[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 65 (Monday, May 20, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4563-S4564]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO RIVERWOODS AT EXETER

 Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, today I pay tribute 
to the Riverwoods at Exeter healthcare facility. Riverwoods was named 
this year's Health Care Business of the Year by the New Hampshire 
Chamber of Commerce and Business NH Magazine.
  I applaud the Riverwoods community on their positive impact in their 
surrounding community. By consistently giving back to their community, 
the 350 residents set a superb example for all Granite Staters to 
follow. Before the facility had even been built, Riverwoods set the 
tone of their philanthropic efforts by donating land to the Town of 
Exeter for baseball and soccer fields for the town youth programs. The 
tradition of giving has continued over the years as Riverwoods has been 
named by the Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce as one of the Top 10 
Corporate Citizens for 1999, 2000 and 2001.
  Alongside the acclaim Riverwoods has received, one of their biggest 
rewards is being actively involved in their community. More than 50 
percent of the residents and staff contribute to the United Way of the 
Greater Seacoast. Their contributions have grown from $2,381 to an 
astounding $28,544 in the past six years. The children of Exeter are 
enjoying their new ``Planet Playground'' thanks in part to the Road 
Race which the Riverwoods organized and sponsored to benefit the 
playground. The road race profits exceeded $35,000 and helped build 
Exeter's newest playground. The children of Exeter were not the only 
residents to benefit from Riverwood's generosity, the local teen center 
was bought and refurbished with the gala dinner which Riverwoods 
organized and co-chaired. The benefit dinner raised $63,000 for the 
teens, and gave the center its first real ``home.''
  I commend the residents, staff and philosophy of the Riverwoods 
community, and thank them on behalf of Exeter and the Seacoast 
communities. It is with continued dedication to the community that 
Riverwoods has been named this year's award recipient. It is an honor 
to represent you in the United States Senate.

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