[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 10 (Friday, January 25, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E69]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARTS COUNCIL OF THE MORRIS AREA

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                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 25, 2013

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Arts 
Council of the Morris Area, located in Morristown, Morris County, New 
Jersey, which is celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 2013.
  The Arts Council of the Morris Area is a private, non-profit 
organization founded in 1973. Their mission has been to ``engage and 
build community through the arts.'' Taking great pride in the 
importance of the arts, the organization desired to showcase the work 
of artists to the area. Their lasting goal has been to inspire positive 
change in people through the realization and appreciation of different 
forms of artistry.
  The Arts Council contains numerous services aimed at making the 
Morris County area a more vivacious and intellectual place to live 
through the various programs it puts forth and the support of local 
artists who donate their work to The Arts Council. The Council also 
serves as the central resource to help improve artistic learning 
experiences for children in school and providing general information to 
the public.
  The Arts Council has directly assisted more than 4,000 students in 
understanding and appreciating art through its programs that utilize 
professional teaching artists. Additionally, the council has funded a 
program for Middle School students called ``Telling Our Stories,'' with 
the goal in mind of improving oral and written communication skills. 
They hope that this program will improve students' self-esteem, 
conflict resolution abilities, and problem-solving characteristics. The 
council also awards two scholarships, for artistic excellence, annually 
to graduating Morris County high school seniors who have chosen to 
purse an art concentration in college. These scholarships provide these 
students with the wonderful opportunities they need to succeed.
  Over the past four decades since its beginnings, the Arts Council has 
grown each year in its recognition, size, and impact on the community. 
The council has continuously earned honors for the programs and 
services it provides. Amazingly, over the past 15 consecutive years, 
the Arts Council has received the ``Citation of Excellence'' award. 
This award is given to organizations that demonstrate themselves as a 
``Major Service Organization'' towards members of their community and 
has been handed out annually by the New Jersey State Council of the 
Arts to The Arts Council for its, ``solid history of service 
excellence, substantial activity and broad public service.'' Moreover, 
the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders, in their Arts and 
Humanities Month Proclamation, identified the Arts Council as, ``a 
leader in developing, supporting and promoting artists, the arts and 
experiences that enhance and transform the lives of Morris County 
citizens.'' Undoubtedly respected amongst the entire community, it is 
easy to see why this council has gained such notice.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating 
the Arts Council of the Morris Area, in Morristown, NJ, as it 
celebrates its 40th Anniversary.

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