SouthgateStar.com JUNE 1, 2020 Complimentary honoring

JUne 1, 2020SouthgateStar.com Complimentary

So many things have changed this year. It has become vital to adapt to life in the time of a pandemic.

No matter how different things become, some events still go on.

For 59 years, there has been a Memorial Day service in Southgate. It has taken different forms, but in recent years, the service, a joint event put on by American Legion Post No. 478 and Southgate Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 9283, has been held at the Veteran’s Memorial in front of the library on Dix-Toledo Road.

Jim Austin of Southgate is the Post Commander of the American Legion Post No. 478.

“My job is basically to make sure that whatever my members want gets done,”

said Austin. “I’m there to facilitate things and help get people involved.”

Austin served in the United States Navy from December 1980 to December 1985, stationed on the USS Merrimack AO-179, a fleet oiler.

“When I finished high school, I decided that I wasn’t really college material,” he said. “My father was in

the Navy. My uncle was my recruiter. I was his first recruit. It seemed like everything led me to the Navy.”

Austin was part of the USS Independence battle group that responded to the 1983 attack on barracks housing American and French service members in Beirut, Lebanon.

Following his military service, Austin

came back to Southgate and has worked as a millwright for DTE.

Each year, Austin and other Downriver veterans and their families, pay tribute on Memorial Day to those who paid the ultimate price in service to their country.

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Serving Downriver Since 1975

As Mayor of the City of Southgate, I am proud of our long history of honoring our Nation’s heroes and, in particular, the brave young men and women from Southgate and the entire downriver region who gave their lives defending our liberty and freedom.

~ Mayor Joseph Kuspa

Page 2 • June 1, 2020 • SOUTHGATE STAR

2019.

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Taking part in the ceremony were Rebecca Coleman (left) of the Downriver Honor Guard, Jim Youngheim, chaplain for American Legion Post No. 478, Marshall Prange, Commander of Military of the Purple Heart Chapter 127, Eddie Brown, chaplain for the Department of Michigan American Legion, Mano Paravas, Southgate VFW Post No. 9283 Commander, John Harper, adjutant for American Legion Post No. 478, John Lewis, Senior Vice Commander for American Legion Post No. 478, Bill Peters, Commander for the Downriver Honor Guard, and Jim Austin, Commander of American Legion Post No. 478.

“Memorial Day is not about mattress sales or getting the best prices on tires,” he said. “It’s about remembering those who died defending our country.”

The services are not meant to be political at all.

“The focus is meant to be on fallen service members, not politics,” Austin said.

“We try to invite all different veteran groups, not just those in Southgate. Any family members are more than welcome to come and lay a wreath,” he said.

Austin has been involved with Memorial Day ceremonies in Southgate for about 12-15 years. The support of the city of Southgate has been important in keeping this event running each year.

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

Kuspa is a Life Member

of VFW Auxiliary Post No. 9283. His brother John served 26 years of active duty in the Army.

Some years, the event has drawn close to 100 people.

This year a gathering of more than a few people was not possible.

“It’s important to us to make this happen, even if it’s a little inconvenient or strange to do this in front of no crowd,” Austin said.

“Those who were in the jungles of Vietnam, the

trenches of World War I, or even all the way back to freezing on the Delaware with George Washington, experienced more than a little inconvenience.”

Only the minimum number of American Legion and VFW members who were needed to make the event happen were there in front of the Southgate Veterans Memorial Library on May 16 for filming.

“We practiced social distancing. I wore my mask, as did some of the others,” he

said.Jim Youngheim, chaplain for

American Legion Post 478, gave the opening prayer.

Kuspa also spoke at the recorded service.

“There usually would have been a person there to sing the National Anthem and representatives laying wreaths. But this year a Legion member laid wreaths as names were read aloud.”

Marshall Prange, Commander of Military of the Purple Heart Chapter No. 127,

spoke as the flag was folded. It was then ceremonially inspected by members of the Downriver Honor Guard.

Eddie Brown, Department of Michigan American Legion Chaplain, gave the closing prayer.

Generally, many officials from the City of Southgate also have attended including police and fire chiefs, Judge Kandrevas and city council members.

“For more than a decade, Commander Jim Austin has volunteered to organize this important community event. Jim does a wonderful job emceeing this ceremony each year. But, more importantly, he is extremely devoted to promoting the true meaning of this solemn national holiday,” Kuspa said.

“We wish we didn’t have to do memorial services. People in the military are not warmongers. If it were our choice, there would be no wars,” he said. “There is no unimportant job in the military, no unimportant person. If we don’t remember those that gave their lives for our country and freedoms, then what was the point?”

HONORINGContinued from page 1

Staying safe and healthy during coronavirus As circumstances change around us,

rest assured our practice stands with you during this global crisis. While we’ve always been committed to painstaking sanitation and implementing disease mitigation strategies, we’re taking extra special precautions these days.

As chiropractors, we have a role to play in helping “flatten the curve” and follow sound, scientific public health advice to slow the spread of the virus.

