[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 128 (Friday, October 13, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1774]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           IN HONOR OF PEACE WEEK IN SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. LOIS CAPPS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 12, 2000

  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, for its fourth annual Peace Week.
  Mr. Speaker, two years ago, I stood on the House floor to 
congratulate Santa Maria on being named one of 10 All-America 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, 
which will begin tomorrow, October 13. 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 daily Peace Week activities include a candlelight march, 
nonviolence education, and children's friendship games. Participants 
will enjoy a free community breakfast on ``Community Peacemaker Day'' 
and a keynote address given by Clayton Barbeau. There will also be 
stress relief through massage and Reiki therapists, a workshop on 
healing racism, and an Ecumenical Musical Reflective Peace Service.
  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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