[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 22977]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   IN HONOR OF THE 2007 SUSSEX COUNTY SENIOR OF THE YEAR, MARIA RATH

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                           HON. SCOTT GARRETT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 3, 2007

  Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise to commend Maria 
Rath of Hainesville for her kind and generous service to her community. 
In her retirement, Maria has turned her tremendous energy and heart 
into a true blessing for all of Sussex County. Next week, her good 
deeds will be recognized at the State Fair when she is named the 2007 
Sussex County Senior of the Year. I join my Sussex neighbors in 
honoring her for her work.
  Maria has established the Bread of Life's Ministry, a one-woman show 
distributing donated baked goods to area food pantries and families in 
need. She has partnered with places like Panera Bread, Manna House, and 
Sussex County Technical School to take their donations of leftover 
bread, repackage it, and distribute it to institutions like Liberty 
Towers and Nutrition Center, Brookside Apartments, the Newton Adult Day 
Care Center, First Presbyterian Church of Sparta, and, my own church, 
Lafayette Federated Church. In addition to her regular rounds, Maria 
will take whatever extra time or effort is necessary to help a family 
she hears may need her loving touch.
  In addition to this important project, Maria and her husband, Wilbur, 
started a furniture ministry six years ago. Through that endeavor, they 
bring household furniture to families in need. Maria also cooks at the 
Manna House once a month and volunteers at the Newton Hospital labs. 
Her labors are truly labors of love, bringing joy and hope to people as 
well as the material goods they need so badly.
  Maria notes, ``I'm 77, but I feel like 49.'' Age is no match for a 
young and vibrant spirit and heart. Maria is an extraordinary example 
for men and women of all ages, demonstrating the power of a single life 
to influence so many lives in a very positive way.

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