Snowmobile Club receives major upgrades
FORSYTH TOWNSHIP — A club that stays heavily involved with the community received some much needed help today.
When I arrived at the Forsyth Township Snowmobile Club today, I expected to cover a roof replacement. What I saw was much more than that.
“There’s no way we could have done this on our own,” said Project Leader and Club Member Robert Taylor. “As far as a non–profit club, we barely make it just paying for our utilities. Without the help of these contractors and volunteers, there’s no way we would be able to rebuild this clubhouse. This is going to take this into the next generations to come.”
Multiple organizations spent Wednesday and Thursday renovating the clubhouse, which hadn’t been touched since the early 1960’s when it was built. What started as a $15,000 roof donation snowballed into more than $35,000 donated from Dan Perkins Construction, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, AstroUP, and Floors & More.
“Our employees decided that this would be a great way to get out into the community, and get out and help the snowmobile club, said Marquette Lowe’s Store Manager Mark Byczek. “We have around 15 volunteers, and we donated some $4,000 worth of materials. It’s great to see the progress we’re doing over here for the community.”
“These guys are all coming together because they see the need and the importance of ATV safety training. As you see in the news, there are always people getting injured or hurt or even killed. We offer free training here, and we feed the kids and adults when they come out, and we have kids from all over the U.P. come out,” said Taylor.
The volunteers want the club members and those learning about snowmobiling or ORV operation to feel more comfortable inside their renewed club. Donated resources included roofing materials, appliances, cabinets, siding, paint and even labor.
“You see these people out here volunteering their time and labor; everyone’s getting along and having a great time, and they’re all willing to support this great project,” said Taylor.
Lowe’s, while being a nationwide organization, doesn’t mind helping out a local organization. With countless employees having grown up in the Upper Peninsula, helping a cause near and dear to Yoopers’ hearts was a no–brainer.
“We really want to make a difference. Even if it’s not set by corporate, what projects we can do, we really try to go above and beyond as much as we can,” said Byczek. “I think it really makes our employees feel like they’re making a difference in our community, which is a good feeling.”
The work just serves as yet another example of the unity shown up in God’s Country.