Community Center News

Clark Lake Spirit Foundation to Own and Operate the Clark Lake Community Center – Fall 2021

As previously reported on this website, changes are ahead for the Clark Lake Community Center. 

The Community Center is one of two non-profit (501c3) organizations at the lake.  The mission of the Community Center board has been to own and operate the building.  The other non-profit, the Clark Lake Spirit Foundation, publishes this website and serves as an umbrella for the Spirit Trail, Raft-O-Rama, Crab Races, and Run Clark Lake. 

Last fall, the Community Center board asked the Foundation to assume ownership and to operate the building.  The Foundation directors voted unanimously to accept.  Because the structure is located in the County Park, the County also had to agree.  At a County board meeting on Tuesday, August 17th, commissioners voted to approve a new license agreement with the Foundation. The license allows the house to remain in the Park.  

Getting to last Tuesday was not simple.  Prior to the vote of the full Commission, both the Foundation and Parks Board devoted considerable time and effort to negotiate the license agreement.  The Foundation performed its due diligence—the terms of the existing license agreement, the extent to which Clark Lake wanted the Community Center to remain, and the condition of the building. The Parks Board also conducted its own review.  The work between the County and Foundation considered the views of the stakeholders by addressing the needs of the park and concerns of the County, the Foundation’s goal to preserve the house, its usage and long term sustainability.  More than two people shaking hands, this process required the participation of many.  It involved the Foundation directors, Community Center board, and multiple entities representing County government—the Parks Board, General Government Committee, and the full Commission. 

So, after all that, what are the highlights? 

A provision of critical importance stands out.  In the past, it was necessary for the Community Center to negotiate a new agreement with the County every five years.  That always cast doubt on whether the Community Center would remain under local control, or if it would even be allowed to remain in the Park.  The new license agreement with the Foundation now consists of a twenty year term, which is renewable for another twenty, and sets the stage for the future beyond that.  

The Foundation felt this was essential to the preservation of this historic Clark Lake landmark.   Why?  Because of the investment necessary to sustain it.  As part of the Foundation’s due diligence, the directors commissioned an engineering study that found the “bones” of the house were sound, but major renovations were required.  The engineering study led to developing a scope of work, and estimates were applied to individual improvements.  In January, the total ranged between $150,000 and $176,000.  The long term future is now assured.  When Clark Lakers step up to save the Community Center, they will know they have a lasting investment that will remain under local control. 

Much like the Spirit Trail, Welcome to Clark Lake Sign, and Dam Strong, the Center is bold evidence that this community cares about its culture.  Saving the Community Center is preserving Clark Lake’s past and strengthening its future.  The Center is the ideal setting for events, public and private.  Tomorrow, please return to this website for one story of how this plays out.   You’ll read how one 90-year old Clark Laker experienced the surprise of a life—at the Community Center. 

This historic building is often called a shining example of what Clark Lake can do when it makes up its mind.  But with it comes a dose of cold reality.  Without renovations, the Community Center will deteriorate and not be usable in five years.  Some repairs must take place now, and others, soon.   This slide show illustrates a cursory look at a few exterior issues. 

The Foundation’s first order of business will be twofold—engage in fundraising and to set in motion the needed repairs. The Community Center has been able to pay current expenses from rentals each summer, and the Harvest Moon fundraiser every other year.  That income stream is no way sufficient to pay for the renovations. 

Here’s a video recorded early this summer of an event that shows one of the uses of the Center, and that these rentals help pay day-to-day Community Center expenses.  

It took moving mountains and plenty of cash to save one of Clark Lake’s original cottages from the wrecking ball.  And that happened in a most ingenious fashion—by floating it down the lake on a barge, and then renovating it once in the Park.  Once again this Clark Lake icon is on the eve of destruction, this time from disrepair.  Can it be saved again?  The Foundation is taking on the challenge.  Are you in?   

Harvest Moon Party Benefit for the Community Center – May 25, 2017

The Clark Lake Community Center has a new venue for the Harvest Moon Party.

The party’s new location is the Clark Lake Yacht Club.  Once known as the Hayes cottage, this historic building has served as the Yacht Club for many years.  You can feel the tradition as you enter  the great room.

The event starts at 5:30 pm on Saturday, October 14.  As the Oktoberfest theme suggests, German fare is on the menu–authentic wurst and chicken schnitzel, potato salad, a variety of cheeses, pretzels and dessert.  BYOB.

The Persuaders will entertain.  The band is from Clark Lake, so they ought to know the genre that Clark Lakers enjoy.

For those interested in showing their flair for connecting to the theme, the Community Center promises a $100 prize for best costume.  Plus don’t miss the 50/50 drawing.

If that isn’t enough, you may want to do some shopping.  Included in items for bid is an 18-foot Hobie, once sailed competitively by Lynn Vermeulen (sail number 15003).

For your tickets ($50 each), mail a check to PO Box 132, Clarklake, MI 49234.  More info, contact John Deming at 529-9117 or John Karkheck at 745-2929, email jcdcl@comcast.net.  

Community Center’s Gift Idea – November 29, 2016

The holiday gift giving season is in full swing, and the Clark Lake Community Center has a suggestion.  Their latest offering is now available–exclusive red wine glasses. 

wine-glass-flyer

Previously, the Center featured white wine glasses.  The difference?  The Wine Enthusiast site tells the story: “Typically Red wine glasses will be a bit taller and have a larger bowl than White wine glasses. In general Reds are bigger and bolder wines so they require a larger glass to allow all those aromas and flavors to emerge.”  But no one will stop you from using these glasses for either.

