Southgate Star, June 13 – July 8, 2024

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n Wednesday, May 15th, students from Anderson High School stepped into the shoes of Southgate government officials for Student Government Day. This annual event offers a unique opportunity for young people to experience the inner workings of municipal government, fostering a deeper understanding of civic duties and responsibilities.

The day began with breakfast at the

Southwinds Golf Course Clubhouse, where students and city officials gathered for an informal meet-andgreet. Following breakfast, City Clerk Jan Ferencz administered the Oath of Office to the honorary officials, officially instating them in their roles for the day. Participants then embarked on a comprehensive tour of the municipal campus, including the Police Department, District Court, and Fire Station. These tours provided students with an inside

look at the essential services that keep the city safe and operational.

After the morning tours, everyone returned to the clubhouse for lunch. During this time, the honorary officials had the chance to sit with their real-life counterparts and discuss their roles and responsibilities.

The highlight of Student Government Day was the mock City Council meeting

THREE BARKS FOR THE RED, WHITE AND BLUE

On May 23rd, the 63rd Annual Memorial Day Ceremony took place at the Southgate Veterans Memorial, organized jointly by the Southgate American Legion, the Southgate VFW, and The City of Southgate. The ceremony featured poignant moments, including taps played by the Downriver Honor Guard and a 21-gun salute. Speakers paid tribute to the fallen and shared the history of the holiday. The event included a flag folding ceremony and the laying of wreaths to honor those who gave their lives in service to their country.

Time to clear up the confusion about Estate Planning ... The following definitions lack legal precision, but makes it easier to get a clear picture of what may be needed in your case.

■ 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. Why wouldn’t you want to do that? Stop by or call and make an appointment and I’ll tell you what you’re going to need to do this right.

To my numerous former clients – thank you for allowing me to draft your estate plan!

STUDENTS

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held in the City Council Chambers at City Hall. The mock City Council meeting simulated the decision-making processes of the actual City Council, giving students hands-on experience in governance. This session was not only educational, and oftentimes comical, but also an excellent platform for students to engage in critical thinking and collaborative problem solving in real-world context as it comes to city matters.

The positions and their respective student officials were as follows: Mayor, Zachery Hegedus; City Clerk, Emily Parkham; City Treasurer, Mia Liangos; City Council President, Dylan Berrios; Council Members, Kate Grabowski, Anna Campbell, Samuel Korogiannis, Carly Belcher, Leila Hilden, and Maya Freitas; District Court Judge, Teresa Jones; City Administrator, Rianna Rasizzi; Assistant City Administrator/ Finance Director, Ryan Sternberg; Director of Public Safety, Alexis Hall; Police Chief, Taylor Mydlarz; Fire Chief, Grace Buckner; Department of

Public Service Director, Drake Brewer; Building Inspections Director, Jalene Lewis; Parks & Recreation Director, Nathaniel Davenport; City Engineer, Kyle Makowski; City Attorney, Abby Bumgardner; and Downtown Development Authority Director, Morgan Goodman.

Before the conclusion of the mock meeting, Mayor Kuspa expressed gratitude to Administrative Assistant, Laura Walsh and AHS teacher, Mrs. Michelle Cieslak for their collaboration and efforts in organizing yet another Student Government Day. In recognition of their contributions, the Mayor asked the Student City Council to officially designate May 15th as “Laura Walsh and Michelle Cieslak Day” in the City of Southgate. The “motion” passed unanimously.

Student Government Day continues to be an inspiring, educational, and fun experience for all involved, bridging the gap between young people and their local government. By engaging with the city’s operations firsthand, these students gained a renewed appreciation for civic involvement and the importance of community service.

Southgate alumni skaters make new memories

By DAN GRETZNER

For a few hours in May, the Fountain of Youth was frozen at the Southgate Ice Rink.

Memories came flooding back as skaters converged for the 3rd Annual Southgate Hockey Alumni Game on May 18th. A mix of graduates from four Southgate High Schools (Anderson, Aquinas, Schafer and Southgate) teamed up with former youth players in the Southgate Hockey Association.

“As long as we keep playing, reminiscing and hanging out, the memories of our awesome youth days in Southgate, along with the greatest

game, will keep us forever young,”

David Blanton, a Southgate Hockey youth player and Trenton High School ‘87 graduate.

