[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 35 (Monday, March 27, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S1744]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    THE SAGINAW COUNTY COMMISSION ON AGING HONORS MS. MARY FLANNERY

 Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, on March 31, 2000, the Saginaw 
County Commission on Aging will hold a luncheon honoring four women who 
have selflessly dedicated a significant amount of their time and their 
energy to improving the community of Saginaw, Michigan. Their 
tremendous efforts over the years have not only touched a great many 
lives, they have truly changed lives, whether by providing those in 
need with food and clothing, saving seniors hundreds of dollars in 
medical insurance payments, mentoring elementary school students, or 
helping people to understand and accept a culture different from their 
own. Thus, I rise today on behalf not only of myself, but also of the 
entire Saginaw County, Michigan, community, to sincerely thank Ms. 
Hazel Wilson, Ms. Mary Flannery, Ms. Sue Kaltenbach, and Ms. Yoko 
Mossner for their incredible efforts.
  Ms. Mary Flannery has been a resident of Saginaw, Michigan, long 
enough to remember that an ice cream cone once cost a mere three cents 
there. For many years, she was an employee of the Family Independence 
Agency. Fortunately for the citizens of Saginaw, no one has reminded 
Ms. Flannery that she has in fact retired from her position there. She 
remains a regular fixture at local hospitals and nursing homes, and 
also continues to volunteer her time at the Commission on Aging.
  At the Commission on Aging, she shares the knowledge and skills she 
collected while working at the Family Independence Agency, assisting 
seniors who have questions related to Medicare, Medicaid, and general 
health insurance. I am told that Ms. Flannery's expertise, and her 
willingness to venture beyond the call of duty, have saved Saginaw's 
seniors thousands of dollars they may have spent on duplicated medical 
bills or services. I guess when one has lived their life aiding 
individuals in need, even retirement cannot prevent them from 
continuing to do so.
  Mr. President, on behalf of the entire United States Senate, I take 
pride in extending gratitude to Ms. Mary Flannery for her dedication to 
making the lives of others better. She is truly a role model for us 
all.

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