CLEVELAND, Ohio — Across several counties in Northeast Ohio, older adults continue to be a powerful source of inspiration through their lasting contributions to the aging community. During Older Americans Month in May, five individuals were formally recognized for their dedication and received proclamations celebrating their service through volunteering, leadership, and community engagement.

Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging (WRAAA) led the recognition effort, honoring recipients across Medina, Lake, Lorain, Cuyahoga, and Geauga counties. Each recipient demonstrated a unique commitment to enriching older adults' lives and strengthening community networks.

 

Medina County: Bessie Kelley’s Warm Welcome

At 93, Bessie Kelley remains a familiar and cherished presence at the senior center in Medina County. At the nutrition desk, Kelley greets participants, checks them in for congregate meals, assists with clerical tasks, and even calls Bingo games.

According to Laura Toth, director of Medina County Senior & Adult Services, Kelley, a longtime resident who migrated from the South, is known for her welcoming smile and eagerness to help others. Beyond her volunteer work, Kelley devoted years to raising her family and serving the public, notably at Discount Drug Mart, where she became a beloved figure among coworkers and customers.

Deeply rooted in her faith, Kelley continues to nurture her curiosity through reading and lifelong learning, often seen with a book during her visits to the center.

Lake County: Bob Selan’s Hands-On Support

In Lake County, Robert “Bob” Selan, 71, was honored during a Board of Commissioners meeting for his exceptional volunteer work. Since joining the RSVP program in 2023, Selan has logged more than 580 hours and completed over 300 service tasks for senior residents.

Selan, a Mentor, Ohio, resident and military veteran, contributes through Lifeline Inc.’s Helping Hands for Seniors program, assisting older adults with household tasks that help them remain independent and safe at home.

A retired aerospace professional, Selan continues to share his expertise by teaching computer science at Lorain County Community College, blending service and education to make a lasting impact across generations.

Lorain County: Carol Turnbull’s Decades of Dedication

Carol Turnbull, now in her mid-80s, has dedicated 35 years to the Lorain County Office on Aging (LCOOA). Throughout her tenure, she has navigated multiple leadership changes and office relocations while maintaining her positivity and commitment.

In addition to her staff role, Turnbull volunteers with the RSVP AmeriCorps program, further extending her service. She is also a devoted family member — a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother — who enjoys dining with friends, reading, and even playing blackjack.

LCOOA Executive Director Nicolle Bellmore Pierse summed up Turnbull’s importance with humor and affection, saying, “If there’s a fire, Carol’s the first person we’re carrying out of the building!”

Cuyahoga County: Linda Vopat’s Lasting Impact

For 37 years, Linda Vopat has been a steadfast advocate for Maple Heights residents. Her career has focused on improving the well-being of older adults, families, children, and individuals with disabilities.

In 2008, Vopat helped establish the city’s first food pantry by rallying support from local businesses, first responders, and faith-based organizations. Under her leadership, the Department of Human Services developed critical nutrition programs, including a congregate meal program serving about 8,600 meals annually and a home-delivered meal program distributing more than 16,000 meals each year.

Her dedication was especially evident in 2015, when she personally sacrificed part of her salary, organized fundraising, and secured grants to protect vital human services programs from budget cuts.

Maple Heights Mayor Annette Blackwell joined in honoring Vopat, reflecting on their close relationship and Vopat's enduring influence on the community.

Geauga County: Sandy McLeod’s Community Leadership

A lifelong Geauga County resident, Sandy McLeod has demonstrated unwavering commitment through professional service and volunteerism. With more than 27 years with the Geauga County Department on Aging, she helped develop and expand programs that significantly improved the lives of older adults.

Her contributions include organizing initiatives such as the Senior Olympics, Learning for a Lifetime programs, caregiver support services, fall-prevention efforts, and the Geauga Senior Technology Expo.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, McLeod has held numerous community roles — from 4-H participant to fair judge to youth group leader — with her favorite role being grandmother.

Although she retired on December 31, 2025, McLeod continues to volunteer, guided by her enduring philosophy: “We are here for our seniors.”

A Lasting Legacy of Service

The WRAAA expressed gratitude to the honorees for their enduring dedication and emphasized the profound impact each has had on their community. From daily acts of kindness to decades of leadership, these older adults exemplify that service does not diminish with age — it grows stronger.

Their stories highlight the vital role older adults play not only as recipients of care but also as contributors, leaders, and champions for others in their communities.