[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Page 16097]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO FRANCIS MATTHEW McFAUN

 Mr. JEFFORDS. Mr. President, I wish to congratulate and thank 
Francis Matthew McFaun, an outstanding citizen and a Vermont leader in 
the fight against poverty. As he prepares to retire from his position 
as manager of the Central Vermont and White River district offices of 
the Vermont Department of Employment and Training, it is significant to 
recognize how much one person can achieve in serving others.
  ``Topper,'' as he is known to his colleagues, family, and friends, 
has had a distinguished 37-year career with the State of Vermont. He 
moved to Vermont in 1966 to start a pilot of the Neighborhood Youth 
Corps Program with the Central Vermont Community Action Agency. He 
moved up through the organization, quickly becoming director of the 
Vermont Office of Economic Opportunity. From there he began working for 
the Vermont Department of Employment and Training, where he has become 
an institution. Topper is deeply committed to improving the quality of 
life of Vermonters through strengthening communities and improving our 
workforce. He has also served with great distinction and exhibited 
leadership at both the State and local level and is involved with 
numerous community activities. From his current role as chairperson of 
the Barre Town Select Board to his veteran position as the Spaulding 
High School Varsity Ice Hockey coach, Topper is tireless in his 
devotion to his State.
  I also have the pleasure of having his daughter, Molly McFaun, on my 
State staff. Molly exhibits the work ethic and compassion that has 
driven her father throughout his career. Topper established himself 
through his efforts to help others, and the legacy of his work lives on 
in his daughter. We are truly fortunate to have Topper and Molly 
working in a field where the benefits of their kindness and support are 
reaped by people all around the State. I thank Topper not only for his 
many years of exemplary service, but also for teaching his children the 
value that is public service.
  It is people like Topper, who give so greatly of themselves without 
expectation of recognition or personal gain, that make our communities 
stronger, better places to live. I want Topper McFaun to know that his 
years of dedicated service have not gone unnoticed. I am proud to stand 
here and tell you about such a great Vermonter. I wish him and his 
wife, Mary Ann, best wishes as they venture into the next chapter of 
their lives.

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