SGS OCT 2021

SouthgateStar.com

october 28 — november 26, 2021

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In addition to voting for seven City Council members, when Southgate residents go to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 2 they will also be asked to vote on a renewal of the city’s street millage.

The millage is the city’s primary source of revenue used to maintain its streets.

According to Mayor Joe Kuspa, there are 84 miles of roads within Southgate that the city is responsible for.

The 2 mill levy will generate about $1.4 million annually that the city uses for road repair and maintenance.

“This goes a long way in helping us maintain the roads,” Kuspa said. “The challenge is being able to manage the money. Many people don’t know that it costs approximately $3 million to repave one mile of road.”

To avoid repaving large stretches of road, the city does what is called sectioning, that is, removing sections of deteriorated roadway and

replacing them.

Kuspa said the City Engineer Hennessy Engineering - goes out each year and does an assessment of the city’s roads using a formula designed to determine the areas most in need of repair.

The millage is a renewal, not a new tax, and it is for five years. The millage was first passed in 2001 and has been renewed three times since then.

Ballot item City of Southgate Street Improvement Millage Shall the city of Southgate be authorized to renew the 2 mill levy for the construction, reconstruction, resurfacing, repairing and otherwise improving city streets for an additional period of five (5) years beginning December 1, 2021, at an effective rate of 1.9268 mills, which would generate an estimated $1,453,081 in the first year of its levy?

Mayor Joe Kuspa

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SOUTHGATE STAR • October 28 — November 26, 2021 • Page 3

Meet the candidates

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The Southgate VFW Post 9283 and VFW Auxiliary recently hosted a Meet the Candidates Night for those running for Southgate City Council. All five incumbent candidates and the four newcomers attended. The candidates are, from left, Bill Colovos, Phil Rauch, Dale Zamecki, Christian Graziani, Priscilla Ayres-Reiss, Karen George, Greg Kowalsky, Zoey Kuspa and Mark Farrah. Sharon Lewinski, the senior vice commander of the Southgate VFW Auxiliary, said the Southgate VFW Post 9283 and VFW Auxiliary thought it was important to give council candidates a chance to introduce themselves to voters and for voters to learn more about the council candidates. Each candidate was given several minutes to stand up and talk about himself or herself and then all of the candidates were invited to meet with voters who were in attendance.

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Page 4 • October 28 — November 26, 2021 • SOUTHGATE STAR

Ayres-Reiss

Colovos

Kowalsky

Farrah

Kuspa

George

Rauch

Graziani

Zamecki

Southgate voters is pick whole new City Council When Southgate voters go to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 2, they will be asked to pick a new City Council for the city. There are nine candidates running for the seven council positions. Of the nine, five are incumbents and four are newcomers.

Also on the ballot are Mayor Joe Kuspa and City Clerk Janice Ferencz, who are each running unopposed.

The council incumbents are Bill Colovos, Mark Farah, Karen George, Phillip Rauch and Dale Zamecki. The newcomers are Priscilla Ayes-Reiss, Christian Graziani and Zoey Kuspa.

Council president John Graziani is not running for reelection and councilman Christopher Rollett is running unopposed for city treasurer.

Priscilla Ayres-Reiss is a program analyst for the Ford Motor Company and she is a 25-year resident of the city of Southgate. She is married, has a son and two grandchildren.

Bill Colovos is an attorney and a 35-year resident of Southgate. He is married and he and his wife, Julie, have two children Mark Farah is retired from the Southgate Police Department and is currently a detective sergeant with the Criminal Investigative Division of Wayne County Prosecutors Office, supervising investigations of the Wayne County Sexual Assault Task Force. He has lived in Southgate for 55 years.

He has been married for 33 years and he and his wife June have two grown children.

Karen George is a retired adjunct professor at Wayne State University. She has lived in Southgate for 44 years. She and her husband, George, have three children and six grandchildren. In addition to her current stint on city council, George also served from 1983-1999.

Christian Graziani is an attorney and has been a Southgate resident for 26 years.

Gregory Kowalsky, 54, is a lifelong resident of the city of Southgate. He is the owner-operator of Allegra Printing in Wyandotte. He and his wife, Cheryll, have seven children between the ages of 15 and 29.

Zoey Kuspa, 22, is also a lifelong resident of the city. She is single and the daughter of Mayor Joe Kuspa. She is a recent college graduate with a degree in information security and intelligence, commonly known as cybersecurity and security technology.

Phillip Pauch is a 54-year Southgate resident. He is a self-employed business owner.

Dale Zamecki is a retired mental health and substance abuse therapist. He moved to Southgate in the 1970s after three years in the Army. He and his late wife Gwen had five children. He now has 17 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Zamecki has been on the city council for 16 years.

Why are you the best candidate for residents to vote for?

Ayres-Reiss: As “one” of the best candidates, I am confident that I have the ability, the passion, authentic intentions, people skills, and thirst to collaborate with not only my fellow prospective council members, but also with the citizens. I have a mission to form togetherness with residents, business owners, police, fire, and safety members and visitors.

All the things I know will strengthen our neighborhoods, instill confidence in our residents that we are listening and actioning concerns and ideas, and not only retaining Southgate residents, but also enticing others to make Southgate their home and/or place of business.

Colovos: I have been a continuous resident and business owner in the City of Southgate for 35

years and a homeowner for 30 years. I have served the residents of Southgate as a member of the City Council for 10 years. As a Council member, City services have been a top priority. During my terms on the City Council there has been a balanced budget in Southgate.

I am a member of the Southgate Kiwanis Club, Sons of the American Legion as well as current Chairperson of the Salvation Army-Downriver. I am very passionate about the city of Southgate and what happens here.

Farah: No other candidate has the background and experience that I have. I was a Southgate Police Officer for 25 years before retirement. I have served on this council for the past eight years, after retiring.

I have worked under the past Mayor Kandrevas, Wurmlinger, Hall and David, as well as the current administration of Mayor Kuspa.

I am a lifelong resident that attended Southgate Schools. I understand the history of this community, the residents, and the past and present status of our city. My vision for Southgate is to maximize its potential as we move ahead, to continue to adapt and change.

George: I am the best candidate for City Council because I have the experience, dedication, community involvement and especially work ethic for the job. Being retired I have the time to devote to the position. I have an excellent attendance record and my homework is always done before voting on issues I have served for 28 years from 1983-1999 and from 2009-2021. Residents have asked me to run again as their independent voice on the city council.

I wish to serve one last term. I pay for my own campaign and have never had a fundraiser. I come SEE VOTERS, Page 5

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VOTERS

Continued from page 4

into office with a clean slate. My vote is cast for what is in the best interest for the city. No family members work for the city.

I enjoy working with all ages and groups in the city. To name a few: I have sponsored girls softball, and on the flip side managed the Senior men’s softball team.

