[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 8 (Tuesday, February 1, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E123]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN HONOR OF MR. JOHN FREITAS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 1, 2005

  Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. John L. Freitas, who 
is retiring after 18 years as Executive Director of the Carmel 
Foundation in Carmel, California. The Carmel Foundation was established 
in 1950 with the purpose of providing ``. . . for the residence, 
health, care and good living and the welfare and well being of persons 
in and about Carmel who are advanced in years and not otherwise 
sufficiently cared for.''
  Under John's direction, the foundation procured vehicles to provide 
the residents and members with the independence that mobility affords. 
Facilities were outfitted with fixtures and appliances designed for 
both able and disabled people. More than fifty classes and programs 
were made available to enrich the lives of the members. A new computer 
learning center was added and became so popular that one thousand 
members graduated from its classes in the first 5 years, proving John's 
faith in the interest and ability of these seniors to learn difficult 
new skills.
  John Freitas' strong sense of community and fine balance with his 
board made it possible for the Carmel Foundation to continue to add 
enrichment programs. In-home supportive services, assistance with 
accounting, home safety checks, a weekend meal program, parties and 
potlucks are just a few of the elements that enhance their members' 
quality of life and ensure a loyal following. This loyalty flows over 
to the employees, who can see every day that what they do makes a 
tangible difference in the lives of all the people.
  Mr. Speaker, I applaud John Freitas' many accomplishments, and 
commend him for the tremendous amount of personal time, thought, and 
dedication he put into this project. I join the Carmel community in 
honoring this truly remarkable man for all of his lifelong 
achievements.

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