Scott McInnis

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to pause to remember the life of William Smith ``Bill'' Garnsey who sadly passed away, he was 88 years old. Bill was born on November 5, 1911 in Billings, Montana. He moved to Greeley, Colorado with his family in 1919. Bill graduated from Yale University with letters in football and crew. Bill was elected to the State Senate in 1967 and served until 1975. He was the chair of the Finance and Business and Labor committees. Bill was a strong supporter of the University of Northern Colorado and was instrumental to the institution when it was granted University status. In 1966, Bill received an honorary doctorate from the University of Northern Colorado for his services to that esteemed institution of higher education. It is with this, Mr. Speaker, that I would like to pay tribute to Bill Garnsey. He was dedicated to serving the people of Colorado and will be missed by all those who knew him. Bill's service will long be remembered by the people he served in Colorado.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to pause and remember the life of Richard Weber who sadly passed away on December 16, 1999. He was 87 years old. Richard was born on September 19, 1912 in Canton, Oklahoma. He moved to Dove Creek, Colorado in May of 1946, and became very active in his community. In 1947, Richard donated land for the Weber Park and in the 1950's he developed the Weber Subdivision. Richard was a faithful member of the Dolores County Republican Committee for 40 years, a school board member, Dolores County Commissioner and a member of the Lions Club and the Southwest Cattlemen's Association. It is with this, Mr. Speaker, that I would like to pay tribute to Richard Weber. He was a great American and always strived to make his community a better place to live. He will be missed by all those who knew him.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to congratulate Don Abram on his retirement after 18\1/2\ years of service as a Federal magistrate judge. Don, who resides in Greenwood Village, Colorado, fondly remembers serving as a lawyer and on the bench both as a State judge in Pueblo and a federal judge in Denver. Don attended the University of Colorado and earned his law degree in 1963. He then joined Phelps, Fonda, Hayes law firm in Pueblo. His dream, however, was to be a judge. That dream became reality when he was appointed as district judge in 1975. During his service as a federal magistrate judge, Don was elected by his peers to be president of the Federal Magistrate Judge Association. Don's family is very important to him. When an accident left his son paralyzed, Don realized that all the small things in the world don't matter, as long as you have your family. After retiring, Don is looking forward to spending more time with his family. It is with this, Mr. Speaker, that I would like to congratulate Don and thank him for his dedication to serving the judiciary for over 36 years.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to recognize Craig Coswell, who was recently named Colorado's 2000 Teacher of the Year. Craig's innovative teaching methods are what likely earned him this wonderful award. In Craig's class, the textbooks stay closed. Instead, for instance, he charges his students with finding out who fired the first shot of the Revolutionary War by passing out eyewitness testimony of some of the British and Colonial soldiers who fought the famous Battle of Lexington. Innovative approaches like this have made Craig a wonderful asset to his school and our community. Additionally, Craig does not test the same way as other teachers; instead, he gives ``quests''. These are a combination of tests and quizzes that measure if students are getting the major points of the material, rather than quoting memorization. It is with this, Mr. Speaker, that I say thank you to Craig Coswell for his dedication to the education of our youth and congratulations on receiving the Colorado 2000 Teacher of the Year. His commitment to the future of this great nation is deeply commendable and highly admirable. We are all grateful for his passionate service.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to recognize a man that has gone to great lengths to provide service to his community. Mr. Gustavo Heredia has created a program, ``How to Live in America,'' that teaches Spanish speaking people basic rules and customs practiced in the United States. Classes offered by the program include: the rights and responsibilities of owning a car; domestic violence prevention; and privileges and responsibilities as immigrants. By helping to increase awareness of these customs and laws, the program helps the legal process by reducing repeat offenders. Oftentimes, people that are not originally from the United States, or those who do not speak English, break the law unintentionally because they do not understand the laws. Gustavo's program has been included as part of sentencing in several counties across Colorado. Gustavo stresses that the purpose of the class is to inform, rather than lecture, people on how to live their lives. There has been zero repeat offenses committed by program participants. Gustavo, who recently became a United States citizen, also serves as a court interpreter for Pitkin and Eagle Counties and various law firms. It is with this, Mr. Speaker, that I would like to commend Gustavo for all of his hard work and his commitment to making Colorado a better and safer place to live.