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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 17, 2007

Strickland, Department of Aging to Induct George Neargarder Into 2007 Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame
St. Marys Resident 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 George Neargarder, of St. Marys, 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. "George Neargarder delights in sharing his knowledge of local history. He is considered a resource for school children, newspapers, clubs and the local library. His dedication, enthusiasm and creative leadership have earned the respect of people throughout Auglaize county."

George has received the Auglaize County Outstanding Senior Award, as well as an Individual Achievement Award from the Ohio Association of Historical Societies and Museums and a Builder of Bridges award from the St. Marys Chamber of Commerce. In 2006, he was honored as The Evening Leader's Man of the Year. Neargarder volunteered with the Boy Scouts for 30 years. He is a past president of the St. Marys Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Club and Auglaize County Historical Society. After 15 years, Neargarder retired as chair of the annual Walk with Nature, a community hike by the banks of the Miami Erie Canal. In 2002, Neargarder wrote A History of Holy Rosary Church, St. Marys, Ohio.

Mr. Neargarder joins 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.