Each year the Ohio Department of Aging (ODA) celebrates outstanding older Ohioans with an induction into the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame recognizes older Ohioans for their service to others and for achievements after age 60 or lifetime achievements, according to the ODA website.

Since 1977, more than 350 individuals have been inducted into the hall of fame. Among the 12 inductees in 2012 was Toledoan Norman Bell, father of Toledo Mayor Mike Bell.

Hall of Fame nominees must be age 60 or older and be native-born Ohioans or residents of the state for at least 10 years. Posthumous nominations will be accepted. The nominee or a representative must consent to the nomination. Self-nominations are not accepted.

“Candidates for the Hall of Fame are pioneers, leaders, teachers, artists, helpers and doers who live lives defined not by age, but by the good work they have done and continue to do,” said ODA Director Bonnie Kantor-Burman, in a news release.

Also awarded at the ceremony are winners of the agency’s Elder Caregiver Awards, presented to outstanding individuals of any age who “combine ingenuity and devotion with available supports to make informed decisions and provide the best care possible for a loved one who is older or who has a disability,” according to the ODA website.

Among the five inductees in 2012 was Susan Gaylord of Toledo, who cared for her mother and sister with Down Syndrome during their last years of life, and now cares for her father.

The deadline for all nominations is Nov. 30.

For more information, visit www.aging.ohio.gov/news/halloffame and www.aging.ohio.gov/news/eldercaregiveraward or call (614) 728-0253.

Tags: Bonnie Kantor-Burman, Elder Caregiver Awards, Ohio Department of Aging, Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame

This entry was posted on Thursday, November 8th, 2012 at 4:45 pm and is filed under Community, Seniors.
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