AuSable Eye Care:

AuSable Eye Care is a long-standing business in our community. Not only do they provide quality care to patients, the doctors and employees are dedicated to the community and events throughout. The generosity of the doctors and staff are endless, and they are a pillar within the community.

BC Pizza:

They are a great business in our community, consistently giving back through generous donations to local schools and events. Their dedication goes beyond contributions—their employees embody positivity and enthusiasm, creating a welcoming and uplifting environment for all.

Jellystone Park:

2025 will be Jellystone Park Grayling's 55th year in business. They have been here that long making family memories with their guests. They are proud to be a part of the community here in Grayling Michigan and are a proud member of the Chamber of Commerce. This past year they jumped in with the community to show people that they are here and ready to serve and help this community. They had a booth at the Grayling High School Job Fair to show kids there is a career path in hospitality, a booth at the Business Expo to network and connect with locals and local businesses, a booth at Kids Day for the AuSable River festival and brought Yogi Bear and Cindy Bear and handed out almost 500 goodie bags. They sponsored a duck for the duck races and brought Boo Boo down to help with the race and visit with kids and take pictures. They entered a boat in the HUP Race and took 2nd place in the race and had Yogi Bear down there for pictures and visits with families. They have hosted field trips for the local school so the kids can come and check out the park and have some fun. Jellystone brought a group of 6 volunteer staff along with Yogi Bear to the Crawford County Thanksgiving Day Meals at Grayling High School to hang out with the families that come to eat and help serve the meals. Jellystone Park Grayling is committed to serving this community and want to step in and help any way they can. They love northern Michigan and the people of Grayling and want everyone to know that they are here to help and serve the community.

Mary Becker’s Heart of Up North Realty:

Mary and her team support the community in many ways throughout the year with various fundraising events and through volunteer work. They also bring new people to our wonderful area by selling them homes in turn strengthening our economy and communities.

North Country Corner:

They always have excellent customer service and are extremely accommodating to the needs of their customers!

Our Town Coffee and Treats:

This new business has quickly become a thriving part of our town, offering fantastic coffee, delicious homemade treats, outstanding service, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The staff is exceptionally friendly, making every visit feel homey and uplifting. They never fail to brighten their guests’ day with their talkative and kind demeanor. Their unique syrups and specialty baked goods showcase their creativity and dedication to quality. It's wonderful to have a coffee shop that not only serves great coffee but also supports the community by promoting local events, collaborating on fundraisers, donating door prizes and sponsoring events. Grayling should be very proud of this business and the positive impact they’ve made!

Rotten Princess Records:

Under the leadership of James Jones, this business has become a cornerstone of the Grayling community, not only as a thriving music hub but also as a powerful force for supporting local artists and youth musicians.

James is a dedicated business owner, father and husband who passionately invests in the local music scene. Through Rotten Princess Records, he provides a platform for emerging artists, fosters creativity, and helps shape the next generation of musicians. His unwavering commitment to youth mentorship ensures that aspiring musicians have the resources, guidance, and opportunities to succeed.

Beyond his business, James is an active supporter of the community, always willing to lend a hand and contribute to local events. He embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship and service, making Rotten Princess Records not just a business, but a vital part of Grayling’s cultural fabric.

Rotten Princess Records’ dedication to both business excellence and community support makes it a deserving recipient of the Business of the Year award.

Weyerhaeuser:

Weyerhaeuser is a wonderful company to have in Grayling and has a grant program to graciously serve our community. In 2024, they awarded a grant to Grayling Baptist Church for our community adopted families of Crawford county, and donates to many other local initiatives!

AuSable River Canoe Marathon:

The AuSable River Canoe Marathon (ARCM) Committee is an extraordinary organization that has made an indelible mark on our community, showcasing the power of dedication, collaboration, and year-round commitment to excellence. Their work begins long before race week, as they engage in year-round planning, coordination, and communication with paddlers, sponsors, volunteers, and related organizations. The committee’s unwavering attention to detail ensures that every aspect of this world-class event—from safety logistics to community engagement—runs seamlessly. The Marathon is not just a race; it is a celebration of Grayling’s heritage, a boost to the local economy, and a source of pride for our residents. The committee’s efforts bring together paddlers and spectators from around the globe, putting Grayling on the map as a premier destination for outdoor recreation and competitive sports. This committee’s tireless efforts in organizing and orchestrating one of Grayling’s most iconic events make them a true part of who Grayling is.