During my tenure in office I have served all positions on City Council: Council President/ Mayor pro-tem, Council President pro-tem and Councilwoman. I presently serve as Liaison or CoLiaison to almost every Board or Commission in the city, I am responsive to citizens’ complaints and I return phone calls and emails. It is gratifying to be able to assist residents when they have a problem.

Lastly I enjoy being a public servant to residents of Southgate.

Graziani: Out of all the candidates, I possess the most desirable skill set. Not only am I pragmatic and proactive, but I have relevant professional experience to bring to the table. As an attorney that truly understands the law as it relates to municipalities, I will be able to take real action as a council member to reduce the legal exposure that Southgate faces as a city. I also know how to use the law in favor of the city and its residents.

My resume outshines all of those of the nonincumbent candidates. No genuine rebuttal can be raised in response. As to the incumbent candidates, I compare favorably for the same reasons as I do with respect to the non-incumbents and more.

Our city desperately needs new ideas and council members that will take real action. Southgate’s administration and city council need to adapt with the times. Most of the incumbents are out of touch with reality. Based on the longevity of my residency in Southgate, professional experience, and volunteer experience within the city, I am the best candidate on the ballot for Southgate City Council.

Kowalsky: Being new at running for office, I would be hard pressed to declare myself the “best” candidate. I know that I have many strengths that will benefit the city. I have life experiences, business experiences and valuable years of working with other business and professional leaders from our Downriver communities. I find satisfaction in working with others to achieve a common goal.

Kuspa: I sincerely believe that serving on our City Council is more than attending council meetings twice a month. A council person should also be out in the community, working with residents and organizations to move our City forward.

I have been involved in the Southgate community since I was 9 years old when former Mayor Norma Wurmlinger asked my family and I to get involved with Southgate’s 50th Anniversary Celebration in 2008. As I grew up, I continued to volunteer for numerous Southgate and Downriver activities,

including: Heritage Days, Fishes and Loaves Food Pantry, American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, the Christmas Train Rides at Kiwanis Park, Southgate’s Easter EGGStravaganza, Southgate’s Daddy/Daughter Dances, and the Salvation Army.

In addition to my volunteerism, I have also interned at various City of Southgate Departments during my summer breaks from high school and college. These job assignments included: the city engineer, the Southwinds Golf Course, the Southgate Downtown Development Authority (DDA), the Parks & Recreation Department, and the 28th District Court where I was involved with the Veterans Treatment Court.

I have also been an election worker in the City Clerk’s Department since 2017, rising in responsibility to serve as Precinct Co-Chairperson at Precinct 2 during the last few election cycles.

When I decided to run for office, I realized the best way to introduce myself to the voters was to go door-to-door. I have now completed visiting all of our neighborhoods and appreciate the insightful feedback from so many of our residents.

My past volunteer experience, City internships, education, and what I have learned from our residents have provided me with a unique set of skills to serve on our City Council. Seven seats are available on the City Council. I ask for your support for one of them. I have the energy, resourcefulness, and proven commitment to serve our residents.

Together, we can make Southgate the best it can be.

Rauch: I served as the Council President in 20092011 and have a total of 14 years on the Council.

I have given back to my community, recently hosting a family fun day where we raised $4,500 for the Southgate Education Foundation. Last year, I organized gift bags for the entire graduating class of 2020. In years past, I have served on the special event committee and created the popular Taste of the Town at Heritage Days. One of my first jobs was as a playground leader for parks and recreation. I have for years given back to the community I grew up in and would like to continue to make a difference to move Southgate forward.

Zamecki: The other candidates are all good candidates for the seven positions. We all want to work to better the city.

What is the immediate, main challenge facing the city?

Ayres-Reiss: Maintenance and improvements of infrastructure, transparent and open communication with the residents and development.

Colovos: Vacant structures and storefronts.

Farah: We must maintain the level of city services our residents deserve. In order to do that, we must recruit, hire, and train police officers, firefighters and public works employees. Staffing shortages in these departments put extra burdens upon our current staff. Public safety, infrastructure and recreation are paramount in maintaining a strong and vibrant community for our families.

George: It has been a difficult year and a half dealing with COVID-19 and trying to maintain

the status quo. Balancing the budget is the City Council’s main responsibility. I will continue to check each warrant before any bills are paid. Public safety remains a priority for the health, safety and welfare of our residents. A grant writer is needed to search for funds for personnel and equipment.

Residents have been complaining about the overall look of the city. To attract new businesses we must do a better job of city easements maninatined, especially on Eureka Road, which is the main corridor of the city.

I would like to see the City Beautiful Commission active again to improve the aesthetics of the city and to host neighborhood events to encourage a sense of community pride. In the past, “city-wide” clean-up days were very well received.

Graziani: The most pressing issue in Southgate is the re-development of large buildings in commercial corridors. Since many of these buildings – particularly those on Eureka Road and parts of Fort Street – have become obsolete, we need to utilize a better business model. One solid idea would be to use most of those spaces for condominiums that pose as a fashionable and economically viable living arrangement.

The time for such development is now. We do not need more storage facilities, motels, or thrift stores on every corner. Instead, we can and should attract respectable developers for projects because there is a lot of money to be made in such opportunities.

Taylor has been successful in knocking down old buildings and putting in similar housing units.

There is no reason why we cannot be much more successful than Taylor.

Kowalsky: I feel the first main challenge is to address the growing number of vacant business properties in the main corridors of our city. Which begs the question: Why have the businesses left or what prohibits new businesses from coming? And the other is closely related, what can be done about the vacant properties that are in a state of neglect?

Kuspa: Budgetary issues are always a challenge, but our current administration has a solid record of providing the City Council with a balanced budget year after year. I would continue to support those efforts and stay within our budget.

But, the one area that I believe still remains an immediate challenge for our community is ordinance education and enforcement. While walking door-to-door, many of our residents expressed their concerns about our City ordinances and how they are enforced. Too many people believe that enforcement is inconsistent or non-existent. I believe that we need to do a better job educating our residents, landlords, and business owners as to what is expected of them to maintain their properties.

Then, for those who still do not comply, we need to support our Ordinance Department and aggressively enforce our rules and regulations. It should be fully understood that there is a responsibility when living in a Southgate neighborhood or doing business in our community. That responsibility SEE COUNCIL, Page 6

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Continued from page 5

includes maintaining their properties. As a member of the City Council, I will bring this issue to the forefront and work to see these issues resolved for the betterment of our neighborhoods and business corridors.

Rauch: We need to find a way to bring new revenue into the City to continue the level of services offered. We need to openly discuss revenue options that will benefit the City without taxing the residents more.

Zamecki: As always in any city, finance with spending. This is the main job of the city council.

What are your top two reasons for running for city council?