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to pause and remember a former U.S. Congressman from Colorado who recently passed away at the age of 82. Byron Johnson was born on October 12, 1917 in Chicago, IL. He moved with his family to Wisconsin at the age of 10. He earned a bachelor, masters, and a doctorate from the University of Wisconsin in Madison. From 1942 to 1947, Byron worked in Washington, DC in the Budget Bureau and the Social Security Administration. In 1947, Byron and his wife, Kay, moved to Denver, CO so that Byron could pursue a teaching position at the University of Denver. Byron served in the 86th Congress of the United States. He later served 12 years as a CU Regent and two years on the Regional Transportation District board of directors. It is with this, Mr. Speaker, that I would like to pay tribute to Byron Johnson, a man who loved his country and his State. Byron gave immeasurably to the State of Colorado and for that he will long be remembered.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to pause and remember the life of Harry Donoho who sadly passed away on January 4, 2000 in Dolan Springs, AZ. Harry was born on March 26, 1923 in Texico, IL. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps on February 10, 1945. Harry was honorable discharged from the Marine Corps with a Purple Heart in 1946. With assistance from the GI bill, Harry was able to attend college at the University of Illinois, where he received a bachelor of science degree, and Western State College, where he received a masters degree in special education. Harry and his family lived in Denver, Gunnision and Loma, CO. He started and ran his own business, Donoho Electric Service, until his wife's health complications forced him to retire. Harry liked to spend time with his family and he also enjoyed fishing and trips to Lake Powell. He moved to Dolan Springs, Arizona where he met and married Betty Jeffery in 1997. Harry will be missed by all those who knew him. It is with this, Mr. Speaker, that I would like to pay tribute to Harry Donoho. He was truly a great American who loved his family and his country.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pride to now honor Becky Negrette who has been awarded the Colorado Woman 2000 Power of One Honor in recognition of her service to her community and the State of Colorado. Becky is a true heroine in her community and she deserves our highest thanks and praise. Becky is a Denver native who knows what it means for people to pull themselves up by their bootstraps. Becky grew up with five brothers and one sister. Her father, even though he worked every hard, barely made enough to support the large family. They could not afford a car, a television, or any of the luxuries that most of us take for granted. Becky's family was rich, however, with love and devotion that she still carries with her today. Becky graduated from college and she now runs the bi-lingual reading program at Baker Middle School. She is a living example to her students, teaching them that life is what you make of it. It is with this, Mr. Speaker, that I would like to both congratulate and thank Becky Negrette for all of her work and determination to be an inspiration to young people. She is a most deserving recipient of the Power of One Honor.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pride to now honor Katy Tartakoff who has been awarded the Colorado Woman 2000 Power of One Honor in recognition of her service to her community and the State of Colorado. Katy is a true heroine in her community and she deserves our highest thanks and praise. Katy published a journal in 1991 called ``My Stupid Illness.'' The journal showed photographs of children suffering from cancer along with stories addressing how the children were dealing with the illness. She has since expanded her work to photograph and document children with other life-threatening illnesses. She presents these exhibits to schools to use as a tool to teach kids how to accept, understand and live with differences. It is with this, Mr. Speaker, that I would like to both congratulate and thank Katy for all of her efforts to make her community a better place to live. I applaud Katy's efforts to educate children about diversity. She is a most deserving recipient of the Power of One Honor.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pride to now honor Nancy Hoffmaster who has been awarded the Colorado Woman 2000 Power of One Honor in recognition of her service to her community and the State of Colorado. Nancy is a true heroine in her community and she deserves our highest thanks and praise. Nancy, who is currently battling breast cancer, has been volunteering in the Jefferson County Public School District for twenty-five years. She is the past president of the Jefferson County School's Parent Teacher Association and has served on the Jefferson Foundation. Nancy founded the program ``Serving Kids from the Inside Out.'' The program provides clothing for needy children in the district. She also coordinates the Jefferson County School's ``Support for Homeless and At Risk People'' (S.H.A.R.P.) program. It is with this, Mr. Speaker, that I would like to honor Nancy Hoffmaster and thank her for all the outstanding efforts she has put into making her community a better place to live. She is a most deserving recipient of the Power of One Honor.