[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 60 (Thursday, April 6, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E297]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING FRAN LEMOS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 6, 2023

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Fran 
Lemos whom I have named the 2023 Woman of the Year for Napa County 
because of her service to our community in the region. Woman of the 
Year recognizes women who have made important contributions to 
California's 4th Congressional District in Arts and Culture, 
Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation or Community 
Service.
  Born in Vallejo, California, Ms. Lemos moved to American Canyon in 
1948, back when it was known as Napa Junction. She has devoted her life 
since to building, transforming, and bettering the lives of American 
Canyon families. She did this first as director of the American Canyon 
Fire Board until 1992 and then as a board member of impactful non-
profits such as Boys and Girls Club and American Canyon Chamber of 
Commerce. Ms. Lemos also was an active volunteer for the Napa Valley 
Wine Auction and the Sutter Solano Thrift Shop.
  Known as the ``unofficial historian'' and ``matriarch'' of American 
Canyon, Ms. Lemos' role in her community cannot be understated. She 
holds an extensive knowledge of the area, which she passes on to 
visitors during tours of the city. She also attends every city meeting 
and community event and has served in multiple American Canyon 
committees since before American Canyon was even a city.
  Ms. Lemos has become a staple of American Canyon through her 
community service. Her work in starting the American Canyon Chamber of 
Commerce has helped local businesses get off the ground and thrive by 
providing support networks for them. She also helped reinvigorate the 
outdoor landscape of the city through her work in the American Canyon 
Community and Parks Foundation.
  Ms. Lemos' work has had a tremendous impact in helping American 
Canyon grow from a small unincorporated part of Napa County, into the 
emerging city it is now. In doing so, she has helped the community and 
visitors learn more about the city and the history behind it.
  Mr. Speaker, Fran Lemos has been a dedicated public servant in our 
community for decades. Therefore, it is fitting that we honor her here 
today as Napa County's 2023 Woman of the Year.

                          ____________________