Eliot Engel

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Kelly), the author of this resolution.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. In closing, I would like to, once again, thank Congresswoman Kelly and, certainly, Chairman Royce, along with other Members who have worked on this issue--I mentioned Frederica Wilson--for helping to highlight the major challenges facing Nigeria today. Nigeria is a critical ally of the United States, and Congress must stay strongly engaged on these key issues of democracy and security pertaining to Nigeria. Lastly, let me thank the leadership for moving this resolution to the floor in a timely manner before the upcoming election in Nigeria. I urge a ``yes'' vote. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. First of all, I want to, again, thank our chairman emeritus of the Foreign Affairs Committee, my dear friend from Florida Ileana Ros- Lehtinen, who is very eloquent. I want to stand by every word she uttered. I agree with her 100 percent. I want to also thank our chairman, Ed Royce, who also has been steadfast in fighting for the freedom for the people of Ukraine, and it has been a pleasure to work with him on a bipartisan basis. This is a bipartisan issue. Policy like this should not be partisan, and that is why we are rising today, as Democrats and Republicans-- really, as Americans--to say enough is enough in Ukraine. As I have been saying for months, we cannot view the crisis in Ukraine as just some faraway conflict or someone else's problem. This war has left thousands dead, tens of thousands wounded, a million displaced, and has begun to threaten the post-cold war stability of Europe. In fact, Mr. Putin is knocking us back into the cold war, the bad old days of the cold war. The battle is being waged in the haze of a massive, Kremlin-backed propaganda campaign aimed at eroding confidence in the West and democratic institutions, the same propaganda permeating allied countries on the Russian frontier that we are treaty-bound to defend. Under the corrupt and repressive rule of Vladimir Putin, Russia has become a clear threat to a half century of American commitment to and investment in a Europe that is whole, free, and at peace, a Europe where borders are not changed by force. What Putin is doing is he is changing borders by force on the continent of Europe for the first time since World War II. This cannot stand. The United States cannot turn a blind eye to it. The United States cannot put its head in the sand and act like any other country and pretend that maybe this will go away. In 1938, another dictator named Adolf Hitler invaded Czechoslovakia and said he was going into the Sudetenland to protect ethnic Germans. Mr. Putin said the same thing about Crimea. He was going into Crimea to prevent the hurt of ethnic Russians--same nonsense. Hitler got away with it in 1938, and there were people who said: Well, you know, if we just give him the Sudetenland, he will be happy. He will be content. He will leave us alone. His aggression will stop. Some people today are saying the same thing: Just give Putin Crimea. Just give Putin a little bit of the eastern part of Ukraine, and he will be happy. He will go away. He won't threaten anything else. You don't satiate a bully by giving him what he wants early on because it only whets his appetite for worse things to come; and at the point later on when you have to go at the bully, it will be much, much harder to defeat him, to stop him than it was if you had simply stood up to him when he started his aggression. This is what is happening now in Ukraine. This war poses the greatest threat to European security since World War II, and we shouldn't take it lightly. We shouldn't be idle; we shouldn't sit back, and we shouldn't let other countries tell us what to do. Last year, Ukraine President Poroshenko stood in this very Chamber at a joint session of Congress and related the challenges facing the people of Ukraine. They desire to reclaim their dignity and rebuild their country's future. He asked that we help the men and women fighting a war against a neighbor that they had once looked to as a friend. He told us they needed defensive weapons. They needed weapons. He said that the blankets that we are sending do not win a war. Last month, I saw President Poroshenko again, in Europe. And he again pled for military assistance--not to attack Moscow, not to defeat the Russian army, not even to push the Russians out of Ukrainian territory, but simply to hold the line, to slow Russia's advance, and to give his government breathing room to focus on other threats, such as keeping the Ukrainian economy afloat. Mr. Speaker, we cannot allow Europe's border lands to once again become Europe's blood lands. Fortunately, there is still time for the United States to act in a moderate but decisive fashion to help Ukraine defend itself, to limit Russia's ability to further destabilize our friends and allies and our friends in Ukraine, in particular, and to safeguard our interests and defend our values across this region. All the countries--and some of them NATO members, some of them not; some of them part of the former Soviet Union, some of them not; some of them former Eastern Bloc nations, some of them not--all of the ones that border on Russia are all worrying because they think that if Putin can get away with what he wants to get away with in Ukraine, will they be next. The United States is not being asked to send ground troops to Ukraine. The United States is not being asked to get itself involved in another war. We are simply being asked to give the Ukrainians methods to defend themselves, the weapons to defend themselves. I can't think of anything more reasonable. We have held hearings on Ukraine. We have passed resolutions of support. We have sent legislation to the President's desk. It was the last thing we passed in the last Congress. The President signed it into law, authorizing an array of assistance, including the defensive arms Ukraine so desperately needs. And here we are again to renew this call, to remind the people of Ukraine that they are not alone, and to send an unambiguous message to the administration, to the President, and to our allies in Europe that the time has come to do more. We must meet this threat together because we all have a stake in how this ends. Mr. Speaker, I thank Ms. Ros-Lehtinen and Chairman Royce. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, it is now my pleasure to yield 4 minutes to my good friend from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), the Democratic whip. (Mr. HOYER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. David Scott), my good friend.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, my district is blessed to have an incredible array of natural beauty, and community members that work to highlight and preserve this beauty do a wonderful service for the neighborhood. When it comes to Yael Levy, who founded Riverdale Riverfest, the commitment to highlighting the need for expanded access to our scenic Hudson waterway has turned a simple passion into a community calling. Yael founded Riverdale Riverfest in June, 2010 in hopes of advancing the timetable for construction of the Hudson River Greenway Link, a waterfront park that would connect the Manhattan Hudson River Greenway to the old Croton Aqueduct Trail in Westchester County. The festival has become an annual tradition for many, bringing people from all over the Northwest Bronx to the campus of the College of Mount Saint Vincent, which sits on the Hudson's shores. The festival is a great time for the entire family, and offers everything from stage performances and local vendors to boat rides. By giving the community a taste of how wonderful year round public access to the waterfront would be, the festival has gone a long way toward building the public support necessary to make the Greenway Link a reality. When Yael is not working to expand river access, she is serving as Deputy Chief of the Appeals Bureau at the Nassau County District Attorney's Office, and teaching New York Criminal Practice at St. John's University School of Law. A proud mother of three, Yael has loved raising her family in Riverdale, and hopes to someday be able to cycle with them along the Hudson without having to start by leaving the Bronx. This year, The Riverdale Jewish Community Relations Council is honoring Yael with the Community Builder Award at their annual Legislative Breakfast. I want to congratulate Yael on this wonderful honor, and thank her for all she has done to enhance and promote our beautiful community.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, it is always a pleasure to have local leaders in the business community who are civic-minded, and work hard to better the neighborhood. John Evans, the friendly face the community knows so well from Brown's Jewelers on Riverdale Avenue, has been one of those community-minded business leaders for many years. John was born and bred in the Bronx. The grandson of a Greenwich Village artisan jeweler, he and a partner started in the jewelry business in 1967, building a successful business in the East Bronx. At age 30, John was ready for a new challenge, and took his talents to Fuji Film. For 20 years John rose through the ranks of the company, becoming upper-level management in Fuji's bio-medical engineering division. As successful as his tenure at Fuji Film was, John decided to return to jewelry, this time at Brown's in Riverdale. For 18 years as owner, John has become a pillar of the Riverdale community. He has selflessly provided both financial and moral support to organizations throughout the entire area, including the Riverdale Jewish Community Relations Council (RJCRC), the South Riverdale Little League, the children's basketball program at the Riverdale Y, Rising Stars program at the Riverdale Y, and the Conservative Synagogue Adath Israel of Riverdale. John's warmth and positive nature are evident in everything he does, and the Riverdale community has benefitted greatly from all of his efforts. This year, the RJCRC is honoring John with the Community Business Award at their annual Legislative Breakfast on March 15th. I want to congratulate my good friend John on this wonderful honor, and thank him for everything he has done on behalf of the Riverdale community. No one deserves this recognition or honor more than him.