[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 30 (Tuesday, March 11, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E433]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO JOAN WRIGLEY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD B.H. SOLOMON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 11, 1997

  Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, one of my greatest privileges as a 
Congressman is the opportunity which I get to honor the invaluable 
individuals in my district whose contributions to their community 
improve the quality of life of their neighbors every day. Today I am 
afforded just such an opportunity, as I bring your attention to the 
remarkable career of Joan Wrigley, who will retire on April 15, 1997 
from her position as the district manager at the Columbia County Soil 
and Conservation District. When Joan began working at the district 
office 35 years ago, no one had any notion of the profound impact she 
would have on the program's evolution. Joan began as a part-time 
employee, hired to answer the telephone, take shorthand, and color soil 
maps. However, her creativity and ingenuity could not be contained for 
long. Inspired to help further the district's programs, Joan became 
increasingly interested and involved in the projects, often coming up 
with ideas to improve operations and increase the success of the 
undertakings. Proving herself invaluable to the future of the district, 
Joan soon became a full-time office employee, artfully balancing her 
demanding career with newborn twins.
  Through 35 years and four locations, Joan worked tirelessly to deal 
with critical issues to the fast growing county. When the district 
office's operations required expansion to a larger location, most 
discounted the cause as hopeless, since the district could not borrow 
money. However, Joan did not give up, submitting a proposal to the 
Board of Supervisors for the construction of a new building. At that 
time, the county planner gave Joan one symbolic dollar bill, with his 
hope that the building would one day become a reality. Thanks to the 
continued attention Joan gave to the problem, it remained on the front-
burner, and eventually, Joan's impressive persistence paid off. With 
the approval of the State, the soil and water conservation district 
building and learning center was built. The new building is located 
adjacent to a wetland, which serves as a live learning center, 
accessible to the public, further promoting the district's purposes by 
educating people about the interaction between different aspects of our 
environment. Joan has kept the dollar bill given to her by the City 
Planner framed in her office and labeled ``The buck that built the 
building''; it is a symbol of the seemingly impossible tasks which may 
be accomplished with hard work and persistence.
  Mr. Speaker, my measure of a truly valuable person and a great 
American is based upon the positive impact which an individual has on 
his or her community. To me, Joan Wrigley epitomizes the foundation of 
this great Nation: hard work, ingenuity, and a desire to protect and 
give back to the world in which she lives. I ask all Members to join me 
in tribute to Joan and he outstanding record of public service of this 
great American, and in wishing her all the best in her retirement. 
Although she will no longer be working at the soil and water 
conservation district, Joan's legacy will remain for many years to 
come.

                          ____________________