[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 5]
[Senate]
[Page 7215]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                     IN RECOGNITION OF JOANN OWENS

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, the month of May, since 1963, has helped 
the Nation focus on the contributions and achievements of America's 
older citizens because the month of May is a month where we recognize 
these achievements. Congress does this by cooperating with various 
organizations in bringing senior interns to Washington, DC, for 1 week 
out of the month of May. There are other things that are done as well.
  The image of those over the age of 65 is dramatically different than 
it was as recently as a generation ago. Older Americans increasingly 
redefine modern maturity. They reshape cultural boundaries, and they 
dispel age-old stereotypes associated with getting older. They are 
leaders in our families, in our workplaces, and in our communities.
  Each week this month I am going to recognize a different Iowan and 
highlight what these older Iowans are doing as a contribution to the 
workplace and communities. The one I recognize this week is a 68-year-
old woman from Sioux City, IA. JoAnn Owens understands the value of 
family and understands community involvement. Through her initiative, 
her concern, and her commitment, she has touched the lives of many in 
her family and in the entire Sioux City community.
  Born and raised in Sioux City, Ms. Owens moved to New York in her 
twenties and spent much of her adult life on the east coast. In 1993, 
at the age of 60, she moved back to Sioux City to care for her ailing 
mother. Seeking a way to keep herself active, and at the same time 
stimulate her mind, Ms. Owens began to volunteer in the community. For 
the last 7 years, she has served as a senior companion by providing 
care to people in the community who need extra assistance in order to 
live independently.
  She currently volunteers 4 days a week helping young people suffering 
from brain injuries to develop their academic skills. Ms. Owens also 
serves as a volunteer judge for the Woodbury County Drug Court Program. 
She is a member of the city's Human Rights Commission and active in the 
Quota Club, an international service organization.
  Ms. Owens describes herself as a woman motivated by challenges. As a 
volunteer with the Sioux City Police Department, Ms. Owens took the 
initiative to develop a program to provide domestically abused women 
with cellular phones so they could better protect themselves. She also 
spent a series of weeks attending the Sioux City Police Citizens 
Academy where she was trained on the responsibilities and challenges 
facing police officers.
  Ms. Owens' concern for her family is also a driving force for her 
involvement. Her desire to play an active role in her mother's care 
prompted Ms. Owens to join the care review board at the care center 
where her mother lived. Although Ms. Ownens' mother passed away 5 years 
ago, she is still involved as a resident advocate, currently serving as 
the chairperson for the care review committee. She visits with the 
residents at least once a month and works with staff to take care of 
any problems at the center.
  Ms. Owens has six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Her concern 
for their education motivated her to become a member of the Board of 
Education equity committee. She is currently the chairperson of the 
committee. Her mission is to ensure that education in Sioux City is 
equally and equitably dispensed to all students.
  Beyond her community involvement, Ms. Owens enjoys raising tomatoes, 
reading, and feeding the birds, squirrels and rabbits. She lives with 
her cat Mr. Roberts and her dog Jordan.
  I thank Ms. Owens for helping to make Sioux City a better place to 
live. Her initiative and compassionate care for others is an example to 
us all that we should contribute to our communities, no matter what our 
age.
  I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, am I correct that the Senate is now in 
a period of morning business?
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. That is correct.

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