Licking Countians stood shoulder-to-shoulder in The Everett speakeasy early Tuesday night in celebration of The Reporting Project’s 10-over-60 inaugural class — Licking County residents over the age of 60 working to make our community a better place.
The event, held in West Church Social’s speakeasy, brought together TRP 10-over-60 winners, their families, friends, nominators, co-workers and neighbors to celebrate their contributions to Licking County.
Throughout the next year, The Reporting Project will publish profiles of all 11 members of the inaugural class of 10-over-60, highlighting the ways their hard work and dedication supports Licking County.
Meet the inaugural class:
Lyn and Keith Boone, of Granville
Lyn and Keith Boone, both retired from Denison University, have worked tirelessly for nearly 30 years to maintain and restore the Old Colony Burying Ground cemetery on South Main Street in Granville. The duo has also volunteered at the Granville Historical Society and are members of the Licking Land Trust board.
Lori Carlson, of Heath
Lori Carlson worked in child protective services for nearly three decades before transitioning to roles at the Licking County Humane Society. In 2012, Carlson took the helm at LCHS as executive director, and since then, has helped the organization grow community partnerships with the United Way, Licking County Aging Partners, the Food Pantry Network, CTEC and Licking County Transit to support animals and their human companions.
Luellen Deeds, of Hanover
Luellen Deeds is the volunteer and outreach director at the United Way of Licking County, and in 2024, she created the hygiene hub — a new program that helps Licking Countians access basic hygiene items at five local school districts. She also organizes volunteers at the warming center at Holy Trinity Church and volunteers there while supporting unsheltered and housing-insecure Licking Countians.
Greg Dixon, of Granville
Greg Dixon, a retired postmaster in Licking County, is an avid hiker, and has hiked in places as far and wide as the Grand Canyon, the John Muir Trail, and the Appalachian Trail. But he’s spent the most hours on the trails in Spring Valley Nature Preserve, building bridges and clearing paths, installing trail markers, and removing downed and dangerous trees. And he’s made Granville residents laugh and smile with the abdo-men for nearly three decades.
Bev Hansel, of McKean Township
Bev Hansel has been a dedicated 4-H advisor for more than 25 years, helping Licking County’s youth learn to use their head, heart, hands and health to support the community. She also works at the Licking County Board of Elections and is the administrator of the Fredonia Cemetery, assisting family members in locating the graves of their ancestors and loved ones.
Sharon Johnson, of Newark
In addition to working at Licking County Aging Partners and supporting Licking County’s seniors, Sharon Johnson also assists in caring for her own 100-year-old mother. Her nominator said Johnson “has a huge heart and knows how to bring a smile to everyone’s faces.”
Steve Matheny, of McKean Township
There are few events and happenings that occur in Granville that Steve Matheny, director of the Granville Area Chamber of Commerce, doesn’t have a hand in. He manages the Granville Farmers Market, leads the annual Candlelight Walking Tour, dons a yellow “volunteer” t-shirt during the Granville Kiwanis Fourth of July celebrations and is a champion of small businesses across the community.
Linda Mossholder, of Newark
Linda Mossholder is a fierce advocate for people from all walks of life in Licking County, providing food, care and kind words to those who need it most — often unsheltered and housing-insecure residents in Licking County. In previous years, Mossholder taught children important social-emotional skills through a trauma-informed education program in Newark City Schools.
Doug Price, of Newark
Doug Price retired after years of service at the Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities, but couldn’t stay away from work that supports the community, and has spent the last six years at the Licking County Coalition for Housing. At LCCH, he coordinates and works with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, and, in 2024, helped prepare more than 1,450 tax returns in Licking County. He also volunteers at Dawes Arboretum.
Doug Stout, of Newark
Doug Stout is a librarian at the Licking County Library and coordinates the Veterans Project, documenting the stories of those with Licking County connections who served their country. Just after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Stout organized a funeral at Cedar Hill cemetery for a veteran who died with virtually no relatives or associates — and more than 200 attended the ceremony with full military honors. Now, he writes history essays for the Newark Advocate, telling the stories of local police officers killed in the line of duty.
The Reporting Project thanks everyone who nominated friends, neighbors, coworkers and family members for the 10-over-60 project, and we hope you’ll do it again next year!