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| Women Sustaining the American Spirit |
March 29, 2002 |
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Wilson honors 38 New Mexicans for outstanding service
Albuquerque, NM - Congresswoman Heather Wilson today hosted a reception to honor New Mexico’s Women Sustaining the American Spirit. Every year hundreds of women make incredible sacrifices for our community and most do it in anonymity. This program is a great way for members of the community to say thank you to the many volunteers and unsung heroes that make our community so strong.
“By honoring the women in our lives who are examples of the American spirit, we set a standard for ourselves and provide a beacon of inspiration for future generations,” said Congresswoman Heather Wilson at a reception today honoring 38 New Mexican Women.
Wilson asked New Mexicans to nominate women they know in our community epitomize the spirit of America; women who contribute everyday to our history, to our present, and to our future. The response was overwhelming. Today’s reception was an opportunity for Wilson to personally thank the nominees and an opportunity to learn about the many heroic women that have impacted lives across our great state.
National Women’s History Month, celebrated each March, grew out of an effort to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of women in American History.
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The Honorable Heather Wilson in the House of Representatives
Mr. Speaker, in the honor of Women’s History Month, I asked New Mexicans to send me nominations of women in New Mexico who have given special service to our community, but may have never received recognition for their good deeds.
I have received thirty-eight worthy nominations describing sacrifices and contributions these women have made for our community. The people who nominated the women describe the dedication they have witnessed: volunteer hours for veterans services, Sunday School Teachers, service on non-profit boards, homeless programs, fund raising for scholarships for at risk youth, healthcare providers going above the call of duty, child advocates, volunteers at churches and synagogues, successful business woman, wives, mothers and friends.
Allow me to share share some information about this year’s nominees:
Joyce Becerra-Joyce is involved in programs that impact our community, such as the Valencia County Literacy Program, the Shelter for Domestic Violence, her church and the Pilots Club, for which she currently serves as the President-Elect. She is also instrumental in raising for the Cancer Society.
Phyllis Bibeau-Every Thursday for two and a half-hours since 1984, Phyllis goes to the Veteran’s Hospital to assist the Veterans with writing. On Christmas Day, she delivers presents and Christmas cards to the patients. On Valentines Day, she delivers fresh carnations and valentine’s to the hospitalized veterans. And she also reads articles from the Veteran’s Voice for cassette tape production for blind veterans.
Sharon Bishop-Sharon dedicates her time to volunteering at an APS Elementary School teaching Music in various classrooms and forming a chorus for 3rd, 4th and 5th graders. She believes that giving the gift of music makes a difference in lives. She has helped teachers put on musicals, staged incredible chorus programs and taught classroom music instruction.
Kathleen Blake, MD-Dr. Blake was in the forefront in brining the Heart Hospital to Albuquerque. She has been a leader in speaking about the heart attacks and problems associated with them in regards to women. Finally, she is a cardiologist who will listen to her patients when they present their feelings and fears.
Janette Carter, MD-Dr. Carter was a distinguished physician and researcher, social and community activist, outdoorswoman, daughter, wife, mother, friend, mentor and spiritual person. She received her Doctor of Medicine degree from UNM in 1978 and was certified in Internal Medicine and licensed to practice in NM. She served for 6 years in the US Indian Health Service as Director of the Diabetes Model Program and in 1990 she founded the Native American Diabetes Program at UNM. In July 2002, she and her husband and their son were killed in a plane crash in Alaska. She is survived by her son, Alec, and her mother, Rosalie.
Rosalina Castaneda-Rosalina is the owner of Wigs Wigs and she volunteers for the Cancer Society’s “Look Good, Feel Better” program. She helps patients who come to her wig shop by truly understanding their situation and lending an ear and a shoulder to cry on. Her customers readily affirm that Linda’s love and understanding, in most cases, was the catalyst for their speedy recovery, physically and emotionally.
Rita Chacey-Rita is in the NM Army National Guard. She volunteers many hours working with the Counter Drug Task Force, the Moriarty JROTC, and the Family Support Annual Camps. She spends up to 2 weeks in the field with the kids as bus driver and medic, soothing scrapes and scratches, homesickness, bad attitudes and ailments. She comes home dirty and tired and she swears that she will never do it again, but when the call comes, she is right there. She truly is an “Army of One.”
