Shelby Township Senior Center recognizes artist of June through August

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — The Shelby Township Senior Center has announced that its featured artist for the month of June through August is John Mordus.

Mordus was an over-the-road truck driver for many years. He eventually started his own trucking company that would grow to 18 tractors and 35 trailers. When it was time to retire, Mordus knew he had to retire to something — not just retire from trucking.

When he saw a computer numerical control machine demonstrated, he said, “I want one of those.” That was the beginning of “Routerville, USA.”

Mordus had limited computer experience, but not one to give up, he learned what he needed to know to become proficient. Now, Mordus designs, cuts and paints attractive signs and plaques. Mordus credits his wife of 42 years, Debra, with forcing him to not use the machine as a coat rack.

Custom designs are his specialty. He loves taking an idea and making it even better than his client thought was possible.

“I’m just fortunate enough to be able to do something I enjoy in retirement that actually pays for itself, as well as bringing some enjoyment to others,” he said.

He said he gets his materials at good prices so that his customers can get his creative work at good prices, too.

“My items are reasonably priced, mostly because I do enough volume to get materials at contractor prices and, since I’m retired, don’t rely on the income for living expenses. We have a permanent display at Canterbury Village in Lake Orion, an Etsy store (RoutervilleUSA), and set up booths at the Toledo Polish Festival, the American Polish Century Club Festival in Sterling Heights and the Romeo Peach Festival. And I take custom orders in between, with Polish items, by far, being the most popular.

He said some have even called him the Polish Eagle King. He has sent items to five different countries and about every state.

Fu-Yuan Ciricola, a member of the Shelby Township Senior Center, said this is the second time for Mordus to be the Shelby Township Senior Center’s featured artist.

“His unique workmanship on the wood with the inspirational and humorous sayings earns great response. His exhibition at the Senior Center will continue through the end of August,” she said.

Mordus said none of this would have happened without the support and assistance of Debra.

“Keeping active and using one’s mind, I believe, is key to stretching the ‘golden’ years,” he said.