[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 138 (Monday, October 21, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1949]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING JOYCE PROLER SCHECHTER AND THE SEVEN ACRES JEWISH GERIATRIC 
                                 CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN BENTSEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 21, 2002

  Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Joyce Proler Schechter 
who will be honored by the Seven Acres Jewish Geriatric Center with its 
2002 Spirit of Life Award on October 22, 2002.
  Joyce Schechter has spent a lifetime supporting and working for 
charitable causes and is described by Cyvia Wolff, chair of the Seven 
Acres award luncheon, as a ``person who has given tirelessly of her 
time and energy to make the world a better place to live.''
  A native Houstonian, Joyce married Arthur Schechter in 1965, and they 
have two children, Leslie and Jennifer, and five grandchildren. Prior 
to Arthur's appointment to serve as the United States Ambassador to the 
Bahamas in 1998, Joyce was a successful businesswoman, and was listed 
among ``Who's Who in Texas.''
  A member of Seven Acres' Board of Directors since 1993, Joyce 
Schechter continues to contribute her time and talents, serving as 
Vice-President of Resident Services, Administrative Services, and 
Financial Services. In addition, she has served as co-chair of the 
Development Committee and has been involved in every fundraising event, 
including serving as chairman of the 2002 Annual Spring Gala.
  Through her good work, Joyce has touched the lives of Houstonians in 
countless ways. But most of all, she has helped ensure a high quality 
of life for the residents of Seven Acres. In recognition of her 
extraordinary service to Seven Acres, in 1999, Joyce received the 
prestigious Mitzvah Award.
  Seven Acres began in 1943, when a small, determined group of men and 
women of the Jewish faith purchased a frame house on Branard Street in 
Houston. Their vision was to create a warm, friendly environment for 
elderly citizens. Originally Seven Acres provided a caring environment 
for just 14 seniors. As the concept and the need grew, there were 
milestone expansions. Today, Seven Acres provides the highest standards 
in adult day health care through the Wolfe Center and specialized 
geriatric care and services through its 290-bed residential facility. 
Funds raised by the awards luncheon will help provide financial aid and 
other benefits for the residents.
  The annual Spirit of Life Award ``celebrates and recognizes long-term 
community service performed with the highest standards of integrity. 
The exemplary individuals so honored have demonstrated extraordinary 
commitment and serve as role models of dedicated service on behalf of 
others. The award recipients are persons whose energy and community 
spirit have earned them the respect and admiration of all those touched 
by their accomplishments.''
  In addition to Joyce's work with Seven Acres, she has also tirelessly 
contributed her time and resources to Congregation Beth Israel, serving 
on the endowment and art committees. Other organizations that have 
benefited from her involvement are the American Jewish Committee and 
the Holocaust Museum of Houston.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend Joyce Proler Schechter for her 
unyielding commitment to the people of Houston and the residents of 
Seven Acres. Her passionate work on behalf of the Jewish community has 
set an example for generations. I applaud her leadership and service, 
and wish her continued success in the years to come.

                          ____________________