[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 68 (Tuesday, June 6, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E894]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO ROBERT FOSTER, CLIFTON OPTIMIST YEAR 2000 FRIEND OF YOUTH 
                                 AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 6, 2000

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your attention the 
deeds of a remarkable person from my district, Robert Foster of 
Clifton, New Jersey, who was recognized on Friday, May 12, 2000 at the 
Optimist Dinner because of his many years of service and leadership. 
The Clifton Optimist Year 2000 Friend of Youth Award was conferred upon 
him at a dinner held at the Clifton Boys and Girls Club. It is only 
fitting that he is honored, for he has a long history of caring, 
generosity and commitment to others.
  Robert was recognized for his many years of leadership in Clifton, 
which I have been honored to represent in Congress since 1997, and so 
it is only fitting that these words are immortalized in the annals of 
this greatest of all freely elected bodies.
  Each year the Clifton Optimist Club recognizes a special person for 
his work with youth. This year the award is bestowed upon Robert, 
Director of the Boys and Girls Club of Clifton. He is an excellent 
choice for this honor because he embodies the theme ``Friend of Youth'' 
with his dedicated service and affiliations involving the children of 
the City of Clifton.
  Robert is a graduate of Springfield College in Springfield, 
Massachusetts. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation 
and Leisure Services from the school in 1980.
  From the time of his graduation, twenty years ago, until the present 
day, Robert has worked at the Boys and Girls Club of Clifton, Inc. 
improving the lives of young people. He began his career as the Teens/
Social Recreation Director of the club. In January of 1986 he became 
the program director for the organization. This change brought him a 
greater range of responsibility. The time spent working as the Teen/
Social Recreation Director instilled in Robert the attributes necessary 
for him to become a stellar force in the community. It was the small 
steps in the beginning of his career that taught him the fundamentals 
that would make him a role model to the youths that he now serves.
  Known for a questioning mind and an ability to get things done, 
Robert was promoted to his current position of Director of Operations 
in September of 1991. He is responsible for the daily operations of the 
Boys and Girls Club of Clifton. The club currently serves 2,200 youths 
from the ages of two and a half to seventeen.
  Robert continually touches the lives of the people around him. This 
is exemplified by his club affiliations. He is a member of the Clifton 
Optimist Club and is a Clifton Stallions Soccer Club Trustee. In 
addition, he is a member of the Clifton Board of Recreation.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, Robert's family and 
friends, the Boys and Girls Club of Clifton, the City of Clifton and me 
in recognizing the outstanding and invaluable service to the community 
of Robert Foster.

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