Scott McInnis

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Dawn Mathews of Hot Sulphur Springs, Colorado, on receiving the ``Power of One'' award at the Sixth Annual Colorado Woman Conference for her work with the Roadside Memorial Project. The conference recognizes individual women, selected by Colorado newswomen, who have made an extraordinary difference in their community. It is my privilege to recognize Dawn and her achievements before this body of Congress and this nation today. As founder and executive director of the Roadside Memorial Project, Dawn strives to document and preserve the roadside memorials for victims of car accidents and raise traffic safety awareness. She believes that these memorials are an important way for families of the victims to deal with their loss, and that they send a valuable message to motorists about the hazards of driving. Dawn photographs the memorials and then uses computer graphics to create images that she puts on public display. While her goal is to get people to slow down on the road, she finds her personal involvement with the families of the victims as one of the most rewarding aspects of her work. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize Dawn Mathews here today before this body of Congress and this nation and congratulate her on receiving the ``Power of One'' award. KUSA-TV's Amanda Martin selected Dawn for this honor, and it is a well-deserved testament to her dedication to her community and the State of Colorado. I wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Ray Coca and the 1963 and 1964 Western State College wrestling teams, and congratulate them upon their induction into the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Hall of Fame. Ray Coca, a Grand Junction, Colorado native and leader of both championship teams, has done much for the youth in his community since his championship days at Western. It is my privilege to recognize Ray and his team before this body of Congress and this nation today. Ray Coca's rise to become one of the nation's top wrestlers is a testament to his hard work and drive for success. Even before winning championships in college, he had the honor of being named to the first U.S. national wrestling team, known as the Oklahoma-Colorado team as all the members were from these breading grounds for wrestling talent. Following his brilliant collegiate career, Coca returned home to Grand Junction and immediately began serving the youth of the community by founding a Pee-Wee wrestling program and later as recreation Superintendent for Grand Junction. Currently semi-retired, he spends as much time as possible working with Partners, an organization which helps at-risk children. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to bring the service of Ray Coca to the attention of this body of Congress and this nation to congratulate him along with his Western State teammates upon induction into the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Hall of Fame. He has truly given back to both his sport and his community, helping to ensure that at risk children have the opportunities he was afforded through wrestling. I sincerely thank him for his service.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to rise today to pay tribute to Edna Mosley for her selfless dedication to the community of Jefferson County, Colorado, and congratulate her on receiving the ``Power of One'' award at the 2004 Colorado Woman Conference. The conference recognizes individual women, selected by Colorado newswomen, who have made an extraordinary difference in their community, and it is my privilege to acknowledge Edna before this body of Congress and this nation today. As an active member in her community, Edna dedicates her efforts to a vast array of civic functions. Tamara Banks of KWGN-TV selected Edna for this award in recognition of her hard work and dedication toward the redevelopment of Lowry Air Force Base and Fitzsimons Army Base. When Lowry was decommissioned, Edna helped transform Lowry into a popular home development and community with shops and stores, and Fitzsimons now houses the prestigious Colorado University Health Science Center. Her extensive involvement in Aurora includes serving on the Aurora City Council for three terms, serving as co-founder of the Denver-Nairobi Sister Cities Committee, and serving as president and chair of Denver Sister Cities International. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize Edna Mosley today before this body of Congress and this nation and congratulate her on receiving the ``Power of One'' award. Her exceptional civic service has done much for the betterment of the City of Aurora and the State of Colorado. I thank her for her service and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Harry Tucker, who has been a central figure in Buford, Colorado for nearly fifty years. He fell in love with Buford while on a hunting trip in 1936, but seventeen years of service in the Air Force delayed his plans to settle there. When he finally moved to Buford and bought the Buford store, he became a local fixture, running the store for nearly half of its over a century of existence. Harry grew up in North Denver and earned a teaching degree from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, which he attended on a football scholarship. Following his graduation, Harry joined the Armed Forces and served his country in both World War II and Korea. Upon returning from Korea, he settled in Buford, and in 1956 he bought the historic Buford Store, and began teaching and coaching wrestling in nearby Meeker. After teaching for three years, Harry started an outfitting business, and subsequently helped found the Colorado Outfitters Association. In 1995, his son Tom took over the outfitting business, while Harry concentrated his efforts on the Buford store. