Jazz Honored Older Workers

Friday, October 17, the Jazz and the Utah's Lt. Governor Olene Walker will recognize at halftime of the Jazz vs. 76ers game three individuals who have been honored by Experience Works, Inc., the nation's largest provider of older worker employment and training programs and sponsor of the National Prime Time Awards. The Prime Time Awards are given to focus attention on the value of older workers in the work force. Lt. Governor Walker will make presentations to three individuals in each of three categories: Outstanding Employer of Older Workers, The State's Outstanding Older Worker and the Nation's Oldest Worker. Honorees include:

Karla Pedilla represents Marriott Guest Services as their manager of recruitment and eevelopment. Marriott Guest Services believes that older workers bring to the workforce a strong work ethic, dependability and valuable experience. Congratulations to Karla Pedilla of Marriott Guest Services and Vacation Club International Owner Services as Utah's Outstanding Older Worker Employer.

Mayme J. Lower is Utah's Outstanding Older Worker. At age 90, Mayme drives over 100 miles roundtrip each of the three days a week she delivers the U.S. Mail in Corinne, Utah. She began as a substitute carrier for her father-in-law in 1938 and currently holds the record for continuous mail delivery in the nation - 65 years. Mayme has also driven the town's only school bus prior to making her mail deliveries, as well as helping residents of Corinne by delivering groceries, medicine, Christmas gifts and even pulling a car or two out of trouble with her Postal Service Jeep. Mrs. Lower has three daughters, 12 grandchildren, 42 great grandchildren and 22 great-great grandchildren.

Last month, President George W. Bush honored Dr. Russell B. Clark at the White House, as the Nation's Oldest Worker. Dr. Clark, of Orem Utah, is a real estate developer and retired physician who at age 102, says, "Continuing to work keeps the mind sharp and the body healthy, which aids in maintaining a positive attitude." Dr. Clark, who turns 103 next month, has seemingly discovered the fountain of youth in the work he enjoys and in his service to the community. His first career as a physician spanned 47 years and upon retirement, he shifted his focus to real estate investment and development. He is a graduate of the University of Utah and obtained his medical degree from Northwestern University. On his 100th birthday, he established a scholarship fund at the University of Utah in the school of medicine to assist needy medical students.