Published: May 13, 2008 10:50 am      

Senior Saints sought

By TESA CULLI

tesa.culli@register-news.com

MT. VERNON — Applications are now available for the 11th Annual Senior Saints Hall of Fame.

“It’s a great way to honor folks who have avoided any kind of recognition for everything they’ve accomplished over the years,” Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Floyd Brookman said. “It’s a time for people to step forward and say thanks.”

Those who are nominated must have been 65 years old or older on Jan.1, been living on Jan. 1, a resident of Jefferson County and not holding a paid political office.

Brookman said usually there are about 10 seniors who are inducted into the hall of fame annually. Nominations should show how the nominee has exhibited community service including civic activities; how the nominee has demonstrated a love of country and community, how the nominee has exemplified the ability to embrace change and actions that have been taken by the nominee in response to adversity — their own or others.

Each of the nominating criteria are worth 25 points, and leaving one out of the nomination application could result in a lesser score. All applications are judged by a committee of three to five people who do not reside in Jefferson County.

“These members represent diverse ethnic, business and minority backgrounds,” information on the hall of fame states.

Each application should also be accompanied by three letters of recommendation, and photos of nominees will not be accepted.

The Senior Saints nomination period officially begins May 23, and the deadline for applications is 4:30 p.m. June 27 at the Chamber office at the Municipal Building West or by mail to P.O. Box 1047, Mt. Vernon, Ill., 62864.

Nomination applications are available at the chamber office and online at www.southernillinois.com. Anyone with questions may contact the Chamber at 242-5725.

The inductees chosen for the Senior Saints Hall of Fame will be announced on July 25 at City Hall, and will be honored with a banquet on Sept. 26.

Brookman said the inductees will also be honored during the parade at the Southern Illinois Fall Festival on Columbus Day weekend.