[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 23 (Monday, February 26, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E210]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


      IN HONOR OF JOAN MATULA ON THE OCCASION OF HER 90TH BIRTHDAY

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                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 26, 2001

  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I wish to pay tribute to Ms. 
Joan Matula, who celebrates her 90th birthday this weekend on February 
19, 2001. Ms. Matula leads a rich and wonderful life and contributes 
greatly to the community in which she lives. She is a model of civic 
virtue and community leadership and a beacon of hope for all of us who 
desire greater participation in the public sphere where the concerns of 
the many come before the demands of the few.
  Ms. Matula is a founder, a stalwart member, and a great leader of the 
Roosevelt Island Seniors Association (RISA). Founded in 1976, RISA 
brings the Roosevelt Island senior community together to make the 
island a better place to live and to enjoy the company of neighbors.
  As a co-founder of RISA in 1976, Ms. Matula has served in many 
capacities, including service as the organization's president for four 
terms and vice-president for two terms. She knows well the needs of the 
senior community on Roosevelt Island and the best approaches to meet 
those needs. Believe me Mr. Speaker, Roosevelt Island has seldom, very 
seldom witnessed a seniors event, or even a general island activity, 
parade or public event that Ms. Matula has not attended. She literally 
ran the senior center for six years and has represented RISA at the 
Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RRA) since 1977, bringing the 
concern of the seniors to the attention of leading figures in the 
community.
  Ms. Matula has been involved in Roosevelt Island community concerns 
since the beginning. She worked at the Goldwater hospital as a medical 
secretary until her retirement in 1976. While there Ms. Matula helped 
residents improve and maintain their health on numerous occasions. She 
even led the Roosevelt Island nutrition program for eight years, 
focusing on the prevention of illness and the health of everyone on the 
island.
  Joan has always cared about her country and has consistently 
participated in the electoral process. She served as a member of the 
New York City election Board for 20 years and encouraged Roosevelt 
Island residents to vote in numerous elections.
  Ms. Matula is truly a remarkable person. She is always there whenever 
there is an event to promote on Roosevelt Island or an idea upon which 
to build. I consider Joan a very dear friend and, as many residents of 
Roosevelt Island know, to know Joan is to love her. Mr. Speaker, I 
salute the life and work of Joan Matula and I ask my fellow Members of 
Congress to join me in recognizing the contributions she has made to 
the community of Roosevelt Island, to the great City of New York and to 
our country.

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