On April 29th, Colonel John Paul Kuspa (Ret.) was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery, a place reserved for the nation’s most distinguished military service members. His career spanned 32 years, 26 in the U.S. Army, and six as a civilian with the Department of Defense.
The full military ceremony reflected the magnitude of Colonel Kuspa’s life of service. A military band, honor guard, rifle salute team, and bugler paid tribute as family, friends, and fellow veterans gathered. Pastor Mike McKin-
ley of Sterling Park Baptist Church delivered the eulogy, noting, “No one can buy their way into Arlington. The only way is to earn it. And John Kuspa most certainly did.”
More than 90 people attended the ceremony. Among them was Donna (Hale) Slankster, a Southgate resident and high school classmate of John. “I’ve known John for over 60 years,” she shared. “He was a man of unwavering faith, integrity, and quiet strength. I watched with pride as he went on to do great things.”
Joseph Kuspa, John’s youngest brother, recalled a man who was a mentor, dedicated family man and patriot. “John encouraged us all to challenge ourselves and to be our best,” he said. “When I was around six, he taught me to play chess. His funeral at Arlington was a fitting exclamation point on a life of purpose and honor.”
Born in Detroit in 1945, John was the fifth of eight children. In 1958, the
Kuspa family moved to Ecorse Township, in an area that would later become the City of Southgate. John graduated from Schafer High School in 1963. That same year, he earned an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point from Congressman John Lesinski. At West Point, John excelled and graduated 76th out of 584 cadets with a degree in engineering. Just nine days after graduation, John returned home to Southgate to marry his high school sweetheart, Margaret Melinda “Linda” Bahlhorn. That began a 41-year marriage rooted in love, faith, and partnership.
Early assignments took John and Linda to Fort Riley, Kansas and Germany. But eventually John was deployed to Vietnam, where he saw firsthand the vital role of Army engineers in combat. That experience and the opportunity to further his education convinced him to
Last May, this fun-loving and happy dog was 8 months old when she was rescued from the Taylor Animal Shelter. She enjoys long walks, trips to the local pet stores and chewing her favorite bones. She is loved beyond measure by the Pickell Family of Riverview. Everyone just celebrated her “Gotcha Day” on May 15th.
Anderson students step into civic roles
Seniors from Anderson High School stepped into the world of local governance during the City of Southgate’s annual Student Government Day—a long-standing tradition that gives students a hands-on look at how their city operates.
Hosted by the City of Southgate in partnership with AHS government teacher Mrs. Cieslak, the event gave students the chance to fill a wide variety of civic roles for the day. Whether serving as mayor, city council members, police chief, fire chief, judge, or any of the other numerous crucial city roles, students were able to experience what it’s like to be part of the team that keeps a city running.
The day began at South Winds Golf Clubhouse, where students were welcomed with breakfast and officially sworn into their honorary positions by City Clerk Jan Ferencz. They then headed out for a tour of the municipal campus that included the city court, police department, and fire department. One of the standout moments? A ride in the bucket of a fire truck, which gave students a bird’s-eye view of the city and a fun memory to take home.
After the tour, it was back to South Winds for lunch and a prep session for the highly anticipated mock City Council meeting. While the students took their roles seriously, the meeting itself brought plenty of laughter and lighthearted moments, showing that even in government, a little humor goes a long way. The mock session kept everyone entertained while still giving students a chance to see how city business is
conducted.
The entire meeting was recorded and is available to watch on the City of Southgate’s YouTube channel, under the “Live” tab.
The following students served in honorary roles for the day: Mohamed Saaidi as Mayor; Alice Huang as City Clerk; Elliot Cummings as City Trea-
surer; Maria Saaidi as City Council President; Maizey Urbanek, Ejona Dano, Gracie Crysler, Azal Elhady, Lauren Sanchez, and Clayton Hollie as City Council Members; Logan Rohroff as District Court Judge; Samara Craven as City Administrator; Cam Duvall as Finance Director; Julian Crites as Director of Public Safety; James Smith
as Police Chief; Adeline Duran as Fire Chief; Ava Kolakowski as Director of Public Services; Johnathan Hankin as Building Inspections Director; Elizabeth Sisler as Parks and Recreation Director; Blake Polczynski as City Engineer; and Logan Lynn as City Attorney.
