[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 28, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E49]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                         HONORING MARY MAXWELL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 28, 1998

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, as we all know, all levels of government are 
large and it can be complicated for a citizen to find his or her way. 
Often the initial contract sets the tone for how that citizen sees 
government--as helpful or aloof and uncaring.
  For many citizens calling Westchester County Government that initial 
contact was the cheerful and helpful voice of Mary Maxwell, a telephone 
operator whose friendly demeanor assured the caller that they were 
entering friendly territory.
  She worked initially at Grasslands Hospital in Valhalla after which 
she moved to the medical unit at White Plains. Subsequently she worked 
in Yonkers and Mount Vernon before returning to White Plains.
  She was universally recognized with the title of ``friendly and happy 
person'' by the many who worked with her and were greeted by her when 
they called.
  Mary Maxwell lives in Yonkers where she has been active for many 
years at the Community Memorial Baptist Church.
  Mary Maxwell is that person who puts a human face on a large 
organization; one who is friendly and helpful to complete strangers for 
the 35 years she was a telephone operator. Working in a medical 
organization often means having to deal with people in their sorrow and 
despair. She has done it and done it well.
  She is known as a ``mother to many'' for her empathy and friendship 
and those people are gathering to wish her well in her retirement. I 
want to join with them in celebrating all the good and kind work that 
Mary Maxwell has done for all of us.

                          ____________________