Mason City's Blessman makes state's Senior Hall of Fame

[October 25, 2011]  SPRINGFIELD -- On Monday, the Illinois Department on Aging hosted the annual ceremony to announce the state's Senior Hall of Fame inductees and to present the Unique Achievement Awards on behalf of Gov. Pat Quinn. The program at the executive mansion in Springfield recognized seniors for special contributions they have made.

Allen Blessman, of Mason City, was the 2011 Illinois Senior Hall of Fame inductee in the community service category. Blessman has made many contributions, including his donation of two downtown buildings to the United Methodist Church for a second campus for the church's outreach ministry. He also established the Allen A.H. and Ellen M. Blessman Foundation, which provides funds for scholarships; he donated and participated in the planning of the Mason City Public Library; he participated in founding of the Mason City Area Nursing Home; and he participated in founding the 1st State Bank of Mason City. Blessman is a true leader and philanthropist.

The General Assembly initiated the Illinois Senior Hall of Fame in 1994 to honor residents age 65 and older who excel in four categories: community service, education, performance or graphic arts, and the labor force, which is in connection to employment. Each inductee is chosen through a statewide nomination and selection process. Since its inception, 83 people have been inducted into the Senior Hall of Fame, including the four inductees who were introduced Monday.

Department on Aging Acting Director Michael Gelder said: "We are pleased to introduce the 2011 Senior Hall of Fame inductees. We thank you for your contributions and salute you for excelling in your area of service."

Department representatives also thanked Walgreens for their continued support of the awards each year.

For a complete list of this year's honorees, visit http://www.state.il.us/aging/
1news_pubs/news/2011/1024.htm.

[Text from the Illinois Department on Aging]