All in all, Student Government Day was a fun and memorable experience that helped students better understand the importance, and the quirks, of public service. The City of Southgate and Anderson High School once again teamed up to make civic engagement both educational and enjoyable.
Diaz named Southgate’s new Downtown Development Authority Director
The City of Southgate has welcomed Maria Diaz as the new Director of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), bringing with her over two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership and a deep, personal connection to the Southgate community. Hired in May, Diaz hit the ground running, immediately becoming involved in major city events such as Heritage Days, Market Days, and the summer Concerts in the Park series.
Diaz has already represented the city at public functions, including a grand opening event for a new local business, Q&A Abilities Center, where she joined Mayor Kuspa and engaged with residents and entrepreneurs. Her energy and presence are already being felt throughout the community.
For Diaz, this role is not just a job; it’s a continuation of a lifelong commitment to service and community development. “The DDA position is a great opportunity to work with the community,” she said. “There’s so much potential here, and I’m excited about all the positive things we can accomplish together.”
Originally from Venezuela, Diaz holds a Bachelor of Science degree with a specialization in physical therapy. After relocating to the United States, she built a career centered on helping others, particularly through nonprofit organizations. For over 20 years, she has worked to uplift communities, support underserved populations, and empower individuals through collaboration and resource-sharing.
Her passion for community service is not just professional, it’s personal. Diaz has lived in Southgate for more than 25 years and proudly raised her three children here. They attended Southgate schools from Shelters Elementary to Anderson High School. During those years, she was an active school volunteer, serving in the PTA, booster clubs, and other school functions that helped shape her community ties.
“My family is my biggest accomplishment,” Diaz shared. “Everything I’ve done professionally and personally has been with them in mind. Southgate helped raise my kids, and now I want to give back to the city that gave us so much.”
In addition to her school involvement, Diaz has volunteered with Southgate Junior Little League and is an active member of the Southgate Rotary Club, where she continues her dedication to civic engagement.
As DDA Director, Diaz plans to prioritize building relationships with local businesses, supporting economic development, and creating a welcoming and vibrant downtown area.
“I’ll be visiting businesses personally to introduce myself and find out how we can work together to make Southgate even better,” she said. “Whether it’s beautification projects, small business support, or community events, I believe there’s no limit to what we can achieve.”
With her rich background in nonprofit work, her personal investment in the city, and her unwavering belief in the power of community, Maria Diaz is already proving to be a passionate and capable leader for Southgate’s Downtown Development Authority. Her motto, “The sky is the limit,” reflects her optimism and ambition for what’s ahead.
As Southgate continues to grow and evolve, residents and business owners alike can look forward to a more engaged, energized downtown under her leadership.
Diaz
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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.
■ Trust – This is a “company” that you start, and you become the CEO, “Trustee” and “Settlor.” The company outlives you, but continues to manage your assets as if you were alive by the successor CEO – whom you designate.
■ Power of Attorney – Financial and Healthcare – you need both – the first so someone can pay your bills, the second, sometimes called a Patient Advocate, designates someone to make “hallway at the hospital” decisions to take the stress off the family.
■ Ladybird Deed – probably the best thing that has happened to owning a home. I love these deeds – you grant yourself a life estate – in your own property - but retain the power to sell or borrow against the property. If you do not sell before you pass, this “springs” the house out of your estate, and your heirs have instant ownership, subject to any mortgage or taxes owed or similar.
Again, this is just a general description of the more popular terms – no one choice is a “silver bullet” but depending on how your estate gets planned out you can expedite a clean and clear process for the assets you worked a lifetime to save. Why wouldn’t you want to do that? Stop by or call and make an appointment and I’ll tell you what you’re going to need to do this right.
To my numerous former clients – thank you for allowing me to draft your estate plan!
Continued from COVER
make a career of military service.
Over the decades, John would earn a PhD in Nuclear Engineering, master’s degrees in Civil Engineering and Financial Management, and complete rigorous training at Ranger School, the Naval War College, and multiple advanced accreditations.
