Mr. SCHIFF. I rise today to honor a truly outstanding member of the 29th Congressional District, Mrs. Jeanette "Jay" Blackshaw. For 22 years, Mrs. Blackshaw has dedicated herself to serving the people of the City of Pasadena.
Originally from Chicago, IL, Jay moved to Pasadena, CA in 1968. She and her husband, Bill Blackshaw, have seven children, Julie, Mary Grace, John, Gina, Annie, Peter, Amy, and nine grandchildren.
In 1981, Jay began her service to the City of Pasadena as the District 4 Field Representative for Pasadena Mayor Jess Houston. After Mayor Houston's term ended, she continued as field representative for his successor, Mayor Bill Paparian. Jay currently works for City Councilmember Steve Haderlein. During Jay's tenure with the City of Pasadena, she has assisted in the construction of bike paths throughout Pasadena, the renovation of the Pasadena Senior Center, and the construction of Pasadena's U.S. Marine Reserve Center.
Jay's passion for community volunteerism, especially on behalf of children and education, is evident in the many organizations she has been involved in over the years. As a young mother, she was active in Pasadena's public schools, participating in several Parent Teacher Associations, including serving as PTA Council President. Currently, Jay is a board member of the Pasadena Educational Foundation and Pasadena City College's Community Board.
Some of the other organizations Mrs. Blackshaw participates in are the Pasadena Sister Cities Committee, the Sierra Madre Villa Neighborhood Association, the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA), and the Huntington Hospital Community Board. Mrs. Blackshaw is also active in her church, All Saints Episcopal Church, as well as in various political organizations. In 1995, she was honored as a YWCA Woman of Excellence for her steadfast commitment to eradicating racism and improving the lives of the women and children of Pasadena.
Jay will be retiring from her position as Field Representative to Councilmember Haderlein in June of 2003. Although she will be greatly missed by her colleagues at the City of Pasadena, she will continue to be active in the community.
I ask all Members of Congress to join me today in honoring a remarkable woman of California's 29th Congressional District, Jeanette "Jay" Blackshaw. The entire community joins me in thanking Jay Blackshaw for her continued efforts to make the 29th Congressional District a better place in which to live.