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, there are few things more noble than a life dedicated to public service. The work my good friend Brad Silver has done as part of the Bronx Jewish Community Council (BJCC), an organization that represents the combined community relations and anti- poverty efforts of all the local Jewish community councils in the Bronx, has left an indelible mark on the lives of countless individuals in the area. Brad began his professional career in 1971 as an Outreach Worker for Teens at the Bronx House, a local Jewish community center. While serving as Teen Program Director and finally Co-op City Program Director at Bronx House, he somehow found time to pursue and receive his Masters Degree in Social Work at Yeshiva University. In 1978 Brad began working at the Hawthorne Cedar Knolls School, a residential treatment center for adolescents of the Jewish Board of Family and Children's Services. Following six successful years at Cedar Knolls, Brad moved onto the BJCC, where he began serving as the Director of Social Services in 1984. As his role and responsibilities grew, Brad began moving up the BJCC ladder, becoming the Executive Vice President of the Council in 1999. In his time with the BJCC, the organization has achieved a remarkable reputation as a pillar of community betterment. With a budget now exceeding $17 million annually, the BJCC serves over 10,000 people annually with everything from home attendant services to neighborhood resource centers. Their success is a tremendous testament to Brad's work. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Brad is also an accomplished family man. He continues to reside in the community he was raised in, the Amalgamated Houses in the Bronx, with his wife, and lives just a block away from his mother. This year the Riverdale Jewish Community Relations Council is honoring Brad with the Community Service Award at their Legislative Breakfast. In working with him personally, I know no one is more deserving of this honor.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, as the Congressional Representative for New York's 16th District, I am always amazed by some of the work our great civic organizations do to better the community. Part of the Solution, better known as POTS, is one of those fantastic organizations that has done so much for so very many throughout the Bronx. POTS is a 501(c)(3) organization that serves as a ``one-stop shop'' for individuals living in poverty. The goal of the organization is to help those in need on their journeys from crisis to stability and, ultimately, self-sufficiency. By nourishing the basic needs and hunger of those who come through their doors, the organization seeks to create a positive, loving, and caring community in the Bronx. POTS offers a wide variety of services that were designed to work in concert to address diverse and complex issues. From clothing and food pantry programs to comprehensive legal services, POTS does it all. Even in instances where POTS does not provide directly needed service, their staff will link incoming clients with other groups or organizations that can help them. Simply put, anyone who comes to POTS for help gets it. Since the very first meal in 1982, POTS has served hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers, and this year will help more than 20,000 individuals, including 6,000 children. They have been an absolute godsend to the Bronx and continue to do more and more every year to help those in trying times. The Riverdale Jewish Community Relations Council is honoring POTS with the Community Organization Award at their annual Legislative Breakfast. They have chosen a wonderful organization to honor. My sincere congratulations go out to the entire Board and staff of POTS on receiving this well deserved recognition and award.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, it is always a pleasure when neighborhood groups in my district pick incredibly deserving community members to fill important positions of prominence. This year, the planning committee of the Eastchester Irish American Social Club (EIASC) has outdone themselves with the selection of Stephen and Kathleen Huvane as Honorees of the annual Eastchester St. Patrick's Day Parade. Like me, Stephen and Kathleen are both Bronx natives, with families who immigrated to America searching for a better life. Stephen's parents came from the counties Mayo and Galway in Ireland, while Kathleen's came from County Kerry. A graduate of Manhattan College, Stephen received his B.S. in Computer Science and Engineering, while Kathleen earned her B.S. in Nursing from the College of Mt. St. Vincent. Today, Kathleen is a Registered Pediatric Nurse at the Eastchester Pediatric Medical group, and Stephen works at Purdue Pharma LLP. Both Stephen and Kathleen are active in the community, especially the EIASC, of which they have been members for over 16 years. They are also five year members of Swazi Legacy, a not-for-profit that helps marginalized and homeless young people in Swaziland. Today Stephen and Kathleen live in Eastchester, where together they have raised four wonderful children; Kaitlin, Eilish, Stephen, and Kieran. They are active members of various school functions and fundraisers, in addition to Stephen's work on the EIASC St. Patrick's Parade Committee, which he has been a part of for the past 10 years. As this year's St. Patrick's Day Parade approaches, I want to congratulate Stephen and Kathleen for their selection as Parade Honorees, and thank them on the occasion for all they have done to better our community.