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 "Dene" Wagner Pellegrinon, of Gallipolis, 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. "Dene Wagner Pellegrinon has devoted the 40 years she has lived in Gallia County to giving back to her community. A shining example of active aging, she brings a 'can-do' attitude to anything she undertakes."
"Dene" has served on various boards, including the Senior Resource Center, the Our House Museum, the Gallia County Historical Society and United Way. She was named Woman of the Year in 1979 by the Business and Professional Womens Club. She has also received the Ohio Media Award, as well as the Ohio Division Award of Merit from the American Cancer Society. As the host of a daily community service talk show for 31 years, Pellegrinon has tirelessly promoted local activities and supported worthwhile causes.
"Dene" 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