[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 159 (Friday, September 29, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E919]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           HONORING DAVE CORT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JARED HUFFMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 29, 2023

  Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of Dave Cort's 
32 years of service as the San Geronimo Valley Community Center's 
Executive Director.
  Dave became the Community Center's first executive director in June 
of 1991. This part-time job was the first paid position for the 
organization and came with only three required qualifications: owning a 
truck, being able to lift 100 pounds, and possessing people skills. His 
role and the services provided by the Community Center expanded 
exponentially over the next 3 decades.
  Dave ensured the Community Center was a successful resource for the 
San Geronimo Valley residents. He reformed the local delivery service, 
partnered with Lagunitas School District to facilitate after-school and 
daycare programs, and managed the expansion of senior services to 
include a new Senior Lunch program in the early 2000s. Understanding 
the need for recreation opportunities to promote community wellness, 
Dave also worked to build the Community Gym in 2010.
  In 2019, Dave rallied community donors to seed the Deepening Roots 
Endowment with $2 million. A year later, the COVID-19 pandemic 
underscored the need for financial security for the Center in order to 
provide critical services to the San Geronimo Valley community 
emergencies. During the pandemic, Dave assembled the Community Center's 
resources to bring vaccines, tests, food, emergency funds, accurate 
information, and a sense of community to the residents of West Marin.
  Today, the San Geronimo Valley Community Center has a staff of 22 
people and a comprehensive mission to foster healthy communities within 
the San Geronimo Valley and Nicasio. Thanks to Dave Cort's dedication 
and leadership, the organization has become integral to the quality of 
life for the community, ensuring local residents have access to quality 
programs in the arts, youth services, senior services, community 
events, and more.
  Mr. Speaker, Dave Cort exemplifies what it means to be a community-
minded public servant. His contributions to the San Geronimo Valley 
Community Center and the people of West Marin are extraordinary and 
appreciated. Therefore, please join us in congratulating him for 
decades of inspiring work.

                          ____________________