Ed Towns

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. This is very important legislation to me. In the early part of my life, I worked for the Industrial Home for the Blind, which is now referred to as the Helen Keller Foundation. I had the opportunity to see and to talk to people, in many instances who were blind because they did not get the attention at an early stage and as a result they lost their vision. So I think what we are doing here today is so important, that we pass this legislation which encourages people to seek treatment, encourages people to get eye exams. I think that is the thing we need to do. Because as my colleague indicated, early detection sometimes can prevent this. On that note, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. TOWNS. I do not have any additional speakers. I think we have the right to close.

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

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 981) recognizing March 6, 2008, as the first-ever World Glaucoma Day, established to increase awareness of glaucoma, which is the second leading cause of preventable blindness in the United States and worldwide, as amended.

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

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of H. Res. 981, recognizing March 6, 2008, as the first-ever World Glaucoma Day. As a cosponsor of this resolution, I am proud to speak out in favor of greater support for glaucoma awareness and prevention. Glaucoma is the second leading cause of preventable vision loss in the United States and the leading cause of permanent blindness worldwide. It afflicts 67 million people by some estimates. While glaucoma affects all age groups, it is of special concern to me because it disproportionately affects underserved minority populations, particularly African Americans over age 40 and Mexican Americans over 60. The resolution before us supports the observance of World Glaucoma Day, which would raise awareness about glaucoma on a global scale. Awareness is especially important since nearly 90 percent of individuals with glaucoma are unaware that they have it. Moreover, regular comprehensive eye exams can lead to early diagnosis and treatment that can lessen the impact of this devastating disease. The resolution also supports the efforts of the National Eye Institute and its commitment to continue research on the causes of glaucoma. By learning more about the causes of this insidious disease, we may one day find a cure. The resolution also congratulates the American Glaucoma Society for its efforts to raise awareness about the prevalence of the disease. The American Glaucoma Society helps to preserve vision by supporting glaucoma specialists and scientists through the advancement of education and research. I also wish to thank the Friends of the Congressional Glaucoma Caucus Foundation, a nonprofit foundation funded in part by the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, for its outstanding contributions in providing free glaucoma screening for 200,000 people from 2001 to date, while administering the programs that include follow-up and treatment services across the country. Further, I must point out that I am a cosponsor of H.R. 3005, the Glaucoma Screening Act of 2007. This measure was introduced by Representatives Serrano and Boozman and Mr. Menendez of the Senate. I urge my colleagues on the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold a hearing on this bill soon. Finally, I want to thank my colleague, Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin, for her leadership on H. Res. 981, which recognizes March 6, 2008, as the first-ever World Glaucoma Day. I urge my colleagues to join me in support of its adoption. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend my colleague for the outstanding work that he has done. I also would like to thank Congresswoman Baldwin for her outstanding work as well, who has been detained and not able to get here. But she has worked real hard on this because she understands how important it is in terms of early detection. Ms. BALDWIN, Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House Resolution 981, which recognizes March 6, 2008, as the first-ever World Glaucoma Day and I wish to thank my colleague, Mr. Sessions, for joining me in introducing this resolution. Glaucoma is the second leading cause of preventable vision loss in the United States. It is a group of diseases that damages the optic nerve and leads to vision loss. An estimated 2.2 million Americans have glaucoma. An additional 2 million have glaucoma, but do not know it, as glaucoma often has no symptoms until vision loss occurs. If left untreated, glaucoma leads to blindness, which has occurred in about 120,000 Americans. Worldwide, nearly 70 million people are affected by the disease. Every American over the age of 60 is at risk of developing glaucoma, which also disproportionately affects minority populations. African Americans have a three times greater risk of developing this disease than white Americans, and it is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in African Americans and Hispanics. With early diagnosis and ongoing treatment, however, 90 percent of the cases where blindness occurs can be avoided. Awareness is crucial, so that individuals with known risk factors for glaucoma and those over the age of 40 should have regular, comprehensive eye examinations that include careful evaluation of the optic nerve and measurement of eye pressure. So Mr. Speaker, I am happy today that the House of Representatives is considering this resolution, which seeks to expand global awareness about the incidence and burden of glaucoma. In addition, Mr. Speaker, I also want to recognize the American Glaucoma Society for its efforts to expand awareness of the prevalence and economic burden of glaucoma. Their advocacy surrounding the first- ever World Glaucoma Day has been truly valuable in promoting eye health.