August 28, 2006

In cooperation with the Michigan State Fair and Consumers Energy, the Michigan Commission and Office of Services to the Aging have selected Kenneth Lautzenheiser of Jerome as one of two Senior Citizens of the Year for 2006. He was honored today at the Michigan State Fair in Detroit.

Kenneth Lautzenheiser, 82, was selected the winner in the Leadership category. As a member of the Board of Directors for LifeWays, the local Community Mental Health Agency, he has shown tremendous commitment to improving the lives of seniors. Lautzenheiser is also an active member of the Area Agency on Aging Advisory Committee, Chair of the Tri-County Health Board, a member of the Hillsdale County Planning Commission, and Chair of the Michigan Substance Abuse Coalition. He is a 50+ year member of the Lions Club International.

Throughout his participation and leadership, Lautzenheiser has remained a constant voice for the concerns of seniors in the community. He values input and participation from all involved. “Mr. Lautzenheiser’s leadership qualities and dedication to seniors have made a positive impact on so many lives,” said Sharon L. Gire, Director of the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging. "He is a person who leads by example and continues to show others the value of community participation and is well deserving of the Senior Citizen of the Year Award.” Prior to his retirement, Lautzenheiser was a dedicated school superintendent.

The Senior Citizen of the Year Award Program is a long-standing partnership between the Michigan Commission and Office of Services to the Aging and the Michigan State Fair. Consumers Energy has supported the awards program for many years. Each winner received a congratulatory letter from the Governor, a certificate of congratulations from the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging, and a plaque from the Michigan State Fair. This year, each winner was surprised with a $500 award from Consumers Energy.