The word “aging” may bring up lots of assumptions, and, unfortunately many negative stereotypes persist around growing older. The theme for the 2025 Older Americans Month, “Flip the Script on Aging” aims to challenge outdated ideas of what it means to mature, showcasing the contributions of older adults and the variety of ways in which we we can all age with joy, purpose and meaning.
For the fourth year, commissioners recognized people over the age of 60 who live, work or volunteer in their district and consistently go above and beyond. The Oakland County Outstanding Older Adult Award, presented at the May 22 Board meeting, gives commissioners the opportunity to honor these older adults who are flipping the script on aging by staying actively engaged with their communities and their neighbors in ways both big and small.
Recipients of the 2025 Outstanding Older Adult Award are:
Pamela L. Carmichael, Bloomfield Hills (presented by Vice Chair Marcia Gershenson, District 11) – Carmichael is passionate about preserving local history and building community pride. Her efforts as a founding member and current director of the Bloomfield Historical Society include an ongoing collaboration with the Bloomfield Township Public Library to grow its local history collection and archive, leading the quest to preserve the historic 1859 Wing Lake Schoolhouse, and saving the Benjamin-Barton House and the Craig Log Cabin from demolition.
Tina Caudill and Ken Muha, Hazel Park (presented by Commissioner Ann Erickson Gault, District 3) – For decades, Caudill and Muha have volunteered their time to improve the community and the lives of their neighbors. Muha serves on Hazel Park’s Zoning Board of Appeals and Environmental Sustainability Commission, while Caudill serves on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. As active members of the Lions Club, they provide free vision screenings for children at the annual Hazel Park Fire Department open house and raise money to help the visually impaired, end childhood cancer and aid in disaster relief. Caudill also helped adoptive parents through Lutheran Adoption and Bethany Christian Services and worked to pass legislation to open adoption records.
Zakiya Hollifield, Oak Park (presented by Commissioner Yolanda Smith Charles, District 17) – Hollifield is a trailblazer who remains busy after her retirement through tireless volunteer work in and around Oak Park. She serves on the Local Officers Compensation Commission and the Board of Review for property tax appeal, is an active member of her church, and has dedicated 20 years as a volunteer usher at the Fox, the Fisher, and the Detroit Opera House.
Ruth Jordan, Pontiac (presented by Commissioner Angela Powell, District 9) – Currently a member of the Oakland County Senior Advisory Council (SAC), Jordan spent 40 years working in the Oakland County family court and youth assistance. She has helped raise $1.2 million over the last eight years for the Midnight Golf Program and the Lionel Jordan and Tommy Longest Memorial Scholarship to assist Pontiac high schoolers with their future college plans. She also volunteers in the Pontiac School District and is an active member of Unity of Farmington Hills.
Mark Kelly, Troy (not pictured, presented separately by Commissioner Penny Luebs, District 2) – An advocate for fellow older adults and active member of the Oakland County SAC, Kelly has more than 25 years of experience in senior planning services, including real estate options, advanced legal elder care and law planning. His area of specialty is helping veterans, seniors and their families establish a blueprint that helps older adults achieve their lifestyle and financial goals. As a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs accredited agent, he also provides consulting on veteran benefits, social security, retirement pensions, long term nursing insurance and investment portfolios.
Christopher Peal, Commerce Township (presented by Commissioner Christine Long, District 12) – Peal, a retired public school principal and teacher, serves as a member of the Oakland County SAC. He is particularly interested in preventing senior isolation and connecting people in meaningful ways to their community and organizations. Peal is a volunteer with Meals on Wheels and the University of Michigan Event Management Team, working as an usher for numerous sporting events. He is also a member of the Olivet Nazarene University Alumni Board of Directors and works as the Reunion Coordinator for ONU’s Class of 1986.
Anthony WA! Pizza, Waterford (presented by Commissioner Kristen Nelson, District 10) – Pizza is living proof that aging doesn’t mean slowing down. Known for his boundless positivity and colorful style, he helps customers at the Oakland County Farmers Market load their cars and inspires younger generations with his energy and empathy. He challenges every idea of what it means to grow older by proving that this stage of life is not about retreating, it’s about re-engaging with purpose.
Len Pokora, Highland (presented by Commissioner Bob Hoffman, District 7) – A part-time employee at Maher Feed and Pet Supply, Pokora is a proud Vietnam veteran who returned home and built a lifelong career with General Motors while raising his children and caring for his wife, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and dementia before her passing. He serves as a mentor and coach for his grandson’s shooting team and competitions. He also helps his neighbors with snow removal, and even holds records for weightlifting in his age group.
Loretta VanPelt, Southfield (presented by Commissioner Linnie Taylor, District 18) – VanPelt has owned and operated her own business for more than 25 years. She is a subject matter expert who provides training in the diversity, equity and inclusion space, working with Fortune 500 companies and many of the Top 50 companies recognized by Diversity, Inc. magazine. Her expertise has helped other businesses, communities and individuals grow their understanding of DEI initiatives across industries such as hospitality, automotive/manufacturing, health care and government agencies and more.
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