Department on Aging seeks nominations for 2007 Illinois Senior Hall of Fame

CHICAGO - Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) Director Charles D. Johnson today announced that the Department is seeking nominations for the 2007 Illinois Senior Hall of Fame, an honor that recognizes contributions made by older persons in the state.

"Illinois is lucky to have such an abundance of wonderful older adults who have enriched our state, and who have made remarkable contributions and accomplishments," Director Johnson said. "The Hall of Fame is a great way to honor some of these extraordinary individuals for selflessly giving their time and talents and for serving as role models to our younger generations."

The General Assembly established the Illinois Senior Hall of Fame in 1994 to honor adults who excel in four categories: Community Service, Education, Performance and/or Graphic Arts and the Labor Force. Since then, 68 people have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. The Illinois Senior Hall of Fame has been sponsored by Walgreens since 1995.

Winners will be inducted into the 2007 Illinois Senior Hall of Fame during a special ceremony at the Governor's Mansion in Springfield in the fall. Eligibility is based on the nominee's past and present accomplishments in the category of choice. The candidate must be age 65 or older and a current Illinois resident or a former citizen who has lived in the state most of his/her life. Posthumous nominees will be considered.

Nomination forms are available at local Area Agencies on Aging, by calling the Senior HelpLine at (800) 252-8966 and visiting www.state.il.us/aging. IDoA will accept nomination forms by fax and mail through August 25, 2007.