Ayres-Reiss: 1. Southgate is a great place to raise a family. Something I can attest to because I raised my son here, therefore I want to be part of renewing that community compassion and welcoming vibe.

2. I want to contribute to the city in a more involved manner, and with the available time, knowledge, and experience of managing budgets, strategic planning, and genuine desire to serve our citizens, I know now is the time to put aspiration into action, Colovos: Make Southgate a destination place to fill the vacant structures and store fronts and provide top-notch city services to our residents.

Farah: As a 25 year veteran police officer and union steward, my number one reason for running for re-election to city council is to continue to protect our citizens and employees, as I have for the past eight years. I will continue to make your voices heard and vote with common sense on the matters that come before the council. I will be fiscally responsible for our taxpayers, yet protect the safety and welfare of our residents and employees.

I will still contribute for the greater good of this community.

Number two, simply put, I have the experience, knowledge, leadership skills and drive this council needs moving forward for the next four years.

George: I am running for City Council at the request of many friends and residents who again want me to run as their independent voice on City Council. They cite my years of experience, dedication, involvement and especially my work ethic. Being retired I have the time to serve. I have told them this will be my last term and thanks to the residents for having the confidence in me to allow me to serve for 28 years 1983-1999 and 2009-2021.

Presently I am Council liaison or co-liaison to almost every board and commission. I have served in all three positions on City Council President/ Mayor pro-tem, Council President pro-tem and Councilwoman. I enjoy working with different groups in the city from youth to senior citizens. To name a few, I have sponsored girls softball for 38 years, managed men’s senior softball and coached soccer. I am a founding member of Southgate

Historical Society. I serve on the Board of Directors of SUDDS (Students Against Drinking /Drugs).

It is extremely gratifying to be able to assist a resident with a problem. Many times one simple phone call or email can solve the problem. Two incumbent councilmen are not running for reelection so there will be at least two new council members elected. I am anxious to hear their ideas and work with them. It is especially rewarding to see newcomers and younger residents willing to run for public office.

Graziani: The top two reasons I am running for city council are to improve the quality of life for all Southgate residents and to hold the administration accountable.

As to the former, I will always be heavily involved within my community – no matter where I go. Being a council member is a great way of doing so because the council has an opportunity to make a significant impact on the city and the lives of its residents. I’ve watched the Southgate City Council closely since I was a little kid. I know who works, what works, and what doesn’t work. I refuse to let this knowledge go to waste as a resident.

As to the latter, the administration needs to be held accountable by the council and vice versa – with sincerity. Transparency is something that many, if not all, residents desire. I will be vocal on the council and object to preservation of the status quo when such preservation is being sought out of laziness. I will actively promote transparency and make sure that residents know what is going on and why it is going on.

Kowalsky: I want to be part of creating a longterm vision for making Southgate family friendly.

The other is a desire to stimulate business growth in our city.

Kuspa: Months ago, I published my five solid Southgate priorities as a candidate for Southgate City Council. However, I will select two for the purpose of this question. Anyone interested in reading about all five can visit my Facebook page at Zoey Kuspa for Southgate City Council.

First, I believe that my background in Information Security and Intelligence has provided me with a more contemporary view and use of technology.

We need to better use our current technology to enhance communications with our residents and business owners. This would include a more userfriendly website, increased digital communications, ordinance information, and an increased use of social media platforms. The more we incorporate technology, the better and more productive our City will be.

Secondly, this is an unusual election cycle for our city. Two current incumbents are not seeking reelection. That means that there will be at least two new council members this November. The average age of our City Council is 65 years old. Although I respect and admire the contributions made by the current and previous generations of city leaders, I believe that this is an ideal time to include younger viewpoints and participation on our City Council.

As a member of Council, I will encourage more of

my generation to get involved and to serve on our City commissions, boards, and other civic activities.

A healthy mix of input from multiple generations of Southgate residents will ensure a brighter future for our community.

Rauch: I care about the community I live in and want to ensure that Southgate has a strong path for the future. I am open-minded and believe that we need a better dialogue between the elected officials and the citizens we serve.

Zamecki: I want to continue keeping our great city great. I am devoted to our fine city and will continue to work for the betterment and for the safety of all residents.

Do you have specific ideas for bringing new businesses to the city?

Ayres-Reiss: Petition for grants to fund beautification initiatives which will assist in providing potential businesses to come to our city.

Work with our existing businesses to ensure that we maintain clean and visually appealing landscapes and store fronts.

Colovos: Provide businesses with incentives.

Promote new businesses with social districts business-friendly environments.

Farah: People must understand the role of the city council. We can change zoning to accommodate some new business, but there are zoning ordinances that must be followed. Also, the city has a long term plan for development and future growth. The best way to bring new business into the city is to have the businesses that are here be supported and have proven success. If you have a thriving business community, businesses upgrading their facades, people patronizing Southgate businesses, that is what new business is attracted to.

It is up to all of us to show Southgate is heading in the right direction, support our current business community and that will entice new business growth in the city.

George: Southgate has a new young DDA (Downtown Development Director) and I would like her to provide assistance to new business as well to work closely with the business community and the Southern Wayne County Chamber of Commerce to promote Southgate.

Several new businesses have moved into empty storefronts and I would like to see more. The DDA has provided financial assistance in the past and I would like to see that continue. Also a dedicated person to search for grant money. Southgate needs the City Beautiful Commission active again to improve the image the city presents as one drives into and through Southgate. I have received many complaints about the overall look of the city. Public easements must be maintained especially on Eureka which is our downtown corridor.

Graziani: Southgate is a mature community that needs to focus on re-development at this point.

There are plenty of vacant commercial spaces that need to be filled, but we must attract interested SEE SOUTHGATE, Page 7

SOUTHGATE STAR • October 28 — November 26, 2021 • Page 7

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parties that will fill those spaces and be good partners with the city.

However, we should also rezone underutilized areas and fill those spaces with respectable housing opportunities.

A solid example of commercial rezoning that we could mimic would be what the city is currently doing with the old PNC building on Trenton Road (developing apartment units).

Ultimately, we need to present viable opportunities to businesses that will allow them to thrive within Southgate, not just survive.

Presenting favorable commercial opportunities will attract businesses.

Those favorable opportunities can come in the form of reduced commercial property taxes and by securing grants to stimulate Southgate businesses. Promotion of these benefits will idly attract businesses to form and stay within the city for the long run.

Kowalsky: I don’t believe that the government can bring businesses into a city, however they can work to create opportunities that would attract business. I would like to see incentives to attract Michigan based companies to come to Southgate.

I would love to see an area of Southgate that had a mix of parks, eateries, pubs and small businesses with the emphasis on walkability.

Kuspa: Bringing new businesses to Southgate should be the goal of every elected official.

