Several local organizations offered free resources at the MASH Bash. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

BY SHERI TRUSTY

About 400 local senior citizens attended the MASH Bash and Senior Hall of Fame Induction hosted by Ottawa County Senior Resources at Camp Perry on Sept. 18. The annual event, organized by Ottawa County Senior Resources Director, Kim Haddix, connected local seniors with resources in a fun environment that featured food, giveways, prizes and connection.

“This is our annual senior day,” Haddix said. “It’s an open house and resource fair where Ottawa County seniors can learn what’s available to them in the county. We are the grayest county in the state, so people need to know what’s here and how to get it.”

Ten locals were inducted into the 2024 Ottawa County Senior Hall of Fame during the event. They were Don Barrett of Port Clinton, John Bond of Genoa, Ed Carlson of Port Clinton, James Clabaugh of Clay Center, Jill Damschroder of Elmore, Carl Koebel of Port Clinton, Kendra Koehler of Put-in-Bay, Sharon Park of Oak Harbor, Rose Wos of Marblehead and Iris Jerri Zink of Port Clinton.

Kay Mapus, left, and Bev Byrne look forward to the senior resource fair every year. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

Mary Ann Meyers said she nominated Koehler for the honor because of her impact on Put-in-Bay. Koehler helped found the Lake Erie Islands Historical Society and is instrumental in its ongoing success. She is involved in efforts to promote and protect the beauty of the island, and she volunteers for many organizations.

“Kendra cares deeply about the island. She unselfishly gives freely of herself and her time to promote the history and beauty of the Bass Islands,” Meyers said. “She has a positive impact on the lives of residents and tourists alike.”

Ottawa County Senior Resources Director, Kim Haddix, organized the MASH Bash senior resource fair. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

In addition to the induction ceremony, the MASH Bash featured food prepared by Jane Wolf, the Director of Food and Nutrition at Riverview Healthcare. Wolf created a menu that jived with the MASH theme, like Camo Fruit Salad.

“We have Tony Packo’s this year, so that’s fun,” Wolf said.

Among the many organizations providing resources and giveaways was Firelands Home Health, Otterbein Marblehead, Magruder Hospital and the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Seneca, Ottawa, Sandusky & Wyandot Counties.

But the event wasn’t just about information. It was also about connection.

Ten locals senior citizens were inducted into the 2024 Ottawa County Senior Hall of Fame on Sept. 18. Shown here are, from left, Commissioner Mark Coppeler, Kendra Koehler, John Bond, Carl Koebel, Rose Wos (seated in front), Don Barrett, Jill Damschroder, Ed Carlson, James Clabaugh and Commissioner Mark Stahl. Not shown are inductees Sharon Park and Iris Jerri Zink. (Submitted photo)

“My friend, Bev Byrne, and I come every year. We don’t want to miss it,” said Kay Mapus. “I love it – the people, the program, the food. Every year, I’m a year older, and it means more to be around people my own age.”

Byrne also said she looks forward to coming every year. This year, the resource information took on more significance to her.

“It’s fun to see all the people,” she said. “I’m going to be 90, and I wanted to get ideas for what I can do in the future.”