By Sue Moore
Ted Vliek, a long-time Portage resident but a Vicksburg aficionado, was honored by the Village Council at its January meeting. “He has done so many great things to help the village, it seemed a no-brainer to recognize him for his contributions,” Village Manager Jim Mallery told an audience including County Treasurer Mary County Balkema, State Sen. Margaret O’Brien and State Rep. Dave Maturen.
Vliek was the co-chair of the Vision Campaign with Kristina Powers Aubry, helping to raise money for the Trailhead construction and Liberty Lane East. It is a two-year long effort with completion of the trail going north scheduled for 2019.
The Vicksburg Historical Society was also a big beneficiary of his involvement. “Ted has always been interested in the history of this area, not just Portage,” said Warren Lawrence, who recruited him to take a seat on the board of directors in 2011. He served as president for two years, all the while raising its image in the community with many new activities, especially the building of the General Store and Doris Lee Sweet Shop in the Historic Village.
Vliek was the guiding light behind the Historical Society’s plaque committee that has installed bronze plaques throughout the village recognizing historically significant buildings.
When the Vicksburg Cultural Arts Center was looking for a new location, he led the committee that evaluated and chose its new location at 101 E. Prairie Street in 2017.
His adoption by the Village of Vicksburg came to fruition with this recognition, according to Powers Aubry, who spoke on behalf of the many people he has benefited.