[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 123 (Wednesday, September 28, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1965]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO JOHN AND BETTY ANN DONEGAN FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO 
                             THE COMMUNITY

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                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 28, 2005

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to join Harbor Health Services and the many family, friends, and 
community members who have gathered to pay tribute to two outstanding 
members of the Branford community and my good friends, John and Betty 
Ann Donegan. John and Betty Ann have dedicated a lifetime to public and 
community service--making all the difference throughout the Branford 
community.
  As Harbor Health Services celebrates its 25th Anniversary, it is only 
fitting that they should honor Betty Ann who, as a charter board 
member, helped give life to this outstanding organization. Since its 
inception, Harbor Health Services has provided invaluable programs and 
services to those with behavioral health needs and has become a leader 
in quality care and service. Through her efforts and guidance on the 
Board, Betty Ann's involvement with the organization has helped to make 
it the success it is today. However, it is not just for her good work 
with this agency that she is being honored.
  Both John and Betty Ann have devoted countless hours to the Branford 
community. Every community should be so fortunate as to have a couple 
who so willingly give of themselves to make a difference in the lives 
of others. Betty Ann's reputation as an active and dynamic volunteer is 
only further enhanced when you consider the innumerable contributions 
she has made. Whether chairing benefits for the Branford Volunteer 
Service Center, the celebration of the reopening of the James 
Blackstone Memorial Library, or the Branford Festival, it seems that 
Betty Ann is always available to lend a helping hand to ensure that 
these community events are a success.
  John has also demonstrated a unique commitment to public and 
community service. He has represented Branford residents as a member of 
the Representative Town Meeting, served on the Branford Board of 
Education, and has for many years served as the town's Judge of 
Probate. In addition to his public service, John has also devoted much 
of his time to community organizations. For 25 years he served as 
Secretary of the Branford Community Foundation, he is the immediate 
past president of the Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club and has 
served as volunteer counsel for the Branford Volunteer Service Center. 
Through all of these efforts, John has quietly enriched the community, 
improving the quality of life for all of its residents.
  On a more personal note, I must also thank John and Betty Ann for 
their many years of special friendship. When I first ran for Congress 
in 1989, the Donegans were some of the very first to support my 
efforts. Even during a horrible blizzard, they opened up their home to 
introduce me to the Branford community. They are true friends and I am 
certainly fortunate to have their support and encouragement.
  Their dedication and commitment to public and community service is 
unparalleled. John and Betty Ann reflect all that community leaders 
should be. I am certainly proud to call them my friends. I am pleased 
to stand today and join all of those gathered in extending my deepest 
thanks and appreciation to John and Betty Ann Donegan as they are so 
fittingly honored by Harbor Health Services with their Community 
Service Award. There are few who have demonstrated such generosity and 
compassion. They have left an indelible mark on the Branford 
community--a legacy that has touched the lives of thousands.

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