Ron Kind: “tonight I rise to honor my good friend Oscar Peterslie who received the Outstanding Older Worker award in the State of…”

“tonight I rise to honor my good friend Oscar Peterslie who received the Outstanding Older Worker award in the State of Wisconsin for 2003 by the Experience Works Prime Time Awards Program. Experience Works, a nonprofit focused on employment, training and community services for older workers, began the Prime Time Awards Program 6 years ago, and Oscar is the first winner from La Crosse, Wisconsin. I applaud Oscar who, at the age of 81, currently works more than 40 hours per week as an assistant manager for the Pearl Ice Cream Parlor at 207 Pearl Street in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The La Crosse community is fortunate to have an old-fashioned ice cream parlor such as Pearl's. I cannot think of a better place to bring my two sons, Johnny and Matthew, on a warm summer evening to enjoy their special homemade ice cream and candy. Oscar, his son TJ, daughter-in-law Michelle and their daughters always offer a warm greeting to customers that walk through their door. Moreover, for several years I have had the pleasure of living down the block from the ice cream parlor on historic Pearl Street, allowing me to frequently stop over for my favorite homemade chocolate ice cream, a convenience that has put considerable pressure on my belt line. The work that Oscar, TJ, and Michelle do in the La Crosse community helps make western Wisconsin a special place to live and to raise a family.”