As seen on the Ohio Department of Aging website.
Ohio Department of Aging, General Assembly honor outstanding Golden Buckeyes
COLUMBUS – The Ohio Department of Aging, the Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging and members of the Ohio General Assembly today inducted nine accomplished older Ohioans into the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame during a special ceremony today in Columbus. They join more than 400 individuals who have been inducted since 1977.
“The Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame recognizes the many ways Ohio’s elders are living ‘well beyond 60’ and continuing to grow, thrive and contribute throughout their lives,” said Bonnie K. Burman, Sc.D., director of the department. “Today’s inductees are not defined by their age, they are inspired by it. They set a stellar example for other Ohioans to follow and are a precious resource for our state, nation and beyond.”
This year’s honorees have helped Ohio prepare for its growing and changing aging population, are recognized as leaders in their prospective fields, and have bolstered their community and their state through their good works.
The 2015 Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame Inductees:
Helping Ohio prepare for its growing and changing aging population
- Mary Ann Brown, Lima – Mary Ann was director of The Arc of Allen County from 1953 to 1995, and remains active in advocating for children and adults with developmental disabilities, their families and caregivers.
- Earle Bruce, Columbus – Perhaps best known as coach of The Ohio State University football team from 1979 to 1987, Earle also has helped raise nearly $1 million for the OSU Wexner Medical Center to find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.
- Joan Stroh, M.Ed., Athens – Joan has supported families in her community for 30 years as a geriatric social worker and counselor, and volunteers with and advocates for AARP and the Area Agency on Aging 8 advisory council.
Bolstering their communities and the state through good works
- Pauline Cornish, Lore City – Pauline helped establish her community and Salt Fork State Park as a hub for the burgeoning “heritage tourism” industry through the restoration of the Kennedy Stone House Museum.
- Albert H. Horn, Jr., Bryan – Albert’s lifelong leadership of the Bryan Area Foundation and the Bryan Cameron Community Hospital have improved the health and the lives of countless people in the community.
- John Hughes, Springdale – John has logged 38,000 miles as a cyclist promoting health and fitness, while raising funds for various charities and improving the health and care of residents in Maple Knoll Village.
Leaders in their fields
- Janice K. Barden, St. Helena, CA – Raised in Cuyahoga Falls, Janice founded Aviation Personnel International (API), the first female-owned and operated search firm exclusively dedicated to the hiring needs of business aviation.
- Charlotte Leeth, Marseilles – Charlotte uses skills acquired over 35 years as an educator to help at-risk youth and provide unique learning experiences for area children.
- Eve Sullivan, Cambridge, MA – Raised in Yellow Springs, Eve founded the nonprofit peer support organization, Parents Forum, which helps individuals and agencies around the world develop strong supports and resources for parents and other caregivers.
Access detailed bios and photographs of these inductees at www.aging.ohio.gov/news/halloffame.
The hall honors individuals age 60 and older who are native-born Ohioans or who have been Ohio residents for at least 10 years. Nominations are evaluated on the impact of current contributions or a continuation of work and accomplishments begun before age 60. This year’s nominees range in age from 67 to 92.
About ODA – The Ohio Department of Aging works to ensure that Ohio is on the leading edge of innovation in responding to the growing and changing aging population. We work with state agencies, area agencies on aging and other local partners to help integrate aging needs into local plans and ensure that aging Ohioans have access to a wide array of high-quality services and supports that are person-centered in policy and practice. Our programs include the PASSPORT Medicaid waiver, the long-term care ombudsman program, the Golden Buckeye Card and more. Visit www.aging.ohio.gov.