[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 188 (Thursday, December 8, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2219]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ETHEL MacLEOD HART SENIOR 
                                 CENTER

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 8, 2011

  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Ethel 
MacLeod Hart Senior Center, a popular gathering location for 
Sacramento's seniors. It is a great pleasure to recognize the center's 
50th Anniversary, as it has provided a positive environment that 
enhances and affirms older adults' dignity and promotes their 
independence. As the Hart Center's supporters and patrons gather to 
celebrate this milestone, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in 
honoring the center's leadership and service to the Sacramento 
community.
  The Sacramento Senior Center was formed in 1961, and was later 
renamed the Ethel MacLeod Hart Senior Center in honor of Hart's 
generous legacy to the city's senior community. From its earliest 
beginnings, the center has helped to foster a welcoming environment 
that supports older citizens' interests and needs, a place in which 
senior citizens feel a connection to each other and receive validation 
from the wider community.
  Over the last fifty years, the Hart Center has provided a wide 
variety of recreational and health services. The center's programs 
include flu clinics, legal workshops, the Friendship Cafe, computer 
classes, and a hearing impaired club. In addition, the Center's staff 
publish a monthly newsletter called the Hart Cornerstone that announces 
community events, and provide fitness classes that promote physical 
exercise and encourage healthy aging. The Hart Center has also 
partnered with a number of organizations to meet the needs of local 
seniors, including the Gray Panthers, Older Women's League, Sacramento 
Senior Legal Hotline, California Health Advocates, Social Security, the 
Franchise Tax Board, and many others.
  As a member of Congress, I have had the privilege of visiting the 
Hart Senior Center on numerous occasions. Earlier this year I had the 
opportunity to speak at an Older Women's League monthly meeting at the 
Center, and talk about legislative proposals that affect Sacramento's 
senior community. Additionally, last summer the Hart Senior Center 
hosted a Social Security 75th anniversary party where we celebrated the 
program and reflected on its importance.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to the Ethel MacLeod Hart 
Senior Center on its 50th anniversary. I ask my colleagues to join me 
in honoring the Hart Center's role of providing the community with much 
needed services.

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