DHSS Press Release |
Date: March 17, 1999 DHSS-11-1999 |
| Gregg C. Sylvester, M.D., Secretary Jennifer Castleberry, Communication Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 |
Contact: Jennifer Castleberry Phone: (302) 255-9037 Pager: (302) 247-8523 |
MEDIA ADVISORY: EXPERIENCE AND WORK ETHIC A PLUS WITH OLDER WORKERS
Ceremony recognizes the growing number and contributions of seniors in the workforce
| WHAT: | Celebration honoring older workers in Delaware. Across the nation and around Delaware, the contributions of older workers are being. Seniors from all three counties within the state and businesses that have realized the benefits of the mature worker will be honored. |
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| WHEN: | Thursday, March 18, 1999, Celebration begins at 9:00 a.m. Awards will be given out at 10:30 a.m. |
| WHERE: | Buena Vista Conference Center/Buck Library 661 South DuPont Highway, New Castle |
| WHO: | Ruth Ann Minner, Lt. Governor Lisa Blunt-Bradley, Secretary, Department of Labor William Love, Deputy Secretary, Delaware Health & Social Services Eleanor Cain, Director, Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities. |
| WHY: | National Older Worker Week is a time set aside to recognize the contributions made to today's workforce by the older worker. Approximately 70% of our country's population over the age of 55 is employed in some capacity; either full time, part time, or on a volunteer basis. Studies show the mature worker tends to miss less time, take a more conscientious approach to their work, and are more productive. In addition, employers gain another benefit by hiring older workers: experience. Through their history of work, education, and knowledge, the mature worker brings a wealth of contribution to any business's front door. And, not only does the employer and society gain from hiring older workers, but the older workers themselves gain. Through acquiring employment, the mature worker gains a feeling of purpose and self-worth. |
The following individuals and businesses are being recognized at the March 18th event:
- Ms. Delores Birthright is a native of Delaware, having been born and raised in Wilmington. She enrolled in the Senior Community Service Employment Program at the Wilmington Senior Center in 1996 as a child care worker. In October of 1998, she was hired by the Brandywine Child Care Center in Wilmington as a child care giver, and has recently been promoted to assistant cook. Currently, Ms. Birthright is enrolled in child care development courses through her employer. Ms Birthright is active in her church, enjoys entertaining, cooking, and learning new things, and is proud of her 14 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
(Employer to be honored: Mr. & Mrs. Steven Frankel, Brandywine Child Care Center). - Mrs. Betty Butler Boogaard enrolled in the Senior Community Service Employment Program at the Modern Maturity Center in Dover in 1995, after recently having been widowed. She was placed in the center's Golden Eagle store, (a craft store which sells articles made exclusively by senior citizens), as a sales clerk. In 1996, Mrs. Boogaard was rotated to the Modern Maturity Center where she enrolled in several computer and other office work related programs. In 1998, Mrs. Boogaard was hired by Modern Maturity Center as their receptionist.
(Employer to be honored: Mrs. Carolyn Fredericks, Modern maturity Center). - Ms. Olivia Blackwell enrolled in the Senior Community Service Employment Program at the First State Community Action Agency, Georgetown, in 1997. In 1998, Ms. Blackwell was hired by the Laurel Adult Day Care Center as a Certified Nursing Assistant.
(Employer to be honored: Ms. Rose Lyles, Laurel Adult Day Care Center). - Ms. Madeline Moody is being honored as the oldest Senior Community Service Employment Program enrollee in New Castle County. Ms. Moody is a life long resident of Middletown, and enjoys singing in her church choir, and serving on several church boards. She is the proud grandmother of 4 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.
- Ms. Carolyn Collins is being honored as the oldest Senior Community Service Employment Program enrollee in Kent County. Ms. Collins enrolled in the program in 1994 and was placed as a kitchen assistant in the Milford Senior Center. In 1997, Ms. Collins was rotated to the Modern Maturity Center. Ms. Collins lives in Felton with her son.
- Ms. Maggie Fletcher is being honored as the oldest Senior Community Service Employment Program enrollee in Sussex County. Ms. Fletcher enrolled in the program in 1988, and is assigned to the Seaford Middle School, where she performs light cleaning assignments and also helps out in the cafeteria. Ms. Fletcher feels the program has been very beneficial to her, and enjoys her work.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
