The City of Beavercreek is proud to share that Jo Ferguson, a volunteer for the city’s Parks, Recreation & Culture Division, has been named the 2023 Ohio Parks and Recreation Association’s (OPRA) Citizen of the Year. Jo was presented with the award at the 2024 OPRA Conference and trade show on February 6, 2024 in front of more than 1,400 attendees. She was selected from numerous nominations submitted by parks and recreation professionals from around the state. During her acceptance speech, she said, “If you want to live to be 97 like me, join the senior center.”
Jo Ferguson has volunteered for the City of Beavercreek and the Beavercreek Senior Center for more than 30 years, donating close to 20,000 hours of her time. At the age of 97, Jo works in the kitchen at the senior center every Monday, helping to prepare and serve lunch to other senior citizens seeking socialization and a nice, homecooked meal. She also works the front desk at the center every Friday, answering phone calls, checking in members, registering them for activities, giving tours, and more. Each Thursday, she plays in the Beavercreek Strummers, practicing at the center with the group of talented instrumentalists, who often play shows in neighboring communities, representing the Beavercreek Senior Center in the process.
In addition to all of these commitments, Jo can often be found at the center participating in activities, playing cards, and even serving on the Senior Advisory Board. This is nothing new for Jo, though, as she has been a part of the Senior Center since the beginning. Her membership number is two, and the only reason she wasn’t given number one is because it was used as a test! Jo is commonly referred to as the Queen of the Beavercreek Senior Center, a title she has earned with her dedication to the center and her community.
Jo Ferguson has been the main constant in the evolution of the Beavercreek Senior Center from its humble beginnings at C.I. Beaver Hall – a small, one-room building – when it was created in 1971. She was a key figure in the Beavercreek Enrichment Association (BEA) when it came time to raise money for the move to a new building when Charles and Anna Mae Lofino donated their old grocery store building in 2004. Jo served as the treasurer of the BEA as they worked to raise more than $400,000 in funds to be used for construction and to furnish the new Senior Center.
The impact that Jo has had on not only the senior center, but also her community, cannot be overstated. She has inspired many with her passion for helping others and has really changed the perception of what seniors are capable of, even well into their nineties. Jo has given a significant amount of her life to serving others and making the Beavercreek Senior Center and the community a better place.
