[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 61 (Wednesday, May 5, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E741]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING DOWNINGTOWN AREA SENIOR CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM GERLACH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 5, 2004

  Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Downingtown 
Area Senior Center for its 30 years of dedicated service to the senior 
citizens of the Downingtown, Pennsylvania area.
  The Downingtown Area Senior Center has existed since 1974 to serve 
the nutritional, social, and educational needs of the people aged 60 
and older and to enhance their dignity, independence, and encouraging 
involvement in the community.
  The Senior Center began as a Meals Together program with four seniors 
from the Downingtown United Methodist Church. The Downingtown Area 
Senior Center rented space from the Church until April, 2002. In August 
of that same year, the Downingtown Area Senior Center moved into the 
Ashbridge Commons. In this location, the Senior Center was responsible 
to continue and improve services to seniors. They did so by outfitting 
a kitchen, arranging a telephone system, networking a computer system, 
and creating a new living space. The new Downingtown Area Senior Center 
opened its doors in October 2002 and has continued a tradition of 
excellence in providing for the senior citizens.
  Ongoing programs and activities are perhaps one of the most important 
aspects of the Downingtown Area Senior Center. The Center participates 
in: an AARP driving class, arts and crafts, audiologist visits, 
ballroom dancing, blood pressure/weight checks, exercise classes, 
consumer awareness classes, historical presentations, income tax 
preparation, golf tournaments, and volunteer opportunities. These 
programs indeed foster and improve the quality of life of all 
participating seniors.
  In addition, the Downingtown Area Senior Center has created a program 
for seniors called ``Fit and Fun.'' The Fit and Fun program 
concentrates on health and wellness, while it also supplies its members 
with timely information and support to increase the likelihood of a 
longer, happier, and more fulfilling life. Seniors participate in 
``body recall'' to improve muscle tone, line-dancing for aerobic 
activity, and yoga sessions to balance the mind and body. Weekly 
seminars are also given on Medicare supplement programs, chronic 
diseases management, and home health care. These seminars are critical 
for seniors if they are to continue to live healthy and active lives. 
As of June 2003, 2,150 people participated in the Fit and Fun program.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing 
the Downingtown Area Senior Center for its dedication to the health and 
well-being of senior citizens in the Downingtown community and for 
their service to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

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