March 31, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E437 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS WOMEN’S ART, WOMEN’S VISION Barbara Brennen—Barbara is the owner of was involved in an art contest for local stu- Stride, Inc., a manufacturing company of office dents. Throughout this time she visited the HON. HEATHER WILSON supplies, which employs people with disabil- schools, putting in the extra effort to let each OF NEW MEXICO ities. Barbara knows that working, mastering a child know how special they are, inspiring task or gaining a skill, is the best builder of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES many of the children to participate. self-esteem in the world. Over 200 people Monday, March 31, 2008 Mignon Donnellon—Mignon is the mother of have out-grown her factory and are now em- four adopted children. She volunteers with Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Madam ployed in the community. several organizations to raise funds for schol- Sonia Britton—Sonia has turned a personal Speaker, in honor of Women’s History Month, arships of deserving children for higher edu- tragedy, the loss of her only son Butch in a I asked New Mexicans to send me nomina- cation. tions of women in New Mexico who have DWI crash, into the DWI Memorial of Per- given special service to our community, but petual Tears in Moriarty. A true advocate for Dr. Leslie Donovan—Dr. Donovan is de- may have never received recognition for their change, Sonia volunteers with organizations, scribed as a superior educator, mentor and good deeds. such as Mother’s Against Drunk Driving, to friend at the University of New Mexico. While On Tuesday, March 25, 2008, I had the make a difference. She helps our community sharing a wealth of knowledge through her honor and privilege of recognizing sixty-one understand the personal cost of DWI. classes, she goes the extra mile to support worthy nominations describing sacrifices and Marlene Brown—Marlene is President of the the well-being of her students. contributions these women have made for our New Mexico Solar Energy Association and Doris Duran—Mrs. Duran is the office man- community. The people who nominated the serving within the organization for over 10 ager at The Valencia County Domestic Vio- women describe the dedication they have wit- years. After losing her brother in 2001 to Leu- lence Shelter, and teaches a parenting class nessed: volunteer hours for veteran’s services, kemia, she raised over $10,000 for the Leu- twice a week. Whether it is at work or in her service on non-profit boards, homeless pro- kemia and Lymphoma Society. Her volunteer spare time she is always willing to step in and grams, mentors for young women, health care work with many organizations makes a posi- help. providers going above the call of duty, child tive impact on many people. Patricia Brown—As a child, her son, John, Pamela Finley—Pamela moved to New advocates, volunteers at churches and syna- remembers his mother’s life as an unending Mexico 2 years ago and wasted no time get- gogues, successful business women, wives, stream of school activities, cupcakes, PTA ting involved with several organizations in Va- mothers and friends. meetings, child advocacy boards, soup kitch- lencia County, including Valencia Youth Lit- Allow me to share information about this ens, food banks, and hospitals. At 82 years eracy Council and the Mid Valley Air Park. year’s nominees: old, Patricia has spent countless hours to Today, she also provides coaching for young Cindy Aguilar—As an integral member of make the world a safe, decent and loving women in the Miss New Mexico Scholarship the Lovelace Rehabilitation Hospital, Cindy place. program. demonstrates excellence in all she does. She Dede Brownstein—Dede is a dedicated vol- is willing to take on extra responsibilities and Joe Ann Gantz—Born in 1932, she was the unteer with Pet Therapy, teaching the under- only one of 12 children to earn a degree from is known for going the extra mile. standing of the human link to the humane Bobbye Allen—Bobbye, a member of NMSU, a rarity in those days. In the 1960s, treatment of animals. As a volunteer for pet Joe Ann started a kindergarten, one of only Epsilom Sigma Alpha International, has al- therapy programs she takes her dogs to hos- ways served to make a difference in the lives two in Las Cruces. A believer in education, pitals, nursing homes, libraries and the Youth she later earned a Masters in speech therapy of people she’s never met. She does this Detention Center. She has made an impact on through philanthropic work for Boys and Girls and worked with handicapped children in the over 5,000 youth within the Detention Center Las Cruces Public Schools. Ranch, CYF, Easter Seals, UNM Children’s alone. Dede also set up