[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 14] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 21088] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]HONORING BONNIE NEELY ______ HON. MIKE THOMPSON of california in the house of representatives Tuesday, December 14, 2010 Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Bonnie Neely for her twenty-four years of distinguished public service on the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors. First elected to Humboldt County's 4th Supervisorial District on November 3, 1986, Ms. Neely has been an outstanding public servant with a reputation for astute knowledge of local issues, creative problem solving and compassion for people. She has proven herself as a skilled collaborator and tireless advocate for the citizens of Humboldt County. Throughout her tenure as Supervisor, Ms. Neely has provided strong and resourceful leadership on community issues ranging from homelessness to natural resources. She was appointed by two Governors to sit on the statewide California Coastal Commission and California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection. She has been active on numerous local committees and boards, such as the Humboldt County Children and Families Commission, Humboldt County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Humboldt Bay Harbor Revitalization Advisory Committee, Redwood Empire Association, Redwood Community Action Agency, and the Rotary Club of Eureka. A native of Humboldt County, Bonnie attended Humboldt State University and transferred to London, England to continue her education before returning home to complete her bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts. Ms. Neely has a demonstrated passion for promoting our region's artistic culture and rich quality of life. She is Board President of Dell'Arte International, a founding member of the North Coast Repertory Theatre, and co-founder and board member of the Redwood Coast Music Festivals and the Humboldt Library Foundation. Along with her fellow board members, she also helped to establish the Headwaters Fund to support community development projects. A dedicated champion for the citizens of Humboldt County, Bonnie has received numerous awards including the ``Woman of Distinction Award'' from the Soroptimist International of Humboldt Bay, Award of Outstanding Service to Homeless from the Redwood Community Action Agency, Community Achievement Award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Friend of Seniors Award from the Area 1 Agency on Aging, Paul Harris Fellow Award from the Rotary Foundation, and the Contributor to the Arts Award from the Humboldt Arts Council. Madam Speaker, it is appropriate at this time to acknowledge and thank Bonnie Neely for her 24 years of exemplary leadership and lasting contributions that have done so much to directly improve the lives of those she has so ably represented. ____________________