press releases

First Lady Karen W. Kasich and Columbus Children to Help Set New World Record

john verdes — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 18:10:00 GMT

Who:�� First Lady Karen W. Kasich; preschoolers, students and families at the Schoenbaum Family Center at��
�� Weinland Park

What:�� Jumpstart's Read for the Record event in Columbus will feature a reading of Llama Llama Red Pajama�
�� by Mrs. Kasich to preschoolers, toddlers, and families at the Schoenbaum Family Center at Weinland Park.
�� In addition, the Pearson Foundation will donate a copy of Llama Llama Red Pajama to each pre-K and�
�� kindergarten classroom in the district.

�� Jumpstart's Read for the Record, presented in partnership with the Pearson Foundation, is a
�� world-record breaking campaign that brings together children and adults to read the same book on the
�� same day to help at-risk children. As part of Read for the Record on October 6, adults will read the official
�� campaign book, Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney, to more than two million children.

�� Visit�http://readfortherecord.org for more information.

When:�� Thursday October 6, 1:00 p.m.

Where:�� The Schoenbaum Family Center at Weinland Park
�� 175 E. 7th Avenue
�� Columbus, Ohio 43201

Ohio First Lady Karen W. Kasich Serves as Ohio Safe Routes to School Ambassador

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 13:00:00 GMT

COLUMBUS -First Lady Karen W. Kasich encourages Ohio's 1.2 million students in grades K-8 to bike and walk to school as Ambassador for the Ohio Safe Routes to School "Every Move You Make, Keep It Safe" educational campaign spearheaded by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT).

The campaign not only encourages Ohio's young students to walk and bike to school, it also educates students on the importance of traffic safety.

"Getting a healthy start in life includes being safe - as well as active," said Mrs. Kasich. "Ohio Safe Routes to School empowers children to feel confident walking or biking to school safely."

Distributed statewide, Ohio Safe Routes to School educational materials will consist of Public Service Announcements (PSAs), posters, safety tip cards, a website and a video with Mrs. Kasich encouraging students to follow safety guidelines.

Visit�EveryMove.ohio.gov for more information.

First Family Kicks Off Parents' Week with "Family Meal Night" at Ronald McDonald House

john verdes — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 18:04:00 GMT

COLUMBUS - Governor John Kasich, First Lady Karen Kasich and twin daughters Emma and Reese kicked off Parents Week in Ohio with a visit to the Ronald McDonald House of Central Ohio (RMH) in celebration of "Family Meal Night."

The First Family participated in "Family Meal Night" by having dinner with the families in residence at the RMH, where they provide a home away from home for families with seriously ill children being treated at area hospitals.

Beginning in 2005 with HB 493, the last week of September is designated as Parents Week in Ohio to recognize and celebrate people raising children and promote the many resources available to assist in the vital role of parenting. Family Meal Night is based on the national initiative Family Day - A Day to Eat Dinner with Your ChildrenT from the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University (CASA).� This night is meant to encourage families to sit down and eat dinner together.

First Lady Karen W. Kasich Joins Miss Ohio Bike Tour; Visits Nationwide Children's Hospital

john verdes — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 18:12:00 GMT

COLUMBUS -First Lady Karen W. Kasich today joined Miss Ohio Ellen Bryan's statewide bike tour promoting the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals in Ohio.

In the final leg of the 850-mile tour, the pair rode from Heritage Park in Westerville to Nationwide Children's Hospital, where they visited with patients in the Inpatient Rehabilitation program.

"This is my third visit to Nationwide Children's Hospital this year, and I'm continually amazed at its innovativeness, as well as the level of attention and personal care," said the First Lady. "We are incredibly fortunate to have the best hospitals in the nation right here in Ohio."

First Lady Karen W. Kasich Leads Torch Team to Open Westerville Olympic Experience

john verdes — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 15:58:00 GMT

Who: �� First Lady Karen Waldbillig Kasich; Olympic Torch runner Jeff Cashman; Westerville Special Olympic athletes,
�� organizers and participating families and children; Westerville City School District Superintendent Dan Good;
�� Ohio Representative Anne Gonzales (R-Westerville); Westerville Mayor Kathy Cocuzzi

What:�� First Lady Karen W. Kasich will kick off the Westerville Olympic Experience by running an authentic Olympics torch
�� through uptown Westerville. She will be accompanied by daughters Emma and Reese, Special Olympic athletes��
�� and their parents and Olympic Torch runner Jeff Cashman.

�� The two-day event, beginning Saturday, August 26, includes nine competitive sports intended to create an Olympic
�� experience for children of all abilities. Proceeds will benefit the Westerville Special Olympic programs.

When:� Opening Ceremony: Friday, August 26, 6:30 p.m.

Where:� Hanby Arts Magnet School, 56 South State Street Westerville, Ohio 43081

First Lady Karen W. Kasich Participates in Ohio AAP Foundation's "Brunch, Baseball and Books" Event

john verdes — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 13:54:00 GMT

COLUMBUS - First Lady Karen W. Kasich today participated in "Brunch, Baseball and Books," hosted by the Ohio Academy of Pediatrics Foundation at Huntington Park. In support of the Foundation's early literacy and obesity prevention programming, the First Lady addressed an audience of nearly 100 people and read an activity book to the children in attendance.