To help you stay healthy and safe, we thought we’d pass along a few tips: n Wash your hands with soap, for at least 20 seconds n Eat a well-balanced, nutrient rich diet n Maintain recommended social distancing n If you’re feeling ill, stay home – and reach out to your medical provider

As always, we’re here for you and we’ll do everything we can to help.

HydRatION StRatEGIES

It’s an essential building block for life and something we need to keep us going—yet so many people across the world don’t drink even half of the daily recommended amount of water to keep dehydration at bay.

Why is water so important? It helps our bodies function better in

nearly every way. And as chiropractors, we care about how your body performs day in and day out.

Here are three simple ways that you can help your body take in more water each day:

1. Drink water through a straw. Why? Taking in water through a straw allows

you to drink larger amounts in a shorter time.

2. Add fruits and veggies to your diet like watermelon, pineapple and tomato—all of which are more than 90 percent water.

3. Add ice to non-water drinks. This adds water to your beverage and keeps it cool.

NatuRal SCIatICa RElIEf

As the largest nerve in our bodies, it’s no wonder that so many people find themselves dealing with sciatic pain at some point in their lives.

Many reach for pills to manage this dull-to-sharp pain that can radiate from the legs, buttocks, and back. But you should know that many find relief with natural methods.

While you may think that movement causes more pain, discomfort caused by sciatica actually worsens from prolonged sitting or standing in a fixed position.

Taking a brief 15-minute walk can bring relief to your sciatic nerve.

Other natural methods for relieving pain brought on by sciatica include ice packs, moist heat packs, yoga, and massage.

Chiropractic care regularly helps those suffering with sciatica and leg pain. If you know someone in misery and has been threatened with back surgery, make sure they give us a call first. Remember, chiropractic first, drugs second and surgery last.

~ Cousineau Chiropractic



Registration is under way for the 11th annual Happy Soles 5K Run and Walk, which is a virtual event this year in the wake of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic.

The 5K is a key supporting event for the Fish & Loaves Community Food Pantry, a faith-based, nonprofit, volunteer-operated, client-choice pantry based in Taylor. The pantry is committed to ensuring that no one goes hungry or without adequate nutrition in Southgate, Taylor, Allen Park, Brownstown Township, Dearborn Heights, Romulus, and Woodhaven.

For the first time, participants can register and then run or walk the 5K race on their own and submit their times to earn medals.

“Due to the situation with COVID-19, the 2020 Happy Soles is now a virtual 5K run/walk,” said Race Director Ellen Pfafflin. “The Fish & Loaves Community Food Pantry has stayed open during the entire time of the Michigan Stay at Home Order, providing food for our clients and emergency food to those experiencing food insecurity. We need your support now more than ever to continue to provide the needed groceries for our local families. Please join us in ‘Taking Steps Against Hunger.’”

Typically, the start and finish of the 5K is at Taylor’s Heritage Park. This year, there are options. Pfafflin, a longtime Fish & Loaves volunteer and board member, said a “virtual race is a race that can be run or walked from any location you choose.”

“You can run, jog or walk on the road, on the trail, on the treadmill, at the gym or on the track – or even at another race,” she said. “You get to run your own race, at your own pace, and time it yourself.”

Registration continues through June 30 on the website runsignup.com/Race/MI/Taylor/HappySoles5KRunWalk.

The entry fee is $30, with a $5 discount for active military and first

responders. The first 300 participants will receive a TEC T-shirt and a custom participation medal, which will be mailed starting July 1.

After running or walking the 5K – or 3.1 miles – each participant must post his or her time by June 30 on the website runsignup.com. Organizers ask that participants post a photo with their time and an encouraging message on the Fish & Loaves Facebook page, using #HAPPYSOLES5K in the text.

Fish & Loaves officials thanked this year’s sponsors, including Wayne Metro Community Action Agency, The Ford Fund, MASCO, DTE Energy Foundation, the City of Taylor, Real

Estate One-Southgate, Taylor Chevrolet, Ron Dmitruchina, Manheim Detroit, Comcast, Load One, 2 42 Community Church Taylor and Beacon Baptist Church.

As always, donations of canned goods are accepted at the Fish & Loaves Community Food Pantry, located at 25670 Northline Road, Taylor.

For more information about Fish & Loaves, visit the website www.flcfp.org or call (734) 992-6285. Follow Fish & Loaves on Facebook.

abOut fISH & lOavES

The Fish & Loaves Community Food Pantry is a 501c3 (nonprofit), volunteer-

based food pantry that serves seven Southeast Michigan communities – Southgate, Allen Park, Brownstown Township, Dearborn Heights, Romulus, Taylor and Woodhaven – in its mission to ensure that “No One Goes Hungry.” A faith-based organization, Fish & Loaves provides emergency food assistance with compassion, respect, dignity and generosity, regardless of religious beliefs or cultural background, to individuals and families.

Based in Taylor, Fish & Loaves is typically organized on a client-choice model basis, allowing clients to shop in a store-like setting six times per year. Equipped with ample commercial freezers and refrigerators in a 12,000-square-foot pantry and warehouse space, Fish & Loves is able to provide a more robust selection of food items than other pantries throughout the area.