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask that we all pause for a moment to remember a man we have lost. B.A. Jones was a man that many knew and loved. Mr. Jones passed away in Carrollton on November 6, 1999. B.A. Jones was born on April 9, 1913, the second of ten children born to H.J. and Dixie Campbell-Jones. B.A. spent his school years in Monte Vista. During World War II, the Government called upon him to travel the country recruiting, supervising and building numerous war-related projects. After the war, B.A. began construction work and subsequently formed his own remodeling and construction firm. In the late 1960's, B.A. began the family owned and operated Paradise Swimming Pool Corporation, using his self-taught architectural abilities to design and create many pools that are still operational to this day. Mr. Jones is survived by his loved wife of 60 years, (Annie) Frances Cone Jones and their three children. B.A. Jones is someone who will be missed by all of us. Those who knew him will miss spending time with him. He was truly a great American.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to recognize Don Brown. He is a man that has shown his loyalty and bravery to this great country. Mr. Brown served in the Armed Forces during World War II and was aboard the U.S.S. West Virginia when Pearl Harbor was attacked on that fateful day in December of 1941. Mr. Brown was in the first division compartment when the first torpedoes and bombs hit the battleship. He tried to move onto the deck, but was prohibited because of the attack. Don was injured and transported to the U.S.S. Solacc for recovery. Don's family, however did not know that he was transported for recovery. Don's parents knew the ship had sunk, and that they had not heard from their son in 19 days. On December 26, however, they received the best late Christmas present they could have ever hoped for, the knowledge that Don was alive. Years later, Don and his wife, Skie, moved back to Grand Junction after spending time in Las Vegas. Mr. Brown served as Mesa County planning director between 1963 and 1966. Don is part of a generation that many think saved civilization as it is known today through their efforts in World War II--what some have called the greatest generation. It is with this, Mr. Speaker, that I say thank you to Don Brown for his display of loyalty to his country and bravery in the face of war to preserve the freedom that we all enjoy today. He is a great American that deserves our highest regard, thanks and praise.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to recognize the Leonard Horn Federal Range Livestockman of the Year Award winner, the Irby family of Gunnison, Colorado. This award is presented by the Colorado Cattlemen's Association and recognizes individuals who graze livestock on Federal land and practice exceptional range, soil, water and wildlife management. James Dawson, District Ranger with the U.S. Forest Service, commended the Irby's for their cooperation in maintaining and improving range areas. The Irby family includes: Bob and Irene Irby, Stan and Bonnie Irby, and Dale and Wendy Irby. It is with this, Mr. Speaker, that I would like to extend my congratulations to the Irby family and thank them for their hard work.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to tell you an amazing story of a man who conquered great adversity in life and emerged as a fine American citizen. Miodrag ``Joe'' Djokic tragically passed away recently in his home in Collbran, Colorado. Though he is gone, he will live in the hearts of all who knew him and be remembered for many years by those who have heard his amazing story. Joe's story begins in 1912, in Sarbanovac, Serbia. As a young man, he was drafted into the Yugoslav Army to fight in World War II. Soon after the fighting broke out, he was captured by the German Army and taken to a labor camp. He was repeatedly moved from camp to camp across Central Europe. Eventually, he ended up in a displaced persons camp in West Germany where he and his wife, Helena, remained until 1951. To fulfill his dream of becoming an American citizen, he gathered up his family and moved to Colorado. There he worked countless hours as a farmer and a dedicated father. Although his accomplishments in life were many, none were as weighty as the legacy that he leaves in his family. He is survived by his wife, Helena, their son, Sveto, his wife, Anne, and their daughter. These fine people will undoubtedly carry on the legacy of hard work and dedication to their family that their father embodied. Although his life's accomplishments will long be remembered and admired, most who knew him well will remember Joe, above all else, as a friend. It is clear that the multitude of those who have come to know Joe as a friend will be worse off in his absence. However, Mr. Speaker, I am confident that, in spite of this profound loss, Joe's family and friends can take solace in the knowledge that each is a better person for having known him.