While many skaters still live in the Downriver area, David Blanton flew in from Georgia to play in his second game. Said Blanton, “Already looking forward to next year!” Added Dan Drys, Anderson ’86, playing in his third game, “Gets better every year.”

Paul Youngs, Anderson ’84, skated in the inaugural game in 2022. “This was our third year, and I met new players that were on teams with me back when I was a kid each year. It’s a really great tradition. I love it,” said Youngs.

With player game fees and fan contributions, the game raised $713.70 after expenses to donate to the Southgate Parks & Recreation to support youth hockey. In 2023, the game raised $613.

Ray Parker, Southgate resident and former youth hockey and baseball coach, was featured as the honorary coach and dropped the ceremonial first puck. His son, Dean, a 1983 Anderson HS grad, skated in the game for the first time.

From the early 1970’s into the 1980’s, Coach Parker was behind the bench for Mite, Squirt, Pee Wee, and Bantam teams in Southgate. He coached alongside other familiar Southgate coaches, Gene Baker, Ray Tylenda, and

Bob Engerer.

Coach Parker did all that while holding down two jobs and supporting his boys Danny, Dean, and Derek in hockey and daughter, Candie, in figure skating. His wife, Sue, was a logistical genius, making sure everyone was on time, every time.

Meanwhile, Dean drew energy from the moment. “I’m trying to keep up, but man these guys are good,” Dean said between the second and third period. “I’m just trying to hold my own, make sure we don’t get scored on, and play solid defense to keep the puck moving.”

For the record, Team White outscored Team Blue, 12-5. Steve McInchak, Aquinas ’89, led Team White with five goals, while Dominic Beaver, Anderson ’20, scored three goals with three assists.

Southgate resident Erik Balogh, Anderson ’86, added one goal and two assists for Team White. Bill O’Donnell, Aquinas ’87, and Ed Rose, Anderson ’88, led Team Blue with two goals each.

Dean Parker attributed Team White’s success to the father and son goaltending tandem of Southgate residents, Jeff and Brandon Rafferty, Anderson ’86 and ’19 grads, respectively.

Titans win Downriver League baseball title

By HANK MINCKIEWICZ

The Southgate Anderson baseball team capped a great 2024 season by winning the Downriver League championship, its first league title since 2013.

The Titans, who divided their games against the

league’s other top teams

– Allen Park, Trenton and Woodhaven – shared the title with the Jags, who needed a late-season win over Trenton to secure its share of the title. With the championship in their back pocket, the Titans went looking for a new challenge in the state playoffs.

The Titans headed to Trenton where they joined Riverview, Grosse Ile and the host school in the district

field.

Southgate played Riverview in the first district semifinal. Riverview had reached the district by crushing Summit Academy 17-0 in a threeinning pre-district game. Despite being outhit 8-4, Southgate posted a 4-2 win and advanced to the finals.

In the other semifinal contest, Trenton had little trouble disposing of acrossthe-river neighbor Grosse

Ile 7-0, setting up an allDownriver League district final.

Trenton and Southgate divided their two league meetings this season, with Southgate winning 3-2 at Trenton, and Trenton winning 5-2 at Southgate.

The rubber match in the district championship game turned out to be a pitcher’s duel with Southgate’s Juan Llanes and Trenton’s Joel

Mator hooking up in a tremendous battle.

In the end, Trenton prevailed 4-1, claimed the district trophy and moved on to regionals.

The Trojans got a quiet run in the third inning and it was almost enough to secure the win. Zach LaMay led off the third with a single. He moved to second on a wild pitch, then to third on Carson Boike’s sacrifice bunt. He scored moments later on another wild pitch.

With the way Mator was pitching, it looked like the single run might be all he needed. The junior lefty struck out just seven Titans, but he spent most of the afternoon getting the Southgate hitters to make weak contact.

Although Mator hit three Southgate batters, he walked none, and did not allow a hit until the bottom of the seventh inning.

Southgate’s sophomore catcher Rafael Valdovinos led off the seventh inning with a solid single. It was the team’s

Photos by Dave Chapman

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first hit of the game and would lead to the Titans’ only run.

After Jace Walerski was hit by a pitch, Valdovinos was able to move to third. Trenton coach Marc Szalka then brought in Ashton Rooney to relieve Mator. Rooney gave up a run-scoring sacrifice fly to Southgate freshman Memphis Davenport and he then hit Andrew Porter – the fourth Southgate batter hit by Trenton pitching on the day – but Rooney ended the game with a final-batter strikeout.

