Southgate Star September 2025 by GO BIG MULTI-MEDIA

City Hall Renovations Ready for Residents

Longtime Southgate resident Helen Loveday was the first to use the City’s new drive-up drop box — a key feature in a series of recent improvements to the exterior of the municipal building. Over the summer, the old circular drive and stairways were replaced with a raised parking area directly in front of the building. Handicapaccessible parking is now conveniently located just steps from the main entrance. Additionally, the Veterans’ Memorial Library parking lot has been redesigned, with updated parking layouts and new landscaped islands. The drive-up drop box is available 24/7 for bill payments. Please note: election-related materials are not permitted in this box. A separate ballot drop box will be provided on-site during election periods.

The improvement project, which began in May, was primarily funded by a $450,000 Wayne County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) secured by the Kuspa administration.

Southgate Seniors shine at Downriver Senior Olympics

The City of Southgate proudly hosted the 37th Annual Downriver Senior Olympics last month, marking the fifth time the city has served as host — more than any other Downriver community.

The week-long event brought together senior athletes from 18 participating communities, competing in a variety of events designed to promote health, wellness, and camaraderie among older adults.

Team Southgate delivered an outstanding performance, finishing second overall in total medals with 56 medals awarded to residents — a 20% increase over last year’s tally.

The medal breakdown included: 25 Gold, 17 Silver, and 14 Bronze.

COUNCILMAN

One of the event’s highlights was Southgate Councilwoman Karen George earning a Gold Medal, further contributing to the city’s success and community spirit.

“The Senior Olympics were a great time for everyone involved,” Mayor Kuspa stated, “It’s not just about the competition — it’s about making connections, staying active, and having fun.”

For those who have not yet participated, there’s still time to get involved — the 38th Downriver Senior Olympics will be held in Lincoln Park, just 300 days away.

SOUTHGATE CITY COUNCIL

EXPERIENCED LEADERSHIP

Serving on Southgate City Council for past 18 months. Previously, 12 years on the Southgate School Board and 6 years on the Southgate Planning Commission, with leadership roles in both.

PROVEN COMMITMENT

Actively participated in council meetings, budget workshops, and as the Council liaison to the Parks & Recreation Commission and the Downtown Development Authority.

FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE

Helped to pass two balanced City budgets and supported funding for vital infrastructure, public safety, senior programs and recreation projects.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Supported local business growth, representing the City at numerous Grand Openings and prioritized transparency in major projects like Southgate’s $50,000,000 Bank Tower Apartment project.

LONGTIME RESIDENT AND VOLUNTEER

Over 35 years in Southgate, Proud husband, father and grandfather. Retired district manager. Currently active with the Southgate Rotary, Willow Golf Course and Gibralter Food Bank.

Successful summer concert series comes to a close

The City of Southgate recently concluded its popular summer concert series at Market Center Park, marking another successful season of music, food, and community fun. The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) celebrated the wrap-up by recognizing the many individuals and departments who contributed to making the event series a standout experience for residents and visitors alike.

Held weekly on Tuesdays at Market Center Park, the concert series drew hundreds of attendees from Southgate and beyond, offering live music, local vendors, delicious food, and a welcoming atmosphere for all ages. The events quickly became a signature feature of the city’s summer calendar, bringing the community together in the heart of downtown.

The DDA expressed heartfelt thanks to all the city workers who supported the series, noting that the event’s success would not have been possible without their dedication. Special recognition was given to the Parks and Recreation Department

for their weekly setup and cleanup efforts every Tuesday, as well as the Department of Public Services (DPS), with a particular shoutout to Jerry Stacy for his contributions.

Also acknowledged were the CASE Commission ladies and the Senior Center, both of whom played important roles in supporting the concert series behind the scenes.

“This event truly reflected the spirit of our community,” the DDA Director Maria Diaz noted. “We are grateful for the support from our city departments and volunteers who helped create an amazing experience week after week.”

As summer came to a close, the final concert brought a festive end to a season full of music, laughter, and connection. The DDA looks forward to continuing the tradition next year, building on the momentum of what has become a beloved Southgate tradition.

Follow Downtown Southgate on Facebook to stay up to date with Southgate events.

Downriver’s Business Network

Women of Achievement Awards presented by PNC Bank, returns on October 10!

Ron

Hinrichs, CEO/President SWCRC

Join us for Downriver’s premier award ceremony! This year, the SWCRC will honor four incredible professionals making outstanding contributions to our business community, nonproﬁt organizations, and the region as a whole. The event will be emceed by media professional Christy McDonald and will feature a panel discussion on Generational Mentorship,

Tickets and sponsorships are available at: https://swcrc.com/events/woa25/

The Literary Hideaway

Estate Planning 101

Which plan do you need?

