Ed Towns

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Alexander J. Beckles, a great Bahamian-American and friend, who was on my staff for sixteen years and was my Legislative Director for eight years. Known to us as Alex, I have also heard my dear friend Chairman John Dingell call him ``Little Shaft.'' I first met Alex back in 1985 when he would come by my office on the 7th floor of the Longworth Building to visit the late Ms. Brenda E. Pillors, his friend and my former Chief of Staff of twenty-five years. Brenda was my first hire as a member of this institution back in January 1983. One day back in 1986, Alex approached me saying, ``Can I speak with you, Congressman Towns. I need your advice,'' and I told him to come on into my office. Alex explained that he was now working for my friend Congressman Gus Savage, but Congressman Clyde Holloway, R-Forest Hill, Louisiana, had offered him a job for his upcoming re-election campaign. After all, Alex had been the field coordinator for the Faye E. Williams, D-Alexandria, LA 8th Congressional District race two years earlier. During that period, Alex and Congressman Clyde Holloway had become friends, and the Congressman wanted Alex to work for him because of his relationship with the Black community in the 8th Congressional District of Louisiana. My response to Alex was, ``If Clyde Holloway is willing to give you a better paying job, take it and don't look back.'' I'm happy to say, Alex took my advice and the rest is history. Alex later worked on Congressman Holloway's Congressional staff from 1987 to 1992 as a Legislative Assistant and on a number of projects, such as a feasibility study for the Red River during and after large scale flooding in Central and Northwest Louisiana. Alex was most proud of his leadership in the Gulf States Counter-Narcotic Initiative, a unique multi-state counter-narcotics operation in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, funded by the Department of Defense. Alex's first job on Capitol Hill was with Congressman Tom Delay, R- Houston, Texas, where Alex had attended Texas Southern University and resided for some 14 years before coming to Washington, DC. Alex also worked for the following members of Congress: Congressman George Brown, D-California, Congressman Mervyn M. Dymally, D-California, and Congressman Gus Savage, D-Illinois, where he was able to work on a bill which set the national standard for minority set-asides within the Federal Government, particularly in the Department of Defense. Alex later came to work for me in 1993, after Congressman Holloway lost to Congressman Richard Baker in the November election of 1992. He was an indispensable resource to the constituents of the 10th Congressional District of Brooklyn, New York from 1993 to 2008, as Legislative Assistant and later as my Legislative Director. Nobody had more zeal for the job, and more loyalty to the office and the constituents of the District. An example of his service to the people of Brooklyn was demonstrated in 1994 when we received a phone call into the District office, just before President Bill Clinton was forced to send American troops to Haiti. The matter concerned a 7 year old Haitian-American girl that was living with her grandmother in Port-au-Prince, and the last commercial Air France flight had departed Haiti a few days earlier. The mother, who lived in Brooklyn, was frightened and deeply concerned for her daughter's safety. Her child, it seemed, was stranded in what was soon to be a war zone with no way out. Alex spoke with the mother of the child and told her to give him a few days and she will have her baby home safe with her in Brooklyn. On that Thursday, my Chief of Staff, Brenda Pillors, informed me that I would need to be at Kennedy International Airport the next day to meet the mother of a 7 year old Haitian girl, who lives here in Brooklyn and had not seen her daughter in over a year. She further informed me that Alex had arranged to fly the child out of Haiti earlier that day on Mission Flights out of Fort Lauderdale. I do not know, nor did I ask, how Alex was able to get this child out of Haiti just before the war started. But he did it. This is an example of why the staff always called Alex ``Mr. Fix-it'' and joked that no one could ever figure it out but he was able to get it done. Mr. Speaker, I wish to say thank you to Alexander J. Beckles for all his many years of service on my Congressional staff, to this institution, and to the American people.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. TOWNS. Let me just say, too, that you're right, this is probably my final bill, and it has been great serving here in this Congress for 30 years. You've taught me a lot, too, and let me just tell you the latest thing that you taught me. We were having a hearing with all of these professional football players in terms of how they performed on the field and regarding enhancement drugs and all of that. When they turned to you--because we were saying that you were the only football player on the committee-- you said that you were not a football player but that you were a kicker. I thought that that was a very interesting comment because I'd just assumed all of these years that you were a football player since you set all those records. I want to thank you so much for your kind words. It has been a delight to work with you as well.

