[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 87 (Friday, June 13, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1242]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN HONOR OF THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WESTERLY APARTMENTS AND THE 
                          BARTON SENIOR CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 12, 2003

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of 
the administrators, staff and residents of the Westerly Apartments and 
Barton Senior Center, as they celebrate 40 years of uplifting the lives 
of senior citizens in Lakewood, OH. I also rise in honor of the 
founding members, DeArv G. Barton, Frank Celeste, Gertrude Nelson and 
Wallace Teare.
  The concept of the Barton Senior Center of the Westerly Apartments-
combining affordable senior apartments with a social center that offers 
a variety of social, educational, recreational and health related 
activities and programs for seniors-was the first of its kind in the 
country, and has served as the inspiration and model for similar 
projects in Lakewood and across the Nation ever since.
  The Barton Center came to fruition in 1963 when the first residents 
of the newly-built Westerly Apartments realized their need for a common 
social area. With help from government loans, foundation gifts and 
individual donations, a full service senior center was built, complete 
with a spacious lounge and dining room, a fully equipped kitchen, arts 
and crafts room, library, pool and game room, workshop and hobby room, 
and office space. A full-time director and activities coordinator was 
also hired. Today, the Center also offers daily meal service, banking 
services, classrooms, computer lab, auditorium and a greenhouse. The 
Westerly Apartments and the Barton Center both publish regular 
newsletters that highlight current programs and services such as the 
Driver Evaluation Program, Home Town Band Concerts, the Holiday Fair 
and community transportation services.
  Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition 
of the Fortieth Anniversary of the Westerly Apartments and Barton 
Senior Center. The founding members, past and present administrators, 
staff, and residents have transformed a structure of brick and steel 
into a welcoming and lively social center, and a place that truly is 
``home.''

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