We would all like to see a Costco, Trader Joe’s, Starbucks or Chickfil-A in our community. But it is not as simple as merely calling up a corporate office and requesting that they locate a store or outlet here. These are private business transactions between property owners, landlords, and prospective business owners. However, the City has an important role in creating an

environment that is business friendly and stable. Maintaining a balanced budget, providing reasonable building codes, investing in infrastructure, and streamlining our approval process will help to attract more potential quality businesses to Southgate.

We also have to be realistic about the marketplace. As consumers move to more online purchasing, retail space becomes less needed.

Our Southgate Shopping Center is a great example of this reality. It was once a thriving shopping destination.

Today, it has some retail, but has evolved into more of a lifestyle and fitness complex with restaurants, entertainment, and the city’s newest public event space, Market Center Park.

As elected officials, we have to be aware of these changing trends. For the most part, I believe the City is doing a good job at that. Otherwise, we would not have been able to attract the largest Kroger Store in the State of Michigan to locate in Southgate. Other major developments include the AJM Packaging expansion and the new residential community on Allen Road.

Rauch: I have had multiple discussions with numerous cities that have opted to allow the sale of recreational and medical marijuana in their cities. This legislation was voted on in 2018 and passed in this city by over 2,000 votes. I think we need to seriously look at the benefits of this type of revenue stream that would help Southgate. Through my discussions, I have found more positives than negatives to this, from cities that currently have facilities.

I would encourage town halls and open discussions so we can educate the citizens on the pros and cons and give you an opportunity for your voice to be heard.

Zamecki: To continue to work with the DDA and real estate to bring more into the city.

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Page 10 • October 28 — November 26, 2021 • SOUTHGATE STAR

Rock and Roll never forgets

Downriver author recalls Detroit halcyon days of 60s and 70s PAULA NEUMAN Southgate Star

Mick Jagger once called Bob Harris of Southgate “the oldest Rolling Stones fan in America.”

That was 1999 when Harris was 69. Today he’s 91.

He first met the Stones in Detroit during their second tour in 1965. He was then publisher of The Teen News, and he had a photo taken with the band. When he met them 25 years later, he had them autograph the picture.

In the 1970s, he published Extra, another entertainment newspaper. Through that work; through various side gigs promoting bands, singers and concerts; and through his own brand of friendly, bullheaded tenacity, Harris has met a lot of big names over the years.

He sums up his secret to success with six words: “Don’t take no for an answer.”

In 2008, Harris and co-author John Douglas Peters, wrote “Motor City Rock and Roll: The 1960s and 1970s” – one of Arcadia Publishing’s “Images of America” series.

The book is full of vintage photos – many from Harris’ own collection – of entertainers, and includes disc jockeys, concert venues and descriptions of the way things were. The picture of Harris with the Stones is the book’s cover image. He did a book signing and brought some of his photos to a recent event at McGuckin’s Pub in Taylor, where he hangs out occasionally, regaling younger patrons with his stories.

A great-great-grandfather today, Harris loves to talk about his extraordinary life.

He was born in 1930 and adopted by Jean Harris, who never told him anything about his birth parents. A few years ago, a family friend got a DNA kit for him to help him look for his family roots. Eventually, he found the names of his mother and father, who were from Massachusetts, and five siblings – all deceased.

But why he ended up adopted is still a mystery, he said.

Harris was very young when he moved with his mother from New York City to Chicago. He tells tales of growing up around gangsters, and once getting shot in the leg by a neighborhood gang member. In 1941, when he was 11, he and his mother moved to Detroit.

Shortly thereafter, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor.

“When the war started, I was sitting in front of a radio,” Harris said. “That’s what you did in those days: You sat on the floor in front of the radio. I said, ‘Man, I’m going into the service to help my country.’”

A few years later, that’s what he did.

Harris quit school – “worst mistake I ever made” – and used the birth certificate of a neighbor’s son who had died to fake being older and get a job at Hudson Motor Car Co. in Detroit. Then he ran away from home and joined the Merchant Marines. He was 14. A year later, he enlisted in the Naval Reserve in Detroit, and almost a year after that, joined the Army and

shipped out to Japan, occupied then by U.S. troops. He was 16 and attached to the 46th Engineer Construction Battalion at an airbase west of Yokohama.

After his military service, he went back to work for Hudson Motor Car. “I went there and the guy said, ‘We’re not hiring.’

But when he found out I was in the service, he gave me

a job,” Harris said. “I was there for about six years.”

In 1949, he married Hope Seftis. He was 19. A few years later when Hudson Car’s finances began to sink, Harris was laid off.

“Then I bounced around from job to job,” he said.

“I was married and had kids. I did everything I could to take care of my family. I worked for a furniture company in the daytime, and cleaned a bar at night after they closed. I had no trade. I never got out of the sixth grade.”

Then he was hired as a salesman for a newspaper

called Panorama. The owner wanted to start a teen publication, and hired Harris to sell advertising for it.

“I started going to all these teen clubs and getting the ads, but he reneged on paying me,” Harris said. “That’s when I started my own. I knew all these people, so I went back and lo and behold they all bought ads from me. I jumped right in. It was the early 1960s, and all the record companies were here then – Capitol, Columbia, RCA. They heard about my paper and started calling me. They started sending me records and photographs and wanting stories on all these artists. I’d go there and interview them.”

With The Teen News and later with Extra, Harris met hundreds of entertainers besides his beloved Rolling Stones. He met Frank Sinatra, the Supremes, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, the Temptations and Smokey Robinson, just to name a few.

He still loves the Stones, but another favorite celebrity he met is comedian Bob Hope, who used to be a regular headliner at the Michigan State Fair. It was the early 1970s when Harris met him there.

“I had my newspaper Extra then, so I went there and I was late,” Harris said. “I was running up the stairs and I bumped into somebody, said ‘excuse me,’ and kept on going. I met the manager there and Bob Hope was there.”

Harris realized the man he’d bumped into was the star himself. They talked, Extra’s photographer took some shots, and then Harris introduced his wife – there to enjoy the fair – to the comedian.

“I said, ‘Bob, I’ve been promoting you for a long time. My name is Bob and my wife’s name is Hope.’

He laughed about it,” Harris said.

A police car was on hand to take the star back to his hotel after the show, and Harris convinced Hope to get in the back and act like he was being arrested for a photo. The comedian loved it. The two of them were riding together back to the hotel, when Hope said he wanted a hamburger. The police officer stopped at a little restaurant and went in to eat with Harris and Hope.

“All of a sudden the people in the kitchen started coming up to the little serving window, and pretty soon some lady came up and said, ‘I want your autograph.’

The cop said, ‘Hey, he’s eating, don’t come over here.’

So we had lunch and when we were leaving, 10 people went to that booth where we were sitting and took everything – the napkins, the salt shaker – everything.”