Mr. TOWNS. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. TOWNS. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. First of all, I would like to thank the Members who worked very hard to make this a reality, and I want to take the opportunity to applaud the leadership and its commitment to the Members of Congress who have worked so hard on this legislation--Senator Carper and Senator Collins and, of course, Congressman Issa and Congressman Cummings from Maryland. They have all worked very closely with us, along with my good friend Congressman Platts, to make this day a reality. Through its stewardship, the Subcommittee on Government Organization, Efficiency and Financial Management has conducted a series of hearings on the problems of improper payments, and this legislation is the result of our findings on those hearings. I also want to thank the staff who worked very hard on H.R. 4053. Of course, it is a proud accomplishment when you listen to the stories of people who are in the military and when you hear how they go months and months without their families getting paid, that they are transferred from one base to another and, as a result, the families do not get paid because they're saying they cannot locate where they are. Of course, many times when soldiers are transferred from one base to another, you'll find that they are not able to get paid. I think that that's something that we should abort because here they are defending this country in a magnificent way, and we cannot find a way to get them paid. This legislation points out how important it is to be able to get them paid. On that note, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Altmire), who is very interested in this and who has expressed over and over again how important it is to make certain that our military people are paid and are paid on time.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate and pay tribute to Ms. Diondra Jade Harp for her contributions to the community. Ms. Diondra Jade Harp is a fourth generation member at the historic Berean Baptist Church in Brooklyn, NY where Dr. Arlee Griffin, Jr. is their Pastor and Rev. Byron Benton is the Youth Pastor. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Diondra says ``I was destined for greatness and am privileged to be one of the honorees of the Concerned Women of Brooklyn, Inc.'' Ms. Harp is currently a sophomore at Delaware State University where she is pursuing a degree in criminal justice with a 3.4 grade point average. She is a student mentor for the 2012-2013 incoming freshman class. She is also a member of the Delaware State University Gospel Choir and will join the Concert Choir in the spring of 2013. Diondra's future professional studies include attending law school. Her main goals in life have always been to achieve success in a career that involves helping others and to live her life in a way that may be pleasing to God. Diondra attended John Dewey H.S. and served as a peer mediator of the Conflict Resolution Program. During her senior year she was elected President of the Student Government Organization. She was also a member of the National Society of High School Scholars (N.S.H.S.S.), and was elected to represent New York in the Lead America career and leadership conferences. Aside from her academic achievements, Diondra's extra-curricular activities include gymnastics and playing the piano. Diondra gives credit to her mother's teachings and prayers for molding her into the young woman she has become. Mr. Speaker I call on my colleagues to join me in recognizing the contributions and accomplishments of Ms. Diondra Jade Harp.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and to honor Mr. Whittaker Mack III who's talents and service have been of great value to his community. Whittaker Mack III was born in New York City, the oldest of two children Whittaker Mack is a retired NYC Sanitation foreman and real estate developer, and the late Ethel Devone Mack, a real estate developer and homemaker. His sister, Tiffany, is a math teacher in the NYC school system, He has been a resident of New York his entire life. He began his educational career in the Lutheran private schooling system from kindergarten through eigth grade. He graduated from August Martin High in 1984. Whittaker is the current Chairperson for the Urban Resource Institute, a major non-profit organization dedicated to assisting families affected by domestic violence, mental development issues, and substance abuse. He is an active member of the Male Usher Ministry in the Greater Allen Cathedral since 2008 and has been actively attending Allen since 1982. In other community activities, Whittaker is the chairperson for Duke University's Alumni Advisory Committee for Orange and Rockland Counties of New York, the Immediate Past President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.--Eta Zeta Lambda of Westchester County Chapter lifetime member of the National Black MBA Association, and an active member in local Rotarian Clubs and Chamber of Commerce organizations. Whittaker received his Bachelor's Degree from Duke University and Master's of Business Administration in finance and wealth management at Fordham University Graduate School of Business. Currently, Whittaker is employed as Vice President, JP Morgan Securities, LLC as a financial advisor in the Wall Street area. Prior to Chase, he worked in the financial services industry with Merrill Lynch and LPL. Before working in the financial services industry, he started his career in the pharmaceutical industry in a variety of roles including analytical research chemist, formulation research scientist, production manager, plant manager, and a pharmaceutical representative. He is happily married to Keisha Mack, a Clinical Nurse Manager for United Health Care, and currently resides in Rockland County New York. In his free time, Whittaker enjoys playing sports, mainly golf and baseball, and traveling the world. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Mr. Whittaker Mack III for his valuable contributions to his community.