[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 9 (Tuesday, January 31, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E20]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING GEORGETTE ``TOOTSIE'' LASKE ON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 31, 2006

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to join the many family, friends, and community members who have 
gathered to pay tribute to an outstanding member of the Branford 
community and a dear friend of mine, Georgette ``Tootsie'' Laske. After 
twenty-seven years of dedicated service to the Town of Branford, 
Tootsie has retired from municipal service. Though she will no longer 
be at Town Hall, I have no doubt that Tootsie will continue to be a 
fixture in the Branford community.
  A life-long resident of Branford, Tootsie graduated from Branford 
High School where she was an active and skilled athlete. Playing 
basketball, field hockey, volleyball, and gymnastics, Tootsie was 
recognized in 1999 for her accomplishments with induction into the 
Branford Sports Hall of Fame. After high school, Tootsie began working 
for Security Insurance Company and Nationwide Insurance. However, in 
1978, Tootsie was hired by then Town Clerk Peter Abondi as Branford's 
Assistant Town Clerk--a position which she held until her election as 
Town Clerk in 1992. In her many years of service at Town Hall, Tootsie 
has made residents and non-residents alike feel welcome with her 
complimentary Tootsie Roll candies. Her kind heart and special way with 
people made her a popular figure at Town Hall and there is no doubt 
that her presence will be missed.
  Tootsie's dedication to her community extended far beyond her work at 
Town Hall. Our communities would not be the same without those 
individuals who so willingly volunteer their time and energy on behalf 
of others. Throughout her lifetime, Tootsie has been this kind of 
community member--always willing to help in any way that she could. 
Whether it was as a volunteer for the Special Olympics World Games 
Connecticut in 1995, as a long-time member of the Italian-American 
Women's Auxiliary of Branford, or her work with a multitude of local 
civic organizations, Tootsie's unwavering efforts have touched the 
lives of many. I have no doubt that, though she will be enjoying her 
retirement, Tootsie will continue to find ways in which she can enrich 
the community as well as the lives of others.
  I am also glad to have this opportunity to extend my personal thanks 
and sincere appreciation to Tootsie for her many years of support and 
friendship. Tootsie is an extraordinary woman and I consider myself 
privileged to call her my friend.
  For her countless hours of service, both professionally and 
personally, to the Town of Branford, I am proud to rise today to join 
her husband, James; her four children, Kathleen, Nancy, Thomas, and 
James; her eight grandchildren, Jenna, Bridget, Kelly, Scott, Mikayla, 
Patrick, Allison, and Kirsten; family, friends, colleagues, and 
community members in extending my sincere congratulations to Georgette 
``Tootsie'' Laske as she celebrates her retirement. Her generosity, 
compassion, and good heart have left an indelible mark on the Branford 
community and a legacy that will inspire generations to come. My very 
best wishes for many more years of health and happiness.

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