[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 28 (Thursday, March 6, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E411]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    DELAURO HONORS ANNA WALSH-CUSANO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 6, 1997

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, November 26, 1996, the Atwater 
Senior Center will be celebrating its 31st anniversary with an open 
house, dedication of a health clinic and a luncheon. The new health 
clinic will be dedicated in honor of the previous director of Atwater, 
Anna Walsh-Cusano. I am delighted to rise today to congratulate Atwater 
on this special anniversary and to honor the memory of my friend, Anna 
Walsh-Cusano.
  Anna Walsh-Cusano was the first director of the Atwater Senior 
Center. An integral part of the Fair Haven community, Atwater has meant 
a great deal to a countless number of elderly citizens. Anna's family 
likes to remember that the center meant everything to her. She truly 
put her heart and soul into running Atwater. After her husband, Fred, 
died in 1973, Anna spent almost as much time at the center as she did 
at her home. She became so involved in the lives of residents and she 
was so dear to them that they came to call her by the affectionate 
nickname of ``Nonnie.''
  Anna clearly understood the need for elderly citizens to have a place 
to gather for recreation and social events. Senior centers like Atwater 
provide people with creative outlets and an opportunity to have fun 
with others. With activities like day and overnight trips, parties, 
live entertainment and line-dancing and ceramics classes, there is 
always plenty to do at Atwater. Seniors are an integral part our 
community and Atwater ensures that they remain active and involved.
  As Atwater celebrates its 31st anniversary, it also celebrates the 
beginning of a unique partnership with the Hospital of St. Raphael. 
After 2 years of renovations, including a new roof and improvements on 
a number of rooms, Atwater is unveiling a joint venture with the 
hospital, the St. Raphael's Health Screening Clinic. The health center 
will focus on preventive care for seniors. I am very excited about this 
venture because the combination of these two facilities under one roof 
will provide seniors with better access to the care they need to stay 
healthy.
  I am very pleased to recognize the 31st anniversary of the Atwater 
Senior Center. I know Atwater, with the new health center, will 
continue to provide important services to seniors. I applaud the 
present director, Norma Rodriguez-Reyes, and all the staff who work so 
hard every day to make Atwater the special place it is. They should all 
be very proud on this anniversary.

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