E 936 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 3, 1995

cost, with much of the labor and many materials donated, was $2,037. It is important to

note that this facility was built during a slow

economy: when fund-raising proved slow, the

foundation and basement were built without

cost, completely with donated labor and materials. Cows, chickens and a vegetable garden

were kept on the grounds in order to hold

down the cost of feeding the elderly residents.

The structure quickly proved too small, and

expansions were conducted in 1904 and 1922.

The home was forced to move in 1960 after

plans for Interstate 80 called for the new highway to go through the site of the existing

home. The current facility in North Haledon—

built at a cost of roughly $600,000 including

land—was dedicated October 15, 1960. Expansions were constructed in 1969, the early

1970s, 1979, and 1987.

From its humble beginnings, the home has

grown to a modern, 100-employee facility with

a staff of registered nurses, licensed practical

nurses, certified aides, an activity director, and

social services director. The home is licensed

by the State for 99 residential beds and 52

skilled nursing beds. At the average age of

residential residents is 86 and the average

age of skilled nursing residents is 91. The

youngest resident is 75 and the oldest 107,

with several over 100.

Despite this amount of growth, the home’s

16-member board of directors is not done. Future plans include development of an number

of independent living units adjacent to the existing home. The Holland Home has already

served the elderly of the 19th and 20th centuries and clearly will continue providing outstanding care well into the 21st century.

The leaders of the Holland Home are exhibiting what we used to call Christian charity. An

idea that taken for granted a century ago may

seem like an innovation today. Let’s hope the

idea spreads.

TRIBUTE TO THE BEVERLY HILLS

WEST CHAPTER OF THE LINKS,

fINC.

HON. JULIAN C. DIXON OF CALIFORNIA

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Wednesday, May 3, 1995

Mr. DIXON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay

tribute to the Beverly Hills West Chapter of

The Links, Inc., which will be celebrating its

10th anniversary on May 13, 1995.

The Links, Inc. was founded on November

9, 1946 in Philadelphia, PA by Sarah

Strickland Scott and Margaret Roselle Hawkins, two women who sought to develop ways

to help youth and families in their community

cope with educational, economic and social

problems. This organization, comprised primarily of African-American women, has grown

to over 8,000 members in 241 chapters in 40

States. The Links, Inc. has assisted youth and

families both nationally and internationally

through educational, civic, and intercultural

programs.

The Beverly Hills West Chapter of the Links,

Inc. was organized by Joyce T. Black and was

chartered on May 5, 1985 with 25 members.

The Chapter seeks to promote civic, intercultural, and social activities, and enrich the community by working together toward common

goals.

The Beverly Hills West Chapter achieves its

objectives through its broad range of programs: The Arts, National Trends and Services, Services to Youth, and International

Trends and Services. The specific projects initiated by the Links highlight the essential role

that the organization plays in the lives of our

youth, families, and senior citizens. ‘‘The Panorama of Talent’’ showcases young visual and

performing artists and provides scholarships to

talented students. The Young Black Scholars

Program supports disadvantaged youth seeking higher education by awarding scholarships. The Links assist seniors in the Santa

Monica Senior Citizens Center through weekly

arts and crafts, nutrition, health and wellness

programs. The organization has also dealt

with some of the most pressing issues facing

distressed communities through its gang intervention, substance abuse workshops, teenage

pregnancy programs and forums on cultural

awareness.

Too often today we hear stories focusing on

the desperate situation facing many in our

communities, particularly our youth. It is most

gratifying to pay tribute to a group of people

taking the initiative to help those in need. I

urge my colleagues to join me in extending

best wishes to the Beverly Hills West Chapter

of The Links, Inc. on its 10th anniversary and

commending its members for their good works

in the community.

A TRIBUTE TO DR. JAMES WILLIS

fHON. JERRY LEWIS OF CALIFORNIA

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Wednesday, May 3, 1995

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I

would like to bring to your attention the fine

work and outstanding public service of Dr.

James Willis of Apple Valley, CA. Jim, a dedicated professional and longtime community

activist, is retiring after a 33-year career in private dental practice.

Jim began his career as a private practitioner in San Bernardino following his graduation from the University of Southern California

School of Dentistry in 1962. After 5 years of

success, he joined three other dentists in

founding Wildwood Dental Group, one of the

first group dental practices on the west coast.

Working with his partners, Jim oversaw the

general management of the practice and developed a national inventory tracking system

which revolutionized the dental profession. He

was also instrumental in establishing professional guidelines and the development of nationally recognized group practice standards.

In 1979, Jim sold his group practice share and

purchased a solo practice in Apple Valley.

Complementing his professional success,

Jim has also been actively involved in a number of civil and community-based organizations over the years. He is a member of the

Tri-County Dental Society, the founder and cochairman of its political action committee, and

chairman of the public relations committee.

Jim is also a founding member and former 3-

year president of the Inland Empire USC Trojan Club, a member of the San Bernardino

Chamber of Commerce, and a former member

of the Lions Club. Over the years, Jim has

been extremely active in the Youth Baseball

Program and has served as the volunteer director of the Redlands Assistant League for

Children for whom he has provided needed

dental care.

Jim Willis and I have been friends most of

our lives. As youths, we spent much time together with family but particularly I remember

the summers at the local swimming pool and

time at the YMCA. All of his contemporaries

from San Bernardino High School watched

with admiration as he returned from the Navy

to San Bernardino Valley College and, after a

short stay, went directly to dental school at

USC. Now as he retires from dentistry we all

watch with wonder as he contemplates his

next career.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, our colleagues, and Jim’s many friends in recognizing his many fine achievements and selfless

contributions. Jim’s professionalism and dedication is deeply appreciated and greatly admired by those who know him. He has

touched the lives of many people in southern

California and it is only fitting that the House

recognize Jim Willis upon his retirement.

PUBLIC SERVICE RECOGNITION

fWEEK

HON. CARDISS COLLINS OF ILLINOIS

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Wednesday, May 3, 1995

Mrs. COLLINS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I

wish to call the attention of our colleagues to

the annual commemoration of Public Service

Recognition Week and to one activity that has

occurred and another that will begin on The

Mall here in Washington tomorrow.

For the past 10 years, the President’s Council on Management Improvement, and the

Public Employees Roundtable, launch activities in more than 1,000 cities which highlight

excellence in public service at the Federal,

State, and local government levels. The objectives are to inform Americans about the contributions of public employees to the quality of

our lives, to encourage excellence in government, and to promote public service careers.

Yesterday, the Public Employees Roundtable held a ceremony here on Capitol Hill,

and resented its Breakfast of Champions

Award to representatives of exceptional programs at each level of government. Among

the winners was the Illinois Department of

transportation which was recognized for the innovative Chicago Freeway Traffic and Incident

Management Program.

Beginning tomorrow, May 4, and continuing

through Sunday, May 7, over two dozen Federal agencies and employee organizations will

have exhibits set up in three large tents on

The Mall. The public is invited to come out to

learn more about the functions and services

each provides. Some of our military bands and

other groups will provide entertainment for this

family oriented event.

Mr. Speaker, Public Service Recognition

Week offers all Americans, especially young

people, the opportunity to learn more about

the government and the rewarding careers

available. It also provides the opportunity to

thank those who serve us daily for their efforts. I believe that our public service should

be valued and respected, and the activities occurring this week make crystal clear why.