[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 4754]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



    IN HONOR OF WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH--RECOGNIZING NEW MEXICO WOMEN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. HEATHER WILSON

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 27, 2001

  Mrs. WILSON. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I asked 
New Mexicans to send me nominations of women in New Mexico who have 
given special service to our community, but may have never received 
recognition for their good deeds.
  I received twenty-eight worthy nominations describing sacrifices and 
contributions these women have made for our community. The people who 
nominated the women described the dedication they have witnessed: 
volunteer hours for veteran services, Sunday School Teachers, service 
on non-profit boards, homeless programs, fund raising for scholarships 
for at risk youth, healthcare providers going above the call of duty, 
child advocates, volunteers at churches and synagogues, successful 
business women, wives, mothers and friends.
  Allow me to share examples of the nominations.
  Lydia Ashanin--A community volunteer since the age of 10. She has 
actively mentored many young women through Big Brothers/Big Sisters and 
other youth programs. Lydia is a committed volunteer for Leadership New 
Mexico, fostering future leaders in our state. Her volunteer efforts 
have touched economic development, women's programs and DWI activism.
  JoAnn Carnahan--A hospice volunteer nominated by Elizabeth Carlin, a 
hospice patient. JoAnn takes Elizabeth for chemotherapy and stays with 
her for the 3-4 hours it takes for the treatments. JoAnn volunteers for 
a disabled man, doing his grocery shopping and laundry each week. At 
Christmas she helps with the gift bags for hospice patients.
  Connie Martinez--A community liaison in the San Jose neighborhood of 
Albuquerque, she works hard on issues important to her neighbors and 
friends. Although she has experienced many personal losses in her life, 
she remains committed to making a positive difference. Connie is an 
advocate on environmental issues such as Superfund and Brownfields 
sites in the community, and social and economic concerns that affect 
the residents of San Jose. Connie is also an active volunteer at her 
parish.
  Carolyn Monroe--A successful business woman who shares her skills on 
several boards concerned with the economic well-being and growth in our 
community. She understands the need and benefit of helping individuals 
and organizations succeed in the business community. Additionally she 
gives her time and financial support to many non-profit organizations.
  Gloria Septien--One of only four women in the United States who owns 
a radio station, and one of only two Hispanic women who own a radio 
station. She has performed innumerable acts of kindness including food 
and toy drives for needy families and giving generously to charitable 
organizations, including the United Way.
  Tamara Ward--A juvenile justice social worker who ``walks the talk.'' 
Tamara has developed programs to help youth begin their rehabilitation 
and make a successful transition once they are out of the institution. 
She helps teens in the institution tell their stories through ``Tales 
from the Inside'', sharing why no one should follow in their footsteps. 
Tamara recruits positive role models to mentor the youth, providing a 
foundation to make positive changes in their lives.
  These five excerpts from the nominations serve as examples of the 
women making history today and impacting the future in new Mexico. 
Please join me in honoring all of the worthy nominations: Julia Y. 
Seligman, Thema Honey, Aileen O'Bryan, Margarte Davidson 
(Posthumously), Maureen Sanders, Judie Framan, Gwen Poe, Fran Bradshaw, 
Cathy Davis, Anne Townsend, Penny Howard, Carolyn Chan, Melisse Barlow, 
Betty King, Marie Torrens, Paulina Slopek, Cathleen Tomlinson, Jan 
Johnson, Clorinda Romero, Virginia Eubanks, Vickie Terry, Marily Schaer 
and Sue Stearns.

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