By Roger Auble
Columbus Township Supervisor
Columbus Township took another important step toward McMillan’s revitalized future on Wednesday, Sept 10, with the installation of the freshly restored and re-painted Township Hall sign on the village’s historic Community Building.
Keinonen Tree Service assisted in the project’s completion with their boom truck, with graphic artists Tracy Patton and her mom Debbie Zbiciak on hand to oversee the re-hanging of their completed efforts. The event marked an important milestone in the Township Board’s long-term goal of community development and revitalization for McMillan, and included input from each current member of the Board.
Trustee Laura Generou was instrumental in facilitating completion of the project, applying final coats of urethane to help protect the restored sign’s finish. Other members of the board – Trustee Ed Stielstra, Clerk Jeff Anderson, Treasurer Dan Shultz, and Supervisor Roger Auble – also provided material and/or administrative support to see the Township Hall’s sign restored.
The sign’s primary artist and restoration expert, Tracy Patton, lives in Lansing but spent several years visiting the area with her parents when she was young and has always felt a strong attachment to and affinity for the McMillan area community. She and her husband recently purchased a vacation property in Lakefield Township and remain active in her Columbus connections through her mom.
Debbie Zbiciak spent many years vacationing in the U.P. with her late husband and has property on Peanut Lake in northern Columbus Township. They became involved in the project through a post — “Things I Liked About Growing Up in McMillan” on the Friends of McMillan Facebook group.
Beginning in early August, they worked together in Patton’s garage to restore and refresh the old sign during her visits to the area. The result of their work is remarkable; Columbus Township Hall now has a fresh, more inviting appearance thanks to the restoration efforts.
Patton and Zbiciak were honored with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Columbus Township Board at the sign’s reinstallation event last Wednesday morning. Each received a complimentary copy of the History of Columbus Township, originally published in April 2000. But the most important part of this story is that: Both women are now each a vital part of Columbus Township’s history!
The Board is hoping others in the McMillan area will be encouraged by Tracy and Debbie’s initiative and willingness to become part of Columbus Township’s story. We are seeking ideas and input to continue the community’s revitalization efforts.
Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to attend and participate in the Township’s monthly meetings – held at 6 p.m., on the second Tuesday of each month.
Many thanks again to all who took part in the project, with special thanks to Tracy and her mom, Debbie!
