[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 195 (Wednesday, December 19, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2649]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN HONOR OF THE VETERANS MEMORIAL SENIOR CENTER IN REDWOOD CITY

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                            HON. TOM LANTOS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 19, 2007

  Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to share news about a 
remarkable organization serving many of the constituents in my home 
district. The Veterans Memorial Senior Center in Redwood City recently 
celebrated its recognition as the first--and only--accredited senior 
center in San Mateo County, the third in California and just the 148th 
of the 15,000 senior centers in the United States. The senior center's 
accreditation status is bestowed by the National Institute of Senior 
Centers (NISC), a unit of the National Council on the Aging.
  Accreditation is the official recognition that a senior center is 
meeting its mission in a nationally accepted professional fashion. It 
is based on compliance with nine standards of senior center operations 
developed by NISC. Accreditation is unique to the senior center field 
and demonstrates outstanding leadership and commitment to high quality 
programs and services to older adults.
  Madam Speaker, the Veterans Memorial Senior Center is to be commended 
for its vision, collaborative relationships, volunteer programs, 
outreach programs, wide range of health and fitness programs, plus 
support services. Its mission is to provide inclusive programs that 
enhance the body, mind and spirit focusing on health and wellness 
through a variety of social events, expressive arts, nutrition, 
fitness, educational, and recreational classes; plus social services 
support. And it does this very well.
  On December 1, 2007, the Center celebrated its 25th Anniversary with 
a gala event featuring a theme of ``Honoring Our Legacy and Looking 
Into Our Future.'' I rise today to recognize them on achieving this 
milestone, and to thank them on behalf of a grateful nation for all the 
good they do.
  Madam Speaker, on behalf of my constituents and the House, I thank 
the Veterans Memorial Senior Center on Madison Avenue in Redwood City 
for its 25 years of service and note the exemplary work that Linda M. 
Griffith, its director, has done to achieve this prestigious 
accreditation.

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