Cliff Stearns: “an important event is soon approaching for a wonderful American lady, my mother-in-law, Alice Moore. She is celebrating…”

“an important event is soon approaching for a wonderful American lady, my mother-in-law, Alice Moore. She is celebrating her 85th birthday. Alice Stewart Sampson Moore was born on September 28, 1920, in Yonkers, New York. Her parents, William and Matilda, gave her a good Christian upbringing in the Episcopal Church. She turned her interest and learning into a career teaching education in Yonkers, New York. She is a proud mother of 11, and a great grandmother of even more. Although no longer working, Alice continues to serve in her community, volunteering at an elementary school and at the hospital in Englewood, Florida. Last year she suffered through the hurricanes that devastated parts of Florida, and her house did not escape damage. However, drawing on her Irish spirit, she cheerfully dealt with those setbacks and got back to pursuits. For many men, a mother-in-law is an intimidating figure. Although a stern taskmaster, Alice speaks her mind and she is a delightful person. Her smile lights up the room. She reminds me of Barbara Bush. She is a giving person with a warm disposition and serving heart. That is why I call her a thousand points of light times two. Mr. Speaker, in recognizing her accomplishments in education and as a volunteer, perhaps I should note another important accomplishment, being the mother of my wife, Joan Betty Moore Stearns. I am eternally indebted to you, Alice, and I wish you all the best. Happy birthday. ____________________”