In 1976, he returned to West Point as an instructor, ironically teaching Thermodynamics, the course he struggled with the most as a cadet. From there, he served at the United States European Headquarters in Heidelberg, Germany. After about a year and half at headquarters, John was reassigned to the 10th Engineer Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division at the Army base in Kitzinger, W. Germany. During the next four years, he served as Operations Officer, Executive Officer, 2d Infantry Brigade Engineer and, eventually, Commanding Officer. From there, he returned stateside for a series of high-level assignments in Washington, D.C.
As a senior military officer, Colonel Kuspa worked on nuclear disarmament following the Cold War, helping negotiate two major treaties with Russia. His final role before retiring in 1993 was at the Army Secretariat’s Environmental Policy Office.
Even after retiring from active duty, John’s expertise was in demand. He helped develop power plants in Jordan and Bangladesh, and later returned to the Pentagon to train first responders on nuclear effects and EMP survivability. In this role, he supported efforts within the Department of Energy, Homeland Security, and Secretary of Defense’s office before retiring a second time in 2012.
Beyond his professional achievements, John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and Christian. He and Linda raised two daughters, Angela Troy and Denise Ramsey, and cherished five grandchildren. Linda passed away in 2009 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Denise recalls that her father often said, “Why would you watch someone else, when you could do it yourself?” - a mantra that encouraged both daughters to pursue excellence and independence.
In 2011, John found love again and married Maija Liisa Jussila, whom he met through church. “I thought having one godly wife was enough blessing for a lifetime,” he later wrote. “But the Lord had other plans.” Their marriage was filled with faith, adventure, and joy. “On every birthday or anniversary,” Maija recalled, “John would say, ‘Pack your bags,’ and we’d be off to some mystery destination.”
Even in retirement, John taught Bible studies, mentored others, and remained active in his church community.
John Kuspa lived a life of purpose defined by service, guided by faith, and filled with humility. In the final pages of his West Point 50th reunion memoir, he reflected: “All the important work and accomplishments in my careersand even my delightful families and friends - will pass away. They amount to nothing compared to my becoming a born-again believer in Jesus Christ.”
He concluded with the words of Mark 8:36:“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?”
Colonel John Paul Kuspa gained far more than the world—he gained a legacy of integrity, faith, and honor that will live on in all who knew him.
Southgate celebrates a series of grand openings this spring
Southgate is buzzing with new energy as several exciting businesses have opened their doors this spring, each bringing unique services and experiences to the community.
THE THERAPY COLLECTIVE OF MICHIGAN
On April 26th, The Therapy Collective of Michigan officially opened at 13330 Fort Street. Founded by Emily Wezner-Stepaniak, LPC, NCC, the practice is dedicated to fostering mind and body wellness through a holistic approach to psychotherapy. The Collective’s mission is to normalize therapy and create a welcoming space where authenticity and vulnerability are not only accepted but encouraged. Emphasizing the vital connection between mental and physical health, TCM’s therapists take a human-first approach—showing up as their full selves in every session and supporting clients on their journey toward personal growth and healing.
Q&A ABILITIES CENTER
Southgate welcomed another valuable mental health resource on May 22nd with the opening of Q&A Abilities Center at 13760 Dix-Toledo Road. Led by Jean Herbison, the center is your comprehensive partner in mental and behavioral health, offering specialized care for individuals with developmental disabilities, including
children and adults on the Autism Spectrum. Their state-of-the-art facility provides a wide range of services such as applied behavior analysis (ABA), occupational therapy, speech therapy, individual and family therapy, and parent training. Q&A also specializes in supporting individuals with anxiety, depression, sensory disorders, ADHD, and more—making it a critical new
asset for families in the Southgate community.
ROOM 1724
Just a few days later on May 30th, Room 1724 opened at 14685 Northline Road, adding an elegant new event space to the community. Owned by Tamara Owens, Room 1724 features a modern, all-white interior and a versatile layout that can accommodate up to 80 guests. The venue offers customizable packages tailored to any celebration—whether it’s a birthday party, baby shower, proposal, or special gathering. Room 1724 also partners with local vendors and provides exclusive on-site deals, turning any event into a memorable experience.
