[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 37 (Tuesday, March 9, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E365-E366]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              CONGRATULATING COMMON THREADS AWARD WINNERS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 9, 1999

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in congratulate Muriel 
Smittcamp, Violet Jensen, Geneva Shannon, Jane Logoluso, and Mildred 
``Micki'' Parker, the recipients of the Common Threads Award. This 
award is presented to women in agriculture who have made a remarkable 
contribution to their community through volunteer work and 
philanthropy.
  Muriel Smittcamp, of Clovis, CA, began her career in agriculture, 
together with her husband Earl, in 1945, with the purchase of 200 
acres. She has volunteered her time with many organizations including 
the Ranchero Guild of Valley Children's Hospital (V.C.H.), the Holiday 
Guild, and the Fresno State Bulldog Foundation, Muriel is also a 
California State University, Fresno Alumni member, contributor and 
worker, and donates her services to the Clovis Library, the American 
Cancer Society and 4-H.
  Violet Jensen, of Fresno, CA, became a farmer's wife when she married 
Oliver Jensen in 1948. She has actively particpated in all phases of 
farm management including tractor driving, tying vines and harvesting 
crops. She has been a member of the Farm Bureau for 50 years during 
which she has held several committee chairs. Violet has been active in 
Raisin Wives, La Tienda Guild for V.C.H. and Twilight Haven. She was 
very active with the Raisin Queen Pageant and the Farm Bureau Princess 
Pageant.
  Jane Logoluso Bautista, of Madera, CA, joined her father's farming 
operation in 1992. Prior to that she had a 20 year career in the health 
care industry. She is currently responsible for government relations, 
personnel, labor relations and special projects. Jane is vice-chair of 
the California Apple Commission, trustee for U.S. Apple Association and 
is secretary of the Nisei Farmers' League. She volunteers for the 
American Cancer Society and has served on the Kingsview Mental Health 
Corp.
  Geneva Shannon, of Visalia, CA, grew up on a farm in Waukena, Ca. She 
married Eric Shannon in 1980, and together they continued their farming 
interests. She was involved in 4-

[[Page E366]]

H and Future Farmers of America in school, and continues to support 
these organizations. Geneva served as president of the Tulare Kings 
Chapter of California Women for Agriculture, and also on the State 
Board. She is active in the Farm Bureau, and represents agriculture in 
the classroom.
  Mildred ``Micki'' Parker, of LeGrand, CA, taught at both Chowchilla 
and Merced High Schools. She was a sponsor of the American Field 
Service and advisor to Future Business Leaders of America. She and her 
husband Richard farmed almonds for many years. After her retirement 
from teaching, she actively participated in day-to-day farm operations. 
Micki has been active in the Merced area with the County Area Agency of 
Aging, Community Action Board, Women's Club and Farm Bureau. She is 
also a member of the Merced Chapter of California Women for 
Agriculture.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Common Threads Award 
winners. These women have shown outstanding involvement, not only in 
agriculture, but in strengthening their respective communities. I urge 
my colleagues to join me in wishing these honorees a bright future and 
continued success.

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