[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 9 (Tuesday, January 22, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E55-E56]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO JOANIE HELGESEN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ROBERT WEXLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 22, 2008

  Mr. WEXLER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Joanie Helgesen for 
winning the title of Ms. Florida Senior America 2007. A constituent of 
mine from Boynton Beach, Ms. Helgesen proudly represents the entire 
senior community of Florida, and I am honored that she resides within 
my congressional district.
  The Ms. Senior America Pageant first began in 1971 and has since been 
expressing the

[[Page E56]]

many wonderful qualities of aging. As a prime representation of senior 
activism in America, the Ms. Senior America Pageant's philosophy is 
based upon the belief that seniors are the foundation of America, and 
that it is upon their knowledge, experience and resources that the 
younger generation has the opportunity to build a better society. As a 
representative of one of the largest senior communities in America, I 
share this philosophy and acknowledge the importance of seniors in the 
development of our youth and our communities as a whole.
  Joanie Helgesen moved to Florida 4 years ago, and in that short time 
has been very active in the community. She is a tap dancer, showgirl 
and harpist with the Original Florida Follies, a non-profit 
organization of 50 performers, ages 60 to 90, who present spectacular 
stage extravaganzas each winter season with proceeds going to children 
in need and at risk in south Florida. She also does commercial modeling 
and is an animal lover who rescues homeless and neglected animals. A 
mother of two daughters and five grandchildren, Joanie believes life 
begins at 60, and she is making the most of her golden years.
  I am proud to recognize Joanie Helgesen for being named Ms. Florida 
Senior America 2007; she is well deserving of this title and is a great 
representative of the senior community in south Florida.

                          ____________________