Nominate an older worker for national recognition

Nominations will be accepted for Indiana's outstanding older worker for 2008 until June 1.

An online nomination form or a printed nomination form can be accessed at www.experienceworks.org.

The Experience Works Prime Time Awards program is part of Experience Works' national effort to raise awareness of the contributions made by older individuals and to break down barriers associated with the hiring of all older workers. This year's search is being sponsored by Home Instead Senior Care, an outstanding employer of older workers in 2006.

Outstanding older workers from every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico will be honored in Washington, D.C., and in their home states for their contributions to the workforce and local communities.

Nominees or applicants must be 65 years of age or older, a resident of Indiana, currently employed, and working at least 20 hours each week for pay. The honoree must be willing and able to travel to Washington, D.C. the week of Sept. 22-26 for the Prime Time Award events.

The visit will include meetings with congressional representatives, a tour of the city's landmarks, and the awards banquet and ceremony. Honorees have an opportunity to meet, share their stories, and celebrate their accomplishments. Family, friends or colleagues can send in a nomination, or older workers can nominate themselves.

Indiana's outstanding older worker in 2007 was 80-year-old Doreen Squire-Ficara. Considered by many to be "The Queen Mother" of Carmel, Squire-Ficara is executive director of the Carmel Arts Council. Seven years ago, she started the council's biggest fundraising event, the "English Silver Tea." Last year the event raised $6,000 for scholarships and $1,000 to support local students involved in art competitions. Her Children's Art Gallery was recognized as "The World's Smallest Children's Art Gallery" by the Guinness Book of World Records.

The search for America's Oldest Worker for 2008 is also under way, as is the search for outstanding employers of older workers. Last year, 101-year-old Ray Jenkins, maintenance coordinator from Colchester, Vermont, was named America's Oldest Worker.