Local Residents Recognized in the First Seventy Over 70 Awards
- ClarkLindsey
- Mar 4, 2019
- 2 min read
News-Gazette Media has announced the first group of honorees for its new Seventy Over 70 awards, a program supported by ClarkLindsey. Several individuals with ties to Piatt County are included among the 70 recipients. The awards celebrate older adults whose lives reflect ongoing curiosity, personal growth, and service to others.
What Happened
The inaugural Seventy Over 70 class has been released, marking the launch of a regional recognition program designed to highlight older adults who continue to make meaningful contributions in their communities. Sponsored by ClarkLindsey, the awards honor individuals who demonstrate a commitment to learning, leadership, and helping others.
An independent panel reviewed nominations and selected 70 honorees from across the area. Among them are several people with Piatt County connections, including Lila Jeanne “Shorty” Eichelberger, Kathleen Foster, Sondra Gerhardt Libman, Loren Tate, Rick Stephens, and Morgan Powell. The full list spans a wide range of professions, volunteer roles, and community impact stories.
The honorees will be recognized at a celebration on April 4 at the Round Barn Banquet Centre in Champaign, accompanied by a special feature in The News-Gazette.
Why This Matters
The Seventy Over 70 program highlights the ongoing contributions of older adults at a time when many communities are rethinking assumptions about aging. Recognizing individuals who continue to lead, create, and serve helps broaden public understanding of what later life can look like—active, engaged, and deeply connected to community life.
For Piatt County and the surrounding region, the awards also shine a light on local residents whose efforts have shaped civic, cultural, and educational life for decades. Celebrating their work encourages intergenerational appreciation and reinforces the value of lifelong involvement.
Key Details at a Glance
Program: Seventy Over 70 awards
Sponsor: ClarkLindsey
Honorees: 70 individuals selected by an independent judging panel
Local connections: Multiple recipients with ties to Piatt County
Celebration event: April 4 at Round Barn Banquet Centre, Champaign
Additional recognition: Special section in The News-Gazette
Broader Context
Across the country, communities are creating new ways to recognize the achievements of older adults, reflecting shifting demographics and a growing emphasis on age‑inclusive engagement. Programs like Seventy Over 70 help elevate stories that might otherwise go unrecognized, highlighting the long-term impact of individuals who continue to contribute well beyond traditional retirement age.
ClarkLindsey’s support of this initiative aligns with broader efforts to celebrate curiosity, independence, and lifelong growth—values that resonate across generations.
Source Attribution: This post is based on publicly reported information originally covered by The News-Gazette.
