[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 125 (Monday, September 30, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1678]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING FRANCES ``BITSIE'' CLARK ON HER RETIREMENT FROM THE ARTS 
                      COUNCIL OF GREATER NEW HAVEN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 26, 2002

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to join the New Haven community in extending my sincere congratulations 
to an outstanding member of our community and a dear friend, Frances 
``Bitsie'' Clark, as she celebrates her retirement.
  As the Executive Director of the Arts Council of Greater New Haven 
for the last twenty years, Bitsie has been the driving force behind the 
rejuvenation of New Haven's Arts community. Under her leadership, the 
Arts Council worked diligently, partnering with many local 
organizations to bring the magic of the arts to our community. During 
her tenure, I have had the opportunity to work with Bitsie on a variety 
of projects. Her commitment and dedication is unparalleled and I am in 
awe of her seemingly endless energy. The City of New Haven has been 
truly fortunate to have such an advocate.
  The Arts Council has taken the lead in supporting cultural 
development throughout Southern Connecticut. Much of their success can 
be credited to Bitsie's vision of making New Haven the creative capitol 
of Connecticut. In the last two decades, we have witnessed the 
completion of the Audubon Development project, which included the 
building of 55 Whitney Avenue, the Audubon Court condominium and retail 
complex and the Audubon Parking Garage; the construction of 70 Audubon 
Street which houses the offices of the Arts Council, the Community 
Foundation, and Artspace. We have seen the creation of programs and 
services like Women in the Arts Month, the African Carribean Festival 
Commission, the Hearts for Life Aids benefit and the New Haven Inner 
City Cultural Development Program and many others---all of which were 
possible because of the support they received from the Arts Council.
  The arts in any medium, play a vital role in all of our lives. They 
are not only a vehicle of expression, but a means by which our culture 
and traditions are passed from one generation to another. Bitsie 
embraced this idea and through her efforts many talented artists and 
creative individuals were able to realize their dreams--there is no 
greater gift.
  Bitsie's tremendous work and many contributions have left an 
indelible mark on our community. It is with my deepest thanks and 
appreciation that I stand today to join the many friends, family, and 
community members who have gathered today to extend my very best wishes 
to Frances ``Bitsie'' Clark as she celebrates her retirement. We will 
not forget the difference her generosity and commitment have made.

                          ____________________