ONTARIO – Seniors stole the spotlight at the Area Agency on Aging on Thursday as the agency honored 10 outstanding seniors for their community service.
The annual awards highlight service of seniors in the nine counties that Ohio District 5 serves. Each senior was nominated by their community for their contributions.
Duanna Patton, chief executive officer of the District 5 Area Agency on Aging, congratulated each of the award winners on their inspiring stories.
“In talking with a few of the awardees and listening to their stories preparing for today, I know they truly believe that it is better to give than receive,” Patton said.
“But we’re going to invite them today to take a minute and receive something special, and that is the recognition they so deserve for all the wonderful gifts they give throughout their communities.”
The outstanding senior for Richland County was John Kastelic, nominated by Dan Miller of Mansfield Memorial Homes. Kastelic is also a member of the Area Agency’s Board of Trustees since 2014 and has served on the Agency’s Finance Committee since 2009.
Kastelic’s impressive service background starts with six years as an auditor with Ernst and Ernst, and 38 years as the Chief Financial Officer of three hospitals, retiring from MedCentral Health System. He currently serves on the Mansfield Memorial Homes Board as treasurer, and serves on their finance committee as well.
“John is truly driven by his servant heart,” said Patti Kastelic, his wife. “His gift is his financial acumen. Together he has maximized these gifts.”
Other services Kastelic takes part in are the Prison Ministry at the Richland Correctional Institute, the financial chair of the church and school at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, a member of the Richland Alternative Program board, and a mentor dad with Richland Pregnancy Services.
Kastelic thanked his nominator Dan Miller, his fellow board members, the Richland County Commissioners that were present as he received his award, and his family for their support.
“Most of all I want to thank God for giving me good health and direction in my life,” Kastelic said.
The honoree from Ashland County was Peggy Briggs, nominated by Jack Schumaker of the Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development for the RSVP program of Mid-Ohio. Briggs was born in Ashland and has three adult children, two grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Briggs worked for Ashland dentist Dr. Steury for 10 years prior to her marriage to her husband Larry, after which they moved to Florida. There, Briggs was a secretary to the director of the animal science department at the University of Florida for 12.5 years and received two superior accomplishment awards before retiring in 2007.
The Briggs moved back to Ashland in 2008 and Peggy has been an active volunteer for RSVP for eight years. She has also volunteered hundreds of hours serving the Associated Food Bank in Ashland and at the Red Cross and Crystal Care Nursing Facility.
From Crawford County, the outstanding senior citizen for 2017 was Virginia Hammontree, nominated by Cassie Herschler of the Crawford County Council on Aging. Hammontree has been an active member of the Rotary Club of Bucyrus and always identified with their motto, “service above self.”
Hammontree has also been involved with the Bucyrus Christmas Parade, the Bucyrus Backpack Program, the Council on Aging and the Bucyrus Chamber of Commerce, where she was named volunteer of the year in 2013.
“I’m actually a selfish person,” an emotional Hammontree said. “The things I do, I do them because I love them. I am just thankful that other people reap the love that I have.”
Other seniors honored include Ambrose and Caroline O’Brien from Huron County, Bonnie Wythe from Knox County, Fred Malone from Marion County, Rita Barton from Morrow County, Frances Hipp from Seneca County, and Jean Moon from Wyandot County.
