A downpour, almost 1 1/2 inches in 20 minutes, greeted those arriving to the Community Center for Prudy Christman’s Celebration of Life.  Shaking off the rain, the large group soon felt at home inside the historic building and undercover on its graceful verandas.  Prudy, who passed away in January, certainly would not let rain hinder her, or many others things in life.  She embraced life. To read about her exciting tow behind an ice boat, visit this page.

To be sure, Prudy’s husband, Greg, has been feeling the loss.  For him, a surprise awaited at the gathering.  Prudy was the leader of Fit Chicks, an exercise group.  Her fellow Chicks sought a way to remember her in a way that would connect with Greg.  Mary Miller came up with an idea.  Annette Fink designed it.  Most Fit Chicks played a role in its creation.  Lois Moyer suggested “make it a surprise on July1st.” Rick and Mary Miller installed it. Patti Kaanan outfitted the Chicks with t-shirts just right for the occasion.

When the rain stopped a bit, the Chicks led Greg into one of the Garden Angel’s landscaped areas at the southeast corner of the Community Center.  And there it was – a Clark Lake Spirit Pole of high-fired clay, created in Annette Fink’s studio.  Each icon suggested something that Prudy held dear in life.

 

Greg with the Fit Chicks in front of the Clark Lake Spirit Pole

Greg with the Fit Chicks

To support the project, the Fit Chicks took up a collection.  They then decided that a substantial amount should go to enhance the beautiful natural setting where the Community Center is located.  With a $1,000 donation, the Fit Chicks joined the Pretty Pergola Campaign.  To check out campaign progress, please click here.

The Community Center offered a perfect place for Prudy Christman’s Celebration of Life.  Prudy was all about everything Clark Lake.  The building that became the Community Center had watched over Clark Lake for 100 years.  To save it from being razed, Clark Lakers moved it by barge to its current location.  Since then, it has undergone two major restorations.  Increasingly the walls tell the story of Clark Lake’s history.  The house is about preservation Clark Lake’s past as it provides a gathering place for such events as this one. You can see how this plays out in these photos of those who attended yesterday (Sat 7/1).