Inspiration starts here. More than 2.2 million strong, Michigan seniors built the communities we call home, raised a generation and each day they continue to grow, learn and serve. Volunteers, mentors, leaders, elders, teachers, artists, students, athletes, advocates—Now is the time to tell their stories.
IAmSeniorStrong Award
Seniors have built businesses, tackled social problems, fought wars, raised families and served our communities. It’s time Michiganders heard about the seniors who continue to do great work across our state with no intentions of slowing down. Through the Senior Strong campaign we celebrate seniors across Michigan who continue to serve their communities with the goal of raising awareness of this powerful generation. The IAmSeniorStrong Award will highlight and honor these seniors in an effort to share their stories.
Get Inspired
2024 Award Winner
|
|
Glynis Johnson
Born and raised in Pontiac very well known in the community. A very giving person and just loves to give and I'm always somewhere doing something in the community if it's not downtown at the bus stop giving dinner it's in North Hill farms doing dinners and coats and summer clothes for children and I have a few seniors and North Hill farm that I go to regularly giving blankets clothes utensils.
Terry Scholes
Terry is exceptional because of her servant's heart & deep commitment to helping others. She is a dedicated grandma who is actively involved in their lives embodying loyalty & care. Outside of PACE, Terry helps pack food for Detroit's homeless with her daughter at their church. Those who know her describe her as a generous and loving person. Her selflessness and compassion shine through in everything she does and we are lucky to have her.
Patricia Klos
Pat has been volunteering at the Hartland Senior Center for over 20 years. Pat has been a volunteer in our office for at least 15 years. She has been responsible for many tasks: Front desk volunteer, Memorial Correspondence, Usher coordinator for our big fundraisers, head chef for many holiday dinners, as well as helping with all events like decorating and checking people in, etc. Pat was also an actor in many of our Fall Show performances which have always been big fundraisers for the center. She is always willing to jump and help with any job - folding and taping newsletters every month and preparing our weekly deposit are standard duties even now.
Jim Mangi
Jim delivers dozens of awareness and education programs to the community. He also helps with tabling events and media requests, truly spreading the word and helping as many people as possible. Jim is also the head of Dementia Friendly Saline and his efforts to expand dementia-friendly movie screenings across the state has been commendable. Jim has been a beacon of hope and support for those living with dementia and their caregivers. His compassionate approach and deep understanding have provided comfort and practical assistance to countless families. His dedication to enhancing the quality of life for both individuals and their families is truly remarkable. Working with him has been an inspiring experience, as his dedication and kindness truly make a difference in the lives of everyone he touches.
Reverend Kate ThoresenReverend Kate founded the Faith Communities Coalition on Foster Care in 2010. She has championed
many important initiatives and gives tirelessly of herself in that role. Reverend Kate also serves as a Parish Associate at First Presbyterian Church of Birmingham, where she oversees Foster/Adoptive Families Partnerships. She is a blessing to all who know her: Lisa Bica Grodsky
Lisa Bica Grodsky is the architect and organizer of International Day at Troy Family Daze as well as an advisory board member for Troy Family Daze. I had the honor of getting to know Lisa these last few years and her efforts toward this momentous 4-day event is incredible. I fully expect the Mayor of Troy to present the Key to the City to her one day. I personally gave her a challenge coin that was gifted to me from Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter after seeing her tireless efforts in the community as a mother, a returning college student, an advocate for grandparents raising grandchildren, and a leader in Troy. Lisa has also been the best brand ambassador for the Oakland 80 initiative. Her work with OLHSA is her life's work and has no doubt impacted generations in a positive manner.
|
|
Greg Long
For more the 10 years, Mr Long has consistently creates a team of unpaid skilled craftsmen to design and build entrance and exit ramps for homes of recipients. Greg has been a licensed builder and is a life coach.
