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Dave Gorgon Dan Marsh is living proof of the idiom “you can go home again.”

Marsh, 37, is Southgate’s new city administrator and is delighted to be back in his hometown. He grew up in the city and has lived Downriver his entire life. He graduated from Southgate Anderson High School, where he was on the varsity swimming team, and married wife Danielle. He also coached the Gators recreation swim team.

After graduating from Wayne State University with a teaching degree, Marsh worked as program director at the Downriver Family YMCA in Southgate. In that capacity, he partnered with then city parks and recreation director Dustin Lent on several successful projects, including “United Sports,” to make more recreational activities available to more young residents in the community.

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Page 2 • August 11 — September 13, 2022 • SOUTHGATE STAR

SOUTHGATE STAR • August 11 — September 13, 2022 • Page 3

Council Christian Graziani 734-934-5943 cgraziani@southgatemi.gov

Council and Commission Meetings at Southgate City Hall City Council meetings are held on the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of the month.

Council Bill Colovos bcolovos@southgatemi.gov

City Council Meeting Wednesday August 17 - 7:00pm

Council Mark Farrah 313-802-2896 mfarrah@southgatemi.govgov

Mayor and Council Members

Council Karen George 734-281-3491 kgeorge@southgatemi.govgov

Mayor Joseph Kuspa 734-258-3022 MayorKuspa@southgatemi.gov

Council Phillip Rauch 734-558-9779 prauch@southgatemi.gov

Council President Zoey Kuspa 734-307-5709 zkuspa@southgatemi.gov

Council Dale Zamecki 734-765-1674 dzamecki@southgatemi.gov

City Council Meeting Wednesday, September 7 - 7:00pm Senior Meeting/Commission on Aging (COA) Thursday, Sep 1, Noon At the Senior Center Library City Wide Garage Sale Friday September 16 through Sunday September 18

City Department Contacts 28th District Court Chief District Judge, The Honorable Elisabeth M. Mullins Phone: 734-258-3068 Email: info@28dc.com Animal Control Department Phone: 734-246-1328 Assessor Esther Graves, MAAO, PPE Deputy City Assessor Phone: 734-258-3007 Email: egraves@southgatemi.gov Building Department Tim Leach Building Director Phone: 734-258-3030 Email: tleach@southgatemi.gov City Administrator Dan Marsh Phone: 734-258-3021 Email: dmarsh@southgatemi.gov

City Clerk Janice M. Ferencz Phone: 734-258-3015 Email: clerk@southgatemi.gov Downtown Development Authority Phone: 734-258-7770 Department of Public Service Kevin Anderson DPS Director Phone: 734-258-3076 Email: kanderson@southgatemi.gov Engineering Department Hennessey Engineers Inc. City Engineer Phone: 313-638-1306 Email: info@hengineers.com Fire Department Marc Hatfield Fire Chief Phone: 734-258-3080 Non-Emergency Email: mhatfield@southgatemi.gov

Home Sales Department Matt DuFore Home Sales Inspector Phone: 734-258-3010 ext. 3100 Email: salesadmin@southgatemi.gov Parks & Recreation Julie Goddard, Director Phone: 734-258-3035 Email: jgoddard@southgatemi.gov Police Department Mark Mydlarz, Chief of Police Phone: 734-324-4438 Non-Emergency Email: mmydlarz@southgatemi.gov Senior Center Diane Grabowski, Director Phone: 734-258-3066 Email: dgrabowski@southgatemi.gov Treasurer’s Office Christopher P. Rollet, Treasurer Phone: 734-258-3009 Email: crollet@southgatemi.gov

Page 4 • August 11 — September 13, 2022 • SOUTHGATE STAR

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SOUTHGATE STAR • August 11 — September 13, 2022 • Page 5

HOMETOWN Continued from page 1

There was a “Splash and Dash” when the Y had an outdoor pool and a kids triathlon.

Marsh eventually was promoted to executive director of the YMCA in Birmingham in Oakland County, but he never lost touch with his Downriver community.

Lent, who had been promoted to city administrator in Southgate, mentioned to Marsh in a recent conversation that he was taking a similar position in St. Clair Shores, a larger city in Macomb County. Lent also suggested Marsh would be an excellent replacement.

After three interviews with Southgate Mayor Joseph Kuspa, who had other candidates as well to succeed Lent, Marsh was offered the position of city administrator. The City Council concurred.

“In my first meeting with Dan, I was impressed with his philosophy and management style,” Mayor Kuspa said. “I found him to be very thoughtful and professional. It was really important to bring somebody in who shares my philosophy and dedication to serving the public and the philosophy of the team we’ve built here in Southgate.”

The city administrator serves as the Mayor’s day-to-day manager to implement the policies of the administration as well as to enforce the ordinances passed by the City Council, Marsh said. He oversees all of the departments, has a hand in policy making along with the Mayor and finance director, and answers residents’ concerns.

“It’s important to get the right person into that job,” Kuspa said.

“Dan has the ability to communicate and he’s very thorough in his approach to management. He has great people around him and has become a very valuable part of our team.”

