Dennis Kucinich

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Northeast Ohio Neighborhood Health Services, Inc. NEON, as it celebrates its 45th anniversary. NEON was established in 1967 as a network of community health centers to provide medical and dental services to the uninsured and underinsured in the Greater Cleveland area. Since its founding, NEON has strived to create healthy neighborhoods through accessible community-based health care. In 2001, NEON was selected as a National Community Center of Excellence in Women's Health. NEON currently operates six health centers in the Greater Cleveland area; the East Cleveland, Norwood, Hough, Collinwood, Southeast and Superior Health Centers. The centers employ 35 physicians, 10 dentists and a staff of Certified Nurse-Midwives and other support personnel. The health centers offer accessible, comprehensive primary care services, including adult medicine, pediatrics, family practice, OB/ GYN, behavioral health, dental, optometry, podiatry services, x-ray, mammography, laboratory and pharmacy. Additionally, NEON provides patients access to social work, health education, family planning and nutritional counseling. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in recognizing the 45th anniversary of Northeast Ohio Neighborhood Health Services, Inc.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Jerry A Vittardi. Jerry was born on January 18, 1925 to Matio and Anna Vittardi. He was a World War II veteran who served in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Jerry was married to his wife, Marianne, for 60 years and they had six children together: Richard, Renee, Gerianne, Marty, Mickey and Ed. Jerry and Marianne raised their family in Parma, a city in which they would remain and where he began a lifetime of public service. In 1960, he was elected to the Parma City Council to represent Ward 2, serving as a councilman for 5 years. While serving the City of Parma, he gained a reputation as a trustworthy partner for others who were running for seats within the Democratic Party. He campaigned for Governor Richard Celeste, Senator Howard Metenzbaum, Congressman Ron Mottl, Attorney General Lee Fisher, Parma Mayor Michael Ries, for his son Councilman Martin Vittardi and for myself. Jerry's dedication to public service continued throughout his life. In addition to serving as a Democratic Ward leader and Democratic Precinct Committeeman, he served as an electrical inspector for the City of Parma for 2 years from 1958-1960, and later served as a building inspector for the city from 1967-1980. From 1980 through the late 1990s, he worked for the State of Ohio, Ohio Lottery as a field representative. Heavily involved in the community, Jerry was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Cleveland and coached local baseball and softball teams. He strongly supported the local sports teams and loved watching the Cleveland Indians and the Cleveland Browns. Jerry is survived by his children and 13 grandchildren: Joy, Greg, Amy, Vincent, Kristen, Jamie, Allison, Jessica, Mark, Leah, Michael, Holly and Eric. In addition, he was a beloved great-grandfather to 17. He had a very special place in his heart for his great-grandchildren baby Jack and baby Blake. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in remembrance of Jerry A. Vittardi. May his life of public service and his role as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather serve as an example to us all.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mr. Richard Grimmett, who is retiring after 38 years of dedicated service with the Congressional Research Service (CRS). An Ohio native, Mr. Grimmett attended Kent State University, where he earned a Ph.D. in American history and focused on U.S. national security policy. Since joining CRS in 1974, Mr. Grimmett has been a specialist on defense and foreign policy issues. Specifically, his expertise lies in international arms trade, overseas U.S. military bases, war powers and intelligence. Throughout his time with CRS, Mr. Grimmett has worked intimately with Senate and House Select Intelligence Committees and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Mr. Grimmett has proven time and again that he is a vital asset to the U.S. Congress. His support and intelligence are evident in the Arms Export Control Act, and the handling of the Iran-Contra Affair and aftermath of the attacks on September 11, 2001. Personally, Mr. Grimmett's vast knowledge of the War Powers Resolution has been of immeasurable value to me throughout my tenure in Congress. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring the distinguished career of Mr. Richard Grimmett. His support has been unparalleled and his absence will be felt by every Hill staffer and member of Congress.