Gainell TeasleyGainell is physically fit and an excellent example of aging gracefully. Gainell is on a bowling league, she participates in the Huntsman World Senior Games, playing softball. Gainell have continue to bring back gold and silver medals and has too many medals to count. She teaches line dance weekly. She is just a great example of a senior dedicated to senior fitness.Gainell created several line dances, on to the tune of "Pontiac" by Ronnie McNeir, celebrating the city of Pontiac and a specific culture.
Janet KoistenenAt 75 years young, Janet Koistenen embodies the spirit of a true Yooper, channeling her vibrant energy and resilient "Sisu" strength into every facet of her life. This August, Janet accomplished a remarkable feat, completing one of the nation's most challenging ultra-marathons—a grueling 32-mile course over rocky, technical terrain—proving that age is just a number. Janet’s passion for encouraging older adults to age well through outdoor recreation is evident in her work as the Outdoor Recreation Coordinator at the Marquette Senior Center, where she leads the Silver Sampler program. Created by Janet eight years ago, this innovative program provides a comprehensive Outdoor Recreation and Education experience tailored specifically for older adults, helping them age well and combat ageism. Janet’s dedication extends beyond her local community. This year, she brought the Silver Sampler program to the national stage, presenting at the 2024 National Council on Aging conference in Arlington, Virginia. There, she met with agencies and lawmakers from across the country, advocating for the well-being of older adults. Throughout her life, Janet has tirelessly served her community through social work and countless volunteer efforts. She is a shining example of what it means to age with strength, purpose, and a commitment to making the world a better place for all.
Pat PlamondonPat is a retired HR professional. She has very graciously shared her expertise with the Personnel Committee (and other church committees) when it comes to hiring practices, necessary forms, employee files, and proper protocol. She has given of her time for many years as a committee member. Now as she wishes to ease away to do other volunteer activities, she had worked hard to train others on these committees to know the proper procedures. And she is willing to be a resource as needed: quickly able to find answers to questions or to locate websites, etc. with answers. She has also been instrumental in implementing a new payroll system: training staff, training us volunteers, and troubleshooting glitches. Currently, Pat is serving as a Deacon at church, which puts her in the realm of caring for congregation
Celeste TrinerCeleste faithfully serves seniors in multiple programs through our office programs. First, she delivers Meals on Wheels to homebound seniors in Macomb County. She has done this for over 23 years. While most volunteers deliver twice per month, Celeste goes above and beyond, delivering twice weekly and is often available to substitute when needed. She also participates in our holiday delivery program, delivering meals on Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter. Additionally, she serves seniors in our Friendly Caller program, a service where volunteers call seniors regularly to check in and have a friendly conversation. This helps seniors feel more connected to their community. Our office started this program about 4 years ago, and Celeste was one of our first volunteer callers. Again, she goes above and beyond the typical Friendly Caller volunteer. Most have 5 seniors on their call list, and Celeste currently has nine seniors she calls regularly. She is a rock star!
|
2023 Award Winner
Chue Hom
One of the most impactful ways Chue Hom served the community was in his behind-the-scenes work in ACA’s community garden. He spent tens of gritty hours literally dirtying his hands preparing and maintaining the garden’s three plots and the greenhouse. By coordinating a team of volunteer work, his efforts produced a harvest of winter melons, bitter melons, Chinese chives, and various other Asian vegetables. Throughout the year, these vegetables were made available to food-insecure families and also sold in fundraisers to support ACA’s health and nutrition initiatives. Mr. Hom also conducted a number of gardening workshops for Asian American youth, striving to instill a love of gardening and promote healthy lifestyles for youth and families. Chue Hom lent his cooking talents to the community, which he developed over a long career in the culinary industry. For ACA’s Lantern Festival, a cultural event that draws over 1,000 attendees, Mr. Hom organized volunteer groups that handmade traditional Chinese snacks to sell as a fundraiser for ACA’s programs. For other cultural festivals throughout the year, notably the Dragon Boat Festival and the Mid-Autumn Festival, he and his wife participated in the volunteer groups that made zongzi, or stuffed glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo leaves. His service to the local AAPI community, especially in