Toast of the Town … Let’s get healthy!

By Charles Sercombe
While Saturday morning, for many folks, is usually reserved for chores, and maybe a brunch, this past Saturday hundreds of folks got on a health kick.
Actually, make that a health hike, as in the annual Hamtramck Drug Free Coalition’s 5K Health Hike.
Despite the threat of a downpour — and it turned out that there were only a few sprinkles — the 200 or more people attending learned a number of healthy tips for better living.
The message was simple: you can lead a sober life and, yes, still have fun. We know, Hamtramck has a decades-old reputation as a hard-drinking town, which at one time was known for its dozens of bars and other neighborhood joints.
These days, the bars are fewer and farther between. Those old days have faded away.
The best thing about this turn-around is there are fewer hangovers, empty bank accounts or severe health consequences down the road. Toast has seen all too well, the ravages of what alcohol does to the body.
Adults and kids joined in the hike — or run, if you preferred — for a tour of the city.
Many of those who attended got bright red T-shirts with sayings that emphasized the pleasures of a sober life.
Saturday turned out to be a busy day.
Later in the afternoon, Toast stopped by the Hamtramck Historical Museum, where it hosted a talk by local historian Gary Gillette, who specializes in the history of baseball’s Negro League.
Hamtramck was once home to the Detroit Stars who were part of that league and played at Hamtramck’s historic baseball stadium which has recently been renovated and is now absolutely gorgeous.
You can now catch games played there on most weekends.
The lecture, which featured numerous projections of early photos of folks in Hamtramck, was specifically about race relations between Poles and African-Americans.
Let’s just say that relationship was tangled. Surprisingly, perhaps, race relations here were generally on the plus side – considering the complicated history of the city and this nation.
If you haven’t visited the museum, we have to wonder: why not?
Do yourself a favor and get there and discover this city’s fascinating history and development over the many decades we’ve been a community.
Hamtramck is always evolving with, and being shaped by each new generation of immigrants. The journey is worth exploring, and it’s a microcosm of America’s own complex past and present.
You know, all this talk of health living makes a guy want to go out and get a drink. Kidding, folks, kidding.

When it comes to good food and great times, Hamtramck has plenty to offer. In this column, we’ll talk about what’s happening at our bars, restaurants and at other events throughout the city.
Posted May 22, 2026