MANSFIELD — Steve Schag is reminded each day that his role as mayor of the City of Shelby is not about him.
Rather it’s about the calling to serve with humility, compassion and integrity, he said.
“It is a privilege to lead this special community that has such a storied history and bright future,” Schag noted while accepting the Area Agency on Aging’s Elected Official of the Year award at its annual meeting Wednesday.
Serving as Shelby’s mayor since 2015, Schag’s “collaborative nature has strengthened connections across the Area Agency on Aging’s planning and service area,” the meeting’s program stated.
Next year, Schag will enter into his 11th year in office — making him the longest serving mayor in Shelby history.
“First and foremost, I want to thank and glorify God who guides every step I take and whose grace makes all things possible,” he said Wednesday.
“I also want to thank Sonjia (Schag), my wife of 50 years, for her solid support in my nearly 18 years of combined public service. Believe me, as my loving companion and a vocal constituent, she keeps me on my toes.”
Schag says award is not his alone
The Shelby mayor made clear Wednesday the award is a reflection of the extraordinary people with whom he has the privilege to work with — and serve.
He also thanked the city’s residents for entrusting him with the solemn responsibility of serving as their mayor.
“An acknowledgment such as this prompts me to gratefully look up, look around and look within,” Schag said. “I am truly a blessed man. I am personally challenged to do more and to do better as a public servant.
“I hope in some small way events like these will inspire others to make a positive difference in the lives of their loved ones, friends, neighbors and fellow community members,” he said of Wednesday’s annual meeting.
Former Knox County Auditor named Advocate of the Year
A former Ohio State Representative and Knox County Auditor, Margaret Ann Ruhl was named Advocate of the Year.
The meeting’s program specified Ruhl’s advocacy for older adults, leveraging her extensive public service career to champion their needs.
“She has worked on legislative initiatives addressing workforce development, adult protective services, mental health, healthcare access and financial security — issues critical to seniors’ well-being,” the program said.
Ruhl is currently a member of the Area Agency on Aging Ohio District 5 Advisory Council.
“I just care for people and I’ve always been involved in community stuff,” she said during her acceptance speech Wednesday.
(Below are photos from Wednesday’s meeting at the Mid-Ohio Conference Center in Mansfield. Credit: Hayden Gray, Shelby/North County reporter)
Additional awardees recognized Wednesday
Three additional awards were given Wednesday during the annual meeting at the Mid-Ohio Conference Center.
Richland County Regional Planning was given the Project Collaboration award for its “visionary partnership and commitment to improving transportation services for older adults and individuals with disabilities in Richland County.”
Steve Andrews, executive director of the Mansfield Metropolitan Housing Authority, was given the Award of Excellence for his “dedication to promoting accessible and affordable housing.”
The meeting’s program noted under Andrews’ leadership, MMHA has “excelled in its mission to provide stable housing for those in need.”
Doug McLarnan was posthumously inducted into the Hall of Fame for his dedication to the Area Agency on Aging Ohio District 5.
He passed away in March 2024 after his courageous battle with T-Cell Lymphoma.
“Doug was a mentor who prioritized leadership development, ensuring the organization’s long-term impact,” the program said.
“Even after his board term ended, he remained actively involved, offering guidance and advocating for senior housing solutions, particularly through his strong community ties in Knox County.”
AAA5 Ohio celebrating 50 years of service
This year’s meeting also celebrated the Area Agency on Aging’s 50 years of serving its communities.
Trae Turner, chief of community living, said the meeting is an opportunity to highlight the past year’s accomplishments.
Enhancements to initiatives around technology are something Turner said he’s particularly proud of from 2024.
The annual meeting also provides an opportunity to celebrate accomplishments and individual achievements.
“It allows us to recognize other individuals, our staff and partners, who also support and contribute to our mission,” Turner said. “That’s really exciting, to have the opportunity to do that.”