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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 17, 2007

Strickland, Department of Aging to Induct Louis & Betty Hughes Into 2007 Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame
Marion Residents Selected for Outstanding Community Service

COLUMBUS - Governor Ted Strickland, Barbara E. Riley, Director of the Ohio Department of Aging, and members of the Ohio General Assembly will induct Louis and Betty Hughes, of Marion, along with 12 other exceptional seniors, into the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the Statehouse Atrium in Columbus from 4:00 - 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 23.

"Those inducted into the Senior Citizens Hall of Fame embody the productivity and enjoyment that should be a part of every person's retirement years," said Riley. "Mr. and Mrs. Hughes serve as shining examples of true commitment to public service."

Both Louis and Betty volunteer at Marion General Hospital, Marion's Harding High School concession stand, the American Red Cross Bloodmobiles, Love, Inc., plus they serve on numerous boards. They volunteered for the VITA program for more than 20 years, training annually to prepare tax returns for seniors. As OSHIIP volunteers, they provided counseling on Medicare open enrollment and Medicare D coverage. Mr. and Mrs. Hughes also have been honored as Marion County Outstanding Senior Citizens.

Louis and Betty join more than 300 individuals who have been inducted into the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame. Since its inception in 1977, native-born Ohioans or state residents for at least 10 years are nominated by individuals or organizations based on service to others and achievements after age 60 and for lifetime achievements that represent positive aging. Bios and photos of all 2007 honorees are on the Department of Aging's Web site.

Also being recognized are twelve individuals who will each receive an Elder Caregiving Award.

About ODA

The Ohio Department of Aging serves and represents two million Ohioans age 60 and older. The Department advocates for the needs of all older citizens, with an emphasis on improving the quality of life for older Ohioans, helping them live active, healthy and independent lives, and promoting positive attitudes toward aging and older people. The Department provides services to older Ohioans through 12 area agencies on aging, home- and community-based Medicaid waiver programs such as PASSPORT, the long-term care ombudsman and the Golden Buckeye Card. For more information, visit www.goldenbuckeye.com.