Marsh said he learned his management techniques while attending Wayne State and then at the YMCA. During his time at the Y, he was responsible for operations, fundraising, customer service, maintenance of the facility – “a lot of different areas.”

“I gained the mental skill set to handle multiple different tasks at the

same time and how to bring people together to solve problems,” he said.

“I love the Y; I have many fond memories,” he said. “I wasn’t looking to leave, but this is an opportunity I had to consider – not just because it’s a city administrator position, but from living here, too. I spent 20 years of my life here. I know this city. It’s really a special place.”

About the same time he was interviewing for the position, Marsh was on leave from the YMCA as he was becoming a father for the second time. Danielle gave birth to daughter Olive, who is three months old. Their family of four includes 2-year-old son, Theo.

Just months into his new job, Marsh will be tasked with continuing parks and recreation improvements after the overwhelming voters’ support (by 3 to 1) of a 1-mill parks and recreation millage renewal over five years. In the past five years, city officials have made a number of improvements to parks, the city golf course and the ice arena, relying on the original millage approved by voters in 2017.

Future projects in the city will include the redevelopment of the Southgate Tower, a 14-story office building on Trenton Road near Fort Street.

Of course, the city administrator keeps an eye on the budget and watches how funds are spent on a daily basis, the Mayor said. When a city is “fiscally responsible,” he added, development will be stable and even grow.

Kuspa said he has found that hiring the right manager, regardless of municipal government experience, is even more important than hiring someone with government experience.

“If you can find a good manager who can relate to people and understand what good management involves, that’s important,” he said.

“It’s very rewarding when you find the right person… There are great things to come.”

“I’m very happy to be here,” Marsh said. “It’s been a great experience, honestly… I’m very comfortable. I don’t feel out of place here. The staff team has welcomed me in. They’ve been accepting of my leadership and there’s been a welcoming atmosphere in that sense. I enjoy coming to work every day.“

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Page 6 • August 11 — September 13, 2022 • SOUTHGATE STAR

Michael and Kathleen Thompson join Marilyn and Damien Chorkey at the 75th anniversary of Bob-Jo’s. The Thompsons traveled from out of state for a funeral and a graduation party and stopped by the frozen custard stand while they were in town.

A sweet 75 years

Bob-Jo’s celebrates and customers visit from near and far Dave Gorgon

No question, Bob-Jo’s Frozen Custard is a Downriver institution.

The Wyandotte business regularly gets visits from former area residents visiting from out of state, wedding parties stopping by on the way to their reception and locals who say their day wouldn’t be complete without a cone.

So, when the iconic custard stand at 4071 Fort Street celebrated its 75th anniversary on June 19, people came from near and far to enjoy small cones for 75 cents apiece, purchase commemorative blue and white T-shirts and share memories of a place that seems to mean so much to so many.

In fact, the cones were free if you were wearing a Bob-Jo’s T-shirt.

People came to the party from as far away as Florida and Florida to enjoy treats and share memories.

“I’ve been coming here since back in the early ‘60s,” said Allen Park resident Bob Reeves, who was once again sitting at one of the picnic tables next to Denise Bone. “The custard is good – very good.”

Delaney McClain insisted on coming all the way from Troy with her mother and grandparents. She gave up being a vegetarian for the moment to enjoy something she almost never eats: a small vanilla See SWEET, Page 7

SOUTHGATE STAR • August 11 — September 13, 2022 • Page 7

Spider-Man strikes a pose with two visitors to Bob-Jo’s 75th anniversary party.

The owners, maagers and fans wearing Bob Jo’s swag.

SWEET

Continued from page 6 custard cone with rainbow sprinkles.

“Any time I get it, I take a picture and post it” online, said McClain, as she indulged.

Gail and Luke Robinson of Woodhaven reminisced about the day three years earlier when they stopped by Bob-Jo’s all dressed up after their wedding at St. Cyprian Catholic Church in Riverview. They paid for treats for the entire wedding party and posed in front of the stand.

“We visit every year on our anniversary,” Gail said. And they were there celebrating Bob-Jo’s 75th anniversary with 18-month-old daughter Bernadette.

Manager Cristina Booza said her favorite part of any day Bob-Jo’s is open from April to September – usually just before Easter through the second weekend of September – are the memories of the customers.

“They say ‘my dad took me here,’ ‘my gramma and grampa took me here.’ I love to hear the stories,” she said.

Booza’s brother Tony Ricchiuti is president of Bob-Jo’s. He and business partner Rob McGregor took over about 12 years ago from their dads, Herman Ricchiuti and Larry “Mac” McGregor, who had been friends since second grade and went all in to buy the custard stand at the end of summer in 1985. Booza said Bob-Jo’s has been in her family for half of the 75 years. Larry has passed away; Herman is 82 years old.

“Dad had been a widow for a long time,” Booza

Delaney McClain of Troy traveled to Bob-Jo’s with her mom and grandparents. In the photo are Gary Roberts of Wyandotte (left), Delaney McClain, Arlene Roberts of Wyandotte and Mark and Donna McClain of Troy.

said. “It was a great thing for him to have this, especially after mom died. Tony started working with him in the evenings.”

