Area Agency on Aging selects Wes and Julia Lambert as 2025 Outstanding Senior Citizen for Ashland County

  Posted on August 18, 2025

Area Agency on Aging selects Wes and Julia Lambert as 2025 Outstanding Senior Citizen for Ashland County

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ontario, OH – The Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging, Inc. is proud to announce that Wes and Julia Lambert have been named the 2025 Outstanding Senior Citizens for Ashland County. The Lamberts, along with eight other honorees from across the district, were celebrated on Friday, August 15, at a special ceremony hosted at Hawkins Corner.

Since turning 60, Wes and Julia Lambert have continued to serve their community with humility, compassion, and unwavering dedication. Their countless contributions — spanning faith, service, conservation, mentorship, and wellness — are driven not by recognition, but by a deep love for people and a commitment to making a difference.

Wes Lambert has long been a cornerstone at Homerville Grace Brethren Church, serving in roles from worship leader to sound technician. When the COVID-19 pandemic halted in-person services, Wes implemented an online streaming system to keep the congregation connected. Beyond his church involvement, he serves as Treasurer of the Ashland Pregnancy Care Center Board of Directors, mentors’ young fathers, and supports youth and veterans through Ashland County Pheasants Forever Chapter 442. In the Cinnamon Lake community, Wes has held leadership positions, built a nature trail, volunteered on multiple committees, contributed to the Ashland Model Railroad Club, and currently serves as a volunteer park manager for the Ashland County Park District.

Julia Lambert’s impact is equally inspiring. At church, she serves on the Deacon Board, sings on the worship team, and leads the Meals Ministry, providing care and comfort to those in need. She is also the liaison to the Ashland Pregnancy Care Center, where she volunteers weekly and represents the organization at community events — efforts that earned her the 2023 LIFESAVER Volunteer of the Year Award. Julia also dedicates her time to Cinnamon Lake committees, conservation work with Pheasants Forever, and leads water arthritis classes at the YMCA, promoting health and social connection among peers.

Together, Wes and Julia Lambert exemplify purposeful aging, touching lives across generations — from spiritual guidance to environmental stewardship, from community wellness to personal mentorship.

State Representative Melanie Miller presented a proclamation to the Lamberts, expressing gratitude for their outstanding service. A second proclamation, on behalf of State Senator Mark Romanchuk, was also presented, and Senior Center Director Sandy Enderby joined in the celebration.

Each year, the Area Agency on Aging honors senior citizens who demonstrate exceptional commitment to their communities and present a positive image of aging. One honoree is selected from each of the nine counties in the Agency’s service area: Ashland, Crawford, Huron, Knox, Marion, Morrow, Richland, Seneca, and Wyandot.

Nominees must be recommended by an individual or organization involved with seniors. Final selections are based on the impact of their contributions and accomplishments made after the age of 60.

The Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging, Inc., located at 2131 Park Avenue West in Ontario, provides leadership, collaboration, coordination, and services to older adults, people with disabilities, caregivers, and resource networks that support independence, dignity, and choice.