[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 136 (Thursday, October 26, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1949]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING DON DIMENSTEIN FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 26, 2000

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to pay tribute to an outstanding member of the New Haven, Connecticut 
community and my dear friend--Don Diminstein. I am proud to join Mayor 
John DeStefano, members of the Atwater Senior center, and the City of 
New Haven as they gather to salute Don for his many years of 
outstanding leadership and service.
  After nearly five decades of public service, Don continues to serve 
the City of New Haven with unparalleled dedication and commitment. A 
life-long resident of New Haven, Don has been a leading figure in our 
community for many years. His extensive record of commitment to the 
community includes public service in a variety of capacities. Don will 
leave a legacy in the incredible example he has set for us by his 
professionalism and sense of civic duty. I am consistently amazed at 
the energy and tenacity Don continues to demonstrate on behalf of New 
Haven residents.
  For nearly four decades, Don has served in the City of New Haven in 
the field of Human Services. First, as a member of the Board of 
Alderman, then as an original staff member of the New Haven's first 
anti-poverty agency, Community Progress, Inc., and most recently as an 
employee with the City's Elderly Services Department which he now 
heads. Don's career has taken him across the lines of every demographic 
group, from our children to our grandparents. Don has truly had a 
significant impact on the entire New Haven community. As one of the 
first members of Community Progress, Don played a major role in the 
development and implementation of employment and training programs. 
Since their inception, these programs have given thousands of men and 
women the skills they need to join the workforce and provide for their 
families. During his tenure with the Elderly Services Department, Don 
has worked diligently to make sure the needs of our seniors are met. He 
is known throughout the Greater New Haven area as a strong voice on 
behalf of seniors and always willing to go to great lengths to ensure 
their interests are represented.
  Determined and inspired to make a difference in our community, Don's 
commitment to the families and elderly of New Haven extends beyond his 
professional career. ``Man's rent on Earth is his service to others''--
a classic quote that has become Don's lifelong motto. He has touched 
the lives of many with his volunteer efforts, including with such 
organizations as the Westville Youth Association, the New Haven Area 
Mental Health Association, the Bikur Cholim Sheveth Achim Synagogue, 
and the League of Women Voters. These are only a few of many community 
organizations he has helped. I have often said that our communities 
would not be the same without the efforts of volunteers and this is 
especially true in Don's case. He has had such a profound impact on the 
City of New Haven that there is no doubt it would not be the same 
without the compassion and generosity he has demonstrated.
  I am proud to stand today and join Don's wife, Patricia, family, 
friends, and colleagues to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation 
for his outstanding service and invaluable contributions to our 
community. The residents of New Haven are better off because of all of 
Don's good work. Thank you, Don, for all you've done.

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