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and to honor to Master Gunnery Sergeant Graham for his dedication and commitment to his country. Master Gunnery Sergeant Graham graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Brooklyn, New York in 1981. On February 23, 1982 he enlisted in the Marine Corps and attended recruit training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island, South Carolina. After graduating Recruit Training, Private First Class Graham transferred to the U.S. Army Transportation School in Forth Eustis, VA for training in his occupational field. In September 1982 after he was transferred to Marine Corps Base, Camp S.D. Butler, Okinawa Japan, Graham was promoted to Lance Corporal and subsequently meritoriously promoted to Corporal. On December 1, 1985 he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant after being transferred to Marine Corps Base in Quantico, Virginia. In 1996 he was promoted to the rank or Gunnery Sergeant. On May 1, 2001 he was promoted to Master Sergeant and was ultimately promoted to Master Gunnery Sergeant in February of 2006. His personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unity Commendation Ribbon 2nd Award, Navy Meritorious Unity Commendation Ribbon, Maine Corps Good Conduct Medal 8th Award, National Defense Service Medal 2nd Award, South West Asia Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon 6th Award, Navy Marine Corps Overseas Ribbon, Drill Instructor Service Ribbon, Kuwait Liberation medal (Saudi Aribia), Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait) and the Iraq campaign medal. On December 16, 2011 Master Gunnery Sergeant Graham retired from the Marine Corps after thirty years of Active Service. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Master Gunnery Sergeant Graham for his outstanding service to our country.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Ms. Beatrice Gonzalez. She inherited her love for serving people and her community from her father Mr. Salvador and mother Pilar Gonzalez, who were part of the founding members of the Puerto Rican Merchants Association in the 1950's in Brownsville, Brooklyn. Ms Gonzalez is a devoted single mother to her son Julian Michael Perez who has become a well renowned musician. Ms. Gonzalez has acted as a community leader and advocate for the intellectual disabilities as the Director of Human Resources and Special Assistant to the President/CEO of the Federation of Multicultural Programs, Inc. For the past 28 year She has initiated several programs that have enhanced the quality of life for people with intellectual disabilities throughout city. Ms. Gonzales has been active in programs that address violence within youth populations working with community leaders, State Legislators and clergy. Ms Gonzalez is well known for her tenacity, hard work and generosity towards those who are less fortunate in our society. Mr. Speaker, Beatrice Gonzalez is truly one of the New York City's unsung heroes. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Ms. Beatrice Gonzalez.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate and pay tribute to Ms. Dorothy Small for her contributions to the community. Professor Dorothy Small has dedicated her life to strengthen the growth and development of children from all areas of the world. Professor Small was born in Colon, Panama. She attended Elementary School at Escuela Republica del Paraguay and continued her education at Abel Bravo High School. Professor Small initiated studies for a Spanish professorship at Panama University in 1955 and graduated in 1960. She continued Graduate Studies at Panama University and obtained a Ucentiate in Philosophy and Letters with Specialization in Spanish in 1962. In 1963 she attended the Interamerican University of Coahuila, Mexico and obtained a Masters Degree in Spanish Grammar and Literature. Ms. Small migrated to the United States in 1966 and attended Columbia University pursuing studies toward school administration. She graduated in 1969 and obtained a Professional Diploma. Upon graduating from Columbia University she worked for Cornell University as a bilingual research associate. Her duties were to instruct low-income homemakers in home management and consumer education. From 1974 to 1977 she served as a director of education in the South Bronx for drug addicts and alcoholics. Her mission was to place them in schools and jobs after rehabilitation. Ms. Small joined the Board of Education in 1977 as a bilingual teacher. In 1979 she transferred to bilingual special education in order to guide and assist Hispanic students who were wrongfully placed. With the assistance of the Board of Education, she continued her studies in special education at Brooklyn College. In 1982, she obtained a Master of Science Degree in Education with Specialization in Children with Special Needs. Professor Small served in the evenings as an adjunct professor of spanish at Bronx Community College and at City College for 10 years. Professor Small is an assiduous community worker. She is a member of the Canarsie Community Council, the Vice President of the Women's Caucus for Congressman Edolphus Towns, the Trustee for the Day of Independence Committee of Panamanians in New York. She is also a soloist of the choir of St. Martin Roman Catholic Church and a member of the choir of the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music. She is also a member of many other organizations. Currently Professor Small is a retired assistant principal and her life goal and aspirations are to produce successful students and citizens. Mr. Speaker, I call on my colleagues to join me in recognizing the contributions and accomplishments of Ms. Dorothy Small.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and to honor Edna Johnson, for her contribution to her community and dedication to my Brooklyn office. Edna Johnson was born and raised in small steel mill town in Clairton, Pennsylvania, the youngest of nine children where her parents also raised four of their grandchildren. She studied music at the Hayes Schools of Music in Pittsburgh at a very young age. After graduating from Clairton High School she relocated to New York City where she lived in Manhattan for over 30 years. She joined Broadway United Church of Christ and served as Deacon, Trustee, and Steward. The church took it upon itself to pay her college expenses, which led her to Pace University in the evenings for seven years before receiving a BA in Political Science. Edna previously worked as a Parent Organizer working with parents in the public schools. While living in Manhattan she became chairperson of the Tenant