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Laura Mae Beaubien

Nominated by: Robert Beaubien, son

Laura Mae Beaubien is my father’s hidden strength. Married at 19 years old, and for over 60 years, the two of them built a bond that could only be broken by the vow, “till death do we part.”

My "stay at home" mother attended to the household and raising of six children – yes six kids! I believe there's nothing stronger than the love a Mother has for her children. She had so many hats she had to wear.

If one of us scraped our knee, she was there as the “Nurse” to patch us up and Mother away our tears, always followed with a kiss that made it better. She would take all of us to the A&P to go shopping with a bandana covering her curlers, the “Beauty Queen” to us. As a “Financial Planner”, Mom saved S&H Green and Gold Bell stamps to get something free. She could get all of us ready for church in our Sunday best clothes on time faster than a “Pageant Coordinator.”

I learned that when I was called, and that call included my middle name, I was in for it, as mom the “Sheriff” taught me. We had to make our beds, pick up our clothes, feed the dog and other chores, thanks to mom the “Warden.” My Mother the “Teacher,” taught us responsibility. She taught us to say yes please , no thank you, and to show respect . Her “Dale Evans” hat was earned as we moved from our beloved Michigan to an Oregon cattle ranch. She learned how to ride a horse, brand, and vaccinate cattle. As the “chef,” she maximized menus that would feed us and the branding/buckaroo crew for days.

With all these hats, she found time for my Dad as a loving caring soul mate for life. Now that we have our own lives, Mom and Dad are free to do the things they put off in their youth in order to raise us as a family believing in our faith, having respect of others , and doing what is right.

This free time as “Vacationers” was cut short as my Dad was told he had cancer. Wearing this hat, my mother has strengths I'll never be able to describe, as she was a devoted companion till the end, remaining strong for us kids. Their last long trip together – with mom as the “Navigator” – wasn’t to Hawaii, Miami, or Southern California, it was home to Michigan, where they visited family and friends. They made new friends like Bob Jacquart, as they visited one of Michigan's landmarks the Stormy Kromer factory.

With a birthday on Christmas eve, my Mom will be 80 but not alone, as we she will share in the celebration of life with her "Walton "-like family of Beaubien's, driving from all over the state of Oregon, to be with her on this Blessed holiday and birthday. My Mother made her life in a world that said "they were to young" and lasted far beyond today’s marriages, raised a family, taught us new lessons and reminded us of the ones we let slide. I nominate my Mother Laura Mae Beaubien because she would be a superior role model and a person to aspire and emulate her life's values of a mother’s love.

Chosen Charity: St. Jude Children’s Charity

Hometown: Redmond, OR

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Dr. Glenn Dudderar

Nominated by: Denise Wecker-Seipke, former co-worker

Glenn Dudderar is bigger than life and has shoes that no other environmental professional or activist will ever be able to fill! He started off in the environmental field in Virginia then settled into Michigan to change the way Michiganders thought of their natural world.

As the MSU Wildlife Extension Specialist, Glenn Dudderar spent a good portion of his life educating the people of Michigan about their land in an effort to ensure it would be there for their grandchildren and beyond. It wasn't just his career; he dedicated himself to better living through sustainability in everything he did.

He is an incredible teacher and as Associate Professor of Wildlife Biology, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, he was beloved by all his students. He had a distinct way of getting his point across – like having you run bat guano through your fingers in the light so you could see the refraction off insects' lenses (from the eyes of the bugs the bats ate!)

As a great 4-H supporter he touched the lives of so many across the State of Michigan (including my three kids), teaching kids to love applied science in a way no other teacher could! My favorite of his projects was the Great Lakes Camp, where kids spent an intense week immersed in the outdoors, learning of various ecosystems found in Michigan and lots of Michigan history.

He's a great author with a wonderful writing style, including a series of articles called “Nature From Your Back Door” that was eventually published as a book.

Glenn is a revered professional, who has been highly respected by his peers. He was the 1992 winner of the Maeoe William B. Stapp Environmental Education Award.

Glenn has been a diligent activist/volunteer as a former Board Member of the Michigan Wildlife Habitat Foundation, and long-time supporter of the Michigan United Conservation Clubs. When he retired and moved to Aberdeen, Maryland, he continued the role of protector of our lands. Among his many projects, he serves as an active Director of the Hartford Land Trust.

Stories about Glenn abound – like the time he took a group of teachers on an early morning nature walk and he kept calling for wild turkeys, finally getting one to call back. It continued for quite a while, but the turkey wouldn't make an appearance. Then suddenly the group crested a small rise and the turkey and Glenn came face to face. They stared at each other for a LONG time in amazement before the turkey decided Glenn was no prize hen!

