[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 100 (Monday, June 19, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8627-S8628]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                         TRIBUTE TO HELEN COLE

 Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, I wish to recognize an 
outstanding woman whose hard work and dedication have touched the lives 
of many individuals. Indeed, it is rare to discover a character so 
willing to offer one's talents solely to serve and improve the lives of 
others.
  Thus, I would like to take this time to express appreciation for an 
extraordinary citizen of Nicholas County, Summersville, WV, Helen Cole. 
Recently, Helen was honored at the Muddlety-Glade Creek Ruritan Club 
where she received numerous awards, including the prestigious Clara 
Barton Award, which is known to be the highest award given to volunteer 
workers. Currently, Helen is employed by Love, Inc., where she helps 
counsel financial management.
  Helen, born in Ansted, WV, located in Fayette County, has been a 
lifelong resident of West Virginia. Helen has received a bachelor of 
science degree in home economics as well as a master's degree in 
extension education. In time, she became employed by WVU and USDA 
extension agents in Nicholas [[Page S 8628]] County, where she taught 
home economics in the field and in the home. In addition, Helen 
conducted radio educational programs in Nicholas and Fayette Counties 
and performed ``Friends and Neighbors,'' an educational television 
program. Furthermore, Helen assisted as eastern regional director for 
the National Home Demonstration Agents Association [HDAA], and also 
served as State president of the West Virginia chapter of HDAA.
  However, Helen's true colors are revealed through her in-depth 
involvement with the Nicholas County chapter of the American Red Cross. 
In the past, Helen has been a Red Cross volunteer for many years and 
has primarily been responsible for locating volunteers to manage 
crucial programs, such as blood services, first aid and CPR educational 
programs, service to military families, and disaster relief assistance. 
From 1976 to 1981, Helen served as the volunteer executive secretary of 
the American Red Cross. In December 1980, Helen retired after 34 years 
of teaching home economics to extension homemakers and soon after 
accepted the dual positions of full-time chapter managers and 
treasurer.
  Although Helen recently retired in December 1994 from her office of 
chapter manager of the American Red Cross in Summersville, she still 
remains involved in various volunteer activities in addition to her 
employment by Love, Inc. For example, Helen continues to volunteer at 
the Nicholas County chapter of the American Red Cross, where she holds 
the position of executive secretary and is a member of the board of 
directors. Also, she occasionally still teaches classes through 
programs under the WVU extension service concerning lesson leader 
training. Helen, since 1981, has volunteered with the Food Pantry of 
the Summersville Ministerial Association, where she organizes food 
supplies for the pantry. Furthermore, Helen reviews applications for 
emergency assistance at the Federal Emergency Management Agency program 
in Summersville. Also, since 1942, Helen has been a Sunday school 
teacher and continues to teach an adult women's class at Memorial 
United Methodist Church in addition to a weekly Bible study class.
  Helen Cole's accomplishments deserve notice and praise. Her 
enthusiasm and concern for humankind provide a model we should all 
strive to follow.


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