ONTARIO – The Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging Inc., announced the 2022 Knox County Outstanding Senior Citizens.

Married for 54 years, Terry and Val Klopcic have focused on inspiring community members. They were named the Knox County Outstanding Senior Citizens for their compassionate volunteer work at Knox Community Hospital, Hospice of Knox County, Sew Special Network, Children’s Department of the Library of Mount Vernon, and Hospice of North Central Ohio. Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr presented a proclamation.

In the presence of family, friends, and dignitaries, Terry and Val Klopcic were honored on Monday, Sept. 19, at the Mid-Ohio Educational and Service Center hosted by Duana Patton, chief executive officer at the Area Agency on Aging, and Nate Roshon, corporate board president.

Each year, the Area Agency on Aging honors senior citizens who are making a difference in their communities and present a positive image of aging. There is one award recipient for each county in the agency’s service area (Ashland, Crawford, Huron, Knox, Marion, Morrow, Richland, Seneca and Wyandot).

Awardees must first be nominated by an individual or organization involved with seniors. The agency then selects them based on the impact of their contributions and accomplishments within the community made after reaching age 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, and their caregivers and resource networks that support individual choice, independence and dignity.