Illinois Department on Aging Seeks Nominations for the Senior Hall of Fame Awards

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) Director Charles D. Johnson is encouraging people to nominate seniors, ages 65 years and older, for the 2009 Illinois Senior Hall of Fame.  The Award is given each year to recognize contributions made by older persons in the state. 

"The Senior Hall of Fame is a great way to highlight the efforts and accomplishments of some older adults.   Whether working as volunteers in the community, serving as role models, or using talents to help others, these extraordinary individuals selflessly give their time to enrich Illinois," said Director Johnson. "I am asking you to take a moment and think about a senior who makes a difference and let us know about them."

In 1994, the General Assembly established the Illinois Senior Hall of Fame to honor adults who excel in four categories:  Community Service, Education, Performance and/or Graphic Arts and the Labor Force.  Since then, 79 people have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. 

Eligibility is based on the nominee's past and current accomplishments in the category of choice.  The candidate must be age 65 or older and a current Illinois resident or a former citizen who lived in the state most of his or her life.  Posthumous nominees are also considered.

Winners will be inducted into the 2009 Illinois Senior Hall of Fame during a special ceremony, this fall, at the Governor's Mansion in Springfield.  The annual ceremony has been sponsored by Walgreens since 1995.

Nomination forms must be postmarked or faxed by August 26, 2009 for consideration.

Nomination forms are available at local Area Agencies on Aging, by calling the Illinois Department on Aging's Senior HelpLine at 800-252-8966 or on the website at www.state.il.us/aging.