[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 165 (Friday, November 14, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2295]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING BERKELEY-ALBANY YMCA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 14, 2003

  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Berkeley-Albany YMCA 
on its centennial anniversary and acknowledge its years of dedicated 
educational service to the community.
  In 1903, a group of 21 young Berkeley men gathered in the basement of 
the First Baptist Church to create the Berkeley-Albany YMCA. They 
elected William Waste, then a young attorney, to be President. He 
continued on in that position for the next 37 years, even after he 
became Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court.
  In 1906, the Berkeley-Albany YMCA performed its first act of 
community service, providing shelter and care to refugees of the San 
Francisco earthquake. That same year, meeting rooms, a gym, and showers 
were added to its rented quarters.
  From 1909 to 1938, hundreds of thousands of dollars were donated by 
the public and prominent Berkeley citizens for the construction of a 
downtown Berkeley facility, an Albany structure, and a branch in West 
Berkeley. Additionally, 413 acres were purchased in Annapolis, 
California for the construction of a summer camp, YMCA Camp Gualala.
  Bigger and better things soon followed, including day camps, several 
new buildings and additions, remodeling and expansion. An international 
exchange program began in 1968 with 16 students from Sakai, Japan whose 
visit was followed a year later by 16 students from Berkeley and 
Albany. In 1972, the YMCA became the grantee for a reorganized Head 
Start program, which it continues to operate, now in seven locations.
  Today, with more than 30,000 members, the Berkeley-Albany YMCA is 
truly a community center for all. Opportunities for physical and mental 
advancement abound, whether in learning to swim, studying for a math 
test, or specialized aerobics programs for new mothers. The YMCA brings 
participants closer to a stronger physical, mental, and spiritual self.
  Finally, as we honor the Berkeley-Albany YMCA today, I want to thank 
this organization for providing an endless stream of role models for 
our youth and teachers for our schools. I take great pride in joining 
the residents of Berkeley and Albany and all the alumni of the 
Berkeley-Albany YMCA to recognize and salute its accomplishments. I 
hope that the next 100 years are as exciting and gratifying.

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