Crawford County Community Christian Help Center:

This essential organization plays a crucial role in supporting the Grayling community by providing food assistance to individuals and families in need.

Through its dedicated volunteers and staff, the CCCC Help Center Food Pantry works tirelessly to ensure that no one in our community goes hungry. Their commitment to service, compassion, and outreach has made a significant impact on countless lives, offering not just food but also hope and dignity to those facing hardship.

In addition to their food assistance efforts, the organization continuously collaborates with other local groups, churches, and businesses to maximize its impact and reach as many people as possible. Their dedication to serving the community with kindness and generosity makes them an invaluable resource and a deserving recipient of the Organization of the Year award.

Fred Bear Day:

The Fred Bear Day Organization exemplifies the spirit of dedication and community service that makes Grayling truly special. Their tireless efforts to bring the Fred Bear statue to life in our City Park are nothing short of remarkable. Successfully raising over $100,000 to fund this monumental project demonstrates their incredible commitment to honoring Fred Bear’s legacy and creating a lasting symbol of pride for our community.

The unveiling event they organized was nothing less than historic. Thousands of residents and visitors gathered to witness this significant moment in Grayling's history. The event was flawlessly executed, bringing people together in celebration and unity. It was more than just a statue unveiling; it was a heartfelt tribute to a beloved figure and a memorable day that will be cherished for years to come.

The Fred Bear Day Organization’s passion and perseverance in achieving such a monumental goal make them exceptionally deserving of the Organization of the Year award. They have left an indelible mark on Grayling and set an inspiring example of what a determined group of individuals can achieve for their community.

Grayling Promotional Association:

Grayling Promotional Association is a remarkable group of dedicated women who tirelessly devote their time, energy, and resources to the betterment of our community. Driven purely by their passion for Grayling’s success, these ladies work selflessly to organize and execute impactful initiatives that benefit both local businesses and organizations. Through year-round fundraising efforts, they generate significant financial support, which they reinvest directly into our town, fostering growth, connection, and a thriving community spirit. These incredible women provide Grayling with countless extras, from decorating streets with flowers, contributing financially to the Christmas decorations downtown, the murals you see around town, lights at the city park to funding a new flag at the town entrance and so much more. They also sponsor many events and programs throughout the year, ensuring continued support for organizations that uplift and enrich our community. Their commitment and generosity make them an indispensable part of Grayling’s heart and soul.

Alice Snyder:

For years, Alice Snyder has been helping the older adults in our community. Her dream had always been to have a new place for older citizens to gather for social events, exercise, food, games, and meetings. Over the years, she has tried numerous avenues to make this dream a reality but the ideas always fell through. She never gave up. This past year her dream came true with the building of the new Senior Center. This building took a lot of planning, a lot of setbacks, a lot of changes, and a lot of people to make this dream come true. The new center now is able to host larger congregate meals, provide Meals on Wheels more efficiently, provide more room for exercise classes, and is a beautiful place to just hang out with friends. Alice deserves this award because she definitely made the Senior Center happen. It wasn't an easy process but the end result was amazing!!! Alice made it happen!!

Destiney’s Gardens:

Destiney’s Gardens has gotten a lot of well-deserved attention lately. This company has grown at a fast pace and has shown beautiful results in the work they are doing. They are making beauty happen in the Grayling area!

Just Breathe LLC Salt Room and Fitness Center:

This small family business is driven by a couple who has lost their older brother and sister in the last 5 years. Monica's & Jason's vision to create a space for alternative modalities of healing in Grayling was sorely needed and a blessing.  In a time when medical care in rural areas like ours is not meeting the needs of  patients, especially seniors, this business is attracting various holistic practitioners who provide classes and services to fill that gap.  Their vision is to grow a healthy community one by one and to remember to Just Breathe. It's not easy opening a business in the off season that caters to locals. This couple made it happen with little to invest but a lot of faith! I applaud their courage and determination to make their business a place that supports our citizens, while putting Grayling on the map as a place that attracts visitors interested in seeking methods to take back control of their health.