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

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

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

The Literary Hideaway

Boutique Bookstore Cafe

The Literary Hideaway

The Literary Hideaway Boutique Bookstore Cafe

The Literary Hideaway

Boutique Bookstore Cafe

Coffee - Food - Wine & Beer

Boutique Bookstore Cafe

Coffee - Food - Wine & Beer

Boutique Bookstore Cafe

Coffee - Food - Wine & Beer

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

The Literary Hideaway is more than a bookstore. It is where the community gathers for children's storytime, for book clubs with friends, for late-night Thursdays, and so much more!

Coffee - Food - Wine & Beer

The Literary Hideaway is more than a bookstore. It is where the community gathers for children's storytime, for book clubs with friends, for late-night Thursdays, and so much more!

The Literary Hideaway is more than a bookstore. It is where the community gathers for children's storytime, for book clubs with friends, for

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Thursdays, and so much

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

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

Again, this is just a general description of the more popular terms – no one choice is a “silver bullet” but depending on how your estate gets planned out you can expedite a clean and clear process for the assets you worked a lifetime to save. Why wouldn’t you want to do that? Stop by or call and make an appointment and I’ll tell you what you’re going to need to do this right.

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

DOWNRIVERCU ANSWERS

Smart Giving: How to Make Sure Your Donation Counts

In our Downriver communities, generosity runs deep. Whether it’s neighbors collecting donations for flood victims, church groups raising money for missions, or local fundraisers supporting families in crisis, giving back is part of the culture here in Wayne and Monroe counties. But with so many groups asking for help, how can you be sure your money is going where it should?

Why You Need to Be Careful

Unfortunately, scammers know that people here are willing to give. Fake charities often spring up after natural disasters or during the holiday season, tugging at heartstrings but pocketing the money for personal gain. Even if the intent is good, a donation made to a fraudulent group never reaches the people who truly need it. That not only wastes your generosity—it can also shake trust in legitimate local nonprofits working hard every day.

Simple Ways to Check

The good news is, it doesn’t take much time to verify a charity. Start with the basics: look up the organization’s name and mission online. For local groups, make sure their address matches local city names and zip codes, and check if they have a history of community involvement. Many respected charities in the area, such as Children with Hair Loss or Fish & Loaves Community Food Pantry, proudly share stories of their work in schools, churches, and local papers.

Following the Money

A key step is reviewing financial information. A trustworthy charity makes it clear how much of its budget supports actual services versus administrative or fundraising costs. If you can’t find this information—or if a group avoids answering—it’s a red flag.

National resources can also help. Websites like Charity Navigator, GuideStar, and the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance rate nonprofits on transparency and accountability. For smaller, homegrown charities that may not be listed, don’t hesitate to call and ask for details about their programs, finances, or success stories. A reputable organization will be glad to answer.

The IRS also provides a Charity Search tool that shows whether an organization is officially tax-exempt. This matters not just for tax deductions, but as proof that a nonprofit has met federal standards.

Spotting Red Flags

Be cautious if you get aggressive phone calls or emails pushing you to “donate immediately.” A real charity won’t pressure you or demand personal information like your Social Security number. Also, be wary of names that sound almost identical to a well-known organization—scammers often hope you won’t notice the difference.

Giving With Confidence

There are countless nonprofits doing incredible work in Wayne and Monroe Counties—including food collections from Taylor to Trenton and youth programs from Melvindale to Monroe. By doing a little homework, you can be confident your gift will strengthen these efforts and make a real impact close to home.

Generosity is one of our community’s greatest strengths. With a few simple steps—research, asking questions, and trusting your instincts—you can ensure your donation truly helps the neighbors and causes you care about.

SOUTHGATE PARKS & RECREATION

RENOVATIONS

Continued from COVER

“We are thankful for this funding,” said Mayor Kuspa. “It has allowed the City to modernize our facilities and make the building more accessible to our residents.” Additional updates are planned over the next year, including a new roof, enhanced

landscaping, and exterior façade improvements.

This marks the first major renovation to the municipal building’s exterior since it was originally constructed in 1977.

Married to Briana for 16 years. Southgate residents since 2011. Father to four wonderful children: Rose, Natalie, Logan, and Matthew. Raising a family in Southgate has provided a unique perspective on the issues facing our community, including public safety and infrastructure.

