RHODE ISLAND June D. Sale Massey, 69 Administrative Aide Planning and Development Agency Providence, Rhode Island

Supporting local government

As an administrative aide at the Providence Department of Planning and Development, June Massey greets people at the front desk, directs visitors to various people in the department, and operates the switchboard with six incoming lines and seventy different extensions.

Ms. Massey is always willing to help a caller in need of services even if the department does not provide that service. She works on the payroll for the Providence Senior Aides Program each week, compiling time sheets, preparing the payroll, and distributing paychecks on a weekly basis. In addition, she checks the federal requirements each construction project contractor must file in order to use federal money on their project for the community development division.

Ms. Massey says it is stimulating to be with others. When she is not at her job, she enjoys helping those in the community who are less fortunate. For several years she was a coordinator for a meal site at her church. She volunteers at the Rhode Island Museum of Art, Rhode Island School of Design and Trinity Repertory Theatre.

Ms. Massey says she is a confirmed optimist hoping to enlist others. Her advice to older workers is to "focus on the positive strengths of your personality. Don't hesitate to ask questions if necessary, and offer help when you see the need."