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, communities thrive when hard work, dedication, and sacrifice are set by voluntary example. Hattie L. Lucas's actions embody these ideals for her community in Co-op City. Hattie Lucas was born in Bramberg, South Carolina. Her family decided to relocate to New York City when Hattie was six years old, living in both Manhattan and Brooklyn. Eventually, Hattie settled in Co-op City in the Bronx, where she has lived for 40 years. Hattie began her long career of service in Co-op, serving the NYC Department for the Aging, Co-op City NORC Advisory Board, and the Bronx Preparatory Charter School Parents Association Executive Board. She also has been active in her church, Co-op City Baptist Church, the Dreiser Retirees, and the Co-op City NAACP. Hattie has also been an outspoken supporter of our young people through the Youth and Community Affairs Committees. Even with her busy schedule, Hattie worked hard to receive a Bachelor's degree from Mercy College, and a Master's of Social Work from Fordham University. As a professional, Hattie dedicated herself to her work at the City of New York, where she served for 35 years. She was admired for her efforts with the Human Resources Administration, Health and Hospital Corporation, and as Director of Advocacy at the Administration for Children's Services. As dedicated as she has been to the community, Hattie's true pride is the family she's raised in the Bronx, including one son, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. She also raises her 17- year-old granddaughter, Ashley. Following Hattie's retirement from the City, she became the Program Director of the Co-op City Grandparent Connection Program. The program, under her leadership, grew into a necessity for her neighborhood; becoming the largest relative caregiver programs in New York City, which includes a myriad of services for deserving grandparents, adolescents, and children. After retiring in November 2014, Hattie continues to volunteer and use her sharp skills for her Co-op City community. It is an honor to join the JASA Grandparents Connection in celebrating Hattie on her retirement.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, the story of America is the story of men and women emigrating from foreign lands to make a better life for themselves and their families. Joseph Houlihan's success, a result in part of the sacrifices his great grandparents made in coming to America from county Kerry in Ireland, is exactly what that American story is about. The Houlihans came to America and found success in real estate, a family business that endured the generations. Joe, a graduate of Iona College with a degree in Business Administration, followed suit, earning a CPA before commencing his own real estate career. As the Managing Partner of the Residential Sales Group at Houlihan & O'Malley Real Estate Services in Bronxville, Joe has had tremendous success. His work has been recognized by the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors, where he won the Diamond Award for sales over $15,000,000, while also receiving the Westchester County Five Star Real Estate Agent Award on several occasions. Outside of work, Joe is an active member of St. Joseph's Parish in Bronxville, and the Eastchester Irish American Social Club (EIASC). He has also been on the Board of Trustees at the School of the Holy Child in Rye, and currently resides in Fleetwood with his beautiful wife, Anna Filipkowski, and their three incredible daughters, Kasia, Julia, and Emily. This year, the EIASC selected Joe to be the Grand Marshal of the annual Eastchester St. Patrick's Day Parade. Joe was shocked and amazed by the nomination, a testament to his humble nature and belief that you work hard not for accolades or adulation, but simply to improve your life and the lives around you. Joe's selection, however, was no accident. For all he has accomplished and all he has done to improve the community, I can't think of a better honoree to be Eastchester's St. Patrick's Day Parade Grand Marshal. Congratulations to Joe and to the entire Houlihan family on this honor.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge the President to send defensive weapons to the beleaguered people of Ukraine. I just came back from a meeting in Europe with the President of Ukraine, Mr. Poroshenko, who pleaded with us that he needs help. The world cannot stand idly by and allow Putin Russian aggression to continue without giving the Ukrainians a chance to defend themselves. I know that there are meetings and negotiations going on this week in Minsk, and I know that the leaders of France and Germany want to see if they can again put together some kind of an agreement before any weapons are given, but there was a Minsk agreement several months ago only to be broken by Mr. Putin, and the Ukrainians need help now. As Mr. Poroshenko said when he addressed the joint session of Congress: Thank you for the blankets, but blankets don't allow us to defend ourselves. The Ukrainians are asking for antitank weapons, armored Humvees, longer-range counterartillery radars, drones, and additional advanced radios. We just would give them the ability to defend themselves. Mr. Speaker, it doesn't involve U.S. military. It doesn't involve U.S. troops. How much longer can we watch the beleaguered people of Ukraine in siege? The United States should take moves and should take moves now. Send Ukraine these defensive weapons.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, a thriving community can only be achieved when its members strive to better their surroundings. For several decades, the Riverdale neighborhood has benefitted from the hard work and dedication of Susan Goldy, one of the northwest Bronx's most respected citizens and my dear friend. Susan's work in Riverdale began in earnest in 1981 when she established her own agency, Susan E Goldy Inc., which specialized in the sale and rental of residential property. Her company immediately earned high marks for its professionalism, courtesy, integrity and reliability. As Susan's agency grew she began to enhance her involvement in other real estate related ventures, including the Bronx Manhattan North Association of Realtors, an organization which she served as President of in 1995 and 1996. Later, Susan became a member