Despite researching “in the archives and history, we never were able to have the exact date” Bob-Jo’s opened or what year it moved from Eureka Road and Fort Street to its current location. The sign out front says the shop has been “serving Downriver since 1947.”

She said the anniversary celebration was a way of giving back to loyal patrons. The shop’s “standard” is chocolate, vanilla and twist frozen custard. They also serve banana splits, flurries, slushes, shakes, parfaits and more.

“We always have vanilla yogurt every single day,”

she said. “Our flavor of the day on Saturday was blue moon. That is the kids’ favorite. It’s all about our customers, but also about our kids. There are a lot of sad faces when we don’t have blue moon.”

In keeping with tradition, it wouldn’t be an anniversary party without Carey Ann and her Clown Caravan. Carey Ann the Clown painted faces and customers were able to visit with popular characters Elsa, a Minion, Ariel the Mermaid, Paw Patrol’s Marshall and Spider-Man. Carey Ann (Carol Ann Owens of Riverview) was on hand for Bob-Jo’s 50th anniversary 25 years ago and they posed for a photo on both special days with Booza’s son Jonathan, who is now 27 years old.

Booza said Bob-Jo’s typically employs 12 to 18 girls from local high schools in Wyandotte, Riverview, Trenton, Southgate, Woodhaven and Gibraltar. Who knows how many have worked summers at the custard stand?

“We had a guy come in last week who said his mother was one of the original persons who worked here,” Booza said.

The anniversary celebration “went great,” said Booza, who grew up in Melvindale and lives in Canton. “We were busy from morning to night. We were very blessed by the weather… All the kids that were here had a good time.”

Kathleen Thompson, who grew up in Wyandotte, went on a date to Bob-Jo’s with her future husband and recently celebrated her 41st wedding anniversary, said a visit to her former hometown wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Bob-Jo’s.

“You can’t get blue moon like this anywhere else in the country,” she said. “The custard is so good.”

Page 8 • August 11 — September 13, 2022 • SOUTHGATE STAR

Estate Planning 101 Which plan do you need?

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■ Will – letter of intent of where you want your personal property to go – or not go.

■ Living Will – Documents your wishes during your final days including final healthcare choices and possibly your burial wishes.

■ Trust – This is a “company” that you start, and you become the CEO, “Trustee” and “Settlor.” The company outlives you, but continues to manage your assets as if you were alive by the successor CEO – whom you designate.

■ Power of Attorney – Financial and Healthcare – you need both – the first so someone can pay your bills, the second, sometimes called a Patient Advocate, designates someone to make “hallway at the hospital” decisions to take the stress off the family.

■ Ladybird Deed – probably the best thing that has happened to owning a home. I love these deeds – you grant yourself a life estate – in your own property - but retain the power to sell or borrow against the property. If you do not sell before you pass, this “springs” the house out of your estate, and your heirs have instant ownership, subject to any mortgage or taxes owed or similar.

Again, this is just a general description of the more popular terms – no one choice is a “silver bullet” but depending on how your estate gets planned out you can expedite a clean and clear process for the assets you worked a lifetime to save.

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SOUTHGATE STAR • August 11 — September 13, 2022 • Page 9

Therapeutic Foster Parents needed for short-term care of vulnerable youth The Guidance Center’s new Treatment Foster Care Oregon (TFCO) program is seeking compassionate, generous, and dedicated parents to foster youth short-term and help them to grow, recover, and overcome barriers to return to their families.

Treatment Foster Care Oregon was developed as an alternative to institutional, residential, and group care placement for children and youth with severe emotional and behavioral disorders.

The program serves children ages 7-11 in a mental health care setting who have a family to return to after treatment. Children are placed with trained Therapeutic Foster Parents with the goal of creating opportunities for youth to successfully live in a family setting, and simultaneously help parents or other long-term caregivers to provide effective parenting skills.

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the needs of vulnerable children in the community, and Therapeutic Foster Parents are needed more than ever. Parents will receive extensive training and resources to help them best help their TFCO child, while also receiving a stipend for the duration of the

placement.

In this role parents will provide a safe, nurturing and supportive home to a child for 6-9 months.

Youth in TFCO receive weekly individual therapy to navigate the program, and will practice problemsolving and coping skills along with other skills individualized for their needs. TFCO program staff are available 24/7 to allow for quick and effective responses to situations and behaviors.

“I have many hopes for our TFCO program,” said

Guidance Center Team Leader Leah Thomas. “I am hopeful that we can find a group of parents that are invested in the program and the model which will allow us to serve more youth and have successful outcomes. The impact that Therapeutic Parents can have on the lives of these vulnerable youth in such a short time is immeasurable.”

For more information contact Denise Harmon at 734-626-4163 or sharmon@guidance-center.org, or visit guidance-center.org/tfco/.

Since 1958, The Guidance Center, located in Southgate, 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 10 • August 11 — September 13, 2022 • SOUTHGATE STAR

SOUTHGATE STAR • August 11 — September 13, 2022 • Page 11

Despite valid concerns, localism is resurging Wyandotte’s Street Art Fair is receding in the rear view mirror again. This edition came during a unique time in American life, in that people were just so darned eager to get out and about and begin to enjoy doing stuff in public, and especially at this event that so many people love and support. So last year’s fair was an experiment in response to specific conditional needs Peter and wants.

