[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 160 (Monday, October 24, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1912]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING CONNIE DREGA FOR HER INVALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 24, 2011

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to rise today to join 
the many family, friends, and colleagues who have gathered to pay 
tribute to Connie Drega as she is honored by the Connecticut Democratic 
State Central Committee with one of their 2011 Women's Leadership 
Awards. Connie is the quintessential volunteer and has devoted 
countless hours to improving the quality of life in her hometown of 
Middlefield, Connecticut.
  Each year, in the spirit of the late Governor Ella Grasso, the 
Democratic State Central Committee selects ten women whose 
extraordinary leadership and contributions have made a difference in 
their communities. The annual Women's Leadership Awards celebrate the 
innumerable ways in which women, through their work in the political 
arena, have helped to shape our communities.
  Connie has been a member of the Middlefield Democratic Town Committee 
for more than thirty years and has been involved with the local 
Democratic Party for even longer. She is a past Treasurer and is always 
involved in their fundraising efforts. Be it the annual Baked Potato 
Booth at the Durham Fair, a spaghetti supper, or organizing meetings 
and other opportunities for the public to discuss their issues with 
local leaders, Connie can always be found in the background, quietly 
ensuring that everything is in order and running smoothly.
  At 84-years young, Connie is involved in almost every facet of the 
Committee's activities. Every month, she calls through the membership 
to remind them of meetings and she has served on the nominating 
committee, assisting in identifying and recruiting folks to run for 
local office. She herself served on the local Board of Finance for 
several years and today acts as the Deputy Registrar, another volunteer 
effort where she helps to ensure elections and referendums are 
conducted with the highest of integrity.
  In addition to her work on the Town Committee, Connie is also very 
involved in her church, St. Colman's, as well as at the Middlefield 
Senior Center. She is also a member of the Middlefield Community 
Services Council, a group of local residents whose mission is to reach 
out and support those members of the community who are facing difficult 
circumstances. In fact, Connie was honored by the Durham-Middlefield 
Exchange Club with their Golden Deeds Award which recognizes 
``exceptional contributions by a resident to the betterment of our 
communities.''
  Connie Drega reflects the very spirit in which the Women's Leadership 
Award are given and I am proud to join her family, friends, and 
colleagues in congratulating her as she receives this very special and 
well-deserved recognition.

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