[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 139 (Friday, October 3, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1975]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      ST. CLARE'S HARVEST FESTIVAL

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 3, 2003

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a tradition 
that for 30 years has brought together the families of some of the most 
vibrant communities in my Congressional District. The people of 
Denville, New Jersey and its surrounding municipalities in Morris 
County, and all of Northern New Jersey have gathered each year to enjoy 
the St. Clare's Harvest Festival, a day of family fun and frolic, all 
for a good cause, to benefit St. Clare's Hospital which also celebrates 
a milestone this year by providing 50 years of loving care and service 
to the people of Morris, Sussex and Warren Counties in northwestern New 
Jersey.
  The hospital was initially created to care for the nuns and guests at 
St. Francis Health Resort, but the Sisters saw the need for a community 
hospital to assist the ever increasing population of Denville. We are 
all glad for their vision as St. Clare's has grown into an institution 
that delivers the highest quality health care, teaming up to provide 
the best medical care for New Jerseyans with the likes of the 
distinguished Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
  Indeed, it wouldn't be Fall in Morris County without the St. Clare's 
Harvest Festival, but sadly, all of us who have treasured our time at 
the Festival know that this year it will end. On Saturday, October 4, 
thirty years of hard work, tireless volunteerism and good old-fashioned 
fun will culminate in the last Festival.
  A wonderful fundraiser for the Hospital, the Harvest Festival was 
jointly established by the Sorrowful Mother, a Catholic order and 
Sister Mary Urban Harrer, who incidentally is celebrating her 90th year 
and remains thrilled that her efforts have come this far. Each year the 
Festival offers delicious homemade foods, the talents of local artisans 
and crafts men and women, and carnival rides and petting zoos for the 
area's children. A day at the Festival is a day filled with memories.
  These memories and the 30 years of success would not be possible 
without legions of incredible volunteers who have dedicated so much of 
their time, energy and spirit to the Festival year after year. The 
cooperation and teamwork between community members and St. Clare's 
staff--the fantastic doctors, nurses and other health care 
professionals--is legendary. I especially want to recognize these 
individuals who deserve our praise and thanks for their commitment to 
serving their community and helping others. So many of my constituents 
will warmly recall the St. Clare's Harvest Festival and those who made 
it possible.
  Though the Harvest Festival will no longer be a ``fall fixture'' on 
the calendars of thousands of citizens in New Jersey, St. Clare's 
Hospital will continue to serve our communities with the same loving 
care and compassion it has brought to the field of health care for the 
last 50 years.
  Mr. Speaker, I know that you join me and my colleagues in 
congratulating all of those associated with the St. Clare's Harvest 
Festival on 30 years of success and in wishing the St. Clare's Hospital 
family another 50 years of outstanding community service.

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