Rose The upshot was a strong level of support and appreciation of virtually the entire community of permanent merchants, bars and restaurants for the afterglow of that surreal fair experience.

After much conversation and debate, the fair continued on in the new mode, wherein heavy amplified music and cordoned off crowds by the riverfront were replaced by the bars and restaurants taking care of the alcohol demand, benefiting them all while diminishing the perception of the Wyandotte Street Art Fair being an alcohol event.

Artists and Crafters had really strong sales and enjoyed their four days, as did merchants, restaurants and bars.

For all of us that help comprise the Wyandotte experience, the word seems to be pretty darned positive.

If you played any role in making the fair the success it was, thank you. If you have, over the years, gotten out of the habit of attending for reasons of “been there, done that” or aversion to the “party scene”, do yourself a favor

And as the dust settles and we get back into doing business the way we do the other 361 days of the year and having the results of the fair to factor in for our years, we are not just tired, but hyped up with the challenges that lie ahead for the rest of 2022 and beyond.

and come back next year. With all the small businesses that temporarily line our streets, you get a chance to make a positive impact on an individual’s wellbeing, while getting some awesome stuff that can’t be replicated.

Art Fairs lend an air of “alternative reality” to the cities they take place in.

I have been to so many over the years; still have not lost the sense of fun and discovery that each one brings to us all because we support them.

I may be the only person in Wyandotte that wishes for a longer fair, because I hate to see that reality proven as temporary. We do more business than in any other four-day window of the year, and then it has to go away?

Ah, well, it wouldn’t be a fair if it was permanent, I know that.

And as the dust settles and we get back into doing business the way we do the other 361 days of the year and having the results of the fair to factor in for our years, we are not just tired, but hyped up with the challenges that lie ahead for the rest of 2022 and beyond.

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we are, after all, small businesses, not scaled up in any way. I’m lucky to have been at this for 50 years.

I have not been chronicling it as I do on these pages forever, though.

That’s a five-year affair. Since I took up this gauntlet that Go Big Multimedia publisher Will Evans forced me at gunpoint to accept, so much has changed.

Changes for the bad have become even more of calls to action for me to scream bloody murder about. When I have the opportunity to be read by everyone in the zip codes that make up a majority of our sales, I feel it my responsibility to do so (as you may have gathered by now).

Likewise, though: Changes for the good have also come to pass.

Having been an advocate for local and independent over national for decades, I have never stopped being interested in what the efforts of so many more across the nation are doing to change the perceptions of residents and consumers everywhere. And I never tire of telling my readers all about positive change that bodes well for the future.

There has been a steady surge of positivity for what we locals and

indies do. I think the fear of losing businesses that matter to us has had a residual effect on us all. We seem to understand a lot more that making sure such businesses don’t go away is the responsibility of each and every one of us. It’s called a “community,” and members of that community are making their awareness of how they fit into that truth known to the likes of me by their actions, not just words.

Meanwhile, the likes of Amazon forge ahead, capturing more and more of the US economy. Now they are after niches of the medical industry.

Remember what I told you years ago, and I wasn’t lying or exaggerating: Amazon wants and aims to be the US economy, not just control it. So trust me, you’re not going to hear me pull back on the earnest efforts to destroy Amazon single handedly in my lifetime.

There are other threats out there.

Dollar Tree, Dollar General and Family Dollar are companies, growing like a weed. Walmart continues to be a predatory company that refuses to stop foisting off responsibility to the state for benefits that they should be shouldering.

All I can do is not go there, ever, and to tell you why so maybe you will agree and switch in an “anti” mode – not positive and not just neutral.

But meanwhile, things are on the upswing for local and independent.

People really are more interested than ever about doing business with businesses more honest and genuine than hedge fund, private equity and stock market funding of the fake retail that has done its damndest to put all indies out of business.

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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 8-31-2022. 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 rebate offer, all rebates to dealer, no security deposit required on B1 tiers and higher, tax extra, license/ title fees extra. MSRP Blazer $35,420, Silverado $51,820, Equinox $29,325. Residency restrictions apply, File photos depicted.

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SOUTHGATE STAR • August 11 — September 13, 2022 • Page 13

Page 14 • August 11 — September 13, 2022 • SOUTHGATE STAR

The Monarch butterfly: Nature’s greatest marvel

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Elena C. Tyler

Catching a glimpse of the Monarch butterfly never fails to precede a series of “oohs” and “ahhs.”

For just a moment we stop dead in our tracks, immersing ourselves into a flutter of dazzling orange and rich black patterns. Their coloration is a characteristic we admire as humans, but one that symbolizes danger and poison to its predators.

A highly recognizable creature here in North America, the monarch butterfly can reach a wingspan of up to five inches. Monarchs emerge as a result of nature’s most underrated miracles – the process of metamorphosis.