From wellness and therapy to inclusive care and celebration, Southgate’s spring grand openings are a testament to a growing community that supports health, happiness, and connection.
The Therapy Collective of Michigan
Room 1724
Q&A Abilities Center
Photos by Jim Jacek
STA ball teams looking strong heading into postseason
Anderson High School’s baseball and softball teams are heading into the postseason with momentum and confidence after closing out regular play
with solid performances and notable wins.
Varsity Softball recently hosted their annual “Pink-Out” game, honoring loved ones affected by cancer—a meaningful tradition matched with a win over Taylor. The team also added victories against Lincoln Park and Clarenceville, finishing regular season
play with a 14-11 record. Their postseason run was set to continue beyond press deadlines.
JV Softball wrapped up their schedule on a high note, collecting wins against both Lincoln Park and Taylor.
Titans golf team swinging well
The Anderson Titans golf team is making headlines with their recent surge in performance. After starting the season at the back of the Downriver League, the varsity team made a remarkable leap, finishing second at the recent CarlsonWoodhaven-Taylor match-up.
Top performers in the 9-hole event included Nicholas Rogowski, who secured 4th place with a score of 42, Evan Murasky, finishing 8th with a 44, and Jaxon Tsoursis, taking 10th with a 46. Their efforts played a key role in the team’s impressive finish.
The junior varsity team also made a strong showing at their first 18-hole tournament held at Fellows Creek Golf Course. Vincent Sullivan finished in the Top 15 with a score of 98. Josh Bedard placed in the Top 20 with a 100, while Tyler Braddock and Saul Reyna landed in the Top 30 with scores of 104 and 111, respectively.
One factor driving the team’s progress is the recent addition of a golf simulator, funded through district bond investments. The simulator provides players with year-round practice opportunities, even when weather or scheduling keeps them off the course.
With growing confidence, stronger tools, and dedicated athletes, Anderson’s golf program is proving to be a rising force in the league.
On the baseball side, Varsity Baseball continued to build on a successful season with repeat wins over Wyandotte and Carlson, as well as strong showings against Lincoln Park and Salem. The Titans closed out regular
season play at 23-12, entering the postseason as a competitive presence in the region.
JV-A Baseball contributed wins over
Taylor, Wyandotte, and Lincoln Park, while JV-B earned victories against Riverview and Salem, reflecting the program’s depth and development across the board.
As the playoffs continue, both Anderson baseball and softball are looking strong and poised for a competitive finish to the season.
Seniors celebrate college signings
This May, three more AHS seniors were recognized for their hard work, talent, and dedication as they signed letters of intent to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. Each signing marked the start of an exciting new chapter, celebrated by the people who supported them along the way.
Melody Ballinger signed to play basketball for Indiana Tech University. The ceremony was a proud moment, with friends, teammates, and mentors on hand to cheer her on and celebrate her accomplishment.
Anderson girls’ soccer wraps up a solid season
The Anderson Titans girls’ soccer team showed grit and determination throughout their season, with several hard-fought matches and a strong showing in the Downriver League.
After a tightly contested draw against Allen Park, the Titans bounced back with impressive wins over Taylor and Melvindale. Their momentum carried into the playoffs, where they opened on May 22nd with a commanding 3-0 home victory over Melvindale in the district quarterfinals.
However, their postseason run came to an end on May 27th, when the Titans faced the Riverview Pirates in the district semifinals. Despite a strong effort, Anderson fell 0-4, closing out a spirited campaign.
Jozie Armos signed to compete on the University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire gymnastics team. Since gymnastics is not a high school sport, making a college team is a remarkable achievement. She marked the occasion with a gathering of family and close supporters.
Madi Lenardo signed to cheer for Central Michigan University. Her celebration included family, friends, coaches, and members of the AHS administration, all recognizing her dedication and school spirit.
In the competitive Downriver League, Trenton led the standings, followed by Gibraltar Carlson, Dearborn Edsel Ford, and Brownstown Woodhaven. Anderson finished 5th with a 5-6-1 record in conference play and an overall record of 8-9-2.
