that happens when we all keep the idea of community alive, for businesses, residents, visitors…. everyone. A happy, thriving business, among a whole beehive of happy, thriving businesses, is electric. The feeling that I, for one, get from that is hopefully extremely contagious through these ideas I share. Be Local. Let the idea be just a representation of your commitment to be a real part of that vibe. We should all be striving to be the reason such places thrive. For so many, it is automatic – just not interested in shopping big. They do it for their own gratification. If you’re not one of those people, you should find out more about what makes all those people heroes and angels and happy.
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The summer of ‘I Love Local’ is here
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Curious student asks about city’s flag So, what do you know about the city flag of Southgate? If you are an average resident, probably not too much. Neve Kessler, a sixth-grade student at Creative Montessori School in Southgate, is a youngster with a keen interest in flags and she wanted to know about its origins and why it was not present on the city’s website. Enter Mayor Joe Kuspa. Kuspa, a lifelong resident of Southgate, agreed the flag should be on the website and he said the city is working on getting it there. The mayor also invited Neve and her family to city hall, where he presented the young lady with a Southgate City flag of her own. “I was impressed with Miss Kessler’s interest in our City flag,” said Kuspsa. “Most people pass by our municipal complex and don’t give it a second thought. But Neve wanted to know the history of our flag and how it came to be. It was a delight sharing that information with her and presenting her with a Southgate flag of her own.” The city flag was adopted as part of the celebration of the city’s 15th anniversary in 1973. A committee was formed to pick the new flag. The group was headed by Mrs. Margaret Anderson – Southgate’s first First Lady. She was the wife of
Jude Kessler, father Steve Kessler, Neve Kessler and Mayor Joe Kuspa with the flag that was presented to Neve Kessler by Kuspa.
Tom Anderson who was our first mayor and the namesake of Anderson High School. There were 49 flag design entries and the winning design was submitted by Mr. Gerald Krueger of Walnut Street and he won a $100 savings bond. City Council adopted the design as the official
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In celebration of Arbor Day each year, the City of Southgate holds a poster contest and invites all local elementary schools to participate. City Forester, Bob Tarabula, runs the contest and is a true advocate of the importance of trees in the Southgate community. Over 100 entries were very carefully reviewed to establish this year’s winners. First place honors went to Gabriella Smith from Shelters Elementary, second place was awarded to Andrea Muniz-Martinez from Fordline School and third place went to Jazlyn Durham, who attends Allen. Each winner was presented with an award certificate at the May 18 City Council meeting. “Expressing ideas through art is truly remarkable; especially at such a young age,” said Southgate Mayor Joe Kuspa. “Best wishes to all of the students who entered this year’s contest. We look forward to experiencing their beautiful works of art in the future.” The first place winner also had a tree planted in her honor at the school she attends. The tree planting took place on Wednesday, June 8 at Shelters Elementary School on Fordline. The tree, a London Plane, was planted on the north end of the playscape and a plaque bearing Gabriella’s name hangs from the branches commemorating her winning poster entry. Gabriella’s mother Brittany Smith and aunt Lily Beaudrie proudly attended the ceremony. Also in attendance were two locally prominent Shelters alumni members; Mayor Joseph Kuspa and Council President Zoey Kuspa. Both attended Shelters in their elementary years. “It is great to be here as mayor,” said oe Kuspa. “But, I am equally proud of this honor going to a Shelters student; a school I attended back in the 1960’s.” Others joining the installation event were City Clerk Jan Ferencz, Southgate Schools Superintendent Sharon Irvine, Bob Talabula, school personnel and members of Gabriella’s class. Everyone participated in the planting by throwing a handful of dirt around the base of the tree. Also, special thanks to the DPW crew for preparing the planting site and coordinating the tree installation.
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City honors Arbor Day poster contest winners
Gabriella Smith, her family and school and city officials with the newly planted tree.
First place
Second place
Third place
Page 26 • July 12 — August 11, 2022 • SOUTHGATE STAR
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Southgate Ford wins President’s Award again There was plenty to celebrate at Southgate Ford recently when it was announced that the local car dealership had won the Ford Motor Company’s prestigious President’s Award for the third straight year. The President’s Award recognizes dealers that achieve the highest levels of customer satisfaction. Dealers become eligible for this award through survey responses from customers related to their sales and service satisfaction. Company officials said that customer satisfaction relates to all aspects of the customer experience, including sales, service, finance, automotive parts, and essentially ensuring that operations run smoothly. This year only 341 dealerships earned the honor. That’s about 10 percent of Ford’s dealerships. Far from an individual award, company officials said winning the award was made possible through the efforts of the entire team. Southgate Ford has received President’s Award recognition 10 times since the dealership was founded in 1998. Southgate Ford also was presented with a Partners in Quality Award, which recognizes top-tier dealers. Only 5 percent of 3,100 dealerships nationwide receive this award. Southgate Ford has been the recipient of this award 18 times.
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