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Harry Tucker before this body of Congress and this nation, and to commend him for his outstanding service and dedication to his country, his family, and his community. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity and congratulate Kim Pfennigs of Colorado Springs, Colorado on receiving the ``Power of One'' award at the 2004 Colorado Woman Conference for raising awareness for childhood cancer. The conference recognizes individual women, selected by Colorado newswomen, who have made an extraordinary difference in their community. It is my privilege to acknowledge Kim and her efforts before this body of Congress and this nation today. When her son Jonah was diagnosed with cancer, it became Kim's mission to raise awareness for childhood cancer throughout Colorado. Whether she raised awareness on radio, television, or even the local grocery store, Kim wanted to let as many people as possible know about childhood cancer, and the organizations that help families fight this disease. For Kim, helping with organizations like Make A Wish, Ronald McDonald, Starlight Foundation, and the National Childhood Cancer Foundation is a modest way to give back to the people who diligently work to get her son healthy. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Kim Pfennigs before this body of Congress and this nation and congratulate her on receiving the ``Power of One'' award. KOAA-TV's Jennifer Baker selected Kim for this award, and I am happy to say Jonah's cancer is now in remission. I would like to thank Kim for her efforts in raising awareness for childhood cancer, and wish her and her family all the best.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to rise today to pay tribute to Betty Proctor for her selfless dedication to the community of Jefferson County, Colorado, and congratulate her on receiving the ``Power of One'' award at the 2004 Colorado Woman Conference. This award is bestowed upon women who have made a remarkable impact on their community, and Betty could not be a more worthy recipient. Betty's life has always revolved around public service, having established more than thirty non-profit organizations over the years. After retiring from the Jefferson County Social Services six years ago, Betty has dedicated her time to an organization she founded, called Helping Hearts & Hands. The organization raises money for people who need emergency funds and cannot get finances elsewhere, and uses these funds for emergencies such as paying for car repairs so a single mother can keep her job. Betsy's enthusiasm and commitment to her community have been the driving force behind Helping Hearts & Hands, and her efforts recently secured a grant of $12,000 from a Colorado foundation. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize Betty Proctor here today before this body of Congress and this nation and congratulate her on receiving the ``Power of One'' award. Cynthia Hessin of KRMA-TV selected Betty for this honor, and it is a well-deserved testament to her dedication to public service in Jefferson County and the State of Colorado. I wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to rise today to pay tribute to Terri Klements, and congratulate her on receiving the ``Power of One'' award at the 2004 Colorado Woman Conference for her tremendous work with youth in Mesa County, Colorado. Every year, a local newswoman selects an honoree for making a positive impact in their community, and Terri could not be a worthier recipient. For twenty-two years, Terri worked in hospital administration before she felt a calling to dedicate her efforts to the youth in her community. In 1999, she established the Tree House, a safe haven for youths who felt they had no place else to go. The center is open unconditionally to all youths, providing them a place to go when they need to talk to someone. Terri also serves as a member of the Mesa County Suicide Prevention Coalition, as Chair of the Homeless Youth Task Force, and is a registered director for RAINBOWS, an international peer support program for grieving teens. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize Terri Klements today before this body of Congress and this nation, and congratulate her on receiving the ``Power of One'' award. Keira Bresnahan of KREX-TV selected Terri for this honor, and it is a well-deserved testament to her dedication to the youth in Mesa County and the State of Colorado. I wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise to pay tribute to the life and memory of Nick Alcorta. Nick touched the lives of many in his Basalt, Colorado community, dedicating his time and efforts to teaching the sport of baseball to youths. His tragic death at age thirty-nine is a loss to us all, and as the Basalt community gathers to celebrate the life of such an exceptional person, I would like to take this opportunity to honor a beloved Coloradoan. Nick loved teaching and mentoring children, especially his two boys Dominick and Derek. He was involved in numerous youth sports programs, serving as the recreation director for Basalt from 1997 through 2002, serving as head coach of the Basalt High baseball team, and as assistant coach of the Basalt High girls basketball program. When the town of Basalt was forced to lay off Nick due to a tight budget, Nick volunteered his time for the kids who meant so much to him while their parents rallied at Town Hall to support the man who meant so much to their children. Mr. Speaker, we are all at a great loss because of Nick Alcorta's passing, but can be comforted in knowing he made a lasting impact as a superb role model for the youth in Basalt. I am deeply honored to bring his life to the attention of this body of Congress and this nation today. My thoughts are with Nick's wife Debbie, his two children, and the entire Basalt community during this difficult time of bereavement.