Ed Towns

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 957) honoring Jimmie Johnson, 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion.

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

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4495) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 100 North Taylor Lane in Patagonia, Arizona, as the ``Jim Kolbe Post Office''.

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and to extend their remarks.

Mr. TOWNS. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to present H.R. 4495 for consideration. This legislation will designate the United States Postal Service facility located at 100 North Taylor Lane in Patagonia, Arizona, as the Jim Kolbe Post Office. Introduced by my colleague, Representative Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona, on January 21, 2010, and reported out of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee on January 27, 2010, by unanimous consent, H.R. 4495 enjoys the support of the entire Arizona House delegation. Born on June 28, 1942, in Evanston, Illinois, United States Navy veteran and former Congressman Jim Kolbe began his public service and political career serving as a United States Senate page for Barry Goldwater and graduating from the United States Capitol Page School in 1960. In 1976, Kolbe ran for the Arizona State Senate and served three terms in that body. In 1985 Mr. Kolbe was sworn in to Congress, becoming the first Republican to represent southern Arizona in the House. During his 22 years in office, Mr. Kolbe served as the chair of the Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export Financing and Related Programs of the House Appropriations Committee for his last 6 years in Congress. For four years, he was chairman of the Treasury, Post Office and Related Agencies Subcommittee. Mr. Kolbe decided not to run for re-election in 2006 and now serves as a senior Trans-Atlantic Fellow at the German Marshall Fund advising on trade matters. He also serves as an adjunct professor in the College of Business at the University of Arizona. Mr. Speaker, let us honor former Congressman Kolbe through the passage of this resolution and by designating the North Taylor Lane Post Office in honor of Congressman Kolbe. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. TOWNS. In closing, again, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring Jim Kolbe through the passage of H.R. 4495, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I introduce a resolution recognizing and supporting the goals and ideals of North American Inclusion Month. Whereas one in every five Americans struggles with some sort of disability, be it intellectual, physical or otherwise, and the need for inclusion of individuals with disabilities is a family, community and national priority; Whereas a similar ratio exists in the Jewish community, with over 1 million Jewish individuals living with a form of disability; Whereas individuals with disabilities face significant disadvantages in educational and employment opportunities; Whereas 70 percent of individuals with disabilities are unemployed or significantly underemployed; Whereas special education and related programming do not address underlying needs for appropriate training to lead to greater independence and employment; Whereas Yachad, the National Jewish Council for Disabilities, and its parent organization, the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, is dedicated to addressing the needs of all individuals with disabilities and including them in the Jewish community; Whereas Yachad provides programming for individuals with disabilities and their families to foster inclusion in communal happenings and assists in placing individuals with disabilities in employment; Whereas Yachad and the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America are cosponsoring North American Inclusion Month in February to increase public awareness of the life circumstances of individuals with disabilities, and the need for increased employment opportunities, better special education and increased inclusion of these individuals on the family, communal and national levels: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives recognizes and supports the goals and ideals of North American Inclusion Month.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Michael Norman Haynes, a Brooklyn native. Mr. Haynes earned his Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics from Northwestern University. He later began a career at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, becoming the first African-American Senior Director of Clearing House Operations there. Mr. Haynes, in 1990, shifted his career focus from supporting people's financial pursuits to supporting people coping with the HIV/ AIDS pandemic. One of Mr. Haynes' proudest moments as Director of African American Services for Stop AIDS Chicago was when he provided HIV/AIDS prevention education for a Youth Summit at Operation PUSH. Mr. Haynes continued his quest to serve by moving to Santa Fe to work for a workshop called The Experience that changed his life. This personal growth and empowerment workshop gave him new tools and refined what his tight-knit circle of support (family, extended family and friends) had taught him about ``being'' with people. Santa Fe is also where Mr. Haynes became infected with HIV. While this might have