[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 19 (Tuesday, February 2, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E95]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN RECOGNITION OF JOANN GONYEA'S SERVICE TO THE CITY OF TRENTON

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 2, 2016

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Joann Gonyea for 
her 31 years of service in the Parks and Recreation Department of 
Trenton, Michigan.
  Joann began her career with the City of Trenton Parks and Recreation 
Department as a Program Coordinator in 1985. She became the Assistant 
Director in 1990 and served in that role for 20 years before being 
appointed Director in 2011.
  Many of the events and activities for which Trenton has become known 
started with Joann. During an internship with Wayne County Parks 31 
years ago, she designed the ``Somewhere in Time'' event which captures 
the spirit of the iconic Elizabeth Park in the early 1900's and engages 
residents with the history of their city. Joann has also been the 
driving force behind the ``Community Builds'' program and the ``Healthy 
Trenton Initiative'' which both promote healthy and active lifestyles 
by emphasizing teamwork.
  Joann is instrumental in the success of community events in Trenton 
and is well known for her ability to organize and inspire volunteers. 
Many projects, including the recent addition of a playground to 
Affholter Park, are finished in record time due to the groundswell of 
community support Joann encourages. It's because she practices what she 
preaches, and generously dedicates her time to organizations throughout 
the Downriver community, such as the International Wildlife Refuge 
Alliance where she serves as a board member.
  Joann is part of the heart and soul of Trenton, Michigan and the 
Downrivers. Tonight, we recognize Joann with the Duane Brannick award 
for outstanding service to the city, an award which is annually given 
to leaders in the city that go above and beyond. I know that Joann is 
the perfect recipient of this prestigious award and I am proud to call 
her a friend.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today to honor Joann 
Gonyea for her 31 years of service to the city of Trenton. I thank her 
for her leadership, and wish her many years of success.

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