WORTHINGTON - The Nobles County Outstanding Senior Citizen Award is back and will be awarded on Senior Day, Aug. 13, at the Nobles County Fair.
Kris Hohensee, director at the Center for Active Living, was looking for programs to add to the center when she stumbled upon the senior citizen award, which was discontinued locally a few years back.
“I was excited to hear that we did do this once before,” she said.
The award recognizes one “outstanding senior citizen” who has dedicated and volunteered their time to improve their community.
All county winners will advance to competition during Senior Day at the Minnesota State Fair, and Hohensee thought it would be great opportunity to promote a bus trip to the event. She also knows Worthington has many community members who deserve to be awarded at both the county and state level.
“There are a lot of people that I see who do a lot (in the community),” she said.
Hohensee teamed with Worthington Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Darlene Macklin to make this award possible.
“We’re going to put together a committee, and then determine who is the most qualified for the community,” Macklin said.
The eligibility criteria for the Outstanding Senior Citizen Award are:
- Nominee must be a resident of Nobles County
- Volunteer service must be accomplished after reaching the age of 65
- Nominee must currently do a volunteer activity that is unpaid and demonstrates commitment to the local community.
Apart from giving the award to a well-deserved senior citizen, Hohensee and Macklin are also trying to generate sponsors to create “one big collaboration” for a gift, a plaque and a one-night stay at a hotel for the state competition. All county winners will not only be given a chance to compete at the state level, but are also invited to a ceremony and presentation.
“All county winners are invited to be on the stage during the presentation,” Hohensee said.
Hohensee is excited about the return of the Outstanding Senior Citizen Award.
“I’m hoping we get a good group of names,” she said.
If anyone knows an outstanding senior citizen, they are asked to nominate them for the county award and a chance at state recognition. Applications can be picked up at the Center for Active Living or the Chamber of Commerce Office. Applications are due Aug. 7, and the winner will be announced at 4:45 p.m. Aug. 13.
