[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 28 (Thursday, March 6, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E399-E400]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         DeLAURO HONORS JEAN HANDLEY FOR HER WORK IN NEW HAVEN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thurssday, March 6, 1997

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, November 14, 1996, Columbus 
House will hold its annual benefit. This year the benefit is entitled 
``It's a Small World'' and is honoring two people who have given so 
much of themselves and have brought so much to the city of New Haven; 
Jean Handley and Timothy Shriver. I have known Jean for many years and 
her life and work embodies the benefit theme of bringing the global 
community to the city of New Haven.
  Jean's professional life has always kept her in close contact with 
the people of New Haven. From 1984 through 1989, Jean was the vice 
president of Personnel and Corporate Relations for Southern New England 
Telephone Co. However, nothing speaks to Jean's character more than her 
dedicated patronage of the arts. Jean has lent her support to a number 
of local artistic organizations. She is currently serving as vice 
president of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra and is on the Board of 
Long Wharf Theater and the Creative Arts Workshop. Of particular note 
however, is her part in the production of the first annual 
International Festival of Arts and Ideas in New Haven. The brainchild 
of Anne Calabresi, Jean was one of the original founders and key 
organizers. It was Jean who brought the festival to life and made it a 
reality that will continue for years. The festival was a truly unique 
event that exhibited a rich array of talent from story-telling and 
puppetry to experimental theater. Perhaps the greatest achievement of 
the festival was the way it showcased the city of New Haven.
  Jean has continually focused on promoting art in New Haven while also 
importing great art into the city. This is one of her focuses in her 
capacity on the Board of the Creative Arts Workshop. Founded in 1960, 
the Creative Arts Workshop holds classes for children and adults in 
everything from pottery and painting to weaving. Every year the 
workshop sponsors a holiday show that features craftspeople from all 
over the country. Jean understands that the creative process must 
involve sharing and communication between artists and she strives to 
facilitate these exchanges. Never satisfied to be just a name on a 
committee, Jean has immersed herself in every endeavor she undertakes. 
She is currently on the Board of Long Wharf Theater and is involved in 
the search for a new artistic director. She is always looking forward 
to the future of every organization she patronizes and her vision, 
time, and talent are invaluable.
  I am very proud to join Columbus House in honoring Jean Handley. Jean 
is committed to keeping the arts vital and allowing the artistic

[[Page E400]]

process to continue to flower in New Haven. Jean is keenly aware that 
New Haven is nothing without a strong and active artistic community and 
she has done everything possible to allow that community to thrive. Her 
work reminds us all that we have an obligation to support the arts and 
to make art accessible to everyone. She has truly brought the world to 
New Haven and in doing so has enriched the lives of everyone who 
participates in or enjoys the arts.

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