Ed Perlmutter

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Developmental Disabilities Resource Center (DDRC) for receiving the Non-Profit of the Year award from the West Chamber serving Jefferson County. For 50 years DDRC has been providing support and opportunities to people with developmental disabilities and their families in Jefferson County. From their humble beginnings in church basements, DDRC has grown to 550 employees and more than 200 volunteers who make a difference in the lives of more than 3000 individuals each year. I extend my deepest congratulations to Developmental Disabilities Resource Center (DDRC) for this well deserved honor from the West Chamber serving Jefferson County. Your dedication to our community enhances all of our lives.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Dr. Cynthia Stevenson for her outstanding contribution to the Jefferson County School District and her induction into the Jefferson County Business Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame recognizes area businesses, individuals, organizations and civic leaders from past and present that significantly impacted and contributed to the Jefferson County community. Cindy has been a part of Jefferson County schools most of her life as a student, a teacher, principal and superintendent. As a result of her leadership, Jefferson County Schools thrived. Her dedication and commitment to providing the highest quality education to our kids will benefit our community for years to come. I am proud to call Cindy my friend and thankful for her public service. I extend my deepest congratulations to Dr. Stevenson on her contributions and I am deeply grateful for the legacy of excellence she has given to our community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Gary Wink for his induction into the Jefferson County Business Hall of Fame and for his outstanding career in the Golden business community. Gary served for 22 years as an executive and President and CEO of the Golden Chamber of Commerce. During that time, the membership of the Chamber more than doubled. Gary expanded the Golden Fine Arts Festival into an event ranking in the top 50 festivals in the nation, and he developed the Golden Farmers Market, one of the finest in Colorado. Gary's leadership at the Golden Chamber of Commerce was instrumental in securing a thriving business climate that Golden continues to enjoy. I extend my deepest congratulations to Gary on his contributions to the Golden business community and his well-deserved honor from the Jefferson County Business Community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud John B. ``Jack'' Newkirk for his induction into the Jefferson County Business Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding area businesses, individuals, organizations and civic leaders from the past and present that have significantly impacted and contributed to the Jefferson County community. One of Jack's greatest contributions to our community is his medical device inventions. He and his wife, Carol, started companies that distributed life-saving medical devices. These medical devices have improved the quality of life for thousands of people around the world. I extend my deepest congratulations to Jack for his outstanding contributions to the world of medicine and well-deserved recognition from the Jefferson County Business Community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Megara Pullen for receiving the Greater Golden Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Year Award. This award is given each year to an individual who is a member of the Chamber Ambassadors. This individual is active in promoting the Chamber in several ways including attending ribbon cuttings, grand openings, ground breakings, mentoring new Chamber members, attending Chamber functions, helping at the Chamber Back Yard BBQ, and the list goes on. In addition to her job as Marketing Director for four Mahnke Auto Body locations, Megara is always available to take on the role of volunteer or leader. Her dedication to the Greater Golden Chamber makes her a real asset to the Golden community. I extend my deepest congratulations to Megara Pullen for her well deserved recognition from the Greater Golden Chamber of Commerce. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Mike Helms for receiving the Charlie O'Brien Award from the Greater Golden Chamber of Commerce. This award goes to members who are well respected within the organization and are motivated by an unselfish desire to contribute to the community for the betterment of greater Golden. Seven years ago Mike Helms had a dream to have a monthly event for residents of Golden who love the outdoors and who ride their bicycles. Mike, along with a few others who had this same dream, came up with Golden Bicycle Cruise. The excitement from the first cruise events quickly caught on. Through a partnership with the Golden Civic Foundation, in 2013 the Golden Bicycle Cruise had their most successful year with over 400 riders attending most cruises. I extend my deepest congratulations to Mike Helms for this well deserved recognition by the Greater Golden Chamber of Commerce. Your commitment has made our community a better place for all of us to live.