[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 117 (Monday, September 9, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1258]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO ARLOENE WATTS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 9, 2013

  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to a 
dear friend of mine, Arloene Watts. Arloene passed away on Monday, 
August 5, 2013. A resident of Corona for over half a century, she was a 
pillar of the community and will be deeply missed.
  Arloene was born August 13, 1922 in Carson, Oregon, before moving 
with her family to Minnesota. Arloene grew up on the family farm, where 
her work ethic and values were formed. In 1941, she moved to Auburn, 
California to attend school at Sierra College. She and her husband, Ed, 
were married shortly thereafter in 1943. In 1957, the pair packed up 
and moved to a small town in Southern California--Corona. Arolene began 
her community work almost immediately, taking on roles with the Girl 
Scouts and Boys Scouts of America, and in parent-teacher groups.
  Arloene's passion for service took shape early, and she became a 
champion for the development of women's rights in business throughout 
the community. With experience in personal finance and secretarial 
training, Arloene started her own business, an employment agency, in 
1963. During a time when less than four percent of American businesses 
were owned by women, Arloene became a pioneer. Her knack for career 
planning led the business to become very successful, eventually leading 
to its sale in 1990 after having Arloene at the helm for 27 years. She 
continued to pave the way for women in the community over the years, 
becoming the first woman to serve as Corona Planning Commissioner. In 
addition, she earned a spot by appointment on the Temescal Valley-El 
Cerrito Community Plan Advisory Committee. Her continued interest in 
business development within the city led her to become actively 
involved in the Corona Chamber of Commerce, becoming its first female 
president in 1974.
  It is hard to imagine that Arloene would have any free time on her 
hands, yet she always found time for her community. She served as 
Trustee of Circle City Hospital, Director of the local YMCA, and 
Executive Director of Corona-Norco United Way. In addition, Arloene was 
President of Soroptimist International of Corona, and President of the 
Women's Improvement Club. She was also a dedicated member of the 
Corona-Norco Unified School District's Partner in Education Program and 
the Inland Empire Better Business Bureau. It is no surprise that 
Arolene was the recipient of numerous community awards including Corona 
Citizen of the Year, Award of Merit-Chamber of Commerce, Distinguished 
Citizen of the Year-Corona Jaycees, Outstanding Citizen-Riverside 
County Board of Supervisors, Distinguished Citizen of the Year-Boy 
Scouts, Woman of the Year-73rd Assembly District, YMCA Ira D. Calvert 
Distinguished Service Award, and the Women of Distinction Award for her 
achievements in helping advance the status of women in Corona.
  Arloene is survived by the love of her life, her husband, and their 
three children: son, Edwin, of Massachusetts, and two daughters, 
Michelle, of Corona, and LaJune Hughes, of Oklahoma.
  On Tuesday, August 13, 2013, what would have been her 91st birthday, 
a memorial honoring Arloene's extraordinary life was held. Arloene will 
always be remembered for her incredible work ethic, generosity, 
advancement of women, contributions to the community and love of 
family. Her dedication to her work and community are a testament to a 
life lived well and a legacy that will continue. I extend my 
condolences to Arloene's family and friends; although Arloene may be 
gone, the light and goodness she brought to the world remain and will 
never be forgotten.

                          ____________________