Published: June 28, 2009 07:20 pm      

Senior Saints HOF to review nominees

By TESA CULLI

tesa.culli@register-news.com

MT. VERNON — Although members of the Senior Saints Hall of Fame Committee were worried about receiving nominations this year, nominations started pouring in last week prior to the Friday deadline.

“When it came down to the deadline, Jefferson County came through,” Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Brandon Bullard said. “I think the nominations represent out community well.”

The hall of fame is a joint effort between the city, county and JCCC to honor those in the community who have demonstrated community service; exemplify the ability to embrace change; and have taken action in response to adversity, their own or others.

A week before the nomination deadline, only two nominations applications and the three supporting letters of reference had been received. Bullard said at the time, that although many people had picked up nominating applications, “the harder part of the process is getting the three letters of recommendation together for the nomination. I just hope that’s what is holding up the nominations.”

Bullard said his speculation proved to be true.

“The problem was the time to talk to community leaders, writing the letters and getting everything together,” Bullard confirmed. “I think we will have a good crop this year, judging from the nominations.”

The committee will meet to go over the nominations to make sure all nominees meet the criteria for the hall of fame, which include being 65 years of age or older on Jan. 1, 2009; living on Jan. 1, 2009; being a resident of Jefferson County; and not serving as a paid political office holder. The nominations will then be sent to a group of out-of-county judges who will select this year’s recipients.

Those chosen to be inducted into the 2009 Senior Saints Hall of Fame will be honored at a dinner on Sept. 25 at the Holiday Inn, and their pictures added to the hall, which is located inside the Rolland Lewis Community Building at Veterans Park.