[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 64 (Thursday, April 6, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S5388]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  IN RECOGNITION OF THE ONE-HUNDREDTH BIRTHDAY OF FREDERICK BENSON OF 
                            BLOCK ISLAND, RI

  Mr. CHAFFEE. Mr. President, it is my honor and privilege to pay 
tribute to Mr. Frederick Benson of Block Island, RI, in recognition of 
his one-hundredth birthday on April 14, 1995.
  In the 92 years Fred has lived on Block Island, since arriving as an 
orphan in 1903, he has immersed himself in almost every level of 
community activity on this small, close-knit island. His impressive 
list of efforts on behalf of the community include service as the 
island civil defense director for 12 years, police commissioner, first 
captain of the local rescue squad, and president of the Chamber of 
Commerce five times. In recognition of his selfless devotion he was 
chosen as Block Island's Man of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce in 
1972.
  But it is the children of this picturesque wind-swept island, 11 
miles off the Rhode Island coast, that have benefited the most from 
Fred's unbounded generosity. After winning the lottery in 1976, Fred 
announced the money would go into a scholarship fund for worthy Block 
Island students. Since 1977, scores of Block Island High School 
graduates have been awarded Fred Benson scholarships.
  Many Block Islanders have fond memories of Fred from their school 
days. Beginning as the island's high school baseball coach, Fred went 
on to teach auto shop, carpentry, machine repair, and driver 
instruction until he retired at the age of 69. His contributions to the 
youth of Block Island have extended to many generations, and the island 
is richer for it.
  I commend Mr. Benson for his years of selfless community service and 
wish all the best to him and his many island friends. Mr. Benson is a 
truly remarkable man and a distinguished educator. I am proud to honor 
him on this joyous occasion.


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