Hope was one of the nicest celebrities Harris met.

He also speaks highly of singer Bobby Vinton – “He became a real good friend of mine” – and Academy Award winner Sidney Portier – “He said I’d be welcome to come to his house in the Bahamas.”

“One of the bad people is Redd Foxx,” Harris said.

Foxx’s TV show, Sanford and Son, was a favorite in Harris’ household during the 1970s, and he was excited SEE AUTHOR, Page 11

SOUTHGATE STAR • October 28 — November 26, 2021 • Page 11

AUTHOR

Continued from page 10

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to meet the man in the late 1980s, when Foxx (who died in 1991) lost everything to the IRS for back taxes.

R&B singer Geno Washington, whom Harris promoted, called him about setting up a fundraiser for Foxx.

Arrangements were made, and Foxx came to town for the event.

“I went to the airport and picked him up,” Harris said. “He had a comedian, Slappy White, traveling with him. We got to the hotel and his rooms weren’t ready. We waited, and then Slappy goes up to the counter and said, ‘Where the hell is our room?’”

A big commotion ensued when people realized Foxx was there, and finally the police were called to disperse the crowd. Foxx and White eventually got their room.

“Redd Foxx had the most terrible attitude through it all,” Harris said.

“He never said a word to anybody. He was very unfriendly, and here we were raising some money for him.”

Harris swore off the music business in the late 1970s after Three Ounces of Love, a rising trio of sisters he was managing, left him abruptly after he got the group a gig in a New York City showcase.

The Commodores performed there, too, and the sisters were wooed by and joined the group’s management team.

The contractual conflict that ensued led to a failed lawsuit. But it was the betrayal of the sisters, of whom he was fond, that stung more than the money he lost.

“Them girls hurt me so bad,” Harris said. “It hurt me so bad that I got out of it.”

Since then, he’s survived colon, prostate and skin cancer. He and his wife divorced. But Harris stays busy and enjoys his life.

In 2012, DuMouchelle Art Galleries held an auction of some of his rock

memorabilia. Some of his collected photos also are on display at the Detroit Historical Museum.

In 2016 at the age of 86 – along with four younger family members and an 84-year-old friend – Harris jumped out of an airplane. Five generations of his family were there to cheer him on.

The skydiving stunt was covered by radio and TV stations as well as print publications.

Living up to his status as the oldest Rolling Stones fan, Harris initially planned to make his skydive into Comerica Park during a Stones concert.

He couldn’t get permits.

In 2019, he was invited by the Gary Sinese Foundation’s Soaring Valor organization to attend a three-day reception for veterans at the National WWII Museum in New Orleans.

“They were sending vets to New Orleans, all expenses paid,” Harris said.

“So I went.”

In 2021, he told a Gary Sinese Foundation writer: “That’s one of the best trips I ever had in my whole entire life. I loved it. They treated us like the president of the United States.”

The foundation recently sent him a gift package that included a photo album of his trip, a Bob Hope DVD and other items. A video of Harris opening the package is featured on the foundation’s website, as well as a story about him.

Harris knows his life has been extraordinary.

“I’ve lived the life of three people,” Harris said. “Right now I’m trying to find a person who will do a documentary or another book with me.”

And he offers this advice: “The first thing is – whatever you do, don’t quit school. I am very sad that I never went to school and got a formal education. The next thing is – if you really want to succeed, don’t take no for an answer.

“And my last words are – rock on!”

Page 12 • October 28 — November 26, 2021 • SOUTHGATE STAR

VFW Auxiliary members greet national president Members of the Southgate Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9283 Auxiliary gathered recently with VFW Auxiliary National President Jean Hamil during a recent visit to Taylor.

In the photo are post Auxiliary Treasurer Jennie Prohaska, Conductress Jody Coleman, President Michelle Stafford, VFW Past District 4 Commander Larry Coleman, Hamil, post Auxiliary Trustee

Regina Driscoll, Past District 4 President and Current Senior Vice President Sharon Lewinski, Junior Vice President Virginia Regish, Secretary Beth Lewinski and (front row) Chaplain Janis Driscoll.

Hamil, a resident of Orlando, Florida, was elected national president of the US Auxiliary for 20212022. Before the end of her term, she will visit all

50 states.

She has held many offices since joining the Auxiliary. “Without the Veterans of Foreign Wars and our Auxiliary members working together side by side, we would not be able to provide the services for our veterans,” Hamil said, adding that Auxiliary members do what they do “with great pride and passion.”

SOUTHGATE STAR • October 28 — November 26, 2021 • Page 13

AAUW looking for STEM-related speakers for Spring 2022 event The local American Association of University Women (AAUW), Downriver Branch held its first planning session last month to set the stage for the 2022 STEM SAVVY Symposium annual event, which had been cancelled the last two years because of the COVID pandemic.

The 2022 event is scheduled for Thursday, May 12, 2022, at the Wayne County Community College Downriver campus on Northline Road in Taylor.

The event will host 125 girls from the 19 Downriver middle schools for a day of STEM inspired seminars and activities.

Since 2015, the AAUW WyandotteDownriver group has organized and conducted an annual one-day STEM symposium for middle-school girls from all of the Downriver school districts. The girls come for a day of immersion in STEM related activities presented by inspirational women speakers.

The event is presented without cost to the girls, with all expenses covered through the AAUW organization, individual donations and sponsorships from Downriver merchants and companies. Anyone interested in sponsorship opportunities can reach out to President Barbara Duran at barbduranaauw@gmail.com Now that the date and location are set, the race is on to find six or more

inspiring women speakers who work in the science, technology, engineering or math fields. The STEM committee is looking for dynamic women who love their career and who want to pass their enthusiasm and knowledge along to young girls.

Anyone interested in being a speaker or helping with the event can

reach out to STEM Committee Chairs Jackie Hector, jahector@wyan.org, or Andrea Witkowski, andrea1085@aol. com AAUW Wyandotte-Downriver supports leadership, education, equity and economic security for women through scholarships, training and political advocacy.

Information about the branch and our activities can be found at downriver-mi.aauw.net or by calling Barbara Duran at 313-300-1710 or Sue Stoll at 737-692-4919. Address email to: barbduranaauw@gmail.com.

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City recognizes Chelsea owner

Recently the city of Wyandotte honored Gilbert Rose, owner of Chelsea Menswear and Tuxedo with an Outstanding Business Owner Award. Chelsea has been an anchor of the Downtown business district for decades and recently celebrated 75 years in business.

SOUTHGATE STAR • October 28 — November 26, 2021 • Page 17

PETER ROSE

Southgate Star

I saw one of those silly Facebook questions that asked us to pick two to get rid of: Apple, Starbucks, Amazon or Facebook. The first comments I saw did not include Amazon. So, I scrolled, and saw none. This tells me that everyone wants Amazon. It tells me that my efforts to educate people are ignored completely.

