[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 164 (Wednesday, November 12, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S14801]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page S14801]]
                        TRIBUTE TO LARRY GAMMON

 Mr. SUNUNU. Mr. President, I wish to pay tribute to the 
President of Easter Seals New Hampshire, Larry Gammon, whose leadership 
has been crucial to the ability of Easter Seals to do so much for so 
many in our State. He is a man of remarkable character, who has devoted 
his life to community service, beginning his career in public education 
and then joining Easter Seals, where he is currently in his thirty-
second year with the organization.
  Mr. Gammon shares the dedication, enthusiasm, and vision of the 
founders of Easter Seals to increase the independence and improve the 
quality of life for individuals with special needs. As a result, Easter 
Seals New Hampshire has grown significantly to meet the needs of 
communities throughout the State, as well as in Maine, New York, and 
Vermont.
  In New Hampshire, Easter Seals provides services to more than 20,000 
residents each year, addressing a wide range of physical and emotional 
concerns including cerebral palsy, autism, muscular dystrophy, and 
Alzheimers disease.
  And each day, an average of 125 New Hampshire children are served 
through Easter Seals' youth programs including families in need, family 
mediation, parenting workshops, and 24-hour emergency support. For 
those who needed, but could not afford, assistance in the past year, 
Easter Seals New Hampshire provided $2 million in free and reduced-cost 
services.
  New Hampshire's elderly population is well served by senior programs 
offered by Easter Seals including: a medical day rehabilitation program 
for individuals requiring light nursing monitoring; an ambulatory 
program for those with light medical and mental health needs; and an 
Alzheimer's day program for elders with dementia and memory loss.
  Equally impressive as the quantity of services provided by Easter 
Seals New Hampshire is their variety. Deaf or hard of hearing clients 
are fitted with hearing aids, and vocational training is provided to 
the visually impaired. Additionally, rehabilitation therapy is 
available for those who have sustained traumatic injuries.
  For 22 consecutive years, Easter Seals has ranked number one among 
National Health Council members for the percentage of program dollars 
spent on direct client services, allocating over 90 cents of every 
dollar for this purpose. Larry Gammon has provided prudent financial 
stewardship to Easter Seals New Hampshire with the organization earning 
numerous accolades for its fiscal management and services.
  Mr. Gammon is an individual of remarkable character who leads by 
example, with an impressive record of community service that extends 
beyond his work at Easter Seals and includes active roles in a number 
of other community organizations. This effort has made him successful 
in recruiting individuals of similar dedication to the board of 
directors and staff of Easter Seals, which now totals 1,200.
  The contributions of Larry Gammon and Easter Seals New Hampshire on 
behalf of individuals with special needs are an example of America's 
community spirit and a role model for the rest of us. I thank the 
Senate for the opportunity to honor this extraordinary individual and 
organization.

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