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 323, expressing congressional support for the goals and ideals of National Health Care Decisions Day. As a cosponsor of this resolution, I understand the importance of making our health decisions clear to our family members and other loved ones through advanced directives. While it is very difficult for us to face the prospects of our own mortality, many of us write wills in order to ensure that our loved ones are adequately provided for in our absence. Unfortunately, we often do not take that care in making provisions regarding our end-of-life medical care. Nobody can predict when disease, tragedy, or other medical conditions will render one unable to make medical decisions for ourselves. Accordingly, we must plan ahead in case of such a tragedy to ensure that our wishes are properly carried out. Advanced directives are an integral part of any care-delivery plan. They are simply a statement by a competent person that articulates the medical, legal, and personal wishes regarding medical treatment in the event of future incapacity. Where advanced directives are present, medical professionals, families, and loved ones are best able to make critical care decisions should a patient become unable to make sound judgments about their health care. The resolution before us commemorates National Health Care Decisions Day on April 16, 2008. Although this specific day occurred last week, the goals and ideals of today should be recognized perpetually. This resolution encourages those 18 years of age and older to prepare advance directives. It also encourages medical, civic, educational, religious and other nonprofit organizations to promote advance directive preparation, particularly among their constituents. I would like to thank my colleague on the other side of the aisle, Representative Phil Gingrey, for his work in raising this important issue. Our colleagues in the Senate have already recognized the need to highlight advance directives, and I urge us here in the House to do the same. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mother Lucy Slade Lee, who celebrated her 106th birthday with family and friends last Saturday at New Gethsemane Baptist Church in Crown Heights where she has been an usher for many years. Mother Lee, whose official birthday was on April 9, was born in 1902 in New Bern, North Carolina, to the late Elijah and Mahalia Slade, and is succeeded by generations of Slade children. She continued to work well into what many consider retirement age, as an usher and a caretaker to the elderly. Mother Lee and her family moved into a home on Fleet Street in Brooklyn in 1922, and recalls fondly a time in Brooklyn when there was no electric lighting in home or on the streets; when subway fare was a mere nickel and the Daily News 2 cents; when New York City streets were lined with stables where horses were kept; and when you used your windowsill as a refrigerator. Although these times were not easy, Mother Lee's faith inspired her to devote much of her time to New Gethsemane Baptist Church, where she began serving as an usher in 1966. For inspiration on how to become better people, we must look to those amongst us who have mastered life's difficult challenges. With Mother Lee's longevity, she has established herself as an outstanding role model for the rest of us.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Yesterday, I introduced legislation with Lee Terry from Nebraska to provide for the reauthorization of the Poison Control Center. Since being codified into law in 2000, the Poison Control Centers must undergo reauthorization every 3 years. These centers provide immediate value to the public, providing free medical facilities that are staffed by toxicologists, nurses, and other professionals. Each year, poisoning results in 285,000 hospitalizations, 1,200 days of acute hospital care, and 1,300 fatalities. H.R. 5669 will reauthorize these critical Poison Control Centers to keep our national public health infrastructure in tact. I would like to thank Congressman Terry for this support. The 24-hour emergency and information hotline services that are provided for this legislation are given by the National Poison Center Toll-Free Telephone number. By providing direct patient care services to residential callers, health care professionals and institutions, Poison Control Centers save lives and help avoid costly hospitalizations. Let us keep that in mind as we move forward and reauthorize the Poison Control Centers.