[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 135 (Thursday, October 2, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1909-E1910]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO JAMES E. DEWHIRST

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. LOUISE McINTOSH SLAUGHTER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 30, 1997

  Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to 
James E. Dewhirst, president and CEO of the Friendly Organization in 
Rochester, NY, who on October 21, 1997 will complete 2 years as 
chairman of the American Association of Homes and Services for the 
Aging. Through his work with the Friendly Organization, his active 
participation in aging-services organizations on the local, State, and 
national level, and countless hours of community service, Jim Dewhirst 
is truly making a considerable difference in the lives of many older 
Americans.
  Dr. Dewhirst joined the Friendly Organization in May 1981 as 
assistant administrator of the Friendly Home and manager of the Eighty-
One Linden Avenue Apartments--now known as Linden Knoll. In July 1985, 
he was appointed administrator of the Friendly Organization. He served 
in this capacity until April 1989, when he was appointed to the 
position of president and chief executive officer.
  Jim Dewhirst's accomplishments at the Friendly Organization and his 
exemplary leadership in aging organizations in his community, State, 
and Nation have been wide and varied. His efforts have positioned the 
Friendly Organization to be not only a current leader but a visionary 
in the delivery of long-term care. A community activist, he has served 
as a board member of both the Rochester chapter of the Alzheimer's 
Disease and Related Disorders Association and Monroe County Long Term 
Care, an organization dedicated to finding innovative long-term care 
solutions. He has served as vice chairman and treasurer of the 
Rochester Area Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, and he 
held positions as board member, treasurer, and chairman-elect of the 
New York Association of Homes and Services for the Aging.
  In 1990, Mr. Dewhirst received the Thomas Clarke Memorial Award as 
``Young Administrator of the Year'' from the New York Association of 
Homes and Services for the Aging. In 1992, Rochester Area Multiple 
Sclerosis honored him with the Community Award for

[[Page E1910]]

Volunteer Service. He is widely recognized and respected as a leader 
and innovator whose guidance and dedication stand as a national model 
of outstanding service to the elderly and others in need.
  On October 21, at the American Association of Homes and Services for 
the Aging's 36th annual meeting and exposition in New Orleans, Mr. 
Dewhirst will complete his term as the organization's chairman, after 
having served as its top elected leader since 1995. Prior to that, he 
served with distinction in the association's house of delegates and as 
a member of its board of directors for 7 years. As immediate past 
chairman, he will continue to serve on the board as it strives to 
advance the association's vision, adopted under Mr. Dewhirst's 
leadership. That vision, which the association's 5,000 not-for-profit 
member espouse, calls for the development of a comprehensive system of 
care and services that recognizes the dignity of all persons and 
enhances the quality of life for older adults and others with special 
needs.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor and pleasure to congratulate 
James E. Dewhirst on 2 exemplary years as chairman of the National 
Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, and on his most 
distinguished record of service to older Americans.

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