|
"Individuals being honored
today are inspiring and motivate all of us who work on behalf of
seniors to do our best. We are fortunate that so many older adults
are still working and teaching others that work really does mean
something more than a paycheck," Johnson said.
Since 1984, the Department on
Aging has hosted this event in conjunction with National Employ the
Older Worker Week, which runs Sept. 19-25 this year. The 2004 theme
is "Experience is Priceless ... Hire an Older Worker."
Awards will be presented to
older workers who are employed in both public and private sector
jobs, including those that are funded through Title V and the Older
Americans Act, which assists low-income seniors who are able and
willing to re-enter the work force. Awards will also be presented to
businesses and companies that regularly employ workers age 55 and
older.
The 2004 winners are:
Employees of the Year
Jim Bailey,
66, of Godfrey was nominated by
LINC Inc., where he works nearly 23 hours a week. Bailey is always
on time to work despite using the public transportation system for
his more than 90-minute commute each way. He is the president of the
Madison County Association of the Blind and is involved in Blind
Bowlers. Bailey also dedicates his time to church and alumni
activities. According to his nomination, "He gives 120 percent in
dependability and attitude alike. … Jim is an A-1 team player!"
Alberta Diseron,
75, of Augusta was nominated by Addus HealthCare, where she's been
employed since 2000. She currently works as a field worker in the
Quincy office. Diseron keeps track of clients' doctor's
appointments, transports clients to those appointments if necessary
and picks up their medicine at the pharmacy. For 10 years, she and
her husband were volunteer ambulance workers. According to her
nomination, "Diseron is a grand lady and an excellent worker."
Jean Stewart,
64, of Petersburg was nominated by Senior Services of Central
Illinois, where she works as a case manager full time. She
volunteers in her church and community on a regular basis. Stewart
serves on the Menard County Housing Authority Board and on a
committee that assists people with educational funding to pursue a
career in the medical field. She is also very active in politics.
According to her nomination, "Jean is not only an exceptional
employee, but she's an exceptional person as well."
Mary Francis,
73, of Collinsville was nominated by the Area Agency on Aging of
Southwestern Illinois, where she has been employed for the past 25
years. After raising a family and becoming a widow for a second
time, she returned to the work force at age 48. Francis is dedicated
to her community and volunteers for the Senior Olympics. She is the
grandmother of 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
According to her nomination, "Mary is more precious than gold to
us."
Richard Pearson,
80, of Galesburg was nominated by the Galesburg Public Library,
where he has worked part time since 1996. He is dedicated to his
community and volunteers at the First Lutheran Church and the
Alliance Library System. Pearson is the president of the Hope
Cemetery Board and a member of the Knox County Genealogy Society,
the Galesburg Historical Society, the Lions Club and the Civil War
Round Table. According to his nomination, "Dick epitomizes the ideal
worker."
Title V Employees of the Year
Bonnie Wheeler,
71, of East Alton was nominated by the AARP's Senior Community
Service Employment Program in Wood River, where she works as the
office coordinator 25 hours a week. She joined the agency after her
husband died suddenly of a heart attack. With no formal training,
she became the Enrollee Tracking System specialist.
Wheeler is also very
active in her church and
dedicated to her community, collecting medical supplies, equipment
and
 medication
for a needy
hospital in Chimala, Africa. According to her nomination,
"Bonnie has been everything an employer could dream and wish for."
[to top of second column in
this article]
|
Gloria Davis,
69, of Edinburg was nominated by the Senior Citizens of Christian
County, where she works part time as the outreach coordinator.
Although Davis has medical problems that limit her activity at
times, she is a TRIAD volunteer, runs the bingo game every week, and
puts on the variety show and annual bazaar. According to her
nomination, "Gloria gives 110 percent each day. … She is our very
own Energizer Bunny."
Ji Yan Mo,
66, of Chicago was nominated by the Senior Community Service
Employment program of the Chinese American Service League, where he
has been employed for the past nine years. Mo, who immigrated to the
United States in 1994, started as a Title V administrative aide and
worked his way up to CASL senior council assistant. He also
coordinates several activities for seniors in the community, such as
a sing-along group and tai chi exercises. According to his
nomination, "He has a perfect attendance record and always comes to
work with punctuality."
Darrell Peacher,
82, of Quincy was nominated by the Illinois Employment and Training
Center, where he works as the morning greeter and receptionist 20
hours a week. In addition to working at the center, Peacher drives a
shuttle bus for patients and families at Blessing Hospital, performs
clerical duties at the Center for Independent Living, volunteers as
a Big Brother and helps out at the Catholic Veterans Post. He is
also a member of the Elks Club, Rotary Club and Knights of Columbus.
According to his nomination, "Darrell is a joy to work with."
Dorothy L. Bennett,
81, of Winnebago was nominated by the Illinois Department of
Employment Security, where she works part time. She lives by a "keep
me busy" motto. In addition to her regular duties of handling a
high-volume switchboard and general clerical work, Bennett is always
asking for more responsibilities. She is also involved with her
church's Bible study groups and volunteers at the local food pantry.
According to her nomination, "Dorothy's work ethic is a model for
our regular employees."
Margaret Burke,
74, of Galesburg was nominated by the Western Illinois Area Agency
on Aging, where she works as a program aide in both the Galesburg
office and Kewanee office and was instrumental in establishing the
Senior Community Employment program in 2004. Burke is a mentor at
First Presbyterian Church and Mothers of Pre-Schoolers. She is also
a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Girls State program and
Professional Secretaries International and is an avid golfer.
According to her nomination, "She is a super person to work with."
Employers of the Year
West Central Development
Council in
Carlinville was nominated by Project LIFE Area Agency on Aging. More
than 25 percent of their work force is comprised of people age 55
and older, and that number is expected to exceed 30 percent within
the next three years. The council provides 14 paid holidays, up to
four weeks vacation time and 12 sick days a year, 100 percent paid
insurance premiums and a 3 percent contribution into a retirement
fund. They also provide tuition reimbursement for people wishing to
pursue higher education or take courses to keep job skills current.
The council is active in local job fairs, county fairs and school
functions.
Trenton Nutrition Center
was nominated by Western
Clinton County Senior Services. The center's director, Lida
Berberich, has gone out of her way to offer employment to people 55
years of age and older. In fact, the entire work force is over the
age of 55. Every day, five days a week, TNC serves nearly 70 hot
congregate and home-delivered meals to seniors over age 60 living in
the towns of Albers, Aviston, Damiansville, New Memphis, New Baden
and Trenton. At times, they also provide frozen meals over the
weekends and holidays.
[Illinois
Department on Aging news release]
 |
