Resident Highlight: Guss Driessen

Born and educated in the Netherlands, Guus arrived in the US in October 1973 to fulfill a 1½ -year learn-work opportunity. Arriving in New Jersey, he expected to begin working at Louis Berger, an international consulting firm headquartered in East Orange, but a few days later he was reassigned to their office in Wellesley, MA. After working for the firm for about five years and obtaining permanent US resident status, he spent the rest of his career working at several civil engineering consulting firms in the Greater Boston area. While living in Brookline he met his future wife, Lorraine, at an event organized by the International Institute of Boston. After living for 40 years in their home in Brookline Village, in May 2021 they moved to North Hill where they have become active members of several committees, enjoying the expanded social circle that life at North Hill has brought them. Drawing on his experience as a retired transportation engineer, Guus applied for and was appointed by the Needham Select Board as an at-large community member of the Town’s Transportation Safety Committee. This group is charged with improving the mobility and safety of all modes of traffic in town as well as enhancing the lives of all residents. Community service also includes work during the February, March, and April tax season as a volunteer AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program Counselor at the Center at the Heights, where he prepares tax returns for seniors and others with low or moderate incomes. Weather permitting, Guus likes to ride his ancient road bike around Needham as well as through adjacent towns, but during most morning hours you will find him in fitness classes or doing individual cardio work or strength training in the Wellness Center.