[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 20 (Tuesday, February 29, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E180-E182]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         A TRIBUTE TO THE 1999 ``SENIOR CITIZENS OF THE YEAR''

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM O. LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 29, 2000

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the winners 
of my 1999 ``Senior Citizens of the Year'' competition. Every year, I 
select twenty seniors that show exceptional vitality and service to the 
people of the 3rd District of Illinois. Local civic groups and 
government leaders nominate many outstanding seniors. Then I have the 
very difficult task of selecting the best of the pool. This year's 
winners are: Mary Alexa, Virginia Bannon, Delores Cizek, Robert DeNovo, 
Cynthia Evenhouse, Frances Green, Alice Horton, Lillian Joly, George 
Kostakis, Irene Nichols, Harriet Niemiec, Helen Barber Olson, Dr. 
Shirley Verdugo-Perez, Raymond Rushton, Kurt Schalk, Lorraine Seymour, 
Evelyn Talerico, Eleanor Trzeciak, Alexander Walter and Theresa 
Wozniak. It now gives me great pride to describe their accomplishments.

[[Page E181]]

  Mary Alexa of Berwyn was nominated by the Jolly Friendly Seniors. 
Mary has been the President of the Jolly Friendly Seniors club for 
twelve years and is also an officer in the Gold Medallion and Mid-City 
Bank clubs. She played in instrumental role in merging The Jolly Club 
with The Friendly Club to create the Jolly Friendly Seniors. Mary also 
worked for the Sears department stores for fourteen years. The Jolly 
Friendly Seniors stated in their nomination: ``Mary is generous, 
gracious--well liked by all.''
  Virginia Bannon of Crestwood was nominated by the Village of 
Crestwood. Virginia is an active volunteer at the Village's Christmas, 
Easter, and Halloween activities for children. She also does volunteer 
work at the Crestwood library and with needy families in Crestwood. 
Virginia is a member of several organizations including the Crestwood 
Senior Club, Incarnation Seniors and the Incarnation Women's Club. 
According to her application: ``Virginia displays an unselfish 
willingness to help others. She sets personal goals aside when called 
upon to volunteer her time.''
  Dolores Cizek of Burr Ridge was nominated by Lyons Township 
Supervisor Patrick Rogers. Dolores has been a village Trustee for Burr 
Ridge since 1991 and has been an election judge for the last 9 years. 
She has written commentary columns for several area papers including 
the Doings and the Downers Grove Reporter. Dolores served on the local 
school board, District #107, in the 1970s and on the Burr Ridge 
Planning Commission in the 1980s. According to Supervisor Rogers: ``She 
represents the right stuff in community volunteerism.''
  Robert C. DeNovo, Sr. of Palos Park was nominated by Deputy Chief 
Stan Szpytek of the Palos Fire Protection District. Robert is a 
founding member of the Palos Fire Protection District and is now in his 
46th year of active service with the organization. He is an active 
member of the Palos Fire Fighters Association, the National Fire 
Protection Association, and the Illinois Association of Fire Protection 
Districts. Robert received special recognition by the Illinois House 
and Senate for his many achievements and years of service. Deputy Chief 
Szpytek stated in Robert's application: ``At over 75 years of age, Bob 
still is an integral part of our organization and works at the 
department on a daily basis.''
  Cynthia Evenhouse of Palos Heights was nominated by Palos Heights 
Mayor Dean Koldenhoven. Cynthia is a member of the Christ Community 
Hospital Women's Auxiliary, and has volunteered over 5,000 hours at the 
hospital. For seven years, she has tutored handicapped people through 
the Friendship Club at the Palos Heights Christian Reformed Church. 
Cynthia also belongs to her church's choir and the Coffeebreak Bible 
study group. Mayor Koldenhoven stated in her application: ``She always 
gives generously of her time and talent; she's dependable, loyal and is 
always there to help others.''
  Mrs. Frances Green of Bridgeview was nominated by Fran Marie Green 
and the Women's Active Party of Bridgeview. Frances was a founder of 
the first PTA charter at a Bridgeview school in 1954. She was also one 
of three women to start the first Brownie and Girl Scout troops in 
Bridgeview. Frances volunteers at Little Company Hospital and is 
Chairwoman of Active Angels, a group that visits the sick and lonely of 
Bridgeview. She is a 20-year member of the Active Women of Bridgeview 
and a village resident for 45 years. Fran Marie Green, President of the 
Women's Active Party of Bridgeview, said: ``She has truly served a 
multitude of people, and in my opinion, she is the Queen of 
Bridgeview.''
  Alice Horton of Midlothian was nominated by Thomas J. Murawski, Mayor 
of Midlothian. Alice is a founder and 22-year director of Coffeehouse, 
an organization that hosts social gatherings for handicapped adults in 
the Chicagoland area. In addition, she is active as a nursing home 
visitor and driver for the disabled to doctor appointments. Alice is a 
volunteer at Oak Forest Hospital, a member of the St. Vincent DePaul 
Society, and a member of the Altar & Rosary Society. She is a 54-year 
resident of Midlothian. In her application, Mayor Murawski said: 
``Alice continues to live her life in the service of others; she does 
this quietly and without fanfare.''
  Lillian Joly of Chicago was nominated by the St. Symphorosa Super 
