[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 169 (Thursday, November 20, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2348]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    PAYING TRIBUTE TO NANCY RATZLAFF

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                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 19, 2003

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to 
pay tribute to a talented artist from Craig, Colorado. Nancy Ratzlaff 
uses her creative gift to inspire people to think outside the box. Her 
enthusiasm spirals through the community as she passes her knowledge of 
art to her students. I would like to join my colleagues here today in 
recognizing Nancy's tremendous service to the Craig community.
   At sixty-one years old, Nancy Ratzlaff has been painting for more 
than 4 decades. She is both a commissioned artist and a teacher of her 
trade. Three years ago, Nancy suffered a heart attack that caused her 
to lose her leg and spend 5 months in the hospital. However, despite 
cumbersome crutches and an artificial leg, she continues to find time 
to teach painting at Craig's Colorado Northwest Community College. 
Nancy encourages her students to learn from each other and let art open 
them up to new challenges. She maintains that everyone has a creative 
drive inside because anyone who can dream can create.
   Mr. Speaker, Nancy Ratzlaff is a dedicated individual who uses her 
talent to enrich the lives of members of her Craig community. Nancy has 
demonstrated a love for art that resonates in her compassionate and 
selfless service to her town. Nancy's enthusiasm and commitment 
certainly deserve the recognition of this body of Congress.

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