For many, a summer day on the lake is pure Michigan: peaceful, carefree, and refreshing. But for individuals with disabilities or significant health challenges, the joy of a lake day can feel entirely out of reach.
In southern Genesee County, where dozens of lakes range from serene no-wake coves to bustling all-sports waters, one lake community decided to change that. The PST Lake Association, representing property owners and neighbors surrounding Lake Ponemah, Aanikegamaa Lake (formerly Squaw Lake), and Tupper Lake in Fenton Township, hosted a first-of-its-kind event on Saturday, July 26—”Superman Day on the Lake.”
The event’s name was inspired by beloved Lake Ponemah resident Howard Schrock, a longtime PST member often referred to as the neighborhood Superman.
Howard Schrock, dressed as Superman, hoists his grandson, Brayden up on his shoulders when he visited Braden’s elementary class to read to them. Brayden is now in his second year at Kettering.
Howard is well known in the Fenton area, particularly for his role in leading the Lake Fenton varsity cheer teams to back-to-back Class C State Championships in 2003 and 2004. At home, he was equally energetic—an avid water skier, a proud father of five daughters, and now a grandfather to 13.
But on July 23, 2016, everything changed. While bicycling on Ripley Road near his home, Howard hit a pothole, flipped over the handlebars, and landed on his neck. The result: a broken neck and a severe spinal cord injury. He spent 70 days at the University of Michigan Hospital and returned home as a quadriplegic, with limited use of just one hand.
Still, Howard never gave up. After beginning therapy with Level Eleven Physical Therapy, he regained some mobility and eventually was able to walk short distances with a walker. He suffered a setback after a fall at home, which required starting over.
Today, he gets around using a walker, motorized wheelchair, or his handicap-accessible pickup truck. Though he retired from his concrete business, he stays active with household projects and woodworking.
The idea to honor Howard—and offer a lake day to others like him—came from neighbor and PST member Lauren Burchart, owner of Lauren Burchart Designs. Lauren is no stranger to life-altering disability: her brother, Ian McPherson, became a quadriplegic following a motorcycle accident in 2008. He passed away in 2017.
She recalled how meaningful it was to help Ian enjoy the lake—getting him aboard a pontoon, into the water, and simply allowing him to laugh and relax like everyone else. “We knew what it meant to him to forget his condition for a little while,” she said.
Lauren shared the idea of creating a day centered on inclusion and joy for those with health challenges. PST President Mark Shantz immediately supported the vision, and “Superman Day” began to take shape.
Lauren paid a visit to Howard and his wife, Kim, expecting a short chat. “It turned into hours. I fell in love with them. It was meant to be,” she said.
The event coincided with National Disability Independence Day, and volunteers rallied to ensure the day was both safe and celebratory.
Eric Patrick Thomas, known as Mr. Inspire, was one of dozens of special guests at PST Lake Association’s Superman Day on the Lake event. a motivational speaker, Eric was paralyzed from the neck down in 1997.
As word spread, support from sponsors, local businesses, and community members poured in. The event coincided with National Disability Independence Day, and volunteers rallied to ensure the day was both safe and celebratory.
Major sponsors included:
- DMAN Foundation (Danny’s Miracle Angel Network)
- Level Eleven Physical Therapy
- D&W’s Street Eatery
- Shore Do Party Store
- Crust – a baking company
- Texas Roadhouse of Fenton
- Blonde’s Bottle Service LLC
- The FirePlace Bar & Grille
- Whiskey Glasses Saloon
- The Way Coffee Co.
- Lauren Burchart Designs, and
- Numerous PST members and friends.
Also in attendance was Eric Patrick Thomas, known as Mr. Inspire. A Flint native, entrepreneur and motivational speaker, Eric was paralyzed from the neck down in 1997. He now dedicates his life to empowering others through advocacy and awareness. He owns EZ Awareness by Design and shares his story widely on YouTube.
For planning and safety, the event was invitation-only, with families encouraged to reach out if they knew someone who could benefit. From noon to 5 p.m., individuals with disabilities and their families enjoyed accessible lake fun—including Barrier-Free Boating, provided by nonprofit Wheels in Motion.
The evening continued with a Lakeside Celebration hosted by Howard and Kim at their Lake Ponemah home. Neighbors helped set up the space to accommodate 15–20 honored guests. Howard’s nephew, Eric Schrock, volunteered as DJ, while neighbors mingled and connected with the visiting families.
“People just talked and listened,” Howard said. “That made the guests feel comfortable and seen. They don’t get out much, and this made them feel great.”
He added, “Our neighborhood is unbelievable. Everyone’s just so willing to help each other.”
Lauren described the event as unforgettable. “It’s a privilege to live on these lakes—and even more of a privilege to share them,” she said. “Watching people swap numbers, strangers become friends, and boats full of people laughing together… that’s what this was about.”
She emphasized that Superman Day wasn’t about charity—it was about connection. “It wasn’t about doing a good deed. It was about neighbors enjoying the lake with people they might not otherwise meet. That’s what made it so special and genuine.”
Plans are already underway for next year, however, a date hasn’t been set. The PST team plans to avoid conflicts with the Fenton Art Walk, hosted by Southern Lakes Parks & Recreation, where Howard’s daughter Kristen Archambeau works.
“Everything went so wonderfully,” Lauren said. “We cannot wait to do it again.”
