AARP Illinois And Crain's Custom Media Announce Recipients Of 50@50+ Illinois

Distinction Honors Great Illinoisans Over 50 Who Make A Difference in Their Communities

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Sep 28, 2017, 13:31 ET

CHICAGO, Sept. 28, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Individuals over age 50 consistently show that aging is not about slowing down – it's about growth, passion, experience, creating new opportunities and being there for their communities. They break perceptions and disrupt outdated notions. That is why AARP Illinois and Crain's Custom Media, a division of Crain's Chicago Business, are pleased to announce today the recipients of the first 50@50+ Illinois Award. These 50 amazing Illinoisans will be recognized with in a special 10-page insert in the November 6^th issue of Crain's Chicago Business and a recognition event on November 7^th.

"Individuals ages 50 and older make tremendous contributions to their communities. But these trailblazers' efforts often go unnoticed and unrecognized," said AARP Illinois State President Rosanna Marquez. "That is why AARP Illinois and Crain have launched 50@50+ Illinois — to honor those great Illinois disruptors who think outside the box, and go the extra mile to help make life better for all."

"There's a lot of focus on '40 under 40' and '20 in their 20's in today's culture, which is fantastic. But we all need a reminder that people ages 50 and above remain a driving force in many business, not-for-profit, and cultural sectors," said Frank Sennett, Director of Custom Media at Crain's Chicago Business. "Beyond that, folks in the 50+ demographic are increasingly creating great second acts (and beyond) that serve as inspirations to anyone looking for ways to live rich, meaningful lives by pursuing a passion for service and creative expression. We are proud to partner with AARP Illinois in presenting this stellar group of 50 people ages 50+ who are making a big difference in Illinois."

The 50 @50+ Illinois recipients are role models for current and future generations. As tireless leaders, they embrace growth, create new opportunities, and are always present for their neighbors and their communities. Dedicated individuals across Illinois work each day to improve the lives of others, create stronger communities, and disrupt the idea of aging.

50@50+ Illinois honorees were nominated by their peers, and selected by AARP Illinois for their work in the following five categories: Nonprofit, Arts & Culture, Business, Community Building, and Disruption.

DISRUPTORS show us how to embrace opportunity and change the way society looks at getting older.

Jonathan Becker	Executive Director, Senior Services Plus
Mike Belsky	Executive Director, Center for Municipal Finance at the Harris School of the University of Chicago
Sister Rosemary Connelly, RSM	Executive Director, Misericordia /Heart of Mercy
Elizabeth Coulson	Professor and Former State Representative
Deloris Heard	Tutor, Shirley Ryan Ability Lab
Janice Lewis	Volunteer, Chicago Lights
Cecilia McCormick	Senior Advocate Specialist, PLOWS Council on Aging
Dr. Nivine Megahed	President, National-Louis University
Marla Mogul	CEO and Co-Founder, A Night Out
Dr. Brian Moran	Medical Director, Chicago Prostate Foundation
Jennifer Nemec	Founder/Chief Creative Officer, Ideation Studio
Shelley Stern Grach	Director, Civic Engagement/Microsoft

BUSINESS leaders, owners and entrepreneurs make up the next category of these innovators. They're boosting Illinois' economic growth while simultaneously giving back to their community.

John P. Bennecke	Managing Director, TPC Tax
Rebecca M.S. Busch	President/CEO of Medical Business Associates
Larry Gilliam	Owner, Larry's Painting and Remodeling
Jay Goltz	President and Founder, Goltz Group
Michael E. Fisher	Agency Vice President for Community Development, Country Financial
James (Jim) Franczek Jr.	Founding Partner of the Franczek Radelet P.C.
Gregory T. Hinton	Principal, The Gregory Group
Alex Kogan	President, Symbol Training Institute
James J. Radous III	President, UniCarriers America
Kathy Zoeller	President, Mattson Communications

COMMUNITY BUILDERS are the unsung heroes making contributions to communities and improving cities and neighborhoods.

Frances Carter	Volunteer, Warren G. Murray Center
Anne Comeau	Project Manager, EDSP
Kathy Jewett	Volunteer, Easter Seals of DuPage and Fox Valley Region
Art Johnston	LGBTQ Community Activist
Rebecca Kendall	Executive Director, Rockford Health Council
Howard Learner	Executive Director, Environmental Law & Policy Center
Yvette Moyo	Founder, Real Men Cook
Charles L. Reid III	Volunteer, Kiwanis Club of Des Plaines

ARTS & CULTURE honorees are imaginative and creative individuals who touch the lives of others and inspire communities through their expressions in art and culture.

Mick De Giulio	Owner, De Guilio Kitchen Design
Alan King	House Music Pioneer, Chosen Few DJs
Chris Ksoll	Executive Producer, Dog by Dog
Gary Moore	Anchor, News Channel 25
Bill Passalacqua	Festival Promoter
Eleva Singleton	Filmmaker
Rosario Vargas	Founder and Vice President, Aguijón Theater
Joyce Renee Walker	Musician
Leo Zarko	Poet/Author

NONPROFIT sector leaders are those who work to help those in need by inspiring individuals, organizations, and communities, to give back.

John Bouman	President, Sargent Shriver National Center for Poverty Law
Stacey Brohard	Executive Director, The Good Samaritan Inn
Greg Cameron	Executive Director, Joffrey Ballet
Paula Evans	Founder, Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics
Anne Ladky	Former Executive of Women's Employed
Missy Lavender	Founder, Women's Health Foundation
Jill McWilliams	Director of Foundation and Gov. Relations, Elmhurst College
Ernie Mahaffey	Volunteer Consultant, Executive Service Corps
Sylvia Puente	Executive Director, The Latino Policy Forum
Susan Sinderson	Executive Vice President, Embrace Living Communities
Cynthia K. Wade	Founder & Managing Director/ Do Over.me