Mid Michigan Honor Flight:

Mid Michigan Honor Flight’s team demonstrated extraordinary leadership, innovation, and dedication by creating and executing the first-ever All Women, All Veterans honor flight in May 2024. This groundbreaking mission celebrated the invaluable contributions of female veterans, honoring their service and sacrifices in a way that had never been done before. The team overcame logistical and organizational challenges to bring together women from across generations and branches of the military, ensuring they received the recognition they so deeply deserve. From meticulous planning to heartfelt execution, their efforts provided these trailblazing veterans with an unforgettable journey to Washington, D.C., where they experienced camaraderie, reflection, and appreciation. This historic achievement not only spotlighted the unique stories of female veterans but also set a precedent for future honor flights nationwide. The Mid Michigan Honor Flight team’s vision and commitment have inspired communities, strengthened bonds among veterans, and made a lasting impact on the legacy of service. For their tireless efforts and for breaking new ground in honoring those who have served, the Mid Michigan Honor Flight team truly made it happen.

NYE Canoe Drop Crew:

This incredible crew, consisting of Richard Ferrigan with Grayling Fitness, Ben Diller and the team from Ryan’s Tree Service, Jenna Bauer with A+ Lawn Care, and Michelle Millikin with Homewaters Real Estate, brought an unforgettable experience to our community on New Year’s Eve.

Their vision, hard work, and collaboration turned an idea into a reality, creating a unique and exciting event that brought the community together in celebration. The Canoe Drop was a fantastic addition to Grayling’s traditions, showcasing the town’s creativity, teamwork, and spirit of innovation. This team’s dedication and commitment to making Grayling a special place to live and visit exemplifies the very essence of the You Made It Happen Award.

We hope this incredible event continues for years to come, thanks to the hard work and passion of this outstanding team.

Primary Electric:

They do so much for the community by donating their services to so many projects, such as the gazebo in front of Walgreens and the American flag at Grayling’s entrance from I75 at zero cost to the organization behind the initiative. There are many more projects that they have done that wouldn’t have necessarily been able to be completed if it wasn’t for their generosity. They are good people with good hearts and our community is fortunate to have them – they’re playing a huge role in making these great projects and updates happen in our town!

Radel Rosin:

Radel is not just a model citizen of Grayling—he’s a driving force behind the town’s creativity and entertainment. Since taking the helm at AuSable Artisan Village, his contributions have been nothing short of remarkable. He plays a key role in shaping the local arts and music scene, from organizing events at the Artisan Village to supporting live performances at Paddle Hard Yard.

His impact extends beyond performances—he’s been instrumental in launching the new AAV Performing Arts Center & Mud Room, curating art shows, fostering community engagement, and creating new opportunities for artists and residents alike. Under his leadership, the art gallery has become a welcoming space where people can create, grow, and connect. Always ready to roll up his sleeves for any project the community needs, Radel brings kindness, passion, and dedication to everything he does for Grayling".

Rich Ferrigan:

Whether it is countless hours spent decorating the canoe for the first annual canoe drop, opening his fitness center for the youth grapplers to practice at all hours of day, creating a haunted gym for kids to tour or helping to keep the community active by hosting Silver Sneakers at the Commission on Aging, Rich gives back to the community tenfold. He definitely makes it happen for Grayling!

Samara Hartman:

For nearly two decades Samara Hartman has been building a strong cross country running feeder program for Grayling area youth. Through both recreational programs and school club teams she has grown interest and visibility for the sport in our community. Coach Hartman’s dedication outside of school hours, investment of personal resources and creation of a positive environment for her runners is a testament to her approach as a coach and her vision for Cross Country in Grayling.