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1021, supporting the goals, ideals, and history of National Women's History Month. As recently as the 1970s, women's history was largely unaddressed in school curriculum and among the general public. In 1987, the National Women's History Project petitioned Congress to expand the national celebration of Women's History from 1 week to the entire month of March. Since then, the National Women's History Month Resolution has passed both Chambers of Congress with bipartisan support each year. Throughout my tenure in Congress, I have been a strong supporter of Women's Rights, such as guaranteeing that women and families have adequate time to care for themselves and family members when they become ill, without facing the loss of job security and wages. As a member of the Health Subcommittee, I have worked diligently with my colleagues in Congress to bring increased awareness and services for women's health issues, such as early detection and treatment of ovarian cancer. Since its inception in 1987, Women's History Month, under the guidance of the National Women's History Project, has become a renowned celebration of the accomplishments of women everywhere, recognizing the limitless opportunities that women have in the modern world, and generating a renewed interest in the rich cultural heritage of women. This year during Women's History Month, we celebrate female artists and their contribution of originality, beauty, and imagination to the art world. I hope that we will continue to work together in Congress to support the cultural contributions of women, and critical women's rights and women's health issues, not only during Women's History Month, but year round.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 310, expressing support for a national day of remembrance for Harriet Ross Tubman. During the month of March, when we celebrate Women's History Month across the nation, it is important that we recognize and celebrate the immeasurable contributions of women such as Harriet Tubman, who bravely led our Nation in the abolitionist movement, taking enormous risks in her fight for the freedom and equality of all Americans. Harriet Tubman was not only an abolitionist, leading more than 700 slaves to freedom, but served nobly in the Union Army during the Civil War as the first female to head an armed expedition. Following her accomplishments in the Civil War, Harriet Tubman went on to be a leader in the women's suffrage movement, diligently fighting for women's right to vote, and founded the Harriet Tubman Home for the Sick and Aged, a home and hospital to care for elderly and ailing African-Americans in New York. Her bravery and dedication to the principles of freedom and equality serve as a positive example to us today, as we continue working together to provide quality education, healthcare, housing, and opportunity to all Americans, regardless of race, gender or income.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Asneth Sydonnie Council for outstanding and exemplary contribution to children and families in their pursuit of educational opportunities and advancement. Asneth Council grew up in St. Ann, Jamaica in a home environment nurtured with love and strong family ties. She is the first of four daughters and one son of Mrs. Hillary Livingston, who is herself an educator. Her family's motto is ``Education Is the Key to Success.'' Naturally, Ms. Council epitomizes this motto in her professional life as well as her work with children, families, staff and community stakeholders. Asneth attended and graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Behavioral Science from Mercy College. She continued her studies at Teachers College of Columbia University where she earned a Master of Arts Degree in Social and Organizational Psychology. Her love of learning propelled Ms. Council to return to Long Island University where she completed a second Master's Degree in Public Administration in May 2007. She is presently enrolled in Doctoral Studies with a concentration in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. Starting at the Joseph DiMarco Head Start program where she worked with children and their families, she continued working in Head Start by setting up a joint Head Start program with Broadway Housing and Center for Urban Community Services. In December 2005, Asneth Sydonnie Council joined the Police Athletic League where she was quickly promoted from Deputy Director to the Director of Head Start programs and in August of 2007, was promoted to her current position as Director of Childcare and Nutrition. Moreover, Ms. Council is also a member of the Police Athletic League Strategic Planning Committee. Ms. Council and her husband, Herbert, are celebrating seven years of marriage and are the proud parents of five children who continue to excel in their educational pursuits. Keeping with the tradition of her family's motto, Asneth also believes that ``every individual is important and has something to offer.'' Madam Speaker, I am very pleased to honor Asneth Sydonnie Council for her important role, her unwavering dedication and valuable contributions on behalf of young children. She is selfless and gives all of her heart to the very young who need her compassion the most.