Association in Clinton Towers for five years. Edna also chaired the 79th Precinct Community Council for six years where she changed the attitudes of people in the community to work with the local police. Edna served as Special Assistant to in my office serving the 10th Congressional District in Brooklyn. She is also a member of Community Board 3 and has received several citations for perfect attendance. In her first year on the board she was Chairperson of the Police, Fire and Safety Committee. Edna now Chairs the Health Hospital and Social Services Committee. She is currently in her third year as Chair of the Board of Directors for Northeast Brooklyn Housing Development Co. In recognition of her services she has received citations from me, City Councilwoman Robinson, The NYC Police Department, The 79th Precinct Council, The Brooklyn Job Corps, A.I.D.P. at P.S. 26, Hebron Baptist Church, Greater Cross Road Baptist Church, Bridge Street Development Corporation, The Bedford Stuyvesant Community Block Association and The National Night Out Committee. Edna is a very active mother in the lives of children, D'Shawn & Fred, her son-in-law Mark, and two grandchildren, Markell and Kayla. She is Choir Director, Trustee, Chair of the Pastoi's Aide Committee and member at The Greater Cross Road Baptist Church. She is also an original member of Naomi Shelton and the Gospel Queens singing all over the United States and Canada. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Mrs. Edna Johnson for her commitment to our Brooklyn community.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and to honor to Reverend Randy Lee Ware for his ongoing service to his community. Reverend Ware is a native of Brooklyn, New York and now resides in Arverne, New York. He received his elementary education at P.S. 191 and high school education at Fort Hamilton High School in Brooklyn. He went on to continue his education at Staten Island Community College for two years. In May 1990 he completed his B.A. degree in Liberal Arts and Psychology from the College of New Rochelle and in May 2011 he received his Master of Divinity degree from New York Theological Seminary. Reverend Ware has been accepted to the doctoral programs at the New York Theological Seminary. Reverend Ware joined Berean Missionary Baptist Church in 1977 and was baptized under the leadership of the late Dr. Hylton L. James. He entered the ministry at Berean in 1983 under the leadership of Reverend Gus Roman. On April 12, 1992, under the leadership of Dr. Arlee Griffin Jr., he was ordained. He was an associate minister at Berean Missionary Baptist Church and was involved in the Christian Education Department, taught the Young Adult Sunday School class and taught at the Berean Bible Institute. He served two years as the interm minister at Kenilworth Baptist Church, Brooklyn. In October 2004, Pastor Ware was appointed 2nd Vice President of the Congress of Christian Education for the New York Progressive Baptist State Convention, Inc. In August 2005, Pastor Ware preached at the Progressive National Baptist Conference's Ministers Seminar in Detroit, Michigan. In October 2011, Pastor Ware became the President of the New York Progressive Baptist State Convention, Inc. In the same month, he was also unanimously voted in as the Moderator of the New York Missionary Baptist Association. Reverend Ware also worked at Metropolitan Hospital for 21 years and is presently employed at the New York City Department of Education. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Reverend Randy Lee Ware as an outstanding citizen and commend him on his commitment to his community.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and to honor Eric L. Adams, a former Captain of the New York City Police Department and current member of the New York State Senate. As a Captain in the NYPD, Eric Adams became well-known to New Yorkers as a tireless and thoughtful advocate for the people and communities he served, and he earned widespread praise for creating innovative programs on issues ranging from conflict resolution to child abuse prevention. Eric Adams co-founded 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care, a group comprised of law enforcement personnel and their supporters, to provide assistance and subsidies to community-based organizations that strive to improve their neighborhoods. He also is a former Chairperson of the Grand Council for the Guardians and serves on the board of the Eastern District Counseling Service, an organization that assists former substance abusers to live productive lives without dependency on drugs or alcohol. On November 7, 2006, Captain Adams ended his 22-year career in the New York City Police Department; Eric L. Adams traded his blue uniform for a blue suit when the resident of the 20th Senatorial District elected him to the New York State Senate. Eric Adams is well known for his efforts in closing the gap through changing relationships between law enforcement and the residents of New York's diverse neighborhoods. His highly-regarded instructional workshops, ``What To Do When Stopped By The Police,'' has helped thousands of young people throughout New York learn to interact more appropriately with the police by using established conflict resolution skills. The forums have been duplicated throughout the country and provided a generation of youngsters with a better understanding of reliable methods to resolve difficult conflicts--not only with the police, but also with teachers, peers, and others. Senator Adams also created a series of free public safety seminars for New York City parents to address issues including gang awareness and child abuse prevention and to review methods to protect children from abduction. He also created an annual ``Cradle to College'' Parent and Youth Empowerment Seminar to empower families and enable parents to build upon their progeny's strengths to avoid the pitfalls of youth. Mr. Speaker, may our country continue to benefit from the civic actions of committed and laudable community leaders such as Eric L. Adams. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to New York State Senator Eric Adams.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate and pay tribute to Dr. Evaristo Olanrewaju Akerele for his contributions to the community. Dr. Evaristo Olanrewaju Akerele was born in Nigeria. He comes from a long line of physicians and attorneys. His great Aunt was the first woman physician in West Africa. He is a devoted father of three beautiful daughters whom he loves dearly. Dr. Akerele received his Bachelor of Science with Honors in Biochemistry from the University Of London, England. He went on to earn his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania. He trained as a research fellow in Addiction Psychiatry and later served as the Co-director of the Substance Abuse Research Fellowship program at Columbia. While there he pursued a Master's in Public Health Policy and Management from Columbia University. Dr. Akerele, is an accomplished researcher, educator, administrator and clinician. He has published several papers, received State and Federal Grants from agencies like the National Institute on Drug Abuse. He also served as the Associate Director of Psychiatry and Director of the Residency Training at Harlem Hospital, and Columbia University. Dr. Akerele also served as the Vice President and Medical Director for Phoenix House where he was responsible for the Medical Management for over 3000 patients. Equally important, Dr. Akerele has served as the Board Examiner for the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology since 2005. Dr. Akerele is very active in multiple professional associations at National and State levels. Finally, he served as the chair of the New York State Substance Abuse committee, also as State representative to the American Psychiatric Association National Assembly. He is a distinguished fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and past President of the New York County American Psychiatric Association. With all of his achievements, Dr. Akerele is filled with thankfulness, because he understands that he is the beneficiary of the hard work and sacrifices of those that came before him. Mr. Speaker, I call on my colleagues to join me in recognizing the contributions and accomplishments of Dr. Evaristo Olanrewaju Akerele.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and honor LaRay Brown for her track record in public service and her commitment to improving the community. LaRay Brown is the Senior Vice President for Corporate Planning, Community Health and Intergovernmental Relations at the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC), the largest municipal public hospital system in the country. She has been acknowledged by Modern Healthcare as one of the Top 25 Women in Healthcare. LaRay Brown directs strategic-planning efforts for the corporation, and formulation and execution of legislative initiatives and advocacy strategies. Among the many corporate-wide initiatives that she led, Ms. Brown is spearheading the development of affordable and accessible housing on behalf of HHC's patients. She is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Commission on the Public's Health System's Marshall C. England Memorial Public Health Award in 2010 and the Community Health Care Association of New York State's Rosemarie Forstner Award in 2011. She was a member of Governor Cuomo's health care transition team and his Medicaid Redesign Team Work Groups on Housing and Health Disparities. Ms. Brown also serves on the board of New York State Health Foundation. Ms. Brown previously held leadership positions with the State of New Jersey including its Division of Mental Health and Hospitals and its Division of Youth and Family Services. Ms. Brown graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania and received her graduate training at the University of Pennsylvania Fets Center for Government Policy. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Ms. LaRay Brown for her successful career and continued work in service to the community.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Kimberly Welch, a model servant of the needs of the public, a person dedicated to the importance of family, and native New Yorker. Ms. Kimberly Welch has been working at the Health & Hospital Corporation for 22 years, beginning as an office aide and now Assistant Associate, providing much help in Mental Health Services to the citizens of Brooklyn. She has focused and devoted her time enlightening, understanding and caring for patients. An advocate of education, Ms. Welch attended Boricua College in Brooklyn, where she earned a Bachelors of Science Degree in human services. She is active in her children's education and was elected vice president of the PTA at her children's school. Ms. Welch has always had an interest in helping families, especially in underserved communities. Thinking about ways she could fulfill this desire, she joined an organization named ``SomeMeTime'', which allows her the ability to empower women. The annual Mother's Day Brunch provides mothers with a day of rest and relaxation. Ms. Welch also participates in programs that educate women on the importance of good health and hygiene. Ms. Welch volunteers in a very special organization named ``L.A.C.E. Leading Ladies'' which is dear to her heart because her daughter is one of the founding members. This organization based in Brooklyn, collects, cleans, and distributes prom and graduation dresses to underprivileged junior high school girls throughout New York City. In the spring of 2012, they provided dresses to more than 625 young girls. Ms. Welch enjoys the holidays and says it's her favorite and busiest time of the year. She participates in an annual turkey giveaway to the community and she helps feed less fortunate families on Thanksgiving Day. At Christmas, she assists with coordinating the distribution of toys for chronic substance abuse families and children with a history of mental illness. Kimberly is also affiliated with an organization that allows these families to have their photos professionally taken for their holiday memories. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Ms. Kimberly Welch for her efforts advocating for the well-being of our disenfranchised fellow citizens.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Maltida Sykes, a tenacious leader and advocate in the community and an inspiration to all of New York. Matilda, known affectionately as ``Mattie'', was born in Bennetsville, South Carolina. At a young age, she attended Sunday Service at Shiloh Baptist Church with her grandmother. Like her grandmother, she became a faithful church parishioner. As the second oldest of three siblings, she developed a loving concern for others. Her family moved to Brooklyn, NY, where she joined First Baptist Church of Crown Heights and started singing in the youth choir. She accepted Christ at an early age and became involved in youth ministry. Living in the big city, Mattie continued her education at Rothchild JHS and Bay Ridge HS, graduating and going on to further her education at Kingsborough Community College, where she majored in Business Administration and received an A.A.S. Degree. While attending college, she met her late husband John M. Sykes, Sr. They had one child, John M. Skyes, Jr. As a young mother, Mattie returned to the work force, landing jobs in the retail field. After that, she accepted a position with the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Bureau of Child Care. During her 29 years in the department, she became an advocate for children, working on special projects with the Associate Commissioner. Mattie is also strongly active with District Council 37, working as a shop steward and delegate for Local 1549. Mattie worked in the community with the Neighborhood Youth Corp and summer lunch programs while sitting on the Board of the Five Block Daycare Center. She enjoys promoting AIDS and Breast Cancer Awareness at local health fairs around the city. Currently a member of the Bethany Baptist Church, Mattie has served as secretary to the Ladies Usher Board for several years. With the love and guidance she receives from above, she is content with caring for her elderly mother and watching her two darling granddaughters, Chyna and Aja Sykes grow up. Mattie enjoys spending her free time with her family and dearest friends whenever possible and truly feels the Lord's blessings. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Matilda ``Mattie'' Sykes.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Ms. Amanda Rogers who was born on April 17, 1997. Ms Rogers's tenacity to excel and kind heart have been emphasized through her community service and her academic achievements. Ms. Rogers graduated from Pre School with the highest GPA at the school. She was valedictorian and she served with distinction as President of the Student Body, where she also tutored students with learning difficulties. She continued to excel academically while at Urban Assembly Institute School for Young Women in Science and Math. Ms. Rogers was Valedictorian once more and graduated with an impressive 99.2 GPA, achieving high scores in all of her Regents exams. It is worth noting that Ms. Rogers graduated from both elementary and intermediate schools with perfect attendance. Ms. Rogers now attends Brooklyn College Academy where she finished her first year of high school receiving the highest Regent scores. Ms. Rogers continues to help her fellow students through tutoring. Next year, as a junior, she will be on Brooklyn College's campus taking courses towards an Associate's degree. In addition to her educations, this former Girl Scout finds time to do community service work through several organizations. She is a two time recipient of the White House U.S. Presidential Award. She has studied Modern, African, Ballet, Hip-Hop, Tap and Belly Dancing. Mr. Speaker, those who meet the young Ms. Rogers are taken by her humility and giving spirit. Ms Rogers aspires to become a doctor and with her determination we are sure that she will continue to excel and be an example of leadership to her peers. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Ms. Amanda Rogers.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Ms. Angela Edwards. Ms. Edwards started her nursing career in 1983 at Port of Spain General Hospital. She received her diploma in Nursing in 1986 and immigrated to the United States in 1989. She received a Bachelor's degree at St. Joseph College and a Master Degree in Nursing from Teachers College at Columbia University. Ms. Edwards then started work at Mount Sinai Medical Center in 1993 and in 1996 she received the Nursing Award for Nursing Excellence. Ms. Edwards' stand-out service helped her get promoted from Staff Nurse to Clinical Coordinator and finally Clinical Nurse Manager. Ms. Edwards also served as Clinical Director of Nursing at the Saint Vincent Medical Centers from 2008 until the center's closure in April 2010. Ms. Edwards started work at Woodhull Medical Center and during her brief tenure she created and implemented a Quality Nursing Dashboard to monitor clinical, financial and human resources sensitive indicators. She was instrumental in creating an all RN model in the Medical Surgical units, thereby ensuring high quality care for out-patients and she implemented Focus Charting to ensure improved nursing documentation in acute care units. All these initiatives to improved patient care culminated with the Implementation of Primary Nursing Model, which is as a Best Practice at the Woodhull Medical Center. All through her nursing career Ms. Edwards provided compassionate and quality care to all patients especially those without resources. Today, she continues to tirelessly work to eliminate health disparities among the communities she serves. Ms. Edwards now serves as the Deputy Director of Nursing at the North Brooklyn Health Network were she leads the nursing team providing quality care for the Inpatient Unit which consists of Critical Care, Medical/Surgical, Behavioral Health and Maternal Child Health services. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Ms. Edwards for her contribution to the medical fraternity and our community. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Ms. Angela Edwards.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate and pay tribute to Charles J. Hynes for his important and respected commitment to his community as the District Attorney of Kings County. Charles began his career in public service in 1963 as an associate attorney for the Legal Aid Society. In 1969, he joined the Kings County District Attorney's Office as an Assistant District Attorney. In 1971, he was named Chief of the Rackets Bureau and in 1973, he was promoted to First Assistant District Attorney. In 1999, Mr. Hynes created the ComALERT, (Community And Law Enforcement Resources Together), public safety program which supports individuals on probation or parole as they re-enter their Brooklyn communities. In 2005, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Mr. Hynes started a United States Department of Justice funded Family Justice Center--a one stop shopping service for victims of domestic violence and their surviving children. Since 2000, District Attorney Hynes has served as a member of the American Bar Association. In 2008, he received the American Bar Association Award, ``Lawyer as Problem Solver,'' and the ``Cyrus R. Vance Tribute'' from The Fund for Modern Courts. In 2009, he was given the Diversity Championship Award by The New York City Bar Association. On November 3, 2009, Charles J. Hynes was re-elected to his sixth term as the District Attorney of Kings County (Brooklyn), New York. Mr. Hynes continues to demonstrate his commitment to public service and education by serving as an Adjunct Professor of Trial Advocacy at three New York City Law Schools. He was appointed to both St. John's and Brooklyn Law School in 1984, and Fordham University Law School in 1992. Mr. Hynes is now spearheading a groundbreaking alternative-to-prison program for mothers and their children through a not-for-profit foundation named in honor of his mother, Regina Drew. The Drew Foundation is planning to operate the first residence of its kind in the country in which women will be permitted to remain with all of their children in a secure, community-based setting while receiving intensive trauma-focused, rehabilitative services. District Attorney Hynes is a proud and life-long resident of Brooklyn, where he was born and raised in the Flatbush section. He met his wife, Patricia L. Pennisi, a registered nurse, while they were undergraduate students. He attended St. John's University while she was at Kings County Hospital. Mr. Speaker, I call on my colleagues to join me in recognizing the contributions and accomplishments of Mr. Charles J. Hynes.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and to honor Cindi Van Petten, a highly motivated educator at The Dr. Ronald E. McNair, Public School 5, under the leadership of Principal Lena S. Gates and Assistant Principal Kesha Townsel. Ms. Van Petten has more than ten years of accomplishments in education and is fiercely committed to her students who call her Ms. Van. Under her watch, students have participated in debates, Meet Our Community Leaders Workshops, and participated in the Adelaide Sanford Institute Oratory Contest and Public School 5's first annual National Urban Alliance Literacy Workshop for Children, just to name a few. She believes that with the right formula every child can be successful by using innovative ways to meet the needs of all students and their learning styles. Ms. Van Petten's devotion to education extends beyond the classroom as a participant in the Principal Aspiring Leaders Program through the Grapevine Network, sponsored by Margarita Nells, the network leader. Ms. Van Petten is a member of Caring Educators In Action, Inc. and is a member of the National Science Teacher Association, NSTA, and The City College of New York tech program where she conducts workshops in teaching engineering in elementary schools in Pennsylvania, Washington DC, California, and Texas. Ms. Van trains new teachers and mentors up and coming teachers helping them to blossom into great educators. As a member of the Adelaide Sanford Institute, she conducts parent workshop on new and exciting educational trends, especially the new common core curriculum in literacy and math. She gives back to her community by teaching GED classes through the Brooklyn Adult Learning Center. She is a member of The Brown Memorial Baptist Church over which Pastor Clinton Miller presides. On top of all that she is the mother of two beautiful children, Calynn and Caleb, IV. Her dedication to her craft is second to none. Cindi Van Petten's philosophy about work can be found in a quoute by John Ruskin: ``Education . . . is a painful, continual and difficult work to be done in kindness, by watching, by warning . . . by praise, but above all, by example.'' Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Cindi Van Petten for her tremendous contributions to the community. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Cindi Van Petten.