[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 61 (Wednesday, May 17, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E849]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO MARINELL EVA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 17, 2006

  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend Marinell 
Eva, upon the occasion of her retirement as Executive Director of the 
Community Child Care Council of Sonoma County (4Cs). Thanks to 
Marinell, 4Cs is not only a successful agency but also one with a lot 
of heart. Her writings in the newsletter, reflective of her childhood 
and her children's, show her deep connection and empathy with families 
and children.
  During Marinell's 17 years with the agency, she was a leader in 
developing a variety of child care services, collaborations with other 
organizations, and advocacy for children and families. Also, 4Cs 
researched and published the study, The Economic Impact of Child Care 
in Sonoma County, under her direction and in partnership with the Child 
Care Planning Council. 4Cs continues to inform businesses and 
government of the link between child care and our local economy.
  Marinell moved to Sonoma County in 1978, and soon became the Program 
Director at the YWCA's A Special Place child care program where she 
served for many years. She volunteered with the Sonoma County Child 
Abuse Council and was a member of the Board of Directors of the 
Extended Child Care Coalition. She currently serves on the SRJC Child 
Development Advisory Committee, First Five Professional Community 
Advisory Committee, and is an advisory member of the Sonoma County 
Child Care Planning Council of Sonoma County. She has a B.A. in English 
Literature and Psychology, and an M.A. in Clinical Psychology.
  Her commitment and passion have been an invaluable asset to Sonoma 
County. Carl Wong, Superintendent of Schools, says, ``The teachers and 
principals of the Sonoma County K-12 public school system have 
benefited from the leadership and advocacy of Marinell Eva for over 16 
years. Her professional dedication in support of children and families 
helps to promote a level playing field for the 5000+ Kindergarten 
students who begin their school experience each year.''
  These thoughts are echoed by Joel Gordon, the Director of Early 
Childhood Education at Santa Rosa Junior College: ``Through the years 
Marinell has been one of my favorite people to work with. In a time 
when the word is overused, she has become a great leader in Sonoma. The 
combination of her vision, talent, commitment, compassion and sense of 
humor have changed for the better our community and ultimately the 
lives of many of its youngest citizens. She is one of a kind and will 
be greatly missed.''
  Marinell and her husband, David Pittman, live on property in 
Sebastopol, where two their children and all four grandchildren live. 
She plans to continue as a member of the Board of Trustees at the 
Sonoma Academy, and in between gardening and reading she will spend 
time studying Spanish, literature, and music as well as keeping up with 
the grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, I, too, have been inspired by working with Marinell Eva. 
She says it best in her own words: ``Working with people in the child 
care field has been my deep privilege. I have had the good fortune to 
work for what I believe in--meeting the needs of children. What better 
way to change the world?''

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