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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 12, 2008

Governor Strickland, First Lady Honor Long-Married Volunteers
Ninth Annual Joined Hearts in Giving Reception to be Held at Governor's Residence

COLUMBUS - Governor Ted Strickland and First Lady Frances Strickland will honor 25 couples for their dedication to marriage and volunteerism at the ninth annual Joined Hearts in Giving celebration on Valentine's Day at the governor's residence in Columbus.

"These couples enrich their communities by generously volunteering their time and skills," said Mrs. Strickland, the event's host. "Their dedication to their families and their communities is an example for us all."

"Ohio is a better place because of the efforts of these great people," added the governor. "Through the hours and hard work they volunteer, they embody all that makes this state exceptional."

Joined Hearts in Giving honors Ohioans at least 60 years old who have been married 40 years or longer and who share a commitment to volunteerism.

"The devotion of these couples is truly heart-warming," said Barbara E. Riley, director of the Ohio Department of Aging. "Their commitment to each other and their passion to help others is a model we can all take to heart."

The 2008 Joined Hearts in Giving Celebration, hosted by the First Lady's Office and the Ohio Department of Aging, will be held Thursday, February 14, at 10:00 a.m. at the governor's residence in Columbus. The governor, first lady and Ms. Riley will honor the couples for their life long volunteer efforts and service to others.

These special volunteers range in age from 64 to 89 years, and one couple has been married 63 years. The governor and first lady will honor these couples:

• Jack and Shirley Baer of Galion
• Richard and Mardelle Barrell of Republic
• Cliff and Joyce Biddinger of Findlay
• Gerald and Jean Boldt of Parma
• Jack and Rose Casto of Marietta
• Glen and Susie Cole of Crestline
• Alfred and Ruth Fields of Beavercreek
• Philip and Louise Friedman of Oxford
• Roland and Lenore Heine of Seven Hills
• Ellis "Bud" and Joyce Helge of Upper Sandusky
• Lester and Mary Ann Huth of Tiffin
• Roy and Pat Ickes of Middletown
• Alfred and Visitacion (Vi) James of Cleveland
• Sidney and Mary Kelly of Waverly
• Jim and Doris Leugers of Hamilton
• Leroy "Lee" and Dorothy Marshall of Belmont
• Cecil and Kathryn Maxwell of Cardington
• Murle and Kaye McLaughlin of Lake Milton
• David and Maria Miller of Westerville
• Malcolm and Jerry Pennell of Lakeview
• Norm and Kay Rex of Ada
• Elmo and Mary Smalley of West Portsmouth
• Robert and Betty Sorrell of Cincinnati
• Mitch and Nancy Toto of Belmont
• Waldemar and Lillian Wirtz of Cleveland

The Ohio Department of Aging accepts nominations for Joined Hearts in Giving year-round through its Web site: www.goldenbuckeye.com/joinedhearts/

Editor's note: Bios of the couples above can be found at www.goldenbuckeye.com/joinedhearts/. Photos will be posted by February 15, 2008.

About ODA

The Ohio Department of Aging provides leadership for the delivery of services and supports that improve and promote quality of life and personal choice for older Ohioans, adults with disabilities, their families and their caregivers. Working with 12 area agencies on aging and other community partners, the department offers home- and community-based Medicaid waiver programs such as PASSPORT, the long-term care ombudsman program, the Golden Buckeye Card and more. Visit www.goldenbuckeye.com.