Shanty Days Honoree
2024: As our community is still processing Jim Rabas’ passing, we are reminded daily of his selfless volunteerism and its wide reaches as Algoma attempts to pick up where he left off. With his untimely passing, the driving force and passion behind the Shanty Days Honoree has faded. For this reason, it has been decided to retire this distinction effective immediately.
The Shanty Days committee is thrilled to announce the 2023 Shanty Days Honoree is Cathy Pabich!
Cathy was surprised with the announcement being made outside her home on Tuesday, March 28, 2023.
About Cathy:
Cathy (Vlies) Pabich was born and raised in Algoma. She graduated from Algoma High School in 1972. At a young age she met John Pabich, and they set off as a US Coast Guard family, living in many locations over the years, including Chicago, Richmond VA, Mobile AL, Petaluma CA, Aurora CO, Cleveland OH and Governor’s Island in New York City. Throughout the family’s many moves, Algoma was a stable home base for John and Cathy and their children Alexis, Andrew and Sarah.
After John retired for the first time, John and Cathy made their home in the Madison area for 17 years. Following graduation from Spring Hill College, Cathy worked as a paralegal. She then earned a a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science from Pratt Institue in Brooklyn NY. As a librarian, Cathy worked at and volunteered in many types of libraries including law, public and prison libraries.
When John and Cathy created an ambitious list of requirements for their permanent retirement home, Algoma far outscored their other options with its natural beauty, friendly atmosphere, long tradition of community volunteerism and walkability. They moved permanently to Algoma in 2013.
Cathy along with others founded the Bird City Algoma Committee in 2013 and Friends of Crescent Beach in 2015. The Bird City Algoma Committee earns Bird City Wisconsin recognition for Algoma, in part through presenting Algoma’s annual World Migratory Bird Day Celebration.
Friends of Crescent Beach is an advocacy and volunteer group organized as a watershed partner of Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership (LNRP). The group works to improve Crescent Beach and the Ahnapee River watershed through fundraising, addressing issues that negatively affect water quality and carrying out restoration projects. Friends of Crescent Beach co-presents the annual Soar on the Shore kite and beach festival with the Algoma Area Chamber of Commerce. Cathy has served on the LNRP Board of Directors since 2015.
She also serves on the Kewaunee County Library Services Board and recently joined the Friends of the Ahnapee State Trail, in particular, participating in the effort to improve the Algoma trailhead. She is grateful for the dedicated volunteers and community members she has the privilege of working alongside as part of these volunteer networks.
Cathy will be honored with a luncheon hosted by the Algoma Area Chamber Commerce and she will serve as the Grand Marshal for the Shanty Days parade scheduled for Saturday, August 12, 2023 in downtown Algoma, WI.
Shanty Days Honoree Nomination Process
Each year a call is made for nominations for a ShantY Days nominees from the general pubic. The nominations are then reviewed by the Shanty Days Honoree Committee.
The honoree committee looks for the following information when selecting a Shanty Days Honoree:
- What significant contribution has this nominee made to Algoma’s development
- How has the nominee demonstrated a strong sense of community pride
- How has the nominee been instrumental in keeping business in Algoma
- Does the nominee have a strong volunteer background
- Has the nominee held an office of leadership
- Has the nominee put time and effort into the community without it being part of their job
- Has the nominee supported Shanty Days in some capacity
2023 nominations closed Friday, March 24, 2023.
Past Honorees Include:
2023-Cathy Pabich
2022-Mitch Groessl
2021-Katie Brandt and Tina Lawrence
2019- Sharon and Wayne Grosbeier
2018- Paul Schmidt
2017 – Aric and Brad Schmiling
2016 – Mary Dier
2012 – Judy Srnka
2011 – Bob and Jane Kuhn
2010 – Jerry Matuszek
2009 – Jerry and Bonnie Seiler
2008 – Merle and Kathy Colburn
2007 – Jan Dart
2006 – Jim Rabas Jr.
2005 – Earl Krueger
2004 – Mahlon Dier
2003 – Whitey Ellsworth
2002 – Gene & Ione VanPrice
2001 – Lee Rush
2000 – Maynard Zima
1999 – Ray Fulwiler & “Page” Knipfer
1998 – George Miller
1997 – Reiny Krause
1996 – Larry & Ann Schmitz
1995 – Edgar “Tiny” Nell
1994 – Clif & June Harmann
1993 – Emil Pagel
1992 – James Rabas Sr.
1991 – Ernie & Mabel Haack
1990 – Ron Leist
1989 – Jag Haegele
1988 – Art Dettman
1987 – “Toots” Wenniger