CHARLEVOIX COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION - Key Persons
When she was a young child, Babs and her family began visiting a small resort at the north end of Torch Lake when they vacationed. Babs, her parents, and her younger sister had visited northern Michigan for over 20 years when the cottages at the resort were put up for sale. Her parents bought the cottage and the property has been a steady connection to the area over time.
Though her public schools in southeastern Ohio did not employ an art teacher and she never took an art class, Babs loved to draw and create. When she attended Purdue University, she found her way to art education. Over the course of her career, Babs taught all ages - "from kindergarten through college" - spending the greatest portion of the 30+ years in an elementary school art room in Bexley, a suburb of Columbus, Ohio. "One of the best parts about teaching, of course, was that when the school year was done it was DONE," says Babs, "so I spent most summers at the cottage."
Nearing retirement, Babs and her partner, Betty Jo, who was already retired from Ohio State University, decided to build a new home on the cottage property. This endeavor took three years, but in 2002, Babs retired from the Bexley School District and they moved full-time to the Torch Lake area. Since then, Babs has become engaged with Jordan River Arts Council (JRAC) in East Jordan. Initially, she volunteered to help improve an artists-in-schools program; in time, she became a committed board member. Babs has also lent her skills and energy to Art Rapids, a newer organization based in Elk Rapids that created the "Walk of Art," a hike in the Elk Rapids Day Park that features over 30 sculptures.
When Babs reached out to the Community Foundation, she knew she wanted make a future gift - a plan to use assets when she passes away that won't cost her anything now - for this area she loves. "I've lived here for almost 20 years now and many of the families we saw every summer in the 1940s, 50s, and 60s, some of them live here now too. These are people I've known my entire life," notes Babs. Through discussion with Community Foundation staff, Babs decided on a plan that will support the Community Endowment and the arts community she has nurtured with her time. "Of course art is important to me," says Babs, "but more than that, it's that art encourages connection between people. I hope this gift will do that someday."
Beverly Walker had a deep affection for their community, which grew as their children and grandchildren made their lives here as well. Their daughter Karen explained: "My parents lived in East Jordan most of their lives. My dad was originally from East Jordan and my mom was a Boyne City girl. They lived briefly elsewhere in Michigan but shortly after their marriage, they both considered East Jordan their home."
When Bob passed away, memorial gifts were made in his honor and a fund was established bearing his name. In 2017, Mrs. Walker adjusted the fund to focus on good work in East Jordan. "I want to see the children in the area taken care of and I hope our community is a good place for families," explained Mrs. Walker. "If we can make a small difference in East Jordan, that means a lot to me."
When Mrs. Walker passed away later that year, memorial gifts were again directed to the Community Foundation to enrich the Robert and Beverly Walker Fund for East Jordan. Working alongside the East Jordan Enrichment Fund in grant cycles each spring and fall, the Robert and Beverly Walker Fund for East Jordan will make a difference in this community they loved. Grants might support programs at East Jordan Public Schools, local organizations that assist friends and neighbors in need, and enhancements to community services and spaces. Because the Walker Fund is endowed, it will continue to grow and provide grant dollars for these kinds of programs and projects and more, both now and into the future while honoring Bob and Beverly.
When Dr. Murray was creating his will, he was sure to include a future gift to benefit Beaver Island. Dr. Murray communicated with Community Foundation staff to share his wishes. When he passed away in 2009, Dr. Murray's estate enriched several funds held at the Community Foundation that provide for organizations, programs, and projects on Beaver Island. Because those funds are endowed, Dr. Murray's legacy gift continues to provide support each year in his memory.
Henry Hill was the only child of a family from Chicago who, by luck, fell in love with northern Michigan, specifically Beaver Island. In 1917, after winning a Chicago newspaper contest which awarded a small parcel of land on the Island, the family built two small cottages on the Lake Michigan shore. Beginning at age two, Henry and his mother would visit the island every summer. Henry attended college and law school at the University of Chicago. He began his career at the Civil Aeronautics Board in Washington, D.C. where he helped craft the modern aviation industry. He married, returned to Illinois, and raised three children. In addition to his professional career, he served in many volunteer roles including local school boards, clubs, and the Boy Scouts.
In retirement, Henry wrote about his own childhood years on the Island in his book titled Tales From the Other End of the Island. The Hill family continues to visit Beaver Island often and Henry's strong love of the Island has been conveyed to his children and grandchildren. Henry was a champion of organizations that provide for people on the Island, including the Library, the Beaver Island Rural Health Center, and the Beaver Island Historical Society. With his estate gift, Henry supported organizations he cared about most through the Community Foundation. As a Legacy Society member, Henry Hill will be remembered on Beaver Island and beyond.
Job Titles:
- Communications and Development
Phoebe Watson made their home and their lives in East Jordan. Phoebe taught first grade at East Jordan Elementary School, beginning in the early 1940s. During that time she met Harry and they were married while he was on leave from the U.S. Navy.
Harry was a funeral director in East Jordan, as well as a licensed builder and a master plumber and electrician. He owned and operated the Watson Funeral Home and Watson Construction, Inc. He was also a member of the Rotary Club of East Jordan for more than 50 years, including serving as the Club's President. Harry was a City Council member and even the Mayor of East Jordan for a time. Phoebe was supportive of and involved in many of Harry's community activities. She was an effective teacher serving East Jordan's young residents for years.