Ed Towns

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 to recognize Gloria Chestnut, a native of Washington, DC, whose lifelong dream was to further her education. However, she was faced with a critical decision, as she was a single mother, sole provider in her home and yet would have to learn to cope with the challenges of being a student with homework as well as being a full-time breadwinner. Yet she did just that, beginning her amazing journey at the age of 45. In 1988, Gloria did continue her educational dream by enrolling in Medgar Evers College and was still a liberal arts student there when she retired from the U.S. Postal Service after 27 years of service. She began an introspective search into what would ultimately be her true calling. After graduating with an associates degree from Medgar Evers College, she entered the Graduate Center CUNY B.A./B.S. program and began classes at Brooklyn College in 1995. It was there in 1997 during a class in the radio and television masters program, when a fellow classmate shared his experience with Brooklyn Community Access Television, BCAT, that she realized her future potential. Here she was, a 67-year-old mother, grandmother of seven, and a great-grandmother of two found a career in the arts through the venues of film, video, radio, and television. Gloria volunteers much of her time assisting producers with their productions as well as editing her own weekly show at BCAT. She produces weekly shows that reflect spirituality: ``Expressions of Faith'' and ``Expressions of Faith Ministries'' are programs that explore faith and the healing power of prayer. Gloria Chestnut is a member of various organizations: GAMA, Grandmothers As Mothers Again; United Parents For Justice; Church Women United; JPAC, Jewish Association for Services for the Aged; NCNW, National Council of Negro Women; AARP Brooklyn Chapter #180; St. Gabriel and Ft. Greene Senior Centers; JASA, Institute for Senior Actions, as a former volunteer cameraperson for Jazz 966 and Jazzy Jazz. As an independent producer, Gloria has numerous productions to her credit: Aids in the Black Church; The Messiah Is Coming; The Real Life of Harriet Tubman; Malachi Roots Revisited; Mighty Men in the Bible; and many more. Madam Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent on this body to recognize the accomplishments of Gloria Chestnut as she offers her talents and services for the betterment of our community. Since 1999 she has been rewarded the Hardy Smallwood Foundation Community Service Award, first place PEGASY Religious Import Award, third place in the Alliance for Community Media/Northeast Region Festival, Women's History Month Access Fund Award, Bethune Recognition Award for Loyal and Faithful Service, and the International Library of Photography Editor's Choice Award. Madam Speaker, Gloria Chestnut is a remarkable woman who demonstrates that she has reinvented the wheel as a senior citizen with a wonderful second career as a video producer.

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 Denise Jones who was born and raised in Brooklyn. Ms. Jones' commitment to public service originated from her mother and role model, Rosalie Jones, who showed her the benevolence of charitable kindness to others. Her mother is currently a retired New York City public school teacher who served her community for dedicated thirty-five years. Denise Jones started her career in human services seventeen years ago working with MRDD at Catholic Charities as a per diem weekend counselor. Even though she held a printing job, she went to work at the Odyssey House as a counselor making half the salary. She remembers saying that the moment she took that job, she knew It was her life's work. Ms. Jones has worked with the following agencies: Project Return now known as Padilla; FEGS; The Fortune Society; AHRC; PSI Samaritan; The Partnership for the Homeless with the United Way of New York City; Innerforce; CAMBA and Ella Place. Denise has worked with youth at risk for incarceration, substance abuse MICA patients, mentally-challenged and ill, ex-offenders, senior citizens, homeless, people that suffer with HIV and AIDS. She has been honored in the New York Nonprofit Press May 2007 issue as ``Hero of the Year'' and by the Elliot Tomlin Foundation with the vision award for outstanding community service. Denise Jones has marched on Washington to represent all the people that has died from lack of funding for HIV and AIDS research for a cure. Moreover, she is a certified rapid HIV tester and has completed a WORC program at Columbia University that addresses the delivery of vocational services for consumers with serious mental health conditions. Denise attends a food and hunger conference to support world food aid once a year and currently serves Community Board #5 as a cabinet member. Dedicating her life to addressing social problems and assisting in reconstructing individual lives is Denise Jones' life's work and even now, she is working as a project coordinator on a SPICE pilot program to reduce disparities in childbirth through education and support services. Madam Speaker, it is incumbent upon this body to acknowledge Denise Jones' achievements and her spirit of volunteerism on behalf of the betterment of our community.