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of St. Emeric Church, one of the 11 Cleveland Catholic Diocese parishes that will be reopening this year. In 2009 it was announced that several of the Cleveland Catholic Diocese's area churches, including St. Emeric, were to close. However, just months ago, the Vatican overruled this decision and St. Emeric reopening its doors on and celebrated its first mass on Sunday, November 4, 2012. St. Emeric was the last of the 50 churches closed and was be the last of the eleven to reopen. St. Emeric Church was founded in 1904 and has been home to many of the Cleveland area's Hungarian-American Catholic community. Prior to its closing on June 30, 2010, St. Emeric Church was home to nearly 650 parishioners. The celebratory mass that ushered in the reopening of St. Emeric Church was held on November 4th, which is especially significant for the parish because it is also the feast day of St. Emeric. The mass was led by the parish's former pastor, Reverend Sandor Siklodi, who was transferred to Chicago's St. Stephen King of Hungary parish in 2010. Siklodi had served as St. Emeric's pastor for 24 years after being sent to the church by a Hungarian bishop in Romania. The parishioners of St. Emeric appealed for the return of Rev. Siklodi because he performs mass in their native Hungarian language. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in recognizing the reopening of St. Emeric Church, a beloved parish that has returned to Cleveland's near West Side neighborhood.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mr. Bujar Nishani, the President of Albania, on the occasion of the dedication of the Albanian Cultural Garden, taking place on September 22, 2012. President Nishani was born in Durres on September 29, 1966. He obtained a law degree from the Justice Faculty of Tirana University in 2004 and a Masters Degree in European Studies from the same university a year later. President Nishani began a long career in public service in 1993 as the Director of Foreign Affairs at the Ministry of Defense. A year later, he began serving at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Relations Department of the Ministry of Affairs. President Nishani's political career began in 1991, when he first became a member of the Democratic Party. In 2001, he was elected as the Secretary of the Tirana Democratic Party Branch. Two years later he was elected as a member of the Tirana Municipal Council. In 2005, President Nishani was elected as a parliamentary member of Tirana's 34th electoral district. He later went on to serve as Minister of Interior and the Minister of Justice. In July of this year, Mr. Nishani was sworn in as President of the Republic of Albania. Mr. Nishani is married to Mrs. Odeta Nishani, and has two children: Ersi and Fjona. The dedication of the Albanian Cultural Garden will also commemorate the 100th year of Albanian Independence and the dedication of the Mother Teresa memorial statue. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor of President Bujar Nishani and in recognition of his visit to Cleveland, Ohio on the occasion of the dedication of the Albanian Cultural Garden.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. The Stop the War on Coal Act is up today. It is the coal industry which is waging war on our mountains by leveling them, war on our lungs by burning dirty fuel, war on healthy children by being the single largest source of mercury exposure, war on our rivers and streams by filling them with toxic waste, war on groundwater through poisonous ash fills, war on its workers through conditions which continue to kill, war on families by breaking unions and by relentlessly reducing jobs, war on our national debt by taking in billions of subsidies, and now war on ratepayers of municipal utilities across the Midwest. Time to stop this war. Peabody Coal's Prairie State coal plant in southern Illinois has brokered a series of shady deals that puts 217 local utilities here, across the Midwest, on the hook for billions of dollars for energy they may never even get while paying twice the market price--a corrupt boondoggle that will raise utility rates and saddle many publicly owned utilities with crushing debt obligations. Congress must stand up for the utility cuts in this areas.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the City of Garfield Heights, Ohio. Since 1919, the City of Garfield Heights has been an exemplary community within Northeast Ohio. The City of Garfield Heights, also known as the ``City of Homes,'' was founded in 1919 and named after Garfield Park. Before Garfield Heights was established, the land had been Newburgh Hamlet and the Village of South Newburgh. Garfield Heights officially reached the status of a city in 1930. It became home to Marymount Hospital in 1949. Throughout the past couple of decades, Garfield Heights has undergone several major expansions and renovations. A new city hall building was opened in 1991, a new high school opened in 2004 and the Marymount Hospital Emergency Room addition opened in 2007. Today, the City of Garfield Heights is home to nearly 30,000 residents who are led by Mayor Vic Collova. Mayor Collova was elected to office in 2009. He had previously served as President of Garfield Heights City Council. There are also eight members on the City Council: Nancy Marincic, Michael Nenadovich, Tracy Mahoney, Michael Dudley, Sr. Eugene Glenn, Joseph Suster, Thomas Vaughn and Barbara Molin. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring the City of Garfield Heights and all of its residents.