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Ohio Department of Aging Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 3, 2009

Department Seeks Nominations for Joined Hearts in Giving
Annual Honor Pays Tribute to Long Marriages and Community Service

COLUMBUS - The Ohio Department of Aging is accepting nominations for its Joined Hearts in Giving awards. The honor, a collaboration of the department and Frances Strickland, First Lady of Ohio, recognizes couples married 40 years or longer who share a commitment not only to each other, but also to their communities through volunteer service. Those chosen will be honored at a special reception held at the Governor's Residence in observance of Valentine's Day.

"Successful volunteers love what they do, whom they do it for and whom they do it with; the same could be said of successful marriages," said Barbara E. Riley, director of the department. "The Joined Hearts couples we've honored over the years embody commitment, sacrifice, understanding and, most of all, love. They set an example for all of us that a life devoted to others is a life well lived."

Individuals and organizations interested in nominating neighbors, colleagues, family members or friends may download a nomination form or submit a nomination online by visiting www.aging.ohio.gov/news/nominations/. The department will accept nominations through Dec. 15, 2009.

To be eligible for the Joined Hearts in Giving recognition, the couple must be married for 40 years or longer and at least one of the spouses must be age 60 or older. Each spouse must actively participate and volunteer in community service and the couple's primary residence must be in Ohio.

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.aging.ohio.gov.