[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 157 (Wednesday, October 11, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1914]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING VIOLA M. BERARD

                                 ______


                        HON. PATRICK J. KENNEDY

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 11, 1995

  Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Viola 
M. Berard of Woonsocket. Viola M. Berard has become the first citizen 
in the history of Woonsocket, RI, to win the major honors of Autumnfest 
Grand Marshal and Senior Citizen of the Year in the same year.
  Mrs. Berard is an outstanding recipient of these prestigious awards, 
which recognize four decades of commitment to the city of Woonsocket, 
beginning with her four terms of service on the school committee from 
1957 to 1965, including a term as chairwoman, and continuing with her 
current dedication as the coordinator of the Volunteers in Action human 
resources committee for northern Rhode Island. Her greatest achievement 
in bettering the lives of thousands of greater Woonsocket residents 
comes in her work as an incorporator of the Northern Rhode Island 
Community Mental health Center nearly three decades ago, and her 
leadership to the center as its former president, staff member and in 
her continuing role as a volunteer, prompting the center to be named in 
her honor.
  Mrs. Berard has been active in many other good causes in Woonsocket, 
from her active current involvement with the Quota Club, Connecting for 
Children and Families and the American Red Cross, and her past 
involvement with Tri-Hab House, Catholic Family Services, and the 
Visiting Nurses Association. She was honored at a grand marshal 
reception sponsored by the Autumnfest Steering Committee on October 3, 
1995, at Fleet Bank in Woonsocket, led the Autumnfest Parade on October 
9, 1995, and then will be honored again by the Woonsocket Senior 
Citizens Center Advisory Committee at a banquet in her honor on October 
19, 1995, at the Woonsocket Senior Citizens Center.

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