[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 125 (Thursday, September 23, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1940]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                       A TRIBUTE TO HELEN STANTON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CALVIN M. DOOLEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 23, 1999

  Mr. DOOLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
Ms. Helen Stanton, who is retiring this month from her position as 
executive director of The Creative Center, a performing arts program 
for developmentally disabled adults in Visalia, CA.
  Ms. Stanton began her service at The Creative Center 14 years ago, 
serving as program manager. In 1993, she was named executive director 
of the Center. There, she has supervised a staff of 12 instructors who 
help developmentally disabled adults in the Visalia area to achieve 
personal growth through expression in visual arts, music, dance and 
theatrical performance.
  Ms. Stanton has made special efforts to develop the Center's 
instruction in life skills. In these classes, Center instructors 
address such topics as independence, social graces, dealing with money, 
and self-advocacy.
  Under Ms. Stanton's leadership, the Center has undergone significant 
growth, expanding from 42 students attending part-time in 1985 to a 
present enrollment of 84 full-time students.
  Ms. Stanton has also overseen the opening of the Center's Jon 
Ginsburg Gallery. The gallery exhibits artwork produced by the Center's 
students and community members.
  Ms. Stanton's commitment to the performing and visual arts is also 
evident by her presidency of Arts Visalia, a nonprofit group devoted to 
developing an art gallery in downtown Visalia.
  Creative Center colleagues have been inspired by Ms. Stanton's 
devotion to the Center and its students. She has treated the Center's 
students with dignity and respect and provided them with countless 
creative opportunities.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing 
Helen Stanton for her devoted service to The Creative Center. She has 
distinguished herself as a caring visionary and tireless leader. As she 
completes her service, we wish her a most happy retirement.

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