promoting youth education and healthy gardening, directly contributes to the advancement of AAPIs. Chue Hom’s positive energy and enthusiastic spirit is appreciated by many in the ACA community. He is a regular participant in ACA’s weekly senior line dance and folk dance classes. Moreover, he personally coordinated and provided many rides to the Chinese Community Center for seniors who lacked means of transportation. In 2019, he went on ACA’s senior outings and assisted in promoting these events to the Cantonese-speaking community. Mr. Hom also led a senior group in ACA’s annual healthy cooking contest, where they took home one of the top awards. In sum, Mr. Hom’s leadership and enthusiasm have attracted many participants to its programs and enhanced others’ experiences. Chue Hom also acted as a leader, particularly to the Cantonese-speaking community in Southeast Michigan. He is an important leader in the Onleong Group, which is made up mostly of Cantonese-speaking Chinese Americans from Guangdong province. Under his direction, members of the Onleong Group’s Cantonese Opera Club marched with ACA in the Madison Heights Memorial Day Parade, enriching ACA’s experience and sharing Chinese musical culture with the public. Chue Hom has also been instrumental in bridging barriers between Cantonese and Mandarin speakers. He acted as a Cantonese translator for a number of events and social service workshops, and also actively promoted ACA events and activities in the Cantonese-speaking community. Chue Hom received the top level of the President’s Volunteer Service Award and was a member of Hannan Center's 70 Over Seventy Awards Class of 2022.
2023 Nominees
|
Mr. MaxeyMr. Maxey works with the Older Adult Advisory Council and is a voice for the older community. He attends city meetings and always has positive input. He is stern but friendly and knowledgeable of what is needed in the city of Pontiac for seniors. Mr. Maxey is an advocate throught out the city of Pontiac and is an active participant in city affairs.
|
|
Jacqueline RoneJackie is currently serving as an AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent for the last 11 years working with pre-K students at Oakview Elementary School. During the summer months, she volunteers through our program at Club 188 at the Mount Zion Church which is a program for inner city children to gain educational experiences they may never had before. She helps to improve school readiness, mentors and provides love that the kids desperately need. Along with her service, Jackie also volunteers at the Fruenthal Theater as a Head Usher and serves her community in so many other ways. Over the last 11 years, so many children's lives were impacted by Jackie's positivity and genuine love. To this day, she will run into students she has worked with--and they all make a point to speak with her, hug her, and tell her how they impacted their lives. Her teacher raves over how amazing Jackie is with the kids, and how much they have learned from her throughout the years. Jackie will do whatever needs to be done for anyone. She is non-discrimenatory in her love for all. Jackie can light up a room with her smile, her positive energy and the joy she radiates. She has been through so many difficult times, but she perserveres and accomplishes what she needs to. She never gives up and she shares that message with the students she interacts with on a daily basis. Jackie is so hardworking and so incredibly talented. Loving. Caring. Trustworthy. Responsible. Conscientious. Kind. Friendly. Inspiring. If any and all of these words could be defined by a picture--that would be of Jackie. Words really cannot express how special Jackie is and how lucky the world is to have her. Jackie has so many talents. She makes beautiful bags, sews, and volunteers at the local theater. She helps to inspire others to walk in her footsteps and remain active by showing up and showing that no matter the obstacles, if you have determination, you will succeed. Last year Jackie had a stroke that was so terribly bad, she was unable to walk or talk. Bit by bit, through her grit and determination, Jackie relearned everything - standing, walking, eating, talking, etc. Her love for people inspired and motivated her to overcome what most would feel as insurmountable. Not for Jackie. She fought hard to get back to where she is today--to inspire the youth through the Foster Grandparent Program
|
|
