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Ê But that is only what passersby see. Those involved with the project and the residents for whom it was built see more than bricks and mortar. This is a building made of, by, and for people.

At the June 28 ribbon cutting ceremony, Township Supervisor Bob Spencer constantly alluded to the community involvement in this $1.9 million project and the citizenry it will serve.

"We hope people will use this community resource as an asset. That is why we call it a Community Services Building,"Spencer said. "We want it to be a gathering place and serve peoples' needs.Ó

Township Clerk Doris Leech echoed that sentiment.

"It feels so wonderful to be in this new building,"Leech said. "Thanks should go out to all the community members who supported this effort. EMS and fire personnel can be proud of this facility as well as township officials and all of our residents.Ó

Township Constable Norm Taube agreed with those feelings.

"I think this is just super,"Taube said. "I didn't expect this big of a crowd, but people are really interested in the improvements. The fire and EMS facilities and the offices will take us into services for the future.Ó

The ribbon cutting ceremony was attended by local, state and federal dignitaries, with plenty of congratulations and appreciation to go around. Master of Ceremonies Spencer acknowledged Antrim County Sheriff Terry Johnson and Michigan State Police Officer Rick Stevens, both of whom will have substations at the facility.

Ê He also expressed great respect for architect Ray Kendra, Project Director Jody Bergman and Site Director Kevin Ball of Comstock Construction. He described Larry Stein and Alden State Bank as, "Easy to work with and able to solve problems.Ó

Spencer went on to thank County Commissioner Jerroll Drenth (who donated one of his wooden sculptures) as well as his entire township board for their involvement.

Ê State Representative Kevin Elsenheimer, R-Bellaire, presented a flag from the State Capitol to the Boy Scouts who promptly raised the banner to a place of honor over the new building.

Ê After the Pledge of Allegiance, led by former township clerk of 16 years Elva Cowell, Elsenheimer addressed the crowd.

"The last building served this township for 55 years. This one will serve even longer. Congratulations to all and thank you for allowing me to be a part of it,"Elsenheimer said.

Later, Congressman Bart Stupak added his congratulations and admiration to the township and presented a flag to Spencer that had flown over the U.S. Capitol.

Ê Democratic candidate for state representative Connie Saltonstall was also on hand.

"I think this is a fantastic example of a community working together to create a facility that will serve everyone,"she said.

The ceremony also included words of appreciation from resident Richard Hendershott who headed up the task of organizing a time capsule that will be placed behind a building cornerstone.

"There are items from the past, present and even those that project into the future,"Hendershott said. "Many people worked very hard to organize these items. They met weekly for six months.Ó

Local historian and the unofficial "Mayor of Eastport"Harold Kruse was also invited to make some remarks.Ê He focused on the changes that had occurred since he came to the area in 1960.

"We had no ambulance and no fire protection back then,"he said. "Look how it's changed. We've come a long way, and it's all because of you. This is our community building. We are blessed.Ó

Ê Supervisor Spencer was able to put the project into historic and monetary perspective.Ê He discussed details of the project and his emotions. "This township was founded 140 years ago when the population was 170. Today the population is about 1,300. This new building is designed to serve with 13,500 square feet of space. It was built for $120 per square foot, which I believe is fairly reasonable for these times,"he said.

"It is pretty exciting, after dealing at the conceptual level for so long to finally see the project take fruition. I'm awfully proud to be part of the group and of the township. This took lots of people, lots of ideas, and constructive criticism to help us clarify community needs. It was important to listen and respond to those needs and wants. Thanks to the board and all the organizing committees, but most importantly, thanks to the good people of Torch Lake Township.Ó

Ê Jeff Kessler can be reached at perkins90@hotmail.com with comments and leads.