[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 13487]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



 HONORING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNITED SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER OF 
                              SUNSET PARK

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 17, 1999

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the United 
Senior Center of Sunset Park as they celebrate 25 years of service to 
the elderly citizens throughout the Sunset Park area of Brooklyn. The 
organization provides fellowship and lends a helping hand whenever, 
wherever and to whomever it is needed.
  First started in 1974, the center, then located at 56th and 6th 
Avenues, quickly became a vital part of the communities it served. As 
it grew, the need for their services was so great that they soon had to 
relocate to larger space at their current location of 53rd and 3rd 
Avenues where they have been for twenty years.
  As the center expanded it began to address the diverse cultural needs 
of the communities they serve. They began by offering services in 
Spanish and, soon after that, added staff and programs in Chinese. 
These enhancements made the United Senior Center in Sunset Park more 
responsive and a more integral part of the rich cultural fabric of 
Brooklyn.
  The diverse groups of seniors in Sunset Park can take advantage of 
the United Senior Centers many recreational programs, including tai-
chi, bingo, arts and crafts, and swimming. Additionally, the center 
also offers important English as a Second Language courses to help 
individuals improve their day-to-day lives. There are citizenship 
programs, and nutrition-education seminars, as well as a variety of 
programs designed to assist seniors regarding senior's rights and 
entitlement benefits.
  The dedicated staff and leadership of the United Senior Center of 
Sunset Park has done an exemplary job of helping seniors in our 
communities. Through their efforts they help an estimated 36,000 people 
a year.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating the leaders and 
staff of the United Senior Center of Sunset Park on their 25th 
anniversary. The center is an integral part of our diverse culture in 
Brooklyn, and I wish them continued success for the next 25 years and 
beyond.

                          ____________________