[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 9] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 12311] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]IN TRIBUTE TO JIM MEREDITH ______ HON. ELTON GALLEGLY of california in the house of representatives Tuesday, June 29, 2010 Mr. GALLEGLY. Madam Speaker, I rise in tribute to Jim Meredith, who has retired from the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District Board of Directors in Simi Valley, California, after 28 years. Jim was Chairman of the Board in 1984, 1991, 1994, 1995, 1999, 2003 and 2008. He was Vice Chairman in 1990, 1993, 1998, 2002 and 2007. In addition, he was President of the Ventura County Special District Association for 10 years, President of the State Board of the California Association of Recreation and Park Districts in 1991 and 2004, President of the California Special Districts Association Board of Directors, member of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy Board Liaison Committee, etc., etc. etc. It's easy to see why Jim is known around town as ``Mr. Parks and Rec.'' While Jim was on the board, the District budget increased from $3.5 million to $16 million, 303 acres of park land were developed and an additional 3,820 acres of land was acquired. Since Jim's first election, the District has added 37 parks to the system and 11 after- school clubs. Jim was instrumental in nearly every one of the district's expansion decisions during those years. As someone who was a professional baseball player and involved in youth baseball, the Royal High School girl's softball program, adult women's softball program, co-ed softball, youth football, the Simi Valley High School and Royal High School football programs, semi-pro football, soccer programs and the Boy Scouts, Jim has an intimate knowledge of what the community's recreation needs are and how to fill them. As a result of his vision and dedication, Jim has been recognized with the Founder's Award from the Ventura County Special Districts Association; Board Member of the Year from the California Association of Recreation & Park Districts; 2002 Board Member of the Year from the American Park & Recreation Society; and the 2002 Meritorious Service Citizen Award from the American Park & Recreation Society. In addition to his recreational activities, Jim is a member of Disabled American Veterans, Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Club, Simi Valley Historical Society and the Simi Valley Christian Foundation for Homeless. Jim also found the time to be a husband, father and grandfather during those years. He and Amy have been married for more than 50 years and have five children and numerous grandchildren. Madam Speaker, the mark James L. Meredith leaves on Simi Valley and Oak Park--the communities the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District serves--is both deep and enduring. I know my colleagues join me in thanking Jim for his tireless dedication to his community and in wishing him and Amy great joy in their retirement. ____________________