[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 144 (Wednesday, October 15, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Pages S12601-S12602]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                           PHYLLIS COLE BADER

 Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I call the Senate's attention to my 
extraordinary constituent, Phyllis Bader, who is celebrating her 90th 
birthday today in California with her children, grandchildren, and 
great-grandchildren.
  Though she might take the day off, Phyllis is not resting on her 
laurels. At an age when most of us might be at least thinking of 
slowing down, she is

[[Page S12602]]

still going strong, still working, and still doing good work to benefit 
her community.
  For the past two decades, Phyllis Bader has served as a volunteer and 
employee at The Shop, a nonprofit thrift store operated by the Junior 
League of Palo Alto--Mid Peninsula. Proceeds from sales at The Shop are 
used to fund the League's charitable and educational projects in the 
community.
  Shortly after Phyllis moved to California to be near her family, she 
joined The Shop team as a volunteer at the suggestion of her daughter, 
Junior League supporter Lorinda Reichert. When The Shop moved to Menlo 
Park, the League asked Phyllis to join the staff. She has been there 
ever since, taking good care of customers and encouraging donations of 
sale items.
  Noting that her work with the public has contributed to her longevity 
and good health, Phyllis has ``never given a thought to retiring.'' She 
says that ``It's important for old people to be around young people; 
they keep you on your toes.''
  Asked what lessons she has learned in 90 years, Phyllis Bader advises 
us to ``Keep a positive attitude. Laugh at yourself. Don't be too 
sensitive about what people say. Be tolerant of others' ideas. Try to 
lift someone's spirits each day. Find something every day to be 
grateful for.''
  We would all do well to heed Phyllis Bader's advice. I thank her for 
her wisdom and her service to the community, and I send her my very 
best wishes on her 90th birthday.

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