[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 75 (Thursday, June 15, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1025]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING KATHI McDONNELL-BISSEL FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE 
                               COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 15, 2000

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure today to join 
the Milford Senior Center as they celebrate their 30th Anniversary and 
pay special tribute to an outstanding individual, and my dear friend, 
Kathi McDonnell-Bissell.
  The senior community of Milford, Connecticut is indeed fortunate to 
have such a dedicated individual working on its behalf. As the 
Executive Director of this tremendous organization, Kathi has 
transformed the Milford Elderly Services Agency. When she first came to 
our community, the Elderly Services Agency was run by two full time and 
one part-time staff members and located in a church basement. Today, 
centered at the Milford Senior Center, the agency has grown into a 
quasi-municipal office, working with the Mayor and city officials to 
ensure that the ongoing needs of the elderly are a priority in the 
community. Kathi has been the driving force behind this incredible 
transformation--her unwavering commitment leaving an indelible mark on 
our community.
  Kathi's extraordinary record of service to the residents of Milford 
extends beyond her work at the Senior Center. She has been an 
instrumental force in bringing a number of social service programs to 
Milford, as well as creating a city-wide network of social services. 
She has played an integral role in the development of the city's first 
food bank, furniture exchange, and emergency housing programs. Kathi 
also began a city-wide project to ensure that no child in the city of 
Milford would go to bed hungry. Her many contributions to the entire 
Milford community are truly invaluable.
  Kathi has been recognized by numerous local, state and national 
organization for her tremendous work--a remarkable tribute to her 
outstanding commitment to public service. Perhaps more importantly, 
behind the myriad of awards, citations, and recognitions, one can 
always find the warm, nurturing character that has endeared Kathi to 
everyone who has had the pleasure and privilege of working with her. I 
cannot began to express my thanks and appreciation for the assistance 
that she has given to me, my staff, my family, . . . our community.
  I am honored to stand today and join the family, friends, and 
community members who have gathered today to pay tribute to Kathi 
McDonnell-Bissell. I am sure I speak for many in saying that her 
undaunted spirit and vision has been an inspiration to us all. The 
Milford community is truly indebted to her for the compassion, 
generosity, and commitment she has shown.

                          ____________________