[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 57 (Thursday, April 19, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E589]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                    IN RECOGNITION OF KELLY KOLANDER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN GARAMENDI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 19, 2012

  Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Kelly Kolander, 
who has served Northern Calif. through the O.C. Jones & Sons, Inc. TLC 
for Kids Sports Program. As his colleagues, friends and family gather 
together to celebrate these accomplishments, we ask all of our 
colleagues to join us in saluting this outstanding and giving Company 
and this businessman.
  Kelly Kolander's journey began soon after graduating from The 
California State University in Fresno where he earned a BS in Heavy 
Civil Construction. It was there that he began his career in Heavy 
Construction, working part time and summers for a local firm while 
going to school. Upon graduation, he continued his career for a few 
short years in the Central Valley before coming to O.C. Jones as an 
Estimator in 1987. In O.C. Jones, he found a firm with an outstanding 
reputation with tremendous experience and top quality people. Today he 
sits as the President and CEO of O.C. Jones & Sons Inc where he's 
served since 2006.
  While heading O.C. Jones in 2009 the Company searched for a way that 
they could further their community outreach and support during the 
difficult recession. The Company's background in Heavy Civil 
Construction as well as Stadiums and Sports Facilities led Kolander to 
create the TLC for Kids Sports Program. The TLC for Kids Sports Program 
allows youth sports leagues to compete for renovations on their subpar 
facilities that would otherwise go to ruin. It is designed to improve 
the Community and Youth Sports . . . One field at a Time.
  TLC for Kids Sports' Contributions to the community prove to be a 
great asset in Northern California in the fight to keep sports programs 
alive and well. Mr. Kolander's work is pivotal in the fight against 
childhood obesity and diabetes. The newly renovated little fields they 
have refurbished thus far will surely motivate and keep children 
interested in America's great pastime.
  Kelly Kolander and the TLC for Kids Sports Program have already 
renovated three baseball and softball facilities in Northern California 
since 2009. The Tahoe Tallac, Eastridge and Antioch Little Leagues have 
all benefited from the efforts and charity of the TLC for Kids Program. 
The Eastridge Little League now has a girls division thanks to the new 
fields and can now proudly say young boys and girls are part of their 
organization. Most recently the program renovated the fields for the 
Antioch Little League in my own 10th district in California. 
Additionally, TLC for Kids Sports is continuing its efforts in the 
Community by constructing an Outdoor Classroom Memorial at Las Lomas 
High School in Walnut Creek to commemorate students Matt Miller and 
Gavin Powell, who died in February 2011 in a rafting accident. There 
are also plans to renovate another series of fields and playground area 
in West Sacramento. Mr. Kolander's contribution to my district is 
greatly appreciated and does not go without recognition. O.C. Jones and 
its `TLC for Kids Sports program' work in the 10th District and 
throughout the Bay Area can only help create a better tomorrow through 
a more healthy and motivated youth.
  The long lasting benefits of Kelly Kolander's TLC for Kids Sports 
Program not only benefit children now but will create healthy and more 
motivated adults in the future; they stand as a testament to what 
diligent work and true commitment to community can produce.
  Mr. Speaker, We are truly honored to pay tribute to our friend and 
dedicated program founder and president Kelly Kolander. We ask our 
colleagues to join with us in thanking Mr. Kolander and O.C. Jones and 
Sons, Inc., for their dedicated service to the citizens of Northern 
California and wishing continued success in all his future endeavors.

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