of the New York State Association of Realtors (NYSAR) serving on and chairing many committees within NYSAR focused on growing communities through real estate interests. Not surprisingly in 2012, Susan was elected President of NYSAR, an obvious reflection of her outstanding work ethic and accomplishments within the organization and beyond. Susan has been recognized over the years with numerous awards and honors from different community groups and organizations, including the YMCA, the Kingsbridge Riverdale Van Cortlandt Development Corporation and the New York State Legislature. She has also done a great deal of volunteerism in this community and beyond, working with the Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity to help those who were impacted by Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy. Susan moved to Riverdale in 1972 to raise her children, Jason and Lauren. The entire Riverdale community is fortunate that she did. I have known Susan for many years and I absolutely treasure the friendship we have developed over that time. In 2014, the Riverdale Neighborhood House honored Susan at their annual benefit, and they could not have found a more deserving honoree. Congratulations, Susan, on this honor!

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, religious institutions have the power to shape and bind a community in ways that can forever change their neighborhood for the better. That has been the case with the Mount Carmel Pentecostal Church in the Bronx, which celebrated its 30th Anniversary in 2014. The Mt. Carmel Pentecostal Church has been a beacon of hope and source of strength for its parishioners for so long because of the incredible commitment made by its leaders, Pastors Moulton and Judith Esdaille, who have served their community unselfishly for over 30 years. Their work to advance and grow the church they loved started in roles like Sunday School Teacher, Choir Director and Evangelist among others. Over time, Pastors Moulton and Judith began working to expand their congregation by developing outreach programs. Driven by their creed, ``Each One, Win One,'' Pastors Moulton and Judith have made it their mission to help those in need. They created the Bronx Park East Home for the Aging Outreach program, the Mount Carmel Pentecostal Church Partners with Feed the Hungry program, a youth mentorship program, a monthly tract program to increase spiritual awareness in the community and a series of enrichment classes to uplift parishioners. They have also been able to partner their church with Mission to Africa and Haiti organizations, sending food, clothing and supplies to areas of the globe that are in dire need of assistance. In addition to all Pastors Moulton and Judith have achieved for their church, they are also loving parents who have managed to juggle three children and family responsibilities with two full-time secular jobs by day. They are truly an impressive combination of leaders, who have done incredible work to reach out and touch the lives of countless people all throughout the world. In 2014 the Mt. Carmel Pentecostal Church honored Pastors Moulton and Judith Esdaille for all of their fantastic accomplishments and contributions. I'd like to echo the congratulations of the church and thank Moulton and Judith for all they've accomplished and done for the Bronx community and beyond.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, when organizations are able to ingratiate themselves with the community through good works, they often become a cornerstone of the neighborhood. Such is the case with Wartburg in Westchester, which celebrated its 150th Anniversary at the Wartburg Fall Festival on October 11th, 2014. For over a century, Wartburg has offered integrated, comprehensive senior care services to both residents and people in their own homes. Their programs, from independent, assisted living to nursing home care and rehabilitation have become so renowned that U.S. News & World Report has named Wartburg one of the ``Best Nursing Homes in New York State'' for three consecutive years. Their skilled Nursing facility, Licensed Home Health Care and Adult Day Services programs accept all patients, regardless of their income or their ability to pay. Wartburg's status as a not-for-profit has also allowed them to reinvest heavily in the community, with initiatives that include over $7 million in uncompensated care each year for the aging population. Wartburg's impact on the community is also economic in nature. They are the largest employer in the Mt. Vernon area and generate an estimated $80 million annually in direct and indirect activity for the surrounding communities. Last year's Wartburg Fall Festival once again took place on the institution's beautiful, 34-acre wooded campus, which was founded in 1865 by Reverend William A. Passavant. I count myself fortunate to have such an exceptional organization housed within my district and I am honored to represent them in Congress. Congratulations again to Wartburg on 150 years of great work for the community.