Governor Ted Strickland and First Lady Frances Strickland honored a Beavercreek couple and 24 others for their dedication to marriage and volunteerism at the 9th annual Joined Hearts in Giving celebration on Valentine’s Day at the governor’s residence in Columbus.
Alfred and Ruth Fields of Beavercreek received a certificate from the governor and first lady of Ohio. The Fields have been married for 53 years and 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.
“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.”
Long-Married Beavercreek Couple Honored By Governor for Volunteerism
Alfred and Ruth Fields of Beavercreek holding their certificate pictured with Ohio Department of Aging Director Barbara E. Riley and Ohio First Lady Frances Strickland. Photo courtesy ODA
“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, was held Thursday, February 14, at the governor’s residence in Columbus. The governor, first lady and Ms. Riley honored the couples for their life long volunteer efforts and service to others.
The special volunteers range in age from 64 to 89 years, and one couple has been married 63 years. Below is a list of the coupled honored during the 2008 celebration.
Alfred and Ruth Fields of Beavercreek
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
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.
Story by staff. Source: Ohio Department of Aging br20080218-01