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud the Golden Farmers Market for receiving the Greater Golden Chamber of Commerce Civic Award. This award is given each year to an organization or individual who contributed greatly to the quality of life in Golden. The Golden Farmers Market completed its 12th year in 2013 and is known as a model Farmers Market in the State of Colorado. It is a place where one can purchase fresh produce, vegetables and many other goods, and it is a place to get to know your neighbors. Sales turned in by the vendors totaled $613,000 in 2013 and nearly $4 million throughout its 12 year history. This generated more than $120,000 in city tax revenue. I extend my deepest congratulations to the Golden Farmers Market, and all the volunteers which make the Golden Farmers Market so successful, for this well deserved recognition from the Greater Golden Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Mesa Meadows Land Company and Patrick Foss for receiving the Greater Golden Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Award. This award is given to an outstanding Chamber of Commerce business member who contributed substantially to the Chamber of Commerce and the community. Henry Foss and his wife Dorothy, moved to Golden to open up Foss Drug in 1913. Henry's wish was to keep Foss Drug running as a legacy for his son. The Foss Drug Store, also known as The Foss General Store, closed its doors in 2007. In the summer of 2013 a celebration was held to celebrate the 100th year of the Foss Building. The totally renovated facility is now the home to 12 small businesses. The building, now known as the Mesa Meadows Land Company, is still owned by the Foss family. ``We are still here, still pitching for Golden and still doing all we can to keep the retail district strong down here,'' says Patrick Foss, owner of Mesa Meadows Land Company. ``Our intention is to keep this going as long as we can be a vital part of Golden''. I extend my deepest congratulations to Mesa Meadows Land Company and Patrick Foss for this well deserved recognition by the Greater Golden Chamber of Commerce. Thank you for your continued commitment to the Golden community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Brian Vankeuran for receiving the Greater Golden Chamber of Commerce Young Professional of the Year Award. Brian has been a vital contributing member and leader of the Golden Young Professionals since the organization started in January of 2012. He served two years on the Executive Committee, and he is now serving as Historian for the committee. Brian continuously demonstrates his professionalism. He is an organizer, a team player and a great leader. He served as Chair Elect in 2012 and was the Chair for 2013. I extend my deepest congratulations to Brian Vankeuran for his well deserved recognition from the Greater Golden Chamber of Commerce. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character in all his future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Dr. Moises A. Carreon for receiving the 2013 Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers presented by President Barak Obama. Dr. Carreon is a researcher at the Colorado School of Mines. He received this award for his pursuit of innovative research in the frontiers of science and technology and his commitment to community service as demonstrated through scientific leadership, public education and community outreach. The dedication demonstrated by Dr. Carreon is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. The Presidential Early Career Awards embody the high priority the Obama Administration places on producing outstanding scientists and engineers to advance the nation's goals, tackle grand challenges, and contribute to the American economy. I extend my deepest congratulations to Dr. Carreon for receiving this prestigious award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of his future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. I thank the gentleman from Tennessee, because I want to just talk about something Mr. Welch said and also something Mr. Courtney said. Mr. Courtney said that she had worked on some things involving technology with respect to the VA, and there were some technological problems with whatever it was she was getting. She was a curious, and is a curious, individual. She brought a curiosity about technology. She was one of the first adopters of the iPad as we began using it here. She just had become an expert in it long before any of the rest of us. She also was strong enough that she worked in her dad's tire store. So here is a woman who brought that energy, brought that enthusiasm, brought that curiosity and brought a real service, a desire for service to this country. Despite terrible wounds, she continues that service today. If we could all do that this Nation would be unbelievable. It is our job to continue to try to provide that service and follow her example. Despite all the obstacles, here is a woman still changing the world. I am very glad to be able to speak for her in this moment today, 3 years after she was shot, but she is still making a difference.