The team’s season was marked by growth, teamwork, and resilience—laying a strong foundation for the future.
Armos
Ballinger
Lenardo
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Southgate alumni skaters honor former coaches
By DAN GRETZNER
Southgate residents and former coaches John Rafferty and John Petrlich helped organize the 4th Annual Southgate Hockey Alumni Game on May 17th with a ceremonial puck drop as skaters competed in a new format with three teams in three games.
Rafferty was among several Southgate police officers who coached in the Southgate Hockey Association. He began coaching the Mite division Red Wings in the 1970s with colleague Barry Soper. His son, Jeff Rafferty, and grandson, Brendan Rafferty, were opposing goaltenders in the alumni game. Barry’s son, Todd Soper, also played in the alumni game.
“Once a year, I look forward to lacing up the skates and playing the game of hockey with old friends and players from my childhood,” said Jeff Rafferty. “It also gives me the opportunity to play against my son, Brendan. This year was extra special because we honored my dad, who was my first coach and got me into hockey when I was young. This year, having my father drop the puck with my son and I on the ice is a memory that I will never forget.”
Petrlich, a former Aquinas High School varsity coach in the 1980s, was joined on the ice by his sons John and Mike Petrlich as Raiders alumni fielded a white, black, and gold team for the first time in the
INTRODUCING THE
event. Petrlich started his hockey coaching career in 1969 when the city built their original outdoor ice rink. He coached through the Southgate Parks & Recreation Department into 1979 before leading the Aquinas High School hockey program.
The games included a mix of graduates from four Southgate high schools (Anderson, Aquinas, Schafer, and Southgate) teamed up with former youth players in the Southgate Hockey Association.
“Who says you can never go back? Oh yes you can, if only for a day!” said David Blanton, a Southgate Hockey youth player and Trenton High School 1987 graduate.
With player game fees and contributions, the game raised $784 after expenses to donate to the South-
gate Parks & Recreation to support youth hockey. In 2024, the game raised $713.70.
Each of the three teams played the other team once in a 25-minute, stop-time game. For the record, Team White beat Team Blue, 3-0, while Aquinas bested Team White, 5-2. Team Blue bounced back to defeat Aquinas, 3-0. Goalies and Southgate residents Jeff Rafferty and son Brendan posted the two shut outs.
Friends of Southgate hockey are encouraged to join the “Southgate Hockey Memories” group on Facebook. 2025 game highlights and a short video are posted.
Mark your calendars for the 5th Annual Southgate Hockey Alumni Game Series, May 16th, 2026.
KEY FEATURES
George. We invite you to ta ke par t in a specia l oppor tunity to sponsor or dona te the sta tue in loving memor y of a family member.
Photo by Jordan Gretzner
DOWNRIVERCU ANSWERS
Watch for ‘Gray Charges’
There are many reasons you should be checking your credit and debit card statements each month to monitor your expenses, and spotting ‘gray charges’ is one of them.
Gray charges are expenses you may have forgotten about, or surprise charges that might have been deceptively tied to another offer you signed up for. They can also include accidental overcharges and double-billings.
Many of these charges come from ‘free trial’ offers or things such as subscriptions that automatically roll over when they are due, according to research released by BillGuard, a company that monitors credit card usage.
And while these charges are usually legitimate, at times they are somewhat deceptive. This is because there are some businesses that rely on you to forget to cancel an offer before costs kick in, or not reading the fine print when you purchase something.
While you can try to fight gray charges, it’s better to avoid these costs in the first place.
Here are some tips to protect yourself:
Beware of ‘free trial’ offers. Red lights should flash in your head if something is ‘free’ but a business wants your credit or debit card information at the time you sign up. Read the terms closely. Is there a cost once the trial ends? How much is it? How can you avoid it? Remember that ‘free’ usually is just a way to turn you into a paying customer.
purchase, such as a magazine or video subscription, future product shipments, or an extended warranty plan.
