[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 24 (Tuesday, February 15, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E233]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING MARY EVELYN ARNOLD OF SONOMA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 15, 2011

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, along with my 
colleague, Lynn Woolsey, to recognize Mary Evelyn Arnold, who has been 
named the City of Sonoma's 2011 Alcaldessa, or Honorary Mayor.
  The title ``Alcalde,'' or ``Alcaldessa,'' when referring to a woman, 
is the Spanish word for ``Mayor.'' During the Spanish colonial period 
in California, the Alcalde was the primary civil authority. In modern 
times in the City of Sonoma, it is an honorary title and the 
contemporary Alcalde or Alcaldessa presides over ceremonial events for 
the city.
  Alcaldes and Alcaldessas are nominated by the community and are 
representative of individuals with a long record of volunteer work. Ms. 
Arnold is no exception to this rule.
  At the top of the list of Ms. Arnold's volunteer passions is the 
library. She has served on both the Sonoma County Library Commission 
and as Chair of the Sonoma Valley Library Advisory Board.
  She also serves as Treasurer and Chair of the Investment Committee at 
Vintage House, organizes the Wednesday cooking crew at Meals on Wheels, 
and bakes birthday cakes for the WillMar Center, which offers support 
and counseling for children and teens grieving the death of a loved 
one. Pets Lifeline (where she is the unofficial cat cuddler), Kiwanis 
Club of Sonoma Plaza and the AAUW Scholarship Committee round out her 
volunteer community activities.
  Ms. Arnold is also very active in her church, serving on the 
Committee on Ministry of the Northern California Nevada Conference of 
the United Church of Christ and serves as Vice Moderator of the First 
Congregational Church of Sonoma.
  Ms. Arnold moved to Sonoma County in 1987 and was the co-owner of a 
specialty wine business and worked for the Wine Business Monthly and 
Wine Business Insider for several years, finishing her career with 
internet.com.
  Mr. Speaker, Mary Evelyn Arnold is the quintessential volunteer, a 
dynamic and well respected member of the community. It is therefore 
appropriate that we acknowledge her today as the City of Sonoma's 
Alcaldessa for 2011.

                          ____________________