Vote Yes On The Spending Control Act

Remembering Mrs. Ann Olesky-Hon. Mario Diaz-Balart (Extensions of Remarks - June 16, 2004)

HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART
OF FLORIDA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Wednesday, June 16, 2004

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on June 13, 2004, the town of Immokalee, Florida lost one of its most admired and revered members of the community. At the age of 61, Mrs. Ann Olesky passed away nearly one week after undergoing major heart surgery. An avid environmentalist, Mrs. Olesky has been credited by many as the catalyst for the conception of the Lake Trafford restoration project.

As part owner of the Lake Trafford Marina and Campground, Mrs. Olesky recognized the importance of maintaining and preserving South Florida's natural environmental habitat. Eight years ago, Mrs. Olesky realized that both the environment and the community would be best served if a large scale dredging and cleanup project were to be implemented at Lake Trafford. It was Mrs. Olesky's strong drive and commitment to Immokalee which ultimately drove her to embark on a grass roots campaign which culminated with the securing of funds for the project.

In addition, Mrs. Olesky was well known through the community for her active role in civic and community life. During many Christmas celebrations, Mrs. Olesky could be seen taking part in Christmas Around the World, a yearly educational program that seeks to educate young children about the environment. Through these programs, Mrs. Olesky played an active role in raising community wide awareness of the environmental challenges facing South Florida.

Mrs. Ann Olesky will be forever remembered by the people of Immokalee for her great devotion and love for the people and community of Immokalee. While sadly, Mrs. Olesky will be unable to see the completed fruit of her eight years of labor, it is without question that her efforts will be remembered for many generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in expressing my deepest sense of condolence to the family of Mrs. Ann Olesky, as well as to the people of Immokalee. Mrs. Ann Olesky will be greatly missed.

END