ONTARIO – Wes Lambert considers himself to be an outstanding citizen — but not in the way one might expect.
“An outstanding citizen?” Wes said. “Yeah, that pretty well describes me. This morning I was out standing in the back yard and I had a rope in my hand. I didn’t know if I had found the rope or lost my dog.”
The joke earned many laughs as Lambert and his wife Julia stood at the podium Friday during the 2025 Outstanding Senior Awards ceremony hosted by Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging.
The Lamberts were named Ashland County’s outstanding seniors in a ceremony that honored older adults across north central Ohio.
Wes said he and Julia remain grateful to the Lord for their health and ability to serve the community.
“I was surprised when we got the notification from the council,” Wes said. “I said I didn’t know there was a council on aging.”
Julia reflected on their continued service, stating they had to thank the good Lord for the health that they have, allowing them to bloom where they are.
Lifetime of service and dedication
The Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging recognized individuals and one organization for exceptional contributions to their communities during a ceremony at the Hawkins Conference Center.
“Today is a day of recognition, celebration and gratitude,” said Duana Patton, CEO of the Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging.
Patton praised the Lamberts for their quiet leadership and steady presence, which has touched countless lives across Ashland County.
“Wes and Julia Lambert lead with humility, heart and a deep sense of purpose. Their involvement in nearly every part of their community is not driven by recognition but by a genuine love for others and a commitment to serve,” Patton said.
“Wes and Julia are a shining example of purposeful aging,” Patton said. “Their dedication reaches across generations and causes.”
State Rep. Melanie Miller said it was an honor and a pleasure to nominate the Lamberts. She recalled when Trae Turner, the Area Agency on Aging’s chief of community living, met the Lamberts at an event in Ashland County and called her afterwards asking for help to identify them.
“It’s Wes and Julia Lambert, of course,” Miller said. “They give their whole hearts to everything that they are a part of and everywhere that they go, they bring the light of Christ.”
Miller said Julia is the first impression when a woman walks into the Ashland Pregnancy Care Center. During a time when women are sometimes unsure what they are going to do, Julia greets them with a warm smile and hospitality.
Community impact
Wes has served in multiple roles at Homerville Grace Brethren Church, from worship leader to sound technician. When COVID-19 disrupted in-person services, he developed an online streaming system to keep the congregation connected.
Beyond the church walls, he serves as treasurer of the Ashland Pregnancy Care Center, mentors young fathers and actively supports the youth and veterans through Ashland County Pheasants Forever Chapter 442.
He also volunteers with the Ashland County Park District and various committees in the Cinnamon Lake community.
Julia contributes as a member of the Deacon Board and worship team. She is the liaison to the Ashland Pregnancy Care Center, where she volunteers weekly and represents the organization at community events.
Like Wes, she contributes her time to multiple committees. She is a conservation advocate with Pheasants Forever and leads water arthritis classes at the YMCA.
Together, the Lamberts have become pillars of the Cinnamon Lake community.
Honorees of the 2025 Awards
Other winners included James Gerstenslager of Crawford County, Mary Ann Hipp of Huron County, David and Kathy A. Daniels of Knox County, Stephen Renick of Marion County, Michael Porter of Morrow County (posthumously), Merris Welge of Richland County, Tom Joseph of Seneca County and Mike Wheeler of Wyandot County.
The Richland Academy of the Arts was the recipient of the Community Service Award.
(Picture from the 2025 Outstanding Senior Citizen and Community Service Awards. Picture credit: Hannah Martin)
