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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 3, 2006

First Lady Hope Taft to Celebrate Contributions of Married Volunteers

COLUMBUS - First Lady Hope Taft will honor 20 couples for their dedication to marriage and volunteerism at the seventh annual Joined Hearts in Giving celebration on February 10, 2006, at the governor's residence in Columbus.

"I am happy to recognize these couples for giving generously of their time through volunteerism and serving as role models for younger generations," said the first lady. "They share a deep commitment to each other and to their communities."

Joined Hearts in Giving was created by Mrs. Taft to honor Ohioans married 50 years or longer, and who share a commitment to volunteerism - particularly as volunteers with children or in youth education.

The 2006 Joined Hearts in Giving Celebration will be held Friday, February 10 at 10:00 a.m. at the governor's residence in Columbus. Mrs. Taft will present honorees with President's Volunteer Service Awards for their lifetime volunteer efforts and service to others.

These special volunteers range in age from 67 to 94 years, and one couple has been married 71 years. The first lady will honor these couples:

• John and Marie Bucher of Cincinnati
• The late Clifton Neil and Clara Imogene Danford of Ava
• Dan and Sharon Daniels of Waverly
• Donald R. and Jeanne M. Davis of Columbus
• Howard and Lillian Divelbiss of Youngstown
• William and Arden Farragher of Canfield
• Carl and Clare Fleser of Waverly
• David and June Harcum of Hide-A-Way Hills
• Russell and Vivian Harmon of Dover
• Larry and Suzie Latham of Columbus
• Clarence and Willa Lumpkin of Columbus
• Joseph W. and Doris E. Meyer of Cincinnati
• Walter and Mary O'Connor of Marietta
• Jerry and Gladys Ritchie of Alliance
• Reuben and Dorothy Silver of Cleveland Heights
• Dan and Donna Jean Smith of Racine
• Richard and Jeanne Stevens of Cincinnati
• Keith and Elizabeth Stewart of Cincinnati
• Arthur J. and Martha C. Swartz of Delaware
• Earl and Jane Walther of Cincinnati

Brief biographies and photos of each of the couples honored are at www.goldenbuckeye.com/joinedhearts/.

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.