[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 84 (Friday, June 21, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1122]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RUTH ANN STROZINSKY RECOGNITION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. THOMAS E. PETRI

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 21, 2002

  Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, on May 1, 2002, Ruth Ann Strozinsky of Tomah, 
Wisconsin, retired after serving the State of Wisconsin for 21 years as 
a member of the Board on Aging and Long Term Care. During this time, 
Ruth Ann worked diligently to protect and preserve the rights of the 
elderly and disabled consumers as she strived to assure that they have 
the knowledge and support necessary for them to make informed long term 
care choices. She has upheld the spirit and intent of the Older 
Americans Act as well as the public policy of the State of Wisconsin. 
She has been a leader in contributing to the success of the Long Term 
Care Ombudsman Program and the Medigap Helpline Program as they 
continue to meet the ever-increasing public need for information and 
advocacy services.
  Ruth Ann has provided leadership and direction to officials at every 
level of municipal, county and state government on issues of importance 
to Wisconsin's senior citizens. She is a member of the Monroe County 
Services for the Elderly, has served as President of the Western 
Wisconsin Area Agency on Aging, and is a member of the governing board 
of the Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups. She has assisted in the 
development of legislative and regulatory proposals to identify and 
improve important public policy issues. In 1995, she was appointed by 
Governor Tommy Thompson as a Wisconsin delegate to the White House 
Conference on Senior Citizens and Aging. This was her second 
appointment to the Conference, the first being in 1981.
  In addition to serving the elderly, she is an active member of her 
church, a life member of the National Education Association, a member 
of the Monroe County Teachers Association, a charter member of the 
Tomah Business and Professional Women's Club, and has served many years 
on the Tomah Housing Authority and Community Block Grant Committee.
  Ruth Ann does not tell her age, although it is believed that she is 
close to 100 years old. She believes it isn't how old you are but what 
you accomplish in your life that counts. She has certainly made her 
life count.
  She is a retired high school English teacher who still gives of her 
time to help students earn their high school diplomas. Ruth Ann has 
also taught foreign students to improve their communication skills 
while they are in the United States. She has no children of her own, 
but has ``adopted'' many over the years--neighborhood children, her 
students and children from her church. She has shown a great love and 
concern for all these children.
  Ruth Ann Strozinsky is a remarkable lady who is greatly admired by 
her colleagues and the people she serves. Her energy and caring efforts 
have been an inspiration to many. I consider it an honor and a 
privilege to know her. It is fitting that she receives recognition and 
praise for her achievements and successes and for the service she has 
rendered to her community and the State of Wisconsin.

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