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, financial service organizations have the ability to change lives and lift up entire communities. Such has been the case with SUMA Federal Credit Union, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2014 at their Jubilee Banquet. SUMA was organized by a small contingent of Ukrainian immigrants who settled in Yonkers after World War II. Citing the growing need for financial services in order to improve the quality of life for their families, they developed a credit union whereby financial resources would be pooled to help obtain less expensive loans and insurance. To comply with National Credit Union Association requirements, they chose to support the Ukrainian American Youth Association, Yonkers branch, as their sponsor. Using shoe boxes to store cash reserves, the credit union opened for business in September of 1964, and in four short months had accumulated over $25,000 in assets from 82 members. For the next several decades, the SUMA Credit Union continued to grow and expand, establishing branch offices in Spring Valley, New York as well as Stamford, Connecticut. Today, SUMA has a membership base of over 7,000 and over $286,000,000 in total assets. But their impact goes beyond the financial wellbeing of its members; it has lifted up an entire community and provided incredible support to the excellent works of the Ukrainian American Youth Organization. The SUMA Federal Credit Union is a testament to the power of the financial sector and its ability to positively impact communities. I am proud to represent such a fine organization in the House of Representatives and wish them nothing but continued success in their next 50 years.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, it is important to pay homage to those who have left an indelible mark on the community and the country as a whole. Former Congressman Vito Marcantonio, whose distinguished career in office spanned 3 decades, is most deserving of posthumous commemoration. Vito was born on December 10, 1902 to Italian parents in East Harlem. After graduating from NYU Law School in 1924, Vito became Fiorello LaGuardia's campaign manager and protege till 1934, when he was first elected to congress, filling LaGuardia's vacant seat in the House of Representatives. Following defeat in 1937, Vito was reelected to the House in 1939 and served his East Harlem community in the House till 1950. His long- standing neighborhood presence, accessibility and responsiveness made him an extremely popular figure with the public. This powerful bond allowed Vito to build a strong coalition with a diverse political constituency. As a legislator, Vito was a staunch defender of the civil rights of Italian Americans during World War II and of African Americans in the 40's and 50's. Vito advocated for the desegregation of Washington D.C. and in 1945 introduced a House resolution directing the Secretary of Commerce to investigate the employment practices of major league baseball clubs to determine if they were discriminating against African Americans. He was also known as the ``de facto'' representative of Puerto Rico in the House and led the drive to try to defeat the anti- union Taft-Hartley Act. Vito passed away in 1954 and was buried in the Historic Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx. He now rests there next to his beloved wife and community activist, Miriam Sanders. On Saturday, August 9th, 2014 the Vito Marcantonio Forum hosted a commemorative event on the 60th anniversary of his passing at the gravesite. Their remembrance was important and well deserved.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, civic organizations play an indispensable role in our society by serving their communities and setting responsible public examples of how volunteerism and service can assist, enrich and inspire rising generations. Civic pride is truly the tie that binds our nation together. The feeling of belonging to the larger whole, and the practice of serving the greater good is part and parcel of our responsibilities to each other. Those are the tenants that have guided the Yonkers Kiwanis Club, which celebrated its 85th year of service to the Yonkers community in 2014. The Yonkers Kiwanis Club received its Charter on November 11, 1929, and has been an integral part of the community for decades. Since its founding, the Yonkers Kiwanis Club has helped foster local youth through a wide variety of projects and programs, including scholarships for High School Seniors, book donations to reading programs, and holiday food baskets for people in need. The Yonkers Kiwanis Club has also sponsored local children's service clubs, Teacher of the Year awards, and programs focusing on services and facilities for children with special needs. The Yonkers Kiwanis club has also worked in partnership with many organizations to provide service to the community, including Toys for Tots and the Red Cross. The Yonkers Kiwanians have also marshaled their resources to support awareness of health issues including Alzheimer's disease and Cystic Fibrosis. I commend the Yonkers Kiwanis Club for 85 years of outstanding service, which they commemorated at their annual dinner on October 24, 2014. The impact of their work has been, and will continue to be, an important pillar of the Yonkers community.