Discount cards now available raise funds for historic school
TRI-CITY AREA — Finding ways to save a few bucks here and there has just gotten a whole lot easier for local shoppers.
A brand new Imlay City/Almont discount card is now available, offering a variety of savings at businesses around the area.
The cards are just $10, and consumers can save on purchases at New China Buffet, Bomb Burgers, Taco Bell, Big Boy, McDonald’s, DQ Chill & Grill, Wendy’s, Pizza Machine, Timmer’s Maryland Fried Chicken, Hungry Howie’s, Big Joe’s and Jet’s Pizza in Imlay City; and Roza’s Pizza, A & W, Buccilli’s and Vinckier Foods in Almont.
Students pictured outside the Flansburg School in the 1945-46 school year are (back) Joyce Ennis, Jerry Ferrett, Joyce Ferrett, Albert Lindke, Frances Terpening, Shirley Terpening, Mary Lou Plavik, (front) Marvin Menzel, who is hidden behind Shirley Harp, Nancy Smith, Barbara Terpening, Katherine Ferrett, JoAnn Terpening, Elaine Smith, JoAnn Wolzer and Ralph Menzel. Not pictured is Harold Berry, who was absent that day.
Discounts are also available at Don’s Auto Repair, Backyard Creations, Sun Star Tanning, and Imlay City Florist in Imlay City as well as Almont’s Hideaway Lanes, Mandy J’s Florist & Gifts, as well as Grondin’s Hair Center and Dunham’s Sports.
While saving on new purchases, those who invest in the $10 cards are helping preserve the past, says Vicki Marr, a volunteer with the Flansburgh Old School House preservation project in Goodland Township.
Marr says the cards offer employers, business owners and those looking to give a useful gift an opportunity to do just that.
“I’m hoping local businesses will want to buy multiple cards to pass out for customer appreciation or as a little gift to their employees,” Marr says. “It helps local businesses and it helps a good local cause, too.”
The historic Flansburgh School restoration project is of great interest to Marr, a longtime resident of Goodland Township. Fascinated by local history, Marr says she’s happy to help preserve the link to the past that the Flansburgh Old school House provides.
“I just love discovering more about our history, and the only way to do it is to find the funds needed to preserve the schoolhouse,” Marr says. “It’s a part of history people can actually see and touch.”
People can literally do just that when they visit the Goodland Township Hall and/or Library, which is located adjacent to the schoolhouse.
The building, moved from its original location years ago, now sits on a foundation on township property, has porches and handrails and is ADA accessible.
Currently, funds are needed to help with heating and cooling costs. Eventually, the historic Flansburgh School will house the township’s historical society and museum. Volunteers are hoping to carry on with fundraising efforts to continue to restore and improve the building for all to enjoy.
Marr will be visiting area employers and businesses to sell the cards. She has 500 available.
“It truly is a win-win for everyone, whether they buy them to use or to hand out,” she says.
Marr adds that she hopes the 2024 discount card will include more businesses, resulting in more sales for the participating businesses and more funds for the schoolhouse.
“We are so grateful to all of the businesses that participated on the card for this fundraiser,” Marr says. “Next year we hope to keep it going and make it even bigger.”
To order cards, stop in the Goodland Township office Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Call 810-724-0169 during business hours and provide your company name, address, phone number and contact information along with the number of cards requested. Arrangements will be made for hand-delivery of the discount cards to businesses located in the Imlay City area.
Catherine Minolli is Managing Editor of the Tri-City Times. She began as a freelance writer with the Times in 1994. She enjoys the country life, including raising ducks and chickens.
