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Home » Info Center » Events, Awards & Recognitions » Joined Hearts in Giving

Joined Hearts honors Ohioans married 40 years or longer who are at least 60 years old and who share a commitment to volunteerism - particularly as volunteers with children or in youth education. The Ohio Department of Aging, in partnership with the First Lady of Ohio, honors these couples at a reception on Valentine's Day at the Governor's residence in Columbus.

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2008 Honorees

Richard and Mardelle Barrell, Republic

Rev. and Mrs. Barrell use their musical skills to help and entertain others. They belong to a gospel group that sings in nursing homes and they play guitar and organ for their church. They have driven to Toledo, Ohio and to a South Dakota reservation to deliver donated clothing to people in need. They are well liked and respected in the community and always helping others. According to the Barrells, volunteering has been a way of all their married life of 57 years.

Click on the image to the left to download print-quality photo of these honorees with Director Barbara E. Riley and First Lady Frances Strickland (approximately 200 kb).

Cliff and Joyce Biddinger, Findlay

Mr. and Mrs. Biddinger have been married for more than 54 years. Cliff is active on the AARP State Advocacy Board, talking to state and federal legislators about legislation that benefits older Americans. He has also been an elected official in Hardin county in various offices for 21 years. Joyce is a caregiver for loved ones and is a great support to Cliff in his efforts. They are a real team.

Click on the image to the left to download print-quality photo of these honorees with Director Barbara E. Riley and First Lady Frances Strickland (approximately 200 kb).

Gerald and Jean Boldt, Parma

Married 50 years, Mr. and Mrs. Boldt have been active in all levels of the community. Gerald has served the community for 20 years as an elected official, including mayor, with Jean supporting and participating in his career. As members of Proud of Parma, they chair the gazebo committee. They not only raised funds, but also visited Parma's sister city in Italy to buy the gazebo and were instrumental in having it installed. Gerald, with Jean's help, chairs the Regina Health Center's annual golf outing and fundraiser. The Boldts have dedicated their lives to community service and have instilled in their children the importance of volunteering and giving back to the community.

Click on the image to the left to download print-quality photo of these honorees with Director Barbara E. Riley and First Lady Frances Strickland (approximately 200 kb).

Jack and Rose Casto, Marietta

Married more than 52 years, Mr. and Mrs. Casto have been active volunteers in their community for 35 years. They have taught Sunday school, coached girls basketball and helped with 4-H, Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts. They helped start a reading/tutoring center in the Reno school and were among the first volunteers. They fostered two children for a total of 4 years. They help at the local VFW post, preparing and serving dinners and helping to raise money for the Children's Hospital. They help the residents of the Washington County Home with various activities. According to Rose, "It needs doing and we do it."

Click on the image to the left to download print-quality photo of these honorees with Director Barbara E. Riley and First Lady Frances Strickland (approximately 200 kb).

Glen and Susie Cole, Crestline

Mr. and Mrs. Cole have been married for 55 years and have volunteered at their church in various capacities for more than 40 years. They both taught and are still active in education, mentoring students in the Colonel Crawford school district and serving as 4-H advisors in Leesville. They spend part of the year in Arizona and make a point of attending all board of education meetings in both areas, to share ideas across states. Glenn is a dedicated ex-officio board member of Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging, Inc. The Coles have demonstrated in their retirement that they can continue to contribute their time to enrich the lives of others.

Click on the image to the left to download print-quality photo of these honorees with Director Barbara E. Riley and First Lady Frances Strickland (approximately 200 kb).

Alfred and Ruth Fields, Beavercreek

Married 53 years, Mr. and Mrs. Fields have been a vital part of the Beavercreek Senior Center for more than 13 years. They volunteer as front desk staff and as escorts in the transportation department. Ruth helps out with special events, fundraisers and the ukulele group. Al is always willing to fill in at the last minute with the transportation program.

Click on the image to the left to download print-quality photo of these honorees with Director Barbara E. Riley and First Lady Frances Strickland (approximately 200 kb).

Philip and Louise Friedman, Oxford

The Friedmans have volunteered for 45 of the 54 years they have been married. They can be found several days a week at the Oxford Senior Center, where they help in the kitchen and the office, keep the bird feeders filled and serve as substitute drivers for Meals on Wheels. In the past, they participated in an after-school reading program, helped with a summer meal program for children and drove the help van. According to Louise, they just commit random acts of kindness. They are role models as they maintain a positive attitude, are flexible, adaptable, modest and are always ready to pitch in.

Click on the image to the left to download print-quality photo of these honorees with Director Barbara E. Riley and First Lady Frances Strickland (approximately 200 kb).

Ellis and Joyce Helge, Upper Sandusky

Married for more than 54 years, Mr. and Mrs. Helge can always be counted on to help. Joyce delivers Meals on Wheels with the Council on Aging, where Bud serves on the Board of Trustees. Together, they help with the Christmas Fantasy of Lights - setting up, tearing down and working admissions. They volunteer with the Red Cross Bloodmobile and are active members of their church. They have also served as Boy Scout and Girl Scout leaders for many years. They are committed to each other, their family and their community.

