[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 17 (Wednesday, February 16, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E263]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     DEDICATED TO THE ``COWBELLES''

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 16, 2005

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Ramona 
Snow, of Bakersfield, California. Ramona has been designated the Kern 
County ``Cattlewoman of the Year'' by Kern County Cattlemen and 
Cattlewomen Associations.
  Ramona was born into a family of nine siblings and attended schools 
in Bakersfield until her senior year in high school when she 
transferred to Ventura. Shortly thereafter the family returned to 
Bakersfield, Ramona married Robert Snow, and began her life as a 
cattlewoman.
  She became adept at pulling calves and doctoring ailing stock, as 
well as everyday ranch chores. Between raising her four children and 
ranch chores, Ramona found time to become active in 4-H as a sewing and 
cooking leader. In 1964 Ramona was asked to become a member of 
CowBelles, which led to a long and active career within what is now 
known as the Cattlewomen's Association.
  Upon joining, Ramona became highly involved and chaired many 
committees. Such committees included, ``Beef for Father's Day,'' and 
``Beef for Mother's Day.'' Ramona served as Vice President in 1976 and 
was elected President the following year. She was elected as President 
again in 1991.
  Mrs. Snow has been an inventive member of CowBelles. She came up with 
the idea of a children's cookbook to be handed out at the Kern County 
Museum. Ramona was responsible for prize winning fair booths including 
the ``Best Dressed Table'' that promoted beef at the Kern County Fair 
for over 30 years. In the 1950s the CowBelles started awarding leather 
halters and now silver buckles to the winners of the Reserve Champion 
Steers at the Fair. Ramona designs these buckles each year so they are 
always different. While Ramona was Vice President she introduced the 
idea of a Beef Cook-Off and with the help of fellow members the Cook-
Off was held in Kern County that year.
  Ramona's efforts have been exhaustive. Throughout her tenure as a 
member and officer of the Cattlewomen's Association she has been 
instrumental in nearly every aspect of the organization. This award is 
reflective of her dedication.

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