With all these achievements, my favorite of Glenn’s roles is mentor extraordinaire. It is because of him that many of us are the environmental professionals and volunteers-activists we are today (including me!). Glenn has worked hard to ensure that we, and the generations that follow, can have the quality of life that Stormy Kromer stands for, and he truly deserves to be honored as the next Stormy Kromer Living Legend!

Chosen Charity: Michigan 4-H Foundation for the Great Lakes Natural Resources Leadership Camp

Hometown: Aberdeen, MD

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Peter Fish

Nominated by: Chip Matthews, acquaintance

Pete Fish of Keene, New York, has been hiking and skiing in the New York State Adirondacks for close to half a century. During this time period, he has almost as many trips up Mt. Marcy as Babe Ruth had home runs in a career.

Fish is a retired state forest ranger who worked in the High Peaks from February 1975 until May 1998. He also spent six years as a ranger in the Catskills prior to that. He is an active member of the Adirondack 46ers and Catskill 3500 Club. Fish has interacted with thousands of hikers on summits and in valleys. Through these organizations, as well as on his own initiative and time, Fish has educated the public about Leave No Trace, backcountry safety, mountain stewardship, and alpine hiking etiquette. He has assisted in training summit stewards since the early days of the High Peaks Summit Steward Program and on summit restoration efforts in the High Peaks. He is a mentor and educator.

Since his retirement in 1998, he continues to actively engage and educate hikers, especially on his beloved Mt. Marcy, a mountain he has climbed, as of the end of 2008, 707 times. Fish is an active trail steward, clearing and maintaining trails in Keene, Keene Valley, and elsewhere. According to the Waterman Fund, whose objective is to strengthen stewardship of open summits, exposed ridgelines, and alpine areas of the Northeast, few individuals have shared as much or reached as many in service of these mountains, and especially the alpine areas.

On his 700th ascent of Mt. Marcy in August 2008 Pete wore a kilt.

He is known for saying that the best dressed corpse in the Adirondacks is wearing cotton. If you’re in the High Peaks or out in the winter or in cold or wet weather, don’t wear it.

Chosen Charity: High Peaks Summit Steward Program

Hometown: Keene, NY

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Gail Holmes

Nominated by: Darrel Holmes, husband

My wife is a teacher and has been for 20 years. Her dedication to her profession and her students extends beyond more than that of a mere job. She is at the school much earlier than most anyone and remains much after the school day is over. She teaches English and Spanish for middle and high school students.

Her success at teaching extends well beyond her dedication to the position. She has a method that drives students to think about the classroom work and many students learn in her classes despite their best efforts to avoid it. She has students who continue to return to the school after years away to visit with her and share how glad they are that she pushed them to think about the subject matter and to learn to write well.

In addition to her dedication in her profession she is a leader in the community. She leads church groups, and supports community activities. She is the captain of a Relay for Life team (Allen’s Angels) that has raised over $30,000 for the American Cancer Society for the past three years. Allen’s Angels was formed in 2009 in honor of a family friend and community member who lost his battle with cancer. She organizes bake sales, talent shows and encourages her team to support the cause though her example of hard work.

Probably her most significant accomplishment from my perspective has been to be the best mother and wife in the world. I may be biased a bit, but in my mind there is no competition.

Chosen Charity: American Cancer Society, through Allen's Angels Relay for Life of Chicasaw County

Hometown: Fredericksburg, IA

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Sam Martinez

Nominated by: Christopher Martinez, son

My dad has been a Boy Scout Master since my brother was in the 1st grade and was my Tiger Cub, Cub Scout and Boy Scout Master, with over 25 years of service in the scouts. We have camped, hiked, canoed, kayaked and rock-climbed all over the U.P., Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Canada.

He has helped more than 25 scouts achieve Eagle Scout rank. His legend is left in all those young men he taught how to be men. He did all of this while raising two boys of his own, working full-time and volunteering at multiple fire and ambulance services. He has been an EMT since the late 70's and during his service he has saved lives and helped birth babies on the side of the street.

Additionally, he has developed an ice water rescue team in Hermansville, Michigan that expanded to five surrounding communities developing their own systems. He has volunteered on an all-Upper Peninsula of Michigan Hazmat Team. He has taught First Aid and CPR for the American Heart Association for 30 years.