Click on the image to the left to download print-quality photo of these honorees with Director Barbara E. Riley and First Lady Frances Strickland (approximately 200 kb).

Roy and Pat Ickes, Middletown

Mr. and Mrs. Ickes have been married for 54 years. Since 2006, they have volunteered as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) for abused children at PARACHUTE: Butler County CASA. They visit children and learn about their circumstances, then go to court and speak on their behalf. They also coordinate the efforts of churches that provide space and meals for the homeless, helping families who need help through "Shalom," a homeless shelter project started in 2003. They have been foster parents to teens and younger children. Mr. and Mrs. Ickes serve their community with open hearts and a zest for life. They work hard to make a difference for those who are less fortunate.

Click on the image to the left to download print-quality photo of these honorees with Director Barbara E. Riley and First Lady Frances Strickland (approximately 200 kb).

Sidney and Mary Kelly, Waverly

Mr. and Mrs. Kelly have volunteered with AARP for 18 years, helping area seniors do their taxes. They set up an annual college scholarship for area youths and they teach bible study classes. The Kellys also belong to a group that provides meals for the Bridgetown shelter in Waverly. In the past, they volunteered to help in various activities at Bristol Village. Married for more than 56 years, Mr. and Mrs. Kelly give of themselves to benefit their community.

Click on the image to the left to download print-quality photo of these honorees with Director Barbara E. Riley and First Lady Frances Strickland (approximately 200 kb).

Jim and Doris Leugers, Hamilton

Married 51 years, Mr. and Mrs. Leuger say the key to successful volunteering is to believe in what you are doing. They are both involved with Senior Citizens, Inc., where Jim serves as membership president and Doris leads the Dancing Bells, a dance group that entertains at area facilities. Jim has long been active in area service organizations. He was a member of the Elks for more than 40 years, serving at all levels. He volunteered as both a coach and a referee for youth basketball, as well as Little League coach. As an educational assistant for the Hamilton City School District, Doris helped children with visual impairments and tutored several physically impaired children from elementary through middle school.

Click on the image to the left to download print-quality photo of these honorees with Director Barbara E. Riley and First Lady Frances Strickland (approximately 200 kb).

Cecil and Kathryn Maxwell, Cardington

Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell have volunteered twice a week at the Cardington Elementary School for the last 13 years, reading with second graders. They have volunteered their entire lives with their church, community work and the area office on aging. They have worked with the Cardington Beautification Committee, raising funds, coordinating volunteers and planting. Cecil was instrumental in Cardington becoming a Tree City USA and he continues to work on the project. They have volunteered in their community for most of the 60 years they have been married.

Click on the image to the left to download print-quality photo of these honorees with Director Barbara E. Riley and First Lady Frances Strickland (approximately 200 kb).

Murle and Kaye McLaughlin, Lake Milton

Mr. and Mrs. McLaughlin have been married for more than 52 years. Since 1946, they have volunteered at the Lake Milton Fire Department. Murle, a Boy Scout since 1936, and Kay have been involved as scout masters throughout the years and Murle has served as Commissioner of Boy Scouts. They have volunteered almost every day of the last 60 years at the American Legion, and have facilitated the Legion funeral dinners for more than 40 years. They organize the Veteran's Day program at the Jackson Milton Elementary School and volunteer with the Lake Milton State Park, hosting activities for elementary school field trips and nature programming for children. They work with various area senior groups and serve on the zoning appeals board for the community. They also volunteer at the VA Clinic in Youngstown.

Click on the image to the left to download print-quality photo of these honorees with Director Barbara E. Riley and First Lady Frances Strickland (approximately 200 kb).

David and Maria Miller, Westerville

Mr. and Mrs. Miller have been married for more than 40 years. They are both active in their church in various capacities, including as Sunday school secretaries. They help with the weekly ballroom dance at the Gillie Senior Center, contacting participants, shopping for decorations and then setting up and decorating the room. The Millers feel blessed that they have reached a point in their lives where they can focus on community service.

Click on the image to the left to download print-quality photo of these honorees with Director Barbara E. Riley and First Lady Frances Strickland (approximately 200 kb).

Malcolm and Jerry Pennell, Lakeview

Mr. and Mrs. Pennell have volunteered for as long as they have been married, 50 years. They have worked together on Logan County Holland Theater preservation programs in various capacities. Malcolm also worked with contractors and has volunteered many hours of labor. They are active in the Orchard/Wolfe Island association and have supported area parks and playgrounds.

Click on the image to the left to download print-quality photo of these honorees with Director Barbara E. Riley and First Lady Frances Strickland (approximately 200 kb).