As many of us had learned in our introductory science classes, the monarch butterfly did not always have wings allowing it to possess the ability to fly. It actually had spent much of its time crawling around as a yellow and black striped caterpillar.

Monarch eggs are laid on specific plants called milkweed, in which there exists an extensive list of its varieties: Swamp/Common milkweed, Tropical milkweed, Cinderella milkweed, etc.

The toxins of this plant in which they feed on is what makes the butterfly permanently lethal to its hunters, as it stays within their bodily system.

Once monarch eggs have been laid and hatched, the minuscule caterpillar eats a great deal of milkweed until it reaches a point in its life in which it is ready to transform into a chrysalis.

It is at this life stage that the magic of transforming from a caterpillar to butterfly takes place.

Once they have emerged after their 10-14 day stay in the chrysalis, they start the process of finding nectar-rich plants and working towards creating the next generation of butterflies.

The typical monarch lives for only about two weeks, but those that emerge in the late summer to early fall follow a different path in life.

The final generation of monarchs are born with noticeably larger wings in order to sustain their eight- or nine-month journey of migration.

These butterflies will travel an upwards of 3,000 miles to reach their overwintering grounds in areas such as central Mexico.

It is believed that monarchs utilize

a variety of environmental clues to determine the exact time of departure and arrival.

The notoriety of the monarch butterfly extends far beyond its physical appearance and abilities, it also beholds immense value and meaning to a variety of cultures.

According to saveourmonarchs. org, in the Native American culture, it represents future abundance and health.

Whereas in Mexican culture, Monarch butterflies are the souls of the deceased paying a visit to the living on the holy days of October 31 - November 2, to provide comfort and reassurance.

Unfortunately, similar to many of our other pollinators, monarch

butterflies are no stranger to the threat of declination.

As according to Monarch Joint Venture, there are three main factors working against the Monarch butterfly: a changing climate that makes habitats less suitable and force changes in migratory patterns, a loss of habitat for breeding, migrating, and overwintering, and lastly, the harmful consequences of pesticides used to control insects and weeds.

But there are many practices we can implement into our own lifestyles to work towards building healthy, thriving Monarch populations.

First, creating a monarch friendly habitat.

Regardless of how large or small your space is, it could be an entire

garden bed or one flowerpot, planting nectar rich plants such as: butterfly bushes, purple coneflowers, lantanas, as well as a couple host plants of milkweed, is an excellent place to start!

Also, working towards the elimination of pesticides and herbicides in your yard or garden is a beneficial step to take.

But, if gardening or planting flowers is not an activity that sparks interest, joining state affiliations such as the National Wildlife Federation that, “… teach people how to create habitat for monarchs and other wildlife….” and “… are working to create a coalition of agriculture leaders and highway transportation organizations to plant milkweed and nectar plants along monarch migratory flyways and in other important monarch breeding grounds along key Midwest and Texas corridors,” is another route one can take in conserving and preserving monarch populations.

In conjunction to the efforts listed previously, there is a whole community of individuals, including myself, who take immense pleasure in rearing and releasing their own monarch butterflies. It is quite the responsibility caring for such delicate creatures, but we collaborate with monarch conservation groups nationwide, acting as community scientists collecting and entering data during all phases of the monarch’s annual life cycle.

Regardless, no step of action is too big or too small.

For when one species faces declination, many others face imminent threats and consequences as well, even us humans. As we enjoy the splendor of monarch butterflies in the present, we must use this time to work together to ensure future generations have the opportunity to experience the same privilege and sense of wonderment.

For more information on joining or learning about the efforts of the National Wildlife Federation, visit the website: www.nwf.org.

A great video to watch to learn more about the monarch butterfly and what we can do to help is by National Geographic titled, “How to Create Your Own Monarch Butterfly Rest Stop.”

SOUTHGATE STAR • August 11 — September 13, 2022 • Page 15

If you love pasta, you’re not alone, because Evelyn pasta is ranked the Cairns world’s favorite food by researchers.

Spaghetti, named the most popular pasta shape on a list of 340, is also my own favorite, followed by tortellini with three cheeses, lasagna and ravioli.

Because summer is salad time, you may want to try an intriguing pasta salad recipe I found on the internet for an Asian spaghetti version with a peanut butter sauce. Your kids are sure to love it, and enjoy slurping the noodles smothered with their favorite brand of peanut butter. But don’t make it too spicy for the youngsters.

The sauce is a no-brainer that takes only minutes to make, and the salad can be served cold or at room temperature.

It also travels well, so it’s a perfect contribution for a potluck, picnic or barbecue.

Another salad to consider is Rainbow Pasta Salad, which features a gorgeous mixture of colorful peppers, carrots, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, garbanzos and olives dressed with balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil and feta cheese. The salad is super healthy and guaranteed to inspire compliments and requests for the recipe.

But the coolest, easiest and most delicious recipe I make year-round is a traditional Hungarian cucumber salad.

PEANUT NOODLE SALAD 8 ounces spaghetti 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil 1 bunch green onions, sliced (white parts, only; save green parts for garnish) 1 teaspoon minced fresh grated ginger, or ¼ teaspoon ground 1/3 cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce ¼ cup hot water 1 tablespoon cider vinegar 1 teaspoon sugar ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente in a large pot and drain.