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this brief moment to congratulate and thank Mike Perry for his service and leadership on behalf of the Grand Valley over the last 15 years. In that time, Mike has overseen the opening of the now widely renowned Dinosaur Valley, served as the Director of the Museum of Western Colorado, and, for the last nine years, worked as the Executive Director of the Dinamation International Society. In that time, Mike has distinguished himself greatly. What's more, he has made our community a better place in which to live. Unfortunately for western Colorado, Mike will be leaving the Grand Valley next month to pursue an outstanding professional opportunity in The Dalles, Oregon. Mike has taken the job of Director at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Wasco County Historical Museum in The Dalles area. While saddened that Mike will no longer be a part of our community, I know that western Colorado is a better, more culturally vibrant place because of his service. Our loss, is clearly The Dalles' gain. As Mike moves on to this new challenge, Mr. Speaker, I wish him only the best of luck in all of his personal and professional endeavors. We are thankful for his service over the past 15 years and wish him all the best in the future.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to ask that we pause for a moment in honor of one of the finest people that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Dr. Kenneth Matchett, Jr. was a dedicated family man, a hard working physician and a model American. He gave selflessly to provide for his family and to help his community. Tragically, Ken died in a horse riding accident while competing in Phoenix, Arizona. After graduating from Stanford with a degree in Biochemistry in 1963, he attended Cornell Medical College. There he was elected to Alpha Omega Alpha, the medical honorary society. It was not long until he realized his true passion, Internal Medicine. During 1967-1972, he completed his residency in Internal Medicine and a fellowship in Hematology/Oncology at Duke University. Soon after that he returned to his hometown of Grand Junction, Colorado, where he set up his own practice. In addition to working tirelessly in his practice, he also maintained an active role in Saint Mary's Hospital. There Ken served as President of the Medical Staff and as a member of the Board of Directors. As if these accolades are not enough, he also went on to found the Oncology Unit for the care of cancer patients at Saint Mary's Hospital. The fine Doctor had a special reassuring warmth with his patients. Ken is survived by his wife Sally, their three daughters, Nancy Jean, Sarah Mary and Emily Ruth, three sons-in-law and two grandchildren. His family was precious to him. It is with this, Mr. Speaker, that I pay tribute to the life of Ken Matchett. I wish that everyone could have had the pleasure of knowing this man. He was a great American and a friend of many.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sadness that I now rise to pay tribute to the life of a friend and great civic leader, Chris Weaver. Sadly, the world lost Chris earlier this month when he died of an apparent heart attack. While mourning the passing of this great American, I would like to take this opportunity to honor the esteemed life of this great American. A dyed-in-the-wool Republican his whole life, Chris left an indelible mark on the Pueblo community as a city councilman. As an at-large council member, Weaver was widely acclaimed for his leadership and vision on a wide range of issues, including HARP, the Pueblo Convention Center, and increased benefits for retired firemen. In his time on the council, Chris served with great distinction leaving a lasting legacy that will long benefit Pueblo. At age 6, Chris moved to Pueblo with his parents, the late Dr. John Weaver and his wife Frances, from Concordia, Kansas. Following his graduation from Centennial High School in 1966, Chris studied briefly at the Colorado School of Mines and later transferred to the University of Southern Colorado where he graduated in 1982. A certified public accountant, Chris was an active member in the Kiwanis Club, the Private Industry Council, and the National Association of Accountants. I am hopeful that Chris' family--including his wife Mary, his children Andrew, Donald, and Jennifer, his mother Frances, and his siblings Ross, Matthew and Allison Swift--will all find solace in the remarkable life that he led. Indeed, like myself and the many others that counted him a friend, Chris' family should find peace in the knowledge each is a better person for having known him.