[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 54 (Thursday, April 28, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E821-E822]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 PAYING TRIBUTE TO MARY LOU FRENCH, INGHAM COUNTY COMMUNITY NEWS 2005 
                         VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE ROGERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 28, 2005

  Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the 
accomplishments of Mary Lou French, the Ingham County, Michigan 
Community News 2005 Volunteer of the Year. Mary Lou French retired as a 
teacher, but still teaches about 700 school children every year about 
life on a farm. Mary Lou, who has maintained her active community 
involvement even into retirement, is best described in an article in 
the Ingham County Community News, written by Editor Rachel S. Greco:

       Mason, MI--She isn't at the head of a classroom anymore but 
     Mary Lou French, retired after 28 years with Mason schools, 
     still finds solace when teaching.
       At her 40-acre farm, French plays hostess to nearly 700 
     school children from Ingham County every fall. They take a 
     trip there to learn a first-hand lesson in farm life. The 
     pre-school through second grade groups are introduced to 
     pumpkins, animals and hayrides.
       ``I had a hard time leaving teaching,'' said French, of her 
     decision to invite students to her property. ``It's just 
     another way 1 get back to teaching.'
       In truth, French has been just as active in the community 
     in retirement as she was before it. Her volunteer efforts are 
     evident at the First Presbyterian Church of Mason--where she 
     serves as a Women's Association leader and helps to organize 
     various events and dinners.
       But those efforts also extend out into the community, where 
     French has served on the Mason Relay for Life committee since 
     the event's local start, and in the schools where she 
     volunteers to tutor young students in reading and writing.
       All this activity is the sum of French's retirement, and 
     she wouldn't have it any other way.
       ``I've been gone from home all my life,'' she explained. 
     ``I don't like staying at home so this fills the time.''
       This year, French will become the sixth recipient of the 
     Agnes Comer Volunteer of the Year award, given annually by 
     the staff of the Ingham County Community News.

[[Page E822]]

       Residents of Mason flooded the newspaper office with 
     letters about French's good works, after the staff solicited 
     nominations from the community this spring.
       ``All of Mary Lou's work in this community bears out her 
     legacy,'' wrote Rex Hauser.
       Others cited her willingness to reach out and help whenever 
     it's needed.
       ``She is well known in the community and a person who 
     people look to when no one else would take on a job,'' stated 
     Cherie Mitchell. ``Someone could say, `Oh, let Mary Lou do 
     it!' and it would get done.''
       Rachel Tear, office manager at the Presbyterian Church 
     wrote that French's volunteer work within the congregation 
     propels many activities forward. 'Our church activities would 
     come to a grinding halt if Mary Lou ever quit, so we would 
     like your help in showing her how much we appreciate all that 
     she does.''
       Among French's work with the church is her involvement in 
     Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and Thanksgiving and 
     spring pie sales aimed at raising money for the annual Relay 
     for Life efforts.
       French is also a member of the unofficial `Flower Power 
     Group' that maintains flower beds at the Ingham County 
     Fairgrounds. When the fair is open, French is often in charge 
     of exhibits.
       Mary Lou extends herself to the limit,' wrote Marie Wingo. 
     `If you ever needed anything she would be the first to step 
     up and help.'
       But French said volunteering as been as good to her as it 
     has to the community.
       ``It's just personally very satisfying and I've gained a 
     lot of good friends and people I've learned to love because 
     of it,'' she said.
       On Tuesday, May 10, newspaper staff and community members 
     will honor French with a luncheon at Mason City Hall.
       Still, those who know her understand that French isn't 
     accustomed to or comfortable with the spotlight.
       ``The only `down side' to this nomination may be Mary Lou's 
     humble acceptance that she has not been honored before,'' 
     wrote Hauser. ``Her reward has been precisely only in the 
     `doing for others,' I am sure, from her point of view.''
       French said she is grateful for the recognition but would 
     rather not accept it.
       ``There are so many other people who do so much work,' she 
     said. ``I feel very honored that I am getting it but that's 
     not why I volunteer.''

  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives 
to join me in congratulating Mary Lou French for her commitment to 
serving the community. We are honored to support her efforts and extend 
appreciation for her tireless community volunteer outreach. Mary Lou 
French is truly deserving of our respect and admiration.

                          ____________________