[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 124 (Friday, October 6, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1688]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                       HONORING BETTE BELLE SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GARY A. CONDIT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 5, 2000

  Mr. CONDIT. Mr. Speaker, today I honor a very special lady. When I 
think of Bette Belle Smith I am truly amazed. This remarkable woman is 
the epitome of the word inspiration. I am proud to report to my 
colleagues Bette Belle has been named as California's Outstanding Older 
Worker for 2000 by Green Thumb, Inc.
  Her story is truly one of extraordinary accomplishment. Consider that 
she didn't enter the workforce until she was 57 years old. Now, 22 
years later she's still holding the same job as a bank vice president. 
As amazing as that may seem, what makes this lady so special is that 
she is truly the queen of volunteerism.
  In fact, Bette Belle has been volunteering most of her life. She 
began her career as a volunteer during the Second World War with the 
American Red Cross. Among the organizations she is involved with since 
then include the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, California Women for 
Agriculture and the 4-H Sponsor Committee, the American Field Service 
International Scholarship Program and AFS Committee, United Way and 
Special Events Committee, the McHenry Museum Society and Museum Guild 
and the Modesto Symphony Orchestra board.
  When she walks into a room, Mr. Speaker, it's nearly impossible to 
say no to her. Is it any wonder why The United Way of Stanislaus County 
named its annual volunteerism award, the ``Bette Belle Smith Community 
Award?'' I am proud to call this incredible woman my friend. She is 
tireless and a fantastic role model for us all.
  I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to rise and join 
me in honoring Bette Belle Smith.

                          ____________________