Club. Lillian volunteers with the Metropolitan Family Services by 
visiting handicapped children and shut-ins, including driving shut-ins 
to doctors appointments, among other locations. She is an active member 
of several organizations including the Hale Park Club, the Messiah 
Senior Club, the St. Symphorosa Super Club, and the St. Vincent DePaul 
Society. Lillian also has received the ``Ozanam Award,'' which is given 
to St. Vincent DePaul members who demonstrate great service to the 
poor. St. Symphorosa Super Club President George Kouba stated in her 
application: ``She is a silent and willing giver--a role model for 
anyone who believes in helping and loving his fellow man.''
  George Kostakis of Cicero was nominated by Cicero Town President 
Betty Loren-Maltese. George was the co-founder of Cicero's Neighborhood 
Watch Program in 1984 and has remained a coordinator of the program. 
His watch includes 141 blocks throughout Cicero. George is a member of 
the Morton Anti-Violence Task Force and also writes a column for the 
Cicero Town News, the town's official newsletter. President Maltese 
stated in George's nomination: ``Very few residents have a lasting 
impact upon their communities; Mr. Kostakis' work with the Neighborhood 
Watch has made him an impact resident.''
  Irene Nichols of Burbank was nominated by Stickney Township 
Supervisor Louis Viverito. Irene has played an important role in the 
development and success of the Stickney Township Council on Aging since 
1978. She is the current President of the Stickney Township Council on 
Aging, a position she has held since 1998. Irene is also a member of 
the Circle Senior Club and the Burbank Silvertones Senior Club. Sen. 
Viverito stated in her application: ``Her concern for fellow Senior 
Citizens is prevalent in any activity she is involved in.''
  Harriet Niemiec of Oak Lawn was nominated by the St. Louis de 
Montfort Seniors. Harriet serves as Oak Lawn's Senior Citizens 
Commissioner. In addition, Harriet is an active volunteer with the 
PLOWS organization and Christ Hospital. She is also a member of several 
organizations including the St. Louis de Montfort Senior Citizens Club, 
the St. Fabian's Senior Citizens Club, the Oak Lawn Senior Citizens 
Club and the Christ Hospital Volunteers Auxiliary. According To Helen 
Sula, President of St. Louis de Montfort Seniors: ``She is a model 
citizen and we all would do well to imitate her.''
  Helen Barber Olson of LaGrange was nominated by the Robert E. 
Coulter, Jr. Unit No. 1941 American Legion Auxiliary. Helen is a 
charter member of the LaGrange Historical Society and Robert E. 
Coulter, Jr. Unit No. 1941. She assisted in the organization of the 
LaGrange area Chapter 4277 of the AARP, and was instrumental in 
establishing the LaGrange Community Hospital. She has been a resident 
of LaGrange for over 50 years. This past year, the LaGrange Chapter of 
the Business and Professional Women's Club voted her ``Woman of the 
Year.'' The Robert Coulter Unit noted in her application: ``She is 
still active in many organizations and never fails to contribute her 
time and money, even when not asked.''
  Dr. Shirley Verdugo-Perez of Riverside was nominated by Ms. Mila 
Verdugo. Shirley holds a bachelor's, two masters and a doctorate 
degree. She also has seven teaching certificates and can speak five 
different languages. She has been in the education field for the past 
32 years, teaching kindergarten through graduate school students. 
Shirley has volunteered for numerous organizations including Hispanics 
in Vocational Education, the Merit Conservatory of Music, and the 
Polish National Alliance Lodge 825. Ms. Mila Verdugo stated in 
Shirley's nomination: ``She sees the glass as half-full no matter what
  Raymond Rushton of Berwyn was nominated by Berwyn Mayor Thomas G. 
Shaughnessy. Raymond is a Block Captain in the City of Berwyn's 
Neighborhood Watch Program, where he checks on seniors in extreme 
temperatures and spreads information about the Watch Program. He is the 
founder of the Grace Bible Church Senior Citizen Club and is a 
volunteer for the Berwyn-Cicero Council on Aging. He was a journeyman 
union electrician, and worked on the dismantling of the Manhattan 
Project. In his application, Mayor Shaughnessy stated: ``He is a 
shining example to other captains in the Neighborhood Watch Program in 
his enthusiasm and commitment to our city and his neighbors.''
  Kurt Schalk of Chicago was nominated by the Clearing Civic League. 
Kurt is a trustee for the Clearing Civic League and is in his 5th year 
as President of the St. Rene Seniors Social Club. In addition, he is a 
post commander and member of the William McKinley American Legion Post 
#231. He has been active in Hines Hospital's blood donor program since 
1955, and has received recognition from the United Blood Donors. Kurt 
volunteers with the St. Vincent DePaul Society and is an important 
booster for the St. Rene School Band. In his application, Rich Zilka, 
President of the Clearing League stated: ``Kurt has realized the full 
range of life--successful employment, happy marriage, military duty, 
and civic volunteer work in his 45 years of active community affairs.''
  Lorraine Seymour of Palos Hills was nominated by Theresa Jania, 
Senior Service Director of Palos Hills. Lorraine has served as a member 
of the Palos Hills Senior Advisory Board for 15 years. She has received 
the ``Women of the Year'' award from Sacred Heart Church and was given 
a volunteer award from the PLOWS organization. Lorraine