sidetracked another, it only empowered Mr. Haynes' desire to give back even more. Currently, he works for the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation as an Assistant Director in the Office of Behavioral Health. In this capacity, he has spearheaded innovations in chemical dependency treatment at eleven public hospitals, including Woodhull, Kings County, and Coney Island hospitals. Honored as a Join Together National Leadership Fellow by Boston University's School of Public Health, Mr. Haynes has championed the implementation of cutting edge, research-based practices that effectively led Brooklyn and city-wide residents through chemical dependency treatment and onto the road to recovery. These contributions to the Brooklyn healthcare community over the past 13 years are evident but none more personal or visible than Haynes' face and prevention message on billboards, bus shelters, and subway stations throughout New York City and worldwide through the internet as part of the HIV Stops With Me campaign. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Michael Norman Haynes.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Martha Lucia Lemos. Ms. Lemos is a native of Columbia who migrated to the United States and received her first job as a babysitter, she was encouraged by the family she worked for to continue her education. Despite the arduous task of fitting into a new culture, Ms. Lemos, enrolled in the Language Department at New York University and eventually joined the New York City Department of Education to work as a Teacher's Assistant. She further continued her education and later graduated from Long Island University with a Bachelors of Science in Education and a Masters of Science in Education from Adelphi University. With her credentials, Ms. Lemos entered the field of Bilingual Special Education as a Teacher in District 75 as a way to give back to children that may have the difficult task of learning a new language in a new culture. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Martha Lucia Lemos.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of violinist San San Lee. San San Lee was born in Taipei, Taiwan and raised in Michigan and Wisconsin since the age of one. Ms. Lee received a Bachelor of Music degree from the Oberlin College-Conservatory in Oberlin, Ohio and a Masters of Music degree from the Juilliard School on scholarships. As a winner of the Oberlin Concerto competition, her performance of the entire Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto with the Oberlin Orchestra was broadcast on WOBC and classical station WCLV-Cleveland. Ms. Lee toured as a member of the Juilliard Orchestra in Japan, China and Hong Kong which included live radio and telelvision broadcasts. Her primary teachers included Margery Aber, Dorothy Mauney, Stephen Clapp and Joseph Fuchs. She also studied at Moscow's Tchaikovsky Conservatory with Sergei Kravchenko and Eduard Grach during their International Summer Festival and with Serban Lupu at the International Summer Festival in Todi, Italy. As a winner of the Artists International Auditions, Ms. Lee performed her debut recital at Carnegie's Weill Recital Hall and was further invited to perform on their Alumni winners series. By invitation, she also performed a recital on the ``Live from the Elvehem'' series that was broadcast live on Wisconsin Public Radio in Madison, WI. Her numerous solo and chamber performances took place at Lincoln Center's Bruno Walter Auditorium, Merkin Hall, The American Landmark Festival, Harvard Club, The United Nations Auditorium, U-Penn, Texas Christian University, Louisiana State University, amongst others. Her solo & chamber performances span throughout the United States, Europe, Russia, and Eastern Europe. Ms. Lee has been invited as violin clinician teaching at Suzuki violin, chamber workshops and institutes nationwide. She teaches privately and has recently joined the violin faculty at the Riverdale Country School. Ms. Lee has been a member of the violin faculties at the School for Strings since 1990 and at Juilliard's Music Advancement Program since 1991, serving as their first departmental strings chair. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing a renowned violinist, San San Lee.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Gretchen Pusch. Flutist Gretchen Pusch made her Carnegie Recital Hall debut as winner of the Artist International Competition. She has appeared frequently in recitals and as concerto soloist in North America, Europe and Asia. A member of the Dorian Wind Quintet, she has also collaborated in chamber music concerts with Peter Schickele, Anthony Newman, Maxence Larrieu and Paula Robison, among others. Ms. Pusch has performed with the American Symphony, American Composers Orchestra, Brooklyn Philharmonic, New Jersey Symphony and Philharmonia Virtuosi. Ms. Pusch has been heard on radio, television and recordings for Composers Recording Inc., Panasonic, Summit, Innova, Mode and Windham Hill. Formerly on the faculty of Rutgers University, Ms. Pusch currently serves on the flute faculty of the Juilliard School's Music Advancement Program and the International Festival Institute at Round Top and is a teaching artist for The Academy (a joint program of Carnegie Hall, the Juillard School and the Weill Music Institute). She is a graduate of Boston University and studied with Julius Baker, James Pappoutsakis and Keith Underwood. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Gretchen Pusch.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Gilleyan J. Hargrove. Gilleyan was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. She received her early education at the public schools of Brooklyn, New York. Her education continued at Syracuse University, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and African American Studies in 1989. Gilleyan then attended graduate school at Binghamton University of New York, receiving a Master's of Science in Education in 1991. She received her administration and supervision license from the College of Saint Rose in 2002. Gilleyan has always had a love for school and learning new things. She has been an educator for 18 years beginning her work as an elementary school teacher at Community School 21 in Brooklyn and then as an assistant principal at the Program for Pregnant Students in Brooklyn. Gilleyan currently serves as principal at the Granville T. Woods Middle School for Science and Technology in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, where providing students with access to a quality education and a safe environment remains a priority. Gilleyan believes as an educator she has a charge to keep and a God to glorify. Gilleyan also is a proud lifetime member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is married to Eric M. Hargrove and they have two children, a daughter, Brianne Ashley and son, Tyler Robert. Following in the spiritual foundation set before her by her late grandmother Mary Rose Blowe Couch and mother, Elaine Couch Hinds, Gilleyan has served God for 30 years as a member of Wayside Baptist Church, where her spiritual father and mentor, the late Pastor Joe L. Parker, taught her how to love the Lord. Currently, Gilleyan is a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church where her Pastor is Reverend Larry W. Camp. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Gilleyan J. Hargrove.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mr. Weston Sprott who was appointed second trombone of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra in the Spring of 2005. Mr. Sprott attended Indiana University before completing his Bachelor of Music degree at The Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. While a student at Curtis, Mr. Sprott held the positions of principal trombone in the Pennsylvania Ballet Orchestra (Philadelphia) and the Deleware Symphony Orchestra. He was the founding member of the Texas Trombone Octet, a group that won the Emory Remington competition and was featured in concert at the International Trombone Festival in Helsinki, Finland. Mr. Sprott has worked under the baton of many of the world's great conductors including Sir Simon Rattle, James Levine, Kurt Masur, Lorin Maazel, Christoph Eschenbach, Andre Previn and numerous others. Mr. Sprott was recently featured in the documentary film ``A Wayfarer's Journey: Listening to Mahler'' with actor Richard Dreyfuss and actress Kathleen Chalfant. He was also a performer in the film ``Rittenhouse Square,'' a documentary under the direction of Robert Downey that played in major film festivals throughout the United States to critical acclaim. In September 2007, Mr. Sprott made his Carnegie Hall solo debut performing Lars Erik-Larsson's concertino in Weill Recital Hall at the invitation of the Bulgarian Consulate. Other engagements have led to performances with gospel and jazz artists such as Branford Marsalis, Take 6 and Donnie McClurkin. Mr. Sprott's performances and interviews have been seen and heard on various TV and radio shows such as: PBS' Great Performances, NPR's Performance Today, and Sirius Satellite Radio. In demand as a soloist and master class clinician, Mr. Sprott has been a featured guest artist at several of America's leading conservatories and universities. He is currently on the faculty at the Purchase College Conservatory and Julliard's Music Advancement Program, and he previously served on the faculty of The New School University, a division of the Mannes School of Music in New York City. Weston Sprott is an artist/clinician for the Edwards Instrument Company and Music. He performs exclusively on Edwards's trombones and Greg Black mouthpieces. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Weston Sprott.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Hero K. Tamakloe who emigrated from Togo in 1988. Mr. Tamakloe has held many jobs in New York. He's worked as a cab driver, and interned with Woodhull Hospital after working on behalf of the Togo Embassy at the United Nations. Finally, after attending York College, majoring in economics, Mr. Tamakloe decided to apply for work as a teacher with the Department of Education. Tamakloe was assigned to P.S. 95 Q in Hollis as a substitute teacher, where he worked for two years before taking over YMCA of Greater New York's ``Virtual Y'' program which serves over 300 students in an after school program. Currently, Mr. Tamakloe is a YMCA of Greater New York employee and is assigned to DYCD (Department of Youth & Community Development) at New York City Housing Authority Beacon Satellite at Bushwick-Hylan and Sumner Community centers in the North Brooklyn area. Mr. Tamakloe is regarded as one of the strongest off-site YMCA after school Directors in New York City, a reputation complimented by the awards he received. Mr. Tamakloe credits the staff, parents, teachers, mentors and volunteers who helped him to keep the After School and Beacon Programs running smoothly. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the aptly named Hero K. Tamakloe.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of David Callaway, a clarinetist who has been described as nothing short of exhilarating. Mr. Callaway has captivated audiences throughout the U.S., England, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Taiwan with this masterful virtuosity, expressiveness and musical inventiveness. As an active educator, Mr. Callaway believes in the nurturing of young musicians, and has inspired future generations of music students through his teaching and mentoring. He is a former Fulbright Scholar to Taiwan, and specializes in the traditional Beiguan music of Taiwan. Mr. Callaway has appeared with the Atlanta Opera Orchestra, Orlando Symphony, New York Philomusica, New Jersey Philharmonic, New Haven Opera, Sinfonia Celestis, Manhattan Virtuosi, Conductor's Institute Orchestra, and various ensembles at the Spoleto festival In Charleston, South Carolina. He has performed under the batons of such conductors as Kurt Masur, Jerzy Semkow, William Schuman, Julius Rudel, William Fred Scott, Zdenek Macal and David Gilbert. In addition, Mr. Callaway has worked with prominent composers John Corigliano, Donald Martino, Jacob Druckman, Ned Rorem and Karel Husa. Equally accomplished as a recitalist and chamber musician, Mr. Callaway has performed at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, Merkin Concert Hall, Miller Theater at Columbia University and the Great Hall at Cooper Union. He is also an avid proponent of new music, and has performed the music of John Corigliano, Elloitt Carter, Edison Denisov, Luciano Berio, Steve Reich, Donald Martino, Joan Tower, Chou Wen-chung and Huang-Long Pan. As a recipient of the William J. Fulbright Scholarship award, David Callaway traveled to Taiwan to research the traditional Beiguan Music of Taiwan and genealogy of the double-reed suona. He served on the Fulbright Committee, was a frequent advisor and mentor to Taiwanese Fulbright grantees, and appeared on the Central Broadcasting Station's radio show ``Life Unusual''. David Callaway has most recently served on the clarinet faculty of the Juilliard School's Music Advancement Program in New York City, and has taught at Vassar and Bard Colleges, the Manhattan School of Music, and as guest teacher at Emory University. He received his Doctor of Music Arts and Master of Music degrees from the Manhattan School of Music, and his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of South Carolina. His major teachers have included Ricardo Morales, David Krakauer, Doug Graham and Laura Ardan. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing David Callaway.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Dawn Monique Adams-Fulton. Mrs. Adams-Fulton is a Rehabilitation Counselor for New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation. She presently provided services to the chemical dependency population at Cumberland Diagnostic and Treatment Center. She has provided this population with support and guidance for the last ten years. She has demonstrated a high level of dedication to the clients she services by ensuring that they have the tools they need to become and remain productive members of society. She has been employed at Steinway Child & Family Services for 14 years as a Director Child Care worker. In this role, she is responsible for assisting children with problem solving, life skills and conflict resolution. Prior to joining the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation, Mrs. Adams-Fulton worked in the foster care system for eight years through a host agency, the Richard Allen Center on Life and Sheltering Arms Foster Care Agency. In both positions she was dedicated to making and ensuring children were protected and provided with a happy and safe beginning. Her leadership, dedication and communication skills have been recognized through receiving many certificates of appreciation. She obtained her Bachelor's of Science Degree from College of Human Services (presently known as Metropolitan College). Mrs. Adams-Fulton continued her education by attending Long Island University and received her Master's of Science Degree in Counseling and Family Education. Mrs. Adams-Fulton also possesses her certification in the field of addiction (CASAC) and has a License in Mental Health Counseling (LMHC). In addition to her education, she has a credential in Family Development from Cornell University. She is also a member of Dewitt Headstart Parent Involvement Committee. In this role she is responsible for encouraging and supporting parents and promoting their involvement in their children's education and future. Mrs. Adams-Fulton enjoys spending her free time with her family and her circle of friends. Her role models are her grandmothers, Marion L. Adams and Emma Campbell. They instilled in her the importance of family and being responsible. In addition, she has a host of leaders that have provided guidance and encouragement in her professional growth. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Dawn Monique Adams-Fulton.