[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 87 (Friday, May 25, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1155]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN CELEBRATION OF BETTY PIA'S 90TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 24, 2007

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I join my colleague Congressman George 
Radanovich, and rise today to celebrate the 90th birthday of Mrs. Betty 
Pia, a wonderful mother, advocate, and community leader.
  Betty has had an interesting life story. As a native of the state of 
Georgia, she was born on May 29, 1917. She moved to Madera, CA from 
Southern California in 1965 with her husband Joe. Betty and Joe have 
one daughter, Nancy, who they raised in the Central Valley of 
California. Betty has accomplished much in her life, but she is most 
known for her commitment and passion for taking care of others. As 
owner and operator of Magic Heart Guest Home, she has been in the 
residential care business for over 35 years.
  As a community leader, Betty has been involved in the local Women's 
Improvement Club, Kiwanis Club, Chamber of Commerce, and was the 2005 
Grand Marshall of the Old Timer's Day Celebration in Madera. As an 
advocate of the Valley, Betty has been involved in local, state, and 
national politics for most of her life.
  In Georgia she got her start in politics by serving as President 
Franklin D. Roosevelt's nurse and developed a personal friendship with 
President Jimmy Carter, who she later was able to bring to the Valley 
during his term in office. Despite being a lifelong Democrat, Betty has 
truly been bipartisan in nature as she has always put people before 
politics. This is evident in the fact that Betty has served on 
Congressman Radanovich's Educational Committee and has been his 
delegate to the National Silver Hair Congress for 12 years. Betty has 
actively supported California Governors that range from former Governor 
Jerry Brown to former Governor Pete Wilson.
  Despite pleas from family and friends to slow down, Betty still 
continues to operate her guest home and continues to be a driving force 
in local politics. Throughout the many roads she has traveled, we thank 
Betty for the many lives that she has touched along the way. It is for 
these reasons that we join Betty Pia's family and friends in wishing 
her a blessed 90th birthday and continued health and happiness in the 
years to come.

                          ____________________