As the largest client-choice food pantry in the State of Michigan, the organization distributes more than 1.6 million pounds of food annually to 3,000 households impacted primarily by job loss. Last year, Fish & Loaves welcomed 16,000 visits by households seeking food assistance, averaging 3-4 new client visits daily. Hunger and nutrition are foremost in the organization’s mission, realizing that more than 54 percent of the children in its service communities are eligible for free or reduced lunches. In three of these communities, the percentage is significantly higher, ranging between 65 and 73 percent.

During this time of the coronavirus pandemic, for the safety of clients and

volunteers, food is presented to clients in their motor vehicles outside of the pantry.

Fish & Loaves relies on the contributed time and talents of more than 300 volunteers from the community. Since Fish & Loaves relies on mostly volunteer labor, an unmatched percentage of all monetary donations goes directly to purchase food for distribution to its clients.

While benefiting from donated food, Fish & Loaves also purchases food from various sources to keep its shelves and refrigerators stocked at an expense of some $25,000 to $27,000 monthly.

Run supports Fish & Loaves Community Food PantryHappy Soles 5K

Event is virtual this year

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Joe Peterson — known fondly as “Mayor Joe” to Wyandotte residents — died at home Sunday, May 17, of an apparent heart attack. He was 66.

He is survived by his wife Janice, sons Matthew and Joseph Jr. and three grandchildren.

City residents, business owners and politicians all over the region are mourning the loss of Mr. Peterson,

who spent his life in service to others. Born in Detroit, he was a veteran of the Vietnam War, a Wyandotte police officer for 27 years, a coach for youth sports, a City Council member for four years and was first elected mayor in 2009. He was serving his third term. The mayor was exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam, and suffered from its effects over the last 10 years.

As the city’s leader, Mr. Peterson was well known and available to residents at all hours by phone and online. Before he began to have serious health issues a few months ago, he supported and attended nearly every nonprofit event held in his city, as well as Wyandotte-sponsored events.

City resident Mark Gage posted on Facebook about Mr. Peterson, whom he called “the most charismatic mayor to ever occupy the chair in Wyandotte.”

“He was a people person who enjoyed getting out and mingling with the citizens,” Gage said. “Wyandotte as well as the world as a whole has lost a good man.”

U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell said she was deeply saddened by the loss of Mr. Peterson, a close friend.

“Joe spent his life working for others, always caring about everyone, watching out for fellow veterans and fighting for his

Downriver mourns death of beloved mayor

Farewell, Mr Mayor, and thanks

Bow your heAdS, kIdS. oNe of the greAtS IS

pASSINg By.

Kenneth Beardon, resident

PaULaneUManSouthgate Star

SEE faREWEll, Page 8

Photos by Larry Caruso


beloved Wyandotte,” Dingell said.

Riverview Mayor Andrew Swift also counted Mr. Peterson as a friend.

“Joe was not only a great mayor, he was a man of impeccable honor,” Swift said. “His dedication to the city of Wyandotte and its residents is something I try to emulate. I

will miss him, as will everyone who knew him.”

Grosse Ile Township Supervisor Brian Loftus said: “Mayor Joe was a genuinely decent guy. I liked working with him and enjoyed his company. He will be sorely missed by all of us living Downriver.”

Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber of Commerce President Ron Hinrichs of Riverview called Mr. Peterson “one of our

region’s great leaders,” and U.S. Sen. Gary Peters called him “a tireless champion for our veterans and Downriver communities.”

Wyandotte’s business community also mourns the loss of the mayor.

Patti Slack, chairwoman of the city’s Downtown Development Authority and owner of River’s Edge Gallery, said: “Joe Peterson will be missed by many for many reasons. I will miss him as a

kind and generous personal friend, but also, having worked with him for many years on the DDA, I can say the small businesses in our town never had a better friend and advocate.”

Willow Tree co-owner Janelle Rose said the whole city is saddened by the loss of Mr. Peterson.

“Anyone that has been part of Wyandotte knows how involved he was in his city, the events, the projects, the

people,” she said.Jeremy Sladovnik, owner

of Joe’s Hamburgers, posted this when he learned of the mayor’s death: “I lost one of my best friends today. Mr. Pete was like a father to me. He has supported me since I was a young kid. He always believed in me and knew how hard I tried to be the better me.”

Wyandotte Board of Education Trustee Theresa

faREWEllContinued from page 7

he wAS A SourCe of

StreNgth ANd love to hIS

fAMIly, frIeNdS, wyANdotte ANd the dowNrIver

AreA.

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SEE MayOR, Page 9

Photos by Larry Caruso


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Crnkovich called Mr. Peterson “a champion and true public servant,” and nonprofit Mimi’s Mission founder Lisa Vilella of Wyandotte posted this when she learned of his death: “You have led with humility and kindness and it was not overlooked. We have been blessed to know you and call you our friend, and our lives will forever be enriched because of you.”