Currently he works for Verso Paper Mill as a control room operator in the Power and Utilities Department and is active in the Emergency Services for the mill. He also works part time for the Iron Mountain Fire Department and is on call with Beacon Ambulance.

He is the ideal candidate for Legend status due to his community service and all the years spent freezing cold while a bunch of scouts burned his supper.

Chosen Charity: American Cancer Society

Hometown: Iron Mountain, MI

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George McCarthy

Nominated by: Nancy Boese, stepdaughter

George McCarthy just celebrated his 91st birthday. He is a World War II veteran who served in the European Campaign. He has more energy, vim and vigor than men half his age. This year he was the Parade Marshal for a Memorial Day Parade. He also serves on the Honor Guard to provide salutes to deceased veterans.

Several years ago he took up kayaking and set the goal to kayak every month of the year in Michigan. In 2012 he almost achieved his goal – kayaking in 10 out of 12 months, and only missing the last two because his kayaking buddies all left for warmer weather.

George is also a real do-it-yourselfer. He chops down trees and splits them for firewood. He helps others maintain their homes (most are younger than him!) and is always busy in his yard. He has a large garden in the summer and feeds many families with his produce. He is always willing to give back.

George also is an active volunteer. He helped build dioramas at the local museum. He volunteers at food distribution centers. The food is distributed outside and he is there in the wind, rain, snow, and blazing sun. He never complains and always enjoys his interaction with the people. Only recently did he retire from serving as a volunteer police officer.

In his spare time George makes wine and beer, which is always a hit at local parties and as gifts.

George is truly an inspiration to all who know him. He would say he does not lead by talk, but by quiet example. He truly is a hero in many people's eyes.

Chosen Charity: Love Inc.

Hometown: Grand Haven, MI

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Billy Neville

Nominated by: Derrick Young, friend

Billy Neville is a native of McComb, Mississippi. He attended Tulane University in New Orleans and subsequently graduated from Ole Miss with a degree in banking and finance. After graduation Billy was commissioned an officer in the Mississippi Air National Guard and served his country for over a decade.

Billy continued working in the banking business while also teaching at Tulane University in the Retail and Marketing Department. After leaving the banking business Billy went on to open one of the more successful specialty retail stores in the country named The Rogue & Good Company in Jackson, Mississippi which served as a catalyst for numerous careers of other individuals in the retail trade and other professions. The Rogue & Good Company was named one of the top ten retail stores in the country for many years.

Billy never one to sit still, is still involved with retail and marketing both regionally and nationally and is working to promote many well known brands, including many American made companies. He is still considered an expert in the men’s retail field and writes regularly for many trade publications.

Billy is very involved in his community where he is a Communicant of the Cathedral Church of St. Andrew, having served as Church Vestry along with Church Warden. He has been involved with the Original Stew Pot Organization which feeds locals in need on a daily basis and is also a founder of Gleaners – a volunteer non-profit organization which collects perishable and prepared food from restaurants and grocery stores in excess of million pounds per year and redistributes it to shelters throughout the Jackson area. Billy has also been a director at Doctor’s Hospital in Jackson and several other community boards.

In all he does, Billy’s biggest desire is to help and show others how!

Chosen Charity: Shriners Children Hospital

Hometown: Jackson, MS

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Harvey “Gus” Sherman

Nominated by: Ken Heiser, friend

Mr. Harvey Sherman, also known as Gus, is a Living Legend. A little over two years ago, Gus had an extreme sugar attack along with a horrific case of flesh-eating bacteria, putting him into a diabetic coma for almost a month. The first hospital gave him a 10% chance of survival. Upon being accepted by the University of Michigan hospital in Ann Arbor, he was immediately upgraded to a 50% survival rate. Through the love and support of his family and friends, Gus fought hard and survived his near death experience and is back with us on a daily basis joking, laughing, and being himself.

Even before his brush with death, Gus taught many the values of the great outdoors. An avid fisherman, he has introduced numerous people to the joys of walleye and perch fishing out on the Saginaw Bay and the Saginaw River both during the warm summer days as well as on the hard water ice fishing. He has taken many up to his special hide-away in Michigan's U.P. where there's nothing but the outdoors – fishing (walleye, pike, salmon, perch), hunting (deer, bear, grouse), and always a good time. He has introduced many to deer hunting both through archery as well as with a shotgun.

I cannot tell you how many novice hunters harvested their first deer with help and guidance from Gus. Just last week he helped a coworker bag his very first buck. The excitement in this individual's face was due large in part to the guidance and assistance from our Living Legend, Mr. Gus Sherman.