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Erma Jean Rolle, a passionate effective advocate for the needs of minorities, women and children. Moreover, we note her strong commitment to God, her family, her church and her community. Erma Jean Rolle was born in Little Rock, Arkansas moving to Milwaukee Wisconsin where she graduated from North Division High School. After graduation, she moved to New York with big dreams and goals to be accomplished. Erma joined the New Lots Community Church where she served as: an Elder; Clerk of the Consistory; President of the Women's Ministry; Youth Ministry Leader; member of the Women of Faith choir; Confirmation teacher; Vice-President of the Women's Brooklyn Classical Union; Music and Worship Committee; and a member of the Racial Justice Task Force. As a community activist, Erma has served on Community Board #5, Vice- President of the Meadow Wood at Gateway Condominiums and Treasurer for the Jamaica Armory Gun Club. Moreover, she helped to organize and start the East New York Drum & Bugle Corps for sixty boys and girls. In addition, she was part of a committee that marched to stop domestic violence against women in the sixties and seventies. In 2001, Erma retired from the New York City Board of Education as a bus driver. In that same year, she celebrated another milestone-- graduating from the College of New Rochelle with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology. Erma Jean Rolle is a role model for African-American families, especially hers. She has four children; Marshall, Cheryl, Fernanda, and Cassandra. She is also the proud grandmother of James, Kadrian, Brandon, and Kyran. In her leisure time, Erma enjoys going to the rifle range, shopping, bowling and traveling. Ms. Rolle lives a full and productive life gathering comfort from one of her favorite Biblical passages (Isaiah 40:31): ``But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.'' Madam Speaker, I am proud to cite Erma Jean Rolle for her invaluable contributions to the New Lots Community Church, her service to the community and her open-heartedness. Even today, she volunteers especially for causes that involve children, at the Johnny Ray Youngblood Academy.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Ella Riley Gardner who after thirty-four years of service with the New York City Department of Education retired in 2004. Born in Beaufort, South Carolina, she is the only child of Dan and Idelle Riley. She is a wife and mother of Elliot, Michelle, and Deisha, all college graduates and the grandmother of Shantrelle, Jonelle, Terrell, and Michaela. Ella's motto, ``Love your calling with a passion; it is the meaning of your life'' saw her teaching English for twenty-three years where he enjoyed the richness of literature, poetry, novels, short stories, essays, etc. from all over the world. Her greatest joy was to see the expression of awe and wonder on the faces of her students as he unfolded the themes and life lessons derived from literature. Her greatest satisfaction was to know that they had learned and achieved as a result of her diligent and thorough instruction. Ella received many accolades during her tenure as teach, including ``Teacher of the Year'' in 1992. From that year until her retirement, were spent in various capacities of administration and supervision: Site Facilitator for District 5 Professional Development Laboratory; Department Chairperson, Literacy Staff Developer, Assessment Coordinator, Assistant Principal at I.S. 195 and administrator of a $350,000 Comprehensive School Reform Technology Grant from 2002 until her retirement. As an avid community servant, Ella serves children and women in two community-based shelters, adopted schools and other community concerns through two professional organizations; the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa and the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs. She is currently in her second term as President of the Brooklyn Club. There, she was instrumental in securing an endowment fund that provides $22,000 yearly for five years to Brooklyn Club scholarship applicants. Madam Speaker, Ella Riley Gardner's educational preparation includes a B.A. in English, City College New York (1971); MA in Reading CCNY (1973); MS in Educational Administration and Supervision, Pace University (1987); Paralegal Certificate, Long Island University (1989); Professional Diploma in Teacher Leadership, Teacher Leadership Institute at NYU (1993). As a lifelong learner, Ms. Gardner continues to enhance her knowledge and oftentimes attends countless workshops and seminars that expound the latest developments in literacy. Madam Speaker, it is a privilege to pay tribute to Ella Riley Gardner for her selfless dedication to her passion--her calling as a teacher.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Mona Pervil- Ulysse, a native of Cap-Haitien, Haiti who arrived in the United States at the age of eleven where she attended elementary, junior and high schools in Brooklyn, New York. Subsequently, Dr. Ulysse pursued her pre-medical requirements in the Sciences as a Biology Major at Brooklyn College and completing the Basic Sciences years of medical school at the Universidad del Noreste in Mexico. The last two years of medical school were pursued at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and the Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center in New York. She completed her residency in Internal Medicine at Kings County Hospital and SUNY Downstate Medical Center, where she proceeded to specialized training in Rheumatology. Dr. Mona Pervil-Ulysse is Chief of Rheumatology at Interfaith Medical Center since 1997. She is a clinical instructor at SUNY Downstate Medical Center and attending physician at the New York Methodist Hospital. She coordinates a well-organized arthritis clinic, (Orris G. Walker Clinic) and is a mentor to medical residents in training who rotate through the Rheumatology Division at the Interfaith Medical Center. She provides Rheumatology consulting services at various nursing homes and is in private practice. Dr. Pervil-Ulysse has been a co-principal investigator of different research projects during her specialized training in Rheumatology. Her clinical presentations and professional activities have received recognitions in medical journals and newspapers. She is