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Music Advancement Program at The Juilliard School. The Music Advancement Program (MAP) is a Saturday instrument- instruction program that was created in 1990. MAP targets students, ages eight to fourteen, who are underrepresented in the performing arts. The program is designed to help students at the early stage of their musical development on violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, percussion, and piano. MAP has served families by providing education workshops on diverse topics, information about various concert opportunities and a literacy program for younger siblings of MAP students. MAP has also supported New York City public school music teachers by building upon their work, starting where most school instrumental programs must end, and by motivating students to excel in all of their endeavors. Through MAP, The Juilliard School has demonstrated its commitment to being a cultural citizen in New York City by reaching out to underrepresented communities and investing in a future arts community that is diverse in its performers, educators, audiences, and patrons. This exemplary program has enriched the lives of countless students, and will continue to provide valuable opportunities in the performing arts for underprivileged students in New York City schools. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Music Advancement Program at The Juilliard School.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Ms. Peggy E. Whitehead. Peggy E. Whitehead is originally from Virginia but relocated to New York to start her career after graduating from high school. Ms. Whitehead has worked over two decades as a bacteriologist in the lab of the Howard Johnson Corporation. Upon the closing of the facility, she hit the ground running. Determination has always been a major player in her life. Through the years, she was promoted several times to where she is today. She holds the title of Assistant Coordinating Manager in the Ambulatory Care Department (Sub- Specialty) at Queens Hospital, where she is responsible for day to day operations of twenty clinics. Ms. Whitehead has received the prestigious Ace Award which signifies excellence, leadership and innovation. In addition, she also received the employee of the month award on the same day. She is a member of the Greenway Angels, an organization founded by her sister, Rosetta Garrett, eight years ago. She has been a volunteer for over six years, within the American Cancer Society. She works on many events, from Making Strides, to RELAY FOR LIFE, to helping with health fairs, all of which are so vital to getting information out to the community. The Ronald McDonald House of New Hyde Park, NY has been an ongoing labor of love event for her in the past seven years. She prepares a feast for the families of the children confined to the Snyder Hospital. She also participates in the annual New York Aids Walk. New York has the largest Aids Walk in the world, raising millions of dollars each year. Peggy has volunteered her services for eight years. Ms. Whitehead worked with pride on the Obama Campaign and traveled to Washington, DC for the historic inauguration. Whether doing work for the Diabetic Walk or coordinating a drive to help the homeless, she goes about each project with relentless vigor and vitality that speaks to who she is. She has three children--Jerry, Jennifer, and Karen, and seven grandchildren. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Peggy E. Whitehead.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Javanni Agard, born July 15, 1991 to Valencia Thorne and Darrelle Agard. Javanni is a graduate of the Urban Assembly School for Law and Justice. This small setting has worked to her advantage making it easy to obtain exceptional grades and learn how to be professional in the business world. During her sophomore year of high school, she was given the opportunity to participate in an internship at The Brooklyn District Attorney's Office. She worked as an intern for paralegals, assisting them with paperwork, filing, copying and other forms of clerical work. However, this internship opened her eyes to things she had only seen on television. She was able to visit the Supereme Court and view cases, learing what it was like to be a lawyer in the Courtroom. During her junior year of high school, she was assigned to help out in the Red Hook Senior Home and at an organization called Furnish a Future. Taking part in these organizations helped her to understand what it meant to help someone else, that it's not always about self, but helping those in need. Javanni is a member of Berean Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York, where Rev. Dr. Arlee Griffin, Jr. is her Pastor. She participated in the Ministry of Sacred Dance and the Girl Scouts. Javanni currently attends John Jay College of Criminal Justice as a first year student. During her college experience, she hopes to participate in internships and possibly take part in study abroad. After her success at John Jay, she will attend Law School. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Javanni Agard.