Melissa Ptak Moline of Wyandotte posted this after learning about the mayor’s death: “He was a source of strength and love to his family, friends, Wyandotte and the Downriver area. He lifted people up. He made you feel

like your best self. He was generous, caring and had the biggest heart. My favorite part of him, the part I will miss the most, was how he made me laugh. I don’t know what we will do without him.”

City resident and activist Kenneth Bearden said he was heartbroken to learn of the mayor’s death.

“He was more than a mayor — he was my friend,” Bearden said. “I will always remember the two of us reducing each other to giggles as judges of a city baking contest. He helped me become involved in this city I love. He gave selflessly to this city, and especially to the kids of this city, supporting more events and fundraisers than I can recall.

“Bow your heads, kids. One of the greats is passing by.”

MayORContinued from page 8

Photo by E. L. Conley


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9Mayor Joe Peterson: A classic ‘Downriver guy’

The truth is, I can’t remember when I first met Joe Peterson.

But the fact that in my other life I was a sports editor, it’s a safe bet that it was at an athletic event. Others knew Joe as a cop or a detective. Still others as a councilman or the Mayor, and while he was all that, of course, to me he was a coach.

Joe coached the Wyandotte American Legion Post 217 baseball team, he was active in youth hockey back during the old WRRHA days and he was an assistant for Mike Quint with the Roosevelt varsity team, winning that memorable state title back in 2011.

Joe loved his hockey. I think one of the things that bugged him the most about his ailments later in life is that those ailments took him off his skates.

Joe was a “Downriver Guy.” In areas away from here, that is not always a compliment. But those of us born and raised in these parts know that it is. A Downriver Guy is true to his roots. A Downriver Guy is not afraid of hard work and - most of all - a Downriver Guy is loyal to his friends.

That was Joe 100 percent.Joe loved his adopted city of

Wyandotte, but he was not a native. Joe was a River Rouge boy and while that community has fallen on hard times in recent decades, there is a group of people out there Joe’s age and slightly older, who fondly remember a better

time and are proud to represent the “The Rouge.”

He, of course, wound up moving a little south to Wyandotte and he loved his adopted home, too. He loved the revitalized downtown, he loved the neighborhoods, he loved the local businesses and he loved the residents.

Joe loved to talk about his days growing up in River Rouge. He loved

talking about the life he built for himself and his family in Wyandotte. His whole life was wrapped up in a few mile stretch up and down Jefferson Avenue.

He remained true to his roots until the very end.

After growing up in River Rouge, Joe went into the service and was sent to Vietnam, where like thousands of other young Amnericans he was doused with the defoliant dubbed Agent Orange. It would lead to many, many ailments later in his life.

Upon return, he joined the Wyandotte Police Department, eventually working narcotics, which led to that long black beard and long hair that you see in some now-funny old-time photos of Joe.

But while we can grin at some of those photos today, Joe’s job was no laughing matter. He worked with and helped arrest some bad dudes.

When he became a councilman and

later mayor, Joe remained a hands-on guy. Got a question? Got a problem? Talk to Joe, he’d get you an answer.

Right up to the end, you could find Joe on Facebook, warning residents about a pending power outage or helping someone cut some red tape with the city.

Joe liked being a cop and he loved being “Mayor Joe,” and he worked hard at those jobs.

And, as anyone who knew the Mayor can tell you, if you made a friend of Joe

Peterson, you made a pal for life. Joe and I were not close friends. I never met his wife or family, but whenever he spotted me anywhere his face would light up, he’d call me over and there would be backslapping and handshaking and he introduced me around to the group of people he was holding court with.

He was friends with lots of people.Well-known local photographer,

Larrry Caruso, is another FOJ (Friend of Joe). His daughter Emily is a hockey fanatic. Years ago when she was still in

junior high school, she fell in love with the Roosevelt hockey team.

I went to Joe, who was by then and assistant coach with the team, and asked him if there was anything he could do for her. Days later he came up with a game jersey to give to her and Emily wore that thing to every Roosevelt game all the way through high school. It was rare to attend a Wyandotte game at the Yack and not see her there decked out in Bear blue and gold.

I am sure that old jersey is still somewhere in Emily’s room.

You meet many people as you go through this journey called life.

They affect you in different ways. There are those you just nod at and

there are those that cause you to cringe when you see them. You know they are going to ask for something or complain about another thing.

Then there are those who bring joy. Those who lighten your heart. Those who make you smile.

With Joe Peterson gone, there are going to be a few less smiles in my life.

with Joe peterson gone, there are going to be a few less smiles in my life.hanK

MinCKieWiCZSouthgate Star

Photo by Larry Caruso


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When I couldn’t buy a loaf of bread last month because the stores were sold out, I thought to myself,

“No problem. I can use my bread machine that’s been collecting dust in the basement for the last the 20 years.”

Problem: I had forgotten that the recipes in the book that came with the bread machine call for powdered milk and yeast, and the stores were also sold out of both.

(According to the April 24 edition of the Wall Street Journal, sales of yeast

have increased 410 percent , and powdered milk, 180 percent since the coronavirus crisis. In addition, the price of baking powder is up 180 percent; rice, 106 percent; pasta, 104 percent; soup, 100 percent; and frozen pizza, 84 percent. No wonder!)

