The Mary Reynolds Spirit of Clark Lake Award recognizes individuals or families who have contributed to the quality of life at Clark Lake. This year the annual award went to Rick Belcher.
Photo: Brett Wietecha
The plaque is created each year by Mary Reynold’s daughter, Joey Reynolds Massangale. According to Joey’s brother, Flip, their mother quietly found ways to make the lake a better place. Clark Lake meant a lot to her. Even in her last days, she continued to take part in the community, including Raft-O-Rama. The award is decided upon by vote of the community with ballots available before Raft-O-Rama at local stores.
Now here comes the awkward part.
I, Rick, am the guy who writes, produces, and admins this website and Facebook page on behalf of the Clark Lake Spirit Foundation. Because of that, it’s fallen on me to report on myself. I’ll keep it short.
I’m honored and feel tremendously grateful, not only for the award, but to be part of this wonderful community. Like many here, my family has a long history at Clark Lake (I’m fourth generation). It’s not just about the past but how that history translates into our lives today. Whether your family goes way back or you’re more recent, this fact is clear. We’re here at Clark Lake not because we have to be. We’re here because we love it. Love of the lake goes wide and deep in our community. Most importantly, it’s what unites us, and collaboration and hard work are two of the outcomes. My involvement with the website, the Foundation, Spirit Trail, Raft-O-Rama and other projects is an outcome of that shared love. Whether it’s the many who help with this website or any of the other projects I’ve observed or been a part of, the Clark Lake Spirit is strongly evident up and down our shores and beyond.
Thank you!
It’s a good thing this is annual award. Others are deserving. Last year’s winner was Peggy Collins. Other past winners include Peggy’s late husband Tom, Peggy’s son John, Bill Bendele, Bunty Adams, Louie & Michele Ambs, Bill Tuttle, Bev Avis, Loretto Baker, Don Fowler, R. Tucker Boyers, George Svinicki, Joanne Ambs, Ogden Adkins, John & Dotty Karkheck, Dick Cochran, Woody Newman, Ann Swain, Pat Dwyer, Jamie Mercer, Sam & Kathy Pease, Meredith Szostek, John Collins, and Evelyn Menard.
Well deserve Rick. You make it look so easy and you certainly share the best parts of this great place we call home … Clark Lake. Congratulations on this recognition and welcome to the club!
Congratulations Rick, you definitely deserve this award.
So grateful for all you are doing for Clarklake! We know how many hours you dedicate to the activities in which you are involved.
Your endless work on building this website, the stories and videos you produce, chairing the Foundation Board and keeping Facebook current is bringing folks around this lake together as a community. Through your efforts I have a sense of belonging to something larger than family or friends. Thank you for all you do for all of us. You are appreciated and are deserving of the Spirit Award.
Rick,
A well deserved award. The Clark Lake Spirit web site is professionally done, and is a credit to our Lake community.
You’re a great contributor and a great neighbor.
Spence and Kathy Maidlow
Well deserved Rick. Your dedication to all things Clark Lake is much appreciated.
Rick, You are truly very deserving of this award. The countless hours you dedicate to the website, writing stories and telling tall tales ( which many of us believe)is immeasurable! The videos and photos you post are a very big undertaking that not just anyone could handle, not to mention doing it in a very professional manner. Also the leadership you provide to the Foundation Board and the Spirit Trail Committee is very much appreciated by myself as well as everyone on the Board and Committee.
Clark Lake is truly a special place to call home as we all know and Mr. Belcher you make it even better!!
Congratulations again Mr. Clark Lake!!
Congratulations Rick!!
The whole community of Clark Lake is so blessed to have you!
I am so happy to see you receive this award this year. You deserve it.
Rick – Well done. Not only for the deserved recognition of joining a pretty elite club, but also the sincerity and humility of your article. You are a tremendous asset to this community!
We were wondering who won. Well deserved Rick. You are the spirit of Clarklake.
As a Clark Laker from afar I appreciate the news you share here to help me feel at home. Congratulations on this awesome recognition.
Congratulations Rick. Clark Lake draws back it’s great people. The talents you have brought and are sharing have added so much to our lake. With the web, the ability to communicate events and news and share our story has drawn us all closer as friends and neighbors. We are fortunate to have your support, ideas enthusiasm and community love. Congrats and welcome to “the Club”!
Congratulations, Rick! Your hard work and dedication are being recognized by the community. Well done!
Rick,
Lois and I are so pleased that you have been honored with this year’s Spirit Award. You are most deserving and, your actions daily truly epitomize the spirit of Clark Lake. Thank you for all you do for all of us.
Rick
Great job! I’ve known you only a short time, however you have represented Clark Lake in a very positive way!
Gary
Rick
A well deserved award. Thanks for helping put Clark Lake on the map as a great place to live.