[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 69 (Thursday, May 16, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E840]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO JOYCE BARFUSS

                                 ______


                          HON. GARY A. CONDIT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 16, 1996

  Mr. CONDIT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Joyce 
Barfuss, a constituent and friend who has made countless contributions 
to our community. Joyce has lived her life to make a difference in the 
lives of others. I am only one of thousands who has been the recipient 
of her help, her kindness, her expertise, her selflessness, and her 
apricots. I appreciate this opportunity to honor Joyce's efforts and 
accomplishments.
  Joyce Barfuss has been a resident of Patterson, CA, since 1974. Joyce 
came to Patterson and immediately made her mark. Out of her various 
church activities was born, The Clothes Closet, a clothing bank for the 
needy. The operation grew from Joyce's garage into a full-fledged 
volunteer organization which provided needy recipients with clothing 
for nearly 4 years.
  After the untimely death of her husband Jim in 1979, Joyce began a 
new endeavor working for the Census Bureau. She worked tirelessly at 
the Bureau for 10 years. After retiring from Federal service she worked 
for the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture adding 
her experience and expertise to their operation.
  Throughout Joyce's distinguished life, no matter what the outlet, she 
has been involved in the lives of those who need it most. To list every 
organization, movement, and cause which Joyce has lent her unique mark, 
would take a tome. I would, however, like to mention some of the most 
notable endeavors Joyce has undertaken.
  Joyce has been active with the Del Puerto Hospital Auxiliary and the 
American Cancer Society for 20 years. She has assisted the Visiting 
Nurses Association with flu shots for the elderly and has served as 
president of the Northern San Joaquin Valley Area Council of Hospital 
Volunteers. She has been incredibly active in Patterson working with 
the city to get a senior center built and serving as Secretary of the 
Patterson Chamber of Commerce. Joyce has represented her community as a 
member of the Apricot Fiesta Board, Grand Marshall of the 1996 Fiesta 
Parade, appointee to the White House Conference on Aging, appointee to 
the Stanislaus County Commission on Aging, and as a member of the 
California Agency on Aging.
  But Joyce is perhaps most well known for her role as the ``apricot 
lady'', passing out apricots around the country as a bit of sunshine 
from the valley. Joyce's apricot network would be the envy of many a 
corporate executive.
  I consider myself very lucky to know Joyce. While we will all miss 
her here in the Central Valley, I am confident that her contributions 
to the human family are far from over. Joyce's new neighbors are indeed 
lucky to have this bright, talented, and dedicated woman in their 
lives, as are we all.

                          ____________________