[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 49 (Friday, April 26, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E632-E633]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH NOMINATIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. HEATHER WILSON

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 25, 2002

  Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, in the honor of Women's 
History Month, I asked New Mexicans to send me nominations of women in 
New Mexico who have given special service to our community, but may 
have never received recognition for their good deeds.
  On Friday, March 29, 2002, I had the honor and privilege of 
recognizing thirty-eight worthy nominations describing sacrifices and 
contributions these women have made for our community. The people who 
nominated the women describe the dedication they have witnessed: 
volunteer hours for veterans services, Sunday School Teachers, service 
on non-profit boards, homeless programs, fund raising for scholarships 
for at risk youth, healthcare providers going above the call of duty, 
child advocates, volunteers at churches and synagogues, successful 
business woman, wives, mothers and friends.
  Allow me to share information about a few of this year's nominees:
  Joyce Becerra--Joyce is involved in programs that impact our 
community, such as the Valencia County Literacy Program, the Shelter 
for Domestic Violence, her church and the Pilots Club, for which she 
currently serves as the President-Elect. She is also instrumental in 
raising for the Cancer Society.
  Phyllis Bibeau--Every Thursday for two and a half-hours since 1984, 
Phyllis goes to the Veteran's Hospital to assist the Veterans with 
writing. On Christmas Day, she delivers presents and Christmas cards to 
the patients. On Valentines Day, she delivers fresh carnations and 
valentines to the hospitalized veterans. And she also reads articles 
from the Veteran's Voice for cassette tape production for blind 
veterans.
  Sharon Bishop--Sharon dedicates her time to volunteering at an APS 
Elementary School teaching Music in various classrooms and forming a 
chorus for 3rd , 4th and 5th graders. She believes that giving the gift 
of music makes a difference in lives. She has helped teachers put on 
musicals, staged incredible chorus programs and taught classroom music 
instruction.
  Kathleen Blake, MD--Dr. Blake was in the forefront in brining the 
Heart Hospital to Albuquerque. She has been a leader in speaking about 
the heart attacks and problems associated with them in regards to 
women. Finally, she is a cardiologist who will listen to her patients 
when they present their feelings and fears.
  Janette Carter, MD--Dr. Carter was a distinguished physician and 
researcher, social and community activist, outdoorswoman, daughter, 
wife, mother, friend, mentor and spiritual person. She received her 
Doctor of Medicine degree from UNM in 1978 and was certified in 
Internal Medicine and licensed to practice in NM. She served for 6 
years in the US Indian Health Service as Director of the Diabetes Model 
Program and in 1990 she founded the Native American Diabetes Program at 
UNM. In July 2002, she and her husband and their son were killed in a 
plane crash in Alaska. She is survived by her son, Alec, and her 
mother, Rosalie.
  Rosalina Castaneda--Rosalina is the owner of Wigs Wigs and she 
volunteers for the Cancer Society's ``Look Good, Feel Better'' program. 
She helps patients who come to her wig shop by truly understanding 
their situation and lending an ear and a shoulder to cry on. Her 
customers readily affirm that Linda's love and understanding, in most 
cases, was the catalyst for their speedy recovery, physically and 
emotionally.
  Rita Chacey--Rita is in the NM Army National Guard. She volunteers 
many hours working with the Counter Drug Task Force, the Moriarty 
JROTC, and the Family Support Annual Camps. She spends up to 2 weeks in 
the field with the kids as bus driver and medic, soothing scrapes and 
scratches, homesickness, bad attitudes and ailments. She comes home 
dirty and tired and she swears that she will never do it again, but 
when the call comes, she is right there. She truly is an ``Army of 
One.''

[[Page E633]]

