George Radanovich

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Patsy Milton on the occasion of her recognition by the Fresno County Farm Bureau for her years of volunteerism. Mrs. Milton has given generously of her time to many different programs in her community. The Fresno County Farm Bureau is honoring Patsy specifically for her work with the Ag in the Classroom Program. The Fresno County Agriculture Education Program was established fifteen years ago with the mission ``to teach the cultural, political and environmental importance of Fresno County agriculture to consumers of all ages.'' Mrs. Milton is the coordinator of the Ag in the Classroom program that goes to schools all over the county bringing supplemental curriculum into the classrooms of over 100 schools. Patsy's philanthropy is not limited to her passion for sharing agriculture with others. She has also been a member of the Riverview School Parent Teacher Club, Reedley High Band Boosters, and is active in her church. However, it is her work with Ag in the Classroom that earned her the 1995 Volunteer Award from the California Foundation. She has opened her home to students to educate them about the importance of agriculture in everyday life. Mrs. Milton and her husband, Rick, raise stone fruit and grapes and are very involved in the Fresno County Farm Bureau. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Patsy Milton for her well deserved recognition by the Fresno County Farm Bureau. I invite my colleagues to join me in thanking her for her dedication to agriculture and education and wishing her many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ronald Martella for receiving the 2002 Businessman/Agricultural Leader of the Year Award from the Hughson Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Martella has been an active member of the Hughson community for many years and his dedication is deservedly commended. Mr. Martella is the current chairman of the California Canning Peach Association. He is also a board member of the Ag Council of California and the Growers Harvesting Committee. Ronald is on the Board of the Hughson Chamber of Commerce and the Hughson Redevelopment Agency. Ronald currently serves the community through these organizations, but his involvement is not just a recent venture. He volunteered as a fireman for 19 years, is the former chairman of the Hughson Youth Center Board of Directors, and served on Hughson Union High School's Agricultural Steering Committee. Mr. Martella is an active member of his church through his involvement in the Knights of Columbus and the church choir. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ronald Martella for receiving the 2002 Businessman/Agricultural Leader of the Year Award. I invite my colleagues to join me in thanking him for his tremendous service to the community and wishing him many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Tess Camagna for receiving the Educator of the Year Award for 2002 from the Hughson Chamber of Commerce. Tess is a born and bred Hughsonian. Her parents were farmers there and she attended Hughson Elementary and graduated from Hughson High School. She left the community only briefly to attend California State University, San Jose, to obtain her degree in Elementary Education. After pursuing her education Tess returned to Hughson and began teaching in 1973. Throughout her career she has taught kindergarten and first grade. Mrs. Camagna is proud to be a part of an educational system that is dedicated to children and excels in educational leadership. Tess' husband, Richard, is a farmer and Hughson Fire Department Commissioner. They have raised three children, John, Peter, and Sarah, and they have been blessed with two grandchildren, Alex and Nicholas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Tess Camagna for receiving the 2002 Educator of the Year Award. I invite my colleagues to join me in thanking her for her tremendous service to the community and her dedication to our youth.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3421) to provide adequate school facilities within Yosemite National Park, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3421, which I introduced, would authorize the Secretary of the Interior to provide supplemental funding and other services necessary to assist local school districts in providing educational services for students attending three schools located within Yosemite National Park. The three schools in question are Yosemite Valley, which serves 46 students in K through eighth grades; El Portel Elementary, which serves 50 students in seven grades; and Wawona Elementary, which serves 20 students in grades K through 8 with only one teacher. All three schools represent those one-room schools of yesteryear. Mr. Speaker, California schools are unique in that operating funds for schools are based on an average daily attendance. Since the devastating 1997 Merced River flood, there has been a dramatic reduction in the number of park employees and thus fewer school children attending these schools. With fewer and fewer children attending these schools, fewer State dollars are committed. The result is that the superintendent for Yosemite National Park and the concessionaire serving park visitors are attracting less than qualified candidates to work in the park because families are not provided with adequate schools. Meanwhile, while the Federal funding sources such as Impact Aid and PILT, which is Payment In Lieu of Taxes, are made available to Mariposa and Madera Counties where these schools exist and through which money is distributed, the reality is very few dollars are actually used to fund these classrooms. In light of these realities, I was able to secure special funding in the amount of $111,000 in FY 2002 Interior