I’ve said it all already, many times. To your probable relief, I will stay off the topic for a while, except to beg you: As you read this, we are in the most critical quarter of the year now. October through December for retailers and restaurants and bars is so important for the overall health of your local economy that I can’t overstate it. Amazon gained market share in 2020. It is up huge. They have no intention of giving back that share.

But you call the shots, not them. If you don’t shop there, there’s nothing they can do. You have the power.

In my first efforts to share the concept of localism, I used the phrase Think Local First. Over the years, for me, that phrase morphed into Local Only.

Once I learned, it became harder to direct any money to corporate imitation retailers and restaurants. In trying to share that ideal, others have taken up that gauntlet as well.

Shop Local, Dine Local, Drink Local, Bank Local, all are being used extensively, and the evidence from this one perspective is that it is working. The comments I get from more and more first-time visitors to our stores is more

and more common. “I hate the malls; I hate shopping online.”

I’ve said it before: You can’t get what independents offer at any national chain, of any type. Within that statement are variables, of course. Some are better than others. But you cannot experience what you experience at Glow Fish or Abundant Living or Up and Down or Whiskeys or Waterfront at any other national copycats that see great ideas and try to steal them.

My mission is to push back against the inferior alternatives of corporate invaders. I hope to get more and more

see it and how it is perceived by folks from anywhere but here.

Candidly, I think that those of upper income tiers feel that if they can afford expensive goods, they should have expensive goods, and they believe that in order to get those “better” things, they have to go to Somerset or anywhere else that offers them.

In the case of apparel, I do recognize that Zegna, Armani, Tom Ford and many others are cachet brands that carry a lot of social bragging rights, and by and large, they are very good products (well beyond my own price/value

people on that mission with me, and it is working.

That’s the last I’ll rant on the topic.

Try to do your shopping and dining and special ordering where you maximize the power of your dollars this holiday, for your sake as well as the entire local and independent network of businesses that nobody wants to see fail.

For the rest of this article, I want to focus on the term “Downriver”; how we

calculus, but not for others). As such, I hope you know, I never ask folks to buy above or below their means, nor does any other local business. I ask folks to simply think local first, and to keep their money in this Gold Coast region of Downriver.

Where it works far beyond the simple question of whether you get what you want or not. That purchase locally pays for local resident’s employment,

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Trenton, Grosse Ile, Southgate, Riverview and Wyandotte are unique in our Downriver draw. These towns are further from expressways and locales that bring national chains. These cities are immune to the close proximity of parasitic invaders of the “local business market share” snatchers. We are not immune by any stretch to the devastating loss of working capital to the internet, but that brings me back too close to that thing I said I wouldn’t dwell on.

What I want to focus on is the fantastic array of local and independent businesses of all kinds in this Gold Coast region (really not being a snob, just focusing heavily on how good we have it).

They all survive and flourish because of the support they get because they are great. Taken together, it is hard to see the grass on the other side of the fence as being greener. They stay great because they own our loyalty.

Add the aspect of the greater good, the bigger picture, and you see a thriving region, tucked away, safe and sound and awesome.

I wouldn’t move away from here.

But it can always be better.

Thousands have never been in our stores, for instance, nor have they eaten at Joe’s Hamburgers or The Iron Gate or The Vault. Acting together businesses that want to serve residents, and residents needing to shop and eat at places like these, it will just keep accelerating.

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Page 18 • October 28 — November 26, 2021 • SOUTHGATE STAR

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SOUTHGATE STAR • October 28 — November 26, 2021 • Page 19

It has become something of a tradition for Downriver students to gather for Homecoming photos at Taylor’s Heritage Park. The park, with a small lake, quaint buildings, a covered bridge and wooded areas, offers a wide variety of pleasing backdrops for photos. Recently groups of students from Southgate Anderson High School were at Heritage Park before their homecoming dance and photographer Dave Gorgon was there to capture some of the images.

Seniors Paris Meller (left), Brooke Goudreau, Alexandra Garza, Lily Lawson and Kejsi Sulaj

Senior Taylor Cook

Damon Tousignant (left), Tess Reside, Aevry Coffman and Jace Walerski

Mikey Mendez (left), Ariana Arguelles, Steven Moreno, Tayia Patten, Lena Hales, Natalie Packwood, Lexi Hall, Chloe Welski, Brianna Hale and Tony Ruiz.

Seniors Hanna Romanos and Joseph Truel

Ethan Pinage and Alivia Ensign

Gabriel Obourn (left), Olivia Henry, Skylar Dumond, Kaitlyn Craft, Brooke Willis and Ronald Witechowsky Photos byDave Gorgon

Read and Save at SOUTHGATESTAR.COM

Happy Homecoming

Page 20 • October 28 — November 26, 2021 • SOUTHGATE STAR

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SOUTHGATE STAR • October 28 — November 26, 2021 • Page 21

107-year-old former resident celebrates milestone in Riverview dave gorgon Southgate Star

Staff at Atria Kinghaven recently celebrated the 107th birthday of the oldest resident at the retirement and assisted living provider in Riverview.

Helen Herman, who celebrated her special day on Sept. 12, is believed to be the oldest person ever to live at Atria Kinghaven, which opened in 1987. She was honored with personal birthday wishes from family members, fellow residents and staff, along with flowers, balloons and a cake large enough to feed 75. The celebration took place during the facility’s annual family fun day.

“I’ve been here 28 years and she’s the oldest resident I can remember,” said Activities Director Karen Roberts, who was on hand for the celebration.

Helen has lived a wonderful life, according to son Bob, an Alpena resident who is staying with his wife Cheryl at his mother’s condominium in Southgate.

“My mother is a strong, independent woman who has lived an amazingly healthy life,” Bob Herman said. “She went through two world wars – she was born in the midst of one. She survived the Spanish flu and COVID-19, for crying out loud.”

Born in Budapest, Hungary, on Sept. 12, 1914, “Helena” came to the United States when she was 7 years old with her parents Steven and Ethel Oraz, her brother Steven and her sister Ethel. Her name was shortened to Helen after their arrival at Ellis Island.

The family had been invited to join relatives and friends in Delray in Southwest Detroit, which was a heavily Hungarian community, Bob said. She graduated from Southwestern High School and would marry husband William Herman in the mid1930s. In 1940, the couple moved to Dearborn, where Bob was born as their only child.

William went to Henry Ford Trade School and worked as an engineer at Ford Motor Co. Helen worked at Hud-

Helen and her friend June Logan at her 107th birthday celebration Helen with her daughter-inlaw Cheryl (left), granddaughter and great granddaughter Lynn and Samantha.