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, the people who devote their lives so selflessly to public service are the ones who transform and change entire communities. Such has been the case with Aurelia Greene, my longtime friend and partner in government, whose distinguished career of public service has made a positive, lasting impact on the Bronx and far beyond. A native Bronxite, Aurelia is a graduate of Livingston College at Rutgers University, where she majored in Community Development. Following school she became a Public Agency Administrator, a prelude to her eventual calling in government. She was elected female district leader for the 76th district before winning the Assembly seat in the Bronx's 77th district in 1981. For the next 27 years, Aurelia served in the Assembly with distinction, using her urban planning skills to negotiate for affordable housing, healthcare, a quality education and employment opportunities for all New Yorkers. She regularly sponsored educational and informational seminars to aid her constituents on issues of concern, and worked hard to bring economic development and businesses to her district. Aurelia's legislative achievements are many, as she introduced and passed a number of important bills in the State Legislature during her time as Assemblywoman. Rising through the ranks, she became the Speaker Pro Tempore of the Assembly in 2006, the first African-American to hold the prestigious position which oversees the chamber in the absence of the Assembly Speaker. She also chaired the Assembly's Bronx delegation as the longest serving member in the Assembly from the Bronx. In 2009, Aurelia was asked to serve as Deputy Borough President by newly elected Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. She has been a steady voice and excellent confidant for the borough president ever since. Aurelia celebrated her 80th birthday in October, 2014 at a gala brunch hosted in her honor. As I was in attendance, I had the great pleasure of wishing her nothing but the very best on the occasion, and thanked her for all of her amazing service to the public good.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, those who selflessly give of themselves to serve the general good are the heartbeat of every community. Such is the case with Dr. Nader J. Sayegh, a lawyer and educator by profession who has done a great deal to give back to society. Dr. Sayegh worked in education in many different capacities for more than 40 years, holding various titles and roles ranging from teacher and principal to superintendant. In that time he also received a law degree from Pace University, and has practiced every kind of law from personal injury and criminal to real estate and immigration for over 23 years. But Dr. Sayegh's true passion is community involvement. Giving back to society was always an important tenet of his philosophy in life. He has served as Trustee for Yonkers Public Schools, a Liaison for the Westchester-Putnam School Boards Association, and a member of Yonker's Mayor Mike Spano's Education Re-Design Team, which looks for positive ways to reform the way we teach our kids. He serves as Chairman of the Charter Revision Committee, the President of the Yonkers Board of Education, and if all of that wasn't impressive enough, he is also multi-lingual. Dr. Sayegh's work has been recognized and honored by many incredible organizations focused on civic engagement, including the NAACP, the March of Dimes, and the Red Cross. On October 9th, 2014 another great organization, the Salvation Army, honored Dr. Sayegh at their annual dinner. I want to congratulate Dr. Nader Sayegh on this well-deserved recognition and thank him for the countless contributions he has made to better our community.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, sometimes a simple civic organization intended to help and improve a small community can turn into a pillar of hope for an entire city. That has undoubtedly been the case with Regional Aid for Interim Needs, or R.A.I.N. R.A.I.N. was founded in 1964 by Beatrice Castiglia-Catullo to serve those in need as a multi-social service agency. It provides an array of invaluable services to the senior community of the Bronx, many of whom are handicapped, home bound, or otherwise incapable of providing themselves with certain necessities. R.A.I.N. has full-service neighborhood senior centers, home-delivered meals, transportation services, assistance with benefits and entitlements, case management and elder abuse services, in addition to community-based mobile meals for homeless and hungry persons. Their commitment to helping the elderly population has also led to the sponsorship of two residential housing projects for low-income seniors and an affiliated home attendant program that provides in-home attendant and care services. Building off their incredible success in the Bronx, R.A.I.N. has recently expanded its services to Manhattan and has licensed to provide Home Health Care in all five New York City boroughs as well as Westchester County. Today, R.A.I.N. has funding that accounts for 1,600 meals on wheels, 325 daily meals to the hungry and homeless, and 11 senior centers providing quality programming to over 100 seniors at each site every day. Thousands of New Yorkers have come to rely on R.A.I.N. as a lifeline, and as a Congressman representing parts of the Bronx it is always heart-warming and comforting to see one of R.A.I.N.'s trucks on a block in my district. R.A.I.N. celebrated their 50th Anniversary on October 30th 2014. I want to personally thank their Board for all of the years of great service to the community. The work done by R.A.I.N. has literally saved lives and I am so proud to have such a caring organization operating in my district. Here's to many more great years.