Starting with the early days of A Plus Electric, Ann Swain has been an important part of this growing business.  In appreciation, Carl Evanson wanted to thank her for her work, help and support that has stretched over more than a decade. Thursday afternoon, he asked the staff to gather at A Plus’s new location.  There he surprised Ann with an award.  Engraved on it were the words “Ann Swain, Honorary Electrician.”  Carl thanked her for her extraordinary service, “We have a lot of great people here.  And Ann,  you’re one of them.  You have done so many wonderful things for us.  Thank you!”

When the construction is finished, A Plus will operate from the new location on US 127, between Jefferson and Reed Roads, Clark Lake.  Thursday’s meeting was a good opportunity for the staff to check out progress on the new facility.  Some of the crew gathered outside for this photo.

This iconic event attracts nearly 800 competitors.  Add to that the many spectators who viewed it all around the course at Clark Lake, and you have a day that everyone looks forward to every year.  Today marked the 43rd year of Run Clark Lake.  The events included a 12k, 5k, 5k Walk, and 3/4k Kids Fun Run.

A Plus Electric’s Carl Evanson and his family showed their support by participating in the Kids Fun Run.

Below, Carl and his kids gather with others as they line up for the competition.

How did it go?  Check out this slide show.

For complete coverage of this event, including an awesome 60-second video, please click here.

With July 4th landing on a Wednesday, it seems that Independence Day celebrations have spread across the whole week.  Not a bad idea!

It wouldn’t be patriotic to leave the week without some crash, bang, boom of our own.  So below is a quick video of fireworks at Clark Lake on Tuesday, July 3rd.  (Scroll down further for more “bombs bursting in air”, but a still photo slide-show version).

The fireworks that evening came mainly from the Clarklake Beach and Boat Club, which is located at the north side of the east end.  The music you’ll hear was played by the Columbia Central High School Band at the conclusion of Clark Lake’s Memorial Day parade this spring.

Photos by Diane Deming and Rick Belcher

Today was special for A Plus Electric’s Casey Ludwig.  In a ceremony at Pleasant Lake just a few minutes ago, he and Lauren were married.  Congratulations from the entire A Plus Electric team to Mr. and Mrs. Casey Ludwig!

There’s a spirit that’s alive and well in small Michigan communities.  That was evident today, as the fallen were honored, and America celebrated, on Memorial Day.  Master Electrician Carl Evanson and his family took part in the remembrance at Clark Lake.

The event included a parade, the playing of taps at the cemetery, remarks, and the Columbia Central Band performing a stirring rendition of the National Anthem.  What is fondly called “the biggest little parade in Michigan” is sponsored by the Clark Lake Lions Club.  Would you like to see how it went?  First a one-minute video of the parade shows how it involved the kids.

Along the route, the parade paused at the cemetery.

Before it was over, the band  played the National Anthem.