[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 22 (Thursday, February 6, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E152-E153]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO DR. FLORINE RAITANO

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MARK UDALL

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 5, 2003

  Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Dr. Florine 
Raitano for her outstanding contributions to rural Colorado. Flo will 
be stepping down as the Executive Director of the Colorado Rural 
Development Council (CRDC) at the end of January. She has been a leader 
in this organization for 10 years bringing new ideas and innovative 
solutions to Colorado's rural communities.
  At this position, Flo has been a tireless advocate as working on such 
diverse issues as renewable energy, telecommunications, and teenage 
health, to name a few, in an effort to improve rural living.
  Rural communities often are many miles away from urban areas and lack 
much of the basic infrastructure and services most of us take for 
granted. One of the biggest needs in these areas include access to 
adult education opportunities for rural citizens so that they can 
enhance their skills and improve the quality of their lives. Most urban 
residents can find classes on almost anything, from cosmetology to 
computer science. These opportunities are rare for rural communities 
whose population are spread out over wide distances. Even on-line 
computer courses can be difficult if users haven't had training on how 
to use computers and the Internet.
  Living in Dillon, Colorado, Flo understands first hand the needs of 
these rural citizens and communities. Her work with the CRDC created a 
new volunteer program with Colorado State University Cooperative 
Extension to help residents learn how to use the Internet. Bringing 
rural areas up to speed on the information highway is critical if we 
are going to make sure that nobody is left behind. However, many rural 
areas are stuck on the information dirt road. Flo has worked with the 
state government to raise awareness and look for innovative solutions 
to ensure these communities keep pace with the rest of Colorado.
  Colorado has a rich and vibrant farming and ranching history, which 
is also still an important part of its economy. Looking forward, Flo

[[Page E153]]

has seen the possibility of how biofuels can stimulate rural economies. 
New fuels developed from crops could provide us with a renewable and 
sustainable energy supply and move our country beyond oil dependence--
while also creating new markets for these crops.
  Flo worked to bring ``Opening Windows,'' a unique theater and human 
services project that addresses adolescent health and behavior issues 
from a rural perspective, to Colorado. This entertaining, provocative 
and value-neutral program deals with such issues as substance abuse, 
domestic violence, teen pregnancy, eating disorders, sexually 
transmitted diseases and suicide, and is based on extensive interviews 
with rural adolescent teenagers and their families. Each performance is 
followed by a facilitated dialogue involving the cast, local resource 
personnel, and the audience. This interactive program helps communities 
understand some of the dilemmas today's adolescents are trying to deal 
with, as new ways to approach these issues.
  Flo will be missed at the CRDC, but I know she will continue to be a 
strong force working to improve Colorado. I urge my colleagues to join 
me in thanking Flo for her years of dedicated service to Colorado, and 
to rural residents and communities throughout our nation.

                          ____________________