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to rise before this body of Congress and this nation to pay tribute to the Southwestern Beverage Company's impressive tradition of business excellence and philanthropy in Durango, Colorado. Recently, the Durango Chamber of Commerce recognized the company with the Spirit of Durango award for its history of service to the community. It is with great pride that I congratulate Southwestern Beverage for its well-deserved award, and thank them for their significant contributions to their community. The Southwestern Beverage legacy began when Arthur Welsh founded the company in 1963. From the beginning, the Welsh family was committed not only to distributing beverages across Southwest Colorado, but also to contributing profits to scholarship and recreation events in the Durango community. The company has sponsored numerous local events, including the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic and the Durango Grand Prix. The Welsh family has always believed that as their business grew, so should their civic responsibility to the community. Mr. Speaker, the drive the Southwestern Beverage Company and Welsh family have shown in their business and charitable activities have made them true civic leaders in their community. For over forty years, they have left an indelible mark of excellence on the Durango community and the State of Colorado. It is my privilege to pay tribute to the company before this body of Congress and this nation today and congratulate them on receiving the Spirit of Durango award.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise today to pay tribute to the life and memory of Mancos, Colorado, Mayor Van Willis who passed away recently at the age of eighty-seven. Van was a true American patriot, and a beloved friend and colleague to many in his Colorado community. In his years spent in public service, Van embodied the ideals of integrity and courage that we, as Americans, have come to expect from our public servants. As his family and community mourn his passing, I believe it is appropriate to recognize the life of this exceptional man, and his many contributions to his community, state and country. Van lived an immensely rich and full life, always holding firm to his beliefs in serving his community and country. He spent ten years serving his nation in the Army, earning a reputation as a solid and dependable leader. After moving to Bayfield in 1947, he embraced the pioneering spirit of Colorado, running a ranch there, and later in Mancos. Van dedicated his efforts towards the betterment of his Mancos community, spending twelve years as the mayor of Mancos, serving on the board of the Chamber of Commerce, and serving as president of the Mancos Community Development. He also held a post command in the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and was a member of the American Legion. Mr. Speaker, we are all at a great loss because of Mayor Willis' passing, but can be comforted in knowing he helped make Mancos a better place for future generations. I would like to extend my heartfelt sorrow to his sister Margaret, his children, Linda and Dean; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mayor Willis' selfless dedication to Mancos, the State of Colorado, and the United States has helped ensure a promising future for our great country and I am deeply honored to bring his life to the attention of this body of Congress and this nation. I am proud to have known such a great man who enriched the lives of his family, community and nation.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to rise today to pay tribute to photographer David Davis and the outstanding work he has done to promote our Native American culture in Colorado. David is constantly challenging himself as an artist, and his recent project focusing on Native Americans has garnered national attention. While I would like to congratulate David on his recent accomplishment, I would also like to recognize his selflessness in donating proceeds of the project to Native Americans. David first became interested in the Native American culture in 1993, when he did a photo shoot of a Native American wedding dress for an advertisement. Since then, he has traveled around southwestern Colorado and the neighboring states taking photographs of Native Americans against the breathtaking backgrounds of the Colorado Plateau. David made a DVD of his photographs entitled ``Native Faces--Desert Light,'' and his work on this project will be shown at a Native American film festival in Tuba City, Arizona. Some of the proceeds from the project have been donated to endeavors encouraging Native Americans to take up photography, and his work is sold at stores on reservations. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to bring the selfless work of David Davis to the attention of this body of Congress and this nation. He has helped to promote this historically rich culture, and has brought to light the majesty of this land and its native peoples. I wish David all the best with this project and his future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Randy and Claricy Rusk for the contributions they have made to their community and the State of Colorado. Recently, Randy and Claricy Rusk were presented the prestigious Leopold Conservation Award for their land conservation efforts. It is with great satisfaction that I congratulate Randy and Claricy for their well-deserved award, and thank them for their significant contributions to Custer County and the State of Colorado. For five generations, the Rusk Hereford Ranch has sought out progressive conservation techniques in range management. Their efforts include improved range and riparian management, wildlife habitat enhancement, resource management planning, and creating conservation easements to prevent second home development. The Leopold Conservation Award is named after famed conservationist Aldo Leopold, and includes a $10,000 cash prize and a crystal statute of Aldo Leopold on horseback. Mr. Speaker, it is clear that the Rusks have a legacy of strong commitment to the ranching community in Custer County and the State of Colorado. Randy and Claricy's efforts to keep this great tradition of conservation vibrant is worthy of recognition before this body of Congress and this nation today. It is my privilege to extend to Randy and Claricy my sincere congratulations on receiving the Leopold Conservation Award, and to wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to rise today to pay tribute to Virginia Erickson for her selfless dedication to the community of New Castle, Colorado, and congratulate her on being recognized by the Garfield County Commissioners and the Glenwood Springs Post Independent as their 2003 Countywide Humanitarian of the Year. Virginia received this honor in recognition of her outstanding work with numerous civic organizations. It is an honor to pay tribute to Virginia for her well-deserved award, and her ongoing efforts to better her community. As an active member of her community, Virginia dedicates her time to a vast array of civic functions. She serves as an emergency medical technician for the New Castle Volunteer Ambulance Service and as a member of the New Castle Historical Museum. An active advocate for New Castle seniors, Virginia also serves as a New Castle Councilwoman. Her enthusiasm for taking part in these organizations comes from the joy she receives in giving back to the community she loves. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize Virginia before this body of Congress and this nation for her dedication and commitment to the New Castle, Colorado community. She has done much to improve her community, and I congratulate her on her recent honor as the 2003 Countywide Humanitarian of the Year. I wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to rise today to pay tribute to Victoria Romero Coe for her selfless dedication to the community of Durango, Colorado, and congratulate her on being recognized by the Durango Chamber of Commerce as their 2003 Volunteer of the Year. Victoria received this honor in recognition of her outstanding work with the Durango Latino Education Coalition and numerous other civic organizations. It is an honor to pay tribute to Victoria for her well-deserved award, and her ongoing efforts to better her community today. As an active member in her community, Victoria dedicates her time to helping minority students achieve their potential in school by implementing programs to help bolster high school graduation rates. She is a founding member of the Durango Latino Education Coalition and serves on the board of the Southwest Youth Corps. When Victoria is not dedicating her time to these various civic organizations, she works with New Mexico Medicare and the Aztec and Bloomfield schools as a pediatric physical therapist. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize Victoria before this body of Congress and this nation for her dedication and commitment to the Durango, Colorado community. She has done much to improve the lives of minority students in her community, and I congratulate her on her recent honor as the 2003 Durango Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year. I wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Karol Benroth of Grand Junction, Colorado, on being named the School Psychologist Advocate of the Year by the Colorado Society of School Psychologists. The psychologists of School District 51 nominated Karol for the award, which recognizes outstanding leadership, support, and inspiration to school psychology and the children they serve. This award is a well-deserved testament to her achievements. Karol's efforts as the safe and drug free schools coordinator have been instrumental in making District 51 schools safer, in turn fostering an environment where students are free to focus on their education. Specifically, she has provided the staff of District 51 schools with training in the areas of bully proofing, drug and alcohol response, and threat assessment. In keeping with her selfless nature, she credits the efforts of her fellow staff members, as well as parents and students, for her success. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to the service and achievements of Karol Benroth before this body of Congress and this nation. I congratulate her on having the distinction of being named School Psychologist Advocate of the year. Her contributions to our schools, children, and families are truly remarkable. I sincerely thank her for her service.