7 Ottawa County seniors lauded for service

5/25/2011

Dorothy Gackstetter was recently chosen as Ottawa County's first recipient of the Community Service Senior Hall of Fame award, designated for a senior who also does much volunteer work outside of senior centers.

Mrs. Gackstetter of Graytown was involved in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the walking path at Riverview Health Care Campus; created three Elliston signs to recognize the achievements of local American Idol contestant Crystal Bowersox; helped the Ottawa County Fair Board raise money for the horse barn building fund; served as a 4-H adviser for 30 years; competed in the Senior Olympics for 20 years, and has participated in other activities.

Other recipients for the 2011 Ottawa County Senior Hall of Fame were:

● Carol Weihrouch, representing Elmore "Golden Oldies" Senior Center. She sets tables and helps to prepare food for the center's lunches, and she regularly attends meetings and makes suggestions.

● Dennis Schutte, representing Genoa Senior Center. He is a regular participant at the center and volunteers with the Ottawa County home-delivered meal program.

● Virginia "Ginny" Prusik, representing Port Clinton Senior Center. She is the secretary, and she participates in and helps with all activities.

● Hazel Franck, representing Oak Harbor "Harbor Lights" Senior Center. She helps with lunch preparation and clean up, and helps with crafts for the nursing home.

● Doris and Doug Van Allen, representing the Danbury Senior Center. They served on the center's board the last several years and help with Wii bowling tournaments.