[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 201 (Thursday, December 20, 2018)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1709] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] BIRTHDAY WISHES TO MRS. ELSIE MAYER ______ HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ of new york in the house of representatives Thursday, December 20, 2018 Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend the happiest of birthday wishes to Mrs. Elsie Mayer, a resident of the Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York, and a centenarian, who will be celebrating her 107th birthday on December 23, 2018. Elsie was born in Poland on December 23, 1911. It was a world much different from today. From an early age, she learned to endure famine, poverty and the human cost of war. Elsie's life is characterized as one of a survivor and a woman with great strengths and unyielding selflessness. She came to America at the age of 10 with her family who first settled in Manhattan, and later moved to Williamsburg, Brooklyn. It is in Williamsburg years later that she meets her future husband Joseph. Together they raised three children, their sons Martin and Stuart and daughter Marsha. Elsie worked hard, enjoying sewing and baking, especially apple pies for her family. Over the course of 107 years, Elsie has experienced countless remarkable events in New York and our country. Elsie symbolizing decades of longevity and hard work, this occasion reflects an important milestone in a growing segment of American life: the Centenarian. Over the years, special individuals like Elsie have contributed to our nation and witnessed remarkable changes and extraordinary progress. She has lived through some of the most exciting times in our nation's history. Today, Elsie enjoys the company of her surviving and beloved children, grand-children and community. She has many friends at the Independence Neighborhood Senior Center. As we celebrate her birthday, we celebrate her faith, her optimism, her health and the innumerable lives she has touched throughout her life. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mrs. Elsie Mayer on this special occasion of her 107th year birthday. ____________________