[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 128 (Tuesday, September 23, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9801-S9802]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN RECOGNITION OF 10TH ANNUAL HEAT'S ON DAY

 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I rise today to bring to my 
colleagues' attention to the HEAT'S ON partnership of Grand Rapids, MI, 
which serves people who need special assistance in preparation for the 
harsh winter months that lie ahead.
  On Saturday, September 27, 1997, plumbers and steamfitters of UA 
Local

[[Page S9802]]

70 and the Mechanical Contractors Association of Grand Rapids will join 
together with Community Action to participate in the 10th annual HEAT'S 
ON Day. The HEAT'S ON--Handicapped and Elderly Assistance to Serve Our 
Neighbors--Program began in 1987 in Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN. 
HEAT'S ON Day has become an annual event in the Grand Rapids area, as 
members of plumbers and steamfitters local 70 and the Mechanical 
Contractors Association of Grand Rapids donate their time and talents 
to ensure that the homes of elderly and disabled people in Grand Rapids 
and the nearby cities of Grandville, Kentwood, Walker, and Wyoming are 
safe for the winter.
  Participating servicepeople check homes approved for the program and 
repair and replace broken parts in furnaces and heating units. They 
also install easy-to-read thermostats and smoke alarms for people who 
need them. In the past 9 years, HEAT'S ON participants have discovered 
more serious--and potentially life-threatening--problems, such as 
plugged chimneys, defective furnaces, and homes exposed to carbon 
monoxide poisoning. These discoveries have enabled homeowners to have 
the problems repaired before suffering dangerous accidents.
  HEAT'S ON is a community effort, as evidenced by local businesses who 
contribute time, money, and products to help defray the costs. 
Consumers Power, Meijer, and Dominos are just a few of the local 
businesses who participate in this vital program.
  HEAT'S ON Day brings together many people to help ensure that nobody 
who requires assistance needlessly suffers through a cold winter. In 
Grand Rapids, union workers and business owners combine their resources 
and abilities to serve those in need. They are an inspiration, and they 
deserve our recognition. I know my colleagues will join me in extending 
our congratulations and thanks to the HEAT'S ON partnership of Grand 
Rapids, MI for 10 years of service to their community.

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