[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 125 (Thursday, September 18, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1807]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




[[Page E1807]]

  IN HONOR OF THE RETIRED AND SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM OF ESSEX COUNTY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD B.H. SOLOMON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 18, 1997

  Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, I've always considered it a great privilege 
of this job to learn about and recognize the tremendous achievements 
and service of various civic programs that define our communities and 
what it means to be an American. Well, Mr. Speaker, let me tell you 
about one such program in Essex County in the beautiful Adirondack 
mountains of my congressional district which does so much for their 
communities and for the older, retired residents of their towns.
  I'm talking about the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Essex 
County which is celebrating its 23d year of service. The RSVP program, 
as it's called for short, is a national program which has a dual 
purpose that makes it so unique. First, it offers a way for retired 
persons, age 55 and over, to stay active and contribute to the welfare 
of their community and neighbors. Mr. Speaker, we all know how 
important it is to remain active after we leave the working world. 
There is nothing more tragic than to see capable, enthusiastic people 
become virtual shut-ins just because they no longer get to the 
workplace. All too often in this day and age, we get caught up in the 
rat race and become consumed by our job or career. Well, this program 
makes sure that doesn't happen to those who upon retirement may have 
the time to devote to helping others who really can't help themselves. 
And in areas like Essex County, that is so important. You know, this 
program really dates back to the days of the pioneer spirit when 
Americans and neighbors looked out for one another and for the 
betterment of their community.
  Now one might ask how much this program really accomplishes. Listen 
to this, Mr. Speaker. Over the 23 years that RSVP has been active in 
Essex County, it has grown from 95 volunteers who provided 6,000 
volunteer hours of service, to 530 volunteers performing a whopping 
75,817 hours of service. Imagine that. Imagine what can be done with 
that many hours committed by capable, experienced adults who volunteer 
because they really want to help out. There's no limit really.
  And that's another great part. These volunteers commit time when they 
can and they have proven to be reliable, dependable public servants. In 
other words, these giving men and women have seized the opportunity to 
help solve various community problems by capitalizing on their wealth 
of lifetime experiences and wisdom. That's the true spirit of public 
service and giving.
  Mr. Speaker, I have one word that describes all the blessed 
volunteers who have orchestrated and participated in this program 
throughout its 23 year history, heroes. I have always judged people 
based on what they return to their community and by that measure, all 
who have given of their time during their well-deserved retirement are 
not only heroes, but great Americans.
  Mr. Speaker, the Essex County RSVP will hold their annual volunteer 
recognition ceremony this coming Wednesday, September 24, 1997. The 
recognition of their peers and their community is certainly warranted. 
However, I ask that you and all Members of the House join me at this 
time in paying our own tribute to this proven, outstanding program. It 
defines those uniquely American qualities of pride, patriotism, and 
voluntarism that make this country great. May it continue on throughout 
all of our lifetimes and beyond. Congratulations to all their 
volunteers for a job well done.

                          ____________________