[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 38 (Thursday, March 30, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E471]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING FRANCES KOVALESKI UPON BEING NAMED ``WOMAN OF THE YEAR'' 
        BY THE LACKAWANNA COUNTY FEDERATION OF DEMOCRATIC WOMEN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. PAUL E. KANJORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 30, 2006

  Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed 
colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Frances 
Kovaleski of Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, who has been named 
``Woman of the Year'' by the Lackawanna County Federation of Democratic 
Women.
  Mrs. Kovaleski is a daughter of Marguerite Schmidt Roland and Francis 
Roland, of West Scranton. Her parents were active in Democratic Party 
politics and they impressed upon their daughter the political values 
they shared.
  Even in high school, Frances volunteered to work in a Scranton 
mayoral campaign for former Democratic Mayor James J. Walsh.
  Frances graduated from St. Patrick's High School in Scranton and went 
on to cosmetology school, after which she and a friend opened their own 
beauty salon.
  Frances married Kenneth Kovaleski in 1971 and the couple had three 
sons. Several years ago, Mrs. Kovaleski worked on the campaign of Linda 
Munley, who was running for register of wills in Lackawanna County. 
Mrs. Munley won and appointed Mrs. Kovaleski to serve as her deputy.
  Mrs. Kovaleski is also active in other civic endeavors. Besides 
serving as a member and treasurer in the Lackawanna County Federation 
of Democratic Women, Mrs. Kovaleski also works tirelessly for St. 
Joseph's Center, serving as president in 2005 and presidential advisor 
this year. She also served on its board of directors and many of the 
committees.
  Mrs. Kovaleski served as president of the Society of Irish Women in 
2004.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mrs. Kovaleski. Her 
devotion to Democratic causes and her commitment to family and 
community have touched the lives of many people in a positive manner 
and have improved the quality of life in Lackawanna County.

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