[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 65 (Tuesday, May 23, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E936]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF THE BROWARD COUNTY 23RD ANNUAL SENIOR HALL OF FAME 
                               BREAKFAST

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. E. CLAY SHAW, JR.

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 23, 2006

  Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, May 25, 2006, 11 outstanding 
Broward elders will be honored at the Annual Senior Hall of Fame 
Breakfast. These 11 seniors being honored have volunteered in their 
communities and have contributed countless hours to helping others. 
Their outstanding character and compassion have truly set them apart. 
Those being honored are Judith Armstrong, Frieda Kramer, Reverend James 
Gooden, Helen Landers, Marie Long, Robert Millikan, June Sragow, 
Shirley Strassler, Jean Thompson, Mayor Joe Varsallone and Sunny Wein.
  Judith Armstrong of Fort Lauderdale volunteers with the MediVan 
Health and Community Services' MediVan Project, providing critically 
needed primary medical care and prescription medicines to Broward's 
uninsured, low-income, elderly community. Ms. Armstrong is active on 
many different senior committees and manages multiple worthwhile 
projects, making her an incredible asset to the community of Fort 
Lauderdale.
  Frieda Kramer of Coral Springs has dedicated over 20 years of service 
as a volunteer. She worked as a Medicare counselor with the Jewish 
Family Service at the Coral Springs Medical Center and with the SHINE 
(Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Program as a counselor. 
Frieda's dedication to helping the elderly with Medicare and medical 
needs goes above and beyond the call of duty. Her contributions of 
time, talent and energy have inspired all.
  Reverend James Gooden of Fort Lauderdale has contributed countless 
hours to the Broward Schools Bi-racial Committee, the City of Fort 
Lauderdale Redevelopment Committee, and the Planning Committee for the 
North Broward Hospital District's Seventh Avenue Family Health Center. 
Reverend James Gooden is truly dedicated to helping those less 
fortunate and his love for humanity is demonstrated through all of his 
actions.
  Helen Landers of Fort Lauderdale has dedicated her life's work to 
improving the status of women in our Nation's history. As chair of the 
Florida Education and Employment Council for Women and Girls, Ms. 
Landers has helped improved the status of all females. She is not only 
an outstanding advocate for women, but also for the environment. Ms. 
Landers is a Florida and Broward County Women's Hall of Fame Award 
Member and a valued historian.
  Marie Long of Coral Springs is a very youthful 90-year-old volunteer 
at the Coral Springs Medical Center. Ms. Long has totaled more than 
8,000 volunteer hours and has assisted her community through her 
passion for the latest computer technology. Marie's positive outlook 
and motivation support her life motto, ``Youth is in the mind, not 
the age.'' These words come from an inspirational and well respected 
lady who leaves a legacy everyday in her community.

  Robert Millikan of Coconut Creek is the face of the Breakfast Club at 
the Northwest Focal Point Senior Center. The center is a congregate 
lunch site, however, thanks to Robert participants have enjoyed 
breakfast, as well, for 8 years. Robert is beloved by both seniors and 
staff for his humble service and friendship. His kind heart has been a 
gift to everyone who has known him.
  June Sragow of Hollywood is a retired educator who devotes her time 
and teaching skills to improving the lives of her peers. For over 8 
years she has volunteered at Southeast Focal Point Senior Center 
teaching American History and Current Affairs, as well as tutoring non-
English speaking seniors in the English language. June devotes her free 
time to Hospice of Southeast Florida. June's enthusiasm and desire to 
give back are evident by her visible presence in the community.
  Shirley Strassler of Tamarac recently celebrated her 96th birthday, 
making her the hardest and oldest working volunteer. Ms. Strassler 
averages over 300 hours of service a year. Her work has involved: 
collecting canned goods, shopping for food and getting clothing to 
those in need during the holidays, and helping the senior program with 
various activities. Shirley won Volunteer of the Month in January 2003 
for her outstanding dedication and inspiration to South Floridians she 
has touched along the way.
  Jean Thompson of Fort Lauderdale has given countless hours of her 
time, since 1982, serving the less fortunate and homeless. Jean 
volunteers her time providing food, clothing, and medical supplies to 
the homeless of all ages. Jean has given hope to those who have lost 
their way and changes lives with her unconditional love.
  Joe Varsallone of Margate has diligently served the city of Margate 
as mayor, vice mayor, and commissioner for more than 20 years. Mayor 
Varsallone continues to assure that the needs of Broward's senior 
population are met by voting to appropriate funding to the Aging and 
Disability Resource Center. Joe Varsallone's generosity and grand 
presence within the community gives Broward County seniors the ability 
to live in their accustomed environments, without losing their 
independence.
  Sunny Wein of Tamarac has volunteered with the city of Tamarac for 
approximately 26 years. Ms. Wein began calling and coordinating 
volunteer drivers to pick up elderly residents for medical and shopping 
appointments. She also assisted Hall of Famer Helen Sobel in collecting 
clothing, food and other items for needy families in Tamarc. Sunny is a 
hard working, dedicated volunteer who loves interacting with people and 
enjoys helping others.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to again congratulate these 11 outstanding 
Broward County citizens who are being honored at the Annual Senior Hall 
of Fame, and thank them for their years of service to their fellow 
Floridians.

                          ____________________