[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 84 (Wednesday, June 28, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1138-E1139]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  HONORING HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONER JIM FONTENO AND THE EAST HARRIS 
                         COUNTY SENIOR CITIZENS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN BENTSEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 27, 2000

  Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, today I honor Harris County Commissioner 
Jim Fonteno and the East Harris County Senior Citizens, which 
celebrates its 25th anniversary this month. The East Harris County 
Senior Citizens program, which Commissioner Fonteno built from the 
grassroots up, is a truly unique organization that has touched the 
lives of thousands of seniors in the eastern portion of Harris County, 
Texas for a quarter of a century. I commend Commissioner Fonteno for 
starting this vital program, and as we celebrate its anniversary, we 
also celebrate the career of Fonteno himself, the ``Dean'' of the 
Commissioners' Court, who, after 25 years, recently announced that he 
will retire in 2002.
  The East Harris County Senior Citizens began in 1975, when the then 
newly-elected Precinct Two Harris County Commissioner Jim Fonteno 
offered his vision to create a program to give back to area seniors. 
His vision, inspired by his desire to give the people ``what they asked 
for and what they needed,'' was to create a vehicle to deliver programs 
and services to thousands of senior citizens and veterans in the 
community. Despite the naysayers who claimed it couldn't be done, 
Fonteno's inspiration grew into a self-supportive, nonprofit 
organization that now boasts more than 350 senior citizens groups 
within its boundaries. With the help of private organizations and many 
community partners and volunteers, the East Harris County Senior 
Citizens program is a model for the nation, and is still growing 
strong.
  Throughout its history, the East Harris County Senior Citizens 
program has been

[[Page E1139]]

dedicated to encouraging social and physical activeness in seniors so 
that the humanity, dignity, independence, and strengths of each senior 
citizen is realized to the fullest. Through the program, thousands of 
senior citizens who otherwise would be unable to continue to develop 
new friendships and remain a vital force in their community, either 
because they lack transportation or appropriate places to meet, can 
reconnect with the world and continue to contribute their considerable 
talents to the community. The benefits of the community involvement and 
services offered by the East Harris County Senior Citizens to the lives 
of the elderly are immeasurable.
  Mr. Speaker, at a time when America is aging and our parents are 
growing older, it is imperative that programs such as the East Harris 
County Senior Citizens exist to nurture and support the elderly. Our 
elderly are a tremendous asset and a source of great talent and 
inspiration. I commend the East Harris County Senior Citizens, 
Commissioner Fonteno and all the volunteers for their good works and 
for the organization's great contributions to the community, and I 
celebrate with them in honor of their 25 years of public service.

                          ____________________