[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 5680-5681]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING ``CLUB 60,'' ONE OF THE OLDEST SENIOR CITIZENS CLUBS IN 
                             NEW YORK STATE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SUE W. KELLY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 24, 2002

  Mrs. KELLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 50th anniversary 
of the founding of ``Club 60,'' an organization that promotes social, 
intellectual and recreational activities for the senior citizens in the 
Town of Poughkeepsie. In March 1952, the Women's City and Country Club 
became interested in establishing clubs for the aging. At that same 
time, Chairman of the New York State Joint Legislature Committee on 
Problems of the Aging, Thomas C. Desmond, contacted all the mayors of 
cities and towns and urged them to proclaim May 1952 as the First 
Senior Citizens

[[Page 5681]]

Month. The Mayor of the City of Poughkeepsie complied and May 1952 
became the first Senior Citizens Month in the town with the formation 
of this senior 60 group.
  Since that first meeting where 25 members came to play games, talk 
and enjoy a cup of tea, the club has grown to include over 140 seniors 
today. At the beginning, without much guidance, their aim was to merely 
get people there and have the type of meetings seniors would be 
interested in coming back to. Like any other organization, Club 60 has 
grown tremendously over the years. Not only do members elect their own 
officers in May of each year, but they now have a constitution and 
bylaws, as well as weekly business meetings. The seniors, who pride 
themselves on being self-supporting are encouraged to make their own 
decisions and plan their own programs. This has aided in continuing 
some of the members youthful pleasures and enjoyments such as ceramics 
and painting classes. Keeping active is crucial to both their physical 
and mental well-being. From day trips, to picnics and annual dinners, 
this elderly club provides companionship opportunities that seniors 
wouldn't necessarily have if they did not belong to this group.
  It is satisfying to see other clubs for senior citizens are forming 
around the country. As people are living longer, it is important we 
continue to promote educational and recreational opportunities for 
those over 60. A gathering place, such as Club 60, where the elderly 
come together to recreate, share hobbies and common interests will 
certainly enhance their quality of life. For 50 years, this senior 
citizen group has provided opportunities to meet new friends, develop 
new interests and socialize with peers. For all their efforts, my 
fellow colleagues, please join me in honoring Club 60, an organization 
that has been instrumental in meeting the social, physical and mental 
needs of our senior citizens.

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