[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 137 (Thursday, October 17, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1890]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        HONORING CHARLOTTE KLEIN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 16, 2002

  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a Worcester 
treasure, Charlotte Klein, as she celebrates 50 years as a dance 
educator. Charlotte's students and friends will honor her November 9, 
2002 to commemorate a career that has touched the lives of thousands 
and helped launch many professional careers.
  Charlotte began studying dance at age four, and she began her career 
as a dance educator as an assistant teacher with a preschool class at 
age 12. During the 50 years since she opened her first dance studio in 
the basement of her parents' home, following high school graduation, 
she has provided professional training in the art of dance to thousands 
of students in Central Massachusetts. Countless students have gone on 
to college as dance majors, and dozens of Charlotte's students have 
achieved national recognition for their stage, film, and television 
performances.
  As important as her career has been in her life, her family always 
came first. In 1955 she married her high school sweetheart, Ben Klein, 
son of a prominent Worcester Rabbi. They built a dance studio in their 
home and started to raise a family. Tragedy came with cystic fibrosis, 
a disease that claimed two of their three daughters. One lived for only 
a few weeks, while Elisa lived more than 15 years. Elisa was a 
wonderful dancer, and took classes in Charlotte's school before she 
passed away. Elisa's sister Laura carried on the family legacy as a 
dancer, choreographer and teacher. Charlotte moved forward, 
establishing the Elisa Ruth Klein Fund. The Fund supports activities of 
the Cystic Fibrosis Center at UMass Memorial Children's Medical Center.
  Mr. Speaker, I am confident that the entire U.S. House of 
Representatives joins me in congratulating Charlotte Klein and her 
family for their contribution to dance education in Central 
Massachusetts.

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