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the Village of Glenwillow, Ohio. Since 1893, the Village of Glenwillow has been an exemplary community within Northeast Ohio. The Village of Glenwillow began as a company town by Austin Powder Company in 1893. Eventually, due to increased population, Austin Powder Company was unable to test its products in Glenwillow and relocated to Athens, Ohio in 1972. While the company had left, the residents of Glenwillow were thriving and began making investments and improvements to their 2.7 square mile home. In 1999, under the leadership of former Mayor Don Payne, a new plan for the Village was designed. It included the rehabilitation and expansion of the Town Center and Village Center. Today, the Village of Glenwillow is home to nearly 1000 residents who are led by Mayor Mark Cegelka. Mayor Cegelka was elected to office in 2009 after serving as the treasurer for the Village on Glenwillow. There are six members on the Village Council: Jeffrey Adie, Larry Sylver, John Baca, Eric Johnson, Donald Banas and Joseph Barber, Jr. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring the Village of Glenwillow and all of its residents.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize September 25, 2012, as the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association's (CMBA) 4th Annual ``David Webster Greener Way to Work Day,'' and to remember David Webster, legal scholar, litigator, entrepreneur, and environmentalist, who died at age 46 from cancer on March 13, 2009, but whose achievements were many in his short life. David Webster overcame alcoholism at a young age and went on to sponsor others in recovery. He accomplished much and saw life as an adventure. At Case Western Reserve School of Law, he graduated magna cum laude and was an editor of Law Review, where he met his wife Beth. Upon graduation from law school, David became a commercial lawyer with broad experience, in matters involving banking, commodity trading, securities, technology, real estate, intellectual property, and his passion, environmental law. Merging his knowledge of commodity trading and environmental law, he founded INHALE, which later became the Clean Air Conservancy, an organization which worked within the manufacturing economy and the commodities market to reduce air pollution by acquiring and retiring pollution allowances. Outside Magazine dubbed the Clean Air Conservancy one of the 10 best small environmental non-profits. David Webster was an aggressive litigator who took on music giant Sony and won a judgment of more than $5 million for the late Cleveland music producer Steve Popovich over credit for Meatloaf's hottest album, ``Bat out of Hell.'' He was a founding partner of the law firm Webster & Dubyak and was also actively involved in the Cuyahoga County Bar Association, the Federal Bar Association, and the American Bar Association. He was a driving force behind the merger of the Cuyahoga County and the Cleveland Bar Associations and was the President-elect of the merged CMBA at the time of his passing. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in recognizing Tuesday September 25, 2012 as the 4th Annual David Webster Greener Way to Work Day. The CMBA encourages us to find a greener way to travel to and from work, whether through public transportation, biking, walking or carpooling. The CMBA will honor David's memory with a noon luncheon at the CMBA to recognize law firms and offices for their commitment to implement sustainable practices, reduce waste, and shrink their carbon footprints. Please join me in honoring the memory of David Webster by joining with the CMBA in taking action to protect our environment.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the City of Lakewood, Ohio. Also known as ``The City of Beautiful Homes,'' Lakewood is an exemplary community within Northeast Ohio. Lakewood is one of Ohio's most diverse and culturally rich cities. It is home to several art galleries, Winchester Music Hall and the Beck Center of the Arts. Additionally, both Malley's Chocolates and Aladdin's Eatery are based out of Lakewood, Ohio. Lakewood has been named as one of the best cities to live in by This Old House Magazine and Scene Magazine. It was listed among the best suburbs in the U.S. by Travel & Leisure Magazine. It was named the ``Best Place to Raise Your Kids 2010'' by Business Week. Today, the City of Lakewood is home to more than 52,000 residents who are led by Mayor Mike Summers. Mayor Summers, who had previously served as a Councilman, has been serving as mayor since 2010. There are seven members on the City Council: Tom Bullock, David Anderson, Shawn Juris, Mary Louise Madigan, Brian Powers, Monique Smith and Ryan Nowlin. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring the City of Lakewood and all of its residents.