As a result of that dedication and leadership Cross Country became an official Middle School sport in 2024. This first for the program set in motion a number of other exciting achievements. During the 2024-2025 cross country season, the Grayling Middle School Cross Country team placed first in both the boys and girls division at the Kalkaska Invitational, school records were broken by individual runners and the boys team brought home the Northshore Coast Regional championship trophy. At every race this season, Grayling Middle School runners consistently placed in the top 10 for both boys and girls divisions.

Coach Hartman inspires hard work, dedication, team spirit and fun in her interactions with her runners. This doesn’t end with her Middle School team runners - it extends to family members and friends of the runners. When there is an open division at cross country meets it’s not uncommon to see younger siblings, parents and friends lining up at the start line.

Samara will be the first to tell you that it’s a team effort - and she’s right. Through the years she has worked closely with Hanson Hills and Justin Andre, Grayling High School Cross Country coach. This partnership led to the Firecracker 1 Mile during the Fourth of July Parade and Mighty Milers a now popular after school program and signature part of the annual Ragnar Trail Race at Hanson Hills when the kids get to race their mile and cross the Ragnar finish line - something that doesn't happen at any other Ragnar race in the country.

Samara is helping to put Grayling on the map as a running community and instilling her love of the sport in our kids. Without her dedication, patience, love of running and love for the Grayling community, Middle School Cross Country, an inaugural winning season and a strong future of competitive Cross Country runners representing Grayling at the regional and state level would not have happened.

Tom Coors:

On February 23, 2024, the Community Garden lost Greg Nelson, who was the backbone of the garden. His death left a void that we feared could not be filled. On March 1, 2024, Nancy Goodyear, the Director of the Crawford County Christian Help Center and partner of the Grayling Community Garden, graciously sent out an e-mail to food pantry supporters seeking volunteers to assist the garden in preparing for major planned improvements for the upcoming season. We had received grant funding and a generous private donation for a new fence, and there was a significant amount of work to be done ahead of its installation, and after its completion. Trees, roots and stumps needed to be removed, a tractor with a bucket was needed to scrape wood chips from around the old, dilapidated fence, as well as from the old garden walkways, to prepare for a new configuration of beds in the expanded garden space. A tractor with a tiller was needed to remove debris and prepare the soil for new garden beds. Greg had also been our trusted irrigation expert, and responsible for procuring the manure we depend on to enrich our soil, so we needed help with those responsibilities too. Our small group of garden volunteers felt totally overwhelmed about the season ahead!

That’s when Tom Coors responded to the email sent by Nancy and joined us at our meeting on March 26, 2024. He told us that he had all the necessary equipment, and that he could help us with virtually all of the needs we had listed, including help with our irrigation system. Tom followed through on all of his promises, generously volunteering his time, talent and equipment, resulting in the wonderful transformation that took place at the Grayling Community Garden last year! Tom not only got the grounds ready for the fence installation but also took great care in preparing the garden space so that we could welcome more individual gardeners and improve the use of our space to accommodate more community donation beds. Functional spaces for composting and storing leaf mulch, wood chips, and manure donations were established as well. The community garden is quite a large space, so this was no small feat!

Tom worked tirelessly taking down trees to make room for the new, 120-foot by 160-foot fence, with the added benefit of his knowledge of the equipment that would be used by the professional fence installers. Once the trees were down, he cleared the brush, made wood chips that could be used for our garden paths, and organized the lumber. While he was working at the garden, he connected with Rick Brown who owns a portable mill and volunteered to mill the usable logs into boards. Once the boards were cut, Tom moved the boards and stacked them neatly to dry outside of the fenced-in garden space. Tom removed all remaining debris from the garden area and cleared the way for Beem Fencing to begin their work on April 16, 2024.

As soon as the old fence was removed, Tom went into action with additional tasks, such as moving our shed to be out of the way, marking electrical lines to avoid damage during the fence installation, and tilling the entire garden space - clearing roots, grass and weeds, and leveling the ground to make it suitable for the new garden layout  During this time, he also used his personal truck and trailer to pick up manure from Dr. Jackson’s beefalo farm and deliver it to the garden.

