Recognizing Sue Holman and Susan Weeks

RECOGNIZING SUE HOLMAN AND SUSAN WEEKS -- (Extensions of Remarks - June 25, 2004)

SPEECH OF
HON. MIKE THOMPSON
OF CALIFORNIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2004

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize two extraordinary women who have jointly been named the City of Sonoma's 2004 Alcaldesas, or Honorary Mayors.

For more than 10 years, Sue Holman and Susan Weeks have volunteered countless hours to Sonoma Valley's Meals on Wheels program. They work five days a week preparing two gourmet meals for housebound residents. A typical weekly fare is pork chops in mushroom sauce, spicy lamb logs, linguini and clams, tamale pie and roast beef. Over the past 10 years, they calculate that they have prepared a quarter of a million meals.

In addition to all of the food preparation, they prepare the menus, shop for groceries, do all of the baking, maintain inventory control and supervise the 90 volunteers who package and deliver the food and assist in the kitchen.

They recognize that many of the people they serve live alone and try to make each day special. Each holiday has a theme meal. Each client receives a personalized present or two at Christmas or Hanukah and on their birthday plus a split of wine or champagne.

They are able to maintain a high quality of fare and bolster the spirits of the people they serve while running the only all-volunteer Meals on Wheels program in the State of California.

In recognition of their contributions, the City of Sonoma designated them "las dos Alcaldesas," following a 28-year-old tradition of selecting someone in the community who works selflessly on behalf of others. The Alcalde/Alcaldesa reflects the town's Spanish and Mexican heritage and the "Honorary Mayors" will preside at all ceremonial functions on behalf of the city.

Susan Weeks settled in Sonoma 18 years ago following an international career that took her to Jerusalem, South Africa and Washington DC. In addition to Meals on Wheels, she has also been active in public safety and infrastructure issues, and works with the Verano Springs Association and the Sonoma Valley Citizens Action Committee.

Sue Holman is a retired investment banker who has been in Sonoma 11 years. An animal lover, she was one of the driving forces in the establishment of Sonoma's only dog park.

Mr. Speaker, Susan Weeks and Sue Holman provide an invaluable service to their community, and it is appropriate that we honor them today as Sonoma, California's 2004 Dos Alcaldesas.