(JUNEAU) - The newest legislative parent is being honored today by her colleagues and the Alaska Parents' Day Committee at a luncheon reception, Noon to 1:00 PM, in the Speaker's Chambers. Senator Gretchen Guess will receive the first-time ever award for giving birth to a baby girl just four weeks into the session.

Also on hand will be the 2004 Alaska Parents of the Year, James and Shaharriet Houchins from Anchorage to deliver the keynote address. They were honored at the tenth anniversary barbeque celebration of Parents' Day in Anchorage last July. Parents' Day is a national holiday occurring every fourth Sunday in July.

The Alaska Parents' Day Committee is holding today's event to kick-off the gathering of nominations for the 2005 Alaska Parents of the Year. Each year they select outstanding parents from across the state to highlight the valuable role that parents play in the lives of children and in the stability of society.

Representative Tom Anderson's office is hosting today's Pizza and Salad Reception in conjunction with other legislators and the Alaska Parents' Day Committee. Eugene Harnett is the chairman of the Alaska Parents' Day Committee and can be reached at (907) 465-4939.

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