Norm and Kay Rex, Ada

Mr. and Mrs. Rex have been married for more than 51 years. Norm has spent almost 26 years in village government, as mayor and city councilman, among other offices. They have both been involved in scouting - Norm for more than 50 years with the Boy Scouts and Kay as a scout leader. They have volunteered with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), teaching families how to deal with mental illness. Kay has served on the Mental Health Board for 7 years. Norm was named 2006 Citizen of the Year for Ada.

Click on the image to the left to download print-quality photo of these honorees with Director Barbara E. Riley and First Lady Frances Strickland (approximately 200 kb).

Elmo and Mary Smalley, West Portsmouth

Mr. and Mrs. Smalley have been committed supporters of the community for the more than 60 years they have been married. They are active members of their church and volunteer with the schools. Elmo has served more than 30 years with the Scioto County Joint Vocational School Board and the Ohio School Board Association in a variety of offices. He also visits schools as "Mr. Goodbook" and reads to students. Mary has accompanied the high school chorus to concerts and competitions. Together, they volunteer with the Community Concert Association.

Click on the image to the left to download print-quality photo of these honorees with Director Barbara E. Riley and First Lady Frances Strickland (approximately 200 kb).

Mitch and Nancy Toto, Belmont

Mr. and Mrs. Toto have been married for 47 years and have been volunteering for more than 20 years. They have coordinated several major fundraising events for the Ohio Valley Hospice and were honored as 2007 Hospice Volunteers of the Year. Nancy is very active with cancer support groups throughout the Ohio valley and serves on numerous community boards and committees. Together, they have been involved in walks and runs to raise money for various causes. Mitch and Nancy are physically active and involved in their community.

Click on the image to the left to download print-quality photo of these honorees with Director Barbara E. Riley and First Lady Frances Strickland (approximately 200 kb).

Waldemar and Lillian Wirtz, Cleveland

Mr. and Mrs. Wirtz have been married for more than 63 years and regularly volunteer at the West Side Catholic Church. One day a week, they don aprons and, side by side, cook a hot lunch and serve 150-200 people. They also help to sort and distribute clothing and household items for the needy. In their 80s, the Wirtzes have been volunteering at the church for almost 30 years.

Click on the image to the left to download print-quality photo of these honorees with Director Barbara E. Riley and First Lady Frances Strickland (approximately 200 kb).

Also Honored (but not attending)

• Jack and Shirley Baer, Marion
  Mr. and Mrs. Baer have been married for more than 51 years and have volunteered for most of those years. They volunteer at the Kirkpatrick food pantry, helping to organize and distribute food and creating reports. If needed, they will drive to Columbus to make pick ups or deliveries for the pantry. They are active in their church and assist with many church activities to help those in need.
• Roland and Lenore Heine, Seven Hills
  Mr. and Mrs. Heine joined the Parma Senior Center approximately five years ago and have been volunteering there ever since. They are the first to volunteer to set up or clean up for a party, at health fairs, service provider fairs or flu shot day. When the center was being renovated, Roland, at 80, helped obtain donations of brushes, drop cloths and other supplies, then helped to paint the building. They are members of the Parma Commission on Aging, where Lenore serves as secretary. They have been married more than 56 years.
• Lester and the late Mary Ann Huth, Tiffin
  Mr. and Mrs. Huth volunteered with the local hospital, Pregnancy Distress Center and with Hospice. For 10 years, they took in newborn babies with medical conditions and children from abusive homes to foster, without reimbursement. For most of their marriage, they volunteered with their church in a variety of capacities. They sent clothing and toiletries to the needy in Poland. Mr. and Mrs. Huth were married for more than 52 years. Before Mary Ann died in April 2007, Lester was her caregiver. Hundreds of people came to Mary Ann's funeral to share stories of how she helped them.
• Alfred and Visitacion James, Cleveland
  Mr. and Mrs. James are vital members of the Parma Senior Center. They serve lunches, sell raffle tickets and help with setting up and cleaning up after events. They are ambassadors for the Center, bringing in new members. Married more than 51 years, they are passionate gardeners and each summer, they share the bounty of their garden with less fortunate members of the center.
• Leroy and Dorothy Marshall, Flushing
  Mr. and Mrs. Marshall enjoy helping others and are very involved in community, church and county historical groups. They are active members of the Ruritan Club and serve on the patriotism committee, helping to select the Girls State representative. They serve their church in various offices and committees and volunteer for the monthly free lunch. Dorothy has served on the Victoria Reed Public Library Board and is president of the Library Foundation. Together they are active with the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution and the Belmont County Victorian Mansion Museum. The Marshalls have been married for 55 years.
• Robert and Betty Sorrell, Cincinnati
  Mr. and Mrs. Sorrell volunteer at the Clifton Senior Center every day, helping to prepare and serve lunch and distribute Meals on Wheels. Betty is an officer in the participants' council and active in all manner of clerical functions for the center. Bob regularly contributes to the exercise and fitness programs. They are so much a part of the senior center, they recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary there with friends and family.

Previous Honorees