Mignon Donnellon-Migon is a military wife and mother of 4 adopted children who is active in the Family Support Section on KAFB. She graduated from college when most people are having “senior moments.” In addition, she is the treasure of the Department of NM Reserve Officers Association Ladies Group, the CEO of an up and coming consultant company, MJD Business Systems and she is active in the Republican Party of NM.
Elizabeth Etigson-Elizabeth has developed a program of excellence for seniors in Sandoval County. Through education and direction, she coaches, nurses and trains seniors to be Peer Counselors for other elders in Sandoval County. Elizabeth makes a difference in the lives of many elders and their families.
Janet Everett-Janet is a single mother and business owner who donated money, services, and time to good causes. The following exemplifies how she makes a difference. She was shopping at a neighborhood store when she noticed a man eyeing several carts and then her billfold was missing. Janet ran after the man, threw herself on his car, keeping him from escape. Janet is an everyday hero making our community richer and safer.
Linda Foster Carraro-Linda is the single mother of 5 kids who has often held 3 jobs to support her family. She is a woman with many talents and a strong spirit. Linda is a giving person who is always willing to help those less fortunate than herself and she does without hesitation. She doesn’t ask for recognition, even though it is much deserved.
Fawn Dolan-Fawn has worked with low income minority families since she was 16. She has served as a day camp counselor in Martineztown, a social worker, a middle school teacher, a Parent Involvement Coordinator, and currently, she provides clothing for women and families in transition. She also conducted Bound for Success summer camps and has been involved in child abuse prevention campaigns and pregnancy prevention campaigns. In addition, she is President of the Bernalillo Chamber of Commerce.
Theresa Garcia-Theresa makes a lot of impact in the election of judicial candidates who she feels will provide a positive, yet strong, adjudication of our current laws. She has been known to say that many times constituents neglect the judicial side of politics and feel that it is unapproachable. She believes that we must hold our judges accountable. Theresa has also donated much of her business infrastructure to help re-establish the Rio Grande Minority Purchasing Council, an organization that she believes must continue to provide opportunities to women and minority owned business.
Maurine Grammer-Mrs. Grammer and her husband founded the NM Teacher’s Credit Union, and she taught school here in NM for over 35 years. She has donated millions of dollars to the Indian Cultural Center and she is the author of numerous books about Indian culture. Also, she supplied a depiction of Pocahantes for the NM Quarter that is in circulation.
Catherine Grandia-She has been a 4H Leader for Bernalillo County Riverside Club for more than 50 years. She is now teaching the children of members she had forty years ago! She has taught generations to be responsible, honest, active, involved, and loyal citizens of their communities. Her goodness will outlive her by far!
Pauline Gubbels-Representative Gubbels is a highly respected legislator who cares deeply about her constituents and doing the right thing for our state and she is an honest and ethical leader. She is a role model and mentor. She gives of her time and energy to help others.
Christine Hayoz-Christine is the mother of 5 children and the grandmother of 3. She is very active in the rural community of Mosquero, NM, where she served as served as Secretary of the Board of Education. She is always there for anyone who needs someone to talk to.
Lenya Heitzig-Lenya leads the Women’s Ministry at Calvary Chapel. She works so hard and does so much to make the ministry a success. She is kind and intelligent and always makes women aware that they have so much potential and so much to give both in business and at home.
Rogene Henderson, MD--Dr. Henderson is a Senior Scientist at the Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute. She has a long extensive leadership career both in her scientific professional work and in her service to the community. She has served as: Chair of the National Research Council Advisory Committee, Chairman of the Central NM Section of the American Chemical Society, President of the Mountainwest Chapter of the Society of Toxicology, President of the Inhalation Specialty Section of the Society of Toxicology, Adjunt Professor appointment at Purdue University and Clinical Professor at the UNM College of Pharmacy. Dr. Henderson has served on the governing board of her church and served on the Christian Education Committee. She has taught Sunday School and led scouting activities. Once a month, she gives the children’s sermon. Along with her husband, she provides major support for the community groups, such as the Storehouse, the Appropriate Rural Technology Agency, and Ghost Ranch.
