NEWS RELEASE
June 25, 1999

Nominations Being Accepted for Senior Citizen of the Year Award

Michigan Office of Services to the Aging Director, Lynn Alexander, today announced that nominations are currently being accepted for the Senior Citizen of the Year Award. The award is given in conjunction with the Michigan Department of Community Health, Office of Services to the Aging and the Michigan State Fair.

"For more than 25 years, the Office of Services to the Aging and the Michigan State Fair have teamed up to administer this award, singling out persons 60 and older for recognition. Thanks to the support of the Consumers Energy Company, one winner in each category, Leadership and Service, will be awarded $500," said Alexander.

Nominees must be supported by a community organization rather than an individual. Any group with a board of directors constitutes as an organization.

"Winners in this annual awards competition come from all walks of life," said Alexander. "The key is to identify an older person you feel to be exemplary, either in service or leadership to others. We are looking for those unsung heroes who strive to be of service to their peers and community."

"This is an important part of Seniors Day at the fair," said State Fair Manager John Hertel. "The winners and their families enjoy the festivities held in their honor and the fairgoers delight in the many activities scheduled that day." Awards will be presented this year on Monday, August 30 at noon on the State Fairgrounds. Last year's winners were John T. Floyd, of Detroit, in the Service Category and Audrey Malling, of Gowen, in the Leadership Category.

Nomination forms may be obtained through the Office of Services to the Aging in Lansing at 5l7-373-8230 or through any local Area Agency on Aging in the state. Forms may also be found on the Internet at by clicking on "Michigan Aging Services System." Forms must be postmarked no later than Friday, July 23^rd.

Winners will be notified in writing. Attendance at the awards presentation is not necessary to win. All persons nominated receive a certificate acknowledging their special status as a contender for the award. Completed nomination forms should be sent to the Michigan Department of Community Health, Office of Services to the Aging, P.O. Box 30676, Lansing, Michigan 48909-8l76.