Volunteers needed to ‘Rake with the Mayor’

MADISON HEIGHTS — Six years ago, Brian Hartwell — then the mayor of Madison Heights, now the judge of the 43rd District Court in Hazel Park — started a volunteer program where neighbors would rally together to rake yards across the city. The tradition carried over to the city’s new mayor, Roslyn Grafstein, who is putting out the call for this year’s event.

On Saturday, Nov. 5, starting at 9 a.m., volunteers will meet at the Madison Heights Active Adult Center, located at 29448 John R Road. Last year’s “Rake with the Mayor” event featured a map highlighting yards where the homeowner could use help raking. Volunteers were split into groups and assigned to different areas of the city.

Among the helpers in 2021 were football and volleyball players from Madison High School, National Honor Society members from Lamphere High and Page Middle School, and local Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops, plus families and individuals who formed their own group.

The mayor noted the event is biannual. The first time she participated was in 2018, when her family joined a group with Hartwell. She hosted it again in 2020 when she first became mayor.

“I plan on continuing the tradition again in two years,” Grafstein said via email. “It’s a great way to get a bit of exercise, some fresh air, and be of help to other residents in the city.”

Registration is recommended. Those looking to volunteer are encouraged to email the mayor directly at roslyngrafstein@madison-heights.org.

The mayor is also looking for more properties to rake, prioritizing residents with limited mobility. To request help, call (248) 583-0829 or (248) 545-3464.

“Once they have registered with the city, residents do not have to do anything. The volunteers will just show up and rake the leaves on the road,” Grafstein said. “Last year, there were a few groups out there that raked for other homes when they finished with their official list. As long as we get enough volunteers, every home should be taken care of in the morning.

“One of the great services Madison Heights offers is leaf pickup straight from the street, so our (Department of Public Services) will be provided with the addresses so that they can determine if any type of extra pickup will be required,” she added.

Grafstein said that volunteers are asked to bring their own rakes and gloves. She also anticipates that many of the same groups that helped in 2020 will return for the 2022 cleanup.

“In the past, program recipients have been thankful for the help, and volunteers have enjoyed the camaraderie of working together in the fresh air. Some have even taken a moment to jump in a leaf pile or two before heading to the next house,” the mayor said.

“Volunteering is a great way to connect to our community to help make where we live in a better place,” she continued. “For many, taking the morning to rake is an easy, fun way to get in a bit of fresh air and exercise. But for others, especially those with mobility issues, it seems like an insurmountable task. This program puts the two together, creating smiles for everyone involved.”

Chris Molencupp has been involved as a volunteer since Hartwell first started the program.

“He was able to get kids from the high schools and anyone else that would help. I got more involved when the Men’s Club started volunteering to help Brian out. Brian was a member back then,” Molencupp said in an email. “At this point, I started inviting the youth from Girl Scouts Troop 1589G and Boy Scouts Troop 1589B.

“It is always great helping those who are truly in need,” he said. “So many of these (recipients) spent many hours working with the youth in our community when they were younger. They helped in scouting, PTA, sports, etc. At the end of the day, I would let the youth know how important it was to the individuals they help. I often explain that in life you have to pay it forward, and hopefully one day you will receive that same help that you offered when you were younger. It is a very humbling experience that everyone should learn.”