[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 38 (Wednesday, March 21, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E410]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CELEBRATING THE WOMEN OF LEWISTON/AUBURN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. JOHN ELIAS BALDACCI

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 21, 2001

  Mr. BALDACCI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call my colleague's 
attention to a dinner being held next week in the Lewiston/Auburn 
communities of Maine. The event, ``Celebrating the Women of L/A,'' will 
honor women who have touched the lives of others in their communities.
  For decades, the women of Lewiston and Auburn--like those throughout 
Maine, the nation and the world--have raised children, served as 
caregivers, worked inside and outside the home, and volunteered their 
time and talents. They have maintained a strong and quiet foundation 
for our families that has nourished us all. The celebration will 
recognize all that women bring to families and our community.
  Those submitting nominations were asked to briefly describe what it 
was about the nominee that made her such a special and important part 
of the community. Here are a few examples:

       She has a remarkable zest for life and a strong compassion 
     for people who are less fortunate than herself. She is a 
     woman with seemingly endless energy, who knows no bounds when 
     called upon to help.
                                  ____

       Growing up all of my friends called her ``Mom.'' Never one 
     to pass judgment on our friends, she trusted that we would 
     make the right choices. She always taught us to look beyond 
     the surface. Those who know her know that they don't come 
     much better than this. She is everything that I would ever 
     want to be.
                                  ____

       She is a wise person beyond her years. Her generosity is 
     beyond words. She has a very kind heart and expects nothing 
     in return. Her joy is seeing others happy.
                                  ____

       In the professional arena, she has broadened her skills and 
     experience by accepting new challenges and has dared to take 
     on new responsibilities as she uncovered each potential 
     opportunity.
                                  ____

       She has deep morals and a deep spiritual connection to this 
     universe. The world and my life would be a different place 
     without her in it.
                                  ____

       She is a very independent young woman who tries everyday to 
     be true to herself. She understands that a healthy spirit 
     allows her to be the best she can be for herself and everyone 
     else that she loves.
                                  ____

       She exemplifies everything that is fantastic in 
     contemporary womanhood; she is strong, self-directed, 
     intelligent, warm, involved, and committed to her community 
     and its people.
                                  ____

       When all else fails, she will at least make you laugh.
                                  ____


  These are but a few examples of the testimonials received on behalf 
of the honorees. They speak to the importance and influence that these 
women have had on their families, colleagues, and communities.
  I am proud to have the opportunity to pay tribute to the following 
Women of L/A here in the House of Representatives. The Honorees are 
Marie-Paule Badeau, Wendy Jean Beaucage, Kathryn Beaule, Kim Blake, Sue 
Bowie, Rachael Caron, Joy Carter, Sonja Christiansen, Betty DeCoster, 
Kayt Demerchant, Lorraine Gosselin, Sandra Hinds, Melissa Holt, Pat 
Landean, Cathy Levesque, Marty McIntyre, Debbie McLean, Kathleen Noel 
King, Beverly Ouellette, Cecelia Palange/Sister Mary Vincent, Therese 
Parent, Joline Richard, Alta Rogers, Doris Roy, Therese Samson-Blais, 
Dale Sherburne, Lise Smith, Marguerite Stapleton, Jess Whitaker, and 
Janette Wing.
  These 30 women are all extremely deserving of this recognition, and I 
congratulate them as they are recognized for their efforts in the home, 
in the workplace and in the community. I know that they are also 
representative of many other women throughout the communities and as we 
honor them, we also look around at the many other women who have made 
positive differences in L/A. I offer my thanks and best wishes to all 
the women of L/A for making Lewiston and Auburn such a strong and 
vibrant community.

                          ____________________