Registered Nurse in Emergency Department at Corewell Health, Dearborn and member of Teamsters LOCAL 2024. These roles have developed strong leadership qualities: integrity, accountability, compassion, and the ability to effectively manage competing priorities.

of the City of Southgate Water Board, Youth

and Teen Mentorship at local family church.

Titans girls golf off to a strong start to open season

The Lady Titans golf team teed off their season with a series of strong performances, overcoming tough conditions and challenging courses with determination and steady improvement.

The season began on August 19th at Dearborn Hills, where the team faced less-than-ideal weather. Battling rain, mosquitoes, and soggy course conditions, the Lady Titans still managed to put together a solid showing in their first event of the year. Despite the

challenges, the girls remained focused and competitive, setting a strong tone for the season ahead.

On August 25th, the team participated in a league jamboree at Southwinds Golf Course. Varsity coach Barry Walker praised the team’s progress, stating, “It is so fun to see them improving their game.” The players’ dedication and practice were clearly starting to show on the course.

On August 27th, the Titans competed in their first

18-hole tournament of the year at Rouge Park Golf Course—one of the tougher courses on their schedule. Despite the difficulty, the team rose to the occasion and delivered another impressive performance. Coach Walker once again commended the effort, noting the team’s strong work ethic and positive attitude.

With a promising start to the season and clear signs of growth, the Titans girls golf team is shaping up to be a competitive force this fall.

Anderson Cross Country shines in early invitationals

Anderson High School’s crosscountry team kicked off their season with impressive performances at two early invitationals, showcasing the results of their hard work and offseason preparation.

At the Maroon Shoe Invitational on August 19, Anderson faced off against Riverview and Gabriel Richard. The team came out strong, earning a win over Riverview, though narrowly falling to Gabriel Richard in a competitive race.

Just days later, on August 25, the team returned to action at the Puddle Jumper Invitational, where their dedication truly paid off. The

boys’ team dominated the Division 1 competition, taking first place overall, while the girls’ team secured an

impressive second-place finish.

Several Anderson runners stood out with top placements and personal

records. Jack Ruan led the way with a first-place finish, followed by strong performances from Maks Kiss, Joy Schuck (2nd place), Ben Ruan (who earned a personal record with a 4thplace finish), Julianne Nadolski, TJ Pokorny (6th), Valeria Morales (9th), Hope Schuck (10th), Ethan Melendrez (12th), Abril Castrillon (14th), and Jaden Nadolski (15th).

The early results highlight the team’s depth, determination, and potential for a standout season. Coaches, teammates, and supporters are eager to see what the rest of the season holds for this promising group of athletes.

Pep rally brought the energy to Titan Stadium

Titan Pride was on full display as the community gathered for an unforgettable pep rally night on August 22nd at Titan Stadium.

Families, students, and fans came together to meet the 2025–2026 teams that would soon light up Friday nights under the stadium lights. The crowd cheered as the 2025–2026 marching band performed their exciting new program, setting the tone for a spirited season ahead.

Attendees had the chance to get autographs from their favorite fall athletes, cheerleaders, and members of the band and color guard. Kids and adults alike tried their hand at marching with instruments, twirling flags, kicking footballs, throwing passes, and cheering alongside studentathletes.

Fun was everywhere — bounce houses, face painting, and hands-on tours of police and fire trucks added even more excitement to the evening. Guests also had the opportunity to explore recent facility upgrades, giving everyone a sense of pride in the place they call home on game nights.

The event was a true celebration of school spirit, teamwork, and community support. Fall Titan and Viking athletes felt the energy and encouragement that will carry them through the season.

Southgate swim team continues to build under Coach Hollow

Rebuilding a competitive swim program takes time, dedication, and strong leadership—and in Southgate, that work was well underway under the guidance of Head Coach Joyce Hollow.

With each meet, the Titans showed growth, posting higher point totals than the year before and proving that the foundation of a strong program was taking shape.

Early in the season, two standout athletes achieved significant individual milestones. Kenzie Laforet qualified for the Wayne County Championship Meet in both of her individual events: the 200 Individual Medley and the 100 Butterfly. Sadie Hassell also secured her spot at the county meet in the 50 Freestyle, showcasing the talent and determination rising within the team.

