[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 120 (Monday, September 10, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1456]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN RECOGNITION OF HELEN FRESSOLA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 10, 2012

  Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I along with my colleague, Mr. Neal, rise 
today to recognize Mrs. Helen Fressola on her ninetieth birthday.
  Born Helen Haluszka on September 14, 1922, Helen has experienced much 
throughout her ninety years. Raised in Chicopee as one of three 
siblings, Helen grew up in Western Massachusetts and also often spent 
time in Cape Cod, which she considered her second home. Helen began 
work as a branch manager for Springfield Institution Savings Bank as a 
young woman, and remained there until her retirement. She also worked 
as a real estate agent for many years, helping families throughout 
Massachusetts to find the right home. In her spare time, Helen enjoyed 
``flipping'' houses--the act of purchasing, remodeling, and then 
selling old homes--and eventually, she expanded this hobby to include 
restaurants as well. The many homes and restaurants that she renovated 
remain scattered throughout western Massachusetts and Connecticut.
  Today, Helen's life is dominated by her love of the ocean, and she is 
an active member of the Hyannis Yacht Club. She has been interested in 
politics for decades, and recalls attending events on the Cape that 
were hosted by members of the Kennedy family. She attributes her 
longevity to staying young at heart, a way of life that Helen has 
personified. Even at ninety, she enjoys going out to dinner with her 
friends and visiting her favorite casino, and she still insists on 
driving herself to every social occasion that she attends. Helen spends 
much of her time with her ever-expanding family in Massachusetts. She 
is the proud mother of son Alfred and daughter Carol, grandmother of 
Joan, and great-grandmother of Shyloe.
  Mr. Speaker, we are proud to honor Helen Fressola as she celebrates 
the joyous occasion of her ninetieth birthday. She is an extraordinary 
member of our community and her positive spirit is an inspiration to us 
all. We ask that our colleagues join us in wishing her many more years 
of health and happiness.

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