Department on Aging Reminds People to Nominate for the Senior Hall of Fame Awards

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) is reminding people about the fast approaching deadline to nominate seniors, ages 65 years and older, for the 2011 Illinois Senior Hall of Fame.  Nomination forms must be postmarked or faxed by August 24, 2011 for consideration.

“The Senior Hall of Fame is a great way to highlight contributions made by older persons in the state,” said Michael Gelder, acting director of the Illinois Department on Aging.  “We urge people to get their nominations in before the August 24 deadline.”

Eligibility is based on the nominee’s past and current accomplishments in the category of choice, which excel in one of four categories:  Community Service, Education, Performance and/or Graphic Arts and in connection to their employment, called the Labor Force.  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.

Nomination forms are available at local Area Agencies on Aging, by calling the Department on Aging Senior HelpLine at 800-252-8966 or on the website at http://www.state.il.us/aging/2awareness/hall/hall-fame_nomination.pdf.  Mail nominations forms to IDoA’s Division of Communications & Outreach at
One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, Illinois 62702-1271 or fax to: 1-217-785-4477.

IDoA will compile a list of nominees then consult with the Coordinating Committee of State Agencies Serving Older Persons to determine which of the nominees shall be the recipient in each category.

Winners will be inducted into the 2011 Illinois Senior Hall of Fame during a ceremony in Springfield, at the Governor's Mansion, later this year.