[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 147 (Monday, October 1, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2024]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN HONOR OF THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HOUSE OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

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                           HON. SCOTT GARRETT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 1, 2007

  Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of 
the 125th anniversary of The House of the Good Shepherd retirement 
community in Hackettstown, New Jersey. For over a century, this 
community has provided seniors with a place to call home.
  In 1882, five Episcopal Congregations founded The House with a 20-
room rental building in Orange, New Jersey, rented for the sum of $400. 
Less than a decade later, they had outgrown that building and a new 
home was built in Orange housing three dozen women. In the 1960s, they 
expanded their offering to 175 residences on a wooded, 15-acre site in 
Hackettstown. The Musconetcong River and Stephens State Park offer a 
serene and quiet atmosphere. And, the excellent staff offer a loving 
and friendly environment for the seniors who live there.
  The House of the Good Shepherd is equipped to offer its residents a 
variety of care options from independent apartments to assisted living 
suites to skilled nursing residences. It is an active community where 
seniors to go live their golden years to the fullest.
  This year's anniversary is somewhat bittersweet for the residents of 
this community as their Executive Director of more than ten years has 
announced his retirement. Fred Heleine has ministered to and served the 
needs of these seniors admirably and with love and compassion since 
1995, and as he said in announcing his retirement to his extended 
family of The House of the Good Shepherd, ``I leave The House with much 
gratitude for the privilege of having been there.'' I know that the 
gratitude is mutual, and I join the community in thanking Fred for his 
fine service.
  This Sunday, at a gala celebration fitting of such a momentous 
milestone, the residents and staff of The House of the Good Shepherd 
will be joined by members of the extended community. To mark this 
special anniversary, they will present their first annual 
``Distinguished Friend of The House'' award to Claudia Conway, a 
longtime resident of Hackettstown and supporter of The House.
  Ms. Conway's service has been remarkable, particularly her 
participation on the Foundation Advisory Council, and she was a natural 
choice for this first award. But her dedication to The House not only 
speaks volumes of her goodness and compassion, but also of the 
worthiness of her cause. The House of the Good Shepherd is a phenomenal 
community and I wish it the best for another century of service.

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