[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 115 (Thursday, September 4, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1663-E1664]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO DORIS AND KEN RUFENER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 4, 1997

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Doris and Ken Rufener 
for 29 years of outstanding community service and congratulate them as 
recipients of the Conejo/Las Virgenes Future Foundation Civitas Award. 
Their dedication to serving all of the citizens in our community is 
remarkable.
  The Civitas Award is extremely prestigious because it is not given 
routinely or annually, but only when one has fulfilled specific 
criteria. The recipient must have exemplified true, unselfish, and 
outstanding citizenship, demonstrated the ability to motivate and 
inspire others, and made a singular and lasting impact in our community 
All the while, he or she must have been involved in many aspects of 
community life, giving extensive service beyond employment, giving 
long-time, meaningful service to the community and serving as a role 
model for the residents of the Conejo/Las Virgenes region.
  Doris and Ken have fulfilled the aforementioned criteria with 
overwhelming evidence. They have both served to defend our Nation in 
the U.S. Air Force. Ken has also served as a board member and president 
of the Military Order of World Wars. They have provided spiritual 
assistance to those in the community through their involvement in 
Westminster Presbyterian Church, particularly Doris's role as a 
deaconess. The Rufeners are involved in every aspect of community life 
from their neighborhood homeowners association, various men's and 
women's service clubs in the area, to athletic associations and 
assisting in providing mental and health care to indigenous persons. 
Doris's involvement is highlighted by her role as a Governor's 
appointee to the advisory board at Camarillo State Hospital. This 
description merely scratches the surface of the Rufeners' record of 
service to the community; unfortunately the full extent of their 
dedication is too lengthy to discuss here today.
  Doris and Ken also lead full everyday lives. Ken, after serving as 
mayor and council member of the city of Westlake Village, is currently 
a director representing division IV of the Las Virgenes Municipal Water 
District. Doris is concentrating her work at the Human Resources Center 
and the local mental hospital. They are also the loving parents of two 
children, David and Karen.
  I believe that John F. Kennedy's criteria for determining success in 
community involvement exemplify the spirit of the Civitas Award

[[Page E1664]]

and Doris and Ken's service to our community.

       First, were we truly men of courage * * * Second, were we 
     truly men of judgement * * * Third, were we truly men of 
     integrity * * * Finally were we truly men of dedication?

The answers to these questions is indeed, yes.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my distinguished colleagues to join me in 
paying tribute to this outstanding couple, Doris and Ken Rufener. It is 
an honor to congratulate the Rufeners as recipients of the coveted 
Civitas Award.

                          ____________________