While noodles are cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small skillet, heat the oil over low heat. Add the white parts of the onion and cook until tender. Add the ginger and cook about 1 minute.

Increase the heat to medium and stir in the peanut butter, soy sauce, water,

vinegar, sugar and crushed pepper. Stir until combined and remove from heat.

Toss spaghetti with the sauce and garnish with the green onion parts, plus peanuts, if desired.

Season with more salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with additional crushed red pepper before serving.

RAINBOW PASTA SALAD Salad ingredients: 1 pound pasta, such as rotini, penne or farfalle 1 green bell pepper, chopped 1 red bell pepper, chopped 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped 1 cup carrots, chopped, 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cucumber, pared and chopped ½ cup black olives, chopped 1 cup garbanzo beans 8 ounces crumbled feta cheese Dressing ingredients: 1/2 cup olive oil 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar 2 tablespoons lemon juice ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste 1 teaspoon pepper, or to taste 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped, or 1 tablespoon dried 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped, or 1 tablespoon dried Cook pasta according to package directions, adding a generous amount of salt. After draining, add a little olive oil to prevent pasta from sticking together Toss all the salad ingredients together. Place all the dressing ingredients in a small bowl or jar and whisk well. If using a jar, put the lid on and close it, then shake well. Mix in the dressing and chill before serving.

HUNGARIAN CUCUMBER SALAD WITH SOUR CREAM 2 medium cucumbers, pared and thinly sliced 1 small onion, thinly sliced 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1/8 teaspoon black pepper 3 tablespoons vinegar 3 tablespoons water ½ cup sour cream Sweet paprika to taste Pare and thinly slice cucumbers and onion. Toss with salt and pepper and refrigerate 2 hours. Drain well. Combine vinegar, water and sour cream. Stir into cucumbers and onions and sprinkle with paprika.

Southgate pets Stella This is Stella, who lives in Southgate with her human Jennifer Berry. As perhaps you can tell, Stella loves to go for car rides rain, sleet or snow she doesn’t care.

Charlie Brown This is Charlie Brown and he is dressed for foul weather in his raincoat. He lives in Southgate with his human Betty Berry.

Would you like to see a photo of your pet published in one of our monthly news magazines? Simply send a photo of the pet, along with your name, the pet’s name and the community in which you live to Sherry@gobigmultimedia.com and we will take care of the rest.

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Page 16 • August 11 — September 13, 2022 • SOUTHGATE STAR

SOUTHGATE STAR • August 11 — September 13, 2022 • Page 17

40th Year of Monitoring Fall Raptor Migration on Detroit River

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The Detroit River Hawk Watch (DRHW) is excited to announce the upcoming 40th year of monitoring diurnal raptor and turkey vulture migration at the mouth of the Detroit River beginning Sept. 1. This season will be the 25th year of consistent coverage at the Lake Erie Metropark and the sixth season the DRHW is welcoming back professional hawk counter Kevin Georg.

Last season, with the help of dedicated volunteers, Kevin conducted 532 hours of data collection over 82 days and tallied an astounding 94,616 total turkey vultures and raptors across 14 different species.

This total was 24 percent below the Long-Term Average (LTA) of roughly 124,193 raptors counted by the Detroit River Hawk Watch at Lake Erie Metropark between 2012-2021.

We compared this season’s totals to the respective LTA for each species since 1998.

Turkey vultures (17 percent), sharpshinned hawk (9 percent), American kestrel (20 percent), merlin (38percent) and peregrine falcon (47 percent) were the only species counted above the LTA. Osprey (-76 percent), bald eagle (-49 percent), Cooper’s hawk (-87 percent), northern goshawk (-100 percent), red-shouldered hawk (-21 percent), broad-winged hawk (-63 percent), Swainson’s hawk (-100 percent), red-tailed hawk (-18 percent), rough-legged hawk (-88 percent), and golden eagle (-31 percent) were significantly lower than their respective LTA (where values >15% are considered “significant” for the count).

Strong winds and days of rain seemed to affect the number of raptors that flew over our count site last year and pushed birds elsewhere.

Although DRHW is located in a major flyway, our site’s numbers represent only a sample of the overall migration. A lower count at DRHW may mean an elevated count at a neighboring site!

Raptor count data are entered into a database managed by the Hawk Migration Association of North America to facilitate collaboration and allow more accurate estimates of raptor population health than assessing one raptor count site alone could offer.

You can visit the Detroit River Hawk Watch daily from Sept. 1 through Nov. 30 near the boat launch at Lake Erie Metropark located at 32481 West Jefferson, Brownstown, MI 48173.

The Detroit River Hawk Watch 2021 Season Summary is available for viewing at http://detroitriverhawkwatch.org/.

Results for individual species are presented, as well as non-raptor and monthly highlights and photos and narratives from the Detroit River Hawk Watch Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/detroitriverhawkwatch.

DRHW is a community science initiative of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. It is a partnership among the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Refuge’s Friends Organization, the International Wildlife Refuge Alliance, and the Huron Clinton Metropolitan Authority.

