Press Release- April 10, 2007
OFFICE OF GOV. BILL RITTER, JR.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2007
Contact:
Evan Dreyer, 720.350.8370
Laura Chapin, 303.866.6386
GOV. RITTER PROCLAIMS APRIL 10 AS FRANCES OWENS DAY
Gov. Bill Ritter today proclaimed April 10, 2007, as Frances W. Owens Day in Colorado.
A plaque honoring Colorado¿s former First Lady has been placed in the Governors Residence Carriage House. Frances Owens was the driving force behind renovating the Carriage House so it can be used by the public for special events.
First Lady Jeannie Ritter read the proclamation and presented it to Frances Owens during a ceremony this afternoon.
"Mrs. Owens has been a terrific help to me and my family, and she was a wonderful First Lady for the people of Colorado," First Lady Jeannie Ritter said. "I am proud to thank her in this way, and we should all thank her for her work on behalf of so many worthy causes."
"It's been an incredible honor to serve as First Lady," Frances Owens said. "I've been blessed to be a part of so many amazing organizations and projects, and I have met friends that I will hold in my heart forever. It has been an amazing journey."
The proclamation reads:
Whereas, Frances Owens became Colorado¿s First Lady on January 12, 1999, and served our state for 8 years until January 9, 2007; and Whereas, throughout her eight years as First Lady, Frances donated countless hours to many worthy causes, while supporting numerous other charitable organizations and projects throughout the State of Colorado, including The Children¿s Hospital, Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic, Anchor Center for the Blind, the Colorado Autism Society, and her most lasting legacy, serving as the Honorary Chair for the Early Childhood Intervention Awareness Day; and
Whereas, during the summer of 2006, First Lady Owens made a priceless contribution to Colorado, when as Chair of the Colorado Commemorative Quarter Advisory Commission, she unveiled the new Colorado Quarter, featuring our beautiful Rocky Mountains and the inscription "Colorful Colorado"; and WHEREAS,
First Lady Owens began a tradition of promoting literacy during "Read Across America Day", a practice the current First Lady continued on March 3, 2007; and
WHEREAS, the State of Colorado appreciates all that First Lady Frances Owens has done for the citizens of this state, and thanks her for her devout efforts as a mother, leader, and caregiver to not only her own family, but to the State of Colorado;
Therefore, I, Bill Ritter, Jr., Governor of the State of Colorado, do hereby proclaim April 10, 2007, as Frances W. Owens Day.