It was a special day at Clark Lake, and awesome in every respect. At 1 pm, it was sunny and 77degrees. A group of Clark Lake well-wishers gathered under the trees along the Spirit Trail on North Lake Road. The occasion honored Annette Fink, who designed and crafted the Welcome to Clark Lake sign.
Annette knew there would be a group congratulating her. What she did not know was that a State Proclamation would be presented to her by the Senator Mike Shirkey, State Majority Leader, and Sarah Lightner, State Representative.
Before introducing Senator Shirkey, Tucker Boyers retold a story Clark Lakers love to hear–how the Spirit Trail was born and grew into maturity, how Clark Lakers past and present made that happen, and how so many around the lake support the Trail whether officially involved or not. Tucker also explained how the concept of the Sign came to be. Construction of the Spirit Trail came with a price tag. Those who donated $1000 were recognized by having their name imprinted in the Trail’s concrete along Jefferson Road. But weather and time wore away the names. In a flash of genius, the Trail Committee came up with the idea of the Sign as a replacement. Bronze plaques with the names of donors on the Trail side, and something else on the road side. But what would be the “something else?” That something else became the Welcome to Clark Lake Sign. Annette Fink brought the idea to life with the sheer drama of colorful high-fired clay, in what you see today.
As Clark Lakers learned more about the Sign, additional families and businesses wanted to join in. Today their names can be found on the Sign, along with the names of original donors. Email ClarkLakeSpirit@gmail.com to find out what the future possibilities are.
Along with Senator Shirkey and Representative Lightner, other officials attended, including directors of the Clark Lake Spirit Foundation, Columbia Township Supervisor Bob Elrod and Trustee Mike Trout.
Events like these don’t happen on their own. Special thanks are due the organizers, Joe Collins and Tucker Boyers, who spent many hours making arrangements and connecting the dots.
So, it was Clark Lake at its special best–perfect weather, wonderful group, and an awesome reason to gather. Congratulations, Annette!
Congratulations, Annette! Well deserved recognition.
Annette, congratulations for the well-deserved honor for your devotion to the Clark Lake Spirit!
The sign is AWESOME! Thank you Annette! And thank you to all involved. One can not help but be proud to be a part of such a wonderful, caring community!
Congratulations Annette, and thank you for a beautiful sign to welcome people to a beautiful lake!
I’m so proud of you Annette. You and Kevin are the most giving community minded people I know. Wishing you continued success in all of your endeavors.
What a tribute to Clark Lake and Annette Fink! The day Annette moved here, the lake became a richer place to live. A place to swim, hike, bike, enjoy the blue waters as you float on the waters to watch the sun and moon rise and set, the rain dance across the water and the snow swirl across the ice. Our Welcome mural is a fitting contribution to all we at Clark Lake stand for, a lasting sign for all the future to see and understand why we choose to spend our lives here at Clark Lake, MIchigan
Thank you Annette for this stunning sign!
Ann Swain
Congratulations to Annette and all who organized the event to honor her. I’ve said it before: Clark Lake is like no other…..a true community that values and cares about who we are and what we have here.
A beautiful lady with a beautiful spirit created a beautiful sign! Thank you, Annette! Your sign always puts a smile on my face every time I pass it. I look forward to adding a plaque to the back your sign in memory of my dear Richard.
The Hones family appreciates your gift to beautiful Clark Lake. Thank you for sharing your talent.