John Mordus was the feature artist of the Shelby Township Senior Center for the months of June through August. She designs, cuts and paints signs and plaques.
SHELBY TOWNSHIP – The Shelby Township Senior Center has announced that its featured artist for the month of June through August is John Mordus.
Mordus has been an over-the-road truck driver for many years. He eventually started his own truck company that would grow to 18 tractors and 35 trailers. When it was time to retire, Mordus knew he needed to retire to something – not just retire to the truck.
When he saw a computer numerical control machine on display, he said, “I want one of those.” That was the beginning of “Routerville, USA.”
Mordus had limited computer experience, but not giving up, he learned what he needed to know to become proficient. Today, Mordus designs, cuts and paints attractive signs and plaques. Mordus credits his 42 -year -old wife, Debra, for forcing him not to use the machine as a coat rack.
Custom designs are his specialty. He loves to take an idea and make it better than his client thought possible.
“I’m lucky enough to be able to do something I enjoy in retirement that really pays for itself, as well as giving pleasure to others,” he said.
He said he gets his materials at a good price so that his customers can also get his creative work at a good price.
“My items are reasonably priced, usually because I have enough quantity to get materials at contractor prices and, since I’m retired, don’t rely on income for living expenses. We have a permanent display at Canterbury Village on Lake Orion, an Etsy store (RoutervilleUSA), and have set up booths at the Toledo Polish Festival, American Polish Century Club Festival in Sterling Heights and at the Romeo Peach Festival. And I accept custom orders in between, with Polish items, by far, the most popular.
He said there are still those who call him the Polish Eagle King. He shipped 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 a feature artist of the Shelby Township Senior Center.
“Her unique woodwork with inspirational and funny sayings is getting a great response. Her exhibition at the Senior Center will continue until the end of August,” she said.
Mordus says none of this would have happened without Debra’s support and help.
“Staying active and using the mind, I believe, is key to reaching the‘ golden ’years,” he said.