Nikki Kull-Nikki is the Executive Vice President of the NM Boys and Girls Rancerhs, Inc., which is a faith-based organization that provides residential care of children and families. For over 30 years, Nikki has been instrumental in providing homes for abused and neglected children in NM.
Fran Langhoff-Fran began working in politics when Senator Pete Domenici was a city councilor. Since then, Fran has been a guiding light for young office seekers. She assists high school and college students understand the political process in NM. She is invaluable to the County and State Republican Party and is a wealth of knowledge. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Goodwill Industries and works for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and Cancer businessman.
Joan Leahigh-As Director of the Office of Social Justice with the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, Joan is one of Albuquerque’s most respected advocates for low income and immigrant families. She has also supported the efforts of other women-led organizations, such as the Sawmill Land Trust and Economic Development Project, NM Community Development Load Fund, Mujeres En Accion, and La Mesa Cooperatives. Fourteen years ago, she and her late husband, John, started the Christmas gifts from an array of donated items so they are the ones who give the gifts to their kids.
Fannie Maestas-Mrs. Maestas is a mother of 8 children and a retired special education teacher (she began teaching at the age of 17!) Mrs. Maestas taught at the Albuquerque Indian School for Bureau of Indian Affairs and taught at Catholic Schools, APS and Bernalillo Public Schools. She helped needy children by providing clothing for them-she even did laundry for one of her students so the other children would not tease him.
Annette Marrs-Annette has devoted many hours and much energy to assist local charities. Specifically, she has given special time and effort to the American Cancer Society’s “Look Good, Feel Better”, program, which was designed to help breast cancer survivors regain their normal lives. She has also opened her home on many occasions for fundraising event for political candidates and charitable organizations.
Sara Jane Mathis-Sara is the Adoption Coordinator for the Greyhound companions, a greyhound non-profit rescue organization. Sara is known to drive all night to racetracks all over the SW to pick up suffering animals and find them a loving home. She is also very involved with the UNM Cancer Center, the Symphony Ball and Symphony Guild, and the Youth Diagnostic and Development Center, where she serves on the Advisory Board and works diligently on issues of improving the care for residents.
Barbara McGuire MD-Dr. McGuire is a highly respected physician in the Albuquerque Community. She attends community healthcare quality meetings on a regular basis and she donates the payments she receives to various charities in the city. She has touched the lives of many women in our community.
Barbara McKee-Barbara is a biweekly opinion columnist for the Albuquerque Tribune covering disability awareness issues. She has worked closely with the Governor’s Committee on Concern’s for the Handicapped on the Journal Pavilion situation. She exposed Ticket Master’s practice of not allowing the disabled to order tickets online and provided the US Department of Justice the first complaint involved in coordinating the 2nd Annual Statewide Disabilities Conference. Formerly, she worked for Albuquerque Healthcare for the Homeless and now works for UNM Center for Development and Disability Studies. Her Feature Column, “What September 11 Means to the Disabled” was re-printed by several newspapers across the country and caused UNM to form a task force to improve evacuation procedures for the disabled.
Barbara Michels-Barbara has served the Girl Scouts for 50 years. Recently, she initiated the “Wider Responsibilities “program, the Girl Scouts premium program for rewarding exceptional scouts with travel and participation outside of the US. She is the former President of the NM Alzheimer’s Association and she still travels statewide to give training sessions to caregivers and health professionals. She also provides weekly therapy to a disabled child in a church sponsored program. Finally, she has provided dozens of pies to the NM State Fair’s Asbury Café for many years.
Jackie Kerby Moore-Jackie is the Director of Sandia Science and Technology Park and she is leading the effort to develop this premier research park, which will create thousands of jobs in NM. The Sandia Science and Technology Park enables commercialization of Sandia Labs technologies through private industry collaborations. From an empty 217-acre multiple landowner piece of desert, the park has become a national model of public-private sector partnering in economic development, containing 10 companies and employing over 590 employees. Jackie is making a difference in our community.
