Ten selfless, unique and deserving individuals have been selected by the Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce to be this year’s recipients of the 2003 Community Awards.
Mary Ann Schlicht, Nathaniel Kiplinger, Claude ‘JR? Lafnear, Ron and Dora Rolando, Brett Knapp, Debra Meyers and Scott Eschelbach and Dick and Lynne Korneffel will all be honored for their diverse contributions to the community at a special banquet in their honor on Thursday, May 15 at Devil’s Ridge Golf and Country Club. The events will begin at 5:30 p.m.
Citizen of the Year
Schlicht was named ‘Citizen of the Year? because she ‘has lived and worked in the Oxford area her entire life and has always done so with pride and generosity,? according to the Chamber.
Over the years, Schlicht ‘has been involved in many organizations, clubs and school activities,? including volunteering to work the concession stand at Oxford High football games, making popcorn for elementary school students and working at Christ the King Church.
‘She is dedicated to serving her community and surrounding areas? through the Northeast Oakland Historical Society and its museum in downtown Oxford.
Schlicht has volunteered her energy and talents to the society and museum since 1995. She was elected society president in 1997 and continues to serve in that capacity.
‘Mary Ann has given generously of her time to help preserve our Oxford history through the preservation of the records, photos and artifacts at the museum,? the Chamber stated.
Schlicht was nominated by Suzanne Ardelan, a fellow museum volunteer.
‘I just think she’s such a great person,? Ardelan said, adding that Schlicht is ‘very dedicated? to her work. ‘Her heart’s in it. She loves Oxford. She’s always so involved and willing to take on leadership roles.?
When told she was named ‘Citizen of the Year,? Schlicht replied, ‘I’m just stunned, totally stunned.?
When asked what is the most enjoyable aspect of her volunteer work with the historical society/museum, she answered, ‘Giving the tours to the school children.?
‘It’s fun to watch their eyes? when trying to explain to them what life was like 100 years ago, she said.
Young Person of the Year
Kiplinger, an OHS sophomore, was named ‘Young Person of the Year? for his service as the student representative on the Oxford Township Parks and Recreation Commission and for cofounding and cochairing Rockin? Excellent And Determined Youth (READY).
The Chamber stated that Kiplinger’s ‘involvement sparked the need for a community teen center.?
‘His determination and commitment will enhance life for today’s teen and those of tomorrow. Nathaniel has become a key player within the recreation department as well as our community,? according to the Chamber.
‘I think it’s wonderful. He tries hard and is a good student,? said mom Maureen of her son’s award.
Dad Dan said the chamber’s choice for the award was a ‘good move? and gave a thumbs up gesture.
Kiplinger said he got involved in parks and rec. and READY to give teens a voice in the community, especially when it comes to providing recreation for them.
‘There’s not a whole lot to do (in Oxford),? he said. ‘I got tired of going to the movie theater and Starbucks all the time.?
Kiplinger was nominated by Parks and Recreation Director Ron Davis. ‘He exemplifies what it is to get involved with the community,? Davis said. ‘He always keeps a positive attitude and perseveres through the trials and tribulations around him.?
Davis said Kiplinger has ‘brought many good ideas? to the parks and rec. commission and is an ‘asset? to the department. Recreational Programmer Jodie Tedlock described Kiplinger as ‘very dedicated? young man with a ‘huge heart.?
Adult Youth Volunteer
Lafnear was recognized with the ‘Adult Youth Volunteer? award for the ‘literally hundreds of hours? he’s donated to helping ‘Oxford kids succeed in life through participation in team sports.?
He’s currently president of the Oxford Recreational Baseball Association (ORBA), a position he’s held for three years. He’s coached ORBA teams for eight years.
Lafnear has also coached football for two years, and wrestling and soccer for five years each.
He ‘gives great encouragement to the kids and also to the other adult volunteers,? the Chamber stated.