a frequent lecturer of the various rheumatologic diseases, notably Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis, among many others. Dr. Mona Pervil-Ulysse holds various leadership positions. She is the president of the Christian Community Health Team, the New York Chapter of the Baptist Medical Dental Fellowship from the Southern Baptist Convention. Also, she is president of the Aesclepius Medical Society and administrator of L'ASCH, a Brooklyn partner of the Lupus Foundation. Dr. Pervil-Ulysse participates in health fairs, lectures in schools in the tri-state area and conducts an annual health fair in Haiti with the French Speaking Baptist Church. Madam Speaker, it behooves us to pay tribute to this incredible doctor who has dedicated her entire career in caring for the ill and for her endless support of the struggle against health care disparities. Dr. Mona Pervil-Ulysse is a remarkable person and I am proud to recognize her today.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Rosamond Payne, a Senior Associate Director in emergency medicine at Kings County Hospital Center. Mrs. Payne is also a Family Nurse Practitioner in emergency medicine as well. It behooves us to honor Mrs. Payne who immigrated to the United States from Grenada where she had vast political involvement in solving community issues and needs. For many years, Mrs. Payne has been a preceptor for Advance Practice Nurse Practitioner students; has been a mentor in the African-American Nursing Leadership Program at New York University. Additionally, Rosamond has been a professor of nursing for three years at the City University of New York serving on the curriculum committee and as the liaison between the City University of New York and the College of Nursing in the Netherlands. Mrs. Payne is well respected among the medical profession, having been drafted as a visiting clinical instructor at Columbia and Malloy Universities. To her credit, she entered the medical profession as a registered nurse in 1991, and with her enthusiasm and drive, she empowered people and encouraging them to improve themselves. She also does community outreach medical educational seminars on stroke and stroke education through the American Heart Association. Along the way, Mrs. Payne has given testimony before the legislators in Albany, New York regarding the drafting of the nursing curriculum to provide an excellent education for nursing students and to improve nursing student graduates to pass their licensing examinations in order to ameliorate the nursing shortage statewide. Finally, Rosamond has volunteered for years on medical missions to Guyana, South America and even drafted her twenty-year old daughter, Ann Marie, who volunteered in December 2006 and is on her way to medical school herself in the near future. Madam Speaker, Mrs. Payne is a proud wife and mother who loves her profession. It is important for us to recognize her accomplishments and her selfless service.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Louvinia G. Pointer who enjoyed a successful career on the Broadway stage. When Noel Coward heard Louvinia's voice, he wrote a part for her to sing in his musical, ``Set To Music,'' starring Beatrice Lillie. After that, she appeared with Alfred Lunt and Lynne Fontaine on Broadway in ``The Pirate.'' Highly esteemed among her peers as a singer, teacher and choral conductor, her fulfilling career includes work with some of the country's outstanding teachers including Rosalie Miller, Samuel Margolis, Sarah Lee, Modena Scoval, and her long-time friend, coach and accompanist, the late Sylvia Olden Lee. Louvinia's exceptional work as choral director of the National Youth Administration Radio Workshop won praise from notables such as Harry T. Burleigh, Fritz Mahler, Robert Hufstadder, Hall Johnson, Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune. Mrs. Pointer took her love of music to the New York City School system, where for many years, she was privileged to share her love of music and teaching gifts with the children of New York City. She taught in Public School 21, Lefferts Junior High School, Girls High and Tilden High Schools. During her 26 years teaching, she received numerous awards for her outstanding work. Now retired, Mrs. Pointer is committed to the revival and preservation of the ``Nego Spiritual.'' Her dream of establishing an organization to preserve the Negro Spiritual became a reality in 1987 when the Great Day Chorale was formed. Now in its twentieth season, the group, through the positive messages of these songs, has been an inspiration to listeners everywhere. In 1994, Mrs. Pointer was chosen to take part in the Crown Heights Project, which was a collaboration of the Brooklyn Children's Museum, the Historical Society and the Society for the Preservation of Weeksville and Bedford-Stuyvesant History. Among her many awards, she received citations from the Honorable Howard Golden, former Borough President and the present Borough President, Marty Markowitz. Louvinia has been awarded for her work with Brooklyn-based arts organizations, including Celebrate Brooklyn, BACA, Welcome Back to Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn Philharmonic Orchestra, and as a member of the board of the Brooklyn Music School. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to honor Louvinia G. Pointer for her remarkable achievements and luminous career in the musical arts. She has directed two albums and even arranged the song, In the Garden by Bob Dylan on his album ``Gotta Serve Somebody.''

