[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 63 (Monday, May 7, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E711]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE STOUGHTON AREA SENIOR CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. TAMMY BALDWIN

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 7, 2012

  Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 40th anniversary 
of the Stoughton Area Senior Center and to recognize its outstanding 
commitment and contribution to our community.
  The Stoughton Area Senior Center began operating out of the basement 
of Our Saviors Lutheran Church as a social gathering place for local 
seniors in 1972 and eventually relocated to the First Federal Bank 
building in 1994. Situated along the banks of the Yahara River, the 
Senior Center's distinctive Norwegian-style building not only provides 
essential support and programming, but also greets all of Stoughton's 
residents and visitors as they drive down Main Street and into town. 
Over the years both my staff and I have had the privilege of holding 
public meetings at the Senior Center.
  The Senior Center is committed to the enrichment of the lives of 
seniors and their families through a wide array of programs. However, 
this building is a hub for much more than a few games of bingo or 
euchre. The vision and dedication of staff and volunteers has led to 
the development of innovative programs like Zumba and Tai Chi, classes 
on health insurance and economics, and support groups for families. A 
team of Case Managers strive to help seniors remain independent by 
providing information and guidance about local services. Additionally, 
the Senior Center prides itself on its nutritional program, which is 
funded through the Older Americans Act and directed by the staff 
nutritionist. Last year, the Senior Center served 4,531 meals in-house 
and delivered 15,140 more meals directly to homes.
  From these vital services to community partnerships to annual pool 
tournaments, the Senior Center could not operate without the devotion 
and hard work of volunteers. Throughout the years, countless volunteers 
of all ages have contributed to and supported the Senior Center. In 
2011, a total of 177 volunteers contributed a staggering 11,111 hours 
of service.
  The Stoughton Area Senior Center believes that, ``Aging brings 
changes. You make life choices. We provide options.'' For the past 40 
years, the Stoughton Area Senior Center has provided options, 
invaluable services, and programming for our seniors and community. I 
offer hearty congratulations to the staff, volunteers, community 
partners, and the City of Stoughton for remaining committed to 
providing the highest level of service to our seniors. I wish the 
Stoughton Area Senior Center the very best and many more years of 
continued success.

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