[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 55 (Monday, May 2, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E837]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING SARAH GORODEZKY OF NAPA, CALIFORNIA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 2, 2005

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Sarah Gorodezky of Napa, California as she retires from 22 years of 
distinguished public service.
  Since 1983, Sarah has selflessly dedicated her life to improving the 
lives of others through her work at various Hospices and organizations 
throughout Northern California. She began her career as the Executive 
Director for the Northern California Hospice Association. From 1985 
until 1991 she directed the Oakland Hospice Program at Kaiser 
Permanente. In 1991 she joined Alive Hospice as the Executive Director 
where she worked for the next six years.
  Mr. Speaker, Sarah has served the past 8 years as Executive Director 
for the Hospice of Napa Valley, commonly referred to as HNV. Under her 
leadership, the HNV earned independent non-profit status and 
established the Adult Day Services of Napa Valley. She also helped 
spearhead the campaign to raise $7 million for a new HNV facility.
  Mr. Speaker, Sarah, has played an active role on numerous boards and 
commissions throughout California including the California Hospice 
Foundation, the California Association of Adult Day Services, Napa 
County Coalition of Non-Profit Agencies, and the Napa County Commission 
on Aging. While working at the HNV, Sarah served on the Board of 
Directors and Council of State's Leaders for the National Hospice and 
Palliative Care Organization.
  Throughout her career Sarah has been recognized for her compassion, 
devotion, and outstanding public service. The National Hospice and 
Palliative Care Organization awarded her with the 1995 Heart of the 
Hospice Award and the 2003 Founders Award. In 2000, she was the 
recipient of the California Hospice and Palliative Care Association's 
Pierce Salmon Award.
  Sarah graduated from the University of California Berkeley with a 
Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Sciences and earned her Masters in 
Adult Continuing Education from the University of Michigan.
  I am sure Sarah is looking forward to spending more time with her 
husband Michael, two daughters, and three grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, Sarah Gorodezky's work has touched many lives throughout 
our community and it is appropriate that we take this time to thank 
Sarah for her 22 years of public service. I wish her the best as she 
begins her retirement.

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