[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 127 (Friday, August 3, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1738]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATING BELLA ZELDA ``JEANETTE'' KOLBER ON THE OCCASION OF HER 
                             100TH BIRTHDAY

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                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 3, 2007

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a great 
milestone for one of my constituents, Bella Zelda ``Jeanette'' Kolber. 
On Sunday, August 5, Mrs. Kolber will mark her 100th birthday, an event 
that her entire family and many friends are looking forward to 
celebrating with her.
  Born at home on August 5, 1907 to Pearl and Louis Cohn, the first of 
their six children, Mrs. Kolber has lived in the Ninth Congressional 
District for decades and the city of Chicago her entire life.
  As a child, Mrs. Kolber attended Von Humboldt Elementary School and 
Wells High School in Chicago. In 1934, Mrs. Kolber married her beloved 
Leo ``Lefty'' Kolber. After the birth of their two children, Lois and 
Marshall, she became an active volunteer with the Bernard Moos PTA and 
was the PTA president in 1951. Mrs. Kolber enjoyed a long working 
career. She worked for many years at the Heineman's silk company. She 
also worked at Marshall Field for almost 20 years in the personal 
shopping department. After being forced to retire from Marshall Field, 
due to her age, she was hired by Lord & Taylor, where she worked almost 
20 more years, and achieved the highest honors--gold and diamond awards 
for her outstanding work there.
  Mrs. Kolber is an avid ballroom dancer. She has danced all over 
Chicago, winning trophies at numerous contests throughout the years. 
From Daley Plaza to the Aragon Theater and the Levy Center to outdoor 
music festivals and family events, she's never resisted a chance to get 
up and move to the music. And she's still dancing.
  On the occasion of her 100th birthday this year Mrs. Kolber has 
decided she wants to officially correct an error that occurred years 
ago. She was erroneously given the name ``Jeanette'' upon entering 
elementary school, by a teacher who simply did not like her given name. 
As a result, throughout her life Mrs. Kolber has gone by ``Jeanette,'' 
but has recently asked to be referred to by her given name, Bella 
Zelda. And so, I am pleased to stand up before the U.S. House of 
Representatives to honor and recognize Mrs. Kolber and to officially 
recognize her given name.
  Above all else in her life, Mrs. Kolber is devoted to her children, 
grandchildren and great-grandchildren and her dear extended family and 
friends. She has done more than her share of caring for and giving to 
them over the years. Mrs. Kolber brings great joy and inspiration to 
her family and close friends and I am proud to join them in celebrating 
this remarkable woman on the occasion of her 100th birthday.
  Happy 100th birthday and keep dancing, Mrs. Bella Zelda Kolber.




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