The Henry County Library
Frances Lyle, 82 year-old Clinton resident and recipient of Missouri's 2004 Outstanding Older Worker Award has been chosen for inclusion in the 2005 Experience Works Calendar and Handbook. Lyle is among 14 older workers that were selected from around the country for inclusion in the 2005 calendar. Lyle's story and photograph will appear in the color publication, and be distributed to thousands of participants and agencies associated with the senior workforce group in December of 2004.
Lyle says of her placement on the calendar, "I am surprised and quite pleased to be chosen one of the fourteen Older Workers to appear on the Calendar.". Experience Works co-sponsors Missouri's Outstanding Older Worker Award with the Missouri Senior Coordinating Committee, and then hosts a national event, the Experience Works Prime Time Awards. Lyle will represent Missouri and be honored with other workers in early October in Washington, D.C.
Experience Works is a 39-year old, national nonprofit organization that provides braining, employment, and community service opportunities to older workers. In Missouri, Experience Works provides job training and employment services for approximately 1,100 workers, 55 years and older each year.
For more information on Experience Works (formerly known as Green Thumb), contact Marsha Boone at 1-800-368-7569.
We always knew she was a keeper and now we know she is also a winner!
May 5-6, 2004 Frances Lyle was named Missouri's Outstanding Older Worker of the Year. Frances Lyle, library staff member traveled to Jefferson City with Liz Cashell, Library Director and Debbie Jones, Administrative Assistant (who nominated her) to receive this prestigious honor. 82 entries were received for the entire state with this being narrowed down to 11 regional winners. Frances was then selected from those 11 as the Missouri winner.
Wednesday she attended a welcome luncheon and then it was off to the state capital building. While there she received an award from Lt. Governor Joe Maxwell. She was also given proclamations from Senator Delbert Scott and Representative Shannon Cooper.
Thursday followed with even more activities. She toured the Museum of Missouri Military History and the Governor's Mansion. She was then treated to a luncheon at the mansion with First Lady, Lori Hauser Holden who presented Frances with a painting of the mansion. One last stop was made at the Missouri State Library & Wolfner Library for the Blind.
What's Next? Frances will travel to Washington, D.C. to meet with other state winners & Federal officials.
Congratulations Frances!
With many relatives, friends and well-wishers, Frances Lyle, who just celebrated her 82nd birthday, was recognized by national, state, county and city officials. You see, Frances was named as the West Central Region's 'Older Worker' by the Missouri "Experience Works" program.
Frances works 25 hours a week and also fills in for others if they are sick or unable to get to work at the Henry County Library. And she walks to work everyday, as she doesn't drive.
Mrs. Lyle has worked at the Henry County Library for five years and had to learn about computers and learn she did. Her daily tasks include circulation and library services and makes all ages feel at ease when using the library, whether they be pre-schoolers, teenagers or senior citizens.
Frances has a special rapport with the Senior Citizens of the area and makes a point to get them to read.
An avid reader herself, Frances writes book reviews for the Clinton Daily Democrat a and loves to tell stories, especially if she can spike them with her brand of humor.
Mayor Gus Wetzel stated in the City's proclamation, that Frances was a cross between Mother Theresa and Attila the Hun.
"Frances is in her glory when she's organizing the Library's annual book sale. This is a major job and a major fundraiser for the Library", said library Liz Cashell. Mrs. Lyle was nominated by Debbie Jones of the Library.
Congressman Ike Skelton was on hand to thank Frances for all her contributions to the Henry County Library and for all the extra little things she does.
Frances will travel to Jefferson City on May 5 and 6 to attend the State Recognition Activities. If Frances is nominated to represent the State, she will then travel to Washington D.C. the week of October 4.
In addition to Congressman "Ike" Skelton, other dignitaries were also present, including Mayor Gus Wetzel, who presented Frances with a humorous proclamation, State Librarian Sara Parker, Henry County Commissioners Greg Lowe, Rick Nichols and Don Bullock. Linda Dryer, manager of the Division of Workforce Development was also on hand to greet Frances.
A ten member committee from the West Central Region selected the nominee. Of those ten, three were from Clinton area. Gene Henry, Shirley Adlick, and Jim Raysik.
Over sixty people attended the event and enjoyed the Library's reception for Frances Lyle.
Good Luck at State, Frances!
Ike Skelton's Remarks Honoring Frances are in the Congressional Record for March 17, 2004.