Children/spouse/significant other/pets etc: 3 daughters & my wonderful kitty, “Misty”
Place of employment (what do you do & where?): I own the White Squirrel Shoppe
How long have you had the White Squirrel Shoppe on Main Street? 26 years
So, what “white squirrel” souvenir item do you sell the most of at the White Squirrel Shoppe? (White squirrel stuffed animals? Keychains? Books? Postcards?) stuffed white squirrels (we have an entire squirrel department)
What was the biggest professional honor you ever enjoyed/received during your years working in the field of outdoor recreation? Invitation to Jacques Cousteau’s 75th birthday. Also, appointed by President Reagan on the PCOA and ARC board.
Do you remember the first time you ever set foot in a canoe? 1956 BWCA Minnesota
Any exciting canoe trip stories to share? Lots! #1: taking Charles Kuralt into Glades
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? Youngest holder of A&W Root Beer franchise in the U.S.A. and wrote for a magazine for two years
Click here to read the rest of Donna’s profile
Ever had a brush with a celebrity? Yes – Cliff Robertson, Andy Williams, Tony Bennett, Brett Hume
What’s your favorite thing about living in Brevard? People, wonderful people
Do you have a secret you never told your parents? Yes – told them after 20 years.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Wife & mother
Name some popular hit songs from your youth: Moments to Remember, all Johnny Mathis & Nat King Cole & Frank Sinatra
What’s your favorite music to listen to today? Light classical
What’s your favorite holiday of the year? Thanksgiving – to be with my family – all live out of state
Do you believe in ghosts? Yes – I have Jesse that lives at my house. Had ghost busters in from Atlanta
Have you ever been in a life-threatening situation? Yes – in a single engine Cessna, prepared for a crash landing.
What famous person inspired you the most while growing up? Elizabeth Taylor
What is it about the holidays that stresses you out the most? deadlines
What’s the naughtiest thing you did as a child? My sister and I setting the outdoor privy on fire.
What would you say is your life’s motto? “If it ain’t fun, don’t do it.”
What celebrity do people say you look like? Years ago, it was Elizabeth Taylor. Today they say Paula Deen.
If you had one wish, what would it be? Good health
What’s been the most challenging time of your life? Recuperating after the death of my daughter last year
What are your dreams for the coming year? The next 5 years? Simplify my life and spend more time with family
About Donna Stout:
One couldn’t ask for a better friend. I love her and so does all of our family.
Sherry – Listening from Brantford Canada