[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 24 (Monday, February 10, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E184]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE AND COMMITMENT OF VERNA MacDONALD TO THE 
               WESTPORT COMMUNITY AND GRAYS HARBOR REGION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DEREK KILMER

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 10, 2014

  Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding 
community service of Verna MacDonald, who has dedicated herself to 
enriching her fellow citizens through her affiliations with the 
Westport Senior House, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3057, the 
American Legion Post #140 Lady Auxiliary, the Westport and Grayland 
area Volunteer Fire Departments, and the Coastal Harvest food 
distribution warehouse.
   Verna MacDonald first moved to Westport with her husband Donald 
MacDonald in 1986. The unexpected passing of her husband in 1999 
inspired her to get out and interact with her community. She has since 
been recognized as the ``Grandma'' of the city of Westport. It is 
difficult to find a person within the community that has not heard of 
the service Ms. MacDonald has provided. Her positive disposition and 
can-do attitude is well known.
   Mr. Speaker, Ms. MacDonald has displayed a constant commitment to 
serving those in need through her varied volunteer activities. One of 
her most notable contributions to the Westport community has been her 
engagement with the Westport Senior House. Starting as secretary, Ms. 
MacDonald dedicated years to improving the building and providing meals 
and resources to its residents. One of her many accomplishments was 
securing a grant to fund a new handicapped access ramp named for her 
late husband. Later, as director, she worked to transform the Senior 
House into a certified Red Cross Emergency Shelter, equipped with cots, 
bedding, emergency food supplies and even a generator. Ms. MacDonald 
didn't stop there; she spearheaded the Westport Freedom Walk in 2006 to 
honor the victims of the September 11, 2001 attack, has organized a 
holiday gift donation program serving the senior citizens in Grays 
Harbor and northern Pacific counties, and volunteers at Coastal Harvest 
Food Bank. Ms. MacDonald's work is boundless, and her retirement does 
not appear to have decreased her commitment to serving those in need.
   As I close, I say with pride that our region is a better place 
thanks to the dedicated and selfless service of Verna MacDonald. Her 
unprecedented community involvement will impact the Westport community 
for years to come. I am pleased to recognize this service today in the 
United States Congress.

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