On May 13, 2024, the new fence was installed!  The overall transformation of the community garden was remarkable and could not have been completed without Tom’s effort. Once the fence was up, Tom came back to the garden to do even more work finishing details. Using his smaller tractor, he processed a large stump that we had removed into wood chips and filled in and leveled the gaping hole that was left behind. Tom also repaired the irrigation line that had been broken during the process and taught us how to replace and adjust the heads on our sprinkler system.

On May 17, 2024 the garden was selected as a site for the Russ Mawby Signature Service event. We had approximately 30 volunteers show up to install chicken wire at the base of the new fence to prevent small critters from getting into the garden. These volunteers also helped to install black landscape fabric to create functional paths between the new garden beds and create a weed barrier around the outside edge of the new fence. Once this work was done, Tom returned with his equipment once again to spread the wood chips all the way around the perimeter of the garden, and on as many of the garden paths as possible until we ran out of the available wood chips. He also helped with his tractor to distribute the manure onto the garden plots, saving us from doing all of that by hand with shovels and wheelbarrows.

We were truly amazed by how beautiful the garden looked on our opening day, thanks to Tom. On June 1, 2024, the Grayling Community Garden was as ready as it has ever been for gardeners to begin working in their plots. Tom Coors truly “Made It Happen” through the generous donation of his valuable time, extraordinary talent, immense knowledge, technical expertise, and use of his personal equipment. Without his help, the Grayling Community Garden would not have been able to complete the incredible expansion and transformation ahead of the 2024 gardening season, nor would we have had the success that we did - growing copious amounts of fruits and vegetables and strengthening our community. We are truly grateful for his partnership and passion to see the project through to completion! Tom Coors, You Made It Happen!

Tracy Wilson:

Tracy Wilson of North Central Area Credit Union has been an unwavering champion for all things Grayling, embodying a spirit of community pride and initiative that truly sets her apart. Her recent work on replacing the flagpole at Hanson Hills Recreation Area is a shining example of her dedication to making Grayling a better place for everyone.

Recognizing the need for a new flagpole to honor our community and its values, Tracy didn’t just mention it—she made it happen. She presented her vision to the Grayling Recreation Authority Board with enthusiasm and determination. From there, she tackled every step of the project: researching options, obtaining quotes, and leveraging community investment dollars from the credit union to cover the costs. Her ability to rally support and turn an idea into reality is a testament to her passion for our community.

What makes this achievement even more impressive is the speed and efficiency with which it was accomplished. In less than two months, Tracy’s vision went from a proposal to a completed installation, now standing proudly at Hanson Hills Recreation Area. The new flagpole isn’t just a structure—it’s a symbol of unity, pride, and the power of community action.

Her initiative and the support of the Credit Union have given our beloved recreation area a meaningful improvement that will inspire residents and visitors for years to come. Because of her, Hanson Hills is an even more special place to gather, reflect, and celebrate what it means to be part of Grayling.

Blarney Stone Broadcasting:

For over a decade, Blarney Stone Broadcasting has been amplifying Grayling’s voice and its surrounding communities, connecting people through the power of radio and media. Their commitment to delivering impactful advertising solutions has helped countless local businesses thrive, ensuring their messages reach the right audience. Beyond their role as a trusted advertising partner, they have been a driver of community spirit, promoting and supporting local events that bring Grayling together. Their dedication to this community makes them who they are!

DuBois Lumber & Rental Center:

DuBois Lumber & Rental Center has been a long-standing business in the Grayling community. Their presence reflects not only their success but also their unwavering commitment to the town they proudly call home. As believers of the "shop local" philosophy, DuBois Lumber consistently encourages people to invest in and celebrate all that Grayling has to offer. DuBois stands out as a supporter of local organizations, sports, and events. Their generosity toward this community makes them a vital thread in the fabric of Grayling. It’s businesses like theirs that remind us of the importance of longevity, community support, and local pride. Their legacy makes them a deserving candidate for the Longevity Award.

