Forrest “Woody” Amidon, 91, and his wife Katie, 90, display their Outstanding Senior Citizen of the Year Award May 28 at the Logan County Senior Day. (MANDY LOEHR | THE CHRONICLE)
Just about any day of the week, you can find a hard-working couple at the Logan County Friendly Senior Center, whose enthusiasm, friendliness and creativity could match any individual decades younger than them.
Forrest “Woody” Amidon, 91, and his wife Katie, 90, participate in a wide variety of ways behind the scenes, whether that’s assisting with meals, playing cards or dominoes with friends, developing innovative and engaging activities like an upcoming senior prom and leading classes at the senior center, 934 S Main St.
Honoring their longtime care and dedication to volunteering for their community, the Amidons were named the 2026 Logan County Senior Citizens of the Year May 28 during the Logan County Senior Day celebration and activities fair at the Bellefontaine Grace Church.
“We do have a queen bee and a king bee, but they aren't the royalty kind. Woody and Katie Amidon are among the hardest laboring bees in the mix,” Logan County Friendly Senior Center Director Gwyn Stetler said in her nomination letter.
“Yet, they have the gift of being able to soar above it all-any nitpicking or small talk to a higher level of participation.”
Stetler noted that the couple are “skilled artisans, truth-tellers and lovers of life.
“Truly love-led servant leaders. We know they love the center and each of us. They call us into an even higher vision and we are forever grateful to them for that. Their love for each other, for their family and their God is ever evident."
The pair’s children and grandchildren surprised them by attending the award presentation for the Logan County Senior Day, many of them traveling from out of town.
It was a fateful day when Katie and Woody met in college in Tennessee many years ago. He grew up in the Erie, Pa., area, and Katie was originally from Clearwater, Fla. The couple exchanged vows June 21, 1957, and will celebrate their 69th anniversary this month.
The Amidons made their home on County Road 11 near Bellefontaine for many years, and more recently moved into the city, now residing in a home along Washington Avenue, Katie said.
Senior Center choir director Allen Hadley, standing, congratulates Woody and Katie Amidon on their award at the 2026 Logan County Senior Day. (MANDY LOEHR | THE CHRONICLE)
Both Katie and Woody are retired educators from local school districts. Mrs. Amidon taught for 30 years at Bellefontaine City Schools and 32 ½ years total in education. She taught elementary grades 4-6 and loved her occupation.
Her husband was also an elementary teacher at the former Huntsville Elementary School in the Indian Lake School District, serving for 30 years and teaching a number of grade levels. He also studied to become an administrator, but found teaching was his true passion.
His love of education also extends to the arts. Mr. Amidon noted he often incorporated art into his elementary lessons as a teacher, and now as a member of the Logan County Art League, he also teaches art classes in the community.
In fact, he is hosting a beginning watercolor class from June 22-25 at the Logan County Friendly Senior Center. Registration is required by June 15 and the cost is $100 for those who don’t have supplies, or $50 if you take your own supplies. Register by email to [email protected] or by calling (937) 593-1511.
While Woody has a strong affinity for the arts, Katie chuckled when she remarked that her husband’s artistic skills haven’t rubbed off on her.
However, Katie’s creativity comes into play later this month as the senior center prepares to host its second annual senior prom. She’s helping to run the show and she can’t wait for the June 20 event, which takes place from 4 to 7 p.m.
“We’re going to have a chicken dance and all of the usual, fun dances that you’d expect,” she said. “We invite everyone to come out and have a great night with us and to bring snacks to share.”
Attendees are invited to show off their formal attire or come as they are. Tickets for the prom are $5 each and it is open to the public and members alike.
In her nomination letter, Stetler also emphasized the Amidons’ perseverance through some difficult challenges this year, which have inspired their friends, family and fellow senior center members.
“They had health struggles in the past months and many would have physically given up. They have such a zest for life they kept putting one foot in front of the other and with walkers, friends, caregivers-all of us in caring community, they have resiliently moved into another chapter of living.
“With my whole heart, I will support their nomination and will affirm them in all ways possible."
The Logan County Friendly Senior Center choir sings patriotic songs, under the direction of Allen Hadley, during the Logan County Senior Day May 28. (MANDY LOEHR | THE CHRONICLE)
