Mayor mobilizes volunteers to rake leaves in Madison Heights

MADISON HEIGHTS — Continuing a biannual tradition that started eight years ago under a different administration, Mayor Roslyn Grafstein is recruiting volunteers to help her rake leaves at homes around the city where the occupants may be in need of assistance.

“It’s a great way to get out and be with other people, and it’s something that people of all ages can do to make a difference,” Grafstein said.

The plan is to meet at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 at the new Active Adult Center, located at 260 W. 13 Mile Road between City Hall and the library at Madison Heights Civic Center Plaza.

Registration is recommended for the event, so that the organizers can plan. Those looking to volunteer are encouraged to email the mayor directly at roslyngrafstein@madison-heights.org.

Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own rakes, gloves, and any other supplies they may need for raking. Bags will not be necessary, since Madison Heights offers a service where leaves raked into the streets are vacuumed up by a special truck that is deployed in the fall.

The mayor will have a list of homes that are in need of help. Once the number of volunteers has been determined, the work will be divided up, with volunteers dispatched to different homes.

The event, called “Rake with the Mayor,” started eight years ago under Brian Hartwell, then the mayor of Madison Heights and now the judge of the 43rd District Court in Hazel Park. It has continued every two years, again under Hartwell in 2018 and then under his successor Grafstein in 2020 and 2022. Grafstein also volunteered alongside Hartwell during the first two outings.

“This is my third time hosting it, but my fifth time participating,” Grafstein said. “We’ve had school groups and Scout troops come out. We’ve had families and younger siblings helping out. We’ve also had seniors who want do something to give back to their community. And it’s always nice to meet the volunteers, as well as the residents we’re helping.”

While the number of participants fluctuates from year to year, Grafstein estimates past outings have averaged around 50 volunteers reaching about as many homes. Each group typically handles four or five houses. Sometimes, the group takes on additional helpers — and homes — as other residents in the neighborhood note what’s happening.

“We’ve had situations where someone is at a house raking, and then an elderly neighbor may ask if they can rake for them, too. And, of course, we’re happy to help. They (the homeowners) always appreciate community members coming out to do this,” Grafstein said. “We’ve had chilly weather in the past where we’ve had to bundle up, but never wet weather. I can’t control the weather, of course, but as long as it’s not too wet, we should be fine.”

The higher the turnout, the more homes they will be able to reach, she added.

“How many houses we get done will depend on both the number of homes on the list and how many people show up to volunteer,” Grafstein said.

The mayor hopes the experience will inspire people to volunteer for other causes in the city such as the GFWC Madison Heights Women’s Club, the Madison Heights Goodfellows, the Madison Heights Lions Club and the Madison Heights Food Pantry.

“Both of my daughters are gone to college now, but the last few years they volunteered at the food pantry, getting their honors hours, and they enjoyed it so much that they continued volunteering after reaching their hours,” Grafstein said. “They knew it made a difference, giving back to others.”

She also noted that volunteerism can provide valuable real-world skills such as managing the logistics of an operation — something that can be marketable when applying for a job.

The mayor also encourages people to keep an eye on local boards and commissions in Madison Heights. In recent years, the city has streamlined the process so that the council only makes appointments to the boards in February and August. But the city still accepts applications year-round.

“So if someone has a specific interest or skill that they think would work well with one of our boards or commissions, I encourage them to take a look,” Grafstein said. “For example, if you’re interested in the history of our city, you could be a good fit for the Historical Commission. Right now, I’m currently looking for residents who are civil engineers or architects or who work in real estate who may be interested in volunteering on our Planning Commission. Their expertise could be helpful.”

Sean Fleming, a member of the Madison Heights City Council, is the council representative for the Crime Commission, which advises council on police practices, community outreach and crime prevention policies. He also serves on the Zoning Board of Appeals, and as the council alternate on the Historical Commission, which oversees the city’s museum, known as the Heritage Rooms.

He said that serving on a citizen board is a way to have a real impact.

“The city staff cannot do everything by itself. We need volunteers, and we look for them on boards such as the Historical Commission, which needs people to open the Heritage Rooms,” Fleming said. “Lately, many volunteer organizations in the area have seen their numbers going down as their helpers get older. And the replenishment of new members has been a challenge. So, I really encourage everyone to step up and do their part, if they can. We really appreciate the work that the volunteers do. And in the future, I’d even like to devise some sort of recognition program for the volunteers who volunteer with the city itself.”