More importantly, the glasses are inscribed with the name of our favorite place–Clark Lake.  And with the purchase of each glass, you are helping to support the Clark Lake Community Center.  The glasses are $12 each, and you can find them at Doyle’s.  With the holidays approaching, strong demand is expected.  Supplies are limited.

dsc_1240_1127

There is a lot to keeping the Clark Lake Community Center looking great and available for the use of the community.  Repairs, maintenance, and improvements are a constant concern. This kind of work is supported by fund raisers, as with the wine glasses.  And there are those who underwrite needs in other ways.  For example, this fall Mike McKay’s company, M-R Builders, repaired the soffits. “Critters try to make this home their home by boring holes into vulnerable areas” according the Community Center Treasurer John Deming.  “It doesn’t take much room for a critter to move in.”  Mike McKay noted “wood filler plugs will keep the house tight.” In the photo, Jim Roberts is sanding areas to be repainted.

dsc_1179_1126Above, a view of the lake from the porch of the Community Center.  The landscaping around the building is the work of the Clark Lake Garden Angels.

A Clark Lake Toast – November 1, 2o16

The Clark Lake Community Center’s latest offering is now available–exclusive red wine glasses.  Previously, the Center featured white wine glasses.  The difference?  The Wine Enthusiast site tells the story: “Typically Red wine glasses will be a bit taller and have a larger bowl than White wine glasses. In general Reds are bigger and bolder wines so they require a larger glass to allow all those aromas and flavors to emerge.”  But these glasses can be used for either.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

More importantly, the glasses are inscribed with the name of our favorite place–Clark Lake.  And with the purchase of each glass, you are helping to support the Clark Lake Community Center.  The glasses are $12 each, and you can find them at Doyle’s.  With the holidays approaching, strong demand is expected.  Supplies are limited.

There is a lot to keeping the Clark Lake Community Center looking great and available for the use of the community.  Repairs, maintenance, and improvements are a constant concern. This kind of work is supported by fund raisers, as with the wine glasses.  And there are those who underwrite needs in other ways.  For example, recently Mike McKay’s company, M-R Builders, repaired the soffits. “Critters try to make this home their home by boring holes into vulnerable areas” according the Community Center Treasurer John Deming.  “It doesn’t take much room for a critter to move in.”  Mike McKay noted “wood filler plugs will keep the house tight.” In the photo, Jim Roberts is sanding areas to be repainted.

dsc_1232_1026

Community Center Facelift – September 30, 2016

It may be only a partial facelift, but work is underway to restore areas of the Clark Lake Community Center that have been under siege by nature.  Under the watchful of M-R Builder’s Mike McKay, soffits are being mended.  “Critters try to make this home their home by boring holes into vulnerable areas” according the Community Center Treasurer John Deming.  “It doesn’t take much room for a critter to move in.”  Mike McKay comments “we’re using wood filler to plug the holes to keep the house tight.” In the photo, Jim Roberts is sanding some of the area that will eventually be repainted.

dsc_1232_1026

The Community Center is not a new building.  In fact construction was not completed in this century or even the previous one, but in the 19th century.  It’s now in its 117th year. Clark Lake residents love to revisit the story of how the Graziani cottage on Kentucky Point was moved by barge to its present location in the County Park.  Not only is the structure itself a significant part of our history, but the process of moving it was a chapter in and of itself. You can read the story of how Benjamin Graziani came to build the cottage and the family’s long occupancy of it by clicking here. 

CC moving day0001

The maintenance and improvement of this iconic structure is continuing process.  The Community Center board works hard at it.  Only part of the expenses are defrayed by rentals, so they look to people who love the idea of what this structure represents to make donations.  Click here for details on how to rent the Center for your event and details on the work ahead to keep this part of Clark Lake history well preserved so that it’s an ongoing benefit to residents.

dsc_1255_1025

Remembering Someone Now – September 27, 2016

Many here have memorialized someone or marked their own affection for the lake through a program created by the Clark Lake Community Center.  Please keep reading to find out why now is a good time to take advantage of this opportunity.

A brick pathway surrounds three sides of the Community Center building.  Many of the bricks are engraved with names that have one thing in common–these people love, or have loved, Clark Lake.  Family members who have passed, and those very much still with us, are part of it.  And in future years, this outward expression of fondness and care for this special place will remain in perpetuity.

Extended beyond the pathway on the east side of the Community Center is an area that salutes members of the military. A Ring of Honor surrounds the U.S. flag, and here you will find the names of active duty service members or veterans.

Both the pathway and the Ring of Honor offer a unique way to show love of Clark Lake and, at the same time, support the Community Center.  Click here for details on how to participate.  And why now?  The deadline is fast approaching for the last order for bricks to be engraved this year.  Orders must be received by October 21st for bricks to be implanted this fall.  And with the holidays approaching, what better time could there be to consider this as a gift?

Community Center Pays Jackson County – Summer 2016

The Community Center is operated by a group who volunteer their time and effort to its maintenance and improvement.  Expenses for upkeep are considerable and donations are always welcome.

signingThe Community Center pays Jackson County $1000 per year and is obligated to landscape the upper part of the park.  Recently the Center renewed its obligation with the County for another five years.  Above, John Karkeck signs the papers sealing the arrangement as Walt Reed looks on.