Shirley L. MaylandShirley's unlimited supply of energy and her commitment to others, even at the age of 91, is displayed in countless ways. She is a volunteer at our Helping Hand Food Pantry which is open the first and third Wednesday of each month. She serves our congregation as a Deacon, sharing a ministry of compassion and service to many people in the congregation and beyond. She volunteers for the Dearborn Historical Museum, works in the bookstore at Henry Ford College, and is always willing to be of help to anyone who is in need. She rarely, if ever, says "no" when asked to do something. Countless individuals who turn to our Food Pantry for assistance have encountered Shirley's warm welcome, genuine concern, and response to their need. She works with each client without judgement. In many cases, she has gone out of her way to be of help to someone in need. She has "adopted" another 90 year member of our congregation who has been confined to bed since 2019. At least once a month, Shirley visits and is of any help she can to this individual. And, I can't help but think that the countless college students she comes in contact with at Henry Ford College aren't inspired by her energy and good spirit. Upon meeting Shirley, one cannot be moved by her genuine friendliness and great sense of humor. One does not remain a stranger for long after meeting Shirley! She has an endless supply of energy. Hers is a warm, engaging personality and you'll find yourself laughing within minutes of meeting her. I don't know of many other 90 + year-old who are at Planet Fitness at 7:00 am 4 or 5 mornings a week! As I shared earlier, Shirley has "adopted" a new member of our congregation. This person just turned 90 herself this past May. She has been confined to bed since 2019 and is in a care facility. After just one visit, our new member refers to Shirley as "my daughter." Shirley visits faithfully always with a few gifts as well, calls regularly, and has taken a special interest in our new member. In many ways, she has become a daughter to this individual. Together they support each other and share a unique bond. Shirley's own life hasn't been easy and yet she has overcome any obstacles and challenges in her personal life. She doesn't speak about herself very often as she is always more concerned about the other person.
|
|
Mary LuevanosMary volunteers her time at a memory care facility by providing activities for the residents. Additionally, she has conducted countless workshops over the years with age groups ranging from early childhood to senior citizens and also to those with special needs. She has touched many lives by engaging through literary, theatrical, and visual art forms. The residents of the memory care facility are impacted greatly by the time and materials she shares with them. Her workshops allow them to explore, engage, interact, and create. She is a wonderful, caring person who is a fighter for human rights. She volunteers at the memory care facility because she feels that it is imperative that they receive services and are offered activities that promote a high quality of life. She takes concern for their safety and well-being. She is a vibrant artist, puppeteer, and retired art teacher. She has great ideas and uses recycled materials in her creations. She has spent countless hours giving her expertise, experience, and heart to the community to help make our world a better place.
Karen WalkerKaren has been a constant face at Bridging Communities for over 8 years. Karen not only volunteers at BCI event but at other community events I attend. When Karen knows about any event she sends out texts, emails, and post flyers in stores, gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants. Who has been impacted by Karen's services our elders, our children and the communities at larger. Businesses in the community and people from all walks of life. Karen has a beautiful smile. No matter Karen's own situation she always has encouraging words to lift your spirit. Regardless how dim your light might look now, Karen makes you feel there's a brighter light and day ahead. She enjoys seeing people happy. Connecting people to organizations that can assist them with resources such as: home repairs, Medicare & Medicaid Assistance Program, Medical Transportation, and Property Tax Exempt. Karen, not only assist with non-profits and block clubs but she assist with small businesses in the communities. She has cleaned their restrooms and spruce up their dining area. Made the Ladies restroom look more appealing. Karen also donates books for the children and send cards for birthdays, anniversaries, and bereavements.
|
|
Terri RobertsonTerri is worthy of being recognized because of herself less love to care for her mother who is very 90 years of age. As I always communicate with her that she is the poster child in my eyes for caregiving because how she makes it a point to care for herself first while caregiving. she has participated SRC champion caregiver program. She is a proud registrant of the Trualta 24/7 caregiver portal. She shares that going on the portal has been very helpful. Terri's mother has been impacted by her service the most. she has been caring for mom for over 10 years and still makes to show love and support to family and friends. The personal qualities that make Terri's special is her heart to serve and to make it know that she is just a vessel being used to love, care and support all in need which includes her mother. Terri is able to participate in various meetings and classes. via zoom and other digital platforms so that she can stay abreast of what is going on in the community in which she lives. She is a loving person who love helping others. she likes cooking sewing and missionary work for others at church, being a caregiver is just something special.