"The greatest gift we give to our children is our love and perhaps the second greatest are opportunities to learn and be healthy. It's hugely valuable to make both reading and physical activity a fun part of our daily routines," Mrs. Kasich said. "Committing to creating these opportunities not only helps our children grow and learn, but it also builds healthy family memories that will last a lifetime."

First Lady Karen W. Kasich to Host First Lady's Day at The Ohio State Fair

john verdes — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 17:57:00 GMT

Who:�� First Lady Karen Waldbillig Kasich; Department of Agriculture
�� Director James Zehringer

What:�� Mrs. Kasich will host several events at the fairgrounds for First Lady's Day, highlighting women in agriculture, wellness and fitness. Media are welcome to join Mrs. Kasich at the events listed below.

Where:�� Ohio Expo Center and State Fairgrounds

When:�� Thursday, August 4

10:30 a.m. - FFA Center
Mrs. Kasich and the Department of Agriculture Director Jim Zehringer will host a Celebration of Ohio Women in Agriculture. The invitation-only reception will recognize women's varied contributions to Ohio's largest industry by announcing the Ohio Agriculture Woman of the Year awards for 2012.

11:45 a.m. - Youth Discovery Center
Mrs. Kasich will visit a Master Teacher Workshop to promote Bio Products in High School Classrooms. Ten teachers from across Ohio are participating in this five-day workshop in which they will learn about bio-diesel, ethanol and many other products of Ohio's agriculture industry.� Mrs. Kasich will observe the 21st-century skills that Ohio students are learning from agriculture and science teachers.

1:00 p.m. - Taste of Ohio Caf�
Mrs. Kasich and Chef Ed Kowalski of Delaware North Companies Sportservice (Nationwide Arena, Columbus Blue Jackets) will present a nutritious and delicious cooking demonstration comprised entirely of Ohio products. Chef Kowalski's dish will be pork chops with Ohio sweet corn-melon salsa.

2:30 p.m. - Agriculture and Horticulture Building Corn Wall
Mrs. Kasich will lead the finals for the First Lady's Day Kids' Corn Wall Climb. The finalists in three divisions (grades K-2, 3-4 and 5-6) will compete for prizes.

4:00 p.m. - The Ohio State Fair Parade at the ODNR Park
Mrs. Kasich and daughters Emma and Reese, along with special guests, will lead the parade through the Fairgrounds

First Lady Karen W. Kasich and Director Zehringer Visit Produce to People Distribution in Cleveland

john verdes — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 18:14:00 GMT

CLEVELAND, OH - First Lady Karen W. Kasich and Ohio Department of Agriculture Director James J. Zehringer today visited one of the Cleveland Foodbank's Produce to People distributions, made possible through the Ohio Agricultural Clearance Program and the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks (OASHF), including partnerships with over 100 Ohio farms and food producers. About 350 of these produce distributions will be held this year at Cleveland Foodbank member agencies.

"Nutrition is central to the health and development of our children and their families," Mrs. Kasich said. "These programs not only work to address hunger in Ohio, but also help provide wholesome, Ohio-grown fresh fruits and vegetables to families in need."

Mrs.Kasich and Director Zehringer met with staff, volunteers and program participants to discuss the importance of the Produce to People program as well as assist in distributing fresh Ohio produce.� In 2011, the state of Ohio will provide $12.5 million towards the purchase and delivery of food that is distributed through a partnership with OASHF and its statewide network of 12 food banks-much of the product being fresh produce from Ohio.

"The Produce to People program is a great example of a successful public-private partnership at work in the community," Director Zehringer said. "It supports Ohio farmers and food processors, while helping many Ohioans in their times of need."

Ohio's First Lady Visits Toledo to Pitch

holly davis — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 18:17:00 GMT

First Lady Karen W. Kasich to Participate in National Youth Sports Program at University of Toledo

john verdes — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 18:15:00 GMT

TOLEDO, OH - First Lady Karen Waldbillig Kasich today visited The University of Toledo to kick off the 42nd annual National Youth Sports Program (NYSP). The First Lady addressed the camp's 150 attendees and participated in health and wellness activities.

"Over the course of several weeks, camp participants exercise their minds and their bodies through daily sports instruction and educational programming," said First Lady Karen Waldbillig Kasich. "Programs like NYSP provide a fun, positive and secure learning environment that benefits both our children and our communities."

Each year the camp provides more than 150 economically disadvantaged youths ages 10-16 the opportunity to participate in fitness, recreational and educational programming.� The 2011 National Youth Sports Program was dedicated to the First Lady in recognition of her commitment to children's health and wellness.

