[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 1] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 612] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]TRIBUTE TO JOANIE HELGESEN ______ HON. ROBERT WEXLER of florida in the house of representatives Tuesday, January 22, 2008 Mr. WEXLER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Joanie Helgesen for winning the title of Ms. Florida Senior America 2007. A constituent of mine from Boynton Beach, Ms. Helgesen proudly represents the entire senior community of Florida, and I am honored that she resides within my congressional district. The Ms. Senior America Pageant first began in 1971 and has since been expressing the many wonderful qualities of aging. As a prime representation of senior activism in America, the Ms. Senior America Pageant's philosophy is based upon the belief that seniors are the foundation of America, and that it is upon their knowledge, experience and resources that the younger generation has the opportunity to build a better society. As a representative of one of the largest senior communities in America, I share this philosophy and acknowledge the importance of seniors in the development of our youth and our communities as a whole. Joanie Helgesen moved to Florida 4 years ago, and in that short time has been very active in the community. She is a tap dancer, showgirl and harpist with the Original Florida Follies, a non-profit organization of 50 performers, ages 60 to 90, who present spectacular stage extravaganzas each winter season with proceeds going to children in need and at risk in south Florida. She also does commercial modeling and is an animal lover who rescues homeless and neglected animals. A mother of two daughters and five grandchildren, Joanie believes life begins at 60, and she is making the most of her golden years. I am proud to recognize Joanie Helgesen for being named Ms. Florida Senior America 2007; she is well deserving of this title and is a great representative of the senior community in south Florida. ____________________