Trenton basically won the game in the bottom of the sixth inning. Clinging to its 1-0 lead, the Trojans came to bat in the sixth and killed the Titans with a two-out rally.

Brennen Gulliver started the inning by striking out. Easton Tinsley then flew out to right field. LaMay and Boike then put together back-to-back hits, and Southgate coach Andy Green went to his

pen to bring in junior Thomas Laskowski.

Josh Pippen greeted Laskowski with a double, which scored Trenton’s second run and Zack Hitchcock followed with Trenton’s fourth straight hit and two more runs scored.

Southgate tried to respond in its final at-bat, but the hole was too deep and the season came to a close.

Trenton had seven hits in the game – five off Llanes and two off Laskowski, while Southgate managed a lone hit and had five base runners in the game.

Southgate only had four hits in its district-opening win over Riverview, but the Titans were able to bunch those hits effectively enough to score. The Titans also benefited from some aggressive base running and several crucial Riverview errors.

Riverview scored a single run in the top of the first, but Southgate answered quickly with two in the bottom of the second and two more in the third.

In the second, Laskowski got a one-out single and he stole second base. He moved to third when

Davenport grounded out to first. He scored when Walerski drilled a triple down the first base line. Then, with Logan Lynn at the plate, Riverview pitcher Evan Gallimore uncorked a wild pitch and Walerski raced home with the go-ahead run.

Southgate added to its lead in the third.

With two out starting pitcher Dylan Berrios drew a walk and stole second base. Valdovinos slapped a grounder to the shortstop, who fielded it cleanly, but threw wildly to first and Berrios scampered home.

On the very next pitch, the Riverview shortstop missed Walerski’s bouncing ball and Valdovinos was able to score the Titans final run of the game.

Riverview put three hits together in the fifth inning to get a run home, but the Titans gunned a runner out at third base to truncate the Riverview rally.

Berrios gave up eight hits in the game, but he was mostly in control. His 10 strikeouts helped get him out of several jams.

Southgate’s Bodary makes state-meet appearance

The thing about track regional is that you can run your very best race, have the meet of your life, and still not make it to the state meet.

Southgate’s Seth Bodary had that kind of race in the 400 meters at the MHSAA regional hosted by Ypsilanti Lincoln on May 17th.

The Titan junior ran 50.40 in the quarter mile, a fine time, but he finished fourth in the race. Only the top two finishers in each race get automatic statemeet berths.

The good news for Bodary is that the heat he ran in was so hot, so fast, that not only the top two finishers in the race qualified for the state meet, but both third-place finisher Miles Dewberry of Allen Park and Bodary ran times that eclipsed the qualifying standard.

As a result, race winner Henry Shaieb of Ann Arbor Skyline (48.06), runner-up Kinley Poole of Ann Arbor Huron (48.19), Dewberry (50.0), and Bodary (50.40) all qualified for the state meet in Kalamazoo on June 1st.

At the state finals, Bodary ran 50.13 and finished 16th overall. He finished ahead of both Dewberry and Poole at the finals. Bodary’s time of 50.13 was just two onehundredths of a second off his best time of the year.

At the Downriver League meet held May 21st at Wyandotte Roosevelt, the Southgate boys finished sixth with 59 points, while the girls were ninth with just 28.5.

The Southgate boys did not post any individual championships, but they did place third in five different events.

Bodary was third in the 400, DeAngelo Stewart was third in the high hurdles, and Jackson Sage was third in the low hurdles. The Titans were also third in both the 4x100 meter relay and the 4x400 relay. Connor Ensign, Stewart, Adonnis Golidy, and Isaiah Daviston ran the 4x100, and Bodary, Tenelle Clemons, Hunter Druchniak, and Sage ran the mile relay.

Stewart added a fourth in the low hurdles, Drayton Long was fourth in the shot put and eighth in the discus, Chase Barbosa was fifth in the shot, Daviston added a fifth in the 100 meters, Clemons added a fifth in the 400, and Artemia Gonzalez was seventh in the low hurdles.

