The stage of life sometimes called “the golden years” can bring a respite from the days of managing hectic work schedules or raising young children. Often this leaves more time for leisure pursuits and “me time.” For the truly committed, though, these golden years are a gift of time to spend volunteering and improving communities.
For the third consecutive year, commissioners recognized a person aged 60 or older who lives, works or volunteers in their district and consistently goes above and beyond. The Oakland County Outstanding Older Adult Award, presented at the May 22 Board meeting during Older Americans Month, gives commissioners and all residents the opportunity to honor the sometimes small, but often very big, things our older friends and neighbors do every day to make Oakland County a desirable place to live.
Recipients of the 2024 Outstanding Older Adult Award are:
Claudia Buckley (presented by Commissioner Angela Powell, District 9) – A dedicated volunteer in the Pontiac community, Ms. Buckley embodies the spirit of perseverance. She overcame challenges she faced as a single mother, maintained full-time employment as a career/professional development specialist and took care of both her parents. She continues to support family and friends, providing mentorship to other women of all ages and also volunteers to help Pontiac’s senior community.
Renie and Paul Daelemans (not pictured, presented separately by Commissioner Kristen Nelson, District 10) – Over 30 years, Mr. and Mrs. Daelemans of Keego Harbor have enriched the lives of those around them. Mr. Daelemans has served on various boards and authorities for the city, including as the current vice chair of the Parks and Recreation Board. He and Mrs. Daelemans selflessly tend to the needs of their neighborhood by planting flowers, sharing master gardening tips, fixing broken mailboxes, mowing lawns, and maintaining community greenspaces. Their compassionate hearts extend to their elderly neighbors, whom they diligently care for with kindness and empathy.
Loretta DeLoach (not pictured, presented separately by Commissioner Yolanda Smith Charles, District 17) – A resident of Lathrup Village for 43 years, Ms. DeLoach is a dedicated and active volunteer in the community, particularly with the Lathrup Village Women’s Club and its outreach activities. She has volunteered with The Goodfellows, Forgotten Harvest, Meals on Wheels, as a community representative on the Lathrup Village Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, and with Hope United Methodist Church working to help those facing food insecurity. A certified fashionista, one of Ms. DeLoach’s greatest passions is The Clothing Closet where she volunteers as a clothing distributor to those in need.
Harmen Guenther (presented by Commissioner Linnie Taylor, District 18) – Mr. Guenther moved to Southfield’s Cranbrook Village subdivision in 1985, and soon began attending the board meetings of its homeowners association. He went on to become its president in 1998, serving for 25 years and is currently the president emeritus. Mr. Guenther also serves on the Southfield Total Living Commission, which promotes Southfield as a desirable place to live, work and raise and educate a family. He previously served on the city’s Commission on Senior Adults and has been honored by the mayor with an Extra Mile Award and proclamation.
Kip Kriigel (presented by Commissioner Michael Spisz, District 5) – A resident of Oxford Township for nearly a quarter century, Mr. Kriigel has volunteered extensively for many years. His experience and natural leadership led to his being named as a volunteer supervisor five years ago for the Oxford Township Parks & Recreation Senior Center. People of all ages turn out for the fitness and recreation activities he hosts, such as Stroll Through Seymour, cornhole, Senior Bicycling Club and Community Garden Volunteers. Mr. Kriigel champions the Oxford Township Parks & Recreation Seniors, Community Garden, Polly Ann Trail, and Meals on Wheels.
Gregory Kucera (presented by Commissioner Penny Luebs, District 2) – A longtime volunteer, Mr. Kucera served six years on the Zoning Board of Appeals for the City of Clawson before being elected to its city council for four years. He was then appointed to the Planning Commission, which he currently chairs and has served on for the last eight years. He has also devoted countless hours to the Clawson Lions Club, holding various offices over the years, including as president in 2007 and currently as 2nd vice president.
David Nona (presented by Vice Chair Marcia Gershenson, District 11) – A native of Baghdad, Iraq, Mr. Nona holds a master’s degree in civil engineering, specializing in soils and foundations. He was instrumental in the foundation of the Chaldean Chamber of Commerce and the Chaldean Community Foundation, which today serves about 50,000 people a year, 20 percent of whom are not Chaldean. A resident of West Bloomfield, he also serves on the committee for the foundation’s Sterling Heights Van Dyke Housing Project, which includes 135 attainable, affordable apartments, and retail space.
Karen Zyczynski (not pictured, presented separately by Commissioner Gwen Markham, District 15) – Ms. Zyczynski has served the greater Novi community for many years, joining the American Association of University Women Northville-Novi (AAUWNN), the local branch of the UUAW, in 2004. With the mission of advocating for women and girls, Ms. Zyczynski has led many of the organization’s initiatives, including as chair of the Financial Development Committee and the Fashion Designers Showcase. These programs raised funds for local high school scholarships, community projects, and STEAM-focused career days for middle schoolers. She served two years as public policy director for the UUAW, was elected to a two-year term as UUAWNN membership vice president and currently serves as the group’s president.
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