[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 117 (Friday, August 2, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1491]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TOWER ONE CELEBRATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY

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                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 2, 1996

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I offer my heartfelt congratulations to 
Tower One/Tower East on the 25th anniversary of this outstanding 
multicultural senior housing facility. For a quarter of a century, the 
New Haven Jewish Federation Housing Corp. has given New Haven area 
seniors a place to call home in Tower One.
  Tower One was a special concept 25 years ago, and is a model to this 
day. The many distinguished leaders and business people who have taken 
up the mantle of leadership have helped assure the building's continued 
renewal. Most important, Tower One is a measure of this community's 
sense of obligation to its retirees, our parents and grandparents.
  Tower One's history illustrates its commitment to people. Through the 
years, the organization has been creative and innovative in its 
response to the needs of residents. In the late 1970's, Tower One 
focused mainly on providing necessities, such as serving meals, filling 
apartment vacancies, and making building repairs. However, the nature 
of public housing and the needs of the residents began to change and in 
response, the board implemented extraordinary reforms. A new management 
structure for the staff was created, additional committees were formed 
to help the board deliver social services and plan for the long term. 
Finally, a new executive director, Dorothy Giannini-Meyers, was named 
to inaugurate imaginative new programs that would allow residents to 
keep living independently. The result was the broad array of services 
now available to residents and the transformation of Tower One from an 
elderly apartment complex to a caring, close-knit, and involved 
community.
  When we celebrate Tower One's 25th anniversary, we celebrate the 
values that make families and communities strong--the values that 
enable Tower One to create a true home for Connecticut's seniors. Tower 
One is a community where people have fun, where the help and support 
they need is available. Their religious faith is affirmed, even as they 
age beyond the rituals of family. We all understand that this is a 
community that affirms our unity and humanity.
  I treasure the yearly opportunity I have to host a holiday party at 
Tower One because it gives me the chance to share in the holiday 
celebrations so dear to Tower One's residents. Most important, the 
seniors at Tower One are able to honor the religious and cultural 
traditions that keep them close to family and friends. It is truly a 
place where residents feel at home.
  I sincerely congratulate all those at Tower One on this proud 
occasion. I know that Bob Bachman's leadership will enable Tower One to 
continue its development and growth. I congratulate Tower One on 25 
great years and with it the same success in the future.

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