[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 59 (Friday, April 11, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E748]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING GINNY SIMMS FOR HER MANY YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO HER 
                               COMMUNITY

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                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 10, 2003

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Ginny Simms, a community activist in Napa, California who is being 
honored by the Napa Sierra Club and Get a Grip on Growth with the 
Second Annual Earl Thollander Environmental Award.
  Since moving to Napa in 1955, Ms. Simms has had a tremendous impact 
on the community. Her first activities were with the American 
Association of University Women and in various community projects. In 
1967 she served as Secretary of the county Grand Jury and the following 
year she was appointed to the Napa City Planning Commission.
  She also developed a life long interest in environmental issues and 
was instrumental in creating Napans Opposing Wastelands, Inc., an 
advocacy group that commented on city and county growth proposals. One 
of the group's most visible contributions was the development of the 
county's first bike trail.
  In 1972 she was elected to the County Board of Supervisors and served 
through 1977. During this time, the county's new General Plan was 
adopted that limited residential growth to urban areas. She was later 
involved in successful efforts to protect agricultural lands.
  She has also served on the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway & 
Transportation District, the Napa Valley College Foundation and the 
Napa County Land Trust.
  In addition to her many hours of civic activity, Ms. Simms has 
remained a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She and her husband, 
Warren, have two children, Wendy and Doug, and five grandchildren, 
Chris, Clare, Gregg, Dillon and Allie.
  Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we recognize and 
acknowledge Ginny Simms for her many contributions and for her 
dedication to Napa County.

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