[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 158 (Tuesday, October 27, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1546]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING PORTUGUESE-AMERICAN COMMUNITY CENTER 85TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 27, 2015

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, the city of Yonkers has been privileged for 
85 years to be graced with strong community commitment from the 
Portuguese-American Community Center. With gratitude, it is an honor to 
congratulate them on their anniversary.
  The Center was inaugurated on October 5, 1930 under the name ``Clube 
Social Portugues.'' Originally, the ``Centro Social Portuguese-American 
Citizens & Yonkers Portuguese American Club'', the PACC dignified the 
lives of Portuguese immigrant families throughout Yonkers, weaving 
families into a strong community. On the 30th Anniversary of its 
founding, the Center settled on ``Portuguese American Community Center, 
Inc.''
  Early in the club's existence, under the presidency of the Ambassador 
of Portugal, Dr. Joao Bianchi, a language school called ``Escola Joao 
de Deus'' was opened to help the local children.
  After decades of success, in 2012 ``Escola Joao de Deus'' joined the 
``Instituto de Cames,'' an entity of the Portuguese Government, which 
oversees the teaching of Portuguese abroad. To this day, the school 
plays a huge role in the Portuguese-American Community Center's role in 
the neighborhood.
  Faithful to its founding principles, the Center continues its 
independent streak of focus towards the community rather than towards 
political organizations or religious sects. It also keeps the youth 
physically active by having a soccer team department, ``Portuguese 
Stars,'' with over 65 children enrolled.
  On October 3rd, the Portuguese-American Community Center will be 
hosting its 85th Anniversary Gala-Diamond Jubilee. I congratulate them 
on the occasion and wish them another 85 years of great success in 
Yonkers.

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