Helen, then 50, atop a camel in Tangiers

son’s and retired with a pension.

“Back in those days, it wasn’t easy for women to have a career,” Bob said.

The family moved to Allen Park in 1960. William passed away in 1988 and Helen married Jessie Pasternak in July 1990. Mr. Pasternak died more than three years later.

Helen was very active in the Hungarian Reformed Church in Allen Park, her son said.

“She was also a wonderful cook,” he said. “She baked delicious Hungarian tortes. She would say that ‘only Hungarians make the best tortes.’

“And gardening was another of her favorite things to do. Neighbors would stop by to see her beautiful roses.”

Helen also loved to travel – both across the United States and overseas.

Bob said his mother traveled at least three times to Europe and to the Middle East. A keepsake photo of Helen shows her riding a camel in Tangiers at age 50.

Helen has two grandchildren – Bob and Cheryl’s son Craig and daughter Lynn Gardner.

Craig, who played lacrosse at Northwood University, lives in Troy and works for Warrior Lacrosse. Lynn studied journalism at Calvin College and has worked for various newspapers. She lives in Greensboro, North Carolina with husband Brad and their 7-yearold daughter Samantha – who is Helen’s great grandchild.

“Helen is a wonderful lady,” said Riverview Mayor Andrew Swift, who was on hand for her birthday celebration. “The city of Riverview is lucky to have her.”

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Happy birthday, Helen Herman

Page 22 • October 28 — November 26, 2021 • SOUTHGATE STAR

Southgate VFW set to unveil 96 bricks in Circle of Honor Dave Gorgon

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Southgate Star

Commemorative bricks honoring 96 military veterans, both living and deceased, will be unveiled by members of the Southgate Veterans of Foreign Wars and Auxiliary during a ceremony starting at 2 p.m. Nov. 14.

The dedication of the “Circle of Honor” will be open to the public at the flagpole outside the Cpl. Lambert A. Pfeiffer Jr. Post 9283, located at 16200 Dix-Toledo Road.

Beth Lewinski, secretary of the VFW Auxiliary, said bricks were made available for purchase for $75 for a small 4-inch-by-8-inch brick and $150 for an 8-by-8 brick. Lewinski said the initial goal was to sell 50 bricks through That’s My Brick out of Wisconsin, but the interest skyrocketed and the total purchases nearly doubled the goal.

Lewinski said the wording on the bricks was selected by the person that made the purchase. Besides the veterans’ names, they may include

rank, branch of service, division and other information.

“Some families don’t have grave markers to visit,” Lewinski said.

“This is a way to honor them.”

Some bricks were purchased in honor of post members living out of state. In addition, the post bought

bricks to honor 11 Southgate veterans who were killed in action during the Vietnam War. Lewinski said the brick program will be a “continuing thing” and there has already been interest in purchases of bricks for the next installation, most likely in the spring of 2022. She

said the Circle of Honor could be expanded to include police officers, firefighters and other first-responders.

“This is something we hope will continue for years and years and years down the road,” Lewinski said.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars is a nonprofit veterans service organization composed of eligible U.S. war veterans who, as military service members, fought in wars, campaigns and expeditions on foreign land, waters or airspace. VFW Auxiliary members are relatives of veterans who provide support for veterans and the community.

All proceeds from the brick program will help support the post, which actually includes members from the original Southgate post and comrades from a former Allen Park post. A merger took place several years ago when the Allen Park post closed.

To inquire about purchasing a brick, contact the club room at the post at (734) 282-0605.

Trunk or Treat

An estimated 150 children received treats during the Trunk or Treat on Oct. 9 in the parking lot of the Southgate Veterans of Foreign Wars Post on Dix-Toledo Road. The effort was hosted by members of the VFW and Auxiliary.

Little officer Thaddeus Peer enjoys a donut.

Hartley and Ginger Suchy sitting in their truck, which was used to distribute candy.

Some tips for managing stress at every age No matter how old you are, stress remains a consistent part of life from infancy to our golden years, ebbing and flowing with all of life’s twists and turns.

And while it may be a natural part of life, it doesn’t have to run yours.

Here are a few tips for managing stress at every age.

For children: While recognizing stress triggers come later in life, teaching children breathing techniques for mindfulness may help them build an early, healthy habit.

For teens: Sleeping and eating well are a teenager’s best friend. Their changing minds and growing bodies crave both.

For adults: With life moving a mile a minute, it’s important for adults to take a step back. Schedule leisure time so you don’t burn yourself out.

For older adults: As we age, it’s important to maintain social relationships for our own wellbeing.

Sometimes, connecting with a friend we’ve known for years is just the ticket for boosting our mood and lowering

stress.

Easing inflammation naturally While acute inflammation is a necessary part of healing, millions of people deal with chronic inflammation that can lead to a host of health problems – pain, insomnia, gastrointestinal issues and more.

Inflammation doesn’t have to be permanent. You may be able to reduce inflammation in your body naturally especially with your diet.

1. Cut excess added sugar. It’s a major contributor to inflammation.

2. Add more berries to your diet.

Blueberries, blackberries and raspberries contain anthocyanin, which has anti-inflammatory effects.

3. Cook with extra virgin olive oil.

One study found that people who consumed 1.7 ounces of olive oil each day saw a decrease in inflammatory markers.

Looking for other ways to overcome chronic inflammation? Focused care with us may help restore balance and

function to your nervous system.

Five quotes to jump-start your month A new month means a new beginning.

In addition to having a happy, healthy spine, we also want you to have a happy, healthy life. This month, we’re aiming to build happiness and kindness by spreading positivity with some of our favorite quotes and affirmations.

We hope you’ll share yours, too! , n “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”

- Maya Angelou

n “For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.”

- Amanda Gorman n “Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.”

– J.M. Barrie n “Mistakes are a fact of life. It is the response to the errors that counts.”

- Nikki Giovanni n “A year from now you may wish you had started today.”

– Karen Lamb

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SOUTHGATE STAR • October 28 — November 26, 2021 • Page 23

Page 24 • October 28 — November 26, 2021 • SOUTHGATE STAR

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

Come Visit Gabriel Richard Catholic High School Article by Lillian Paschke, Gabriel Richard Junior Gabriel Richard Catholic High School is a co-educational, college preparatory high school located in Riverview. In addition to a rigorous academic curriculum, Gabriel Richard offers dynamic visual and performing arts programs, championship-level athletics, and has 100% graduation and college acceptance rates. Gabriel Richard is excited to invite the public to the following upcoming evaents.

The Gabriel Richard Open House is on Sunday, November 14, 2021. Open House is an event for families interested in joining the GR community to tour the school, as well as meet and talk to current students, administrators, and teachers. This is also a tremendous opportunity to ask questions about the school and the collegepreparatory curriculum.