In a competitive meet against Grosse Ile, the Titans performed exceptionally well. First-place finishes came from Kenzie Laforet in the 200 Individual Medley, Kaitlyn Strickland in the 100 Backstroke, and the 400 Freestyle Relay team

composed of Laforet, Strickland, Sophia Wisnewski, and Sadie Hassell. The team also earned several second-place finishes, including the 200 Medley Relay team of Strickland, Delyla Scharer, Laforet, and Hassell; Wisnewski in both the 200 Freestyle and 400m Freestyle; Hassell in the 50 and 100 Freestyle events; Laforet in the 100 Butterfly; and the 200 Freestyle Relay team of Scharer, Strickland, Bella Mitchell-Strong, and Wisnewski. Third-place finishes were secured by Sophia Secco in the 200 Freestyle, Mitchell-Strong in Diving, Scharer in the 100 Breaststroke, and the 400 Free Relay team of Mitchell-Strong, Secco, Charlotte Florin, and Austin Pipta.

The team continued its strong performance in a meet against Dearborn Annapolis, where they came away with a win. First-place finishes included the 200 Medley Relay team of Strickland, Scharer, Laforet, and Hassell; Wisnewski in the 200 and 400 Freestyle; Laforet in the 200 IM; Hassell in the 50 and 100 Freestyle; Mitchell-Strong in Diving; the 200 Free Relay team of Scharer, Strickland, Mitchell-Strong, and Wisnewski; Strickland in the 100 Backstroke; and the 400 Free Relay team of Laforet, Strickland, Wisnewski, and Hassell. The Titans also earned second-place finishes from Secco in the 200 Freestyle, Scharer in the 50 Freestyle, Carr in both Diving and the 100 Backstroke, Laforet in the 100 Butterfly, Florin in the 100 Freestyle, and the 200 Free Relay team of Secco, Carr, Florin, and Angie Wendt. Scharer also claimed second in the 100 Breaststroke, while the 400 Free Relay team of Mitchell-Strong, Secco, Florin, and Pipta added to the points total. Rounding out the scoring were third-place performances by the 200 Medley Relay team of Carr, Florin, Wendt, and Pipta; Wendt in both the 200 IM and 100 Butterfly; Mitchell-Strong in the 50 Freestyle; Pipta in the 100 Freestyle; and Secco in the 100 Breaststroke. Through every stroke, relay, and finish, the Southgate girls swim team continued to show resilience, dedication, and a growing sense of team identity. Their courage, perseverance, and commitment made their coaches and community truly Titan Proud.

September January

Disruptive Medicare Changes Arre Coming

Medicare requires the health plans to inform members about plan change for the coming year. An Annual Notice of Change is mailed in September.

Ignoring those notices might have worked out fine in the past, but we advise you to pay attention this year. Some popular Michigan plans have real doozies coming in 2026. A few plans are terminating altogether and you will need to shop for a new one.

Don’t panic. Let us help! Call us Monday to Friday from 11am to 5pm.

If you are tech-savvy, please scan the correct QR code to get started!

Elizabeth M. Abshire

Shaun Z. Abshire

Ye! Hear Ye! Big Changes Afoot!

Southgate PD hosts two back to school backpack giveaways

The Southgate Police Department recently held two successful backpack giveaway events aimed at helping local students gear up for the new school year. Between both events, hundreds of students received backpacks and essential school supplies, thanks to generous donations and strong community support.

The first event took place on August 20th and was made possible by Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, who provided backpacks and school supplies for students in need. The ministry partnered with the Southgate Police Department, Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, and Riverview Police Department to distribute supplies directly to families. Students were invited to select their own items, enjoy ice cream, and even meet the Wayne County Sheriff’s mounted unit. The event saw a strong turnout, with supplies going quickly.

Just days earlier, on August 17th, Officers Gomez and Brown were stationed at Kroger collecting donations for the department’s own backpack drive. Their efforts led up to a major giveaway hosted by the Southgate Police Department on August 26th - a standout event that drew hundreds of families.

Held in front of the police department building, the August 26th giveaway began at 3:00 p.m., and a line of eager families wrapped around the building well before the start time. With around 400 backpacks ready to be handed out, the department emphasized that students must be present to receive supplies.

The demand was high - as seen in a previous event where 500 backpacks were distributed in under an hourand this giveaway was no exception. Supplies were gone quickly as officers connected with students and families from across the area.

Sam’s Club supported the event by offering snacks and special membership deals, while local businesses such as Walmart and Kroger also contributed to the drive’s success. The Southgate Police Department extended its gratitude to these partners and to the entire Downriver community for their support.

Between both events, the department was able to distribute backpacks and school supplies to so many Southgate students. Officers shared their appreciation for the opportunity to meet so many young learners and their families, wishing each student a successful and memorable school year.

White Furniture has been serving Southeast Michigan since 1946. Our longevity is only because of you and so many others who support us and refer friends and family. We’re known for high quality furniture at competitive prices along side excellent customer service. Please come celebrate with us during our 79th Anniversary Sale with sale prices throughout the store and free local