BUTLER — Dorothy Michalovich left the crowd laughing as she exited the stage.
After accepting the Richland County Outstanding Senior Citizen Award, the 86-year-old rejected offers of assistance stepping off the platform.
“I’m old, but not that old,” she said.
The Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging (AAA5) honored Michalovich and others during a ceremony Wednesday afternoon. The annual celebration recognized the contributions of senior citizens across nine Ohio counties.
“It’s really hard to know what to say, other than I was just so humbled when I got the call,” Michalovich said.
Michalovich grew up in Cleveland. She moved to Richland County in 1965 with her husband and three children.
“I never knew what living in a small community could be like. It was just like I was told: ‘If you want to be part of the Butler community or the Clear Fork Valley, just join Mother’s Club,'” she said. “From there on, we just joined other things.”
Michalovich has been a charter member of the Butler Lioness/Lion Club since 1985 and has served in multiple leadership roles. She spent years serving kids as a secretary at Butler Elementary and Clear Fork High School.
“When she was at the school, if a kid had a problem, they knew who to go to,” said Darrell Banks, a Richland County Commissioner and former Bellville mayor.
After retiring, Michalovich dedicated herself to numerous community initiatives.
She founded the Butler Clear Fork Adult Center and its nutrition program in the mid-1990s. The center provided daily meals and social activities for underserved community members and seniors. She still serves as the center’s bookkeeper.
She launched the Holiday Happiness Project, which has been running for more than 30 years through the center. The group provides gifts, food baskets and Christmas meals to families in need. It’s one of her favorite volunteer projects.
Michalovich said the project typically receives between 30 and 40 applications a year.
As an active member of Resurrection Parish, Michalovich also volunteers in a nursing home ministry and as a Eucharist server.
Additionally, she is a devoted full-time caregiver for her son.
“Dorothy’s selflessness leadership and compassionate service make her an inspiring mentor and role model in the Butler community,” said Duana Patton, CEO of the AAA5.
We’re all blessed in one way or another. If you’re blessed, give it back
Dorothy Michalovich, Richland COunty’s 2024 Outstanding Senior Citizen
State Representative Marilyn John also thanked Michalovich and the other seniors present for their contributions.
“People are watching what you do, all of you that are here serving,” she said.
“On behalf of the members of the General Assembly, I also want to just thank all of you for your work. Whether you know it or not, you are inspiring many others to serve their communities and because of that, we are all blessed.”
When asked why she spends so much time and energy giving back, Michalovich reflected on her own blessings and the joy she gets from helping others.
“We’re all blessed in one way our another,” she said. “I have four children, I have 11 grandchildren and I have 19 great grandchildren. If one of them needed help wherever they lived, I would hope somebody else would help them. If you’re blessed, give it back.”
Other honorees included Mansfield-based non-profit
Other outstanding senior citizens honored Wednesday were Rebecca Plank (Ashland), Mary Jo Carle (Crawford), Lynette Crum (Huron), Joseph and Donna Gutridge (Knox), Gabriel and Denita Vaflor (Marion), Patrick Drouhard (Morrow), Janet Schueler (Seneca) and Rita and Larry Bennett (Wyandot).
Project One-ARC Empowerment Center received the Community Service Award.
According to Jason Painley, president of the AAA5’s corporate board of trustees, Project One combats social isolation among seniors through its Wednesday Senior Day program, where participants enjoy games, share stories and have lunches in a caring environment.
“The program encourages new friendships, reduces PTSD symptoms and creates positive and lasting memories,” Painley said.
During the holidays, the Project One staff visits seniors, delivering cookies and singing Christmas songs. The faith-based organization also provides a warming center for the homeless and offers drug recovery programs.
“By creating an inclusive environment for individuals of all races, religions and backgrounds, they strengthen community bonds and offer crucial resources to people of all ages, making a significant impact on many lives,” Painley said.
Amanda Nichols, who founded the organization with her husband Joe, said she felt honored by the recognition.
“We love our community. We love the people that the Lord sent to us and we take that serious,” she said.
“We’re strong people of prayer. We’re praying for multiple communities across the counties and we just thank you that we were able to receive this awesome reward today.”
