Department on Aging Announces the 2014 Senior Hall of Fame Inductees; Presents Governor's Unique Achievement Awards

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) has announced this year’s Senior Illinois Hall of Fame Inductees.  The department hosted a ceremony Wednesday to recognize special contributions made by older adults in the categories of community service, education, performance/graphic arts, and the labor force, in regard to their employment.  The recipients of the Governor’s Unique Achievement Award were also acknowledged during the ceremony held at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library. 

 “I am pleased to announce the 2014 Senior Illinois Hall of Fame inductees and Governor’s Unique Achievement Award recipients.  Your individual accomplishments have helped make our Illinois communities better places to live.  And for that we thank you,” IDoA Director John K. Holton, Ph.D., said during the ceremony.    

The Senior Illinois Hall of Fame was created by the Legislature in 1994 to honor Illinois residents age 65 and older for their personal achievement.  Since then, 95 people have been inducted into the Hall of Fame including the 2014 inductees.  Each inductee is chosen through a statewide nomination and selection process.  IDoA compiles a list of nominees then consults with the members of the Illinois Council on Aging to determine the winner of each category.

The recipients of the Governor’s Unique Achievement Award are nominated by Area Agencies on Aging.  The award recognizes groups, individuals and programs that positively impact the lives of seniors in Illinois. 

The 2014 Senior Illinois Hall of Fame inductees are:

Alvin “Al” Lopinot, 92, of Litchfield, is the 2014 inductee of the Education category.  He holds degrees in biology, botany and chemistry, but Lopinot’s talent is not limited to science.  He authored six books, did PR for the local hospital, and still writes for a magazine. During his service in World War II, he developed an interest in photography which later resulted in a business and teaching college students.  Lopinot has served Litchfield in many capacities on various boards and committees including as chairman of the Tree Board.

Walter F. Voyt, 69, of Plainfield, is the 2014 inductee of the Labor Force category.  Voyt worked 31 years for Amoco Chemical Company in Joliet and is also a successful inventor. He developed important secret trade products and patents, including improving the cost and reliability of purifying industrial wastewater. He spent years studying how sunlight caused skin cancer, which has helped generations of sunbathers through the development of sunscreens; it was his patent sold to the Johnson & Johnson Company.  Voyt is a true American chemist and inventor.

Louis Kibort, 84, of Edwardsville is the 2014 inductee of the Performance Arts category.  For almost 60 years, Kibort has taught square dancing to people of all ages.  His photos, articles, programs, thank-you letters and other mementos from years of dancing date back to the early 1960s.  Square dancing, which is the official dance of the state of Illinois, is his first love but Kibort and wife (Wenona) dance polka, swing, jitterbug and are also accomplished ballroom dancers. He has “do-si-doed” all over the country and says there’s nothing square about it.       

W. Jack Chamblin, 82, of Robinson, is the 2014 inductee of the Community Service category.  Chamblin established an annual scholarship at Robinson High School, funded athletic and theater programs at Lincoln Trail Junior College, and endowed the James Jones chair for literacy. He is a member of the University of Illinois Foundation and the Illinois State Historical Society.  He donated land to both the Crawford County Humane Society and to the SPAC and Neuter Foundation. In another instance of community service, Chamblin also served seven years as chair for the Boy Scout Drive.

The 2014 Unique Achievement Awardees are:

Denise Izatt, nominated by the Northeastern Illinois Agency on Aging in West Chicago.  Izatt has served to significantly help develop the Area Agency’s Celebrity Chefs Brunch, which is the primary fundraiser event for its Holiday Meals on Wheels program.  In addition to being an event donor and sponsor, she has served as committee chair since 2008.  By engaging her community in fundraising efforts and identifying new donors, patrons, restaurants and chefs, Izatt has made an incredible difference to provide meals to at-risk seniors. 

Dr. Paulette M. Archer, of Peoria, was nominated by Central Illinois Agency on Aging.  A registered nurse since 1970, she teaches nursing students of the challenges and evidence-based practices needed for care of the older adult.  This year she has been involved in revising curriculum for the Geriatric Population class at St. Francis Medical Center College of Nursing to include student involvement in daily activities of older adults in community nursing homes.  Dr. Archer is a compassionate nurse, teacher and advocate for seniors.

Kathy Munday, of St. Joseph, was nominated by East Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging (ECIAAA). Munday, a pharmacist who owns and operates St. Joseph Apothecary, was named “Citizen of the Year” for her sense of community.  When the ECIAAA administered a grant to coordinate a pilot project to help older adults manage their medications and prevent medication errors, she served as consulting pharmacist and provided training for care coordinators.  Munday’s work with ECIAAA continues on its Corporate Board.

Liliana Kalanik Costa, of Jacksonville, was nominated by the Area Agency on Aging for Lincolnland.  Kalanik-Costa’s dedication to social justice began when she was a teen living in Costa Rica and became involved in political, social, and human rights issues throughout Latin America.  After marrying and settling in the U. S., she worked with Amnesty International, N.A.A.C.P., and American Civil Liberties Union.  Currently, she works with Latinos communities in Jacksonville and Beardstown.  Kalanik-Costa is the people’s champion.  
     
William Kreeb, President/CEO of the Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House in East St. Louis, was nominated by Age Smart.  Social work for Kreeb started while growing up in Kentucky and working with impoverished people in the Appalachian Mountains.  He joined Neighborhood House in the 1980s when East St. Louis was going through a tremendous change.  Population dropped but the number of people living in poverty grew.  Under Kreeb’s leadership, Neighborhood House services include day care, adult day services, emergency services, and social work.

Jean Patrick, of Carbondale, was nominated by the Egyption Area Agency on Aging and Shawnee Alliance.  Patrick worked as the Shawnee Human Resources Director from 1985 to 2005 and assisted as the health service grew from a handful of employees to more than 200 when she retired.  Previously an employee, she now volunteers providing support to help vulnerable people remain active and independent.  Patrick’s service through Volunteer Money Management and Shining Star programs exemplifies helping our fellow man. 

Linda Siegel, was nominated by AgeOptions. Siegel is the immediate past chair of AgeOptions’ Board of Directors.  She led the board in 2012 and 2013, and served as the vice chair before that.  Her wealth of knowledge in the field of aging has developed throughout her career.  She was Associate Director of the Area Agency on Aging in Palm Beach (FL) before moving, in 2001 to Chicago Ridge where she served as first lady during time her husband was mayor.  Siegel currently holds a research assistant position in the Department of Health Services at the University of Maryland.