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Well, I thank my friend from Tennessee and my friend from Kentucky. Three years ago today, one of our best friends here, Gabby Giffords, was shot, shot at close range, shot when she was doing her job, Congress on the Corner. She was out in front of a Safeway in Tucson, Arizona, meeting with constituents. Our job as Members of Congress is to be the voice of our district, to listen to what the people in our districts have to say about a million different subjects and be their voice here in Washington, D.C. She was just that. She was the voice of that district. And she worked hard, she represented them, and she was enthusiastic and energetic and a voice of reason here in Washington, D.C., and she was shot. But that hasn't stopped her. This woman has such energy, such discipline and such perseverance that she just keeps going. She is dealing with a subject that is very tough to address in the United States of America. On the one hand, we have the Second Amendment, and law-abiding citizens have rights under the Second Amendment to possess weapons. On the other hand, people have the right not to be shot. And she is trying, as part of her work these days, to make sure that people who are criminals, who are domestic abusers, who may have mental health issues aren't in possession of weapons that can hurt people. And as the gentleman from Tennessee said, in my area we have had shootings at Columbine High School and at the Aurora movie theater. Seventy people a year and a half ago, July of 2012, were shot. And in Colorado we have addressed it, but not without some real resistance by some communities. What we want to make sure here in this country is that people who are law-abiding citizens can have their weapons, but they should undergo a background check to make sure that they are not domestic abusers or criminals or stalkers. We need to make sure of those kinds of things. And Gabby is working hard to make sure that that happens after--she is doing that on top of her rehabilitation. Her work ethic is second to none in doing this. There is a lot of work to be done to try to minimize gun violence, and there is a lot of work that she is doing to recover. And this woman was doing both of those things when she nearly died from a shot at close quarters. She is tough. She is an American through and through, and she never says die. She is going to continue to work and work for the betterment of her community and of this Nation. I'm glad that I got a chance to say something, Mr. Cohen, in terms of some kind of tribute to the effort that she is making on behalf of so many of us. So I would return, or I can lead to one of our other classmates of '06, but I can say we are very proud of Gabby Giffords, both when she was here and now in the service that she provides to our Nation just in her everyday life.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Sonya Estes for her outstanding service to our community. Sonya is dedicated to the health and fitness of her community. For over nine years she has promoted the sport of running and its opportunities for community involvement. She was recognized by Jefferson County Public Schools for her support of cross-country and track events, and she sponsors middle school and high school races and Girls on the Run. As the owner of Lakewood's Runners Roost Sonya has opened up her store as a lecture and event location for local charities including Team Challenge, the Alzheimer's Association of Colorado and the American Lung Association of Colorado. She also donated thousands of recycled shoes to the More Foundation. Working with the City of Lakewood Parks and Recreation she contributes to the Lakewood Trail Running Series and the Bear Creek Grin and Bear It. Sonya doesn't walk the talk . . . she runs it! I extend my deepest congratulations to Sonya Estes for her well- deserved honor by the West Chamber serving Jefferson County. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Patsy Mundell for her outstanding service and commitment to our community. Patsy Mundell is Division Chief and a 28-year veteran of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. Recognized by her peers as an innovator of inmate management and program development, Patsy implemented successful inmate education and mental health programs. She has also reformed ADA policies regarding inmates and developed video visitation in the jail. In addition to her advocacy for women in law enforcement, Patsy Mundell mentors individuals within the organization on career goals and promotions. As a Metro State University graduate, she is also a mentor for the Metro State Women's Basketball team. I extend my deepest congratulations to Patsy Mundell for her well deserved honor by the West Chamber serving Jefferson County. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Page Lambert for her outstanding service and commitment to our community. Page's motto--Connecting People with Nature; Connecting Writers with Words--describes her passion and her life. For 17 years, she has partnered with professional organizations such as True Nature Journeys, Grand Canyon Field Institute, and the Aspen Writers' Foundation to help women connect more creatively with the natural world. Page serves as an advisor to national writing organizations and nonprofits such as the Children & Nature Network and Women Writing the West. She also donates services locally--co-leading a two-year volunteer effort to build a community horse barn for Mount Vernon using fire-mitigation timber, and serving as Creative Consultant for the Clear Creek Land Conservancy, helping to foster a deeper appreciation for Colorado's open spaces. I extend my deepest congratulations to Page Lambert for her well deserved honor by the West Chamber serving Jefferson County. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Fred Joseph for his outstanding commitment to our community. When Fred Joseph's 83 year old mother got two calls in two days from scammers, she knew what to do. She'd read her son's columns in Prime Time News, the newsletter for Colorado's seniors. She called the scammers out and hung up. Fred Joseph's mother is not the only person he helped. For 30 years, he served the people of Colorado, starting as deputy commissioner of savings and loans, and now he's retiring as the Colorado Banking and Securities Commissioner. He held both positions since 2011. He helped see Colorado through tough times, most notably the 1980s savings and loans crisis and the global financial crisis of these last few years. For 10 years, Fred was on the board of the North American Securities Administrations Association. During his tenure as President of the NASAA, his mission was to protect investors from fraud and maintain the integrity of financial markets so small businesses can raise capital. Fred Joseph doesn't think of himself as a hero, though. Throughout his career, he stood up for ordinary, everyday folk against people who are out to take advantage of them. To me, that's heroic. Working tirelessly in a dual role as banking commissioner and securities commissioner, which will be two separate jobs now that he's retiring. That's honorable. Fred does great work as both banking commissioner and securities commissioner: he's helped protect people from identity theft, helped prevent scammers from preying on the vulnerable and he ensured not a single penny was lost in an insured bank. ``The Commish,'' as he is referred too, is often described as fair, honest, devoted and a voice of reason. I'm grateful for his trusted advice, counsel and friendship. I wish him all the best and want to honor ``The Commish'' for his 30 years of public service.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Michelle Claymore for her outstanding service and commitment to our community. Michelle Claymore's enthusiasm for Jefferson County's economic vitality is both evident and contagious. She helped set in motion the AddOne campaign, improving the economy one job at a time, and has attracted, expanded and retained employment through her role as the Vice President of the Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation for the past 18 years. Michelle's innovative business incentive structure was instrumental in attracting the Coleman Company's corporate headquarters to relocate to Jefferson County in 2011. Understanding the importance of professional development, she started and runs the first nationally accredited economic development training program in Colorado. The program has trained over 200 students so far. Her passion for the county, its businesses and its citizens knows no bounds. I extend my deepest congratulations to Michelle Claymore for her well deserved honor by the West Chamber serving Jefferson County. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Ann Demers for her outstanding service to our community. As a Special Needs teacher in Jefferson County Ann always gave above and beyond. Eventually becoming a school psychologist, she led training for the Second Step Curriculum and was a member of the Crisis Response Team during the Columbine High School tragedy. Ann is involved in her neighborhood, church, and family, organizing community events and service activities. She created a church community service group known as the Red Tent Ladies, and once she started on the Ralston House Board they saw exponential growth. Her spirit and dedication are truly inspiring. I extend my deepest congratulations to Ann Demers for her well deserved honor by the West Chamber serving Jefferson County. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Barbara Scripps for her outstanding service to our community. In addition to running her own accounting firm in Evergreen for over twenty years, Barbara never hesitates to take the role of the leader on multiple non-profit boards, creating a trajectory to get things done. With her participation, community boards have undergone positive, significant financial changes and growth. As current president of the Evergreen Rotary Club she is helping to implement a fundraising strategy transition. She is a long-serving board member of both Evergreen Country Day School and Mt. Evans Hospice, and she saw the Center for Arts Evergreen through its creation of a visual arts center, and continues to serve on that board. The Colorado CPA Society recognized Barbara with an award as a ``CPA Making A Difference'', based on her strong support for her community. I extend my deepest congratulations to Barbara Scripps for her well deserved honor by the West Chamber serving Jefferson County. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Loretta DiTirro for her outstanding service and commitment to our community. Loretta is an extremely passionate and persuasive individual, especially when it comes to community. She was instrumental in changing the name of the Wheat Ridge Business Association, to help give more definition to the purpose and future of the group. Loretta ensures that the Wheat Ridge business members are well informed and well connected to the community at large, and she drove the membership from 30 to 200 members. She hosts events in her home to raise money for the Feed the Future Backpack Program, giving back to the children of her community. She opened up her garden for the Inaugural Wheat Ridge Garden Tour, and recruits volunteers for the historic Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival. As an influential leader and organizer, she is a valuable asset to the Wheat Ridge and Jefferson County communities. I extend my deepest congratulations to Loretta DiTirro for her well deserved honor by the West Chamber serving Jefferson County. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Colleen Jorgensen for her outstanding service and commitment to our community. Despite facing numerous public education funding cuts, Colleen found a way to launch a campaign to make Red Rocks Community College ``green,'' resulting in reduced paper consumption, in a recycling program, and a boiler system that reduced 30% of carbon emissions. She has translated the value of mentorship into Community Learning Centers, the Gateway program, and a shadowing program for potential Principal Investigators. Colleen stays active in her greater community by serving on numerous boards and area chambers. Colleen's creativity and innovation in education has left a lasting impact on thousands of college students, hundreds of colleagues and the business community. I extend my deepest congratulations to Colleen Jorgensen for her well deserved honor by the West Chamber serving Jefferson County. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Barbara Brohl for her outstanding service to our community. As an RTD Board member, Barbara introduced a workforce development program for transit projects promoting the introduction of women in non-traditional positions. Barbara is continuously active in the community--from her ``Newborns in Need'' baby showers, to her mentoring programs, to the organizations she supports--including The Gathering Place and the Hispanic Advisory Council for Florence Crittenton, an alternative high school for pregnant and parenting teens. I extend my deepest congratulations to Barbara Brohl for her well deserved honor by the West Chamber serving Jefferson County. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Maro Dimmer for her outstanding service and commitment to our community. For over 27 years Maro and her husband Ed Dimmer have successfully grown Rheinlander bakery in Olde Town Arvada into the community jewel it is today. The bakery operates with the mission to give back to the community by donating 10 percent of its profits for charitable activities. Maro is instrumental in running the bakery's fundraising events, including the annual King Cakes for A Cause, a benefit for the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. With the celebration of Rheinlander's 50th year in business, the bakery raised over ten thousand dollars in their Bake Out Hunger Campaign, benefiting the Arvada Community Food Bank. Maro is a huge advocate of small business development and actively mentors bakeries in the Metro Denver area in addition to her own employees, teaching about inventory, margins, marketing and longevity. I.extend my deepest congratulations to Maro Dimmer for her well deserved honor by the West Chamber serving Jefferson County. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Carol Salzman for her outstanding service to our community. Carol began her career as a critical care nurse at Exempla Lutheran Medical Center in 1978 and is now the executive director of the ELMC Foundation. Two signature fundraising events she created and leads are the White Rose Evening and the Leaves of Hope Run/Walk, which support Lutheran's hospice and cancer programs respectively. Carol has a passion for community health improvement and serves as the executive lead for Lutheran Medical Center's wellness efforts. She believes that through partnerships with Jefferson County Public Health and other community organization, we can address important community concerns like tobacco and obesity. Carol lives the wellness message and believes in it with all of her heart. I.extend my deepest congratulations to Carol Salzman for her well deserved honor by the West Chamber serving Jefferson County. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Lakewood High School for their tremendous compassion and character shown during the floods that happened in the State of Colorado in September. This high school located in Lakewood, Colorado must be acknowledged because they showed incredible spirit and support to other schools around Colorado during a time of emergency. After winning the Good Morning America Katy Perry contest, the students of Lakewood High School used their moment in the national spotlight to direct national attention towards other students throughout the state affected by the floods. There are countless stories of different student groups and organizations within the school sending supplies, money and support to other students who were in need the most. This is exemplary of the character and compassion the faculty instills in the students at this high school. I extend my deepest gratitude to Lakewood High School in their display of school spirit for their school and also for the State of Colorado. I am certain the students in this school will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of their future accomplishments.