[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 30 (Tuesday, March 11, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E438]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO JOANNE RON GILBERT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ANNA G. ESHOO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 11, 1997

  Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Joanne Ron Gilbert, a 
dedicated community leader who is being honored as an inductee into the 
San Mateo County Women's Hall of Fame.
  Joanne Ron Gilbert is an educator who specializes in at risk 
students. According to her nomination, she ``has received no formal 
awards, but is recognized by those who know her as someone who has 
transformed lives.'' Transferred from Detroit to San Mateo County in 
1984, newly divorced with a teenaged son, her job was soon eliminated. 
She worked out a homesharing plan to provide her son with a secure 
environment, returned to school to earn a teaching credential, got a 
full-time teaching job, and developed a private tutoring practice. She 
also managed to volunteer as a landlord-tenant dispute mediator, 
coordinate events for the Jazz for the Homeless Program, and worked in 
local political campaigns. As a member of the county Human Relations 
Commission, she developed the first and only County Hate Crimes 
Conference. In 1992, finally able to buy her own condominium and seeing 
her son enter law school, she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. During 
her battle with this disease, which left her voiceless and unable to 
work for 3 months, she maintained correspondence with her students, 
providing them with support and counsel. Back at work since February 
1995, she is taking classes in alternative dispute resolution and 
educational therapy.
  Mr. Speaker, Joanne Ron Gilbert is an outstanding citizen and I 
salute her for her remarkable contributions and commitment to our 
community. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring and 
congratulating her on being inducted into the San Mateo County Women's 
Hall of Fame.

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