|
|
Alethia CarrAlethia is lifelong public servant. As an active member and officer of Oak Grove AME Church in Detroit, she spends a lot of her time and resources serving others. She visits the sick and elderly. She participates in the church’s campaign to support the less fortunate by raising thousands of dollars over the years through her baking and selling sweet potato pies. And, when she is unable to attend a program offered by the church she often purchases tickets to give away. She is also the inaugural President of Church's Community Development Organization, Oak Village Cares, where she was responsible for establishing the 501C3 status for the organization as well as obtaining some of the initial grant dollars to begin the work to benefit the community surrounding Detroit. For more than 35 years, Alethia has volunteered with the CB patrol in her Detroit neighborhood. With a retired Detroit police officer as a husband, Alethia has always been community safety conscious but also uses her service with the CB patrol as a way to connect with her neighbors. Alethia hosted a gathering for black dieticians in the Metro Detroit area for several years. Her party has become a reunion for older members of the profession and a social event to connect with newer members. Alethia participates in all of these activities quietly. She does not seek special accolades, instead participating solely for the benefit of others. The full impact of Alethia's service cannot be quantified. She has touched the lives of many people in her immediate Detroit community, throughout the State of Michigan, and beyond. Alethia is often described as a work-a-holic. In reality, she recognizes that in order to do things well, a great amount of effort is required. For over 25 years, she worked for the Michigan Health Department. She retired as Director of the Bureau of Family, Maternal and Child health in 2013. In that final role, she was responsible for ensuring that programs including, WIC, continued to offer meaningful support to women and their families. She traveled the country assessing programs in other states to make sure that the lives of the Michigan citizens she served were positively impacted. As a Registered dietician (one of the few blacks in Michigan), Alethia is passionate about nutrition and community health. In 2011, she participated as a Kellogg Foundation Fellow and traveled to Cuba to explore and research food policies. Given her stellar experience in management, public speaking, and grant writing, she began a second career as a Public Health Consultant in 2013. She consults on projects that involve issues relating to maternal, infant, and child health, with an emphasis on equity for people of color. She has helped health departments throughout Michigan and Federally, to develop infant mortality reduction plans, perinatal care, and birth outcomes. As a mother, Alethia raised two responsible and hard-working daughters in Detroit: Lesley is an Administrative Law Judge and continues to live in Detroit and, Ashley is an engineer in Florida. With her example, both daughters are successful and productive members of their own communities. Alethia lovingly cared for her mother who lived to be 99 years old. As such, she developed a strong affinity for ensuring that our older generation always lives their best lives. On Christmas for many years, she and her family volunteered with Meals on Wheels, preparing and distributing meals and often taking extra gifts to home-bound seniors. She has also adopted many of the seniors in her church family. She is known for distributing money and treats to them, especially during the holidays. She will also take them on errands or run errands for their benefit. For many years, Alethia was a Girl Scout leader and mentored hundreds of girls, including her own. For several years after her daughters graduated from the Scouts, Alethia continued volunteering and mentoring girls and their mothers. Having been in the business of women, children and families, Alethia is always encouraging young women she knows to use the best practices for optimal health. Because Alethia is an example of a strong woman who has accomplished many goals, she regularly mentors up and coming women in her field.
