[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 78 (Tuesday, June 20, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1064]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1064]]


               TRIBUTE TO JEAN STRAUSS, WOMAN OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM O. LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 20, 2000

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
outstanding member of my staff and citizen of the Southwest Chicagoland 
community. This year, Jean Strauss was selected as Woman of the Year by 
St. Jane de Chantal Parish Ladies Guild in Garfield Ridge. On June 
10th, 2000, Jean was honored at the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic 
Women (CCW) Vicariate V Women of the Year Luncheon, held at the 
Lexington House in Hickory Hills, Illinois. It gives me great pleasure 
to inform my colleagues of the great work that Jean performed to 
deserve this honor. I think that all will agree that she represents the 
volunteer spirit that has not only helped to make Southwest Chicagoland 
an exceptional place to live, but our entire nation as well.
  Jean Strauss has served St. Jane de Chantal Parish for several years. 
Besides regularly attending mass, she has held numerous offices and 
served on various committees. Those who know Jean best say that she 
volunteers for ``almost everything.'' Specific examples of her 
philanthropy include volunteering for the American Cancer Society and 
Kiwanis.
  As I mentioned previously, Jean is a valued member of my staff. For 
four years, she has worked at the 23rd Ward Office in Chicago for 
Alderman Mike Zalewski, Illinois State Senator Bob Molaro, and myself. 
In this capacity, she performs numerous important tasks for the 23rd 
Ward. For example, as a fluent speaker of Polish, Jean helps those in 
the 23rd Ward who are learning the English language. In addition, she 
greatly assists disabled senior citizens by picking up and returning 
their paid utility bills. Thanks to Jean, her co-workers in the 23rd 
Ward office are almost always likely to have snacks at their disposal 
and their desks decorated for the holidays.
  Perhaps most importantly, Jean Strauss is a devoted wife to her 
husband Jack. Together, they are the proud parents of Jake and John 
Strauss. Just recently, she celebrated the birth of her first 
grandchild--Eric Dawson Strauss. When Jean is not volunteering, one is 
likely to find her at a local dining establishment, or perhaps pushing 
her luck at a ``gaming'' enterprise.
  Again, I am pleased to congratulate Jean Strauss before my colleagues 
today. Mr. Speaker, I sincerely hope that Jean will enjoy many more 
years of service to the Southwest Chicagoland community, and I thank 
her for many contributions.

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