Former NBC5-TV Anchor Stephanie Gorin, WCAX-TV Photographer Shelly Holt Allen, Radio Vermont Group General Manager Steve Cormier and WVTK-FM Human/Canine co-hosts Bruce & Hobbes will be inducted in the Vermont Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame Saturday, December 4, 2021 at the Hilton Hotel in Burlington, VT.
Stephanie Gorin served as a WPTZ/NBC5 Anchor/Reporter for a combined 26 years before retiring December 11, 2020. While at WPTZ, Gorin helped launch the region’s first 5 p.m. newscast and helped lead coverage of several high profile stories, including Hurricane Irene, the prison escape from Dannemora and U. S. Senator Bernie Sanders' first presidential run. Stephanie also served as a mentor for Junior reporters, has been nominated for regional Emmys, has won awards from the NY State Broadcasters Association and was part of the team that won New England EMMY® Awards, regional Edward R. Murrow awards and the VAB Broadcaster of the Year award in 2015. Outside of work, Gorin has volunteered as a speaker at CVPH’s annual Girls Night Out and host of the local Red Cross’s Everyday Heroes Awards.
Shelly Holt Allen is the Assistant Chief Photographer at WCAX-TV in South Burlington. Working tirelessly through endless odd hours, Shelly has photographed every part of Vermont and documented every significant part of Vermont’s history over the last 40 years. Always exhibiting the utmost journalistic integrity, Shelly is a pioneer in a profession dominated by men, even shooting while pregnant, which is impressive considering how physically demanding carrying all that gear can be! Shelly continues to be a positive role model, mentoring countless young photographers and reporters. Outside of work, Shelly supports local ice skating clubs for kids, from making costumes for ice shows to driving many hours for competitions.
Steve Cormier (aka “Corm”) is the General Manager and future owner of Radio Vermont Group in Waterbury, including WDEV-AM & FM, WCVT-FM and WLVB-FM. Corm lives and breathes local radio and has entertained listeners across the state as an on-air personality and a Station Program Director. First, as half of the Morning Show “Corm and the Coach” with UVM Men’s Basketball Coach Tom Brennan, which aired on WIZN-FM and WCPV-FM (Champ 101.3), then on his own at WTSA AM & FM in Brattleboro. Dedicated to his community, Steve volunteers for numerous non-profits and has served on numerous Boards, including the VAB Board of Directors. Corm’s passion, belief in and lifelong commitment to local radio’s success is infectious.
After Bruce Zeman rescued Hobbes from domestic abuse in 2009, they became the first full time human/canine radio team in U.S. history. In addition to being the Morning Show on WVTK-FM in Middlebury, Bruce & Hobbes have been heard on other Vermont stations, including WCLX-FM, WOKO-FM, WTNN-FM and WWFY-FM. Bruce & Hobbes have made appearances at hundreds of community events. Listeners were drawn to and invested in their messages of empathy, compassion, tolerance, hope, love and resilience. Bruce & Hobbes raised $75,000+ through their "Cash for Paws" annual radiothons on WVTK and during the "Hobbes Goes Home" book tour. THEY visited 250+ schools to talk about anti-bullying and domestic violence, an effort recognized by President Obama. Hobbes was recognized on the Vermont Legislature floor twice and became an honorary Police K9, a Deputy Sheriff and a Fire Dog. After Hobbes passed away, Governor PHIL Scott declared July 28, 2021 "Hobbes Remembrance Day", making history yet again. Zeman, who began his professional radio career after graduating from the St. Michael’s college journalism program, also broadcasts high school and college sports in the Addison County area.
Being inducted into the VAB Hall of Fame is not the only accomplishment being celebrated December 4th. Five more broadcasters will be recognized with awards for industry excellence.
The VAB’s Distinguished Service award will go to retired WFFF-TV Master Control Operator Bill Goldsbury, recognizing his more than 40 years at WFFF-TV (Local 44) and WCAX-TV. Bill is known for his dependability and finding and resolving critical issues before they impact the live broadcast.
Because COVID-19 kept the VAB from gathering in 2020, two deserving people will receive the Snyder-Teffner award as well as the relatively new Rising Star award this year.
Lynn Elkert, who served as the Traffic Manager for VOX AM/FM for decades until she retired last year and Tim Thayer, WCAX-TV’s Chief Engineer are the winners of the Snyder-Teffner award. Both individuals go above and beyond to support the team that creates the on-air product listeners hear and viewers see.
The Snyder-Teffner award is named for long-time VAB Board members and Broadcast Engineers Dennis Snyder and Ted Teffner and recognizes excellence behind the scenes for those who work off the mic in radio or off camera in television.
The VAB is giving two “Rising Star” awards to Liz Stzrepa, WPTZ-TV Anchor/Reporter and Noah Villamarin-Cutter, VPR’s Digital Services Manager to celebrate the next Generation of Vermont Broadcasters. Although both are relatively new to broadcasting, Liz and Noah have the talent, passion, resourcefulness and dedication to community needed to enjoy long and successful careers in broadcasting.
Additional details about all the Hall of Fame Inductees and award winners can be found at https://vab.org/2021-vab-hall-of-fame-inductees-and-award-winners/
For high resolution photos or more information, contact VAB Executive Director Wendy Mays at (802) 233-0296 or [email protected]