appropriations bills for these schools. However, going to the appropriators every fall for this critical assistance is not the most productive approach. Therefore, for the reasons I have outlined, the solution before the House today is the best long-term approach to this problem. Mr. Speaker, during subcommittee and committee considerations, I made a number of changes to H.R. 3421 that address issues raised by the administration, members of the Committee on Resources, and the Committee on Education and the Workforce. For example, the bill makes clear that funds made available by the Secretary under H.R. 3421 will not go towards new construction, construction contracts or major capital improvements, and thus would be limited to general upkeep, maintenance, and classroom teaching. I do not think that we should stand by and permit children of the Park Service and concessionaire employees from being deprived of their education simply because their parents have chosen to work in Yosemite National Park. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3421 as amended is supported by the administration and the minority and majority of the Committee on Resources. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3421, as amended. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, as I have every year since I was elected to this institution, I come before this chamber to honor my Armenian friends on the eve of the 87th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. As we all know, the 20th century was one of historic progress and horrible brutality. Unfortunately, as we enter into the 21st Century we have seen this brutality continue. America is often the first nation to combat brutality around the world. Our reaction was no different when we responded to the extermination of 1.5 million Armenians by the Ottoman Empire between 1015-1923. This horrific event that took place during those years has become to be known as the Armenian Genocide. As members of this body, and as Americans, we have an obligation to educate and familiarize the world on the Armenian Genocide. In fact, we must ensure that the legacy of the Genocide is remembered, so that this human tragedy will not be repeated. As we have seen in recent years, genocide and ethnic cleansing continue to plague nations around the world--and as a great nation--we must always be firm in standing against such atrocities. Part of standing against such brutal repression is making sure it is never forgotten or repeated. Therefore, it is critical that we educate people about the systematic and deliberate annihilation of 1.5 million Armenians. As such, we make it clear that Americans do not and will not accept such atrocities or their denial. Silences, either out of indifference or as the result of political pressure, only serves to encourage others who would again use ethnic cleansing as a tool of government. By recognizing and learning from the past, we work toward a future free of genocide. When I began the process of seeking affirmation of the voluminous record on the Armenian Genocide years ago, I did not on behalf of a united Armenian-American community who appropriately sought from this body recognition and affirmation of the truth regarding a horrible catastrophe that is so often forgotten. Having paid close attention to the views of those opposed to my efforts, I am now more committed to this effort--not for Armenian-Americans, but for all Americans. If we are serious about learning the lessons from history--as painful as they sometimes are--then we must be willing to speak openly and honestly about this more serious violation of human rights. To shy away from recognizing genocide, or, even worse, to be complicit in any way in its denial would represent a retreat from our nation's historic commitment to human rights. I say that we must affirm history--not bury it. We must learn from history--not reshape it according to the geo-strategic needs of the moment. And we must refuse to be intimidated. Otherwise, nations with troubled pasts will ask that the American record on their dark chapters be expunged. During President Bush's campaign he pledged to properly commemorate the Armenian Genocide. Today, I have every reason to believe that he will honor that pledge and do what is right for both the Armenian people and for historical record. While President Bush used the textbook definition of genocide in his annual statement last year, I encourage him to take the final step and use the ``G'' word this year-- ``Genocide.''

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Vito Chiesa on the occasion of the completion of his term as president of the Stanislaus County Farm Bureau. Mr. Chiesa has served as president for the past two years, from April 2000 to 2002, and served as a board member representing the Eastside Region for two years prior to his presidency. Vito is a peach, almond, and walnut farmer who was born and raised in Stanislaus County and has farmed all his life. He is currently the manager of Chiesa Ranch and previously owned Agriculture Land Management Co., Vito Chiesa Farms. Mr. Chiesa opens his farm to visitors to help them better understand the farming industry. In 1999, Vito received the Outstanding Young Farmer Achievement Award. The Stanislaus County Farm Bureau has also honored him with the Outstanding Achievement Award. Mr. Chiesa has been an outstanding county farm bureau president and has demonstrated his leadership abilities during negotiations involving sensitive issues affecting the farming community. He has exhibited an impressive ability to bring diverse interests and opinions together to work toward a common goal. