[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 21 (Tuesday, March 1, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E310-E311]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     TRIBUTE TO ANNIE SELLERS AS SHE CELEBRATES HER 100TH BIRTHDAY

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                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 1, 2005

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to join the many family and friends who have gathered to celebrate the 
1OOth birthday of one of our community's most outstanding citizens and 
my dear friend, Annie Sellers. Since she came to New Haven in 1958, 
Annie has been an active member of the community--especially with our 
senior citizens.
  Our communities would not be the same without the efforts of those 
who volunteer their time and energies to make a difference. Advocate, 
champion, and friend--Annie has always been there to assist those in 
need. I have been fortunate enough to know Annie for many years and 
have always been proud to work with her. Her friendship, to both myself 
and my mother, has meant more to us than words could ever express.
  As the founder and director of the Farnum Senior Center, Annie's 
contributions to the New Haven community have been invaluable. Our 
seniors face so many challenges which is why organizations like the 
Farnum Senior Center are so important. Annie recognized this need 
within her own community and created a place where the seniors of 
Farnum Courts could gather together--a place where they could discuss 
issues of importance to them, receive information on the programs and 
services that are available to them, and where they would always find 
an advocate ready to meet their needs. It is because of people like 
Annie--true leaders--that the voices of our seniors never go unheard.
  In addition to her work within the Farnum Courts community, Annie has 
also been an

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active member of the National Council of Senior Citizens, the National 
Association of Mature People, and the National Tenants Organization. A 
member of the Faith Missionary Baptist Church in West Haven for nearly 
fifty years, she has held various leadership positions within the 
congregation as well. All of this, and Annie still found the time to 
raise twelve children of her own and act as a foster mother to numerous 
other children. Through her compassion, love, and generosity, Annie has 
quietly touched the lives of many and left an indelible mark on our 
community.
  Through all of her good work, Annie brings a very special gift to our 
community--that of hope and inspiration. That is why I am proud to 
stand today to join her twelve children; thirty grandchildren, fifty-
nine great-grandchildren; and thirty-five great-great-grandchildren; 
family, friends, and the New Haven community in marking this remarkable 
milestone--the 100th birthday of Annie Sellers. Marking a century of 
life, this very special occasion reflects her extraordinary resilience 
and strength of spirit. She is a true community treasure--Happy 
Birthday, Annie!

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