When purchasing a product, always read the fine print and look for boxes that might automatically be checked. Look for hidden fees, conditions or service charges, and be sure there isn’t another offer tied to your
When you subscribe to something, check for automatic renewals and to see if you’re starting at a reduced fee … because you could be paying much more at renewal time. Often, subscriptions made online will auto-renew until you cancel them, and you need to keep an eye on cost creep – higher charges from one billing to another. Be aware of what you expected to pay and how to cancel a subscription if necessary.
Use a calendar to keep track of when ‘free’ trials end and be sure to keep details of how to cancel an offer before charges begin. Having a good filing system to keep track of due dates, costs and contracts will help you keep track of fees and the businesses you are dealing with.
Can you fight the charges?
It pays to be aware of these costs before you get hit with them because they can be hard to dispute if they were part of the written terms you agreed to.
But you do have options.
If you truly feel there has been a billing mistake or that you have been deceived or defrauded, contact the business and explain why you’re contacting them. Make sure to have evidence which proves your contention. Ask to have the charges reversed, or for an immediate cancellation so you won’t have to pay again.
If that doesn’t work, lodge a detailed dispute with your card issuer for charges you are sure you didn’t initiate. Remember, the key to avoiding gray charges is knowing what you are getting into at the start.
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WFD launches new secure lock box program
The Wyandotte Fire Department is proud to announce the launch of a new program designed to provide seniors and disabled residents with faster access to emergency care when they need it most. This initiative will provide secure lock boxes for qualifying residents, allowing firefighters and paramedics to enter homes quickly and safely during emergencies—without the need to force entry and cause property damage.
The program is made possible through additional funding from Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital, BASF Corp., and the Wyandotte Rotary Club, demonstrating a strong community commitment to protecting Wyandotte’s most vulnerable residents.
SEE PAGE 3
reflects on baseball journey
Becoming a coaching legend takes time, dedication, and a genuine love for the game. Trenton base-
ball coach Todd Szalka certainly fits that description, both on the field and in the classroom.
Szalka earned his 400th career win this season in a matchup against Gibraltar Carlson on April 17th.
His passion for coaching began early. His father, Gary Szalka, was a longtime varsity coach at Melvindale High School, and it didn’t take long for Todd to follow in his footsteps.
“I started coaching when I was in high school, doing T-ball for the City of Woodhaven,” Todd said. “After college each year, I would come back and help out at Woodhaven and/or Melvindale on a volunteer basis. While at Central Michigan University, I coached the club baseball team before joining CMU’s varsity team as a student coach. After the fall season, I returned to playing for the club team.
SEE PAGE 14
GI Fire Department issues
With the on-going bridge closure impacting traffic on and off Grosse Ile, the Grosse Ile
particularly while crossing the toll bridge. Emergency responders frequently need to cross the island’s bridges with lights and sirens activated. In these situations, it is crucial for drivers to understand that they should not stop while on the bridge. Stopping can create dangerous conditions, as it is extremely difficult for emergency vehicles to pass on the narrow bridge, especially when there is oncoming traffic.
Instead, GIFD advises that drivers continue at a safe, steady speed until they have completely crossed the bridge. Once off the bridge and in a safe location, drivers should then pull to the side of the road at the earliest safe opportunity to allow the emergency vehicle to pass.
SEE PAGE 5
GR boys track makes history with MITCA state title
The Riverview Gabriel Richard boys track and field team etched their names into the record books this season by capturing the MITCA Team State Championship for the first time in school history. The Pioneers dominated the competition, finishing more than 185 points ahead of runner-up Kalamazoo Hackett. Leading the way was Joey Calhoun, who won the 100-meter dash in 11.1 seconds. Derek Lesko took the 200-meter dash title with a time of 22.38. The sprint relay teams were equally impressive. The 4x100-meter relay team of Antonio Sobush, Nick Sobush, Lesko, and Calhoun won with a time of 44.17. The 4x200-meter relay team, Calhoun, Wisdom Nwadioha, Antonio Sobush, and Lesko, claimed first place with a time of 1:30.05, breaking the MITCA meet record in the process.
SEE PAGE 18
Szalka earns 400th win,
bridge safety reminder
Fire Department is reminding drivers of proper protocol when encountering emergency vehicles—