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Josie Lujan for the remarkable work she has done over the years educating her students. Her career as an educator has been marked by high accolades, and her upcoming retirement from Monte Vista High School will most certainly bring more awards, as she has already received her school's Golden Apple Award this year. It is my privilege to pay tribute to Josie as she puts the finishing touches on an extraordinary career. Lujan perhaps is best known for the 1978 Lujan Act, an act that bears her name in reference to the lawsuit in which she was named the lead plaintiff. The Lujan Act guaranteed equal educational funding from the State of Colorado for poor and rural schools, and her dedication in this cause earned her the Federico Pena Community Service Award in 1979. Josie continued challenging long held inequities when she was appointed to a vacated seat on the previously all male Del Norte School Board, to which she was subsequently re-elected. Despite her many historical achievements, it is her work with her special education students at Monte Vista High School, beginning in 1979, which fills her with the most joy. Lujan has carried out the role of educating her students, not only in scholastic subjects, but also in life skills, with remarkable compassion and devotion. Although she is retiring, her work with special education students will continue through programs such as therapeutic riding. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to the service of Josie Lujan before this body of Congress and this nation, and to congratulate her on an outstanding career. I would like to wish her the best in her retirement and sincerely thank her for her service.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to James Harlow for his commitment to education and public service in his La Junta, Colorado, community. For nearly four decades, James has been teaching English at La Junta High School and, after a rewarding career, will be retiring next year. For his outstanding dedication and commitment to the youth of La Junta, I would like to thank James before this body of Congress and this nation today. Those whose lives James have touched over the years know him to be a passionate, friendly, and fair teacher. His inspiration to become a teacher came from his own high school English teacher, and since graduating from Adams State College, he has taught and inspired countless youths in his own classroom. Since 1965, James has taught English classes at the high school, and since 1976, has coached the school's golf team. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to bring the service of James Harlow to the attention of this body of Congress, and commend him for the manner in which he has served his La Junta, Colorado community. The dedication and enthusiasm he brings to teaching his students is admirable, and I would like to thank him for all he has done for La Junta, and wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to rise and pay tribute today to the American Lung Association on their 100th Anniversary. As the oldest voluntary health organization in the nation, its mission to combat tuberculosis and other lung diseases has done much to improve the health of our citizens. I would like to congratulate the Association for its one hundred years of service to America and commend their ongoing efforts in fighting lung diseases. The American Lung Association was founded in 1904 as the National Association for the Study and Prevention of Tuberculosis by a group of dedicated doctors, nurses and volunteers to fight the tuberculosis epidemic. Since its founding, it has expanded its focus to include research, education, and advocacy programs for fighting all types of lung ailments. With the decline of tuberculosis related illnesses in the 1960s, the Association led education campaigns on the hazards of smoking and on chronic respiratory disease, which it continues to this day. The Association also played a major role in sponsoring progressive programs on asthma control, targeting our nation's youth. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize the American Lung Association and its numerous volunteers and staff for their work over the last hundred years. Its laudable goal of eradicating all types of lung diseases is an ever-continuing effort, and it is an honor to pay tribute to the Association before this body of Congress and this nation today. I wish them all the best in their continuing endeavors, and thank them for their 100 years of service to our nation's health.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Earl and Floy Young of Grand Junction, Colorado, on their forty-fourth wedding anniversary. At the same time, I would like to commend them for their selfless acts of service, for you see, they spent their anniversary in an unconventional manner, namely on a humanitarian mission to provide dental services to the impoverished people of Udaipur, India. For the past few years, the Youngs have been traveling with Health Teams International, donating their time and efforts and also paying their own travel expenses in order to bring dental care to parts of the world that are in dire need. They are remarkable individuals, and it is my pleasure to recognize their actions before this body of Congress and this nation today. The Youngs served their Grand Junction community side by side for over thirty years in Earl's dental practice, where Floy served in various positions, from office manager to chair side assistant. After Earl retired from his practice seven years ago, the Youngs discovered their passion for travel, and their desire to serve people through dentistry leading them to join Health Teams International. In addition to India, the Youngs have been to Siberia, Myanmar, and have made multiple visits to Cambodia and Ethiopia. It is a testament to their courage and perseverance that they continue these trips in spite of difficult and sometimes even dangerous conditions. During their recent trip to India, the Youngs had to work with limited equipment and medicine and also had to travel daily on a rocky one lane road where they encountered elephants as opposing traffic and faced the constant threat of bandits if they were not back to camp by nightfall. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to bring the service of Earl and Floy Young to the attention of this body of Congress and this nation, and to commend them for the manner in which they have represented their community of Grand Junction and the United States. I would like to wish the Youngs the best of luck in all their future endeavors, which includes another humanitarian mission to Cambodia this July. I sincerely thank them for their service.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a sad heart that I rise to pay tribute to the passing of a dedicated scholar and public servant and dear friend from Potomac, Maryland. Anthi Poulos Jones, born in Greece and raised in New Hampshire, recently passed away at the age of 57. Anthi dedicated her life to government service and the challenging legal profession. I am honored today to bring her contributions to the attention of this body of Congress and this nation. After graduating from Windham College in Vermont, Anthi went on to receive a master's degree in Russian Studies and a law degree from American University. As a perpetual scholar, Anthi took up additional studies in international law at Georgetown University and the prestigious Hague Academy of International Law in the Netherlands. Throughout her pursuit of knowledge, she also worked as a legislative assistant and staff lawyer for Senator Thomas J. McIntyre, Charles McC. Mathias Jr., John Glenn Jr., and Hank Brown. During the 1990's, Anthi worked for my office, where she served as a valuable member of my staff and counsel. Anthi's dedication and ceaseless work ethic has benefited many citizens of Colorado. After working on my staff, she was appointed as a scholar-in-residence at the Law Library of Congress where she focused on war crimes and reparations for property looted in wartime. Anthi was an active patron of the arts and a devoted patriot. She served as the founder and chairwoman of the Committee on World War II Art Claims and the US Committee on the Parthenon where she advocated for the return of ancient Greek statues that were removed from Greece and taken to England in the 19th century. Mr. Speaker, Anthi Poulos Jones was a dedicated scholar and government steward who selflessly served her community and country, and I am honored to pay tribute to such an industrious public servant. Her lifetime of service is an incredible model for America's youth. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family during this time of bereavement.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to pay tribute today to Anne Hepp, a woman from my district who supplies an invaluable service as the Spanish language interpreter for the Montrose and Delta County Colorado courts. The honesty and integrity Anne brings to her job is matched only by the commitment and skill she brings to making sure that accurate and complete communications flow between the court and Spanish-speaking defendants. It is my pleasure to take this opportunity and thank Anne for the significant contributions she makes to her community and state. The daughter of a French high school teacher, Anne's interest in linguistics began at an early age. Having many friends who spoke Spanish, Anne studied the language in middle and high school, even participating as a foreign exchange student in Mexico. With the large number of Spanish-speaking citizens in her community, Anne knew she could use her language skills to become an interpreter. Her great skills and dedication to the judicial system has earned high praise from judges, attorneys, and most especially the defendants she assists. Mr. Speaker, it is clear Anne provides a vital service to her community and the judicial system, and I would like to recognize her contributions before this body of Congress and this nation today. I thank Anne for her continuing efforts and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Barbara Jefferies and thank her for the remarkable civic contributions she has made to her Durango community and the State of Colorado. As a lifelong resident and rancher of La Plata County, Colorado, Barbara has actively participated in numerous community organizations. Recently, the Durango Chamber of Commerce recognized her efforts as they named her their Agriculturist of the Year. It is with great satisfaction that I congratulate Barbara for her well-deserved award, and thank her for her significant contributions to the Durango Community. Barbara's life has always revolved around agriculture; she was born on her grandmother's farm, raised on her parents ranch, and now works on a ranch with her husband Ned. Her commitment to the agricultural community in Colorado includes her involvement with the La Plata County Cow Belles, La Plata-Archuleta County Farm Bureau and Cattleman's Association, and the Colorado Cattlemen's Association. Her