Central Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame

General Information | 2009 Hall of Fame | F.A.Q. | 2009 Ceremony | Past Inductees

Know a senior who enriches the lives of others?

NOMINATE NOW! During Older Americans Month each year, COAAA salutes the special accomplishments of people over the age of 60 by inducting ten older adults into the Hall of Fame. The inductees are role models for leading lives not defined by age and enriching the quality of life for others.

Their inspiring stories demonstrate lifelong commitments to causes, organizations and communities. The annual induction and recognition ceremony is held at 1:00 p.m. on the third Wednesday each May in Columbus, with a reception immediately following the ceremony.

Click here to request a nomination form for 2010

2009 Hall of Fame

The 34th annual Central Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame ceremony was held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at the King Arts Complex, 867 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus. Inductees received a personal recognition on stage from county commissioners and local dignitaries, followed by a reception with family and friends.

Nominees were evaluated for their special contributions to the community after reaching the age of 60. Their inspiring stories positively influence others by setting an example for leading lives not defined by age.

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.

Click here for directions to the King Arts Complex

For any questions, please contact the Hall of Fame Coordinator at the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging, 614-645-7250, or 800-589-7277..

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. Click here to see the list of past inductees.

Can I re-nominate someone who was not selected in a prior year?
Yes. Simply call the Hall of Fame Coordinator at 614/645-7250 or 1-800-589-7277 and request that the previously submitted nomination be reconsidered. It is not necessary to rewrite or resubmit the nomination unless there is new or corrected information.

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: 1) write your nominee's inspiring story so that you will touch the hearts of those who read it; 2) enhance the nomination with letters of support from others who know the nominee.

Can the nomination be a surprise?
Obtaining advance permission from the person you wish to nominate is strongly encouraged, in case he or she will not be available for the portrait sitting in mid-March or the ceremony on the third Wednesday in May, or the person doesn't want to receive 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 mid-March and willing to participate in the Hall of Fame Ceremony 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.

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.

2009 Awards Ceremony

The 34th annual Central Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame ceremony took place on Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at the Kings Art Complex in Columbus. CLICK HERE to see the 2009 inductees!

Pictures from the 2009 ceremony:

Inductee Bob Nichols with Licking County Commissioner Tim Bubb.	Inductee Alice Saunders with Fairfield County Commissioner Jon Myers.
Inductee John Hamilton, with wife Winona.	Madison County Commissioner David Dhume congratulates Dr. and Mrs. Anderson.
Pickaway County Commissioner Ula Jean Metzler hands a county flag to inductee Joseph Dean.	WOSU General Manager Tom Rieland and WOSU DTV Team Leader and Marketing Manager Carl Higginbotham accept the 2009 Service to Seniors Award for WOSU's digital transition campaign.
Back row: Inductees Bob Nichols, Will Ernst, Dr. Fred Nichols, Dr. George Anderson, John Hamilton, Joseph Dean, Edgar Scheiderer, Bob Erlandson, and Eddie Fisher; COAAA Executive Director Cindy Farson. Front Row: Inductees Phyllis Ernst, Rose Anderson, Ruth Coons, Marjorie Scheiderer and Alice Saunders.
WOSU General Manager Tom Rieland, COAAA Executive Director Cindy Farson, Columbus Recreation and Parks Director Alan McKnight, and COAAA Advisory Council Chair/LifeCare Alliance CEO Chuck Gehring.