[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 52 (Tuesday, May 2, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E609-E610]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN HONOR OF ``TERTULIAS DE ANTANO'' (``GET TOGETHER OF YESTERDAY'')

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 2, 2000

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, today, I honor ``Tertulias de Antano'' 
(``Get Together of Yesterday'') for its contribution to the Cuban-
American community of West New York.
  ``Tertulias de Antano'' came into existence 22 years ago because one 
woman, Lidia Gil-Ramos, who came to America in 1965 as a Cuban refugee, 
had the desire to ``help make the elderly happy and help them take part 
in local life.'' She founded the program and volunteers her time as 
program coordinator.
  ``Tertulias de Antano'' has helped Cuban elderly within the Cuban-
American community of West New York, New Jersey to escape the 
disconnect and loneliness often experienced by immigrant communities.
  In describing the work of a small group of volunteers dedicated to 
helping the Cuban elderly, Gil-Ramos said: ``We work for love, not for 
profit.'' ``Tertulias de Antano'' does not receive any government 
funds--only private donations are accepted. However, this has not

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prevented the organization from achieving success. I attribute the 
success of this wonderful organization to the hard work and dedication 
of Lid Gil-Ramos and her equally dedicated staff of volunteers.
  Today, it is my great pleasure to honor ``Tertulias de Antano'' and 
everyone who has helped integrate the Cuban elderly community into 
American society. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring them as 
well.

                          ____________________