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Veronica Montgomery-Costa, the Harlem-born, third-term President of Local 372 and District Council 37 who assumed leadership of more than 26,000 union members on July 15, 1999. Local 372 represents the school-based Substance Abuse Prevention and Intervention Specialists, part-time School Aides, Family Paraprofessionals, Community Coordinators, School Lunch Workers, School Crossing Guards, and school-based Health Service Aides. Ms. Costa hit the ground running and fulfilled more than her campaign promises. She kept her promise to rebuild Local 372, which had been under the administration of its parent union, AFSCME, by implementing much-needed economic and administrative reforms. Veronica transformed Local 372 into a fiscally sound, ethically administered organization wiping out an inherited $5 million deficit, restoring an effective grievance procedure, training for Grievance Representatives and Shop Stewards and increasing the number of members involved in standing committees. Local 372's integrity was restored along with its bargaining power and its members won record salary increases, improved health, retirement benefits and job security for full-time and part-time workers. With Ms. Costa's determination, Local 372 worked with parents and community groups to block the NYC Board of Education from turning over the management of five public schools to a private, for-profit corporation. Ever in the forefront of the fight against school vouchers, Veronica and Local 372 used its phone bank to support an effort which resulted in the House Education and Workforce Committee dealing President Bush and conservative Republicans a critical blow by voting to strip a private school voucher provision from the House Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Veronica Montgomery-Costa started a Local 372 Scholarship Fund for Members' children, fought off privatization of the School Lunch Program, successfully lobbied to restore $3.1 million to the School Based Prevention Program in the state budget, and played a role in fighting for the reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Program without any cuts to the program. In conjunction with the Community Food Resource Center, Veronica spearheaded an innovative pilot project to help 500 Local 372 members take advantage of their eligibility for Earned Income Tax Credit. Madam Speaker, Veronica Montgomery-Costa was unanimously elected for three consecutive terms as President of the 125,000-member District Council 37 by the Council's delegates and also serving in her second term as a member of the Steering Committee of the Municipal Labor Committee. It is an honor to pay tribute to her exceptional leadership on behalf of working men and women. She is most deserving of our recognition today.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Georgia Miller-McCorkle, who immigrated to the United States in 1980 from Trinidad, West Indies, where as a child she always excelled in school, getting merit cards along with excellent report cards. As a child, she was asked, ``What do you want to be when you grow up?'' Her answer was always, ``I want to be a teacher.'' At first, Ms. McCorkle settled in this country, got married, and raised five children: Sherwin, Vonetta, Fredericka, Tristan, and Robmesh. During that time, she worked at jobs fulfilling the basic home needs and helping to pay the bills, but something was missing. Subsequently, she attended Brooklyn College, receiving her bachelor of arts, BA, degree in special education and her master's degree in special education from Long Island University. She joined the Department of Education in 1989, where her teaching skills included student-centered instruction, educational technology, parental involvement in student learning, critical thinking, individual learning plans, student motivation strategies, and active and meaningful learning activities. Georgia Miller-McCorkle has worked with students from kindergarten through 12th grades, teaching science, music, and art, and was dean of students for 6 years. Further, she counseled mild to profoundly mentally challenged young adults, supervising their daily activities and developing long- and short-term goals at a group home for mentally challenged adults for 3 years. She provides cognitive and motor development skills for babies with developmental delays from birth to 3 years old in the Early Intervention Program and has been doing so for almost 12 years. This remarkable woman is certified in: LSCI, Life Space Crisis Intervention; TCI, Therapeutic Crisis Intervention; FBA, Functional Behavioral Assessment; CPR, Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation; beginning sign language; and first aid. Madam Speaker, it behooves us to recognize this woman who exhibits such passion for the teaching profession and still teaches the early childhood grades, K-2, enjoying her job to the fullest. She is indeed living out her dream.