George Radanovich

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Fowler Packing for setting a standard of excellence in fruit picking, packing and shipping. Fowler Packing's strict attention to detail and a willingness to try new innovations has resulted in the production of top quality Tree-Ripe fruit since 1966. Sam Parnagian established Fowler Packing Company in the early 1950's. In 1966, Sam recognized an opportunity in the Tree-Ripe fruit industry and focused his company's attention to peaches, plums and nectarines. Mr. Parnagian went on to influence major advances in western fruit packing. In the early 1970's he built and operated the first commercial hydro-cooler used in stone fruit packing. He was also a big promoter of plastic fruit trays, or ``Panapack,'' as they are commonly called today. In addition to marketing their own fruit, grown on an estimated 2500 acres, Fowler Packing also packs and markets fruit for more than 50 Central Valley growers. The ``SamSon'' label was created by Sam Parnagian and named after his four sons: Dennis, Phillip, Randy and Ken. Today, Sam's sons continue Fowler Packing's tradition of quality and innovation. Fowler Packing recently switched from wooden to plastic bins in order to reduce the potential for fruit damage. Progressive ideas like these have made Fowler Packing a leader in the Tree-Ripe fruit industry. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Fowler Packing for their commitment to producing quality fruit in the California Central Valley. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing the Parnagian family and Fowler Packing many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Fort Washington Elementary School for their distinguished educational program. Fort Washington is a school with a rich history. Fort Washington Elementary Union School District formed on July 6, 1874 and consisted of one school. Lincoln Elementary Union School, a one-room school, formed January 21, 1909. On March 3, 1945, the two schools merged after the original Lincoln School burned down. A new Fort Washington Lincoln School, consisting of five classrooms, was built in 1957 at the site of the current school. On December 22, 1959, the new district elected to join eight other rural elementary school districts to form the highly acclaimed Clovis Unified School District. Since then, the school has added over one dozen classrooms, a staff lounge, multi-purpose room, administrative offices, outdoor amphitheater, and a blacktop area. Clovis Unified built another elementary school on the site of the original Lincoln School in 1977. This new campus was named Lincoln Elementary. Fort Washington-Lincoln School was then changed to Fort Washington Elementary School, proud home of the Patriots. Over 750 students are currently being served by 67 dedicated staff members. In June of 1986, Fort Washington was selected as one of 210 exemplary public schools from across the nation as part of the United States Department of Education's First National Recognition Program for elementary schools. In 1997, the school was recognized as a California Distinguished School. During the 1998-1999 school year, the school accomplished a feat that has only been attained by two percent of the schools in the United States; Fort Washington received the honor of being designated a National Blue Ribbon School for the third time. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Fort Washington Elementary School for their renowned educational program. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Fort Washington Elementary School many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Fresno County for earning national recognition for their exemplary volunteer service in the community. CASA of Fresno County has been named one of California's top honorees for community service. CASA of Fresno County is a nonprofit organization which advocates for the best interest of abused and neglected children within the Juvenile Court system. Based on the belief that every child is entitled to a safe and permanent home, CASA works in the court system through trained volunteers in collaboration with key agencies, legal counsel and community resources to serve as the child's advocate and voice in the dependency process. CASA advocates are recruited from Fresno County's culturally diverse communities and trained by qualified community professionals, counselors, and educators. In late 1998, Fresno was one of the four counties awarded a 3-year demonstration project by the Stuart Foundation to focus on infants and toddlers under the age of 3. In collaboration with Fresno County Department of Children and Families, and other agencies, CASA of Fresno County created an innovative infrastructure of new health and development programs for infants and toddlers and is being cited as a model by the State of California for other counties. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate CASA of Fresno County for receiving national recognition for their exemplary volunteer service in the Fresno community. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing CASA of Fresno County many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation for continuing their efforts to fund diabetes research and education. The Juvenile Diabetes Foundation (JDF) was founded in 1970 by parents of children with diabetes. The foundation was created with the mission of finding a cure for the disease and its complications through the support of research. The JDF is a professional organization that is one of the nation's most cost-efficient charities, providing at least 80 cents of every dollar to research and education about research. By 200l, JDF's commitment to its mission will increase to $100 million per year. Since their inception, JDF has provided over $326 million for diabetes research, more than any other non-profit non-governmental health agency in the world. Events like the Walk to Cure Diabetes are important community activities that continue the fight against this debilitating disease. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation for their fight against diabetes. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Chookasian Armenian Concert Ensemble on their work to preserve traditional Armenian music. The Chookasian Armenian Concert Ensemble is the only traditional performing Ensemble of Armenian music in the United States. John Chookasian, a premier clarinetist, is the founder of the Chookasian Armenian Concert Ensemble. He has been playing Armenian folk music for over 35 years. John holds a graduate degree from the University of Nevada in music and education. He also taught Music and Ethnic Studies at U. of N. for 3 years. He and his wife Barbara have made it their life's mission to preserve ancient Armenian music for future generations. The Chookasian Armenian Concert Ensemble has been performing since 1994. The ensemble performs the classical, folkloric, and troubadour musical works of the 16th to 20th centuries. The main aspiration of the ensemble is to preserve, promote, and perpetuate the music of the Armenian people, as well as to promote intracultural understanding. In 1999, the President of Armenia, Mr. Robert Kocharian, invited the ensemble to present a series of concerts in Armenia and Karabagh. At this concert series the ensemble was presented with the prestigious ``National Gold Medal Award of Armenia,'' thereby making them the only musical group in the United States to receive such an honor from the Armenian Government. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Chookasian Armenian Concert Ensemble for working to preserve the tradition of Armenian music. I urge my colleagues to Join me in wishing the Chookasian Armenian Concert Ensemble many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Beth Grafton- Cardwell for being named an Extension Specialist Award finalist by the Friends of Agricultural Extension. The Friends of Agricultural Extension will recognize Beth at their annual awards dinner. Beth is a U.C. Riverside Extension Entomologist at the Kearny Agriculture Center in Parlier, CA. She conducts a multifaceted program to help citrus growers reduce their pest problems while maintaining fruit quality, a positive economic return, and a reduction of broad- spectrum pesticide use. An important contribution to California's citrus industry has been her ongoing evaluation of continually changing insect pest problems. Beth is currently in the process of developing a mobile laboratory to use as an onsite research and teaching aid. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Beth Grafton-Cardwell for being named an Extension Specialist Award finalist by the Friends of Agricultural Extension. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Beth Grafton- Cardwell many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Clovis Senior Center for their work to improve the lives of senior citizens living in California's Central Valley. The Clovis Senior Center began providing services over 25 years ago, when they first received Federal aid for senior programs. The actual Clovis Senior Center facility was built 19 years ago. Lynn Bawdon has served as director of the Clovis Senior Center for the past 20 years. The center provides a wide range of programs, including nutrition advice, income tax assistance, social security inquiries, medical information, and general adult information. The goal of the Clovis Senior Center is to keep seniors independent and living in their own homes, while providing for their own needs. The center is ranked among the top 10 multisenior centers in the State. They actively pursue assistance from the State to continue providing the highest level of assistance for seniors. The Clovis Senior Center is an 11,000 square foot facility that is comprised of a central multipurpose room, two large classrooms, a commercial kitchen, two large restrooms, and two average sized restrooms. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Clovis Senior Center for their valuable assistance to the local senior community. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing the Clovis Senior Center many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church for their 101st anniversary. Holy Trinity Church has been a cornerstone of Fresno's Armenian community since its inception in 1900. For over 100 years, the Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church has served as the spiritual, cultural, and social landmark for Armenians throughout Fresno and the San Joaquin Valley. Armenian Apostolic Church services were held in Fresno as early as 1895 in a rented hall by the Rev. Aharon Melkonian, who had arrived from Erzerum 1 year earlier. As the parish grew so did the need for a church building. Construction began soon after the church held a general meeting on February 25, 1900, at which a board of trustees was elected. Then, on March 2, 1900, a building committee was appointed and it was decided that the church would be named Holy Trinity. The foundation of the church was blessed on April 1, 1900, and on October 14, 1900, the Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church was consecrated by the Primate of the Armenian Diocese, Rev. Bishop Hovsep Sarajian. It was the second Armenian Apostolic Church in the United States. In the beginning many Armenians found themselves in a strange new land and turned to the church for support. Still today, those who are no longer strangers to this country continue to view the church as their focal point for spiritual guidance, thus enabling the church and its members to withstand the test of time. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church on the occasion of the 101st anniversary celebration. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church on this special day of recognition.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to Brent Dorian for his years of dedicated public service as a U.S. Bankruptcy Judge in Fresno, CA. After almost 12 years on the bench, Judge Dorian retired last year. Brett served in the U.S. Air Force. After the military, he studied law and graduated from Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California at Berkeley. After making a substantial contribution to under-served people in the community, Brett Dorian went on to have a very distinguished career as a civil practice attorney, bankruptcy lawyer, and bankruptcy trustee. In 1988, Judge Dorian assumed the Federal bankruptcy bench in Fresno and handled thousands of cases from an 8 county area in Central California. During Judge Dorian's tenure on the bench he has earned a reputation as a brillant jurist committed to following the law and protecting the rights of the citizens and persons who appeared before him. Judge Dorian has done many things for our community, the courts and and the nation. It is a pleasure and privilege to honor such a distinguished man as he begins yet another facet of his life. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay high tribute to Judge Brett Dorian for his active distinguished community and public service. I urge my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representative to join me in wishing Judge Dorian many more years of good health, happiness, and contribution to the people of central California.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1814) to amend the National Trails System Act to designate the Metacomet-Monadnock-Sunapee-Mattabesett Trail extending through western New Hampshire, western Massachusetts, and central Connecticut for study for potential addition to the National Trails System, as amended.

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Mrs. Johnson).

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1814, introduced by the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Olver), authorizes a study to include the Metacomet- Monadnock-Sunapee-Mattabesett Trail for designation into the National Trail System. The trail would extend from southern Connecticut to northern Massachusetts and winds through some of the most scenic areas in these States. The trail also would help interpret much of the important early history of the Eastern United States. The National Park Service would be in charge of conducting the study, which would then forward their recommendation to the appropriate congressional committees within 2 years. If the study recommends inclusion into the National Trail System, Congress would then seek to approve the actual designation. Mr. Speaker, this bill was amended during the committee proceedings to address concerns of private landowners in New Hampshire. The bill is now ready to move forward. It is supported by both the minority and the administration. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1814 as amended.

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Wamp). (Mr. Wamp asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 908, introduced by the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Wamp), establishes the Moccasin Bend National Historical Site as a unit of the National Park System. The gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Wamp) is to be commended for his very hard work in bringing this bill to the floor and addressing a number of issues of concern. Because of his efforts and the advocacy that he participated in, the bill is now ready to move forward. This area of land, approximately 900 acres along the Tennessee River in Chattanooga, contains a number of historical artifacts and played a large role during the Civil War. Moccasin Bend was studied by the National Park Service, which recommended this area for inclusion as a park unit because it possessed an extensive range of historic themes and cultural resources. Mr. Speaker, this bill was amended during committee proceedings in order to address many of the concerns voiced by the minority and the Park Service, especially with the future of the public golf course and the mental health facility boundaries and adjustments. Most of these major problems have been worked out, and the bill is now supported by both the minority and the administration. Furthermore, appropriations for the acquisition have already been included in this year's budget, and authorization is required in order to proceed. Mr. Speaker, I again congratulate the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Wamp) on his very hard work on this bill, and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 908, as amended. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 980) to establish the Moccasin Bend National Historic Site in the State of Tennessee as a unit of the National Park System, as amended.