[[Page E182]]

is also active with several organizations including the New Horizon 
Senior Club, the Second Timers Club, the Sacred Heart Fun Club, and the 
Sacred Heart Parish Council. Theresa Jania nominated Lorraine because 
of her ``attitude and professionalism, her smiling face and willingness 
to help every senior who comes within her reach.''
  Evelyn Talerico of Palos Park was nominated by James and Victoria 
Talerico. Evelyn is the founder of the oldest restaurant in Bridgeview, 
Mama Luigi's, which is now in its 52nd year of operation. Currently, 
she provides daily care and company to her invalid sister-in-law. 
Evelyn has also served as First Senior Regent of the Bridgeview Women 
of the Moose and as a First Graduate Regent. In addition, she was the 
first baby born in Bedford Park. James and Victoria Talerico stated in 
her application: ``She is a fine example for all women today.''
  Eleanor Trzeciak of Chicago Ridge was nominated by the Chicago Ridge 
Friendship Senior Club. Eleanor actively volunteers to assist the 
elderly and sick members of the Chicago Ridge Friendship Senior Club, 
and has been the group's tour guide for seven
  Alexander Walter of Indian Head Park was nominated by the Blind & 
Visually Impaired Support Group of Greater LaGrange. Al serves as the 
leader of the Blind & Visually Impaired Support Group, where he 
arranges programs and discussions for the group. Al has volunteered at 
Hines Veterans Hospital and at the Illinois Veterans Home--Manteno for 
a number of years, and has given over 2,100 volunteer hours at Hines. 
He is active in several groups including the Blinded Veterans 
Association, Hines Blind Rehab Center Alumni, and Amvets: G.I. Joe Post 
24. Julia Emery of the Blind & Visually Impaired Support Group stated 
in Al's application: ``His work on behalf of hospitalized veterans and 
of the most vulnerable has been constant since his discharge from the 
Navy.''
  Theresa Wozniak of Chicago was nominated by the St. Camillus Golden 
Agers Club. Theresa is President of the St. Camillus Golden Agers, an 
active member of the St. Camillus Holy Name Society, and legislative 
liaison for the VFW Rhine Post #2729 Women's Auxiliary. She is a 
volunteer for the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and has 
received several awards including the ``Cook County Sheriff's Medal of 
Honor'' award, the ``Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs Volunteer 
of the Month'' award, and recognition from the Chicago City Council for 
outstanding volunteer service. According to Lucille Budzinski, 
Secretary of the St. Camillus Golden Agers: ``Her cheerful attitude in 
accepting many volunteer duties encourages other seniors to follow her 
lead.''
  I agree with all of the statements submitted by those who nominated 
the 20 winners. It is community activism and volunteerism that makes 
Chicagoland a truly great place to live. In the 19th Century, Robert 
Browning, a British poet proclaimed: ``What's a man's age? He must 
hurry more, that's all; Cram in a day, what his youth took a year to 
hold.'' Mr. Speaker, I believe those are important words, and I commend 
the senior citizens for their great spirit and hard work.

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