More information on DRHW is available online at: http://detroitriverhawkwatch. org/. For additional information, contact Wildlife Biologist Jessica Fletcher at 734362-3729.

For more information about the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, please visit the refuge website: www.fws.gov/refuge/Detroit_River.

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Page 18 • August 11 — September 13, 2022 • SOUTHGATE STAR

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Cars for a cause On July 30 more than 100 classic cars, hot rods and street machines turned out at a show hosted by New Pointe Church in Southgate.

The cars and their owners were there for one thing, to help raise money for 11-year-old Danica Tindell, who is battling an aggressive form of bone cancer.

Tindell fell and suffered a fracture back in January and it was then that the cancer was discovered. She has been receiving treatment at U-M’s Mott hospital ever since.

The car show was organized

by Stephanie Canales, who is neighbors with Danica’s grandparents, Vicky and George Tindell. Gonzalez said the event raised $9,000, which will go to help offset the costs of Danica’s treatment which has already included two life flights in addition to chemo and hospital costs.

If you’d like to donate to the cause, you can reach Canales at 313-283-6145.

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SOUTHGATE STAR • August 11 — September 13, 2022 • Page 19

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DNR: Celebrating 75 years of making boating better Maia Turek Michigan DNR Boating has been a human pursuit for at least 8,000 years, with waters beckoning us toward adventure, providing food and helping build cities and economies for millennia.

Those motivations for taking to the water have persisted and still ring true today. Boating is part of us.

In 2022, Michigan celebrates the 75th anniversary of boating our waterways the way we enjoy it today – a modern concept involving the access and infrastructure needed for boating; launches, marinas, gas docks, locks and dams and the maintenance to keep these destinations accessible and operational.

The Michigan State Waterways Commission, a sevenmember advisory commission appointed by the governor, was created in 1947 to advise on how to place, fund and manage harbors to provide safe, navigable boating on Michigan’s Great Lakes.

The commission has evolved significantly since its early charge and today is looking toward the future of boating to ensure Michigan continues to be a world-class freshwater boating destination.

The evolution of recreational boating Established by the Michigan Legislature, the Michigan State Waterways Commission was created to take advantage of federal monies made available from the 1945 Rivers and Harbors Act, which provided funding for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects on the nation’s navigable waters.

Michigan soon began to create a safe harbor of refuge network on the state’s Great Lakes shoreline. This

included the funding for protective breakwater structures and harbor basin and channel dredging to establish many of the harbors we know today, as well as routine maintenance dredging responsibilities for which the state, in turn, would provide mooring facilities.

This plan began Michigan’s Waterways Program.

By 1949, the state began additional efforts to expand the harbor of refuge network by collaborating with local units of government (counties, townships and cities) in the construction, maintenance and

launches, on Michigan’s abundant inland lakes as well.

Funding to meet the needs of Michigan’s boaters became a priority, which is how Michigan became the first state in the nation to establish a state marine fuel tax. This carved out a portion of the state tax on the sale of gasoline for a fund that helps to provide boaters access to Michigan’s waters.

In addition to the Grant-In-Aid Program, the federal government supports the harbor program through funds allocated to the DingellJohnson Fund, administered by the

operation of these facilities. This started what is known today as the Grant-in-Aid Program, establishing federal, state and local partnerships in the development of Great Lakes harbor facilities.

In 1966, when the new state constitution went into effect, the functions of the commission became a part of the Michigan Department of Conservation – the precursor to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources – and grew to add responsibility for selecting and creating boating access sites, or boat

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the development of boating facilities designed to match local contributions.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers played an important role in the initial development and actual construction of the majority of Michigan’s harbor network. The federal/state/local program of cooperation is aimed primarily at the development of facilities.

Responsibility for continuing operation and maintenance lies with local communities, and so reasonable fees are charged for the

upkeep and operation of docks and piers, showers, restrooms and other facilities at these harbors.

Only where local resources are unable to support such facilities does the state consider assuming these responsibilities. As a result, the state of Michigan operates only 18 of Michigan’s harbor facilities.

The Army Corps oversees harbors of refuge.

Michigan more than a ‘Mitten’ Michigan is often called the “Mitten State” in reference to the shape of the Lower Peninsula, but those who have had the opportunity to experience the state from the water understand the full story of why Michigan’s maritime heritage is so important.

From the early Native Americans and French fur traders to shipments of lumber that helped rebuild Chicago, water has defined much of what Michigan is.

Today recreational boating contributes $7.8 billion annually to Michigan’s economy and supports 60,000 jobs.

The DNR, Michigan State Waterways Commission and community partners have ushered in a network of 84 protective harbors and public marinas for the convenience and safety of Great Lakes boaters. To date, there are more than 1,300 public boating access sites, developed and undeveloped.

These places are more than just where you put your boat into a river or lake – they are destinations for people to explore all corners of Michigan from the water. They are a passageway to hours spent enjoying

SEE BOATING, PAGE 21

Belle Isle Park in Detroit offers visitors the opportunity to paddle on the Detroit River.

