Sheron & Michael Tuohey, RECIPIENTS OF THE 2006 METTLE AWARD

NOMINATOR'S STATEMENT
Sheron and Michael Tuohey are made of the right stuff. Both have seen their share of misfortune but refuse to give up and instead maintain a positive and playful approach to life. "Second star to the left, straight on 'til morning" is Sheron's oft-repeated motto she uses when she senses someone is feeling a bit blue. Michael met Sheron when she was a single mother with two small children. The four of them quickly became a committed and loving family and have remained so for the past thirty-five years.
Michael and Sheron have had plenty of ups and downs, and then they recycle it all into great stories. Michael was a truck driver, driving 18-wheelers across the country, delivering things like "sporks" to NYC public schools (Sporks are a combination of spoon and fork - cheaper for school cafeterias to purchase one spork than a fork and a spoon). He and Sheron would go on the road together, with her babies in a toolbox. His truck driving days ended with a terrible accident that has left him somewhat compromised, but he just laughs when he tells the story of the surgery that managed to somewhat repair his leg bones from thigh to ankle. A series of jobs and layoffs followed.
During these years Sheron was employed as a craftsperson in a ceramic studio and was in charge of the kiln and making glazes, and also hand painting the lampshades. She is a natural talent with an eye for real beauty. She was eventually laid off last year. Sheron has been a baker, a food service supervisor, and countless other things. She is completely competent and fearless.

Through it all they retained their sense of humor and their love, both of which they generously share with everyone around them. On the community level they have been avid and determined activists, leading a local battle against a development that was loathed by our whole community. Their tenacity and cleverness was key in the successful outcome of the situation. On a personal level the Tuoheys are the kind of people who show up at your doorstep with a pot of soup when they find out you are down with the flu, and are always willing volunteers in helping out a neighbor in any way possible. They seem to embrace life fully in a big bear hug, and have inspired me, and I am sure, countless others, with their bigger than life ideals and personas. I cherish them as neighbors, and greatly admire their mettle, which is made of the finest and toughest stuff.

2008 The Mettle Award Recipient

2007 The Mettle Award Recipient

2005 The Mettle Award Recipient

2004 The Mettle Award Recipient