[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 117 (Thursday, July 24, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1231]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING ART IBLETO

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 24, 2014

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Art 
Ibleto for his induction into the Sonoma County Farm Bureau Hall of 
Fame. Art's contributions to our community are innumerable and far-
reaching; therefore, it is appropriate that we honor and recognize him 
today.
  Art was born and raised in Sesta Godano, Italy, which is where he 
first cultivated his life-long love for good Italian cooking. When 
World War II erupted, Art served as a young demolition specialist in 
Italy, planting explosives under bridges, railroads and in highway 
tunnels to hinder the Nazi advance. After the war, Art made his way to 
Sonoma County in search of a brighter future and immediately immersed 
himself in the Sonoma County agriculture community. When he first 
arrived in the U.S., Art worked in the field picking vegetables at the 
Ghirardelli Ranch in Petaluma, which is where he met his wife, Vicki 
Ghirardelli. Since then, he has gone on to contribute to our 
agriculture community in many ways. From being an experienced meat 
cutter and farmer, to growing quality grapes and making superb wines, 
it's hard to think of an area of agriculture that Art hasn't left an 
indelible mark on.
  In addition to his agricultural endeavors, Art is perhaps best known 
for his role as the beloved ``Pasta King''. For the past fifty years, 
Art has shared his gift for cooking authentic Italian food through his 
renowned Pasta King catering business. Art the Pasta King has been by 
my side at more of my events than I can count. He volunteers to cook at 
more community events and for more charitable causes than I could 
possibly list here. Art is truly committed to giving back to our 
community, to an extent that most of us will only ever hope to emulate. 
Art's unwavering passion and dedication to our community is an 
inspiration to all. And in turn, Art is beloved by all in our 
community.
  But most importantly, I know Art as my friend who loves his family, 
his friends and our community. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure and 
honor to recognize my good friend Art Ibleto today.

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