[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 14954-14955]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING ZENA TEMKIN AS SHE CELEBRATES HER 80TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 16, 2003

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to join the many family, friends, and community members who have 
gathered to honor one of Connecticut's true living treasures, and my 
dear friend, Zena Tempkin, as she celebrates her 80th birthday. Born in 
England, Zena moved to the United States at a young age. Growing up in 
Detroit and attending college in Atlanta, Zena and her husband, Is, 
made Connecticut their home following World War II.
  For as long as many of us can remember, Zena has been a driving force 
in Connecticut's political arena. A woman ahead of her time, Zena 
served as a State Representative in Connecticut's General Assembly from 
1959 to 1962. She served as a delegate in two national conventions and 
has served as a political advisor to some of Connecticut's most 
influential elected officials including former Senator Abraham Ribicoff 
and former Governor Ella T. Grasso. Her unwavering energy and 
dedication has made her a true friend to many of those in Connecticut 
who have run and served in public office. I consider myself fortunate 
to have benefited from her wisdom and counsel, both when I worked for 
Senator Christopher Dodd and later in my own run for elected office. 
Her friendship has been invaluable and she has, and continues to be, an 
inspiration and role model for me.
  Even more than her contributions in the political arena, Zena has 
long been an active member of her community. Our communities would not 
be the same without volunteers

[[Page 14955]]

whose efforts and compassion are dedicated to improving the lives of 
others. Throughout her life she has dedicated countless hours to a 
variety of service organizations and has helped to shape our community. 
When you consider that she is also the mother of three, was an active 
member of her family business, and, at one time, a small business owner 
herself--Zena truly sets a standard for public service that we should 
all strive to achieve.
  Connecticut has been fortunate to have someone like Zena working so 
hard on our behalf. She has left an indelible mark on our community and 
a legacy that is sure to inspire generations to come. I am honored to 
rise today to join her husband, Is; her children, Bruce, Alan, and Nan; 
and all of those who have gathered today to extend my very best wishes 
to Zena Temkin on her 80th birthday. Congratulations and warmest wishes 
for many more years of health and happiness.

                          ____________________