[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 82 (Thursday, June 12, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1206]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       THE SPIRIT OF MARGE AHRENS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 12, 1997

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, finding individuals who are truly dedicated 
to their life's occupation is a special experience. People who believe 
in their work enhance the quality of everything they do, and set a 
powerful example to others of how concentration can make the ordinary 
into something stellar. Next week, the friends and family of Marge 
Ahrens will be celebrating her work with a retirement party that they 
have dedicated as the Spirit of Marge Ahrens.
  The child of Lucille and Claire Johnson, she came from Harbor Beach, 
MI, to Bay City, with her husband Fred in August 1967, she became 
director of library and media services for elementary schools in Bangor 
Township. She continued her education, earning her master of arts in 
library science and media specialist. Her contributions over 30 years 
in education are truly impressive.
  She has been involved with several school districts: Bangor Township 
Schools, Bay-Arenac Intermediate School District, and Essexville-
Hampton Public Schools. She has served as a teacher, a career education 
consultant, a member of the State Planning Committee for State and 
Federal Grants, and a key component of several music, drama, and art 
programs. She assisted with summer enrichment programs at Bangor 
Township and in Caseville. She was very involved with the Bay Arts 
Council and the Bay Music Foundation, as well as the Essexville Baptist 
Community Church. She has also been heralded for her work on a MIA-POW 
Program which, in part, honored the memory of Col. Bruce G. Johnson, 
Sr., of Harbor Beach, MI.
  Marge is also a great supporter of her sons, Andy and Kevin, and has 
provided them with skilled and loving encouragement from their time as 
young children to their time as young adults. She successfully blended 
the roles of mother, teacher, facilitator, and motivator into a 
combination that is truly deserving of praise.
  Mr. Speaker, her friends and family who have worked to put together 
this event in her honor said in a most special way when in their 
program for the surprise celebration of a chapter in the life of 
Marjory Clare Ahrens they wrote: ``Some people talk about service, some 
people live service. Further some watch things happen, some let things 
happen and others make things happen.'' They honor her for having made 
things happen. Today I urge you and all of our colleagues to join me in 
thanking Marge Ahrens for years of accomplishment, and in wishing her 
the very best for all years to come.

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