[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 13] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages 18156-18157] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]HONORING MARY ELLEN MENAPACE ______ HON. TOM UDALL of new mexico in the house of representatives Wednesday, September 13, 2006 Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Mary Ellen Menapace, who was chosen ``New Mexico's Outstanding Older Worker of 2006.'' At the young age of 87, she continues to work and is currently the deputy village clerk of the village of Roy, located in eastern New Mexico, serving the residents with great honor, pride and distinction. With only a few years' exception, Mrs. Menapace has worked continually since she was a high school student. She was only 17 when she began her first full-time job. Beginning in 1934, Mrs. Menapace's positions have been many and varied, including employment for the New Mexico State Health and Welfare Department, an abstract company, the Selective Service System during WorId War II and as a deputy county and court clerk, payroll clerk, secretary and an office manager. She proudly states that the key to her professional longevity and success has been the enjoyment she experienced in each and every job, and the total dedication she always gave during her many years of employment. Noting all the advancements that have transpired in the workplace since high school, Mrs. Menapace's early years involved the use of a manual typewriter rather than a computer, carbon paper instead of a copier, and Gregg shorthand instead of e-mail. As the years passed, she committed to being the best she could be in every position she ever held. In order to accomplish that goal, and as office work became more technically advanced, Mrs. Menapace diligently took advantage of all training provided in order to enhance her knowledge and to improve her skills. Mrs. Menapace could have completely retired at many junctures but instead chose to continue contributing to the betterment of her community. Her current position requires that she locate resources to fund village projects. One particular example of her success was securing grants to purchase trees and flowers to landscape both the main street and village park of Roy as part of the ``Keep New Mexico Beautiful'' State program. Another accomplishment was securing funds to purchase 75 trees that were planted to shield and shelter Roy's solid waste station. Mary Ellen Menapace is truly a most remarkable lady. She helped support her parents and siblings during the Great Depression, was the sole provider for her own family during her husband's long illness and subsequent death, and is, herself, a cancer survivor. A devoted grandmother, she takes great pride and gratification that her later employment enabled her to raise and educate a grandson as well as assist a granddaughter-in-law in finishing law school. With all these responsibilities, Mrs. Menapace has somehow managed to be active in her community, in civic and professional organizations, and in her church. Another amazing talent is writing award-winning poetry and short stories, a gift she inherited from her father, who, she proudly proclaims, was also an agriculture and veterinary science visionary. Mr. Speaker, I respectfully request that all my colleagues join me in giving tribute to Mary Ellen Menapace. She is an invaluable employee, a loving family member, a devoted member of her community, an exceptional New Mexican, and an honored American. [[Page 18157]] ____________________