ASHLAND — It was a room full of familiar faces, meaningful conversations and a shared commitment to Ashland County.
More than 80 people gathered Oct. 21 for the Mental Health & Recovery Board of Ashland County’s annual luncheon, a chance to celebrate the people who make mental health, substance use prevention, treatment and recovery support possible in our community.
Guests included Ashland Mayor Matt Miller, Judge Karen DeSanto Kellogg and her staff and former prosecutor Robert DeSanto, alongside local providers, volunteers and community partners.
The afternoon was as much about saying thank you as it was about looking ahead.
The board recognized its volunteer members, including newcomer Carly Gorge and
returning member Dr. Dwight McIfresh, whose guidance helps shape local behavioral
health services.
Special thanks also went to the dedicated teams at the MHRB’s three contract agencies — Appleseed, ACCADA and Catholic Charities — who turn plans and partnerships into real support for Ashland County residents every day.
The board also offered heartfelt thanks to Nancy Udolph, who stepped down after 17 years of dedicated service. Her time, leadership and steady commitment to the people of Ashland County have left a lasting mark.
Keynote speaker Dan Mager, director of the Ashland County Park District, brought
attention to something close to home: the value of our parks, outdoor spaces and
connection with nature for mental well-being.
A lifelong Ashland County resident, Mager has spent his career serving the community through public safety, youth coaching and recreation.
Two awards made the afternoon especially memorable. Connie Butler received the
Martha Jorden Beacon Award, honoring the compassion and service that defined
Martha’s legacy.
Connie has served on the MHRB for nearly 25 years and her heartfelt commitment to local farmers and their families — including their mental health — reflects the very spirit of the award.
Bob Miller of iHeartRadio received the Community Partnership Award. Whether helping
with radio messages, community events or podcasts, Bob has been a dependable and
generous partner in spreading a simple but important message: help is available and no
one has to face challenges alone.
The luncheon also recognized the schools, first responders, healthcare providers, faith
communities and neighbors who make this work a true countywide effort. The board
expressed gratitude to former Executive Director Steve Stone for stepping back in to
offer guidance during a time of transition and to Ashland University for its hospitality.
“Mental health and recovery are not the responsibility of one agency or one profession.
They are community responsibilities, and meaningful progress happens when we work
together,” said Alyse Schroeder, MHRB director of programs, training and education.
The afternoon closed with a quote attributed to Margaret Mead that captured the spirit of the gathering: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can
change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
It was a fitting reminder that Ashland County’s greatest strength is the people who continue to show up for one another.