April 17, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E645 justifiably proud of their more than 100 years October 1, 1963, ushering in a new era of in- THE 2008 COOPERATIVE of service to the State of Kansas’ most vulner- novative services and support. CONSERVATION AWARD able girls and young women. Through its active participation with The Na- In 1900, this agency began in Topeka with tional Crittenton Foundation and the Crittenton HON. DAVID G. REICHERT a contribution of just $100, which was given to Family of Agencies, the Florence Crittenton OF WASHINGTON provide much-needed community services and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES shelter to young women in the community. Agency in Knoxville continues to strengthen It is worth our time to take a moment and communities and have a positive impact on Thursday, April 17, 2008 realize just how much that small $100 con- East Tennessee. Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, I want to tribution has created. In closing, Madam Speaker, I ask that my congratulate Mount Rainier National Park, the Today, 100 years later, Florence Crittenton colleagues join me in recognizing the National Student Conservation Association, SCA, the Services provides not just shelter, but cutting Crittenton Foundation and Knoxville’s Florence Washington’s Trails Association, WTA, the Na- edge, comprehensive services to Kansas’ Crittenton Agency on this historic occasion tional Parks Conservation Association, NPCA, most vulnerable girls and young women. Cur- and thank them for their ongoing commitment Washington’s National Park Fund, and The rently, Florence Crittenton is the only Psy- to our communities and to our country. Mountaineers for being awarded the 2008 Co- chiatric Residential Treatment Facility in Kan- operative Conservation Award, CCA, from the sas that serves female clients only. Department of the Interior. The CCA is the f Many people who know the Crittenton name Department of Interior’s highest award pre- associate it with support for unwed mothers. TRIBUTE TO SAMMY GEORGE OF sented to private citizens and organizational While this is an important part of the Crittenton CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE partners who support the agency’s mission legacy. the program has evolved over time to and demonstrate significant contributions to its meet the increasingly complex and acute programs. needs of at-risk young women and their fami- HON. ZACH WAMP The award was given to the coalition for lies all across Kansas. their outstanding efforts in rebuilding damaged Most importantly, this array of services to OF TENNESSEE trails, campgrounds and other facilities at girls and young women in Kansas provides IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mount Rainier following the disastrous floods opportunities for growth and support that and windstorms during the winter of 2006. The would not exist otherwise. I am proud to ac- Thursday, April 17, 2008 coalition named their efforts the Mount Rainier knowledge Florence Crittenton Services of Recovery Initiative and enlisted the help of Kansas for their long-standing and worthwhile Mr. WAMP. Madam Speaker, today I rise to more than 700 people from all over the coun- efforts that give girls the tools and skills to honor Sammy George of my hometown of try to rebuild and solidify some of the most change the course of their lives. Chattanooga, Tennessee, as he departs the beautiful trails, campgrounds and habitats in On this historic occasion, I ask my col- broadcasting industry at the height of his ca- the country. The work they did was truly re- leagues to join me in honoring Florence reer with 35 years of service. Mr. George has markable. Their dedication is appreciated by Crittenton Services in Topeka for their ongoing been an outstanding leader at home, in the in- residents of the Pacific Northwest and the commitment to at-risk girls, young women and dustry and within our community. Now that he residents of the Eighth District, the district I their families. will be spending more time with his family and represent. f friends, I want to take a moment to recognize The work by the coalition, along with count- less volunteers, will be enjoyed for years to HONORING THE 125TH ANNIVER- his tremendous accomplishments and thank him for all he has done in Chattanooga. come by the thousands of visitors to Mount SARY OF THE NATIONAL Rainier. With all the coalition has accom- CRITTENTON FOUNDATION Alter serving in the U.S. Marines in Vietnam, plished, their efforts continue by expanding Sammy returned to his hometown of West their reach outside Mount Rainier to other HON. JOHN J. DUNCAN, JR. Blocton, Alabama, where he worked as a disc areas in Washington State affected by ex- OF TENNESSEE jockey, DJ. He moved to Chattanooga in 1985 treme weather utilizing the success of their IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES to become the general manager of the upstart Mount Rainier Model. Again, congratulations Thursday, April 17, 2008 radio station WUSY US–101 where he has re- the SCA, the WTA, the NPCA, Washington’s mained for more than 22 years. National Park Fund and The Mountaineers for Mr. DUNCAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today their dedication to the natural wonders of the to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Na- During his term, the station has won count- less awards and has been recognized for its Pacific Northwest and urge them to continue tional Crittenton Foundation, a national organi- in their efforts. zation dedicated to supporting and empow- distinction and excellence These include nine f ering young women and girls at-risk. Country Music Association Station of the Year More than a century ago, founder Charles awards, four R&R Station of the Year awards, THE CITY OF ROCK PORT, Crittenton and his colleague, Dr. Kate Waller one Academy of Country Music Station award, MISSOURI Barrett, began an international movement to a National Association of Business, NAB, Mar- help homeless, pregnant women and their ba- coni for Personality of the Year and the NAB HON. SAM GRAVES bies. Today, the unique partnership between Crystal award. OF MISSOURI The National Crittenton Foundation and the Most importantly, Sammy has focused his IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Crittenton Family of Agencies carries on this talent and energy on helping those in need. mission through a national network of affiliated Thursday, April 17, 2008 He has humbly led our community in raising independent, local organizations. Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly As a leading member of the Crittenton Fam- millions of dollars for charitable causes, includ- rise to recognize, the City of Rock Port, Mis- ily of Agencies, the Florence Crittenton Agen- ing $5 million for the St. Jude Children’s Re- souri, the first community in the United States cy in Knoxville, Tennessee has worked tire- search Hospital and $800,000 of supplies for of America whose energy source is totally lessly to ensure that the children, families, and Hurricane Katrina victims. wind powered. pregnant young women of East Tennessee Sammy retires as the market manager for Rock Port, where Lewis and Clark camped have the best possible services. I am proud to Clear Channel/Chattanooga where he oversaw in 1804, the county seat of Atchison County— have such an upstanding organization located three popular radio stations: WUSY US–101, named after United States Senator David in my congressional district. WLND 98.1 The Legend, and WRXR Rock Atchison—and the home of the annual Atch- Founded in 1896 under the proud leader- 105. After taking some much deserved time ison County Fair, has come a long way to be ship of Mrs. Annie McGhee McClung, the off, he will bring his wealth of experience to the undisputed leader of energy innovation by Knoxville organization experienced a period of becoming the first community in our Nation to Northwest Georgia Bank where he will be decline during wars and the Great Depression, be totally energy independent of foreign re- vice-president for new business. but the challenges facing young women and sources. girls remained. Seeing the great need that still Sammy George is a man of integrity, loyalty Named for the soil that it is built on, Loess existed, seven Knoxville community leaders and outstanding leadership, and I am proud to Hills Wind Farm is located on agricultural signed a second Charter of Incorporation on recognize him today. lands within the city limits of Rock Port. The

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:27 Apr 18, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A17AP8.015 E17APPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with REMARKS E646 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks April 17, 2008 four wind turbines that make up the Loess RECOGNIZING THE FLORENCE attention to raising sons Kyle and Scott and Hills Wind Farm will produce 16 million kilo- CRITTENTON HOME IN LEX- volunteering in the community. One of her vol- watt hours of electricity per year. Rock Port INGTON, KENTUCKY unteer projects she was most proud of was will truly be the first community in America ca- helping to bring childcare to migrant families in pable of meeting its entire annual electricity HON. BEN CHANDLER Skagit County so children wouldn’t have to be demands from wind power. OF KENTUCKY in the fields while their parents were in the As a long standing supporter of wind en- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES fields picking fruit and vegetables. It was dur- ergy, I am a proud to report the first 100 per- ing her years as a volunteer for the local Thursday, April 17, 2008 cent wind-powered community in the United Democratic Party that she met Lloyd Meeds. States is in the Sixth Congressional District of Mr. CHANDLER. Madam Speaker, it is with Her volunteer efforts for Rep. Meeds led to a Missouri. great pleasure that I recognize the 125th anni- job helping his constituents, first in the district Madam Speaker, I ask that you and the en- versary of the National Crittenton Foundation, office and then in Washington. DC. Ms. tire United States House of Representatives an organization that supports empowerment Thiessen and Swift both worked for Rep. join me in celebrating with the City of Rock and self-sufficiency for young women at risk. Meeds and when Swift was elected, she be- Port, Atchison County and the great State of In particular, I want to celebrate the work of a came office manager and ultimately his Chief Missouri in being the ‘‘true’’ leader for this Na- leading member of the Crittenton Family of of Staff. tion for energy independence. Agencies: The Florence Crittenton Home in Ms. Thiessen was respected and admired Lexington, Kentucky. by all who worked in the office. She set high f Established in 1894, The Florence standards and expected top-quality work from Crittenton Home in Lexington is a private non- all staff in the Swift office. Her hand was in DESIREE LAWRENCE profit residential treatment facility that provides nearly every issue that Swift worked on comprehensive services to girls who have throughout his tenure in Congress, from his HON. ED PERLMUTTER been abused, neglected, abandoned or are Motor Voter bill, which eventually became law, OF COLORADO experiencing pregnancy and parenting in the to the various projects that he sponsored face of mental health and behavioral chal- around the 2nd District, such as the 88th IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES lenges. Every day, this dedicated organization Street Interchange on I–5 and the return of Thursday, April 17, 2008 strives to provide a stable, safe and nurturing passenger rail service between Seattle and Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise atmosphere to help its clients achieve the per- Vancouver, BC. She knew the issues, she today to recognize and applaud Desiree Law- sonal growth and family stability necessary to knew the district, and she made sure every- rence who has received the Arvada Wheat thrive as adults. thing ran smoothly for Rep. Swift and his leg- Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Originally known as the Lexington House of islative staff. Desiree Lawrence is a student at Wheat Ridge Mercy, the Florence Crittenton Home opened Her writing and grammatical skills were the High School and received this award because its doors on September 3, 1894 in response to envy of the entire office. I’ve been told that her determination and hard work have allowed community concern about the lack of support both she and Rep. Swift were terrific editors, her to overcome adversities. for the city’s girls. Over the years, with help but her eagle eyes would rarely let a mis- The dedication demonstrated by Desiree from community partners including the Fayette spelled word or typo slip by in any of the cor- Lawrence is exemplary of the type of achieve- County Board of Education, the University of respondence that went out of the office. Out- ment that can be attained with hard work and Kentucky, the Keeneland Foundation, the Jun- side of the office, her ability to work a cross- perseverance. It is essential that students at ior League of Lexington, numerous churches word or any type of word puzzle was leg- all levels strive to make the most of their edu- and dedicated volunteers, the Florence endary! cation and develop a work ethic that will guide Crittenton Home has provided important social She was one of the first to arrive in the of- them for the rest of their lives. services to thousands of Kentucky’s young fice each day and usually the last to leave at I extend my deepest congratulations once women. night. She took young staffers under her wing again to Desiree Lawrence for winning the Ar- The National Crittenton Foundation and and often pushed them to better themselves in vada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Lexington’s own Florence Crittenton Home are their careers—whether that meant going back Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit to be commended as organizations that allow to school or taking another job. Many of the same dedication and character to all her Kentucky’s young women to believe in and Swift’s former staffers whom Ms. Thiessen future accomplishments. empower themselves. It is with this ongoing helped nurture have gone on to become state contribution in mind that I recognize them both legislators, CEOs, judges, attorneys, public af- on this special occasion. fairs officers, top congressional staff, archi- f f vists, and teachers. I am fortunate that my A PROCLAMATION HONORING RA- own district director for many years worked CHEL RUSSELL FOR WINNING TRIBUTE TO JANET ELIZABETH with and was mentored by Ms. Thiessen. THE OHIO DIVISION IV STATE THIESSEN Janet Thiessen was an independent woman BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP who made her way in a world that was, at that HON. RICK LARSEN time, often dominated by men. She rose from HON. ZACHARY T. SPACE OF WASHINGTON an unpaid volunteer to the Chief of Staff for a IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES veteran congressman, all on her own. Her in- OF OHIO Thursday, April 17, 2008 tellect, political skills, loyalty, sense of humor IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and kindness served her well in her career on Thursday, April 17, 2008 Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Madam Speak- Capitol Hill and in life. She will be greatly er, I rise today to pay tribute to a woman who missed. Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: spent more than 20 years working for the peo- f Whereas, Rachel Russell showed hard work ple of the 2nd District of Washington State. and dedication to the sport of basketball; and Janet Elizabeth Thiessen, who passed away HONORING THE GRAND OPENING Whereas, Rachel Russell was a supportive last month at the age of 78, was at the side OF THE LEWIS LIBRARY AND team player; and of former Congressman Al Swift, throughout TECHNOLOGY CENTER Whereas, Rachel Russell always displayed the years he represented the 2nd District from sportsmanship on and off of the court; now, 1978 until 1995. HON. JOE BACA therefore, be it Ms. Thiessen’s service to the 2nd District OF CALIFORNIA Resolved, that along with her friends, family, didn’t begin with Rep. Swift; she first worked IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and the residents of the 18th Congressional for his predecessor, Congressman Lloyd District, I congratulate Rachel Russell on win- Meeds, as a caseworker in the district office Thursday, April 17, 2008 ning the Ohio Division IV State Basketball and later as a member of his DC staff. Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, on April 19, Championship. We recognize the tremendous After graduating from Western Washington 2008, the city of Fontana and neighboring cit- hard work and sportsmanship she has dem- State College, Ms. Thiessen started out her ies in the region will gather to celebrate the onstrated during the 2007–2008 basketball career as a teacher. When she and her hus- grand opening of the Lewis Library and Tech- season. band moved to Skagit County, she turned her nology Center located in Fontana, CA.

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