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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 13, 2007

Joined Hearts in Giving Reception Rescheduled
Inclement Weather Postpones Recognition of Outstanding Volunteers

COLUMBUS - The eighth annual Joined Hearts in Giving Celebration, which was to be held on Valentine's Day at the governor's residence in Columbus, has been rescheduled to March 16 due to inclement weather.

"We are disappointed because Valentine's Day is such an appropriate time to recognize these couples who show so much love for each other and their communities," said Barbara E. Riley, director of the Ohio Department of Aging. "Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans. We are looking forward to seeing these couples in March, when the weather will be more favorable."

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 recognition originally scheduled for Valentine's Day had to be rescheduled after a winter storm swept through Ohio, making it difficult for many honorees to travel to Columbus.

The rescheduled 2007 Joined Hearts in Giving Celebration, hosted by the First Lady's Office and the Ohio Department of Aging, will be held Friday, March 16, at 10:00 a.m. at the governor's residence in Columbus. First Lady Frances Strickland and Director Riley will honor the couples for their lifetime volunteer efforts and service to others.

These special volunteers range in age from 64 to 87 years, and one couple has been married 64 years.

Click here for more information and brief bios of the couples to be honored.

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.