I always have a good supply of cornmeal on hand, so at least I could bake cornbread. I found a recipe online at Café Delights.com that is easier and equally as delicious as Once Upon a Chef Jennifer Segal’s Corn Muffins (the muffin recipe was published in my February 2019 Culinary Capers column. I enjoyed the cornbread recipe, authored by Katrina, with low-cal Curried Shrimp and Butternut Soup, another quickie recipe. I’ve made Katrina’s recipe twice and like it best using white granulated sugar instead of brown sugar.

The soup contains only 180 calories (10 from fat, 1 g. total fat, 9 g. saturated fat and 95 mg. cholesterol).

Because I couldn’t find 8-ounce packages of frozen

pureed squash, I puréed frozen butternut cubes in my food processor. An immersion blender would have worked even better. The soup was ready to eat in less than a half hour.

I suggest adding only half the amount of curry and tasting the soup before adding more. Also, be sure the shrimp have no tails, or remove them.

EaSy buttERMIlK CORNbREad1 cup all-purpose flour1 cup yellow cornmeal¼ cup light brown sugar or white granulated sugar1 teaspoon baking powder½ teaspoon baking soda¼ teaspoon salt1 cup buttermilk (shake before measuring)¼ cup honey2 large eggs, lightly beaten½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly (or 1/3 cup cooking oil)

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. and position a rack

in the middle. Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking pan with butter. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, honey and eggs. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the buttermilk mixture. Combine the two mixtures, mixing well, then add the slightly cooled butter or the cooking oil. Mix until just combined. Don’t overmix. Add to the pan and bake 20 to 25

minutes or until the cornbread begins to brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

CuRRIEd buttERMIlK aNd SHRIMP SOuP2 8-ounce packages frozen pureed buttermilk squash (may be labeled cooked squash or cooked winter squash)12-ounce can evaporated fat-free milk (I used 2 percent)2 teaspoons sugar1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice8 ounces cooked shrimp1 tablespoon curry powder (taste soup while adding in small amounts)Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste2 teaspoons flaked coconut

In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bring squash and milk to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer 5 minutes. Add sugar and pumpkin pie spice and continue to simmer 5 minutes. Add shrimp, curry powder, salt and pepper and cook 1 more minute. Add the coconut and ladle into individual bowls and top with equal portions of the shrimp.

(Do you need a special recipe, or do you have

a favorite recipe or cooking tip you would like to share with Culinary Capers readers? Please email your requests, questions or culinary contributions to [email protected]. Please include your phone number.)

If you want help, be sure to put your oxygen mask on first

My daughter and I were playing a video online while she was at her dad’s last week. The video game, Astroneer, is set in space, and the characters are on a foreign planet.

To get anywhere, the characters either have to stay connected to the oxygen tether or fill up their portable oxygen tank. As we were playing, I disconnected from the tether to explore.

Before I knew it, my character had died because I hadn’t filled up my portable oxygen tank.

I told my daughter what happened and said, “That will preach.”

I heard a loud sigh over the headset. “Mom,” she said in a voice that told me her eyes were firmly rolled in the back of her head, “do you have to be a pastor

ALL the time?”Why, yes. Yes, I do.Back in the good old days, when we

could be crammed together like sardines on an airplane, there was one thing I would always do: listen to the safety instructions, no matter how many times I’ve flown before. Before I settle into a good book and some music, I make sure that I know where the exit is, and I visualize remaining calm while I put on my oxygen mask.

That rule always gives me pause; even if you’re flying with someone, put on your own mask first. To me, that sounds counter-intuitive. It’s hard for me to imagine flying with my children and putting my own mask on before helping them with theirs.

So why the rule? We can’t help others if we ourselves

are gasping for air. To be the most helpful and effective, we need to be able to breathe. Taking care of your very real needs is not intended to be

a Hunger Game, where the strongest survive. Rather, taking care of our needs provides us with the opportunity to rest and recharge.

When this all began in March, I was hopeful that we’d be able to worship in person by Easter. This, I thought, was simply going to be a two- to three-week sprint before things returned to normal.

What began as a 100 yard dash became a mile, which became a 5k, which turned into a half marathon, which developed into a marathon. It’s hard to tell if we are at mile 14 or mile 26.1 in this marathon. We’re running a race we’ve never run before, and the course is uncharted.

Not only is this a marathon, but it’s also a roller coaster (maybe we could add that feature to the Sims Run next year?). Nightmares have become so widely prevalent that major media outlets are writing articles about the phenomenon. Statistically, cases of substance abuse and domestic

violence are on the rise. We have really good days, and we have days where everything seems like too much.

Taking care of ourselves is not a luxury; it is an absolute must. It is not selfish to do things that refresh your spirit. Go fishing, spend the day on your boat, take a nap…whatever your “oxygen mask” is right now, do it.

Please take care of yourselves. While I’m not a licensed counselor, I am available for conversation. If needed, I can make referrals to appropriate doctors. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of harming themselves, please call 911 or the Suicide Prevention Hotline (1-800-273-TALK [8255]). It is a United States-based suicide prevention network of 161 crisis centers that provides a 24/7, toll-free hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.

