[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12571]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          IN CELEBRATION OF THE 90TH BIRTHDAY OF GRACE VIGNEAU

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN B. LARSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 10, 2002

  Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute 
to Grace Vigneau of East Hartford, Connecticut, who is celebrating her 
90th birthday. Grace is a fellow Mayberryite whose enthusiasm and good 
will shine through in all she does. Her continued involvement and 
energy make the Energizer Bunny pale by comparison.
  The impact Grace has had on our community in East Hartford is sizable 
and her accomplishments numerable. She was an original organizer of the 
Mayberry Village Social and Athletic Club and provided many years of 
outstanding service to the Democratic Women's Club. She is also a prime 
mover behind the ``Golden Girls,'' a group of women that includes my 
mother who have been friends for years and remain nearly as active as 
they were when they first met. One of their main goals is community 
involvement, which Grace exemplifies. I must admit, I would not be 
standing here on the floor of the House today without the support of 
Grace and the Golden Girls.
  Grace is known not only for her community service, but also for her 
competitive spirit in my annual charity bocce tournament. For the past 
eleven years, Grace has displayed a superior level of skill and 
sportsmanship on the bocce court. No tournament would be complete 
without Grace's ever-present smile and humor.
  Even at 90 years of age, Grace maintains her high energy level and 
the organizing skills that made her such a leader. I would not be 
surprised if the phrase ``growing old gracefully'' was created to 
describe Grace Vigneau. She is loved by family and friends for her 
infectious enthusiasm, good will, and caring ways. Therefore, I ask my 
colleagues to rise with me today and celebrate the 90th birthday of 
Grace Vigneau and wish her continued health and happiness for years to 
come.

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