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Lorna Mullings, a remarkable woman who after a 13-year career in banking, pursued her real passion of nursing. So in 1986, as a new immigrant, an active church worker, a wife and mother of two small children, Lorna Mullings decided to return to school and become a Registered Nurse. In June of 1992, she graduated from St. Joseph College with a bachelors degree in nursing, Amid the cheers of her now teenage children, she graduated Hunter College with a double masters in nursing and public health in 2002. However, midway through pursuing her masters degree which was focusing on HIV/AIDS, she was doing course work on health disparities among developed and developing countries when ``something hit home.'' There was a definite connection with a previous paper in her undergraduate studies in which she documented her life's goal to work among the poor people of Somalia. This was also a time of defining professional and personal dreams and because her belief in God was so strong, she knew that becoming a missionary nurse was her special calling. With her pastor's/husband's approval, blessing, and backing, she formed the Dorcas Medical Mission in 1999. In 2000, Lorna planned and implemented the mission's first outreach to Kingston, Jamaica. Since that time, she has led 15 medical missions to nine countries, bringing free dental, medical, surgical, food and clothing to thousands of needy families worldwide. In addition to these missions, she is currently in the process of opening an orphanage in Alexandria, South Africa for the caring of children left orphaned by parents who were victims of HIV/ AIDS. Lorna Mullings has worked as a nurse for over 15 years in the areas of medical, surgical, endoscopy, recovery, psychiatry, administration and community health. Today, she works as a nurse manager at the Interfaith Medical Center, managing the pediatric and medical surgical units. Madam Speaker, Ms. Mullings is well deserving of our respect for her humanitarian works and charitable outreach--she went on to initiate the Rugby Feeding Program, which now feeds over 70 homeless people with hot meals 4 days a week and heads the Rugby Family Services. Her compassion for the less fortunate is indeed noteworthy, and I am proud to recognize her today.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sheila Joseph, a native New Yorker, daughter of Haitian immigrant parents and raised in public housing, Ms. Joseph conducted her undergraduate studies at the University of California at Berkley where she double majored in psychology and legal studies, with a minor in education, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in just three years. After graduating from Berkley in 1994, Sheila began her legal studies at Georgetown University Law School in Washington, DC. While a student at Georgetown, she worked as a student attorney handling juvenile delinquency cases in the District of Columbia Superior Court. Upon completing her legal studies in 1997, Ms. Joseph returned to her native New York and spent the next four years working as an attorney for indigent clients, first as a staff attorney with the Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem, then as a law guardian with The Children's Law Center of New York. Based on her experiences as a law student and lawyer, she became increasingly frustrated by the limitations of the law as an instrument for empowering young people and communities. She determined that the best long term course was to be an educator and have a positive impact on children and impoverished communities. In 2001, Sheila Joseph applied for, and was accepted into, the New York City Teaching Fellows Program and taught math and science at P.S. 40 in Queens while earning a Master of Science degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from Queens College. In September 2004, Ms. Joseph began a one-year residency with Building Excellent Schools, a prestigious and rigorous Boston-based program that trains and supports aspiring charter school founders. She founded the East New York Preparatory Charter School in August 2005. East New York Prep, ENYP, opened its doors to 100 kindergarten and first grade students in September 2006 to ensure that boys and girls growing up in East New York would have the same opportunity for a good life as children in wealthier communities. ENYP's mission is to address the specific needs and challenges of children in East New York to ensure that students achieve or exceed grade-level mastery of academic content, knowledge and skills. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to recognize Sheila Joseph and her impressive accomplishments in academia. Her passion and concern for inner-city children's educational needs is noteworthy indeed.