[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 16, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1297]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DONNA SMALLWOOD ACTIVITIES 
                     CENTER & PARMA OFFICE ON AGING

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                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 16, 2015

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Donna 
Smallwood Activities Center and Office on Aging in Parma, Ohio. The 
agency celebrates its 50th birthday today.
  In 1965 the Parma 60+ Club began meeting weekly. Parma Jaycees wives 
volunteered to coordinate activities led by Donna Smallwood. Donna 
Smallwood was later hired as the first director when the City of Parma 
decided to increase services in 1968. Five years later, in 1973, the 
Sixty Plus Center opened in the newly expanded Memorial Hall with 
services and activities five days a week. 1973 also marked the founding 
of the Parma Office on Aging to address the needs of Parma's older 
adults through an array of supportive services. Finally, in 1991 the 
Center's current building was constructed. City officials christened 
the building in 2009 as the Donna Smallwood Activities Center & Parma 
Office on Aging.
  Over 6,000 members belong to the Center. Though primarily for Parma 
residents, the agency also serves older adults in any community in the 
region, with partnerships developed with the nearby cities of Parma 
Heights and Seven Hills.
  From its small beginnings to the thousands of people served today, 
the Donna Smallwood Activities Center & Parma Office on Aging has 
become an integral part of both people's lives and the community in 
Parma. Focused always on offering a warmhearted and cheery place to 
meet, learn, be entertained and find help, the Donna Smallwood 
Activities Center & Parma Office on Aging is truly a home away from 
home for area seniors. We commend the caring service of its directors 
and staff both past and present, congratulate its membership on 
achieving this milestone birthday, and look forward to the future.
  I am pleased to join the membership of the Donna Smallwood Activities 
Center & Parma Office on Aging and the community of Parma, Ohio in 
celebrating this joyous occasion. Onward.

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