[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 30 (Friday, February 13, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E272]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO SUSAN RITSCHEL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 13, 2009

  Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to 
an individual whose dedication and contributions to the community of 
San Clemente, California, are exceptional. San Clemente has been 
fortunate to have dynamic and dedicated community leaders who willingly 
and unselfishly give their time and talent and make their communities a 
better place to live and work. Susan Ritschel is one of these 
individuals. On February 19, 2009, the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce 
will honor Susan as the ``2008 Citizen of the Year.''
  I've known Susan for several years and can attest to all that she 
does for the community of San Clemente. Susan served on the San 
Clemente Planning Commission as Commissioner after which she served on 
the San Clemente City Council for two terms and was mayor of the city. 
Susan is a former president of the Orange County Division of the League 
of California Cities and a board member and chair of the San Diego 
Regional Water Quality Control Board and was the Orange County planning 
commissioner.
  Susan's accomplishments in 2008 are extraordinary. She was the 
honorary chair of the Capital Campaign for the new Dorothy Visser 
Senior Center in San Clemente. I was honored to join Susan for a short 
leg of her 1,000 miles to raise funds for the Senior Center. She also 
planned and held a major fundraiser entitled ``Cruising to our 
Destination'' as well as oversaw and coordinated outreach to 
foundations. Susan's passion for helping seniors in our community was 
the driving force in gathering support for the Dorothy Visser Senior 
Center from legislators at all levels as well as businesses, service 
clubs and other entities. Susan developed and implemented a Capital 
Campaign, which raised over 2.1 million dollars in pledges and payments 
to meet the Campaign goal.
  In short, there is nothing Susan cannot do once she puts her mind to 
it. Susan Ritschel is a model citizen and in 2008 she worked untiringly 
to improve the lives of San Clemente seniors. She is held in high 
esteem by the city of San Clemente, the business community and the many 
people that she impacts everyday in a positive way.
  Susan's tireless passion for community service has contributed 
immensely to the betterment of the community of San Clemente, 
California, and especially to the senior community. I am proud to call 
Susan a fellow community member, American and friend. I know that many 
community members are grateful for her service and salute her as she 
receives the much-deserved ``2008 Citizen of the Year'' Award.

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