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognizing Teresa Kay-Aba Kennedy, a business and lifestyle expert who holds certifications in yoga, fitness, weight management and offers unique multidisciplinary approaches to an authentic, healthy and successful life. She has a dual B.A. magna cum laude in Sociology and Design from Wellesley College, an MBA from Harvard Business School, and a Ph.D. in World Religions. Born in Ghana, schooled in Australia and Italy, she comes from a family of high achievers. Her parents Janie Sykes-Kennedy and Dr. James Scott Kennedy were international media pioneers. Her great uncle, James Atkins, was a member of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's ``Black Cabinet.'' Nationally recognized as a motivational speaker and leader in wellness and empowerment, Dr. Kennedy is on the faculty of the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and is Chair of the Board and Interim President/CEO of Yoga Alliance--the non-profit organization that sets standards for yoga teaching in the United States and offers support to its registry of over 18,000 yoga teachers and almost 800 yoga studios. After almost dying from Crohn's Disease ten years ago, she has personal experience with transformation serving as a role model for healthy living. Her mission is to help people from all walks of life live better lives and has worked with a variety of clients from senior executives and entrepreneurs to people with specific ailments, ranging from Asthma, Anorexia, Diabetes, Hypertension, Obesity, Adult ADD and Leukemia. Dr. Kennedy has a long record of success in both the business and creative worlds consulting and writing case studies on Fortune 500 companies for Harvard Business School, working as a creative consultant for Universal Studios, and spending seven years as an executive at MTV Networks. Her wellness and empowerment work has been featured in media around the world from CNN, NBC, Martha Steward Living Radio, ARD TV in Germany to The New York Times, Yoga Journal, and O: The Oprah Magazine. Dr. Kennedy is the producer of the Power Living: Mini-Escapes relaxation CD, author of ``40 Days to Power Living: Think Eat and Live on Purpose'', ``The Power Living Pledge: An Affirmation for a Purposeful and Powerful Life'' as well as three case studies published under the Harvard Business School. She has received a number of awards, including The Network Journal's 40 Under Forty Achievement Award. Madam Speaker, it is an honor to pay tribute to this outstanding woman who has an unparalleled career of leadership, motivation and dedication on behalf of others, Dr. Teresa Kay-Abe Kennedy deserves our profound thanks.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pamela Bonnett, who immigrated from British Guiana, South America to the United States in 1969 when there was an urgent need for Registered Professional Nurses. She graduated from St. Joseph's College with a bachelor of science in health administration and a masters degree in public health education from Hunter College, City University of New York. Currently a patient service manager at the Visiting Nurse Service of New York, Inc., she is responsible for a team of registered professional nurses providing care to the chronically ill and the geriatric community. Prior to holding this position, Ms. Bonnett was an administrator/associate administrator with Nurse Referrals Inc., responsible for their license program, professional development, utilization and standards of care, to ensure agency compliance with the New York State Department of Health Regulations. She chaired the Quality Assurance Committee of Certified Home Health Care Agencies and other professional staff. Moreover she evaluated contract compliance and made recommendations to the NYC Health and Hospital Corporation and acted as a liaison and marketing agent between the Nurse Referrals Inc., and NYC Health and Hospital Certified Home Care Agencies. Among other positions held were assistant director of nursing/ director of in service education at the Woodland Rehabilitation Center, New Rochelle; executive director, Bushwick Stuyvesant Heights Home Attendant Agency; community health nurse, Beth Israel Hospital and; clinical manager of the Community Geriatric Clinic at the Brookdale Hospital Medical Center. Pamela Bonnett is currently a member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Member of the Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc., past member of the board of directors for the Boys and Girls of America, Hempstead Boys and Girls Club, and a past member of the community board of St. John's Episcopal Hospital in Brooklyn. Madam Speaker, Pamela Bonnett epitomizes what is good about public health service and we should recognize her for being a role model to young boys and girls in the community. She is a person who is making a difference in people's lives.