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Sajda Musawwir Ladner, an artist, community activist and educator. She is one of the founders as well as the Artistic/Executive Director of Universal Temple of the Arts (UTA). UTA is a non-profit, community based organization focusing on creative development, education, multicultural and entrepreneurial programs, that has served Staten Island since the late 1960's. These programs are held both on and off site and include classes in the New York City Department of Education system. She has worked intensively with young people as a Cultural Enrichment Specialist with organizations such as the YMCA, the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) Youth Employment Program, Neighborhood Youth Corp, and the Board of Education. Presently, Mrs. Ladner is on the staff of Doing Art Together at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Staten Island Museum as an Art Educator. Sajda Musawwir Ladner is a Fashion/costume designer and owner of Saadia Fine Art Fashions. She has created costumes for many dance companies including Alvin Ailey II, the Fred Benjamin Dance Company, Eleo Pomare Dance Company, The Mary Anthony Dance Theater and the Nanette Bearden Contemporary Dance Theatre where she was resident costume designer and wardroom mistress. Mrs. Ladner is a professional dancer having had the honor of being asked to perform for President Nelson Mandela of South Africa when he visited New York shortly after his release from prison. She specializes in Jazz Improvisation and has worked with Barrie Harris, Reggie Workman and the Sun Ra Arkestra. Mrs. Ladner is a member of the On the Rock DanceTheatre based on Staten Island. Mrs. Ladner serves on the Board of Directors of the Northfield Development Corporation and the Children's Harbor Montessori School. She is a member of the National Council of Negro Women, the NAACP and Staten Island Peach Action. Mrs. Ladner has an administrative background in business and law. She represented Staten Island at the 13th Annual Harlem Mother's Day Parade. The parade honors mothers who work in the community. She has been the recipient of many awards for community service. Sajda Musawwir Ladner is the wife of Edward Ladner and mother of five daughters. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Sajda Musawwir Ladner.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Ms. Cerisa Howard, a native of New York born to William E. Clark and the late Lela F. Clark. Ms. Howard has worked with St. Nicholas Neighborhood Preservation Corporation for 13 years in various positions. She started as a Youth Coordinator working with at-risk youth in the community where she found jobs, scholarships, facilitated college enrollment, initiated educational trips and acquired funding resources to aid youth. Additionally, Ms. Howard has helped youth with everyday life issues and has always been available to lend a listening ear. Ms. Howard, also, has worked as a clerical supervisor in the Human Support Department of St. Nicholas High School. In this capacity she managed clients' files, supervised the clerical staff and assisted the nurses with home visit documentation. Presently, she is the Senior Property Manager of the St. Nicholas Neighborhood Preservation Corporation, now known as the St. Nicks Alliance, Where Opportunity Grows. She manages 275 housing units with a maintenance crew that administers repairs, upkeep, and security. Ms. Howard is a member of Berean Baptist Church, under the Pastor of Rev. Dr. Arlee Griffin, Jr. She is the Vice Servant Leader of the Pastoral Support Ministry and serves as the coordinator of the annual Thanksgiving Dinner that is served for the homeless and shut-ins on Thanksgiving Day. Ms. Howard is a loving mother of two sons, William and Raymond, and the proud grandmother of twin grandsons, Ryan and Tylan. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Cerisa Howard.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Marian Jackson a resident of Staten Island, NY for over thirty years and an innovative entrepreneur. Ms. Jackson is currently the President of MJ Kreavtivy specializing in personal shopping and unique gifts. In addition, Ms. Jackson is a travel consultant with the Our Gang Travel Agency. She is well versed in cruise group venues and has a following of over one hundred dedicated travelers. Ms. Jackson's businesses have contributed to numerous community organizations including the Universal Temple which supports youth development and education in the arts and heritage awareness on Staten Island. Prior to starting her own businesses, Ms. Jackson was associated with several entertainment firms such as ARISTA Records, ABC Television, Columbia pictures, and Night Fall Productions as an Associate Producer. Ms. Jackson has served as Public Relations Chairperson for the National Association of Market Developers and was active in the Democratic political community working with the Obama campaign and other Democratic Party endeavors. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Marian Jackson.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Jennette Eichelberger Waiters who was born in Columbia, South Carolina. Mrs. Waiters migrated to Brooklyn, NY to further her education. Mrs. Waiters worked at Kings County Hospital as a nurse's aide and then attended Wyckoff Hospital School of Practical Nursing. She returned to Kings County Hospital and attended New York City Community College to obtain her Associate's Degree in Nursing and made the Dean's list. Mrs. Waiters worked as a head nurse in the chest clinic for 14 years. She worked a total of 45 years in Kings County Hospital doing the things she loves most, caring for the sick and the elderly. Mrs. Waiters worked six months with the Department of Health and also was a relief supervisor at the Metropolitan Jewish Geriatric Center on some weekends for 12 years. Mrs. Waiters is a God-loving