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the ``Rural Exemption Enhancement Act of 2001'' (REEA). This modest proposal would ensure greater regulatory certainty for many of our nation's rural telephone companies as they continue their efforts to bring quality and affordable advanced telecommunications services to our communities. I am pleased that this legislation has been endorsed by the Organization for the Promotion and Advancement of Small Telecommunications Companies as well as Sierra Telephone Company in my home district. More than five years ago, Congress passed comprehensive legislation to reform our nation's telecommunications laws--the Telecommunications Act of 1996. In crafting this legislation, Congress wisely included provisions which exempt rural telephone companies from the collocation, unbundling and resale obligations imposed upon incumbent local exchange carriers. Congress understood that these obligations would not serve the best interests of rural consumers and would deter investment in high-cost areas that are already challenging to serve due to a lack of economies of scale. Mr. Speaker, it is important to note that the rural exemption accorded to rural telephone companies is not permanent and can be lifted by a State commission. Under section 251(f) of the Telecommunications Act, a new entrant may make a bona fide request to a State commission to lift a rural ILEC's exemption. Following a 120 day evaluation of the request, a State commission may lift the exemption if the request from the competing carrier is not found to be unduly economically burdensome, is technically feasible, and is consistent with the universal service provisions of the Act. I am very concerned, however, that the lifting of a rural telephone company exemption by a State commission currently applies to both voice grade and advanced services. The current process for evaluating a petition to lift a rural exemption provides disincentive for small, rural carriers to make costly investment in advanced telecommunications service infrastructure. For these reasons, I am introducing the ``Rural Exemption Enhancement Act. My legislation should not in any way be interpreted to be a competing proposal to H.R. 1542, the ``Internet Freedom and Broadband Deployment Act of 2001'' passed by the House Energy and Commerce Committee. I am proud to be a cosponsor and active supporter of that proposal. The bill that I am introducing today would simply make it clear that a request to lift the voice grade exemption should be made and evaluated separately from the advanced services exemption. Mr. Speaker, this Congress and the President will spend the remainder of this session developing legislation that is vital to our nation's economy and national security. I look forward to working with my colleagues to move this legislation forward next year before the 107th Congress adjourns sine die.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I come before the House today to highlight the importance of Binational Health Week, BHW, as proclaimed by the Fresno California County Board of Supervisors. Binational Health Week takes place this week, October 12-19, and it marks the beginning of the California-Mexico Health Initiative (CMHI) action plan. The CMHI is a cooperative working group between a number of local organizations in the Central Valley, and it works as a cultural bridge between migrants' health needs and available health care services in selected Mexican states as well as selected regions of California. The Binational Health Week promotes and reinforces healthy behavior among migrant families. It will reinforce California's vaccination campaigns by specifically targeting migrant families, and reinforce Mexican vaccination efforts. BHW will promote flu vaccination among high-risk migrant adults and provide migrant families with information on health resources and services available in selected counties in California. Finally, healthcare providers will be given an updated directory containing information on migrant health resources in California and Mexico and disseminate current research on migrant health issues by promoting bilateral collaboration among researchers, health care providers and administrators to address service gaps and unmet needs. This first Binational Health Week in California is conceived as a demonstration project to improve health care for migrants and will serve as the basis for future bilateral efforts. I certainly extend my support for Binational Health Week in California and urge members to become familiar of the cutting edge bilateral working group, the California-Mexico Health Initiative.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank the citizens of Clovis, California for their outpouring of sympathy and compassion in the wake of the tragedy which took place in New York City and Washington, DC on September 11. At this time, I would like to submit for the Congressional Record a document sent to me by Clovis Mayor Jose Flores, on behalf of the people of Clovis. Proclamation Honoring the Victims of Terrorist Attacks, the Rescue Workers and the Courage of the People of the United States Whereas, the World Trade Center and the Pentagon were attacked by terrorists in a cowardly act on September 11, 2001, resulting in tremendous loss of innocent lives of our fellow Americans; and Whereas, civilian hostages on some of the aircraft also sacrificed their lives with a last heroic act to intervene to successfully thwart the terrorists; and Whereas, the citizens of the City of Clovis express their deepest sympathy for the victims of the attack and the families and friends of the victims who must now face such sorrow and loss; and Whereas, the citizens of the City of Clovis recognize and give thanks for the actions of the rescue workers, many of whom have, through their own selfless actions, given their own lives in an effort to save their fellow citizens; and Whereas, even in the midst of such a terrible attack on our country, the courage of the people of the United States has shown through for all the world to see; and Whereas, in such trying times, the American people have shown to the world that we are strong and united have shown to the world that we are strong and united together against terrorism and in support of our country and its values of freedom. Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Clovis City Council does hereby extend our deepest sympathy to the families of the victims, our most heartfelt gratitude to the rescue workers seeking to aid our fellow Americans, and our assurance to the world that we, as citizens of the United States, stand united and will not tolerate terrorism or be diminished by its actions, but rather we, as a free people, will prevail against evil and continue to be a beacon of freedom for the world.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Fresno Rescue Mission on the occasion of their annual Fall Festival Banquet. The Fresno Rescue Mission is a non-profit evangelical Christian organization that has served the social and spiritual needs of the Fresno community for the past 52 years. The Fresno Rescue Mission works with homeless individuals, impoverished families, runaway, abused and neglected children, and single transient adults in the greater Fresno County area. The Fresno Rescue Mission provides emergency shelter, food, youth and family services, rehabilitation for the addicted, education, job training and spiritual assistance to all who seek help. The Fall Festival Banquet will feature guest speaker Pastor G.L. Johnson of Fresno's Peoples Church. Johnson has been the People's Church Senior Pastor since 1963. He Is one of Fresno's best-known and most respected pastors. The festival will also honor ``heritage partners,'' those who have donated $10,000 or more to the Mission over their lifetime. They will also honor 28 men who have graduated from the Mission's alcohol and drug recovery program. The Fresno Rescue Mission is the largest service organization in California's Central Valley. The Mission is responsible for the creation of 22 other Missions throughout the Western United States, all of which were started by graduates from their alcohol and drug recovery program. Mr. Speaker, I want to honor the Fresno Rescue Mission on the occasion of their Fall Festival Banquet. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing the Fresno Rescue Mission many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mrs. Evonne Stephenson for her public service in California's Madera County. After many years of dedicated service in various clerical positions, Mrs. Stephenson is retiring as Madera City Clerk. Mrs. Stephenson graduated from California State University, Fresno, with a degree in Secretarial Science. Her career began with the Madera County District Attorney's Office, where she served two years as a secretary. From there she went into private industry at such businesses as IADCO, Anderson Clayton and FMC Corporation. She returned to public service in 1990 as an Administrative Secretary for the City of Madera. In 1992, she became Deputy City Clerk for Madera before being appointed to City Clerk in 1993. As an Administrative Secretary, Stephenson arranged and attended all Planning Commission meetings, prepared minutes, did follow-up work in connection with the meetings, as well as maintained department files and provided information to the public. As Deputy City Clerk, she performed such duties as administering oaths of office and elections, preparation and distribution of public notices, declarations, ordinances, and resolutions, as well as maintaining files of official city documents. After being appointed to City Clerk, she received her Certified Municipal Clerk title in 1996. Mrs. Stephenson will officially retire on November 9, 2001. A retirement dinner is scheduled for the same date to be held at Madera's Municipal Golf Course. Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Evonne Stephenson for her years of public service to Madera County. I wish Mrs. Stephenson continued success in the years to come.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Saint Peter the Apostle Serbian Orthodox Church on the occasion of their 50 year anniversary. The church will be celebrating its golden anniversary at a celebration on October 13 of this year. Saint Peter the Apostle Serbian Orthodox Church has been a significant source of guidance in the Fresno community over the past fifty years. Many members of the Orthodox Faith in the Central San Joaquin Valley have made Saint Peter the Apostle Serbian Orthodox Church their home. On March 18 of 1951, Saint Peter the Apostle Serbian Orthodox Church- School Congregation of Fresno was officially incorporated in the State of California. The Church by-laws were approved and accepted by the Serbian Orthodox Diocese of America and Canada on June 1, of 1951. Since then, Saint Peter's has engaged in various improvement projects including starting an annual Parish Golf Tournament in 1968, that has raised thousands of dollars for the Social Hall and Education Building Funds and capital improvements on the church property and facilities. In 1989, St. Peter's Men's Club was organized. Through their monthly dinners they have raised funds for special church projects and have given thousands of dollars to local Fresno and Madera charitable organizations. During the 1990's, Saint Peter's has been active in providing humanitarian assistance to refugees from the civil war in the former Yugoslavia as well as the Kosovo Conflict. This assistance has included housing and sponsoring 7 refugees who were receiving medical treatment and prosthetic limbs in Fresno for over a two-year period. Saint Peter's has also been active in providing food to needy families in the Fresno/Clovis area through their Humanitarian Outreach Team. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Saint Peter the Apostle Serbian Orthodox Church on its 50 year anniversary. I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Church and wishing them many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 2385, H.R. 1161, H.R. 1384 and H.R. 1456, the four bills just considered.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.