[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 118 (Friday, July 31, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2148]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           A TRIBUTE TO THE VOLUNTEERS OF WOODSTOCK, NEW YORK

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MAURICE D. HINCHEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 31, 2009

  Mr. HINCHEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
volunteers of Woodstock, New York, which is part of the 22nd 
Congressional District that I proudly serve. Once a year, the Woodstock 
community joins to honor those members who have given their time and 
energy to help others. This year, I am proud to commemorate the Fifth 
Annual Woodstock Volunteers' Day. In the American tradition of 
``lending a hand,'' I am delighted to recognize this community's 
activist history and continued commitment to altruism.
  Although people began settling in its mountainous land long before 
the American Revolution, Woodstock was officially named a township in 
1787. At the turn of the twentieth century, Woodstock was a quaint, 
farming town and an upstate escape for artists and craftspeople. Since 
those early days, Woodstock has maintained a notable relationship 
between artists and non-artists, enabling people of all generations to 
work hand-in-hand for the sake of the community. A Woodstock historian 
writes, ``More recently, the artists and local people have worked 
together to better the town, joining in efforts to support the library, 
local planning, local schools, and governments. Woodstock has become 
truly a melting pot of a tremendously diverse group of people working 
together for a better way of life.''
  The Fifth Annual Woodstock Volunteers' Day will pay homage to a 
number of volunteers and volunteer organizations, including the 
Woodstock Rescue Squad, Meals on Wheels, Family of Woodstock, Woodstock 
Fire Companies No. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, as well as their Auxiliaries, the 
Daily Bread Soup Kitchen, the Woodstock Food Pantry, all volunteers for 
the Town of Woodstock, Friends of the Library, the Woodstock Historical 
Society and the Boards of the various arts organizations with the 
Woodstock Arts Consortium.
  There is an unparalleled value in the act of giving oneself 
voluntarily. Volunteerism provides an appreciation for community, 
instills a respect for life and humanity, and creates a bond that 
transcends generations. The Woodstock community has demonstrated a 
strong history and distinguished appreciation for this value, thus I 
extol their achievements. As thankful members of the Woodstock 
community gather to recognize the selfless acts of neighbors and 
friends, let us recognize the voluntary daily acts of kindness here in 
Woodstock and throughout America that strengthen our foundation. Madam 
Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to recognize the volunteers of 
Woodstock, New York as they celebrate the Fifth Annual Woodstock 
Volunteers' Day.

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