person. She does community work assisting the elderly on shopping trips and helping them to keep their doctors' appointments when needed. She belongs to Bethany Baptist Church where she serves on the Senior Ladies Usher Board as Vice President and a member of the Nurses Unit. She is a member of the Stark Senior Center and is Queen of the Red Hat Society. Mrs. Waiters encourages our youth to continue and pursue their highest goals in education so that they can accomplish anything in life. Mrs. Waiters continues to work at community outreach health fairs, passing on information to senior citizens to enhance their health and well being. She loves giving and sharing with others. Her mission in life is to help others. She is a lady of fashion and participates in numerous fashion shows. She is a member of the acting guild where she has performed in a play called ``The Family Feud.'' She was married to the late Andrew J. Waiters. She has two children, Bernard and Janet. She has four grandchildren and five great- grandchildren. She is affectionately known as ``Grandma'' Waiters by many. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Jennette Eichelberger Waiters.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mark E. Evans who was born in Brent, England on September 5, 1968. At the age of twelve, he and his siblings migrated to the United States to live with his parents in Queens Village, New York. He attended PS 109 Junior High School and Newtown High School. Following his High School graduation in 1987, Mr. Evans enlisted in the United States Army. He completed Basic Training at Fort Leonardwood, Missouri, as well as his advance military occupational skill training as an Interior Electrician. While on active duty, he was stationed in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, South Korea and Fort McClellan, Alabama. He also served six months in the Middle East during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. In August 1991, after spending four years on active duty, Mark returned home to Queens Village and attended York College in Queens while maintaining his attachment to the Military as a member of the Army Reserve. He met his wife Sonia through a mutual friend in December 1992 and on August 17, 1997 they were married. Mark worked full time, attended college and was a Weekend Warrior with the Army Reserve. His hard work and dedication paid off upon receipt of a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology in 1998. In 1999, Mark started the process of becoming a New York City Police Officer. By October 2000, he graduated from the New York City Police Academy, and he was assigned to the 30th Precinct in Harlem. Following 9/11, he was transferred to Manhattan Traffic Task Force, where he would better service the department by effectively managing ground zero. To this day, he continues to patrol the streets of Manhattan. In his continuation of military service, he served with the 344th Combat Support Hospital in Flushing, New York and 445th Quartermaster Company in Trenton, New Jersey. He was deployed to Iraq where he served one year in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He is currently serving with the 411th Civil Affairs Battalion in Danbury, Connecticut as the First Sergeant for Headquarters Company. He is expected to deploy to Afghanistan in 2010. With twenty-two years of military service and ten years as a New York City Police Officer, he is committed to improving our society by serving our nation both domestically and abroad. His dedication to duty, as a father of two (Gordan and Nyah), husband, Soldier and Police Officer is unwavering. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Mark E. Evans.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Dr. Leonel Urcuyo and his commitment as a physician of mental health. After graduating college in Nicaragua and medical school in Madrid, the newly titled doctor began an internship at McGill University in Montreal and did his residency in Psychiatry at New York University, Bellevue Medical Center. By 1975, Dr. Urcuyo was a certified Psychoanalyst for the American Institute for Psychoanalysis for the Karen Horney Psychoanalytic Institute and Center in New York City. For the past 27 years Dr. Urcuyo has held varying positions at Woodhull Hospital including service as Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry and President of the Woodhull Medical Group. Dr. Urcuyo received one of the highest honors from the Woodhull Auxiliary Annual Gala, and the distinguished Health Excellence Award from Addiction Research and Treatment Corporation/Urban Resource Institute. He is also the proud recipient of the Unsung Hero Community Service Award for Helping Hands, and mostly recently received a Service Citation from New York University School of Medicine. He is the founding member of the Association of Hispanic Mental Health Professionals, and has published and lectured on many topics including: delivery of care issues, language barriers in evaluating pathology, bilingualism, cross-cultural issues in mental health and chemical dependency, language and psychotherapy, meaning of silence in psychotherapy, elective mutism, cognitive restructuring, depression and suicide. Dr. Urcuyo is married to Sue Ellen Carney, Ph.D., and is the proud father of two children, Dr. Sergio Urcuyo and Ms. Anya Elena Urcuyo. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Dr. Leonel Urcuyo.