The Titans were also seventh in the two-mile relay and the 4x800 relay. For the girls, Sparrow Centino was a two-time league champ, winning both the mile and the half-mile. She won the half-mile by nearly a second and the mile by nearly 10 seconds. Alana Gomez tied for fourth in the pole vault, and the 4x200 meter relay team of Mariah Crump, Rylee Sturdahl, Scarlett Sage, and Joanna Ruci ran 1:53.36 to finish fifth.

Chase Barbosa will play football at Adrian College

It was quite a four-year football career Chase Barbosa put together at Southgate Anderson High School.

And now, he’ll be taking his talents to Adrian College where he will play for the Bulldogs.

The graduating senior was a varsity starter all four years at Anderson. He spent the first two years as a bit of a miscast quarterback. As the best player on a struggling team, he was pressed into service as a signal-caller.

Before his junior year, new coach Bobby Marten installed Jackson Sage as quarterback and moved Barbosa to a more natural and comfortable position at running back. After that move, Barbosa became a workhorse and something of a touchdown machine.

Before Marten’s arrival, Anderson had suffered through losing seasons in nine of the last 10 years. The Titans were 2-5 (COVID year) in Barbosa’s freshman season and they were 1-8 during his sophomore season.

The 2022 season was a breakout one for Barbosa and the Titans.

During that campaign, the Titans knocked off powerful defending league champ Carlson, as well as longtime rival Wyandotte. The team won five regular-season games and earned a playoff berth for the first time since 2011.

Individually, it was a whale of a season for Barbosa and one of the best individual seasons in Anderson

football history.

Barbosa was an Michigan High School Football Coaches Association All-Region honoree and finished with 1,124 rushing yards on 191 carries, setting a school record for rushing touchdowns (18).

Along the way, he also had 17 receptions for 175 yards. From the linebacker position, he set school records in tackles (92), tackles for a loss (16), and sacks (9.5). On special teams, he averaged 24 yards on kickoff returns and 30 yards on punt returns.

The Titans were an even better team last year, going 7-2 in the regular season and 7-3 overall. The only teams to beat Anderson in 2023 were Allen Park, Carlson, and River Rouge. The loss to Rouge came in the state playoffs.

Barbosa’s senior season was a bit injury plagued and he missed four games. But his statistics remained impressive nonetheless.

Despite missing those four games, Barbosa still found a way to put up some gaudy numbers on both sides to earn all-state honors.

In six games for the Titans, the senior star racked up 800 yards and 14 touchdowns as a running back. Defensively, the senior all-league performer finished with 60 tackles, 10 sacks, nine quarterback hurries, and four forced fumbles.

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NEWS FROM OUR NEIGHBORS Go

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WIRED!

GIH

Robotics Team Creates Winning Design in Topher

For the past decade, the Wired Devils, Grosse Ile High School’s esteemed robotics team, has been a beacon of innovation and excellence in the realm of competitive robotics. Each year, they’ve risen to the challenge set forth by the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) organiza-

tion, crafting capable robots to compete in competitions.

This year, their creation, Topher, demonstrated exceptional agility and precision as it navigated the competition field in search of 12-inch orange-colored foam rings. With a state-of-the-art flywheel intake system, Topher efficiently secured each ring before maneuvering through a complex course to position itself for accurate firing into a high target slot. The culmination of its performance was a spectacular climb up a metal chain link before finishing the game.

This year, the Wired Devils embarked on a groundbreaking project funded by the Grosse Ile Educational Foundation: the development of innovative wheel technology known as the Swerve Wheel. Unlike traditional wheels, the Swerve Wheel features an independent system with steering and driving motors, complemented by programmable software. This pioneering creation represents a significant leap forward in robotics, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the field...

On page 14

Conservancy finds new home on Macomb

... “This building serves as a valuable resource for both GINLC and the public alike. Aligned with our mission to promote the understanding of our natural resources, we will host numerous educational events here, welcoming members of the public to attend. Moreover, we aspire to strengthen our ties with

local schools, offering this space as an educational resource for them. Operationally, having this building enhances our efficiency, and being situated on Macomb, we can engage with the public more directly. We are committed to using this building as a model for sustainability, recognizing that there is still much more to do.”...

On page 18

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100 years young

Mayor Andy Swift presented her with the following proclamation:

Kathryn Myrand is celebrating her 100th birthday on March 31, 2024; and

WHEREAS ... Kathryn was born in Midland, Pennsylvania and moved to Ecorse, Michigan around the age of three when her father accepted a job offer at Great Lakes Steel. She attended St. Francis Xavier School for 12 years.

