October 30, 2006
Elizabeth Twp.’s Mike Isbir had noticed an article in The Daily News about Port Vue laying bricks for its Veteran’s Park and decided to volunteer his services to the community.
The owner of Isbir Construction and Landscape Corp. is working on the area above the Port Vue Honor Roll to prepare for laying bricks dedicated to the borough’s veterans.
“There are not a lot of companies that specialize in paving stones. So I thought we would offer our services,” Isbir said. “I feel, as a company, we should be doing more to help out communities, which is one of the main reasons I wanted to do this.”
Isbir excavated the soil and put in a crushed base stone. His company will install the plaque dedicated to the late Councilman Ed Szalankiewicz when it is ready.
He said he is one of just a few in the area certified by the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute.
“It’s such a rarity to have someone not only donate time, but expertise, and all of the equipment is at our disposal,” Councilwoman Pam Myers said. “It’s nice to see that there are people out there who want to help. He met with all of us and is so excited to do the project.”
Port Vue officials are selling bricks for the project at Veteran’s Park, which officially will open Nov. 4. Proceeds from the sale will be used to create a maintenance fund for the park.
Purchase is restricted to veterans and Port Vue residents. Plans call for 216 bricks, but can be altered if more sell.
Isbir said the design is a square pattern for the square base of the flagpole. He said Port Vue is beautifying the borough and doing great things for its veterans.
Isbir Construction and Landscape received the Overall Safety Achievement Award earlier this month by the Professional Landcare Network’s annual Safety Recognition Awards Program, which will recognize the company at the PLANET Green Industry Conference Awards in Columbus, Ohio, Nov. 4.
Isbir instead will attend the Veteran’s Park dedication at noon that day, but said the ceremony isn’t the only reason he chose not to attend the awards.
“We’re just so grateful to him,” Myers said. “He is a wonderful man.”
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