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

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) Director Charles D. Johnson is reminding people the deadline is fast approaching to nominate seniors, ages 65 years and older, for the 2009 Illinois Senior Hall of Fame.  Nomination forms must be postmarked or faxed by August 26, 2009 for consideration.

"Each year we recognize contributions made by older persons in the state.  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.  "We have no shortage of older adults who have made remarkable accomplishments and I encourage you to nominate them for a job well done."

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.  Mail nominations forms to the IDoA's Division of Communications & Outreach at 421 E. Capitol Ave #100, Springfield, 62701 or fax to 217-785-4477.

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.