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Published: 25 March 2016

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This page is for internal staff and employees of COAAA.
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Category: Agency

Published: 14 March 2016

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General Information

Nominees are evaluated for their significant contributions to the community after reaching the age of 60. Those selected for induction are role models for leading vibrant, meaningful lives and enriching the quality of life for others. Their compelling stories demonstrate lifelong commitments to causes, organizations and communities.

Inductees receive a Hall of Fame lapel pin, a framed portrait from a professional photographer, and a personal recognition on stage from county commissioners. A professionally catered reception with family and friends follows the ceremony.

The legacy of the Hall of Fame is to preserve and foster an appreciation for those remarkable individuals who helped to shape the future of our communities. Over 430 individuals have been inducted in the Central Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame since 1975

Any individual or organization may nominate a resident of Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Licking, Madison, Pickaway or Union County. Nominees must be 60 years of age or older and a legal resident of Ohio for the past five years or longer. A married couple may be nominated for one award if both have been equally involved in the same activities and both meet the eligibility criteria.

 

2019 Hall of Fame

The 44th annual Central Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame will be Wednesday, May 15, 2019 at the Martin Janis Center in Columbus.  Thirteen Central Ohio senior citizens will be inducted into the 2019 class.  Colleen Marshall from NBC 4 will host the event and the Soriano Duo will perform before the recognition ceremony. The Hall of Fame is free and open to the public.  Special Thanks go to MediGold as Program Sponsor, Clossman Catering LLC as Entertainment Sponsor, and LifeCare Alliance as Beverage Sponsor for the 44th Central Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame ceremony!    

2018 Hall of Fame

The 43rd annual Central Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame recognized the accomplishments of 13 older adults on Wednesday, May 16, at the Martin Janis Center in Columbus. The Soriano Duo performed and Colleen Marshall of NBC4 hosted the recognition program. A reception followed with solo piano entertainment by Rick Soriano.

• 2018 Ceremony Event Photos
• 2018 Ceremony Event Video
• 2018 Inductee Slideshow Video
   

 

 

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Published: 14 March 2016

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can anyone submit a nomination?  Yes. Nominations are submitted by friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, volunteers, clubs, businesses, government, elected officials and non-profit organizations. The individual or married couple nominated must live in the 8-county central Ohio area (Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Licking, Madison, Pickaway or Union) but the nominator(s) may live outside the eight counties. Self nominations are not accepted.

How can I check if someone is already in the Hall of Fame?  A list of past inductees appears on the website under Hall of Fame Inductees.

Can I nominate a group, club, agency or organization? No. The Hall of Fame only recognizes individuals.

What information should I include in the nomination?  Be as descriptive as possible. A resume or list of activities or memberships is not enough information for the committee to make a selection. Tips for preparing a winning nomination:

• Write your nominee's inspiring story to touch the hearts of readers.

• Describe your nominee's life since reaching the age of 60 and how he/she is a role model for active involvement in the community.

• Be detailed and use complete sentences; your story is the only basis for selection; it will be used for the inductee's page in the program.

• Include some dates / length of time for your nominee's involvement in activities.

• optional - Enhance your nomination with letters of support from others who know the nominee (maximum of three letters).

• Recognize your nominee for unpaid efforts (not a job).

• Please do not send certificates, news clippings, photos, resumes or memorabilia.

• No posthumous or self-nominations, please.

Can the nomination be a surprise?  No. Obtaining advance permission from the person you wish to nominate is required in case he or she will not be available for the portrait sitting in early April, the ceremony the third week in May, or in case the person does not want to accept the recognition.

How are the winners chosen?  Nominees are evaluated for their special contributions to the community after reaching the age of 60, for positively influencing others as role models, and for leading lives not defined by age. Their achievements may demonstrate commitments to formal organizations, including volunteerism, community service, leadership, church and charitable work, or informal efforts such as caregiving and giving a helping hand to neighbors. The selection committee is comprised of COAAA staff, a representative of the City of Columbus Recreation & Parks Department, and a member of the COAAA Advisory Council.

Will I receive notification when winners are announced?  Yes. Letters are sent to all nominees and nominators. If your nominee is selected for induction, you will also receive a phone call or e-mail message offering you the opportunity to deliver the good news personally and be the first to congratulate your nominee.

What is required of the winners?  Winners must be available for a professional portrait sitting in early April and be willing to participate in the Hall of Fame Ceremony at the Martin Janis Center, Columbus, on the third Wednesday in May at 1:00 p.m.

How are the winners recognized?  Inductees receive a personal recognition on stage from their county commissioners and other dignitaries, an individual portrait by a professional photographer, and a Hall of Fame lapel pin. The keepsake program distributed at the ceremony dedicates a full page to each inductee's story and photo. Friends, neighbors and family celebrate with their inductees at the professionally catered reception immediately following the ceremony. Throughout the year, monthly issues of the Senior Times feature a quarter-page Hall of Fame 'spotlight', with one spotlight devoted to each inductee. A number of local newspapers also cover Hall of Fame news in May with an interview of the inductee from that community.

Do I need an invitation to attend the Hall of Fame ceremony and reception?  No invitation is necessary. The event is open and free to the public.

Can I bring a group to the ceremony and reception?  Yes. Groups are welcomed and encouraged to attend. No invitation or reservation is necessary. The only requirement is for buses or vans to park in the overflow parking section after delivering passengers to the entrance. On-site staff will direct buses and vans to the appropriate parking area.