  Mignon Donnellon--Migon is a military wife and mother of 4 adopted 
children who is active in the Family Support Section on KAFB. She 
graduated from college when most people are having ``senior moments.'' 
In addition, she is the treasure of the Department of NM Reserve 
Officers Association Ladies Group, the CEO of an up and coming 
consultant company, MJD Business Systems and she is active in the 
Republican Party of NM.
  Elizabeth Etigson--Elizabeth has developed a program of excellence 
for seniors in Sandoval County. Through education and direction, she 
coaches, nurses and trains seniors to be Peer Counselors for other 
elders in Sandoval County. Elizabeth makes a difference in the lives of 
many elders and their families.
  Janet Everett--Janet is a single mother and business owner who 
donated money, services, and time to good causes. The following 
exemplifies how she makes a difference. She was shopping at a 
neighborhood store when she noticed a man eyeing several carts and then 
her billfold was missing. Janet ran after the man, threw herself on his 
car, keeping him from escape. Janet is an everyday hero making our 
community richer and safer.
  Linda Foster Carraro--Linda is the single mother of 5 kids who has 
often held 3 jobs to support her family. She is a woman with many 
talents and a strong spirit. Linda is a giving person who is always 
willing to help those less fortunate than herself and she does without 
hesitation. She doesn't ask for recognition, even though it is much 
deserved.
  Fawn Dolan--Fawn has worked with low income minority families since 
she was 16. She has served as a day camp counselor in Martineztown, a 
social worker, a middle school teacher, a Parent Involvement 
Coordinator, and currently, she provides clothing for women and 
families in transition. She also conducted Bound for Success summer 
camps and has been involved in child abuse prevention campaigns and 
pregnancy prevention campaigns. In addition, she is President of the 
Bernalillo Chamber of Commerce.
  Theresa Garcia--Theresa makes a lot of impact in the election of 
judicial candidates who she feels will provide a positive, yet strong, 
adjudication of our current laws. She has been known to say that many 
times constituents neglect the judicial side of politics and feel that 
it is unapproachable. She believes that we must hold our judges 
accountable. Theresa has also donated much of her business 
infrastructure to help re-establish the Rio Grande Minority Purchasing 
Council, an organization that she believes must continue to provide 
opportunities to women and minority owned business.
  Maurine Grammer--Mrs. Grammer and her husband founded the NM 
Teacher's Credit Union, and she taught school here in NM for over 35 
years. She has donated millions of dollars to the Indian Cultural 
Center and she is the author of numerous books about Indian culture. 
Also, she supplied a depiction of Pocahontas for the NM Quarter that is 
in circulation.
  Catherine Grandia--She has been a 4H Leader for Bernalillo County 
Riverside Club for more than 50 years. She is now teaching the children 
of members she had forty years ago! She has taught generations to be 
responsible, honest, active, involved, and loyal citizens of their 
communities. Her goodness will outlive her by far!
  Pauline Gubbels--Representative Gubbels is a highly respected 
legislator who cares deeply about her constituents and doing the right 
thing for our state and she is an honest and ethical leader. She is a 
role model and mentor. She gives of her time and energy to help others.
  Christine Hayoz--Christine is the mother of 5 children and the 
grandmother of 3. She is very active in the rural community of 
Mosquero, NM, where she served as Secretary of the Board of Education. 
She is always there for anyone who needs someone to talk to.
  Lenya Heitzig--Lenya leads the Women's Ministry at Calvary Chapel. 
She works so hard and does so much to make the ministry a success. She 
is kind and intelligent and always makes women aware that they have so 
much potential and so much to give both in business and at home.
  Rogene Henderson, MD--Dr. Henderson is a Senior Scientist at the 
Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute. She has a long extensive 
leadership career both in her scientific professional work and in her 
service to the community. She has served as: Chair of the National 
Research Council Advisory Committee, Chairman of the Central NM Section 
of the American Chemical Society, President of the Mountainwest Chapter 
of the Society of Toxicology, President of the Inhalation Specialty 
Section of the Society of Toxicology, Adjunct Professor appointment at 
Purdue University and Clinical Professor at the UNM College of 
Pharmacy. Dr. Henderson has served on the governing board of her church 
and served on the Christian Education Committee. She has taught Sunday 
school and led scouting activities. Once a month, she gives the 
children's sermon. Along with her husband, she provides major support 
for the community groups, such as the Storehouse, the Appropriate Rural 
Technology Agency, and Ghost Ranch.
  Nikki Kull--Nikki is the Executive Vice President of the NM Boys and 
Girls Ranches, Inc., which is a faith-based organization that provides 
residential care of children and families. For over 30 years, Nikki has 
been instrumental in providing homes for abused and neglected children 
in NM.
  Fran Langhoff--Fran began working in politics when Senator Pete 
Domenici was a city councilor. Since then, Fran has been a guiding 
light for young office seekers. She assists high school and college 
students understand the political process in NM. She is invaluable to 
the County and State Republican Party and is a wealth of knowledge. She 
also serves on the Board of Directors for Goodwill Industries and works 
for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and Cancer businessman.
  Joan Leahigh--As Director of the Office of Social Justice with the 
Archdiocese of Santa Fe, Joan is one of Albuquerque's most respected 
advocates for low income and immigrant families. She has also supported 
the efforts of other women-led organizations, such as the Sawmill Land 
Trust and Economic Development Project, NM Community Development Load 
Fund, Mujeres En Accion, and La Mesa Cooperatives. Fourteen years ago, 
she and her late husband, John, started the Christmas gifts from an 
array of donated items so they are the ones who give the gifts to their 
kids.

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