[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 6]
[Senate]
[Page 8676]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                         TRIBUTE TO DORIS CASEY

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, a recently released study from 
Duke University found that older Americans are enjoying a more vigorous 
old age. Fewer people over the age of 65 require nursing home care and 
more are living on their own, with little or no outside help.
  The image of a ``senior citizen'' is dramatically different than it 
was just a generation ago. Since 1963, the month of May has helped the 
Nation focus on the contributions and achievements of America's older 
citizens. Older Americans Month honors the leadership of older persons 
in our families, workplaces and communities. One of these leaders is an 
81-year-old woman from Reinbeck. Doris Casey is a champion for Iowa's 
older citizens. Through her initiative, concern, and commitment, she 
has touched the lives of seniors in Reinbeck and throughout northern 
Iowa.
  When the Casey's moved to Reinbeck in 1967, the family planned to 
stay for only six weeks. As a way to get to know neighbors and make 
friends, Mrs. Casey began volunteering at the local nursing home once a 
week and played cards with the residents. Thirty-four years later, Mrs. 
Casey still lives in Reinbeck. She worked at that nursing home for 17 
years and has become a treasured resource in the community for her 
knowledge and action on senior-related issues. Mrs. Casey has been a 
member of the Grundy County Commission on Aging for 28 years. She 
played a key role in starting the county's congregate meal program 
sixteen years ago. Although the program has since changed to home-
delivered meals, Mrs. Casey is still involved. She does the books, 
takes orders and solicits deliverers. In addition, Mrs. Casey helps 
coordinate a community meal for approximately 40 seniors in Reinbeck 
each month.
  For the last 27 years, Mrs. Casey has been an active volunteer with 
the Hawkeye Valley Area Agency on Aging and until recently was a member 
of their board of directors. The staff at Hawkeye Valley call her a 
godsend. She volunteers in the administrative office, helps with 
special projects and answers the hotline for those alleging Medicare 
fraud and abuse under Operation Restore Trust. Mrs. Casey works hard to 
ensure that seniors in her community have the latest information on 
issues affecting their lives. She is a monthly presenter at the county 
nutrition site and writes a weekly column for her local paper. She 
provides assistance to those applying for Medicaid and low-income 
heating assistance, and she serves on the State's consumer Medicare 
committee. People know that if Mrs. Casey doesn't have the answer on a 
particular senior issue, she will likely know the person who does.
  Last but certainly not least, Mrs. Casey is a caregiver. When her 
late husband, John, was suffering from Alzheimer's Disease, she served 
as his full-time caregiver. Mrs. Casey is currently a guardian for a 
senior with a disability. And, she still visits the local nursing home 
to share devotions with the residents a few times a year. Mrs. Casey 
carries out each of these activities with joy, determination and 
humility. Even a recent hip surgery won't keep her from carrying on 
with her duties. Her contributions to the community are many, yet she 
describes the rewards as all hers.
  In one month, Mrs. Casey will turn 82. Happy early birthday, Mrs. 
Casey. Thank you for your compassion for the people of Reinbeck and the 
people of Iowa. Your commitment and concern for others is an example to 
us all that we should contribute to the lives of those around us, no 
matter what our age.

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