CULinaRY CaPeRS

No yeast? buttermilk cornbread is an easy alternative

eveLYn CaiRneSSouthgate Star

Rev. heatheR K.obeRLinPastor, St. ThomasLutheran Church


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9Southgate-born administratorretires in historic school year

Tom Kell is retiring after more than 35 years as an educator. He has spent the past eight years as principal of Roosevelt High School.

“I grew up in Southgate and was the fifth child in a family of eight kids,” he said. “My parents raised us to be hard working.”

Kell’s father was an electrician for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local No. 58. His older brother Jack was the Director of Operations for Wayne County Jails before retiring.

“My mom was a saint raising eight kids,” Kell said. “She influenced my nurturing side, that I used to try to help all of my students in any way I can.”

Kell attended Southgate High School.

“I loved sports,” said Kell. “I played football and baseball, and was on the wrestling team.”

He received a scholarship to play football for five years at Northern Michigan University in Marquette. Kell’s interest in teaching came partly from watching his older brother, Mike.

Mike Kell, now of Brownstown Township, graduated from Southgate High School in 1970. He worked for the Southgate School District in various positions from 1976 through 2009. He also was the head football coach at Southgate High School for several years.

“Mike is seven years older. He had a major influence on me as a person and an educator. He was an excellent role model.”

Tom Kell earned a vocational education degree from Northern Michigan University.

After spending his college years in Marquette, Kell returned home to Downriver and became a full-time substitute teacher in Southgate.

“I taught woods and drafting at Aquinas High School in Southgate from 1984-1985. A year later, I left to teach in Wyandotte.”

He also earned a Master of

Education degree from Eastern Michigan University and an Education Specialist degree from Wayne State University.

After four years of teaching in the Wyandotte school system, Kell became a building administrator.

“I was assistant principal at Wilson Middle School for four years and then principal there for 19 years. For the past eight years, I’ve been principal at Roosevelt High School,” he said. “I also coached football for five years, wrestling for three years and baseball for five years in Southgate.”

Kell’s four children were born and raised in Wyandotte, excelling in school and sports.

After discussing things with his wife Linda, Kell, who now lives in Trenton,

decided that he would retire after the 2019-2020 school year.

Although it was a hard decision, Kell was excited to spend that special last year with the students and staff at Roosevelt High School.

When deciding that this school year

would be his last as principal, Kell had no idea what would happen in March of this year.

“It was surreal when we first heard of COVID-19,” he said. “We gathered as a staff and talked about the situation and what might be coming our way. At first, there was some sadness at closing the schools, but also hope that we could return to school sometime this year.”

In March, when closures due to the pandemic first began, no one knew that

it would become as serious as it has.“Our administration team initially

just asked that everyone stay safe and positive, so that we could get through this difficult situation,” he said. “We didn’t expect that we wouldn’t be returning to school.”

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that all Michigan schools would remain closed through the rest of the school year on April 2. As cases of COVID-19 were sharply rising each day, it was determined to be unsafe for students, teachers and staff to return to school.

“The pandemic has greatly altered the way administrators do our jobs,” said Kell. “We became problem solvers and caretakers for many of our students and staff.”

Kell went from monitoring multiple lunch hours for more than 1,400 students at school to packing hundreds of lunches each week to distribute to students.

A lot of Michigan schools have done the same thing. With the unfortunate knowledge that without going to school, students may not get to eat lunch, schools have distributed lunches to their students.

“During this time, knowing everything around our students has changed, it’s important to keep the feeling as positive as possible,” he said.

Around the country and the world, COVID-19 has changed just about everything. Kell’s hope of spending his final year as principal working with students and staff in person did not work out.

“As for working with staff, I love seeing them face-to-face and interacting with them,” said Kell. “We meet by Zoom now, but it’s not really the same.”

Until what would have been the end of the school year, Kell goes into school every day to answer phone calls and emails and do what he can to meet the needs of students and staff.

“I really miss the personal interactions with everyone,” he said. “But I will be a [Wyandotte] Bear for life.”

Shannon RoSSiSpecial to Southgate Star

tom Kell


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SWCRC stands with area businesses in time of needThe Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber

remains committed to the health and safety of our region as we look toward safely and effectively reopening our economy while protecting the wellbeing of our entire population.

I remain optimistic that we as a united community will accomplish this mission and overcome the challenge of our day.

Within the past few weeks, the Chamber and Downriver Community Conference’s Economic Recovery Task Force virtually met with several of

our state and federal representation, advocating on behalf of our Downriver job providers and municipalities and

sharing critical information to assist our elected leadership in establishing policy that will positively impact our community.

Our discussions involved many topics including the need to move forward with a plan to safely reopen economic activity with clear guidance based on CDC and OSHA guidelines for businesses and the workforce.

The CDC recently released documents to be used by businesses as tools to help guide them as they safely reopen. The SWCRC further discussed the critical need for common sense, temporary liability protections for employers who are following federal and state guidelines in good faith to protect their workforce.