North Country Corner:

North Country Corner is well deserving of the Longevity Award in recognition of their longstanding dedication to keeping Grayling fashionable and vibrant throughout the years. This beloved local business has stood the test of time, continually providing quality products and exceptional service to the community.

Beyond their retail success, North Country Corner has consistently given back to Grayling. Their contributions to the annual Christmas Walk, including hosting the reindeer in their parking lot, have become cherished traditions that bring joy to families and visitors. Their commitment to community involvement and local events demonstrates their unwavering support for Grayling’s growth and spirit.

North Country Corner’s lasting presence and active role in enriching the community make them a most deserving recipient of the Longevity Award.

Tip’N The Mitten:

Kate and her staff at Tip’n the Mitten are one of the nicest places in town to visit and buy great merchandise – which is all Michigan-made! They are a one-stop shop with the variety of items they carry and how they have expanded their business. They have been a staple in Grayling for years now!

Woodland Motor Lodge:

Diane and Rob have owned the Woodland Motor Lodge for 23 years. During that time they have remodeled a "70's" style motel into one of the nicest places to stay in Grayling - using Grayling Business to do the work. Rob has been the president of the Grayling Visitors Bureau while Diane has been involved with the Chamber and GPA for years. Both have a love for Grayling are very involved in the community. During the pandemic, Diane and Rob opened up their rooms to any health personnel who needed a place to stay, free of charge. They are frequently giving free rooms to people in need, they have hired homeless and women from the River House, and they are always giving people a helping hand. Many people in Grayling have never visited this wonderful business since you don't necessarily need a place to stay in the town that you live, but nevertheless, the visitors that come to Grayling need a place to lay their head at night and Diane and Rob have always taken the best care of them, therefore these people have amazing memories of Grayling and want to return. The Woodland Motor Lodge deserves to be recognized for the important role it plays in Grayling economy.

Chase Lohr:

Sergeant Lohr exemplifies what it means to represent Crawford County and our Sheriff’s department. He is always so kind and respectful whenever he comes to my place of employment. I see him helping the community with our local events throughout the year including toys for toys, the Christmas tree lot provided by the Sheriff’s department and many others. Personally, he helped my 65-year-old father push his vehicle to the gas station when he ran out of gas at 4am. He deserves this award more than anyone I know, and Crawford County is very lucky to have him.

Matt Swope:

The dedication this man has given to our community can be seen by anyone he encounters. Besides being a part of the Sheriff Dept, he is on the swat team and is called out at all hours of the night. Actually the whole sheriffs dept deserves this award. They work understaffed, for not enough pay, and keep our families safe!  Matt is a true example of the men we want in our town.

Amanda Clough:

Chief Amanda Clough’s dedication to the Grayling community shines through in everything she does, from leading local parades and ensuring the safety of all in attendance to protecting the community as a whole. Her professionalism, kindness, and unwavering commitment to public service make her an outstanding nominee for this award.

Beyond her official duties, Chief Clough plays a vital role in community service projects, including her involvement with the Toys for Tots program and numerous other local events. With nearly 20 years in public safety—15 of them with the Grayling Police Department—she has not only safeguarded the community but also strengthened its spirit through her leadership and compassion.

Colleagues describe Chief Clough as “an inspiring leader who leads by example,” while community members frequently praise her approachability and genuine concern for their well-being. Her generosity and willingness to go above and beyond reflect her deep commitment to the people of Grayling.

With her dedication, selflessness, tireless work ethic, and positive spirit, Chief Amanda Clough is truly deserving of the Service Person of the Year award.

Charly Mathews:

Charly is a dedicated advocate for veterans and military personnel, deeply involved in multiple organizations that support those who have served. As a Disabled Air Force veteran and Life Member of the American Legion and Auxiliary, VFW, and Disabled American Veterans and Auxiliary, she has committed her time and expertise to assisting fellow veterans. She serves as the Service Officer for both the Legion and VFW in Grayling, helping veterans with their claims paperwork and ensuring they stay informed about VA system changes. Additionally, she holds a committee position at the Department level of the American Legion as the Adjutant for the Reconnect Committee, a program designed to help veterans remain in their homes.