WHEREAS ... Kathryn met her husband, Leonard, while in school and they got married on August 25,

1945. They were together for 50 years before he passed away. Kathryn and Leonard had 4 beautiful children together and have many grandchildren.

WHEREAS ... Kathryn worked as a Telephone Operator at Michigan Bell and then at Great Lakes Steel. She loved to socialize and dance in her free time. Now, her desire is to live a quiet and peaceful lifestyle where she can relax and enjoy her family. We wish Kathryn a very happy 100th birthday.

I, Andrew M. Swift, Mayor of the City of Riverview, Michigan, and on behalf of the City Council and citizens of Riverview, do hereby proclaim our sincerest congratulations and fondest wishes to

KATHRYN MYRAND

resident of the City of Riverview, Michigan on the occasion of her 100th birthday.

On page 1

Loads of talent at the RCHS 2024 Art Show

Our annual Art Show was held Friday, April 19th in the RCHS Alumni Hall and Lobby. The public had a chance to view student artwork from many art mediums created during all three trimesters. Guests were treated to light refreshments, a raffle and melodious music played by student guitarist, Alex Rodd.

“The student work is really something to see. The talent at Riverview is impressive!” said Deanna Matosh.

Raffle winners were: Maddy Hatzel, Madeline Matosh, and Abby/Lizzy Fleming.

On page 18

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Recognizing dedicated scouter and community member

... Brad Alderman’s journey in scouting spans an impressive 26 years, during which he has held various leadership positions, including Committee Member, Assistant Cubmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, Scoutmaster, Pack Committee Chair, District Activities Chair, and Unit Commissioner. His commitment to scouting extends beyond local involvement, having served on staff at a National Jamboree and National Order of the Arrow Conference.

...Beyond scouting, Alderman’s impact reverberates within his community. He has been actively involved in fundraising efforts for his daughters’ schools, sports teams, and within the marching band. His membership in organizations like the Riverview Band Boosters, the Trenton

Jaycees, and the Trenton Business Association further underscores his commitment to community service.

One of Alderman’s notable contributions includes organizing a Weekend Camporee at Greenfield Village, a gathering attended by hundreds of youth and adults from multiple districts. In his role as Membership Chair, Alderman has tirelessly worked to establish and revitalize Cub Units, demonstrating his dedication in expanding scouting opportunities...

On page 1

A century of inspiration and celebration

Antonina Garvin, a resident of Trenton for 54 years, recently celebrated her 100th birthday. Surrounded by ten dear friends, “Toni” was treated to a jubilant gathering complete with snacks, cake, and wellwishes.

Toni’s story is one of resilience and determination. Surviving a decade of Nazi forced labor in World War II Poland, she immigrated to America after marrying a U.S. soldier. Here, she became a proud U.S. citizen and homeowner.

Throughout the years, you could find Toni enjoying a round or two on the golf course. Her culinary talents are second to none, and she continues to enjoy sharing her dishes with friends and family..

On page 10

gobigmultimedia.com/wyandotte-warrior

History enthusiasts gather for pie, ice cream, and art

For the first time in years, visitors to the Wyandotte Museum were able to purchase pie, ice cream and art all in the same weekend. In partnership with the Wyandotte Historical Society, the event at the

Ford MacNichol Home featured the annual Pie and Ice Cream Social and the Local Artists Guild Art Show. History fans were invited to enjoy a scoop of ice cream and a piece of pie while relaxing on the porch of the museum, tour the historic home, and meet with the artists who created the works of art on display, including paintings, drawings, postcards, bookmarks, jewelry, and other special designs.

Sue Wilson (left) and Sharon Slovinac of the Artists Creators Guild display some of their artwork during the Local Artists Guild Art Show...

On page 6

Wyandotte welcomes Wing Zone

In an exciting development for wing enthusiasts and foodies alike, Wing Zone has officially opened its doors in Wyandotte, marking its first location in

Michigan. This exciting milestone marks a significant expansion for the popular wing chain and solidifies Wyandotte’s status as a hub for unique dining experiences. Wing Zone is located at 3183 Fort Street.

On page 8

Archie

B.C. Dogs of C-Kennel

WHITE FURNITURE

Summer Sale & Floor Sample