Gus loves to have fun. He loves to laugh. He takes his turn playing light-hearted jokes on his friends, family, and coworkers. His most famous saying is, "I don't do nothin’ to nobody” – even though we all know he does.

To wrap things up, Mr. Gus Sherman is a great man. He's full of life, love, and laughter. He is my nomination for Stormy Kromer's Living Legend.

Chosen Charity: BridgePort Gun Club

Hometown: Millington, MI

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Mel Vaara

Nominated by: Derek Bush, friend

Mr. Mel Vaara is an Ironwood, Michigan native and a 1955 graduate of Northern Michigan University. In 1955 he began over 50 years of service to the Clarkston Community Schools in Clarkston, Michigan – where he served as math teacher, physics teacher, Junior High School Principal, High School Principal, Assistant Superintendent and coached basketball, track and cross country.

He has been highly committed to and involved with NMU – his alma mater – for many years. Mel never hesitates to take the opportunity to introduce students to the Northern experience and has helped students and student athletes secure financial resources to attend college. He has served on the Independence Township Board of Trustees, is and active member of the Detroit area NMU alumni club, has served on the NMU Alumni Association Board of Directors for seven years, and is a 2007 recipient of the NMU Alumni Service Award.

I had lived across the street from Mel and Jo Vaara before I moved to Marquette to receive my education. I always knew Mel as an individual that will selflessly pursue different ways to help youth better themselves and to better his hometown community. He is someone that has inspired me and countless others to reach our full potential and truly has a legendary status in both the NMU and Clarkston communities. They even have the gym at one of the middle schools named after him, and had an official Mel Vaara Day!

I believe that Mel Vaara would make an excellent nominee for the Stormy Kromer Living Legend. As a man that has U.P. roots and has positively impacted the lives of so many people, I can think of no better candidate.

(In Derek’s nomination of Mel, several newspaper articles were included. At first glance, they appeared to be about people other than Mel. After reading them in detail, it was clear that while the articles were celebrating the successes of other Clarkston natives, each of them credited Mel Vaara as a key contributor to their success in life.)

Chosen Charity: Clarkston Athletic Boosters

Hometown: Clarkston, MI

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Gus Whalen

Nominated by: Bill Lightfoot, mentee

Simply put, Gus is one of those people who won't take no for an answer! When he locks in on something that he believes is a worthwhile cause, he will persistently, patiently – but with purpose – move his circle of colleagues (EVERYONE who knows Gus is a friend)....towards the fulfillment of that cause. He is an awesome person, a great speaker, a super mentor, and one of the nicest men you could ever know.

What makes this all so compelling is how Gus took what could have been a sad tale of economic woe and downfall, and turned it into a vibrant, enabling story that is full of success and potential. I am referring to his decision nearly 10 years ago to shut down his family’s manufacturing firm – the Warren Featherbone Company – due to intense overseas competition.

Rather than take his money and shift gears for retirement, Gus energized the community, and redeveloped the former Featherbone Factory to create the Featherbone Communiversity. During one of the most challenging economic cycles many of us have known, the Communiversity has expanded its reach, through the collaboration of numerous partners and Gus' vision, so that today, this multi-dimensional institution has hundreds of university students attending classes, a similar number of younger children learning and playing at one of our country’s most interactive children's museums, and a comprehensive business incubator hosting ten companies working with four academic institutions who provide a range of business, engineering, and manufacturing support.

What drives Gus is his sense of community, and specifically, his concept that we are all connected at our roots. I have watched the Communiversity evolve due to his drive and commitment. In addition to the daily activities described above, he initiated a Masters series that includes four separate events that recognize Master Teachers, Master Innovators, Master Nurses, and Master Craftsman. Every year, nearly 40 'Masters' are honored for their contributions to our community.

Finally, several years ago, again as a part of Gus' vision and leadership, we started the Communiversity Academy. Centered on inspiring teenagers with leadership potential, the Communiversity Academy includes 60 students from three area High Schools who attend the four Masters events, learning at the feet of the honorees. They also participate in the $5 Challenge - a unique program run by eXela Ventures that gives each kid a $5 bill, with the instructions to 'turn it into something more.’ Through this process, with some coaching, the students develop small business ventures that last year turned $250 into $718 in 3 weeks! The kids learn about entrepreneurship, they have fun, and they donate the proceeds to a local charitable organization.

To me, and dare I say, to our entire community, and to all that know him, Gus is truly a living legend!

Chosen Charity: Georgia Mountain Food Bank

Hometown: Gainesville, GA

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