Susan Musgrave-Susan worked at the Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce when the Cerro Grande Fire occurred. She worked tirelessly to help the community get back on its feet. Currently, she is the President of the Community Bank of Los Alamos. She works hard in the community and serves as a role model for her daughter, Audrey.
Susan Otero Nuanes-Mrs. Nuanes has volunteered at the Barelas Community Center, served as a Brownie Leader to provide life-serving skills to young girls, and she served as a Scout Den Mother to give young boys form the Barelas neighborhood an opportunity to participate in wholesome activities. She is very active at the Office of Senior Affairs Multi-Cultural Center for the City of Albuquerque. She continues to be a strong lobbyist for all seniors. In addition, she works during national and local elections as a presiding judge and as a clerk for 40 years and is a recognized expert in her precinct.
Mo Palmer-Mo is the Photoarchivist at the Albuquerque Museum. She is responsible for the largest and one of the most important collections, as the Photoarchive now contains over 100,00 images related to the Albuquerque and Middle Rio Grande Valley. Mo si arguably the most knowledgeable scholar of Albuquerque’s history. She is an excellent lecturer and thorough researcher, which makes listening to her a truly engaging experience as she makes history come alive. Mo is also a member of a number of professional associations, among them the Albuquerque Historical Society, the City of Albuquerque Cultural Heritage Council, the NM Route 66 Association, the Society of American Archivists and the SW Society of Archivists.
Carol Radosevich-A founder of Enchantment Land Certified Development Company and WESST Corp., Carol has worked in economic development for more than 20 years. She was instrumental in establishing the PNM Chair in Microsystems, Technology and Commercialization at the University of New Mexico. Carol has been recognized with local, regional and national awards for her work to improve the state’s economic climate.
Pamela Ripka-Pamela is a Physician Assistant at the Gallup Indian Medical Center. She goes well over her way and beyond the call of the duty. On numerous occasions, she has purchased meals for the hungry and bought clothing for those in need, using her personal funds, and having done so without recognition in the workplace or the community.
Bertha Winona Johnson Salisbury-Mrs. Salisbury was a Farmington Police Officer for 14 years, from 1956 to 1970. She was a fully commissioned officer and her duties included serving warrants, making arrests taking finger prints and her favorite duty, comforting lost children. She carried a service revolver and she won a number of shooting trophies on the target range, but she never had to shoot anyone during her duties. Upon the death of Mrs. Salisbury, the Farmington Police Department has two Motorcycle Policemen attend her services as an honor guard.
Sister Blandina Segale-Sister Blandina, a Sister of Charity, is one of founders of St. Joseph Healthcare. In a personal account of her journey through the SW, she describes a legendary episode where she came face to face with Billy the Kid. Sister Blandina helped to treat one of his gang member who was ailing on condition that Billy the Kid promised to always protect the Sisters of Charity from harm from his gang. While in Santa Fe, Sister Blandina realized a need for a facility to treat miners and railroad workers and she assisted in soliciting money for Santa Fe’s first hospital, St. Vincent Hospital. While in Albuquerque, Sister Blandina provided much needed education for children by opening Albuquerque’s first public school, our Lady of the Angels. In addition, she saw a need for a hospital in the growing community of Albuquerque. She solicited the funds to build the first hospital in the city, the St. Joseph Sanatorium.
Lily Timmons-Lily’s service to our community began when she was the Chair of a Mother’s March of Dimes campaign in the 1950’s. She served as Executive Director of the NM Multiple Sclerosis Society for 25 years and patient services were always her top priority. She served on the Governor’s Committee on Concerns of the Handicapped, on Albuquerque’s Sun Van Committee for transportation for the handicapped and on a citizens advisory committee to the NM Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. She worked with UNM to develop a swim program for people with MS at the therapeutic pool and started the lock and Roll Wheelchair Bowling Team.
Brenda Yager-Brenda, Manager of AAA’s Government Affairs Office, has worked hard to improve traffic safety and awareness in NM. She has led coalitions that led to Changes in NM’s child passenger safety laws and established NM’s Graduated Driver’s License law. She has kept the community informed on numerous safety and consumer issues. She has taken the initiative to improve school age children’s awareness about school bus, pedestrian and bike safety. |
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