On the American Legion Auxiliary side, Charly is an executive board member at the unit level in Grayling, President of District 10, and the Department Chairperson for Homeless Veterans. She is also actively involved with the Grayling Eagles Auxiliary, volunteering whenever possible.

Charly has organized numerous fundraisers in the Grayling area to support causes such as Toys for Tots, Mid-Michigan Honor Flight, and the Grayling Eagles Auxiliary. She played a key role in the Michigan Honor Flight program and was honored to attend the first all-female flight to Washington, D.C., last year.

One of Charly’s most impactful initiatives is the Cards for Soldiers program, which she runs in Grayling. This program has provided hundreds of thousands of handmade greeting cards to troops overseas, as well as care packages for local deployed military personnel. Her team also promotes education on Americanism and Flag Etiquette at Grayling Elementary School, ensuring that young students understand and appreciate these important values.

Charly’s unwavering commitment to veterans, active-duty service members, and her community makes her an outstanding nominee for recognition.

Diane Tomlinson:

I have worked with Diane on many things and she is so involved in our city. She volunteers her time to every event and more. Besides owning a business she finds time for all of this and more.  She is what Grayling is all about – and that is it’s great people!

If there was ever a citizen of Grayling that should be nominated for the Citizen of the year it is Diane Tomlinson.  Over the years, she has helped out in so many things around this town.  A few examples are volunteering with the food bank to pass out supplies at the food trucks, volunteering at the Artisan Village, the Commission on Aging, the Animal Shelter, and the Library.  At Thanksgiving, Diane shows up three days in a row to help de-bone over 90 turkeys, prepare corn casserole and all the other side dishes and then arrives Thanksgiving morning to help serve our community this beautiful meal. She has done that for over 15 years.

Always trying to better the community, Diane has been an active member of the Grayling Chamber of Commerce and The Grayling Visitor’s Bureau.  During River Festival Diane was instrumental in running the Arts and Craft show in the Park, helped the contestants of the Miss AuSable Pageant to prepare for their Judges interview, organized the Duck Race, sold beer at the Beer Tent, participated in the set up and the cleanup of events. Wherever help is needed, Diane will jump in to help without having to be asked twice.

This year Diane is the Vice President of the Grayling Promotional Association, which we all know does so many wonderful things around Grayling.  She will be there working alongside all the other wonderful ladies of the GPA, but also behind the scenes helping Shelly get the Flag installed at the south exit of 75, the murals that are popping up around town or the Benches installed along the new bike path between Industrial Park and Kirtland.

Everyone’s time is limited, so when Diane cannot physically be there to help she still believes it is important to support local organizations such as the Kirtland Warbler Festival, the Fred Bear Festival, the River House, Forbush, Little League and so many others.

Grayling is made up of many wonderful citizens and Diane Tomlinson is one of them.

Heidi Farmer:

Heidi is always volunteering at food and clothing drives, helps out during the AuSable River Canoe Marathon, with the Girl Scouts, and many other events.

Jenny Maples:

Jenny Maples, a proud lifelong resident of Grayling, is a remarkable asset to our community. Her dedication is evident through her tireless efforts in helping organizing and coordinating events for the Grayling Department of Safety. Jenny’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life in Grayling is truly inspiring, as she consistently goes above and beyond to bring people together and foster a sense of community spirit.

Jomarie Leone:

Jomarie Leone, affectionately known as Jomama on Q100 Michigan, served as a dedicated board member of the AuSable Artisan Village for more than five years. Her invaluable contributions shaped the thriving theater and live performance venue we enjoy in Grayling today. Through her efforts, she has not only helped to elevate community theater and live performance in Grayling but also serves as a daily DJ on Q100 Michigan, tirelessly promoting the spirit and vibrancy of our community.

Josie Krupp:

Josie is a dedicated leader, mentor, and advocate for the Grayling community, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the betterment of our town.

As the Chair of the Grayling Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Board, Josie tirelessly works to enhance and revitalize our downtown area. She has been instrumental in organizing events, supporting local businesses, and fostering a sense of community pride. Her dedication goes beyond her official role—she consistently steps up to ensure that every initiative and activity benefits the residents and visitors of Grayling alike.

