[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 38 (Wednesday, April 10, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E481]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING BILLIE WARD

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ROB SIMMONS

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 10, 2002

  Mr. SIMMONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Billie Ward in recognition 
of her dedication and commitment to her community.
  Billie Ward is retiring on April 17 as the executive director of the 
Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center--capping a lifetime of community service 
in southeastern Connecticut.
  Billie has left a mark on southeastern Connecticut like few others 
have. As its executive director, Billie led the PNC through a period of 
unprecedented growth. She also played a pivotal role in organizing the 
PNC's Senior Summit, an important brainstorming effort that laid the 
groundwork for the formation of the Tri-Neighbor Transportation 
coalition--a collaborative effort to provide transportation for the 
elderly and handicapped and ensure that these individuals arrive to 
their medical appointments safely and on time.
  In addition to her work with the PNC, Billie has been actively 
involved with numerous professional associations and has received 
numerous awards. Groups like the Rose City Land Trust, the Thames 
Valley Council for Community Action, MASH, the Basic Needs Network, the 
Rotary Club, the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut and the 
Southeastern Connecticut AIDS Project are just a few organizations that 
have been blessed with Billie's hard-work and service.
  Mr. Speaker, Billie Ward embodies the spirit of kindness and 
sacrifice that we all should strive for in our daily lives. She has 
helped many individuals in need over the years and I am proud to 
represent her in my district. Billie is a model citizen to the 
community and I extend my thanks to her and her efforts, and am proud 
to bring her accomplishments to the attention of this Congress.
  Keep up the good work Billie, and good luck in your future endeavors.

                          ____________________