Ohio Department of Aging
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 17, 2007
COLUMBUS - Governor Ted Strickland, Barbara E. Riley, Director of the Ohio Department of Aging, and members of the Ohio General Assembly will induct Martin J. (Jack) O'Connell, of Girard, 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. O'Connell has served Girard and Mahoning Valley for decades as a community volunteer. Many services available to area senior citizens can be traced to Mr. O'Connell's efforts."
Jack directed the establishment of the Girard Multi-Generational Center, which provides health, fitness, educational and supportive services to senior citizens. He was a member of the SCOPE (Senior Citizens Opportunity for Personal Endeavor) Board from 1999 to 2006 and was inducted into the SCOPE Society of Honors. In 2006, he was nominated as Shepherd of the Valley Outstanding Senior Advocate. He is a board member for the Trumbull Metropolitan Park Board and the Supreme Court of Ohio Board of Commissioners on Grievances and Discipline. He is president of District 11 Area Agency on Aging, Inc. and chairman of both the Trumbull County Senior Services Advisory Council and the Girard Multi-Generational Center Board of Directors.
Jack O'Connell 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.
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Ohio Department of Aging