They’re everywhere in Licking County. The other day I saw one cooking a meal at a community drop-in center. And then I spotted another one leading a workshop at the Granville Historical Society. I went into the library to do some research, and one helped me out. Just when I thought I’d escaped them, I spotted one clearing a local hiking trail.  

People over the age of 60. 

They are the movers and shakers, the creators and doers. And they represent the very best of our corner of the universe. 

10 over 60 is The Reporting Project’s effort to honor the work these neighbors are doing and have done for our community. Too often, American culture broadcasts the accomplishments and innovations of our youth while overlooking the persistence, dedication, and deep knowledge of our elders, the pathbreakers. 

Back in January, TRP hosted a party for the honorees at West Church Social. We invited them and their friends expecting maybe 20-30 people to show up. Instead, the speakeasy filled to bursting with honorees, their supporters, and a heaping dose of good feelings. The TRP team saluted each honoree, gave them a rose to take home, and promised to write a profile about each of them. 

Well, readers, here we are. Promise made. Promise kept. Over the next few weeks we’ll be rolling out profiles of our first 10 over 60 honorees. We hope you enjoy reading these stories as much as we enjoyed writing and editing them.

Stay tuned on this page for all 10 profiles on The Reporting Project’s site, and find them here as we publish them.

10-over-60 in Licking County:

Lyn and Keith Boone, of Granville

Lori Carlson, of Heath

Luellen Deeds, of Hanover

Greg Dixon, of Granville

Bev Hansel, of McKean Township

Sharon Johnson, of Newark

Steve Matheny, of McKean Township

Linda Mossholder, of Newark

Doug Price, of Newark

Doug Stout, of Newark