[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 7206]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING JOAN STELLA HOLMAN ON HER 90TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 4, 2006

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my 
dear friend Joan Stella Holman of Lakeport, California as she 
celebrates her 90th birthday and a lifetime of inspiring achievements.
  Mr. Speaker, for the past 70 years Joan has been lighting up stages 
around the world. At an early age, Joan realized she wanted to become 
an actress. At only 17 years old, this driven and intelligent young 
woman traveled the world in pursuit of her dreams. She performed in 
England, South Africa and began her United States acting career in 
Washington, DC.
  Mr. Speaker, Joan was born in England and became a naturalized 
citizen in 1952. After settling in San Francisco she began working as a 
journalist for the San Francisco Chronicle and the Oakland Tribune. 
While working in San Francisco she continued to perform in community 
theaters around the Bay Area. At age 66, Joan retired from her 
journalism career and settled in Lakeport, California, however, she 
could not retire from the stage.
  Mr. Speaker, Joan has become and integral and dearly beloved member 
of our community. She is recognized throughout Lake County for her 
leadership, heartwarming personality and devotion to the arts. She has 
bettered our community through her love of acting. She has been cast in 
numerous community theater plays performing with the Lake County 
Repertory Theater, Ukiah Playhouse and Lakeport Community Players. In 
1994 Joan received the Actress of the Year Award for her portrayal of 
Miss Daisy in Driving Miss Daisy.
  Joan is currently co-starring in ``The Gin Game'' which opens on the 
eve of her 90th birthday. While she may be in her 90th year she 
continues to portray characters with as much heart and spirit as 
someone who is starring in their very first role.
  When not on stage, Joan continues to support the arts and our 
community through her dedication to several art organizations, 
including the Clearlake Performing Arts Council and the Lake County 
Arts Council.
  Mr. Speaker and colleagues, it is appropriate that we take this time 
to thank and honor my dear friend Joan Stella Holman for all she has 
done for our community and for the arts. She is an inspiration to us 
all and on behalf of the United States Congress; I wish to extend our 
best wishes to her as she celebrates her 90th birthday on April 24, 
2006.

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