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“TRIBUTE TO JOYCE BARFUSS” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E840 on May 16, 1996.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO JOYCE BARFUSS
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HON. GARY A. CONDIT
of california
in the house of representatives
Thursday, May 16, 1996
Mr. CONDIT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Joyce Barfuss, a constituent and friend who has made countless contributions to our community. Joyce has lived her life to make a difference in the lives of others. I am only one of thousands who has been the recipient of her help, her kindness, her expertise, her selflessness, and her apricots. I appreciate this opportunity to honor Joyce's efforts and accomplishments.
Joyce Barfuss has been a resident of Patterson, CA, since 1974. Joyce came to Patterson and immediately made her mark. Out of her various church activities was born, The Clothes Closet, a clothing bank for the needy. The operation grew from Joyce's garage into a full-fledged volunteer organization which provided needy recipients with clothing for nearly 4 years.
After the untimely death of her husband Jim in 1979, Joyce began a new endeavor working for the Census Bureau. She worked tirelessly at the Bureau for 10 years. After retiring from Federal service she worked for the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture adding her experience and expertise to their operation.
Throughout Joyce's distinguished life, no matter what the outlet, she has been involved in the lives of those who need it most. To list every organization, movement, and cause which Joyce has lent her unique mark, would take a tome. I would, however, like to mention some of the most notable endeavors Joyce has undertaken.
Joyce has been active with the Del Puerto Hospital Auxiliary and the American Cancer Society for 20 years. She has assisted the Visiting Nurses Association with flu shots for the elderly and has served as president of the Northern San Joaquin Valley Area Council of Hospital Volunteers. She has been incredibly active in Patterson working with the city to get a senior center built and serving as Secretary of the Patterson Chamber of Commerce. Joyce has represented her community as a member of the Apricot Fiesta Board, Grand Marshall of the 1996 Fiesta Parade, appointee to the White House Conference on Aging, appointee to the Stanislaus County Commission on Aging, and as a member of the California Agency on Aging.
But Joyce is perhaps most well known for her role as the ``apricot lady'', passing out apricots around the country as a bit of sunshine from the valley. Joyce's apricot network would be the envy of many a corporate executive.
I consider myself very lucky to know Joyce. While we will all miss her here in the Central Valley, I am confident that her contributions to the human family are far from over. Joyce's new neighbors are indeed lucky to have this bright, talented, and dedicated woman in their lives, as are we all.
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