First Lady Karen W. Kasich visits BCESC to distribute weekend meals to Children in need

john verdes — Thu, 12 May 2011 17:39:00 GMT

MIDDLETOWN, OH - First Lady Karen Waldbillig Kasich today visited Butler County Educational Service Center to distribute weekend backpacks to children and families participating in the Second Harvest Weekend Backpack Program.

"By providing weekend meals to children, the backpack program offers much-needed assistance to Ohio families in need," said First Lady Karen Waldbillig Kasich. "We're fortunate to have a network of foodbanks in Ohio that work tirelessly to ensure our children are provided with basic necessities."

The visit follows the earlier donation of $95,000 to the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks (OASHF) and its member foodbanks, specified in support of the program. Kasich selected OASHF, Ohio's largest charitable response to hunger, as one of the charitable organizations to receive remaining transition funds from the Kasich-Taylor New Day Committee, Inc., among others. OASHF was selected for their commitment to the health and wellness of children in Ohio.

First Lady Karen W. Kasich Presents Commendation to School Nurse

john verdes — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 15:13:00 GMT

SPRINGFIELD, OH - First Lady Karen Waldbillig Kasich today presented Nikki Elliot Harper, school nurse at Reid Elementary and Middle School in Springfield, with a commendation recognizing her outstanding contributions to students' health and fitness.

Harper is the founder of the Fitness Kids program at Reid, where students meet as a group after school to discuss healthy lifestyles. The students also receive a membership to a local fitness club and exercise as a group. �

"The Governor and I would like to commend you for your personal commitment to the health of your students," said Mrs. Kasich at the presentation. "You have dedicated yourself to mentoring students in both fitness and nutrition, and helping students get a better start to the rest of their lives. Oh behalf of the state of Ohio, thank you for all that you do."

The commendation was presented prior to a 5k run in Springfield sponsored by "Regis and Kelly's Run Across America with Dean Karnazes," a 12-week, coast-to-coast challenge in which Karnazes will run 3,000 miles to inspire Americans to get active. Mrs. Kasich participated in the 5k run alongside Karnazes and 130 students, as well as 130 members of the Springfield community.

The cross country challenge benefits Action for Healthy Kids, a national nonprofit fighting childhood obesity and undernourishment.

First Lady Karen W. Kasich presents $190,000 to Ohio Charities

john verdes — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 17:45:00 GMT

COLUMBUS - First Lady Karen Waldbillig Kasich today presented donations totaling $190,000 to the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks (OASHF) and Local Matters, which tackles child health and nutrition issues.� The funds remained unspent by the inauguration committee for her husband, Gov. John R. Kasich, and Lt Gov. Mary Taylor, the Kasich-Taylor New Day Committee, Inc.. Both charities were selected for their commitment to the health and wellness of children in Ohio.

Kasich presented a $95,000 check to OASHF and its member foodbanks today at a celebration at the Atrium in the Ohio Statehouse. The funds will provide a total of 20,000 meals to children statewide.

"We're fortunate to have a network of foodbanks in our state that works tirelessly to ensure all Ohioans, especially our children, are provided with basic necessities," Kasich said at the presentation of funds to Lisa Hamler-Fugitt, OASHF Executive Director. "It's my hope this donation will reach far beyond its immediate impact and bring awareness to the tremendous promise their work holds for Ohio families and children in need."

"We are humbled by the generous support of Ohio's First Lady," said Hamler-Fugitt. "These funds will provide a weekend's worth of meals to 20,000 of Ohio's hungriest children. My colleagues and I cannot express our thanks enough to Governor Kasich and the First Lady for taking an immediate leadership role on such a critical issue."

Following the OASHF celebration at the Ohio Statehouse, Kasich participated in a Local Matters' Food Matters class alongside twin daughters, Emma and Reese, at the Schoenbaum Family Center in Weiland Park. At the start of the class, Kasich presented a $95,000 contribution towards Local Matters' work to confront childhood obesity via its Food Matters program. The program teaches nutrition, cooking and gardening to over 1000 young children and their parents and teachers in 35 classrooms each week.

"The Food Matters program presents something very unique: a fun, engaging opportunity for children to learn more about fruits and vegetables in the classroom," Kasich said.� "This program inspires children and families to develop a healthy relationship with food, and the benefits of that are limitless. It's my hope more children across the state will have the opportunity to experience-and taste-Ohio's rich agricultural heritage."

The donation will allow for the expansion of Local Matters' program to more schools throughout the region and in other parts of Ohio beginning this fall, with the potential to reach an additional 500 children per week. Local Matters Executive Director Michael Jones proudly accepted the support.

"This level of support from First Lady Karen Kasich allows us to take this program further than we'd ever imagined in our three years of teaching it in greater Columbus.� It's a great testament to the importance of promoting good choices for our kids and families in Ohio," Jones said. "Teaching children, parents and teachers about healthy food from a very early age empowers them to break the cycle of chronic illness that is plaguing our community while also strengthening our local food economies and supporting Ohio farmers."

"I couldn't be more thrilled to have been given the opportunity to make a difference to such deserving organizations," First Lady Karen Kasich concluded. "Both are faithfully committed to providing a better future for Ohio's children."