[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 137 (Monday, October 5, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H9507]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 A TRIBUTE TO SANTA MARIA'S PEACE WEEK

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Capps) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, as this session of Congress races to a 
close, we often lose sight of some of the wonderful things happening at 
home in our communities, and this is especially true when Washington, 
D.C. is consumed by political battles. That is why I rise today to 
commend the remarkable city of Santa Maria, California, which I am very 
proud to represent, in the 22nd district for its second annual Peace 
Week.
  Mr. Speaker, earlier this year I stood on the House floor to 
congratulate Santa Maria on being named one of 10 All-American Cities. 
This high honor was justly granted to a city that has distinguished 
itself by its diversity and the fact that all the residents of Santa 
Maria work together to find innovative ways to solve their problems.
  One glowing example of this community cohesiveness is Peace Week; 
Peace Week, which begins today. The goal of Peace Week is to stress 
nonviolence and conflict mediation. Each day brings a focus on a new 
topic and allows community members of all ages and cultures to discover 
ways they can make a difference in their own lives and in the lives of 
their neighbors.
  Examples of innovative Peace Week activities include a candlelight 
march, nonviolence education, and a lecture by a nationally acclaimed 
advocate, Father Gregory Boyle. Another highlight of Peace Week is a 
project entitled, ``Let's Piece it Together,'' which features a peace 
quilt constructed by schoolchildren and senior citizens.
  Mr. Speaker, Peace Week is the product of an entire city and its 
enlightened leadership. I want to pay special tribute to my friend, 
Sister Janet Corcoran of Marian Medical Center Mission Services, for 
her remarkable dedication and tireless work on behalf of her community 
and the precious cause of peace. She is a role model for me and a role 
model for us all.

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