Nominations are now being accepted, through March 1, 2000, for the Nassau County Senior Citizen of the Year, it was announced by Nassau County Executive Thomas S. Gulotta. The County Executive will present the award at the Department of Senior Citizen Affairs' Annual Luncheon/Conference on May 12, 2000 at the Long Island Marriott Hotel in Uniondale.

"Senior citizens have helped to make Nassau County one of the finest places in which to live, work and raise a family," County Executive Gulotta said. "This award will honor one of the many dedicated individuals who have made outstanding personal contributions for the enrichment of the lives of others."

The qualifications for the Nassau County Senior Citizen of the Year Award are as follows:

* All candidates must be at least 60 years old presently residing in Nassau County. Applications for deceased persons will not be considered.

* Employees of federal, state, county and village offices and in contracted programs of the Department of Senior Citizen Affairs are not eligible, unless in an unpaid volunteer position.

* Persons who have already received the award are not eligible.

* Persons who have been candidates before, but have not received an award, are eligible to be renominated.

* Candidates should be individuals who have demonstrated outstanding concern and action for human services and community involvement for any age group.

* Nominations must be submitted on official application forms.

The panel of judges will include representatives from various towns and city offices for the aging in Nassau County and members of the Advisory Council to the Nassau County Department of Senior Citizen Affairs. "Each year, we receive many diversified and deserving nominations, reflecting the enormous contribution seniors make to community life in Nassau County," said Arena Iacono, commissioner of the Department of Senior Citizen Affairs. "A large field of qualified nominees will assure us, as usual, of a wonderfully dedicated and accomplished Senior Citizen of the Year."

1976 - Hugo d'Alessandro, Bellmore

1977 - James Connolly, East Rockaway

1978 - Ann McGoldrick, Point Lookout

1979 - Cornelius Ryan, Plainview

1980 - Alverta Schultz, Hempstead

1981 - Harry Griffin, Westbury

1982 - John Patterson, Sr., Roosevelt

1983 - Leonard Sandel, Rockville Centre

1984 - John Gemmelli, East Williston

1985 - Charlotte Langmack, Hicksville

1986 - Janet Loewy, Hempstead

1987 - Robert Link, Long Beach

1988 - Samuel Prener, Valley Stream

1989 - Constance Dunne, Glen Cove

1990 - Margaret Carrara, Valley Stream

1991 - Alan Wile, Port Washington

1992 - Arthur Schiller, Plandome Manor

1993 - Julius Rubenstein, Oceanside

1994 - Rita Nilsen, Franklin Square

1995 - Elizabeth Raynor, Levittown

1996 - Donna Kass, Great Neck

1997 - Leona Schneider, Plainview

1998 - George Ambrosio, Bethpage

1999 - Irwin Penzel, Plainview

Nominations may be made by individuals or groups and must be submitted by March 1, 2000 to:

Bernice Schiller, Awards Committee Chairperson

Nassau County Department of Senior Citizen Affairs

1550 Franklin Avenue

Mineola, NY 11501-4812

For additional information and to obtain an application form, please call 571-5902.