Lincoln Twp. Community Action Group

WELCOME SIGNS- Three “Welcome to Lake George” signs were placed on the three major roads into town. Signs were also constructed for Bertha Lake, Silver Lake and White Birch Lakes. Each area got to design their own sign. (Lincoln Township Board Approved) Project Leader: Charlotta Ripley

TRASH RECEPTACLES- New trash receptacles were distributed in the downtown area and lake easements. (Lincoln Township Board Approved) Project Leader: Julie Ringley

CLEAR VISION AREA- (Citizen’s Park) The area adjacent to the Township Hall where the old gas station once stood was transformed into a little park with the help of many volunteers. A backdrop fence was installed; raised beds with landscaping bricks were constructed along with two brick patio pads to house the benches. Master Gardeners chose the plantings. The park was named Citizens Park and dedicated in a ribbon cutting ceremony Memorial Weekend 2007. (Lincoln Township Board Approved) Project Leader: Janice Chapman

DOWNTOWN ENHANCEMENT GRANT- This topic was discussed at the first meeting of the LTCAG. It was decided to investigate a possible grant through the Michigan Department of Transportation with the Township Board approval. Proposal is for resurfacing, drainage, sidewalks, street lights, greenscape and parking. The board also approved to spend monies needed to hire an engineer. Steve Stocking from the C.C. Road Commission took the lead. ( Township Board Approved) Project Leader: Kim Smith

ROAD END/EASEMENT SIGNS- These signs needed to be updated. Roger Carey presented the wording to the LGPOA for input. The Road Commission had 9 road end signs, 5 lake signs, and 4 park signs fabricated of metal. They were installed by the Township. (Lincoln Township Board Approved) Project Leader: Roger Carey

CURFEW- It was proposed that Lincoln Township follow Clare & Harrison in a curfew for those under 17. Their ordinance states 10:00 p.m. weekdays and 12:00 p.m. weekends. This was submitted to the Township Board and a public hearing was scheduled for July 10. (Township Board Approved) Project Leader: J. R. Ringley

BANK- The loss of the bank in Lake George has caused a great inconvenience for our citizen’s. Bill Bergey offered to get in touch with several banks to see if we could entice one to come to our area. The feedback from the banks was that they may be interested. After on site visits they declined stating that their marketing team would never allow it due to the condition and appearance of the town. It was decided to table this project until after the Downtown Enhancement Program was in progress. Project Leader: Bill Bergey

SHINGLE PARK GRANT- It was agreed that we try to assist Carol Majewski in the resubmission of the grant and reaching the October 1st deadline. Contacts were made with Jim Hergot, Jason Cherry, and Tim Moore’s office. Ed Kerr from Clare County Enterprise Community wrote a letter of recommendation that could result in additional points.
Project Leaders: Don Sladick & Janice Chapman

TELECOMMUNICATIONS-It was suggested that we investigate the possibility of wireless through the MI Broadband Authority. Other avenues explored were grants which didn’t appear to be any available at that time, the M-33 access Aerial Link and the Samsung Mobile WI MAX. Communications were continued with Aerial Link. It was learned that the leaf canopy was an extreme problem and a T-Line through the phone company may be needed but later learned it may not be an option. A tower with a small bouncer was also a possibility. Mid Mi Innovations was contacted and also a seminar in Gaylord was attended by two members to try to glean new information. LTCAG networked with CC Enterprise Community as well. Their committee was experiencing similar difficulties and reported that many parts of the state had the same problems. This ongoing effort has continued but now shows relief since Charter now provides high speed internet. Project Leader: Marcia Wentworth

ROADSIDE PICK-UP- In May volunteers picked up roadside trash on three main roads in the Lake George area. Bags and vest were provided by the C.C. Road Commission. This project is an annual one, having been implemented in 2007, continued in 2008 and scheduled for May 2, 2009. Project Leader: Julie Ringley

CITIZEN’S PARK- Storybook Readings for children was planned for Labor Day Weekend 2007 at the park. Flyers were distributed. Cookies and juice were donated by the some of the LTCAG members. Books were donated by the Pere Marquette Library to hand out to the children. Janice Chapman and Barbara Harrrington did the readings. This event was repeated in 2008 with different readings and Beanie Babies were donated by Deb Briggs to give to the children.

TOWNSHIP HALL GENERATOR GRANT- Since the hall is a designated emergency shelter it was pointed out that some improvements could be made to the building. A grant through USDA in cooperation of Clare County Enterprise was applied for in 2007 and awarded in 2008 for the generator. (Lincoln Township Board Approved) Project Leaders: Don Sladick & Janice Chapman

CHILDREN’S HALLOWEEN & CHRISTMAS PARTIES- The LTCAG has volunteered to help out with these parties for the last couple of years. They have offered their services to aid Clerk, Carol Majewski and the Board in this effort. A new twist was made to the Halloween party in 2008. Instead of the traditional party a Trunk or Treat was held in the Hall parking lot with numerous LTCAG volunteers dressed in costume and donating candy.

CITIZEN’S PARK CHRISTMAS LIGHTING CEREMONY- The park has been decorated with Christmas lights, roping, and bows for the third year. Each year the LTCAG decorates and sings carols to kick off the holiday season. Project Leaders: Barbara and Wayne Harrington

CEMETERY SIGN- Lincoln Township Cemetery has never had a sign. Mid Mi College was contacted to see if the welding class could make a sign as a school project. They agreed to offer free labor if the Township could pay for the supplies. Designs were presented to the Township Board. They choose the design and approved the proposed cost. Installation will be by volunteers of LTCAG. It is estimated that the sign will be complete in the spring of 2009 with installation in the summer. (Township Board Approved) Project Leader: Deb Briggs

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH- Lt. Rick Miller discussed how to set up a Neighborhood Watch program at the June 2008 meeting. Signs have been printed and will be installed in spring of 2009. A committee has formed to determine the placements of signs. Project Leaders: Don Sladick & Jan Penton

MEET THE CANDIDATES: Three separate ‘Meet the Candidates’ were held for voters so they could meet those on the ballot for the November election in 2008. Refreshments were provided through donations of the LTCAG. Project Leader: Don Sladick

CLEAN-UP ON FOREST AVE.- There was a problem illegal dumping area near the railroad tracks on Forest. A dumpster was donated by Linden Bebe to get rid of the refuse. Project Leader: J.R. Ringley

COMMUNITY CONNECTION- This service day for families in need was held on November 18th, 2008 at the Lion’s Club Building. Many members of the LTCAG unloaded the food truck, passed out coats, and prepared gift baskets. It was estimated that over 300 families benefited. Continuum of Care, Clare County Enterprise Community, and the MI Coalition against Homelessness sponsored the event.

SHINGLE PARK RESTORATION-This project will begin in Spring of 2009. Many volunteers will be needed. Discussion will be on the agenda for the May meeting.

Submitted by Lincoln Township Citizen’s Action Group Secretary,
Janice Chapman