Employers acting in good faith must have protections from COVID-related lawsuits as they work to reopen safely and sustainably, while “bad actors” must be held accountable under the law. It is also a reality in the current economic pain that many employers could find it difficult to meet tax deadlines as they face revenue shortages resulting from closures.

The SWCRC expressed that deadline extensions may be necessary for the most severely impacted businesses while it is also critical to secure emergency relief funding for local and state governments (particularly smaller communities throughout Downriver) in a phase 4 federal bill.

I was encouraged at the time of writing this article that the Michigan House Committee on Local Government and Municipal Finance unanimously approved House Bill 5766 out of committee, which would extend the May 31 deadline for commercial and industrial personal property tax appeals to Aug. 31, giving taxpayers an additional three months to prepare an appeal.

Additionally, the legislation would move the deadline to file residential appeals from July 31 to Aug. 31. It is said that Governor Whitmer is planning to issue an executive order for the same reason, with additional provisions to the property tax calendar. As this article was written in mid May, there will most likely be updates at the time of this publication.

Further, we believe that there is a need to codify the Governor’s Executive Order allowing unemployment

compensation benefits paid resulting from COVID-19 related leaves to not be charged against an employer’s experience rating for unemployment insurance tax calculations, allowing for continued relief for our region’s employers at this critical time.

Additionally, the need to provide funding for the Pure Michigan campaign and Going Pro Talent Fund is critical, providing vital resources for job and skills training throughout our region. And, funding to assist small businesses in purchasing personal protection equipment (PPE) to protect their workforce is among the most important needs at this time.

The SWCRC continues to encourage our membership to contact your elected representation to share your needs as they work to develop policy regarding the current situation.

The SWCRC remains committed to working with our elected leadership to ensure that our membership and region is provided with the opportunity and resources needed, and we will continue to provide up-to-date information as we navigate through the current uncertain times as one united region.

In addition to the economic and health crisis, I believe that we as a community must focus on our mental health as well.

I was discussing this recently with one of our community’s great rotarians, who shared with me some excellent points about the impact the current situation is having on our mental health.

Like the virus, mental health is something that can affect us all, and a united effort to confront this challenge is critical. We have so many organizations throughout our region that tackle this challenge on a daily basis, and who are making great things happen for our region.

One in particular that I want to thank is The Guidance Center, based in Southgate, and the continued support we receive from Kari Walker, CEO, and Al Sebastian, a board member of the SWCRC and someone who so many of us know and work closely with.

It is so important that we remain positive despite all the negative news. We will overcome as a united region, and optimism, empathy and the ability to listen and understand each other is needed at this time. Please take time to enjoy life, take a walk, spend time with your loved ones, and make your mental health a priority as we battle through the current crisis as one united Downriver family.

Speaking of positive leadership, our great friend and late Trenton Mayor Kyle Stack is someone who we all loved, respected and admired tremendously. This year, the SWCRC named our Leadership Award as a part of the Women of Achievement Awards ceremony presented by Beaumont in her honor.

Kyle was a friend to all of us, and I often think of her leadership and ability to unite us for the great cause. Kyle’s policy and leadership helped to enhance and drive our local economy and provided great benefits for our region’s job providers and entrepreneurs. She was not only an amazing visionary, but a true leader

who rolled up her sleeves, brought people together and accomplished great things. Kyle was a leader who showed us all love and great friendship. Kyle always encouraged, and supported the Chamber’s programs, policy and initiatives. She fought for our region’s entrepreneurs, and provided for a strong and thriving partnership between government and business.

Kyle Stack will forever be in the hearts of Downriver’s residents, entrepreneurs and job providers.

I am thrilled to have the opportunity to announce the 2020 nominees of the Women of Achievement Awards.

KylE f. StaCK lEadERSHIP aWaRd: Terey DeLisle of Services to Enhance Potential; Congresswoman Debbie Dingell; Joann Gonyea of the City of Trenton; Rose Angela Gronda of First Merchants Bank; Heather Grybel of the Trenton Trib; and Laura Huot of The Guidance Center.

ENtREPRENEuR aWaRd: Tammie Bachran of A Serendipity Cakery; Mary Culbertson of Alormar Industries; Patty Henderson of the Henderson Realty Team; Ayana King of Maximum Communication; Michelle Saward of the Saward Realty Team; and Janelle Rose of Willow Tree.

uNSuNG HEROINE aWaRd: Karen Depriest of Christy’s Legacy of Hope; Barb Duran of Send Out Cards and the Kiwanis Club; Beth Imes of the Trenton Trib; Kris Jordan of The PAWS Clinic; Kimberly O’Farrell of Grosse Ile Township; Debbie Petri of ChristNet Services; and Carrie Tittle of Tittle Brothers Construction.

dIStINGuISHEd yOuNG WOMaN aWaRd: Alyssa Angellotti of Expert Heating and Cooling; Chelsea Fell of Advantage One Credit Union; Melanie Hojnowski of Second Step Advertising; and Stephanie McNees of the Southgate DDA.

