[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 111 (Thursday, August 2, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1497]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING SAM AND SHIRLEY SHEFTS ON THEIR 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

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                         HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, August 1, 2001

  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to Sam and 
Shirley Shefts as they celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Sam 
was born in 1929, in the midst of the Great Depression in the Bronx, 
New York. At the age of 19, he married the beautiful girl next door, 
Shirley Yshoel. Both having been raised in poverty by immigrant 
parents, their marriage started out with nothing but love and the 
traditions of family.
  Together they built a life of countless successes. Sam served in the 
National Guard for 12 years. Shirley maintained a warm and nurturing 
home, first in the Bronx, then in East Meadow, NY as they raised their 
three daughters, Janet, Mindy and Nancy. They both taught the girls, 
mostly by example, the values of hard work, religion, education, 
charity and appreciation of the goodness of life and nature. Though 
they could not afford to attend college themselves, they made it 
possible for all three of the girls.
  Working side by side with his brothers, Sam provided for the family 
in the business and craft of carved glass. The ``Shefts'' signature 
could be found on glass murals throughout the country, including fine 
restaurants such as Tavern on the Green and the Russian Tea Room in New 
York City and the Old Ebbitt Grill in Washington DC. Once the children 
were grown, Shirley worked at an art gallery. She also was a volunteer 
with honors with the United Order of True Sisters, an organization that 
provides support to families affected by cancer.
  Now living in Boynton Beach, Florida, Shirley and Sam Shefts continue 
to be active and vibrant members of their community and their 
synagogue. This year, their daughters and son-in-law will proudly honor 
their golden anniversary with a party, bringing together their brothers 
and sisters, nieces & nephews, cousins and dear friends in a wonderful 
celebration of their 50 years together.
  Mr. Speaker, I know that all of my colleagues in this House join me 
in paying tribute to this wonderful couple on this happy occasion.

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