|
|
Thomas J. JankowskiThomas J. Jankowski has lived a lifetime of quiet service. After serving in the US Air Force, he returned to his hometown and joined the Wyandotte Fire Department, serving as a firefighter and emergency medical technician for nearly three decades and retiring as Assistant Chief. After his retirement, he started a second career as Executive Director of the Michigan Association of Fire Fighters and spent 10 years serving the interests of first responders across the state. Throughout his life, Tom has been a consummate volunteer. He has worked with organizations such as the Red Cross, the American Heart Association, the Salvation Army, his church, and too many others to list. He has raised money for countless charitable causes, packed bags in food pantries, taught CPR, worked with schoolchildren, and served on every local commission, committee, and task force he has been asked to join. His primary devotion to service has been through the Kiwanis organization, where he has been a member for several decades, first in Wyandotte and then in Garden City. He has been elected president of both clubs and has served as Lt. Governor of the Michigan Kiwanis. While president of the Garden City Kiwanis, he boosted their fundraising efforts by leading the club to attain 501(c)(3) non-profit status. Tom has led several extraordinary projects with the Garden City Kiwanis, including annual Christmas and Easter programs for scores of low-income families with children, a “Kids Day in the Park” event that recently drew 600 children and their families, a partnership with the Garden City schools to provide each third grade student with a free dictionary every year, fund raising events for the local Family Resource Center, and volunteer events where Kiwanis members teach elementary school children how to build a bird house. His work has touched the lives of hundreds if not thousands of children in Garden City and beyond. Tom was elected to lead the Garden City Kiwanis because of his reputation as a reliable, generous, easygoing, good humored, and hard working leader whose sole motive is to serve his community, especially its children. He never seeks the limelight and doesn't care who gets credit for all the good he does. Tom Jankowski is not concerned with receiving recognition for his lifetime of service. If he doesn’t win this award, he will go on serving others just the same. Most of Tom's volunteer work has benefited children or first responders in some way. However, he is a member of the Advisory Council of The Senior Alliance, so he contributes his knowledge and experience to helping that organization to better serve seniors. Plus, most of his fellow Kiwanis members are seniors and he serves them through his leadership and his willingness to roll up his sleeves and work right alongside them. In 2008, the year he turned 70, his wife Susan was diagnosed with cancer. He became her 24/7 caregiver, spending six difficult years nursing her through bone marrow transplants, driving her to treatments and appointments, and providing for her every need as her health failed. Susan died at home in 2014 after a valiant battle, and through it all Tom never left her side. After Susan died, he could have stayed at home and mourned her loss, but instead Tom honored her life by redoubling his community service efforts.
|
|
Sharon SolomonSharron involves herself in things of interest always open to learn new things, and shares her creativity and patience. All she comes involved with ,for she assisted those with special needs in our group while never making a difference in her reactions or movement. She is always reaching for higher standard of living, and she is patient and kind. Her writing of poetry and sharing experiences has helped others in our Living Green group. She contributes much to her grandchildren, but not where she is the sole provider or that caring for them interferes with her activities. She puts her importance in staying vibrant and healthy.
|
2022 Award Winner
Dwight L. Wilson
Dwight L. Wilson volunteers in several capacities: He volunteers weekly at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital to hold babies who are receiving cardiology treatment and surgery. He is also the Board Chair of the Interfaith Roundtable of Washtenaw County. Dwight L. Wilson has mentored more than 500 people as a life-long educator, spiritual leader, and human rights organizer. All feel deeply impacted by his nurture and encouragement. Many think of him as a second father. Dwight has deep wisdom and kindness. Once he has entered a relationship with someone, he keeps it going with great intentionality. He's also written more than 9 books, including poetry, modern psalms, and historical fiction. He is a life-changer. Dwight volunteered for Meals on Wheels for many years (more than 10, I believe). He had to step down from that because of the pandemic and health needs, but this has been important to him. When he delivered, he would connect relationally with others. Dwight is currently receiving treatment for bladder cancer. I would love to honor him in this way. All you have to do is google him or search for him on Facebook, where he writes frequently, and you will see why he is a great choice.
2022 Nominees
Sherry SanzonettaSherry Sanzonetta constantly gives of herself and time. Over the past 20 years, she has made over 500 blankets and mats for the elderly in nursing homes and homeless. She spends all of her evenings dedicated to giving comfort/love to others with these blankets. Sherry serves seniors and the homeless. She is kind, giving, and compassionate. Sherry has spent her life in Macomb County contributing in any way she can whether it's to watch the neighbor kids so their parents can have a date night or just being with someone when their loved one or fur baby has passed.
|