[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 83 (Friday, May 28, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E975]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MILFORD SENIOR CENTER

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                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 27, 2010

  Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, I rise to commemorate 40 years of elderly 
care and companionship at the Milford Senior Center, the first and 
oldest senior center in Milford and one of the top ten places in the 
country for single retirees, according to U.S. News and World Report 
last year.
  Four decades ago this month, the Mary Taylor Memorial United 
Methodist Church opened what would become the Milford Senior Center in 
three rooms in their church basement. Today, the Center boasts its own 
sprawling 30,000-square-foot facility, with an auditorium, dining hall, 
lounge, music room, and, for those senior citizens bravely foraying 
into 21st century technology, even a computer lab.
  And along with providing a wonderful environment for seniors to 
socialize and relax, the Milford Center provides a number of important 
services for the community, from meals on wheels to free blood pressure 
screenings to energy and income tax assistance. Their Ahrens Program, 
while offering much-needed respite to caregivers, helps seniors with 
cognitive impairments to eat well, learn, and play.
  All too often, one's ``golden years'' can be filled with struggle. 
Health concerns, the loss of independence, a profound sense of 
loneliness--these are just some of the challenges our seniors can face 
in later years. But senior centers like Milford, and the invaluable 
programs, services, and activities they provide, help to stem these 
obstacles. They make a real difference in the lives of some of our most 
vulnerable citizens. Thanks to Milford, elderly citizens can come 
together, get the help and resources they need to thrive, and, in 
short, have fun.
  My deepest thanks go out to the staff of the center for all the good 
they have done over the past 40 years. Congratulations on reaching this 
milestone, and here's to many more such anniversaries in the future. 
Your caring each and every day reminds us, as it reminds so many of 
Milford's seniors, that age is really just a state of mind.

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