If you are interested in attending or have any questions about the Gabriel Richard admissions process, you can contact Brendan Johnson, Director of Admissions, at 734284-3636.

The Gabriel Richard theater program is preparing for their production of The Addams Family.

This musical centers around the classic characters from the television show The Addams Family and the ordeal they experience at a dinner party. The show will be held on November 5th, 6th, and 7th at Gabriel Richard. More details are available on www.gabrielrichard.org and the Gabriel Richard Catholic High School Facebook page.

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SOUTHGATE STAR • October 28 — November 26, 2021 • Page 25

Titans knock off Lincoln Park for first win Hank Minckiewicz Southgate Star

On Homecoming night on Oct.8 the Anderson football team scored its first win of the 2021 season, beating Lincoln Park 13-7. The win was not only the team’s first of the year, but it also snapped an eight-game losing skid dating back to last season.

The game started slowly for theTitans, who ran just 21 plays and had only 39 yards in the entire first half. Lincoln Park was only marginally better, but the Rails did put together an impressive 72-yard opening drive that ended with a touchdown. The Rails used eight plays to cover the distance and scored on a controversial 38-yard pass that seemed to skip into the receiver’s hands.

The point-after-touchdown failed, but Lincoln Park had a 6-0 lead and they carried that into halftime.

There was a major change in the second half as Southgate took control.

The Titans only scored 13 points, but they easily could have had more.

Defensively, the Titans smothered the Lincoln Park offense.

The Titans took the kickoff to start the second half on their own 47 yard line and raced to the end zone in six plays. The big play of the drive was a 30-yard pass from sophomore quarterback Chase Barbosa to Colin Thomas. That pass set the Titans up deep in Railsplitter territory and, after two short runs by Brennan Emans, Barbosa scored on a five-yard scamper. The PAT gave the Titans a 7-6 lead just four minutes into the second half.

That score set the stage for the rest of the night, which would be played mainly on the Lincoln Park half of the field.

On its first possession of the third quarter, Lincoln Park went three-andout and was forced to punt. The kick was blocked by Andrew Porter and Southgate took over on the Lincoln Park 35-yard line.

Penalties stole the Titan momentum on that drive and they turned it over on downs, but another three-

Photo by Larry Caruso

Andrew Gates gets loose on a run against Lincoln Park.

and-out followed by a poor punt gave the Titans the ball back on the Lincoln Park 23-yard line. This time, Anderson would cash in.

Emans ran for 14 yards and LaVelle Huges ran for six to get the ball to the Lincoln Park two-yard line. From

there, Emans took it in. The Titans tried for a two-point conversion, but Barbosa’s pass was no good. And it was 13-6.

TheTitans would not score again, but they were close.

Lincoln Park’s third possession of

the second half was just as disastrous as its first two had been. The Rails did manage a first down, but on third down, Charles Mickel broke through and sacked the quarterback.

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Page 26 • October 28 — November 26, 2021 • SOUTHGATE STAR

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Titan boys, girls run toward season’s end

The Anderson cross country team wrapped up the regular season on Oct. 21 with a fifth-place finish at the Downriver League Championships at Erie Metropark.

Coach Sam Childs’ team scored 119 points and tied with Allen Park. Woodhaven won the meet with 49 points and secured the league championship with the win.

Wyandotte was second with 68 points, Carlson was third with 73 and Trenton was fourth with 80.

Individually, Wyandotte’s Michael Makuch solidified his spot as Downriver’s best runner this year, winning by 23 seconds over runner-up Ethan Rooney of Trenton, Makuch ran 17:13, Rooney ran 17:36.

For Anderson, Alex Jewell was the top performer, finishing among the top 10 runners with his 18:18 eighth-place showing. The effort marked continual improvement for Jewell, who was 12th at the first Downriver League jamboree and 10th at the second one.

Joe Rodriguez finished in 17th place with a time of 18:54. The other

TITANS

Continued from page 25 On the next play - a punt - a bad snap messed up the play and Mickel tackled the punter for a nine-yard loss, giving the Titans the ball at the Lincoln Park 21.

The Titans appeared ready to score again when an 11-yard Barbosa run got the ball near the Lincoln Park goalline, but the play was called back because of a holding penalty and the Titans eventually turned it over on downs.

Three plays into the next Lincoln Park possession, Porter picked off a pass at the Lincoln Park 45-yard line and weaved his way to the end zone for an apparent touchdown, but that play was called back because of pass interference on a different Anderson defensive player.

The Railsplitters did finally manage to push the ball into Southgate territory and there was a scary moment when a Lincoln Park receiver appeared to catch a pass near the Southgate goalline, but he was out of bounds when he caught

Anderson scorers were Tyler Fantow (19:08), Kaydin Snyder (36th, 21:36) and Josh Kennedy (39th, 22:15).

At the Gabriel Richard Invitational, which is the remnant of the old NewsHerald Cross Country Championship and still draws a majority of Downriver teams plus schools from Dearborn and Dearborn Heights, Anderson was ninth in the 12-team field.

Jewell was again the top Titan and the ball.

The drive ended on three straight Lincoln Park incompletions and the Titans got into victory formation for the first time this season and Barbosa kneeled out the last play of the night.

It was not a huge night statistically, but several Titans stood out. Emans, who was crowned Homecoming King at halftime, carried 12 times for 40 yards and a touchdown. He also caught four passes for 16 more yards.

Barbosa was 6-for-8 through the air for 65 yards and was intercepted once. He rushed for 16 yards and a score. Hughes added 22 rushing yards and Ryan MacDonnell had two receptions for 20 yards.

The rest of the season has not gone as well for the Titans as the Lincoln Park game did. Southgate was 1-7 heading into its final game on Oct. 22 against Allen Park.

In its other games this year, Southgate has lost to Dearborn Edsel Ford 27-18, Trenton 42-0, Wyandotte, 31-14, Divine Child 42-0, Taylor 44-6, Carlson 39-0 and Woodhaven 43-7.

the team’s only medal-winner with a 21st-place run of 19:13.

The Anderson girls were eighth at the Gabriel Richard Invitational, led

by Sparrow Centeno, who was her team’s only medal winner. She ran 23:21 and finished 17th.

At the Downriver League championship, Anderson was last as a team, but Centeno, a sophomore, was 13th in the 40-runner field. She ran 22:10.

Centeno was consistently Anderson’s top runner this season.

She was 16th at the first league jamboree and 10th at the second.

Both the Anderson boys and girls will be at the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 1 regional hosted by Carlson High School at Lake Erie Metropark on Oct. 30.

LaVelle Hughes takes a handoff from quarterback Chase Barbosa Photo by Larry Caruso

SOUTHGATE STAR • October 28 — November 26, 2021 • Page 27

Page 28 • October 28 — November 26, 2021 • SOUTHGATE STAR

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