AARP seeks senior community builders for awards

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Unsung heroes at least 50 years old who are making contributions to communities and improving cities and neighborhoods are eligible for recognition by AARP Illinois.

AARP is accepting nominations for "50 at 50-plus Illinois " until June 30. The group is joined by Crain's Chicago Business .

Rosanna Marquez is AARP state president. She says "age is not a limit, it's a threshold." She says those awarded are inspired by experience to help improve others' lives.

A committee will select 10 nominees in each of these areas: nonprofit, arts and culture, business, community business, and "disruption" innovation.

Nominees must be 50 or older, live in and have impacted at least one community in Illinois, and cannot be a public official. They must be living and may not nominate themselves.