In addition to her efforts with the DDA, Josie serves as a high school girls volleyball coach, inspiring and guiding young athletes both on and off the court. Her leadership instills confidence, teamwork, and resilience in her players, making a lasting impact on their lives.

Despite her demanding responsibilities as a business owner, Josie never hesitates to lend a helping hand. Whether it’s volunteering her time, supporting local events, or simply being a reliable and positive presence in the community, she embodies the true spirit of service and generosity.

Josie Swander-Krupp exemplifies what it means to be a dedicated citizen, always going above and beyond to make Grayling a better place for all. Her passion, leadership, and selfless contributions make her a most deserving recipient of the Citizen of the Year award.

Mary Becker:

Mary has always gone above & beyond helping others, helping businesses and non-profit organizations. She has always stepped up to the plate helping anyone in need. Mary is professional, hardworking and compassionate with everything she puts her mind to.

Travis Hulbert:

Travis is a very exceptional person. He always looks for how he can improve and support the community. From fundraisers, the Grayling Country Club, volunteers in the JPMF Little Viking golf clinic, Grayling High School golf and bowling coach, reffing high school football games, being an umpire for baseball games, and little league softball coach. Many parents and kids do not see Travis as just their sports coach, but more as a mentor. Travis enjoys everything he does with the community. He would not be the person he is today if it wasn’t for all of you in this community to help make this possible.

Becky Cwiek:

Becky is the definition of a dedicated volunteer, giving her time, energy, and expertise to countless organizations and events that enrich the Grayling community. With a strong background in nonprofit work and volunteerism, she has chosen to spend her retirement making a lasting impact on our town.

Her efforts were pivotal in the organization of Fred Bear Statue project along with the Fred Bear Day organization, ensuring this event honored Grayling’s heritage and brought the community together. As a dedicated member of GPA, she continually supports not only their local projects that enhance our area, but those of other organizations as well. Becky was also part of the team that organized the Downtown New Year’s Eve Party, helping to create a memorable celebration for residents and visitors alike.

Beyond her hands-on work, Becky is an incredible advocate for local events. She tirelessly promotes community happenings, ensuring they reach a wider audience and gain the support they need to thrive. Her passion for volunteerism is evident in everything she does, and her willingness to step up and contribute wherever needed has made a significant difference in Grayling.

Becky embodies the spirit of volunteerism, dedicating her time and talents to bettering our community. Her selflessness, enthusiasm, and unwavering commitment make her a truly deserving candidate for the Volunteer of the Year Award!

Heather Green:

Heather volunteers for many veteran and service member organizations. She has been on several Honor Flights including the first all-Woman flight, she also spends countless hours with USO, supporting the troops. Additionally, she helps with food drives, toys for tots, service dog programs, etc.  she is not happy if she is not helping others. She is a true asset to the community!

Julie McClain:

Julie volunteers year-round for Toys For Tots.

Matthew Haight:

Matt volunteers his time to the youth in Grayling and has the biggest heart. He is their loudest cheerleader. He shows up day in and day out and dedicates his soul to creating endless possibilities for these kids. He is a coach for Grayling Junior Vikings, taking them undefeated and to the championship this year. He also coaches and inspires young wrestlers with the Grayling Grapplers, dedicating hours of his time daily for practices and weekend meets!

Mid Michigan Honor Flight:

Mid Michigan Honor Flight’s team of volunteers (Robert Green, Heather Green, Carlie Wilson, and many more people in and around the area) work diligently and fundraise all year long to help provide transportation free of cost to veterans in and around the greater northern lower half of Michigan. They cover 52 counties from Mackinaw City down to Lansing, and have provided over 1,500 veterans of Vietnam, Korea, and World War II with closure. These volunteers are members of our community, and they are active in many other organizations. In May, these volunteers and the rest of the staff at Mid Michigan Honor Flight paid for and launched the first ever of its kind all women all veteran Honor Flight, which recognized women as veterans, many of which had never been recognized prior.