IL Dept on Aging is accepting Senior Hall of Fame Nominations

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) Director Charles D. Johnson today announced that applications are now available to nominate older adults for the 2011 Illinois Senior Hall of Fame.  The annual award recognizes contributions made by residents of the state, ages 65 and older.

“Older adults have so much to offer and we all benefit from their accomplishments.  I ask that you to take a moment and think someone who has made a difference and let us know about them.  The Senior Hall of Fame is a great way to highlight their efforts and say thank you,” said Director Johnson. 

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, a total of 79 people have been inducted into the Senior 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 may also be submitted for consideration. 

The 2011 winners will be inducted during a special ceremony, later this year.  Past ceremonies have been held at the Governor’s Mansion in Springfield. 

Nomination forms must be postmarked or faxed by the August 24, 2011 deadline.

Forms are available by calling the Illinois Department on Aging Senior HelpLine at 800-252-8966, on the website at www.state.il.us/aging/2awareness/hall/hall-fame_nomination.pdf or at local Area Agencies on Aging.