[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 38 (Thursday, March 30, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E479]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    A TRIBUTE TO THE HEIGHTS PLAYERS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 30, 2006

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a talented and 
distinguished community theater group, the Heights Players, as they 
embark upon their 50th anniversary. It is an honor to represent the 
Heights Players in the House of Representatives and it behooves us to 
pay tribute to such an outstanding community organization that has 
brought the art of performance to adults and children throughout 
Brooklyn.
  Mr. Speaker, the Heights Players were founded in 1956 by a small 
collection of theatre-lovers and successfully produced their first 
production, Hasty Heart, in February of 1957. The Heights Players 
eventually established themselves as a nonprofit educational 
corporation of New York, offering a workshop program and expanding the 
group to extend opportunities to new performers and directors.
  For the past 50 years, the Heights Players have continued to assume 
an active role in the community by presenting performances for homeless 
groups, senior citizens and hospital-bound children. In 1962, the 
Heights Players moved to their current location at the historic 26 
Willow Place in the basement of the Alfred T. White Community Center. 
The Heights Players, under their Board of Directors, continuously seek 
to enhance the quality of their performances, facilities, and 
organization.
  The Heights Players now enjoy a large membership of 200 subscribers 
and a group mailing list of 2,500 supporters, including those from the 
Brooklyn Heights Community along with the tri-state area. The Heights 
Players also continue to provide special Theater for Children 
performances, traveling entertainment to Brooklyn hospitals, nursing 
homes, and Hale House in Manhattan, and special performances to nearly 
1,000 homeless New Yorkers annually. They have been awarded for their 
ongoing laudable community efforts by Brooklyn Borough President Abe 
Stark, the Brooklyn Heights Association, the City Council, and Borough 
President Howard Golden, who designated April 4, 1987, as ``Heights 
Players Day.''
  Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent on this body to recognize 
the achievements and committed service of the Heights Players as they 
continue to offer their artistic talents and performances for the 
benefit of the community.
  Mr. Speaker, may our country continue to benefit from the actions of 
altruistic community leaders such as the Heights Players.

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