Congratulations ladies and well done! The selection committee will be meeting over the

next few weeks, and will be faced with the difficult decision of determining this year’s recipients. The selection committee is made up of volunteers and SWCRC staff and administration are not participating or influencing the voting in any way.

The nominations will be judged blindly, and based solely on the content of the submitted answers to the nomination form questions. Each nominee’s name and business/organization will be taken off of the nomination form to maintain the integrity of the selection process. We plan to announce the recipients in early Summer and look forward to celebrating this October!

Stay safe Downriver and stay positive! We will get through this together.

#SupportDownriver

RonhinRiChSSWCRC President


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PaULaneUManSouthgate Star

Westcroft Gardens & Farm is open and focused on the future

For eight generations, descendants of Gen. Alexander Macomb — his statue is in Detroit’s Campus Martius Park —

have owned and operated Grosse Ile’s Westcroft Gardens & Farm.Now the 27-acre farm, sometimes called the “jewel of Grosse Ile,” is poised for the future with a new business plan, which includes an orchard of sweet cherry trees and a field of flowering lavender. Visitors will be able to harvest the cherries and lavender themselves.The plan was devised by Erica Lee Jackson, who has been the manager of the farm since 2017. She’s a direct descendant of Macomb, who purchased the land from the Potawatomi Indians in 1776.The farm on West River Road opened for this year’s season May 1, and gardeners can safely get the products the place is famous for, including azaleas, rhododendrons, annuals, perennials, organic vegetables, herbs, trees, shrubs and a specially blended soil conditioner.“In order to ensure the safety of you and our staff in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, we have phone ordering, virtual personal shopper appointments and curbside pickup in place,” Jackson said.Visit westcroftgardens.com or the farm’s Facebook page to order or learn more about ordering.Westcroft grows its own hybrid varieties of azaleas and rhododendrons created by Macomb’s great-grandson Ernest Stanton. He returned from serving in World War I and gradually converted the farm’s fields of hay into landscaped botanical gardens and added its first greenhouse. During World War II, the farm had another temporary change, when Stanton was asked to produce food for the military.“He raised thousands of turkeys until V-J Day, after which he never wanted to see or hear a live turkey on the farm again,” according to Westcroft’s written history.The farm’s new business plan has no

provision for turkeys in its future, but it does have a pollinator garden that will be ready this summer with a seating area so visitors can enjoy butterflies, birds and bees.“Eventually, we would like the area to become a certified wildlife habitat

by the National Wildlife Foundation, and be able to provide educational components that teach the ecological benefits of habitat gardening,” Jackson said.Also new this summer will be a greenhouse, dubbed Azalea House, for use by the community. The space will be available to rent for weddings, graduation parties and other events.“We are also looking into providing the space to community-benefiting organizations on certain days free of charge,” Jackson said. “We will also utilize the space to increase our educational and workshop offerings to

our customers that will allow all of us to grow together.”Jackson grew up in Connecticut and as a child, visited the Grosse Ile farm on holidays and summer vacations. She has a degree in international environmental policy, and a head for

business.“I knew the history of the farm and the family legacy, so after I graduated, I decided to move out here and just learn more about it,” Jackson said. “I was going to work there for a year and move on. I’ve been generally around ever since. I came back, left again and came back again, as is the nature of a lot of family businesses. When it was time for my aunt (Stanton’s granddaughter Denise De Beausset who ran the farm for 30 years) to retire, I was the only one in my generation who had ever worked here, so they asked me if I wanted to come

back and take over.”At that point, Jackson had about seven years of experience with the farm’s operations. As its new manager, she found she still had a lot to learn, and made many calls to her aunt, she said with a laugh.

“My background is more in business operations,” she said. “I’m very numbers oriented.”In spite of that, she found that she loves the outdoor work involved in the farm’s operation.“It’s very satisfying and very beautiful,” Jackson said. “You can actually see what you’ve done, and you get a sense of accomplishment.”She has hired a horticulturist and staff that have experience and expertise with growing the farm’s prized plants.“I’m very lucky to have such good staff that love what they do,” Jackson said. “They are really the ones that keep our standard stuff going.” In addition to the “standard stuff,” this year Westcroft staff will plant 66 sweet cherry trees to grow into a pick-your-own orchard for families to enjoy the fruit and also the spring cherry blossoms.“We are estimating that the trees will be of harvestable size around 2025,” Jackson said.Next year, she plans to have a field of lavender planted, as well.“Not only is lavender beautiful and versatile in its uses, it also is not liked by deer, which is always a large concern

here on Grosse Ile,” Jackson said. “The lavender will provide another potential pick-your-own area in addition to creating the opportunity to provide lavender crafting workshops and products like sachets and essential oils.”It’s not always easy to balance the farm’s financial needs with the weight of the family legacy, she said, but “it’s very rewarding work.”“We are proud of our history and cannot wait to remain a place of joy and pride for everyone that comes.”

Erica Lee Jackson in the Westcroft Garden greenhouse


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SouthgateStar.com JUNE 1, 2020 Complimentary honoring