[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 53 (Friday, April 4, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E519]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       A TRIBUTE TO VALARIE GOMEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 4, 2008

  Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Valarie Gomez of 
San Gabriel, California. Every March we celebrate Women's History Month 
in recognition of the contributions and the sacrifices made by our 
nation's women. Accordingly it is my privilege to highlight Ms. Gomez 
as a woman whose extraordinary efforts are vital to my district.
  Valarie Gomez was born and raised in the San Gabriel Valley and 
attended both Marymount College in Rancho Palos Verdes and Loyola 
Marymount University. There she tackled the formidable combination of 
double majors in English and Business Administration, as well as double 
minors in Philosophy and Religious Studies. She and her husband Carlos 
have three children, including two daughters and one son.
  Valarie and Carlos first immersed themselves in the local community 
by opening Bob's Old Fashioned Freeze in 1983. Children and adults 
alike would flock to the establishment for the ice cream, the 
sandwiches, and the friendly owners who helped neighborhood children 
learn the value of hard work and of a supportive mentor. It was at that 
time that Valarie learned the importance of showing youth their true 
potential. Her sweet-toothed patrons have since become responsible 
community leaders and still keep in touch.
  After owning and operating the family business for several years, 
Valarie turned her attention to community outreach. She rose to 
Executive Director of Children's Ministries at San Gabriel Union Church 
and Christian School, founded its After-School Day Care program, served 
as the Executive Director of the San Gabriel Chamber of Commerce, and 
led the Gabrielino High School Career Partners program. Valarie is also 
the 2-time past President and current member of the San Gabriel Rotary, 
is a volunteer for various Kiwanis and Asian Youth Center events, and 
is a member of the San Gabriel Coordinating Council and the Parks & 
Recreation Commission.
  The 25-year San Gabriel resident recently became the CEO of the West 
San Gabriel Valley YMCA after only 17 months with the organization. She 
showed an enterprising attitude from the start and approached 
challenges with optimism and energy, leading to a doubling in profit 
compared to the previous year, newly rebuilt community relations, and 
the largest Service Club department in the nation. It is no wonder, 
then, that Valarie's generosity, approachability, and efficiency are so 
highly respected in the San Gabriel community.
  Armed with a passion to ``make memories that last a lifetime,'' 
Valarie is dedicated to empowering others to succeed. Her selfless 
service to the San Gabriel community is an invaluable addition to the 
legacy of Women's History Month. With gratitude and admiration, I ask 
all Members of Congress to join me today in honoring an extraordinary 
woman of California's 29th Congressional District, Ms. Valarie Gomez.

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