[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 4 (Friday, January 9, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E60]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO MRS. JOSEPHINE ARNOLD

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                            HON. FRED UPTON

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 9, 2009

  Mr. UPTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mrs. 
Josephine Arnold of Portage, Michigan, for her nearly 30 years of 
distinguished service to the Portage Senior Center and the greater 
Kalamazoo area.
  Jo began working with the Portage Senior Center in 1979 and was named 
its charter director in 1992 when the Portage City Council created the 
Department of Senior Services to give the senior center a direct link 
to the council. Since its inception 30 years ago, the Portage Senior 
Center has gained 2,000 members and currently has a regular daily 
attendance of 200 senior citizens. Under Jo's leadership in 2000, the 
Portage Senior Center became Michigan's first nationally accredited 
senior center and one of an elite group of 127 centers that have been 
nationally accredited. Throughout the years, Jo's overriding goal at 
the center has been to promote personal growth, health, friendship, and 
independence for area seniors and all generation participants. In 
addition to her career with the city of Portage, Jo has been an active 
community member as an instructor at Kalamazoo Valley Community College 
and as the activities director of Friendship Village.
  Jo has been an inspirational figure, exuding friendship, generosity, 
and leadership in her commitment to a population often neglected by 
society. Her dedication to community development will be remembered for 
years to come and her example followed to continue to aid senior 
citizens in Kalamazoo.
  Once again, I would like to personally congratulate and thank Jo 
Arnold for her many years of public service to the citizens of this 
great country. Southwest Michigan is truly a better place because of 
her contributions.

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