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the City of Brooklyn, Ohio. Brooklyn Township was founded in 1818, became Brooklyn Village in 1927 and in 1950 the City of Brooklyn was established. The City of Brooklyn is home to many firsts in the U.S. In 1966, it became the first city to establish a seatbelt law. In 1999, it enacted the country's first law to prevent cell phone usage while driving. Brooklyn High School's auditorium hosted Elvis Presley's first concert in the northern U.S. on October 20, 1955. Brooklyn is also home to a Hugo Boss Plant and the world headquarters of American Greetings and the popular Memphis Kiddie Park. Today, the City of Brooklyn is home to approximately 11,000 residents who are led by Mayor Richard Balbier. Mayor Balbier who has been serving as mayor since 2009 had previously served as the president of the Brooklyn City Council. There are six members on the City Council: Colleen Coyne Gallagher, Anthony DeMarco, Tom Murphy, Ron Van Kirk, Kathleen Pucci and Kevin Tanski. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring the City of Brooklyn and all of its residents.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the City of Berea, Ohio. Since 1836, the City of Berea has been an exemplary community within Northeast Ohio. Known as ``The Grindstone Capital of the World,'' the town's symbol is a grindstone which serves as a tribute to the many grindstones that came out of its quarries. Every year, on Independence Day weekend, a festival named for the grindstones is celebrated by the City of Berea. Berea is home to several of Northeast Ohio's most important fixtures such as Baldwin-Wallace College, the Cleveland Browns' training facility and the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds. Over the years, Berea has produced a number of notable residents including John Baldwin, Lou Groza, Jim Tressel and former U.S. Secretary of Defense, Neil H. McElroy. Today, the City of Berea is home to nearly 20,000 residents who are led by Mayor Cyril Kleem. Mayor Kleem was recently elected to his second term in office. There are eight members on the City Council: Mary Brown, Dean Can Dress, Dale Lange, Margarette Kay, Nick Haschka, Jim Maxwell, Cheryl Banaszak and Richard Malott. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring the City of Berea and all of its residents.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the City of Independence, Ohio, an exemplary community within Northeast Ohio. Independence was first organized as a township in 1814. Its first resident, Ichabod Lord Skinner, settled in the area in 1818. Not until 1827, with the opening on the Ohio and Erie Canal, did the township become accessible to trade and more settlers. Independence grew quickly in the subsequent century, reaching the status of village in 1914. It became the City of Independence in 1960. Known as the ``Heart of Cuyahoga County,'' Independence is one of Northeast Ohio's most desirable cities for families to work and raise their families. It is also home to the Cleveland Cavalier's training facility. Today, the City of Independence is home to approximately 7,000 residents who are led by Mayor Gregory Kurtz. There are seven members on the City Council: Anthony Togliatti, Patricia Wisnieski, Jim Crooks, Jim Riley, Carl Asseff, Tom Naduzzi and Peter Nelson. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring the City of Independence and all of its residents.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the City of Brook Park, Ohio, an exemplary community within Northeast Ohio. Brook Park first became a village in 1914 when residents of the area decided to separate themselves from the Berea school district and politics. The first school in Brook Park was built in 1917. Following World War II, a population boom occurred in the area, increasing the population from 2,600 to 13,000. Brook Park officially became a city in 1950. Brook Park is the home to several important Cleveland landmarks including the Brook Park Ford Co. Plant, The NASA Glenn Research Center, and the International Exposition Center, which is home to auto shows, home and garden expos and the annual I-X Indoor Amusement Park. Today, the City of Brook Park is home to nearly 20,000 residents who are led by Mayor Mark Elliot. Mayor Elliot who had previously served as a Councilman, and Athletic Director for the city, has been serving as mayor since 2002. There are eight members on the City Council: Mike Gammella, Michael Lane, Pattie Astorino, Barry Kirksey, Brian Higgins, Carl Burgio, Danny Colonna, Richard Salvatore. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring the City of Brook Park and all of its residents.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the Village of Brooklyn Heights, Ohio. Since 1903, the Village of Brooklyn Heights has been an exemplary community within Northeast Ohio. Originally a part of Brooklyn Township, which was established in 1818, Brooklyn Heights' residents seceded from the township to form their own village. On February 28, 1903, the Village of Brooklyn Heights was officially established. What was once an area of predominately farmland is now full of residential homes and interstate highways. Despite only comprising 1.8 square miles of land, Brooklyn Heights is a desirable area for industry and for raising a family. Today, the Village of Brooklyn Heights is home to approximately 1,600 residents who are led by Mayor Michael Procuk. There are six members on the Village Council: John Black, Bruce Cichocki, Michael D'Amico, Leslie Foote, Tom Lahiff, Jennifer Presot and Henry Stankiewicz. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring the Village of Brooklyn Heights and all of its residents.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Ms. Sylvia Rucinski who is being honored by the Polonia Foundation on October 7, 2012. Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Sylvia attended Miles Elementary School and graduated from Holy Name High School. She later attended Cuyahoga Community College and John Carroll University. Before beginning her 22 year career at the Alliance of Poles of America, Sylvia held a number of different positions. She previously held jobs with Harris Seybold, Grabler Manufacturing and several school and public libraries. Sylvia has been a long-time and active member of the Polish-American community. She has been the director for the Alliance of Poles Federal Credit Union and Ohio Division of the Polish American Congress. She also served as the recording secretary of Circle 9 of the Alliance of Poles. Because of her unwavering service, Sylvia has been acknowledged by the Alliance of Poles as the recipient of the 2004 Meritorious Service Medal and Award and named the 2003 Grand Lady of Pulaski by the Polonia Foundation. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring Mrs. Sylvia Rucinski and congratulating her as she is recognized by the Polonia Foundation.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor Mrs. Alina Czernec who is being honored by the Polonia Foundation on October 7, 2012. Alina was born in pre-World War II Poland. During the war she was forced to spend five years of her life living in Polish refugee camps in Iran, India and Pakistan. Following the War, her family reunited in England in 1947 and immigrated to Cleveland, Ohio's Tremont neighborhood in 1952. After graduating from St. John Cantius High School, Alina was attending Fenn College and working for the Polish daily newspaper, Wiadomosci Dodzienne. In 1959, Alina married Steve Czernec and together they had three children, Lisa, Richard and Chris. Alina spent much of her time volunteering at local schools and nursing homes and eventually became the director of admissions at Broadview Nursing Home. She worked at Heights Drapery Company, which she and her daughter own, until her retirement in 2004. Alina has been involved in the Polish-American community since she settled in the U.S. She has belonged to a number of organizations including Gmina 6, PNA and the Alliance of Poles. She is also an active member of the Polish American Cultural Center and has spent countless hours volunteering at St. John Cantius Church. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring Mrs. Alina Czernec and congratulating her as she is recognized by the Polonia Foundation.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mr. Walter Borkowski who is being honored by the Polonia Foundation on October 7, 2012. Born September 11, 1969, Walter is a first generation American. He was raised in Parma, Ohio and attended Normandy High School before earning a degree in business administration from the University of Toledo. Following graduation, Walter began a career in financial services as a customer service representative with Transamerica Financial Services. Within two years, he was the Executive Branch Manager of the Canton, Ohio office. He briefly left Northeast Ohio for a job with Long Beach Mortgage Company, but returned when he launched Consumers Choice Mortgage Inc. Walter retired from Trust In Equity Mortgage Group, LLC in 2009, but continues to work as a part-time Mortgage Consultant. Walter has been involved in the Polish-American community since he was a young child as a singer in the John Borkowski Orchestra. At the age of 24, he was elected to his first of two terms as the director of the Alliance of Poles of American. Currently, he is the Recording Secretary for the Cleveland Society of Poles and the Alternate National Director for the Polish American Congress. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring Mr. Walter Borkowski and congratulating him as he is recognized by the Polonia Foundation.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor Mr. Gregory M. Sadlek who is being honored by the Polonia Foundation on October 7, 2012. Born and raised in Northeast Ohio, Gregory is a graduate of Padua Franciscan High School in Parma, Ohio. In 1968, following his high school graduation, he moved to Quincy, Illinois to attend Quincy University and later attended the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. Gregory holds several degrees including a bachelor's in philosophy and a master's and doctorate in English. He has pursued a career in academia, teaching at the University of Nantes, Hamilton College, Eastern Illinois University, Northern Illinois University and the University of Nebraska at Omaha in the English Department. Gregory is married to Francoise Rolland; together they have two sons, Jonathan and Benjamin. In 2005, Gregory returned to his native Cleveland, Ohio and became the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences at Cleveland State University (CSU). At CSU, he has worked tirelessly to establish a Polish Studies program and a partnership with the University of Warsaw. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring Mr. Gregory M. Sadlek and congratulating him as he is recognized by the Polonia Foundation.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mrs. Ruth Coyne, the former ``first lady'' of Brooklyn, Ohio. Ruth was the wife of John M. Coyne, the former mayor of Brooklyn. She attended Rhodes High School and met John at a dance at Our Lady of Good Council. They were married at Old Pete's Wayside Inn on November 30, 1940. John went on to serve as mayor for an astounding 52 years, from 1947 to 1999. Ruth provided support for her husband throughout the years and came to be loved by the community. The couple was married for 72 years. Ruth is remembered fondly by everyone she encountered. Councilwoman Kathleen Pucci has said that, ``She exemplified grace, dignity and style. She genuinely cared about our community and its residents.'' In addition to her role as ``first lady'', Ruth was a loving citizen and mother. She was the mother of four, grandmother of nine, and great- grandmother of fifteen. She always put her family first. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in memory of Mrs. Ruth Coyne, a woman who spent her long life working for others, and who will be greatly missed by her family and the City of Brooklyn.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Black Shield Police Association, BSPA, an organization of dedicated minority police officers that are committed to serving our communities throughout the Greater Cleveland area. The BSPA was originally founded in 1946 as the Shield Club, which was designed to assist black officers in maintaining and strengthening self-esteem within an atmosphere of indifference. The Shield Club was a social club for black officers who were, at the time, prohibited from joining organizations that were for white police officers. In 1969, the Shield Club was officially chartered as a non-profit organization and was the third oldest black police organization in the U.S. The Shield Club officially became the Black Shield Police Association in 1978. By 2000, the National Black Police Association expanded to an international organization with members in the United Kingdom, Canada and the Bahamas. The BSPA supports the philosophy of community policing, the calls for a true and cooperative partnership between the community and the police for safer communities. The Black Shield Police Association's Annual Dinner and Dance Scholarship Awards Banquet is being held at Cleveland's Doubletree Hotel on October 13, 2012. The theme of this year's event is ``Still moving FORWARD while celebrating 66 years of Unity.'' Special tributes will be made to retirees Lieutenant John Cole, Sergeant Hughleam Medlea, Sergeant Andre Douglas, Sergeant Randall Bergeon, Police Officer Eugene Preston, Police Officer Arthur Fantroy, Police Officer Sandra Robertson, Police Officer Kevin Martin and Police Officer Paul Jones. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in recognizing the Black Shield Police Association and its important role in the Greater Cleveland community.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Armenian Statehood Day. As the Armenian community in Greater Cleveland gathers to celebrate, I join them in appreciation of their rich history and culture. September 21, 1991, marks the day that Armenia restored its independence by becoming the first republic proclaiming independence from the Soviet Union. Armenia was originally established by the Artashisian Dynasty in 189 BC. Following hundreds of years of invasions, the last Armenian kingdom fell at the onset of the 14th century. The first Armenian democratic republic was not established until 1918, which followed the Armenian Genocide in 1915. Unfortunately, just two years later, in 1920, the Armenians were occupied by the Soviet Union until they declared sovereignty in 1991. Cleveland is home to a strong Armenian community which has succeeded in preserving their heritage while wholeheartedly supporting American society, thereby contributing to the unique richness and diversity of our national culture. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and celebration of Armenian Statehood Day. May every American of Armenian heritage hold memories of their past forever in their hearts, remembering the day that their forbears gained their freedom.