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I wish to take this moment to recognize the remarkable life and significant achievements of a leading civic servant, John Dorrenbacher. Tragically, John died in his home Monday, November 8, 1999. While family, friends and colleagues remember the truly exceptional life of John, I, too, would like to pay tribute to this remarkable man. For the last 18 years, John ran the computers and books for the Colorado Republican Party. In his time at the party, he was a pioneer of the mailing list. In the earliest days of computers, he mastered integrating information to create better mailing lists. With this advancement, those who John served were able to do targeted mailings, therefore better contacting constituents and ultimately, better serving the people. There may not be a Colorado Republican in legislative or statewide office today who wasn't helped by a mailing list generated by John. Amazingly, John managed to serve five very different Republican chairman. In addition, he once served as Boulder County GOP chairman. Although his professional accomplishments will long be remembered and admired, most who knew him well will remember John Dorrenbacher, above all else, as someone who loved his country and had a deep faith in our democracy. It is clear that the multitude of those who, like me, have come to know John as a friend will be worse off in his absence. However, Mr. Speaker, I am confident that, in spite of this profound loss, the family and friends of John Dorrenbacher can take solace in the knowledge that each is a better person for having known him.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Ethel Gilroy. Ethel was awarded the prestigious award Southeastern Colorado Chapter of the American Red Cross' Outstanding Supporter for 1999. Repeatedly, Ethel has gone far beyond the call of duty. A native of Sandwich, Illinois, she married her husband John Gilroy in 1929. In 1981, after her husband passed away Ethel moved to Pueblo, Colorado. It was there that she began a dedication to the bettering of the Red Cross that is the stuff of legend. For most of her life she has been a supporter of the American Red Cross and has been affiliated with the Southeastern Colorado Chapter since 1989. Over the course of the years she has helped countless people stay warm and fed. Ethel also supports the Salvation Army, Library for the Blind, El Pueblo Boys and Girls Ranch, PBS and Habitat for the Humanity. She is to be admired and commended for her contribution and service to the Pueblo community. So, it is with this Mr. Speaker, that I say thank you to this dedicated woman.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I wanted to take a moment to recognize an exceptional woman. Janey Silver was named Mancos Valley Honorary Citizen of the Year for the year 1999. The Honorary Citizen of the Year award recognizes outstanding citizens who are not residents of the community for their service and commitment to the Mancos Valley. Janey has spent over half of her life with children in the Mancos community. Commuting from Durango, Janey often arrives to work before 7 a.m. and stays late after work to coach the youth athletic organizations. Janey loves her job, and it shows. She takes on many roles as a teacher, counselor, friend, and role model for many. Repeatedly, Janey has gone above and beyond the call of duty. After the spring of 2000, Janey will take a much deserved retirement. Undoubtedly, she will be greatly missed. She has touched the lives of many young Americans in the Mancos Valley throughout her career. So, it is with this, Mr. Speaker, that I congratulate her on this magnificent distinction and thank her for her selfless dedication.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to honor Clifford Stone, Jr. for his hard work serving seniors throughout Jefferson and Gilpin Counties in central Colorado. After working in the private sector as a lawyer for over 40 years, Clifford retired. But instead of retiring, Clifford chose to help senior citizens navigate their way through the sometimes confusing world of law. By running the First Judicial District Bar Association Legal Assistance Program, Clifford has helped countless seniors with many legal problems. Clifford and the Program have been a beacon of hope throughout Gilpin and Jefferson Counties. The Program has had to handle the changing needs of seniors from legal questions involving estate planning to grandparents' rights. The Program is a non-profit organization and is available to anyone who is 55 years of age or older. It is with this, Mr. Speaker, that I say thank you to Clifford and all of the people that make the First Judicial District Bar Association Legal Assistance Program such a positive community resource. Due to Mr. Stone's dedicated service, Colorado is a better place.