‘This guy puts in an awful lot of time and energy making sports enjoyable for the kids. It’s his passion,? said fellow ORBA coach Ken Deighton, who nominated Lafnear for the award.
Deighton described Lafnear as ‘devoted to the kids? and a good communicator with other adult volunteers.
‘He emphasizes that (the kids are) the real reason we’re out there,? he said.
Honesty is another trait that makes Lafnear respected by both kids and adults.
‘He’s always up front with people,? Deighton said.
Lafnear said he got involved in coaching youth sports because it was ‘a chance to spend more time? with his children Steven, 12 and Heather, 9. He said it’s also an opportunity to ‘try to make a difference? in kids? lives.
On top of that, Lafnear said he simply enjoys doing it. ‘It’s a ton of fun. It’s not even work, it’s fun,? he said. When asked how it feels to win this award, Lafnear replied, ‘I was kind of humbled … It’s icing on the cake? when people recognize what you do.
Community Enhancement
Ron and Dora Rolando, owners of Great Lakes Mercantile in downtown Oxford, were bestowed with the ‘Community Enhancement? award.
‘The Ronlandos did an incredible job of restoring one of Oxford’s historic buildings,? the Chamber stated. ‘They took every brick down, scraped the old mortar off and replaced it with new (mortar). Their building is a beautiful addition to Oxford. They definitely went above and beyond. They truly put much of themselves into their building.?
Lisa Bunker said she nominated the Rolandos because they were ‘absolutely dedicated? to getting their building in ‘beautiful condition.?
‘It’s absolutely gorgeous,? she said. ‘They paid meticulous attention to detail and spent several years restoring it.?
Bunker said it was also nice to see that the Rolandos didn’t just ‘redo? their building, they continue to ‘keep it up.? ‘It’s so clean,? she said.
Business Person of the Year
Brett Knapp, owner of Red Knapp’s American Grill in downtown Oxford, was named ‘Business Person of the Year.?
Knapp ‘this year has taken it upon himself to increase the business community of Oxford. Besides running a successful restaurant , he has brought into the community a new business (Margot’s Gallery and Frame) and bought another building (formerly Lynne’s Hallmark). He is restoring it and will be bringing two or more businesses to Oxford. This is true commitment and caring about Oxford’s future,? according to the Chamber.
Paul Cervenak nominated Knapp for this award because of his ‘unselfish? efforts ‘maintaining and improving the downtown for years to come.?
?(Brett) has a vision for the Village of Oxford,? Cervenak said. ‘He goes beyond the present. He looks five, 10, 20, 50 years down the road.?
Cervenak said Knapp’s purchase of downtown buildings is about more than just investing to support himself, ‘he’s controlling the usage (of these properties) in an effort to improve the downtown? and make his vision of a ‘culture-filled, artsy environment? like Rochester a reality.
Knapp’s real estate purchases ‘are more for the enhancement of the village than for himself,? he said.
‘I did not expect this. It’s quite an honor,? Knapp said of the award.
New Business of the Year
Sweet and Savory Bake Shop, owned by Debra Meyers and Scott Eschelbach, was recognized as the ‘New Business of the Year.?
Meyers and Eschelback bought the Oxford Village Bakery last year and immediately went to work ‘updating? the shop. ‘They have become a treasured part of Oxford,? the Chamber stated. ‘They have a true commitment to become a real part of the Oxford community, with more than just running a business.?
‘We’re very honored, excited and grateful (for this award),? Meyers said.
‘Double that for me,? Eschelbach added.
Honorary Lifetime Members
Dick and Lynne Korneffel, former owners of Lynne’s Hallmark of downtown Oxford for 27 years, were recognized as ‘Honorary Lifetime Members.?
‘It was a sad day when the doors closed on Lynne’s Hallmark (earlier this year). It had been such a cornerstone in Oxford’s history. Lynne and Dick were always there to greet you with a smile and help you pick out that ‘just right? gift or card. They supported so many events. They were just always there. We hope they have a wonderful retirement,? the Chamber stated.