Three decades of service as PICCOA president
by Peter Jakey-Managing Editor
Ray Forester, 94, has spent 30 years of his retirement assisting seniors as president of the Presque Isle County Council on Aging (PICCOA) – and he is not ready to call it quits either.
Forester retired 37 years ago. Yet, he remains an active trustee. He stepped down as president at last month’s meeting with no fanfare or accolades. Just the way the Allis Township resident wanted it.
Forester was instrumental in establishing the Onaway Senior Center in the southeast section of the city. After Lynn Street Manor was built, which is a housing facility used primarily by low-income seniors, he believed the adjacent parcel would be an ideal location for a center on the west side of the county.
In 1984, Forester supported the project at the board level and put in his own sweat equity at the site.
“I organized some people who could do some carpentry work,” said Forester. “When we ran out of money, I would stop building and canvas more money.” He said it took eight months to construct. And when it was done, “we did not owe one penny on it.”
“He served the board well,” said Gary Wozniak, who took over as president and led his first regular meeting this week. “I cannot believe the stamina that man has at 94. I hope I am in that kind of shape when I am 94.”
Forester remains an avid bowler with a good average.
PICCOA executive director Katie Kuznicki called Ray “a strong leader. He has knowledge of the senior population, and what has happened over the last 30-some years. He has put a lot of work and effort into what we have now.”
Kuznicki, who has worked with Forester for five years, is pleased he is staying on board.
“I value his opinion,” said Kuznicki.
And with the close of Monday’s meeting, he had outlasted another board member. If there were a list of former board members, no doubt, it would be a long one. Pete Sobeck of Rogers City announced his resignation.
“(Ray) keeps on going,” said Kuznicki.
Forester moved to Presque Isle County following retirement at 57. He had hunting property at Rainy Lake.
He graduated from the Detroit College of Applied Science in 1941. He went to work for Packard Motor Company and was there for the duration of World War II. He helped build Rolls Royce aircraft engines for P-51 fighters.After that he became a quality control engine
“When I got tired of that, I went into the real estate business,” said Forester.
When it came time to move north for good, he purchased land in Allis Township and has resided there every since. With the current financial situation at PICCOA, brought on by major cutbacks at the federal and state levels, Forester wanted to stay involved.
“As long as the Lord leaves me here, I’m going to stick to it,” said Forester.
It has become a family affair, too. His daughter, Hollie Sabatos, is a PICCOA board member.