the READ to the Hospital and also as a member of 3 different Dogs program to help kids with reading prob- Evelyn Gutierrez—Evelyn has been the vol- Chamber of Commerce. lems. unteer Program Director for ‘‘Thomas Baca’s Linda Barbour—Linda has worked tirelessly Margaret Carroll—Margaret has served on Food Pantry’’ for over 15 years. She travels as a founding member and President of the the DWI advisory board for four years, with 64 miles round trip from Chilili to Albuquerque East Mountain Area Coalition. She was also a the last two as president. She works tirelessly several times a month as part of her commit- key mover in initiating a permanent memorial to secure funding for inpatient rehabilitation ment to the program. She has inspired others for Deputy James McGrane. Her ability to programs, while bringing awareness to our to volunteer. Despite having been declared work so efficiently with many different people community about the dangers of alcoholism. ‘‘dead once,’’ she continues to live her passion makes her a great advocate and representa- Margaret also serves on the East Mountain to help others. tive for the East Mountain community. Coalition of Neighborhood and Landowner As- Mary Halberg—Mary is the youth director at Debra Benavidez—Debra is a role model for sociation a church and school, supporting youth and customer service at the Lovelace Rehabilita- Jessica Cotton—At Lovelace Rehabilitation their parents with her optimistic attitude. She tion Hospital. Under her leadership, her de- Hospital, Jessica works hard to meet the does something special for people every day. partment’s employee and patient satisfaction needs of those she serves. She is truly an The kindergartner class wanted to do some- has improved significantly along with an in- asset with the ability to communicate and con- thing special for Mary, they nominated her be- crease in volume and revenue. She is also ad- nect with customers in English or Spanish. cause she takes the time to read them stories mired for her balance of career and family life. Becky Cousins—Becky is a woman of vision and share her passion for learning. Peg Bilson—Peg joined Eclipse Aviation in in Lea County. Through the arts and the com- Debra Hennig—A successful business July of 2005, bringing experience in oper- munity theatre program, Becky has worked woman in the Title Industry, Debra is sharing ations, finance, engineering, technology, cus- hard as business owner, actress and director her success by establishing internships for tomer service and product support. Her lead- to preserve the history of Lea County, while young women through UNM’s Black Student ership at Eclipse is the final element that will looking to the future in order to enrich the lives Union. Additionally, she teaches continuing establish Eclipse’s position in history as the of the people in her community. Very Light Jet innovator and leader. Peg con- Leslie Cumiford—Leslie is the President of education for the NM State Bar and involves tributions are felt throughout the company, es- the Center for Family Justice, which was herself in her church and several community pecially in the area of high-volume production founded in 2003. Leslie has dedicated much organizations. and stabilization of the supply chain. As a key of her time and resources for children, single Helen Janacek (recognized post- leader in a successful New Mexico business parents and blended family homes. humously)—Helen was an enthusiastic Line with over 1,600 employees, Peg has a vision Bertha (Bertie) Denman—During the Na- Dance instructor at Albuquerque Senior Cen- for the future. tional Hispanic Heritage Month in 2007, Bertie ters for nearly 14 years. Each quarter, new ∑ This ‘‘bullet’’ symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor. Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor. VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:43 Apr 01, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K31MR8.002 E31MRPT1 ccoleman on PROD1PC77 with REMARKS E438 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 31, 2008 classes would start with repeat students and worked with the United Way for several years. Elementary School children. She provides the new comers. She prepared those who were Dianna is described as someone who has leadership and the enthusiasm for this creative interested in competition as well as those who made a profound difference in the lives of oth- program. just had great fun. Her contribution to the sen- ers. Barbara Rivers—A superb teacher of music ior program will be greatly missed. Pat Mallory—Pat coordinates an at Sandia Prep for many years. Barbara also Anis Johnson—Anis has dedicated her life intergenerational tutoring program run by the shares her talent by playing the violin in the to doing for others.