Rosalyn “Rosie” Sadler, on the job at the Hamlin Township Transfer Site north of Ludington in Mason County, Michigan. Photo by Don Hansen.
By Don Hansen
(Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include Rosie’s married name of Sadler.)
Nestled in the timber off Dewey Road in Hamlin Township is a true treasure ⸺ not gold, silver or jewels. Something more precious. Her name is Rosalyn “Rosie” (Castonia) Sadler, 90 years young, who dons her safety vest every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, when she manages the Hamlin Township Transfer Site. There, she watches over the recycling and waste management for the citizens of Hamlin.
For 25 years, Rosie has overseen thousands of tons of waste and recycling that have moved through the site. Working with the highly praised Waste Reduction Systems, a family-owned Mason County waste hauler, she and others have helped make a major difference in the recycling efforts of the township.
Rosie comes from a family of 10, all born and raised in Ludington. She began working at age 14 at the old Market Basket Grocery in Ludington.
“I have worked with the public all my life,” she said, “including 16 years in one restaurant on James Street and in many of the bars in Ludington, such as the Tiki (Lounge) for seven years.”
Her daytime job at Needlefast Nursery for many years allowed her to work evenings and weekends at various establishments in Ludington.
More than 25 years ago, Rosie and her late husband, Bill, began working at the township’s transfer site. Bill, the fire chief for Hamlin, ran the site along with Rosie. She remembers working at the fire department, and with her husband, in those days. One of her duties was to use a phone tree to inform the firemen of a call, while Bill prepared equipment and crew for the run. Those were heady days for the two, and her eyes seemed to sparkle as she told me the story. After Bill passed away, she took over the transfer site duties.
The early 2000s were hard on Rosie and her family, with numerous family and friends passing, yet she endured. Work has been a driving force for Rosie, and her livelihood has centered on her duties serving the public all these years. Other than several weeks recovering from a broken leg last year, Rosie has seldom missed work.
“Why would anyone not want to work?” she replied, when I asked her what motivates her to work at her age. When I inquired if she felt that her work at the transfer site was helping the environment, she responded with a hearty, “Well Yah! Helping the environment is important, and we should continue to recycle. People are good here in Hamlin, and lots of people participate. In February and March, they came by the dozens, even during icy and snowy conditions.”
Rosie knows that she has more at stake than just a job. With dozens of her offspring in Mason County and beyond (as far as Florida), Rosie works for her family’s future well-being as well as her own livelihood.
Yes, there is a treasure in Hamlin. It’s “Rosie the Recycler,” a role model for all generations.
The Hamlin Township Transfer Site is located at 6565 W. Dewey Road in Ludington. Summer hours (beginning May 1) are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Contact the site at 231-845-7433 or the township office at 231-845-7401 with questions. For more information, visit the website at: www.hamlintownship.org/transfer.asp.
Don Hansen lives in Melrose, Iowa, and frequently visits friends in Ludington and Manistee. He is the author of four books, including his latest children’s story, “Meg and the Manistee Christmas,” available at Hoot and Honey bookstore in Manistee and the Book Mark in Ludington.
