Community Judges Announced as Seventy Over 70 Nominations Near Deadline
- ClarkLindsey
- Jan 17, 2019
- 2 min read
A group of local volunteers has been selected to review nominations for the inaugural Seventy Over 70 recognition program. The initiative, supported by ClarkLindsey, highlights older adults in the Champaign-Urbana region who continue to make meaningful contributions. Community members still have time to submit nominations before the January 31 deadline.
What Happened
A panel of seven volunteer judges has been assembled to review submissions for the first-ever Seventy Over 70 recognition class. The judges include Jenny Amos, Linda Coleman, Sue Grey, Chris Harlan, Minor Jackson, Genevieve Kirk, and Bob Lumsden—individuals known for their involvement in local civic and nonprofit efforts.
Nominations remain open until January 31, and forms can be accessed online or picked up in person at The News-Gazette office in downtown Champaign or at ClarkLindsey in Urbana. Once the nomination period closes, the judges will begin reviewing the full slate of candidates.
The celebration event honoring the selected individuals is scheduled for April 4 at the Round Barn Banquet Center in Champaign. Tickets are expected to become available in February. For questions about the nomination process or event details, community members can contact Whitney Emmert of News-Gazette Media.
Why This Matters
Recognizing the contributions of older adults helps broaden public understanding of how people continue to shape their communities throughout their lives. Programs like Seventy Over 70 highlight the ongoing impact of individuals whose experience, leadership, and service often span decades.
For the Champaign-Urbana area, this initiative offers a chance to acknowledge residents who strengthen local organizations, support neighbors, and contribute to civic life in ways that may not always receive public attention. It also reflects a growing regional and national interest in celebrating aging as a stage of continued engagement rather than decline.
Key Details at a Glance
Nominations close: January 31
Judging panel: Jenny Amos, Linda Coleman, Sue Grey, Chris Harlan, Minor Jackson, Genevieve Kirk, Bob Lumsden
Nomination forms: Available online or at The News-Gazette (Champaign) and ClarkLindsey (Urbana)
Celebration event: April 4 at Round Barn Banquet Center in Champaign
Ticket sales: Expected to open in February
Contact for questions: Whitney Emmert, News-Gazette Media
Broader Context
Communities across the country are exploring new ways to recognize the achievements of older adults, especially as demographic shifts lead to a growing population of people over 70 who remain active in professional, volunteer, and creative pursuits. Local initiatives like Seventy Over 70 help counter outdated assumptions about aging by highlighting real examples of leadership, innovation, and service.
For organizations such as ClarkLindsey, supporting efforts that elevate the voices and accomplishments of older adults aligns with a broader movement toward age-inclusive community engagement. These programs encourage intergenerational understanding and reinforce the value of lifelong contribution.
Source Attribution: This post is based on publicly reported information originally covered by The News-Gazette.
