[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 138 (Monday, October 21, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1948]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING THE GOLDBERG B'NAI B'RITH TOWERS

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                            HON. KEN BENTSEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 21, 2002

  Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Goldberg 
B'nai B'rith Towers, which will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary on 
October 20, 2002. The Goldberg B'nai B'rith Towers has demonstrated an 
immense commitment to the elderly community in Houston, and their hard 
work is to be commended.
  In addition to hosting an event celebrating their anniversary, 
Goldberg B'nai B'rith Towers will honor several individuals who have 
demonstrated tremendous dedication to the success of this residential 
community. In addition to Helen Mintz, who has volunteered her time as 
a painting instructor for the past 25 years, the Towers will also 
commend the generosity of Robert and Edith Zinn, who provide funding 
for the medical transportation program, and the Paulene Sterne Wolff 
Foundation for its support of the meal and housekeeping services. These 
people definitely deserve recognition for their tireless efforts to 
improve the lives of others.
  The Goldberg B'nai B'rith Towers began in 1971 as a vision of the 
late J.B. Goldberg. Goldberg, along with a dedicated group of men, 
sought to transform that vision into a reality by establishing an 
apartment complex for the elderly. Following the model set forth by 
B'nai B'rith International, ground was broken for the first building of 
the complex in 1976. It opened in 1978 and included 150 units. In 1982, 
the second building was opened, bringing the total capacity to 380 
residents. Over the past 25 years, the Goldberg B'nai B'rith Towers, 
which are owned and managed by the B'nai B'rith Senior Citizens Housing 
Committee of Houston, have provided a home for over 850 individuals.
  The invigorating atmosphere this facility creates continues to have a 
positive impact on the lives of its residents through its many programs 
and support services. With meal preparation, housekeeping, geriatric 
nursing, and transportation services to medical appointments, the 
Goldberg B'nai B'rith Towers enables its residents to maintain an 
active lifestyle. Additionally, the myriad of activities offered at the 
Towers include classes in computer training, painting, ceramics, and 
citizenship, as well as an open game room and exercise facility.
  Goldberg B'nai B'rith Towers has also been a strong proponent of 
multi-culturism and diversity in Houston. The wide variety of religious 
resources available in the Towers undoubtedly serve the spiritual needs 
of its residents. Nondenominational Bible study, Torah study, Shabbat 
services, Catholic mass, and a Chinese fellowship organization, that 
minister to a variety of groups, facilitating an environment for 
spiritual and cultural expression.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Goldberg B'nai B'rith Towers on its 
25th anniversary and commend its staff and volunteers for their 
devotion to the residents of this facility. I wish the Towers continued 
success in the future, as its presence in the Houston community has 
been invaluable.

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