[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 37 (Wednesday, March 4, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E299]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO VIRGINIA CARMODY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOHN KATKO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 4, 2015

  Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of 
Virginia Carmody to the community of Onondaga County, New York. A 
resident of Onondaga Hill, Mrs. Carmody has served as the Executive 
Director of the Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County for over 6 years. 
In her role as Executive Director, Mrs. Carmody has established and led 
expansive literacy programs in Onondaga County, working towards the 
goal of complete literacy in the County.
   In 2010, Mrs. Carmody oversaw the implementation of the Dolly 
Parton's Imagination Library program in the City of Syracuse, New York. 
The program has provided over 68,000 free books to over 4,500 children 
in the city. In addition, Mrs. Carmody manages adult literacy 
initiatives, such as an adult literacy database.
   Due to the work of the Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County 
promoting early reading, spearheaded by Mrs. Carmody, the National 
Campaign for Grade-Level Reading recognized Syracuse as one of 38 
municipalities across the country, as a 2013 Pacesetter.
   Mrs. Carmody previously served for over 26 years in the 
Congressional offices of three New York Representatives. Mrs. Carmody 
serves on the boards of Syracuse 20/20, the Onondaga Citizens League, 
Visions for Change, and is a member of the Rotary Club of Syracuse. She 
holds a Master of Public Administration degree from American University 
and a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree in Elementary Education from 
the College of St. Rose. She is supported by her husband, Mitch and two 
children, Riley and Christina.
   Virginia Carmody has worked fervently to improve literacy in 
Onondaga County through community engagement. I am proud to 
congratulate Mrs. Carmody in her deserving receipt of the Women Who 
Make America Award.

                          ____________________