[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 147 (Monday, December 4, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2118]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING MS. PAULA ROURKE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 4, 2000

  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to recognize 
Ms. Paula Rourke of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. Although Ms. Rourke 
passed away in 1999, her Spirit lives on in the community. She was 
recently honored by the Shrewsbury Fall Festival as a citizen who 
exemplified their motto by being ``a True Spirit of Shrewsbury.'' 
Because of her community involvement, service, and dedication to 
others, Ms. Rourke is deserving of gratitude and acclaim.
  Born and raised in Shrewsbury, Ms. Rourke was the oldest of seven 
children and a graduate of Quinsigamond Community College. Throughout 
the years, Ms. Rourke worked tirelessly with children and adults of 
special needs, coaching for the Special Olympics, mentoring and 
teaching valuable life skills. She was named Coach of the Year twice, 
and in 1998, she was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the 
Massachusetts Special Olympics. She also worked for over 25 years with 
the Shrewsbury Parks and Recreation Department and was described as the 
``heart and soul'' of their summer program, accompanying the children 
on every field trip from Fenway Park to Nantasket Beach.
  Paula Rourke loved Shrewsbury, and Shrewsbury loved her. She found 
delight in everything she did from the Shrewsbury Fourth of July 
Celebration to her fundraisers for special needs at the Knights of 
Columbus. She always gave unceasingly to her community. In recognition 
of Ms. Rourke I would not only to call her ``a True Spirit of 
Shrewsbury'' but ``a True Spirit of the America.''

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