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the Honorable Judge Donna Congeni Fitzsimmons, who is the recipient of Recovery Resources' Community Challenge 2012 Exemplar Award. Recovery Resources is a community-based nonprofit organization with a mission of helping people triumph over mental illness, alcoholism, drug and other addictions. The Exemplar Award, established in 2006, celebrates members of the local community who have demonstrated a long and distinguished record of exemplary service and support for Recovery Resources' Community Challenge program. Judge Fitzsimmons graduated with a bachelor's degree from Boston College and earned her law degree from George Washington University in 1976. She began her career in public service in 1977 as an Assistant Cuyahoga County Prosecutor. In 1980, she became the first woman to be appointed as Special Attorney in the U.S. Department of Justice, Organized Crime Strike Force in Cleveland. During her tenure as Special Attorney, Judge Fitzsimmons served as the lead prosecutor in the U.S. v. Lonardo, Gallo, et al case, in which she successfully convicted the former Cleveland Mafia boss, Angelo Lonardo in 1983. In 1984, she was appointed Deputy Counsel to President Reagan's commission on Organized Crime in Washington, DC and served in this position until 1985 when she entered private practice at the law firm of Atter & Hadden. On January 1, 1994, Judge Fitzsimmons assumed the role of Judge of the Rocky River Municipal Court and has been serving on the bench since. In 1997, she was appointed Chair of the Cuyahoga County Violence Against Women Act Committee and as the Municipal Court representative to the Cuyahoga County Criminal Justice Supervisory Services Board. As her career continued, Judge Fitzsimmons would be appointed to the Ohio Supreme Court's Court Security Committee, Criminal Procedure Committee and Jury Service Committee. In addition to her career, Judge Fitzsimmons is an active member of the Northeast Ohio community. She has served on Fairview Hospital's Community Advisory Board, as a trustee for Community Challenge, charter member of the Fairview High School Alumni Hall of Fame and an honorary chair for the Center for Prevention of Domestic Violence's Annual Break the Silence Luncheon. She also established the Stalking Victim Support Group and was a member of the Board of Trustees for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Throughout her career, Judge Fitzsimmons has been recognized numerous times. She has been named Cleveland's Italian Heritage Committee Public Service Honoree 2011, ``Gem of Cleveland'' by the Junior League of Cleveland, and has received the Columbian Award from the Federation of Italian-American Societies of Northern Ohio. She has also been recognized by the Women's Center of Greater Cleveland. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in congratulating Recovery Resources' Community Challenge 2012 Exemplar Award winner, the Honorable Judge Donna Congeni Fitzsimmons.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Did Peabody Energy Company deliberately unload a bad investment on public power organizations serving 217 cities and villages across the Midwest? Congress must find out because Peabody Energy lured public power organizations into contracts that forced municipal utilities to pay up to twice the market rate for electricity. At a time when private funding could not be had for new coal-fired utilities, Peabody Energy unloaded 95 percent of its investment onto public power customers in what became an almost triple cost overrun, with a coal mine that lasts 22 years, instead of 30 years as promised, and an ashfill that was supposed to last 23 years, and will last only 12 to 14 years. The contract which municipals are tied into forces them to pay for power 42 percent above the market rate, whether the plant is producing energy or not. Billions of dollars were issued for bond financing for the project, and utility customers are vulnerable to huge costs for debt retirement. Wall Street wouldn't invest in the project, so Peabody went to Main Street, and now millions of public power customers will pay sky-high electric rates in what has all the appearances of a swindle.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the dedication of the Albanian Cultural Garden, taking place on September 22, 2012. The 254 acre piece of land that constitutes Rockefeller Park was donated to the City of Cleveland by John D. Rockefeller in 1896. The Cleveland Croatian Cultural Garden is a two acre piece of land within Rockefeller Park. The Cleveland Cultural Gardens were founded in 1926 to create a memorial area for the diverse ethnic groups that shape the region, and to serve as a space for reflection on peace, cooperation and understanding. The Cultural Gardens are currently a collection of more than 30 gardens which include African-American, American Indian, British, Chinese, Czech, Estonian, and Slovenian gardens, among others. The planning and construction of the Albanian Cultural Garden started in 2007. Legislation sponsoring its dedication was spearheaded by Cleveland City Councilwoman Dona Brady. Members of the Albanian American Association of Cleveland, Ohio, Albanian Cultural Garden Committee, Jim McKnight and Kreshnik Xhiku were instrumental in creating the Albanian Cultural Garden. The dedication of the Albanian Cultural Garden will occur on September 22, 2012. In addition to inaugurating the Albanian Cultural Garden, it will also commemorate the 100th year of Albanian Independence and dedicate the Mother Teresa memorial statue. Special guests of the dedication will include Albanian President, Bujar Nishani; Albanian Ambassador, Gilbert Galanxhi; Mayor Baftjar Zeqaj; and Mary, Mariano and Christian Gannon. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me recognition of the dedication of the Albanian Cultural Garden.