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and to honor Colvin Grannum, for his commitment to developing his community. Born and raised in Bedford Stuyvesant, Mr. Grannum graduated from Erasmus Hall High School. He earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center. He serves as a member of the board of directors of the New York City Workforce Investment Board, Center for New York City Neighborhoods (CNYCN), Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, Bedford Stuyvesant Early Childhood Development Center, Inc., and Head Start Sponsoring Boards Council. He has served on advisory boards of JP Morgan Chase, Goldman Sachs New Markets Fund, Fannie Mae, HSBC Bank, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and Pratt Center for Community Development, just to name a few. He also served as a trustee of the Brunswick School, in Greenwich, Connecticut. Mayor Bloomberg appointed Mr. Grannum to serve on the Mayor's Commission for Economic Opportunity, and former Governor Spitzer appointed him to the then Governor-elect's Housing Policy Transition Team. Mr. Grannum practiced law for over 17 years primarily as a litigation attorney before embarking on his career in community development. He has been employed by the United States Department of Justice, the New York State Attorney General, the NYNEX Corporation, and the New York City Corporation Counsel, respectively, where he held a variety of senior level positions and was responsible for handling and supervising litigation, including trials, appeals, and regulatory proceedings. Colvin Grannum has served as president of Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation (Restoration) since March 2001. Under Mr. Grannum's leadership, Restoration is experiencing a robust resurgence. Restoration provides services and programs in the areas of arts and education, including Bedford Stuyvesant Head Start, the Restoration Information Technology Education (RITE) Center, the Youth Arts Academy and the Restoration Dance Theater, and economic development, including the Restoration Capital Fund. Prior to joining Restoration, Mr. Grannum served as a founding director and the chief executive officer of Bridge Street Development Corporation (BSDC), a faith-based not-for-profit community development corporation affiliated with Bridge Street African Methodist Episcopal Church in Brooklyn, New York. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Mr. Colvin Grannum for his outstanding accomplishments and dedication to his community.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and to honor Naomi Collins, for her track record in public service and her commitment to charity. Naomi Collins was born in Brooklyn, New York, to the late James and Louise Miller. Mrs. Collins was educated in the New York City public school system. She attended Public School 309, Junior High School 35, Franklin K. Lane High School and Brooklyn College. She is married to Elder Michael Collins and has seven children and five grandchildren. She currently attends Unity Temple Church of God in Christ in Brooklyn, New York, where the pastor is Elder Melvin Cooper. Mrs. Collins serves on the Deaconess Board as well as the Youth Department. She currently serves as District Youth Leader under Auxiliary Bishop Willie G. Robinson. She holds several licenses including a First Class FCC license as Chaplain in the State of New York and a Deaconess and Food Protection license. From a young age Mrs. Collins was raised to be a valued and contributing member of her community. She served her community and church throughout her youth and as an adult, she always sought to do more to help others. It was this desire that led her to found the Faith Outreach Food Program to help feed the hungry and disadvantaged in her community. Now over 25 years later, Mrs. Collins is still operating the Faith Outreach Food Program through which she feeds thousands of underprivileged individuals each month. During her years of operating the Food Program, Mrs. Collins saw to other critical community needs. Each year Mrs. Collins adds new programs and events in order to reach as many disadvantaged and underserved groups in New York as possible. Her entire life has been devoted to serving others. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Mrs. Naomi Collins for her commitment to serving others and continued dedication to the community.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and to honor Taharka Robinson for his devotion to public service in his community. Taharka Robinson was born and raised in the Bedford Stuyvesant Community of Kings County. He attended Community Head Start, Martin De Porres School, Uhuru Sassa Shule, the Dwayne Braithwaite School, J.H.S 35 and Boys and Girls High School. Growing up, he was fortunate enough to have been exposed to community affairs at an early age. Rev. Taharka attended P.T.A. meetings, school board meetings, community board meetings, rallies, voter registration drives, political campaign meetings and even protests. Exposed to all of these events, Rev. Taharka understood that there was something significant about serving the community. In 2002 after working on numerous political campaigns, Rev. Taharka started Urban Consulting Group Inc., a political consulting firm that targeted urban communities throughout the state of N.Y. Through his commitment and dedication Taharka successfully orchestrated the election of five African American Judges to the Kings County Civil Court over the course of three consecutive election cycles. In 2006 Rev. Taharka Robinson took a leave of absence from political consulting to pursue ministerial studies. After completing his studies and acquiring the required certification, Rev. Taharka Robinson started Victory Consulting Group Inc. a full service consulting firm that handles every phase of a campaign, from strategy, management, community outreach, polling, to media and field coordination. Since 2003, Rev. Taharka Robinson has worked to help promote equity in the Kings County Court System. Through his work, serving as a Judge in Kings County is a more attainable goal for people of color. Taharka has demonstrated his commitment to public service through interaction with community faith based and political organizations. Rev. Taharka convenes an annual Clergy Luncheon that is focused on highlighting the needs of the most fragile people in our communities. Rev. Taharka is the founder of The Brooklyn Anti Violence Coalition an organization that deals with the issue of crime and violence in the community. Rev. Taharka Robinson's life vision is to promote leadership within the community, create mentoring opportunities for young men and women and continue the legacy of his mother. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Mr. Taharka Robinson for his commitment to serving others and continued dedication to the community.