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Vito Chiesa at the end of his term as Stanislaus County Farm Bureau President. I invite my colleagues to join me in thanking Mr. Chiesa for his contributions to the agriculture and the community and in wishing him many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to recognize a dark anniversary for one of my constituents. Three years ago, Suzie Vang lost her friend and husband to unknown circumstances in Laos. On April 19, 1999, Michael Vang and Mr. Houa Ly, a resident of Appleton, WI, both Americans, were traveling along the border between Laos and Thailand. According to eyewitnesses, the U.S. congressional research missions, nongovernmental organizations and other sources both Ly and Vang were seized by Lao Government authorities. Despite the building evidence, the Lao Government continues to deny knowledge of their whereabouts or the role of government security forces in their abduction. The State Department has been asked repeatedly by Members of Congress to vigorously investigate and resolve this case since it was first reported in early May 1999. It is certainly true that we have received some assistance from them. However, there continues to be a lack of results. This is not surprising considering that the State Department continues to pursue an investigation in cooperation with the regime in Laos--a regime involved with their disappearance. While the State Department continues their slow and seemingly never-ending investigation, the trail grows colder. We need a renewed effort. We need to initiate a new independent investigation free from coordination with the government of Laos. Three years is long enough. And, as long as this case goes unresolved, I will continue to oppose Normal Trade Relations (NTR) status for Laos.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Fresno County Supervisor Juan Arambula for receiving the 2002 Rose Ann Vuich Ethical Leadership Award. He was recognized April 17, 2002, at a luncheon reception. Mr. Arambula has been dedicated to community service in Fresno for over ten years; he was first elected to public office in 1990. Juan is a former president of Fresno Unified School District's board of trustees, and has also served on the California School Boards Association's board of directors. This is Juan's second term on the Fresno County Board of Supervisors; he was first elected in 1997. Mr. Arambula has earned the respect of his colleagues through his many endeavors and is very deserving of this prestigious award. The Rose Ann Vuich Award is sponsored by the Fresno Business Council, the Fresno Bee, and the Kenneth L. Maddy Institute of Public Affairs. The award honors former State Senator Vuich, who consistently maintained high ethical standards and earned bipartisan respect throughout her career in the State legislature. The award aims to recognize elected leaders who symbolize integrity, strength of character, and exemplary ethical behavior.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Nancy Richardson for receiving the Excellence in Public Service Award sponsored by the Business Council. Ms. Richardson will be recognized at a luncheon sponsored by the Kenneth L. Maddy Institute, The Fresno Bee, and the Business Council. Nancy has been active within the community for years. Her interest in the juvenile system was sparked when she learned that judges from Valley counties were sentencing children to years in the California Youth Authority at a rate that exceeded the state average. This realization led Ms. Richardson on an expedition to uncover and expose the truth. She gathered information and published 1,000 copies of her findings to let people know what was occurring. After this amazing contribution to the juvenile justice system, Nancy went on to volunteer her services to more places which benefited from her initiative. She was elected to the Fresno Unified School District's Board of Trustees, served as coordinator of the Interagency Council, and now works on the Foster Care Oversight Committee. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Nancy Richardson for receiving the Excellence in Public Service Award. I invite my colleagues to join me in thanking Ms. Richardson for her tremendous contributions to the community, and in wishing her many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Michael P. Galan for receiving the Citizen of the Year Award from the Sanger District Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Galan has devoted many years to service within the community of Sanger. Mike Galan graduated from Contra Costa Junior College in 1966 and was hired by the University of Wisconsin to work for the National Science Foundation in Antarctica. While in Antarctica he explored the Queen Maude Land area--which had never been explored. A mountain ridge was named ``The Galan Ridge'' for his involvement in the expedition. He returned to California, completed a degree at California State University, Sacramento, and, after many promotions with Western Kraft Paper, moved to Sanger as Plant Manager. He has made a tremendous impact on the community through his participation in numerous organizations. He has been a member of the Rotary for seven years and the Sanger Chamber of Commerce for fifteen years. Mr. Galan is also a member of the Sanger Masonic Lodge and serves as a Trustee and on the Stewardship Committee for the Sanger Methodist Church. Regardless of his enormous community involvement Mike also spends a lot of time with his wife of 32 years, Karen, and their two sons, Justin and Raymond. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mike Galan for receiving the Citizen of the Year Award from Sanger Chamber of Commerce. I invite my colleagues to join me in thanking Mr. Galan for his community service and wishing him many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Rosteen Strassner on the occasion of her 100th birthday. The Fresno Temple Church of God in Christ celebrated her birthday on March 23, 2002. Mrs. Strassner has made numerous contributions to her community; she is truly a giving person. She has served the West Fresno Community and the City of Fresno for nearly 68 years. Her accomplishments have been great, and range in variety. Rosteen's concern for others has made an impact on her career choices. Mrs. Strassner worked as a dietitian at St. Agnes Hospital for many years. She also owned and operated two restaurants in the Fresno area. Mrs. Strassner, unwilling to turn her back on anyone, opened her home to become a full-time caregiver to mentally challenged adults. Her hard work and dedication was very rewarding, though not in a monetary sense. She became one of the first African Americans to open a residential licensed home in West Fresno for the Central Valley Region and State of California, where she could assist numerous Valley residents. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Rosteen Strassner on the very special occasion of her 100th birthday. The community has been greatly served by this outstanding woman. I invite my colleagues to join me in thanking Mrs. Strassner for her contributions to the community and wishing her many more prosperous years.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Charles M. Wallin for receiving the 2002 Hall of Fame Award from the Sanger District Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Wallin has been playing a huge role in the Sanger community nearly his entire life. Charles Wallin attended elementary school and high school in Sanger. He graduated from Fresno State, and the College of Mortuary Science in Los Angeles. Upon his return to Sanger, Charles went into business with his father at Wallin & Son Funeral Home which he eventually purchased from his father and renamed Wallin's Sanger Funeral Home. Mr. Wallin is a very active member of the Sanger community. He was a member of the board of directors for the Sanger Chamber of Commerce and was the District Secretary for Rotary District 5230. Charles Wallin has been a member of the Rotary Club of Sanger since 1964, and is currently a member of the Sanger Masonic Lodge No. 316. Charles is an avid supporter of the Tom Flores Youth Foundation, and also promotes numerous programs at Sanger High School, Mr. Wallin is a member of the California Funeral Director's Association. He has been married to Marilyn L. Wallin for 37 years, and the happy couple was blessed with three sons, Mark, Christopher, and Brian. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Charles M. Wallin for receiving the 2002 Hall of Fame Award from Sanger Chamber of Commerce. I invite my colleagues to join me in thanking Mr. Wallin for his community service and wishing him many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sergeant Wayne Seita for receiving the 2002 Police Personnel of the Year Award from the Sanger District Chamber of Commerce. Sergeant Seita joined the Sanger Police Department on January 27, 1975, and was named permanent sergeant on July 1, 1990. Sergeant Seita's colleagues refer to him as a professional, moral, ethical and nonbiased person. His ability to maintain the work schedule for patrol, without any complaints, is enough to deserve a commendation alone. In May of 2000, Wayne was wounded while responding to a call of a wanted suspect with a firearm. Thankfully, Sergeant Selta was able to recuperate and return to work after a short time. Nothing could stand in the way of him protecting the citizens of Sanger and discharging his duties as a public servant. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Sergeant Wayne Seita for his dedication and contributions to the Sanger Police Department. I invite my colleagues to join me in thanking Wayne for his exceptional service to the community of Sanger and wishing him many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Stan Bledsoe on the occasion of his retirement as head baseball coach at Clovis West High School in Fresno, California. Clovis West, in conjunction with Clovis Unified School District, is dedicating and naming the baseball field at Eagle Stadium ``Stan Bledsoe Field.'' This 2001-2002 baseball season will cap Bledsoe's twenty-three year stint as head coach of the Eagles and thirty-two years of service coaching athletes and training coaches. There has been only one other head coach in the history of Clovis West. Stan has supported and been a mentor of the summer baseball program in the Clovis West area since its inception. His dedication to the athletes at Clovis West cannot be measured. Coach Bledsoe has also been active in education and administration for the high school. He has been a valuable asset to the physical education department and has served in athletic administration for the past four years. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Stan Bledsoe for his service to the Clovis West community and honor him as he retires as head baseball coach. I invite my colleagues to join me in thanking him for his dedication to education and athletics and wishing him many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Bob and Joan Hines for receiving the 2002 Mr. and Mrs. Farmer of the Year Award from the Sanger District Chamber of Commerce. Bob received a degree in agronomy from California State University, Fresno, and became an agronomist for J.G. Boswell Company in 1957. He left J.G. Boswell Company in 1961 and became manager of the Clovis- Sanger Cooperative (cotton) Gin. He was chosen by the Agricultural Council of California to be ``Co-op'' Man of the Year in 1997. Mr. Hines also served as Director of both the Federal Farm Credit System and of the Allied Grape Growers. Joan made contributions through her church as an elder, Sunday school instructor, and Youth Club Worker. She was a 4-H leader, a member of the Parents' Club, and of the PTA. Mrs. Hines is a charter member of Los Rancheros Valley Children's Hospital Guild, Clovis Branch, and of the Fresno Kings Cattle Women Organization. Both Joan and Bob have been citrus and grape growers along the Kings River and Trimmer Springs area near Sanger. Together, they have made enormous contributions to their community. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Bob and Joan Hines, for their dedication to agriculture and the community. I invite my colleagues to join me in thanking Bob and Joan for their tremendous community service and wishing them many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Vida en el Valle for receiving the second-place award as an outstanding bilingual weekly newspaper from the National Association of Hispanic Publications. The newspaper received the award at the Association's 20th annual convention in Dallas. Larger newspapers have recognized the weekly newspaper for its dedication and ability to cover many aspects of the community. Vida en el Valle, published by the Fresno Bee, is a free newspaper distributed to Fresno, Tulare, and Madera counties. The newspaper began publication in 1990, and in 10 years of competition has received 28 first-place awards and 49 second-place awards. The recognition the paper has received shows the amount of respect the paper has gained for itself in only a short time. Among the many awards the newspaper received, the editor, Juan Esparza Loera, was also recognized. He received first place for best entertainment column for a piece he wrote about the ALMA Awards, which honors outstanding Latinos in the television and movie industry. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Vida en el Valle for receiving second-place as an outstanding bilingual weekly newspaper. I invite my colleagues to join me in thanking Vida en el Valle for its dedication to the community and wishing the paper continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Donald Cripe on the occasion of his retirement as Stanislaus County Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights & Measures. A dinner will be held in his honor for his contribution to the community. Donald Cripe attended Grace College in Winona Lake, Indiana, then traveled to California to attend CSU Chico, and received his A.A. Degree from Modesto Junior College in 1976. He started his career with Stanislaus County as an Inspector from 1969-1976, then became Agricultural Commissioner for Madera and Mariposa Counties. He gained much experience while working in these areas, and he brought what he teamed home with him to Stanislaus County. His main duties included pest management, fruit and vegetable quality control, crop statistics, petroleum program, and standards certification, among many others. Don believes that success will come by creating a mission, rather than rules, driven department in which the customer is the focus. He has strongly promoted teamwork and collaboration while working for Stanislaus County. Donald has been married to his wife, Sharon, for 39 years and they have four children and eight grandchildren. Don has served his community, but has also led an active life with his family.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Dairy Industry of California on the occasion of being honored for their support of the Diabetic Youth Foundation. An event to honor the dairy industry will be sponsored by Rob and Jeannie Hilarides of the Sierra Cattle Company to benefit the Diabetic Youth Foundation. Rob and Jeannie Hilarides have been touched by the cause on a personal level. Their daughter, Hannah, has Type I diabetes. Their pain and suffering has led them into taking an active role to battle the disease, not only for their daughter, but for other children as well. The Hilarides have given support financially and have also brought the cause to the attention of the dairy people. Through them, the industry has become very involved in support of the Diabetic Youth Foundation. Recently, a study has found that the California Dairy Industry contributes 122,300 jobs and $17.5 billion to the State's economy. The industry has been very instrumental in creating opportunities for jobs within the state. The same study found that for every two jobs on a California dairy farm, three more jobs are created off the farm through the purchase of goods and services. Despite these economical contributions, the dairy industry has made numerous charitable contributions, specifically to the Diabetic Youth Foundation. The Diabetic Youth Foundation provides year-round educational programs for families affected by diabetes. The financial assistance is advantageous to the foundation and has allowed them to accept children in spite of the child's financial situation. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the California Dairy Industry for its contributions to the community. I invite my colleagues to join me in thanking the Industry, and the Hilarides, for their continued support of the Diabetic Youth Foundation.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Doug Perry, principal of El Capitan Middle School, for receiving a nomination for the Educator of the Year Award from the California League of Middle Schools. Principal Perry has served El Capitan for 23 years as a principal, and 9 years as a physical education teacher. He administered the transition to a year round school schedule and the reinstatement of the regular school year schedule. Doug is also an innovative leader; he recognized the necessity of technological improvements as a vital resource for students and teachers. Mr. Perry has supported various programs for his students, such as the district's promotion/retention/ intervention programs. Principal Perry has been an instrumental and charismatic leader in his community, and has earned much respect from his colleagues. