[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 101 (Wednesday, July 16, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1439]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO BORINQUEN PLAZA SENIOR CENTER

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                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 16, 1997

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
Borinquen Plaza Senior Center as it celebrates 20 years of existence. 
The organization is located in New York City in the community of 
Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Throughout the years, the Center has been a 
vital resource and has provided a safe haven for one of our communities 
most precious assets--our senior citizens.
  The Borinquen Plaza Senior Center officially opened in 1977. However, 
before it was an established organization, it was first an idea born 
out of the hearts and minds of men and women of various cultures and 
nationalities. Through their tireless efforts and willingness to dream 
big, thus was born an organization whose ultimate mission is to care 
for the elders of our communities. Elders are the wise individuals who 
we also know as our parents and grandparents.
  On any given day over 300 seniors pass through the doors of the 
Borinquen Plaza Senior Center, receiving services ranging from 
breakfast and lunch to assistance in obtaining entitlement benefits. An 
additional 200 homebound seniors receive meals delivered directly to 
their doorsteps as part of the Center's Meals-on-Wheels Program. 
Furthermore, the Center is one of the few programs that opens its doors 
on Thanksgiving and Christmas day to provide meals to seniors.
  As we move forward into the next century, I am confident that the 
Borinquen Plaza Senior Center will continue its outstanding work. The 
Center is a shining example of community service at its best and it 
will always have a friend and advocate in Nydia M. Velazquez.
  In light of the above, Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in Congress 
to join me in congratulating the Borinquen Plaza Senior Center on its 
20th year anniversary.

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