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize a man who has been an inspiration to hundreds of young men and a legend amongst his colleagues within his own profession. Mr. Speaker, I am talking about Tom Southall, Steamboat Springs High School basketball coach and a recent inductee to the Colorado High School Activities Association Hall of Fame. Tom is known as one of the best coaches in Colorado, as the facts clearly attest. He is the all-time winningest coach in the history of Colorado. While Tom is known to be a great coach, he is also known for being a man of great character and imparts his knowledge to his players. A mark of a good coach is the ability to make his players better. While Tom certainly fulfills that role, he also makes his players better people and teaches them about what it means to do things the right way. While being the winningest coach in the history of Colorado is more than impressive, Tom not only understands sports as a coach, but also was a great athlete in his day. He was a four-year letterman in football, basketball and track. He was on a state championship team in football as the star running back. In track, he was a three time state champion. Besides his athletic prowess, Tom was also an intelligent student, member of the student council and participated in the school band. Mr. Speaker, Tom Southall should be used as a role model of what being a good coach and doing things the right way is all about.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to honor a man who has given selflessly of his time and effort to help others. Joe Manzanares, for the past forty-two years, has volunteered to better his community, primarily through his work with Neighborhood Housing Services of Pueblo, Colorado in the Third Congressional District. Mr. Manzanares has accomplished several achievements through his voluntary work, including the development of El Pueblo Pride Park which is a five acre neighborhood park in Pueblo's west side. Following a tragic auto accident in his neighborhood that killed a child, Joe Manzanares and his granddaughter, Cecily Bustillo, worked to create this park out of nothing, lobbying the state to purchase the land, which was then turned into a park. Joe Manzanares has been recognized by others for his inspirational dedication to revitalizing neighborhoods. This week, he will travel to Oakland, California to receive additional recognition for his achievements. There, Mr. Manzanares will receive the Dorothy Richardson Award for Resident Leadership Development from the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation. He will be one of nine people receiving the award, selected from thousands of volunteers for nonprofit organizations across this country. I cannot think of a more fitting and deserving recipient of this honor than Joe Manzanares. I wish to extend my congratulations to Joe Manzanares upon the occasion of this award honoring the commitment that he has made to his neighborhood in Pueblo, his home since 1962. Mr. Speaker, let me close by extending my own appreciation--thank you, Joe Manzanares, for your work to improve our community.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I wanted to take this moment to recognize an exceptional woman. Jan Koppri was named Mancos Valley Citizen of the Year, for the year 1999. Repeatedly, Jan has gone above and beyond the call of duty. Jan is involved quite extensively in the city of Mancos, Colorado. She is in charge of the Mancos Valley visitor center. The residents and tourists are welcomed and guided daily by her thorough knowledge of the area. Jan has also turned Mancos around from losing money to making money. A jack of all trades, Jan is a reservationist, making accommodations for lodging and tours within the area, concierge, tending to guests needs, giving directions, and advice on local attractions. Jan is also a historian. She is knowledgeable on her facts on the history of Mancos. She is famous for convincing people to stay longer in Mancos. Besides running the visitor's center, Jan is also involved with the chamber of commerce. Jan added several new events to the Fall Festival and developed a kid's program. In addition to all of this, Jan has excellent management and people skills which are required to ensure volunteers feel appreciated and awarded. She is an asset to the community with her involvement in activities and organizations. Jan has also helped out with fund raising events for the Mancos Opera House, the United Way, the library, Mancos Senior Center, the historical society, and the community center. It is obvious why Jan Koppri was chosen as the 1999 Citizen of the Year. So, it is with this, Mr. Speaker, that I thank her for her service and dedication to the community.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to recognize Schmidt, Valentine, Whittemore & Company PC. This firm practices general auditing, public accounting, and tax preparation in Pueblo, Colorado. This firm has gone far beyond the call of duty. Mr. Bernard Schmidt has been with the agency since 1946. In 1966, Virginia Whittemore joined the firm and in 1980, Dan Valentine also became a partner. Throughout the years, the firm has been through some changes in management and accounting styles, however they still remain loyal to auditors. It is their service to the community that is deserving of recognition and praise. I applaud your generosity and kind efforts in donating time and services for the Southeastern Colorado Chapter of the Red Cross. Your firm is to be commended and admired. So it is with this that I say thank you to this group of dedicated individuals. They set out to make a difference and they have.