[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 136 (Thursday, September 24, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2360]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF MELVIN J. LARSON'S 54 YEARS OF SERVICE TO UNITED 
                     CERBERAL PALSY OF WILL COUNTY

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                       HON. DEBORAH L. HALVORSON

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 24, 2009

  Mrs. HALVORSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Melvin J. 
Larson for his fifty-four years of service as a board member and 
founder of United Cerebral Palsy of Will County, now known as United 
Cerebral Palsy of Illinois Prairieland.
  Melvin Larson's life has been one of service to others. He has said, 
``To make life a little easier for someone, I hope I can make some 
contribution to that end.'' That is exactly what he did. He moved to 
Joliet, Illinois in 1954 where he became the head of Joliet Junior 
College's (JJC) Department of Physical Science. Upon retirement in 1975 
from a successful career at JJC, he began a quest to help others.
  Melvin Larson formed the first Will County chapter of the United 
Cerebral Palsy organization, with a vision to provide an education to 
children with disabilities. The organization began with just six 
families, but quickly grew to 35. It was not long before they outgrew 
their single room in the former Rehn School and began utilizing an 
entire grade school building. Thousands of children have benefited from 
the school throughout the years, and today more than 60 children are 
currently enrolled.
  The dedication, service, and commitment exhibited by Melvin Larson 
throughout his life merit recognition and should be showcased as an 
example for selflessness unto others. That is why today we must honor 
Mel's vision to provide an education to children with disabilities.

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