BOATING

Continued from page 20 the calm and quiet of the water, to the memories made with family and friends while floating, tubing, paddling, cruising or sailing. They make over-water sunrises and sunsets available to everyone, not just the few who can afford waterfront property.

“I believe the most noble responsibility of the commission is to make sure that all people, regardless of their income level, abilities, or ethnicity have access to our Freshwater resources,” said Fred Sitkins, executive director of the Inland Seas Education Association in Suttons Bay and a Waterways commissioner since 2021.

Boating is arguably Michigan’s pastime, with the state having the third-largest number of registered boats in the country and is often a heritage sport passed down from generation to generation.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of new boaters have discovered the safety, affordability and wellness benefits that come with boating.

While it’s easy to assume that boaters are only people who actually own boats, waterways have helped expand that definition in many ways, including creating opportunities for businesses.

For example, fishing charters and boat rentals use these public boating access sites and marinas to make boating available to others who want to experience it.

Many boat manufacturers and dealerships also use boating access sites and marinas for classes and demo days to offer anyone interested in boating the opportunity to try it.

Many state parks also offer boat rentals and boating programs.

The Michigan Boating Industries Association and Boat Michigan have been welcoming new boaters aboard for years with the Discover Boating campaign.

To experience boating before making the commitment to purchase your own boat, consider renting a boat or joining a boat club like Freedom Boat Club for shared ownership. Both options are growing in popularity at marinas around the state.

The future of boating After 75 years of improving boating access, the Waterways Commission and the industry began to address additional challenges facing the sustainability of boating.

In 2019, in collaboration with the commission, the DNR invested in a consultant to analyze infrastructure needs for the next 20 years. The study found that the boating program faces over $755 million in baseline improvement needs and a $26.8 million shortfall annually to keep pace with this need.

Innovative thinking, understanding trends and required modernization of facilities, and looking at new funding models are all topics on the agenda for the DNR and commission, as well as evaluating current funding sources to ensure a sustainable future for the boating access Michiganders have come to expect.

Also, climate change and associated environmental threats, such as high water, severe weather events and aquatic invasive species are all topics that current and future commissioners will be challenged to overcome with the help and support of Michigan’s boaters.

“We all need to keep our waters clean and protected from invasive species and help make provisions to keep boating access sites, marinas and harbors safe and relevant to modern needs of boaters,” said Mary Rising, vice chair of the Waterways Commission and office manager for Action Water Sports in Fenton.

There is also a new challenge the commission and the boating industry are striving to address.

According to the Rhode Island Marine Trades Association, between 2003 and 2019, an estimated 3 million recreational boats were retired in the United

States. This rate of accumulation is not expected to slow down, as many first-generation fiberglass boats launched in the 1970s-1990s have begun to reach their end-of-life status without a sustainable option for disposal.

Michigan is tackling this problem with a multiindustry team, striving to make the state the leader in fiberglass recycling – and not just for boats, but for construction, manufacturing, energy and other industries that currently use fiberglass.

Michiganders are known for being makers, yet this initiative could firmly cement the state’s workers as the “re-makers” of fiberglass.

Individuals, businesses and organizations can also share thoughts and ideas related to fiberglass boat recycling and sign up to be kept in the loop on this initiative.

How can you get involved?

With so much happening in boating right now, there are many ways for citizens to have their voice heard. Learn more about the Waterways Commission online, including reviewing past meeting information and upcoming meeting schedules.

The DNR encourages boaters to attend these public meetings to share any thoughts they might have related to public boating access and its infrastructure, or the sustainability of boating.

Those who are very passionate about boating can apply to become a waterways commissioner through the governor’s appointment process.

Or, if you just want some great boating destination ideas, freshwater facts and ideas for celebrating 75 years of Michigan boating, text the word “Water” to 80888 to sign up for weekly Water Wednesday text updates from the DNR through Sept. 7.

No matter what you do, this is the summer to grab your friends, family and something that floats and find your way to the water. Find ideas for how to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Michigan State Waterways Commission at Michigan.gov/Boating.

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Page 22 • August 11 — September 13, 2022 • SOUTHGATE STAR

Photo by Dave Chapman

Former Southgate School District teachers Laura Lester(top left), Arlene Kalis, Bea Flood, Pat Smith and Carol Maciolek; Dave Lixey (bottom, left), Julie Treves, Dr. Claire Boutain, Mary Vangoff, Dr. Joe Maciolek.

Southgate teachers retire luncheon honors Claire Boutain laire Boutain and fellow retired teachers of Southgate Community School District gathered for their monthly retirees’ luncheon at the Red Olive Restaurant in Woodhaven on June 7, 2022.

The group has been meeting monthly for lunch for over thirty years. This day they celebrated Claire

Boutain’s 94th birthday with delicious cupcakes.

Claire taught in the district for 26 years and retired in 1993. She has seven children, 15 grandchildren, and many great and great-great grandchildren.

Like most school retirees, Claire keeps busy.

She tends her backyard garden of roses, daylilies, irises, sunflowers and many wild flowers. She has planted milkweed plants to attract monarch butterflies.

In addition, Claire has maintained genealogical records for her family, and was an active member of

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