[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 96 (Wednesday, June 11, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1195]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TEXOMA COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS AND 
   THE SERVICE OF VOLUNTEERS IN THE TEXOMA FOSTER GRANDPARENT PROGRAM

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                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 11, 2008

  Mr. HALL of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
legacy of leadership within the Texoma Council of Governments, as well 
as the service of dedicated volunteers in the Texoma Foster Grandparent 
Program.
  The Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG) was formed by the 
Legislature in 1968, and was designated under the authority of Chapter 
391, Local Texas State Government Code, along with 23 other State 
Planning Regions, to review and comment on Federal and State financial 
assistance requests. It is a voluntary organization comprised of city 
and county governments, colleges, school districts, and chambers of 
commerce, determined to build strength through regional cooperation. 
TCOG is responsible for evaluating any project that would have an 
impact on the three-county area of Cooke, Fannin and Grayson Counties, 
and works to continually improve the economic, social, and educational 
opportunities for the citizens in these regions.
  Due to the large number of senior community servants in the area, 
TCOG founded the Texoma Foster Grandparent Program. This program is 
part of a national organization focused on utilizing area seniors, ages 
60 or older, to mentor and tutor ``at risk'' youths. These volunteers 
serve approximately 40,000 hours per year in public settings such as 
Texoma schools, day care, and community centers. On April 24th, the 
Program's Advisory Council recognized its dedicated senior volunteers 
with a 50s themed recognition, fittingly entitled, ``Volunteers Rock,'' 
at the Sherman First United Methodist Church. Several area businesses 
donated food, door prizes, and funds to help make the event a success, 
as all volunteers received awards for hours served during the year. The 
Texoma Foster Grandparent Program Advisory Council and the program's 
volunteers are wonderful role models for the community at large, and I 
wholeheartedly applaud them for utilizing their experience, talents, 
and energy to serve as a positive influence for special needs children 
and ``at risk'' youths.
  But Texoma's celebration doesn't end there because on June 19, 2008, 
TCOG will celebrate its 40th Anniversary at Austin College with an 
event entitled ``Legacy of Leadership.'' Funds generated by business 
partners and vendors for this event will be returned to Texoma's 
private sector and donated to the Texoma Senior Citizens Foundation. 
This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate TCOG's many 
accomplishments and legacy of service during the past 40 years. I want 
to commend current and past members who have contributed their time, 
talent and resources to make TCOG one of the most effective Councils of 
Government in the State.
  I am confident that the Texoma Council of Governments will continue 
to meet the challenges of the future and continue to provide 
outstanding services for those it represents, and I ask my colleagues 
to join me in congratulating TCOG on its 40th Anniversary.

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