[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 47 (Thursday, March 19, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E372]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING MS. MAUREEN TOMS, CONTRA COSTA COUNTY WOMAN OF THE YEAR

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 19, 2015

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Maureen Toms as one of the Fifth District of California's Women of the 
Year as we celebrate Women's History Month. I regularly have the 
privilege to work with extraordinary women across our district, and I 
am proud to recognize Maureen as one of them.
  Ms. Toms has been a strong supporter of the Special Olympics; as a 
parent of a child with Down Syndrome, she has been a tireless advocate 
for children with disabilities. She has also donated hundreds of hours 
as a volunteer on numerous planning committees that have led to 
improving the quality of life for the families and residents in the 
City of Pinole and West Contra Costa County.
  Ms. Toms grew up in a family that believed in serving their 
community, and that philosophy became a lifelong passion. From helping 
children with intellectual disabilities overcome barriers through 
sports and shatter stereotypes with the Special Olympics to helping 
beautify her local neighborhood by obtaining grants to plant trees in a 
local park, she has been a tireless advocate for the people and places 
that make our community special.
  Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we honor and thank 
Ms. Toms not only for her commitment to improving the lives of children 
with disabilities, but also for her commitment to our community. Ms. 
Toms' unyielding dedication to the people that make our region unique 
is greatly appreciated by our entire community and we wish her 
continued success.