[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 59 (Thursday, May 8, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E881]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      TRIBUTE TO GEORGE WHEELER, A HERO FOR CHARLES COUNTY SENIORS

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                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 8, 1997

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a man who 
dedicated his time, energy, and spirit to bettering his community and 
the entire senior population of Charles County, MD. George E. Wheeler 
spent the majority of his adult life serving southern Maryland as an 
area agricultural engineer with the U.S. Department of Agriculture 
working on such projects as the Maryland Delaware Watershed Unit and 
establishing the first resource conservation and development project in 
Maryland. This work was important in coordinating efforts between the 
farming and conservation communities to assure the two worked together 
for their mutual interests.
  But it is the work George Wheeler did within his community which we 
recognize him for today. Always there to lend a hand, George Wheeler 
became actively involved in advocating and initiating projects to 
benefit the senior community. Appointed to the Charles County 
Commission on Aging in 1972 and the Area Council on Aging in 1979, it 
became Mr. Wheeler's mission to make certain seniors in the community 
had the resources and programs for each of them to have a fulfilling 
and meaningful role in making their town and neighborhoods an enriching 
place to live.
  George Wheeler had the dream of having a place where seniors could 
gather; a place where they could meet their friends and participate in 
activities and educational programs and work on projects to benefit the 
entire community; a place where seniors can exercise in the state of 
the art fitness center and a place where they know they can get some of 
the best meals in town.
  Through hours of discussions, planning, and problem solving, George 
Wheeler spoke of the interests of seniors and laid out the vision of 
the beautiful facility called the Richard R. Clark Senior Center. In 
1987, as chairman of the building committee for the center, Mr. Wheeler 
joined in the opening of this wonderful facility and saw his dream 
become a reality. He was never deterred by obstacles, but maintained a 
positive attitude, knowing that one way or another he would achieve his 
goal. And once the center was built, he continued in that spirit to 
bring in the best of programs and people to enhance the center.
  It is George Wheeler's long hours of time, devotion and dedication 
which the seniors of Charles County benefit from today. We celebrate 
his tireless efforts in making the Richard R. Clark Senior Center 
possible and congratulate his wife, Erma and his children, Richard and 
Chris, as we dedicate this plaque in his honor.

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