Where is the Hall of Fame located?  The permanent home of the Central Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame is the Martin Janis Center, 600 E. 11th Ave., Columbus. The 'wall of fame' displays plaques with the names and counties of the inductees for each year of the Hall of Fame, along with a display case of group photos from the most recent ceremonies. An historical album provides an alphabetical cross-reference of all inductees, as well as a printed program from each ceremony for the past 14 years. Each program features profiles and photos of the inductees for that year.

Is there a nomination form for the Outstanding Service to Seniors Award?  No. There is no external nomination or formal selection process for this award.

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Published: 14 March 2016

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Hall of Fame - 2018 Inductees

Improving the Lives and Health of Others

Leading food pantries, delivering meals through Meals-On-Wheels, caring for individuals with mental health challenges, and caring for victims of abuse describes some of the remarkable service contributions of Central Ohio older adults who are in the spotlight for the 43rd year of the Central Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame. The ceremony will be held on May 16 at the Martin Janis Center, Columbus.  The Recognition Ceremony starts at 1 p.m.

This year’s inductees range in age from 65 to 88. Presented annually by the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging, the ceremony honors those who actively lead meaningful lives and enrich the quality of life for others.The 2018 inductees are:
 

 

Lenny Lepola donates his time and his photographic work to Delaware County.  After retiring from The Sunbury News, Mr. Lepola is a ubiquitous presence as a freelance photographer in the community.  He documents local events such as several basketball games, Chamber of Commerce breakfasts, Big Walnut Historical Society open houses, and Genoa and Harlem township meetings.  His photo donations help preserve memories and the history of Delaware County. 

 

Pastor Tony and Elaine Salvatori lead the Maywood Mission in Lancaster, OH.  The mission has a food pantry and also provides shelter, rental assistance, and gas and prescriptions, as funds are available.  The mission also has a thrift store which sells clothes and household items at a low rate to those in need.  Each year, the Maywood Mission has a Christmas giveaway providing new toys, food, coats, hats, gloves, underwear, socks, t-shirts, and games for children and families.

 

John Meriweather volunteered many years to the Washington Little League organization in Fayette County.  Mr. Meriweather ran the program, maintained facilities, managed finances, and coordinated logistics for teams, while working a full time job.  He was a trustee for 19 years on the Fayette County Memorial Hospital Board, 3 years as a board chairperson on the Grace United Methodist Church Board of Directors, past President of the Washington Court House Rotary Club and past Chairperson of the City of Washington Court House City Planning Commission.   

 

Dale Leach served as President of local Kiwanis Clubs in both Athens and Grove City and rose to serve as Lieutenant Governor and Governor of Ohio within the Kiwanis Club.  With is leadership, the Club raised more than $18,000 for Kiwanis’ “Eliminate Program” which eliminated tetanus from more than 10,000 mothers and babies worldwide. Leach has participated in several service projects including Meals-On-Wheels, volunteering at Doctor’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House, and helping with the Grove City Food Pantry. 

 

Dr. Clayton Kent (Clay) Lowe’s contribution to the cultural life of Central Ohio insures democracy’s survival.  Since retiring as Professor Emeritus at OSU's Department of Theater, his retirement activities focus on engaging audiences in discussions about media that excite, provoke, and inform.  In 1974, Clay chronicled Columbus’ main north-south artery in the documentary High Street, for WOSU-TV . After age 60, Clay was Co-Curator/Photographer, “25 On High: A Photographic Journey,” where 25 photographers captured images of High Street forty years later.

 

Marshall A. Spalding is currently a Reynoldsburg City Councilmember.  In 2017, he was appointed to be a Co-Chair for the Issue 11 Tax Levy.  Mr. Spalding spearheaded the walking campaign ensuring as many residents as possible were educated about the levy.  The team walked to 6,800 houses, and Mr. Spalding personally walked to 1,200 houses.  The levy passed and it will bring a YMCA to Reynoldsburg, roads will be repaired, as well as, nine more police officers will be hired.

 

Bill and Pat Weaver’s volunteer work began with caring for those with mental health challenges, and then grew to include victims of abuse and the prosecution of the abusers.  They continue this mission today.  The Weavers serve as marriage counselors, coaches, mentors, and participated in marriage seminars at their church.  They are deeply involved with the historical treasures of Licking County.  The Weavers have served at Flint Ridge Ancient Quarries and Nature Preserve as Site Managers and Gift Shop Managers.

 

Glenn and Grace Feyh volunteer at Meals-On-Wheels, serving as a lifeline for community members with mobility issues that prevent them from preparing their own meals.  The Feyhs have also volunteered with Madison Health in London for two decades.  Glenn drives the courtesy cart at the hospital, shuttling patients to and from their cars.  Grace volunteers in the oncology department, helping to make patients comfortable while they visit the hospital for chemotherapy.

 

Mary Easter is the unpaid Director of the Emergency Clearing House of Pickaway County, Inc., which provides goods and services to those in need.  The center has a food pantry that serves an average of 500 families per month.  Mrs. Easter schedules work hours for volunteers, trains new volunteers, places orders from Mid-Ohio Food Bank and local grocers,  solicits additional donors, and speaks to organizations concerning the growing demand the food pantry faces.

 

JoAnn Stillings, as well as other volunteers, organized the North Union Personal Needs Pantry (NUPNP).  The food pantry was organized as a result when Mrs. Stillings identified an underserved need in the community, personal hygiene items.  The pantry has been operating for 10 years, serving more than 70 families each month.  She also administers a Commodity Food Box program for seniors in the North Union area where she ensures volunteers are on hand each month and personally greets each individual as they receive their food box. 

 

Special thanks go to MediGold for its long-time support as Program Sponsor for this community event. Clossman Catering will sponsor the entertainment, and LifeCare Alliance will sponsor the beverages.