[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 63 (Wednesday, April 30, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E803]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING JOE SHOVELS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 29, 2003

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Joseph Shovels 
as he retires from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Flint. Joe has 
worked for the organization for 39 years. A party in his honor will be 
held on April 30th in my hometown of Flint, Michigan.
  Joe began his career working for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater 
Flint after graduating from Michigan State University. A lifelong 
caseworker with the organization, Joe stayed dedicated to this vital 
job ever since his graduation. His dedication to ensuring that the 
children are provided for is legendary. Going above and beyond has been 
a hallmark of his career. The longest serving employee with Big 
Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Flint, Joe has characterized his work 
as a ministry instead of a job.
  His attitude toward children has garnered recognition from his peers 
and from the community. Big Brothers Big Sisters has named him 
Caseworker of the Year. In February, Priority Children gave him the Roy 
E. Peterson Caring Adult Award for his steadfastness to bettering the 
lives of the children in the Flint community.
  Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Flint will inaugurate an award to 
be given to their employees and volunteers called the ``Good Joe 
Award'' in his honor. The kickoff for this award will take place at a 
dinner to be held later this month.
  I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Joe 
Shovels on an exceptional career and a job well done. The children of 
Genesee County have benefited from his conscientiousness, his 
compassion, and his commitment to improving their lives.

                          ____________________