[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 86 (Friday, June 24, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1354]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO MILDRED SPITZER, VOLUNTEER

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                           HON. WM. LACY CLAY

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 24, 2005

  Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the ageless energy, 
optimism and achievements of Mildred Spitzer, who at 100 years young 
brings a brightness and light to her community.
  Mrs. Spitzer's volunteer service at the University City Children's 
Center, the Washington University School of Medicine, and Temple Israel 
are part of her lifelong commitment to serving society. Mrs. Spitzer 
has spent what should be her retirement years performing office work, 
working as the secretary of her retiree's group, and caring for 
infants. Mr. Stephen Zwolak, the executive director of the children's 
center, says that her work is ``wonderful,'' and provides the ``human 
touch [the babies] need to create attachment,'' a cornerstone of the 
center's educational philosophy. By all accounts, she inspires others 
with her youthful exuberance and enthusiasm.
  Mrs. Spitzer was born on April 22, 1905, in Philadelphia, 
Pennsylvania where she also attended Temple University. While living in 
Summit, New Jersey, she founded a chapter of a Jewish educational 
charity. She was married to Harold Spitzer for 47 years and she is the 
proud matriarch of a family of three daughters, six grandchildren, and 
now six great grandchildren. Mildred Spitzer has resided in the First 
District of Missouri for the past 12 years. She is committed to regular 
exercise and played golf well into her eighties. She now enjoys playing 
cards and reading and takes pride in doing her own shopping and 
housework.
  For her part, Mrs. Spitzer is humble and eager to thank God for her 
longevity, health, and happiness. Her philosophy of good--good will and 
good thoughts--is both pragmatic and profound, as she asks us all 
simply ``What's the use in being cranky?'' Her life stands as a 
testament to her kind spirit, faith and optimistic outlook.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize Mrs. Mildred Spitzer 
before the U.S. House of Representatives for her many lifetime 
achievements, longevity, and ongoing vigor and energy. She has 
demonstrated an indefatigable love of life and a commitment to helping 
others. Mildred Spitzer is a national treasure and a source of national 
pride.

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