By Steve Rossio, Heritage Room Coordinator, Portage District Library

David Lee Sutfin grew up in Southwest Michigan at a time when Europe began its tragic journey into World War I. Not wanting to be left out, Dave volunteered to serve in the American Expeditionary Force under Colonel Joseph Westnedge where he did his duty as a combat medic under the harshest conditions. This program will bring Dave to life through a vast array of primary documents, letters and photographs he left behind.

Steve Rossio is the current Heritage Room Coordinator at the Portage District Library in Portage, Michigan, a position he has held for going on twenty-seven years. A life-long resident of Kalamazoo County, Steve graduated with his history degree from Western Michigan University. Steve has always had a strong interest in United States military history and has used this interest to interview countless veterans on their experiences as well as conduct in depth research on various areas including what you will hear about in this program.

By Sandra Wilcox, author

We are constantly bombarded by obstacles to our success, and the quickest way to attract new obstacles is to try and accomplish something big. Whether we’re opening a new business, overcoming an addiction, or fulfilling a lifelong dream, we will undoubtedly encounter plenty of opposition. How creating Positive Momentum can help us not only overcome and survive but utilize obstacles and opposition as fuel for our success.

Sandra Wilcox, who writes under the name Sandra Grey, is the author of several short stories and the award-winning historical fiction series Traitor. Sandra’s newest Cold War thriller, Counterpoint, is set to be released by her publisher in 2026. She will have copies of her current books available for sale after the program. Sandra lives on a small farm in southwest Michigan, where she grows blueberries, chickens, a flock of children, and dreams.

By John N. Low, JD, Ph.D.

Professor Low will share the story of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi and their influence on southwest Michigan. From ancient times to the present and future, the Pokagon Potawatomi have always relied on the power of storytelling to sustain themselves and their community.

John N. Low received his Ph.D. in American Culture at the University of Michigan and is an enrolled citizen of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians. He is also the recipient of a graduate certificate in Museum Studies and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Michigan. He is a retired Professor from Ohio State University and former Director of the Newark Earthworks Center.