enthusiasm for taking part in these organizations comes from her firm belief that ``agriculture takes a lot of people to be involved to keep it going,'' as told to the Durango Herald. Mr. Speaker, it is clear that Barbara Jefferies is a woman of great commitment to the agricultural community in Durango and the State of Colorado. Barbara's willingness to provide her time and experience to her fellow farmers and ranchers is worthy of recognition before this body of Congress and this nation today. It is my privilege to extend to Barbara my sincere congratulations on her being named Agriculturist of the Year by the Durango Chamber of Commerce, and to wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise to pay tribute to the life and memory of Marble, Colorado Mayor Wayne Brown who passed away recently at the age of seventy-six. Wayne was a true American patriot, and a beloved friend and colleague to many in his Colorado community. In his years spent in public service, Wayne embodied the ideals of integrity and courage that we, as Americans, have come to expect from our public servants. As his family and community mourn his passing, I believe it is appropriate to recognize the life of this exceptional man, and his many contributions to his community, state and country. Mayor Brown lived an immensely rich and full life, always holding firm to his beliefs in serving his community and country. He worked for the Colorado Highway Department before he retired to Marble in 1983, where her served on the town board and later as mayor. His expertise in construction projects through his time spent with the Highway Department came to good use as mayor. Mayor Brown saw that the town had two needed bridges built across the Carbonate Creek and Crystal River, and most recently obtained the funding to pave the main road through town. Mr. Brown's commitment to Marble extended to his involvement with numerous civic organizations. He was an active member of the Marble Community Church, the Association of State Highway and Transportation Organizations, the Colorado Mental Health Association, and the Elks Lodge. Mr. Speaker, we are all at a great loss because of Mayor Brown's passing, but can be comforted in knowing he helped make Marble a better place for future generations. I would like to extend my heartfelt sorrow to his children, David, Daniel, Joseph, and Teresa; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mayor Brown's selfless dedication to Marble, the State of Colorado, and the United States has helped ensure a promising future for our great country and I am deeply honored to bring his life to the attention of this body of Congress and this nation. I am proud to have known such a great man who enriched the lives of his family, community and nation.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise to pay tribute to the memory and life of Robert Harth. Robert's gift and legacy to Colorado will be the Aspen Music Festival and School, which he deftly guided for twelve years as president and chief executive officer. His recent and all-too sudden death at age forty-seven is a great loss to music lovers worldwide, but those who knew him will not forget the joy and zest he had for life. Robert was a natural leader who brought success and renown to the organizations he directed. In his early twenties, he served as vice president and general manager for the Los Angeles Philharmonic. By the time he was thirty-three, he took over the AMFS as president, and switched it from a fledgling event to one of the premier cultural festivals in the country. Most recently, he served as artistic director for Carnegie Hall, adding a new venue for more progressive performances. During his twelve years with AMFS, Robert quadrupled the size of its endowment. This allowed for his undertaking the building of the Harris Hall and the Benedict Music Hall. He also established the American Academy of Conductors at Aspen, which provides opportunities for up and coming conductors from around the world. Mr. Speaker, Robert Harth's death is a great loss to the Aspen community and for music lovers worldwide. It is my honor to pay tribute before this body of Congress and this nation to the life and legacy of Robert Harth.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to honor Ellen Roberts for her selfless dedication to the community of Durango, Colorado, and congratulate her on being recognized by the Durango Chamber of Commerce as their 2003 Athena Award Winner. The Athena Award is presented to a woman each year who has shown a commitment to helping other women realize their business goals. Ellen could not be a more worthy recipient. It is a privilege to pay tribute to Ellen for her well- deserved award, and her ongoing efforts to better her community today. Ellen's interest in community service can be traced back to her college days where she created her own major at Cornell University in environmental policy. Since Ellen moved to Durango, in 1981, she has been actively involved in the community. Her involvement includes serving as Chairman of the Mercy Medical Center Board of Directors; and on the board for the First National Bank of Durango; and sitting on the Citizens Health Advisory Council; and sitting on the Citizens Steering Committee for a New Library. It is my privilege to recognize Ellen before this body of Congress and this nation for the recognition she received by the Durango Chamber of Commerce as the Athena Award Winner. She has done much to improve the lives of her community and I wish her continuing success in all her endeavors.