[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 58 (Thursday, May 5, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E890]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING FLORENCE TREPP ON HER 80TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM GIBBONS

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 5, 2005

  Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, devoted to her family and her community, 
Mrs. Florence Trepp stands as a role model and inspiration to so many 
people in Nevada. As she prepares to celebrate her 80th birthday, she 
maintains an unyielding commitment to serve her community. She has 
served as an advocate for abused children, a dedicated volunteer with 
numerous community organizations, and a committed supporter of the 
Parasol Community Foundation.
  Florence's work with the Parasol Foundation specifically has enabled 
over 100 local non-profit organizations to communicate and work 
together towards improving their community and achieving their goals. 
Her son, Warren, cofounded the Parasol Foundation almost 10 years ago 
as a model for promoting collaboration among non-profit organizations. 
As an umbrella organization for numerous charities, the Parasol 
Foundation creates an all inclusive, safe environment encouraging 
groundbreaking ideas, sharing of information avoiding duplication of 
projects, programs and services, producing efficiency by saving time 
and money for each agency. Florence has staunchly supported these 
efforts which in turn, have benefited the entire Lake Tahoe community.
  Florence is guided by her passion and by her faith. Her passion to 
help others and her sense of civic duty has propelled her to help 
others and better her community. In her short time in Nevada, she has 
become an inspiration for all. Florence has also a strong faith that 
helps her navigate the challenges of life. One of her most cherished 
memories is meeting the Pope and actually speaking to him in Polish, 
her native tongue.
  Thirteen years ago, Florence had surgery for lung cancer. She 
thankfully is a survivor and never takes one day for granted. She 
enjoys the simple pleasures of life . . . including a good cup of hot 
coffee and America's favorite pastime, baseball. And Florence has a 
deep appreciation for her family, her friends, and people in general. 
She is always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need.
  Her nickname in Polish is yacumda which means joy . . . and joy is 
what Florence brings to everyone she meets. Her commitment to helping 
people and her community is admirable. I am proud to call her a Nevadan 
and to call her my friend. I wish her a very happy birthday and thank 
her for her unyielding commitment to serving her community.

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