[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 49 (Wednesday, April 6, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E654]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                      HONORING BARBARA ANN ZAJBEL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. STEVE AUSTRIA

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 6, 2011

  Mr. AUSTRIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the people of 
Ohio's Seventh Congressional District to honor the life and memory of 
Barbara Ann Zajbel.
  As a former Xenia business woman and Xenia Area Chamber of Commerce 
executive, Barbara Zajbel was known as one of Xenia's most loyal, 
positive and significant leaders. Those who met or knew Barbara 
benefited from her uplifting attitude and abundant warmth.
  As a dedicated and faithful community servant, Barbara encouraged and 
motivated others through personal example. Over the years, she 
spearheaded countless community projects that required hundreds of 
hours of community service. She would not only organize the projects 
but would also work with volunteers to perform the necessary tasks in 
order to make the events successful. Both Barbara and her husband, Tom, 
are particularly remembered for their 15 years or so of commitment to 
and involvement with the annual Xenia Old Fashioned Days Festival.
  From arriving to Xenia in the late 1970's, Barbara devoted her life 
to service organizations like Rotary, civic groups and boards, 
education committees and governmental projects. She served on boards of 
numerous organizations, such as Greene County Convention & Visitors 
Bureau, Xenia Educational Endowment Fund, Miami Valley Military Affairs 
Association, Greene County Economic Development Roundtable, Xenia 
Downtown Revitalization as well as many other commendable associations. 
She was also a member of St. Brigid Catholic Church.
  One of Barbara's most favorite quotes was ``I am only one, but I am 
one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let 
what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.'' Barbara exemplified 
this quote with her love and energy towards Xenia and the many 
different boards and organizations she served.
  After a hard fought battle with cancer, Barbara Zajbel, 67, passed 
away on March 28, 2011, surrounded by her husband, Tom Zajbel; sons, 
Jim and Tom Zajbel; and daughter, Tracy Zajbel Palmer. Barbara's life 
will continue to be an inspiration to all those who loved her and to 
the community she served so well.

                          ____________________