[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 47 (Tuesday, April 19, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E687-E688]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING NANCY BEALS FOR HER OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 19, 2005

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, this past month family, friends, 
colleagues, and community leaders gathered to pay tribute to an 
outstanding woman--someone I consider myself fortunate to call my good 
friend, Nancy Beals. Nancy has spent a lifetime dedicated to improving 
our communities and enriching our State. Most individuals associate 
public service with holding an elected office, however, there are those 
who simply hold public office, and then there are those like Nancy 
Beals. An educator, volunteer mentor, advocate, and State 
representative--Nancy has done it all.
  With the multitude of organizations and groups that she has been 
involved with over the years, it is difficult to put into words what a 
difference Nancy has made through all of her good work. Our communities 
would not be the same without the efforts of people like Nancy who so 
willingly dedicate their time and energies to make them a better place 
for our children, families, and businesses to live and grow. Whether as 
a trustee for Spring Glen Church, volunteer for Connecticut Food Bank 
and Habitat for Humanity, high school teacher, or board member for 
Partnerships for Adult Daycare and the Hamden Education Foundation--
Nancy's efforts on behalf of the community have touched the lives of 
thousands.
  In addition to her myriad of community volunteer activities, Nancy 
also committed two decades as a local elected official. Serving for 9 
years as a member of the Hamden Board of Education and 10 years as a 
State Representative in Connecticut's General Assembly, she

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used her background and experience to make a difference in the lives of 
the residents of Hamden as well as those throughout the State. With 
more than a decade of experience working with local and regional 
offices of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) as well as several 
years with the Connecticut Department of Education, Nancy focused much 
of her time on improving the quality of education for Connecticut's 
children. She served on the Assembly's Task Force on Student Financial 
Aid, the Blue Ribbon Commission on the Future of the Library, and the 
State Advisory Council on Special Education. As a legislator, she was 
recognized for her efforts, which is reflected by the myriad of awards 
and commendations she received throughout her tenure. Her distinguished 
career came to an end when she retired in 2003, however, she left an 
indelible mark on the institution which will be remembered by her 
colleagues and will certainly serve as an inspiration for members to 
come.
  For her many invaluable contributions to her community and to the 
State of Connecticut, I am proud to stand today to express my sincere 
thanks and appreciation to Nancy Beals. With her husband Richard, 3 
children, and 9 grandchildren, she is certainly a busy woman, however, 
I have no doubt that though she no longer serves in public life, she 
will continue to work on behalf of her community and make a difference 
in the lives of others.

                          ____________________