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, a lifetime of service to one's community is a truly astonishing feat, which is why I want to take a moment to recognize the contributions of Mary Hoar to Yonkers. Mary's story is one of continued service to better her community, both as a professional and in her personal life. Following her graduation from Cornell University, Mary began her career as a school teacher in Yonkers. Computer technology was always a big part of Mary's interests as an educator, and became a primary component of her teaching. She went on to teach computer technology to adults later in life. While Mary was cultivating her professional career she was simultaneously beginning her foray into community service. She started by giving her time to Yonkers Jay-N-Cee, serving as Secretary, Treasurer and President. In 1977, Mary received one of the state division's highest honors, the Distinguished Service Award, and was later bestowed the Key to the City of Yonkers for her work with the organization. Mary soon began branching out after her success with Jay-N-Cee, first by giving her time to the Yonkers Red Cross, serving as Branch Chairman and Vice Chairman as well as Chair of their Centennial, Youth Services and Competition Committees. Mary then became involved with the Westchester March of Dimes, working on the very first Yonkers Walkathon Coordinating Committee. She then served on the Executive Board of the Northern Metro Chapter of the March of Dimes for 17 years, and was instrumental in the organizations Reading Olympics, Golden Gala and Tennis Tournament. Mary's list of volunteer services has also included stints on the mayor's Community Relations Committee, the board of Family Services Society in Yonkers and, currently, she serves as president of the Yonkers Historical Society. The Salvation Army honored Mary for all she has done for Yonkers at their 2014 annual dinner. The honor was incredibly well deserved. Congratulations to Mary Hoar on this recognition.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, a life filled with civic engagement enriches the soul and has the ability to raise entire communities. Such has been the case with Margaret O. Griffin, better known to her friends and family as Ollie, whose dedication to the St. Joseph's Medical Center and beyond has had a profound and lasting impact in Yonkers and the surrounding areas. Ollie was born in Yonkers and attended St. Denis Grammar School, then Sacred Heart High School. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Marquette University and upon graduation began working as a research aide at Sloan-Kettering Institute in Rye. After working for the Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research, Ollie returned to school for a Master of Science degree followed by a Ph.D. in Biology from Fordham University. In 1994, Ollie retired from research and teaching which allowed her to increase her involvement in community affairs. She served on the boards of Fox House and the Ireland Fund and was a trustee of the Woman's Institute for many years. Ollie was also a long-time member of the Saint Joseph's Seminary Festival Chorale, which she was privileged to sing with at the Pallium ceremony in Rome. Ollie continues to be an active member in several other community clubs, including the Morsemere Garden Club, the Bonita Quilters, the Pelican Patchers and the Pelican Landing Singers. The highlight of Ollie's community service though has been her work at St. Joseph's, which began in 1993 as a trustee. She has served as an active and enthusiastic member until September of 2014 and made many great contributions to the center's development and success. Ollie's other great passion has been her three children, Colleen, Daniel, and Katherine, who she raised with her beloved husband, William, to whom she was married for 52 years. She also takes great pride in her six grandchildren, Shannon, William, Jack, Michael, Sean, and Brian. St. Joseph's Medical Center honored Ollie with the 2014 Outstanding Service Award, and a more fitting honoree they could not have found. Congratulations to Ollie on receiving this wonderful honor.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, religion often has the power to inspire and motivate a person in truly remarkable ways that can shape entire communities. That has certainly been the case with Luba Glasser, a constituent of mine who has volunteered her time and energy for numerous Jewish organizations. Luba was born in Moscow and immigrated to the United States with her family at the age of four. She was enrolled in a Jewish Day School so that she would receive a Jewish education, something she could not have attained in the former Soviet Union, and began to gain a love and appreciation for Judaism. Luba's faith became the impetus for her volunteerism, which began in 2005 with the Russian American Jewish Experience (RAJE). Luba spent all of her free evenings and weekends helping the RAJE with the organization of their Shabbat and holiday programs, social events, and student trips to Israel, all while successfully maintaining a day job as a Real Estate Tax Consultant for New York Water Management. In 2006, Luba joined RAJE as their full-time Fellowship Coordinator, where she was responsible for the student and young adult Jewish identity and community development programming. Over the next three years Luba staffed over 15 trips to Israel. Luba's devotion to the Jewish community led her to return to school, where she received her LMSW from Yeshiva University in 2011. She then began working with Holocaust survivors at the Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island and joined the Northeast Jewish Center (NEJC) community, which became her permanent home. Luba married Craig Glasser in 2012 and shortly thereafter became the proud mother of Aaron Dov. In spite of everything on her plate, Luba continues to open her home to the community for Shabbos dinners, cook for synagogue events, maintain the NEJC website, and teach classes. She is a beacon of light for the NEJC community and was incredibly deserving of being the organization's honoree in 2014.