[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 53 (Friday, April 4, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E522]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    A TRIBUTE TO CATHERINE M. PELLEY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 4, 2008

  Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Catherine M. 
Pelley of Glendale, 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 
Mrs. Pelley as a woman whose extraordinary efforts are vital to my 
district.
  As a past nurse and Captain in the U.S. Army, Cathy is a veteran who 
served her country during the Vietnam War as a psychiatric nurse 
working with the brave men and women returning home from combat. She is 
currently the President and CEO of Glendale Memorial Hospital and the 
Chair of the Glendale Chamber of Commerce Board. Cathy also serves on 
the Board of Directors for Glendale's Armenian Bone Marrow Bank, 
Salvation Army, and regional Brothers of Saint John of God Healthcare 
and Retirement Centers.
  Under her leadership, Glendale Memorial Hospital's infrastructure has 
expanded to include additional imaging equipment, several new community 
clinics, and modern communications systems. These easily-accessible, 
digital patient records will prevent medication errors and reduce 
transcription times, as well as maintain up-to-date information for 
future reference.
  With vision that reaches beyond hospital walls, Cathy believes 
wholeheartedly in the future of the Glendale community. Her efforts to 
overcome South Glendale's economic challenges were partnered with 
remarkable honesty, dignity, understanding, and determination. By 
highlighting common ground between conflicting groups, she gave victims 
a more effective voice in their healthcare and rallied community 
support behind the revitalization of a blighted area. Ever since, 
business has returned with new retail, dining, theatre, and housing 
options. Cathy has also improved the area by expanding the ``Brand 
Boulevard of Cars'' and by implementing solutions to severe traffic 
congestion.
  Though she faced an aging medical facility, dwindling local business, 
and a community in conflict, Cathy never backed down from the obstacles 
before her. She chose instead to provide leadership where it was 
needed, to invest in the health--both corporeal and economic--of the 
City of Glendale. In return, the area has transformed itself over four 
short years to become a beacon of civic progress. It exists as an 
example of how one person's optimistic vision can infuse a diverse 
community with the hope and the means to achieve excellence as one.
  With steadfast dedication, Cathy's selfless service to the Glendale 
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, Mrs. Catherine M. Pelley.

                          ____________________