[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 16] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 22499] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]A TRIBUTE TO HELEN STANTON ______ HON. CALVIN M. DOOLEY of california in the house of representatives Thursday, September 23, 1999 Mr. DOOLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Ms. Helen Stanton, who is retiring this month from her position as executive director of The Creative Center, a performing arts program for developmentally disabled adults in Visalia, CA. Ms. Stanton began her service at The Creative Center 14 years ago, serving as program manager. In 1993, she was named executive director of the Center. There, she has supervised a staff of 12 instructors who help developmentally disabled adults in the Visalia area to achieve personal growth through expression in visual arts, music, dance and theatrical performance. Ms. Stanton has made special efforts to develop the Center's instruction in life skills. In these classes, Center instructors address such topics as independence, social graces, dealing with money, and self-advocacy. Under Ms. Stanton's leadership, the Center has undergone significant growth, expanding from 42 students attending part-time in 1985 to a present enrollment of 84 full-time students. Ms. Stanton has also overseen the opening of the Center's Jon Ginsburg Gallery. The gallery exhibits artwork produced by the Center's students and community members. Ms. Stanton's commitment to the performing and visual arts is also evident by her presidency of Arts Visalia, a nonprofit group devoted to developing an art gallery in downtown Visalia. Creative Center colleagues have been inspired by Ms. Stanton's devotion to the Center and its students. She has treated the Center's students with dignity and respect and provided them with countless creative opportunities. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing Helen Stanton for her devoted service to The Creative Center. She has distinguished herself as a caring visionary and tireless leader. As she completes her service, we wish her a most happy retirement. ____________________