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Doug Perry for his nomination for the 2001 Educator of the Year Award. I invite my colleagues to join me in thanking Mr. Perry for his outstanding service to the community and wishing him many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Claire Nichols, for receiving the 2002 Educator of The Year Award from the Sanger District Chamber of Commerce. Mrs. Nichols was a dedicated educator, and is being recognized for her tremendous efforts. Claire began teaching Kindergarten in 1955 at Lincoln Elementary. Shortly thereafter, she left the teaching field to become a mother. While absent from teaching, Mrs. Nichols was still very active within the school system, serving on the Jackson PTA, and as a Room Mother. In 1987 she returned to the classroom, this time as a second grade teacher for Jackson Elementary School. Claire brought a lot of attention and affection to her students. When her students were sick, she brought them baked goods at home. Claire's dedication to and genuine interest in students extended beyond the classroom. She had a deal with her students that if any of them hit a home run she would buy them a pizza. This deal followed the students from Little League all the way through high school. The football and basketball players also benefited from Mrs. Nichols' generosity in the form of team meals. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Claire Nichols, for her dedication as an educator and for touching the lives of all her children. I invite my colleagues to Join me in remembering Claire Nichols for her community service and exemplary life.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor David Sulenta for receiving the 2002 Fire Personnel of the Year Award from the Sanger District Chamber of Commerce. David joined the Sanger Fire Department October 30, 1979. He began as a Firefighter/EMT and was promoted to Firefighter/Specialist soon after. Aside from Mr. Sulenta's contributions as an outstanding person, he has initiated many programs for the Sanger Fire Department. He brought about the routine testing of the self-contained breathing apparatus and he developed specifications for the new exhaust system which removes diesel exhaust fumes from the apparatus floor when fire engines drive out of the firehouse. Moreover, David was active in obtaining equipment for new fire engines. His achievements and contributions have not gone unrecognized by his peers. The officers of the department have selected him as ``Employee of the Quarter'' many times and this is the second time he has been honored as the Fire Personnel of the Year. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. David Sulenta for his contributions to the Sanger Fire Department. I invite my colleagues to join me in thanking David for his active involvement within the community and wishing him many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Janica Kostelic for her spectacular performance at the 2002 Winter Olympics. Ms. Kostelic is a 20 year-old young lady from Croatia who won four medals (three gold and one silver) during the Olympics in Salt Lake City. In celebration, her home country has placed her picture on a postage stamp. Over 100,000 people gathered to meet Janica upon her return to Zabreg, Croatia. People missed work and schools canceled classes so they could greet the newly dubbed ``Snow Queen''. This skiing sensation finished two runs in 2 minutes, 30.01 seconds. Janica is the first Alpine skier to win four medals at a single Winter Olympics. She won gold in the giant slalom, the slalom, and the combined event, and silver in the super giant slalom; she was the only Croatian to win a medal. Janica's brother, Ivica, also competed at the 2002 Winter Olympics. The Kostelic family has endured many setbacks whole trying to support their children's Olympics aspirations. Their country only has two ski resorts, so the family had to travel around Europe often sleeping in their car and living on salami and pickle sandwiches. Their tremendous efforts and fortitude, however, paid off tremendously for Janica and Ante, her father and coach. the family made many sacrifices, but their willpower allowed for Janica's incredible victories. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Janica Kostelic on her outstanding achievements at the 2002 Winter Olympics. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Ms. Kostelic and her family many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, whereas, Tuesday, March 12, 2002, marks the 90th Anniversary of Girl Scouts of the USA, founded by Juliette Gordon Low in 1912 in Savannah, Georgia. Throughout its long and distinguished history, Girl Scouts and Golden Valley Council, the pre- eminent organization for girls, has inspired girls with the highest ideals of character, conduct, and patriotism. Girl Scouting will lead businesses and communities to teach girls the skills needed to take active roles in math, science, and technology careers and to fulfill our country's economic needs. Through Girl Scouting, every girl, everywhere grows strong, gains self-confidence and skills for success, and learns her duty to the world around her. Through participation in Girls' Voices, a national community service project, every girl will learn to use her own voice to address an issue of concern to her and perhaps make a change for the better in her community. Some fifty million women have enjoyed the benefits of the Girl Scouts program, as an American tradition, for 90 years. Now, therefore, I George Radanovich, by virtue of the authority vested in me as a U.S. Representative, 19th District, for the State of California do hereby proclaim the week of March 10-16 as Girl Scout Week.