[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 50 (Friday, April 22, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E747]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN HONOR OF MS. ELEANOR WASSON'S 97TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 21, 2005

  Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate a truly 
remarkable woman who is celebrating her 97th birthday this month. Ms. 
Eleanor Wasson, a woman locally known as the ``great connector'' 
originally lived in Beverly Hills with her husband, the head of the 
legal department for 20th Century Fox movie studio. There, Ms. Wasson 
mingled with friends such as Celeste Holm, Claudette Colbert, Betty 
White and Will Rogers. In between volunteering, caring for her 
children, and working as an activist, she was named the Coordinator of 
Volunteer Services for UCLA, and was also appointed to California 
Governor Earl Warren's Mental Health Commission.
  After her beloved husband, George, passed on, Eleanor decided to sell 
her home in Santa Monica Canyon and move to Santa Cruz at the age of 
81. A woman deeply committed to the community around her, Ms. Wasson 
has adopted several causes to make the world a better place. She has 
served on the boards of both Earth Save and Women Rise for Global 
Peace. Her activism is rooted in her desire to work for peace, having 
been deeply affected by WWI as a child.
  Mrs. Wasson's kindness and acceptance for others is truly legendary. 
Weekly, she invites both a local Catholic Priest and Robert White 
Mountain, an elder of the Lakota Tribe, to discuss local and global 
concerns. While living in Los Angeles, she asked famous actors such as 
Reginald Denny, Leon Ames, and Tyrone Power to dance with women at the 
psychiatric ward where she was volunteering her time.
  In addition to being a peace activist, a volunteer, and mother, Mrs. 
Wasson is also an author. She has written a successful autobiography 
entitled 28,000 Martinis, published in January 2004. In 28,000 
Martinis, Mrs. Wasson's positive and optimistic approach to life is 
captured, ultimately lending her energy, vibrancy and creativity to all 
who read the book. Through her own life story, she is able to 
demonstrate that goodwill, knowledge and action are the keys to 
enriching one's own life, as well as those around you.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my deepest gratitude and 
admiration for this vibrant and loving woman. Eleanor's social and 
environmental activism and her kindness towards all have infinitely 
improved the culture and character of the 17th district. I am honored 
to wish her a happy 97th birthday on behalf of myself, and the 
community that values and loves her.

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