To construct a strong building, you must start with a solid foundation made from bricks, concrete or steel.
To build a strong community, you also must begin with a solid foundation comprised of volunteers, business owners and committed youth.
The Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce May 15 honored 10 individuals who’s community spirit and selfless actions have helped forge a foundation for Oxford guaranteed to stand the test of time.
Mary Ann Schlicht, Nathaniel Kiplinger, Claude ‘JR? Lafnear, Ron and Dora Rolando, Brett Knapp, Debra Meyers and Scott Eschelbach, and Dick and Lynne Korneffel were recipients of the ?2003 Community Awards? at a special banquet held at Devil’s Ridge Golf Club.
Mary Ann Schlicht, who’s volunteered with the Northeast Oakland Historical Society since 1995 and served as president since 1997, was honored as ‘Citizen of the Year.?
‘Being honored as Citizen of the Year is so tremendous,? she told the audience. ‘I’m just so thrilled and honored. It was a little overwhelming when I first found out.?
In preparing for the awards ceremony, Schlicht said looked up the word ‘citizen? in the dictionary, which is defined it as ‘a resident of a city or town; one who’s entitled to vote and to enjoy other privileges.?
The honoree, originally from nearby Brandon Township, noted that she’s lived in Oxford for 39 years and ‘I love to vote,? thus meeting two parts of the definition.
As for the third, Schlicht said, ‘I certainly have enjoyed many privileges by living here.?
One of the great privileges of living in Oxford is how everybody knows everyone, she said.
‘It’s kind of nice to take a 30-minute walk and be gone 1? hours because you run into five people that you know and you have to chitchat with everybody,? Schlicht said. ‘It’s also nice to play cards with the same three couples for 30 years
Schlicht was referring to longtime friends Art and Laurene Baldwin, David and Donna Kirby, and Jim and Joanne Thomas.
Schlicht said ‘it’s also a privilege to have memories of Oxford from years ago.?
‘I can remember when it was angle parking on M-24,? she said. ‘I remember stopping at the Doris K. Shoppe, Coulter and Conley Men’s Store and the (Groves?) dime store. I worked at Stan’s Grill and married the boss’s son (Gayle). I proceeded to work at The Clothes Closet for 12 years.?
‘All of those places are history now,? she said. ‘I’m privileged to be involved in preserving that history at the museum by working with Mildred Schimdt, Dorothy (Shamblin), Helen (Dick) and Donna (Coulter).?
‘God has left me so much that I’d like to pass on to others what God’s given to me,? she added.
However, Schlicht’s pleasant memories of Oxford are not just confined to the past.
‘It’s also a privilege to see new changes come to Oxford like shopping at Meijer any time of the night or day. Taking my grandkids to our beautiful library. There’s nothing like raspberry lattes at Starbucks. We love visiting friends at the beautiful senor housing at Waterstone,? Schlicht said.
Being a gracious and classy honoree Schlicht remembered to thank all the important people for her honor.
‘Thank you Jesus, you packed my life full of surprises all the time,? she said. ‘And thank you Chamber for this honor and for those who nominated me. Thank you Gayle for being my partner. Thank you family and friends because you’re my big support team.?
Dick and Lynn Korneffel, who owned the Hallmark store in downtown Oxford for 27 years before closing its doors earlier this year, were named ‘Honorary Lifetime Members.?
Pat Halleck, a member of the Chamber Board of Directors, said it was ‘truly a sad day? when the Korneffels closed the store, which had become ‘such a cornerstone in Oxford’s history.?
‘We’d like to wish Lynne and Dick well and hope you have a wonderful retirement,? Halleck said.
Lynn joked with the audience that when she was discussing the award with friends, they said, ‘You guys have been around so long, they probably didn’t know that else to do with you.?
The other community award winners included:
Adult Youth Volunteer ? Claude ‘JR? Lafnear
Young Person of the Year ? Nathaniel Kiplinger
Business Person of the Year ? Brett Knapp, owner of Red Knapp’s American Grill
Community Enhancement ? Ron and Dora Rolando, owners of Great Lakes Mercantile
New Business of the Year ? Debra Meyers and Scott Eschelbach, owners of Sweet and Savory Bake Shop