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.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the achievements and celebrate the 80th birthday of Ruby N. Holmes. Born in Laurens, South Carolina in 1928, Ruby was raised in a large share- cropping family. Her father was a minister and her mom a missionary. Ruby migrated to New York City in the late 1940s after becoming the first of 14 children to graduate college. She attended Allen University in Columbia, South Carolina where she became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Ruby then earned a bachelor's degree in education from Pace University and a master's degree in early childhood education from Adelphi University. Ruby married Martin L. Holmes, now deceased, after settling in Brooklyn and raised a family in the Farragut Houses. When her children were school aged, she began a career as an early childhood educator, working 30 years at the Brevoort Children's Center as a group teacher before her retirement. Ruby is a member of the Church of the Open Door. She is the former Women's Day chairperson; a trustee; Sunday school teacher; member of the Silver Singers; Open Book Club; the Anna and James Ministry; as well as member and past coordinator of the Senior's Ministry. She is involved in social action in her community and is a former member of the Farragut Community Board. Ruby is the mother of two daughters Karen and Cheryl Holmes. She is also the grand-godmother to Paul Williams and Schuyler Burke. Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize Ruby N. Holmes, on her 80th birthday and let her know how much she is appreciated by all of those whose lives she has touched. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Ruby N. Holmes.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of National Peace Corps Week, in honor of the 47th anniversary of the Peace Corps on March 1, 2008. Since President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps in 1961, more than 190,000 Peace Corps volunteers have served their country in 139 developing nations around the globe. Their undying efforts for the cause of peace are commendable and have made a lasting impact on the communities in which they have lived and worked. Peace Corps volunteers range from recent college graduates to retirees with several decades of work experience, and represent the tremendous diversity of the American people. The issues they address cover HIV/AIDS education and outreach, environmental protection, and improving information technology in developing nations. Three individuals from my congressional district in Brooklyn are presently serving as Peace Corps volunteers. Kimberly Joyce has been serving in Belize since the summer of 2006; Jame McCray has been serving in Samoa since the summer of 2006; and Caitlin Parish has been serving in Tanzania since the summer of 2007. Their tireless efforts for the greater cause of peace will profoundly affect these communities. I would like to applaud and commend these outstanding Brooklynites for committing themselves to such a worthwhile cause. They are role models for us all.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 947 which welcomes the new President of the Republic of Korea, Lee Myung-Bak, and congratulates him on his upcoming inauguration later this month. I am pleased to be a cosponsor of this important resolution. Madam Speaker, not a little more than a half century ago--within living memory of several Members of this House, most notably our distinguished Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, my dear friend Mr. Rangel--the Republic of Korea was an impoverished casualty of imperialism and war. It has since grown to be affluent and productive beyond the wildest dreams of the American and South Korean soldiers who fought shoulder-to-shoulder for freedom and democracy during the Korean War. There are over two million Americans of Korean descent living throughout the United States, from Hawaii, where the first Korean immigrants landed a little more than a century ago, to New York, which is home to one of the largest and most vibrant Korean American communities in the Nation. It is important to note that Korean Americans have made significant contributions in New York politically, economically, culturally and through their various civic and religious organizations. The newly elected President of the Republic of Korea is a distinguished statesman and prominent business leader. President-elect Lee Myung-Bak has served as a Member of the South Korean National Assembly; he was Mayor of Seoul, South Korea's largest city and capital; he has been a visiting scholar at the George Washington University; and he has been the chief executive officer of some of the Republic of' Korea's most successful business corporations affiliated with the Hyundai Group. He has distinguished himself over the years in both the public and private sectors. Madam Speaker, President-elect Lee has indicated, in several statements he has made since his election, a profound desire to strengthen the already strong friendship and partnership between the Republic of Korea and the United States. I applaud President-elect Lee for this commitment and look forward to working with him and administration to this end. I join my colleagues in congratulating and wishing him and his transition team well as they take up their new responsibilities.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H Res. 932, Honoring National School Counseling Week. First, I'd like to thank my colleague, Representative Linda Sanchez, for introducing this important resolution. As a social worker, I recognize the invaluable role that guidance counselors and other social services personnel play in our schools. These dedicated men and women devote their lives to ensuring the bright futures of our Nation's children, supporting them both academically and socially, and assisting them on the great journey towards higher education and a successful career. Guidance counselors also play a vital role in our efforts to increase high school graduation and college enrollment rates. However, despite our reliance on these important individuals for doing the crucial work of preparing our Nation's youth for entry into college and the real world, we often fail to give school counselors the support they need to do their jobs effectively. Many of our schools are under-staffed with guidance counselors, and these hardworking individuals are tasked with serving an overwhelming number of students with a limited amount of resources. The average counselor-to-student ratio in our Nation's public schools is 1 to 436. We must acknowledge this reality, and direct our efforts in Congress toward increasing both our support and recognition of these hardworking men and women in our schools. For these reasons, I am a proud co-sponsor of House Resolution 932, to recognize the important work of school guidance counselors, inspiring the youth of America, and providing them with much-needed support in their journey toward high school graduation and a prosperous future. My fellow colleagues in Congress, I urge you to support House Resolution 932, so that we may celebrate the accomplishments and diligent efforts of guidance counselors in our Nation's schools.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the efforts of Shernet Neufville-Gray to positively change the health care community in the Brooklyn, New York area. Shernet Neufville-Gray is a divorced mother of two daughters, Chloe, age 16, who is a leukemia survivor and Quimani, age 11. Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, Shernet is a product of a family that instilled the value and importance of education. In 1988, Shernet received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of the West Indies in Mona Campus, Jamaica. In 1997, she earned her Master's degree in Public Administration from New York University. Shernet feels that her mission in life is to provide and facilitate the delivery of service for the underserved. Her recognition of these endeavors began as early as age 19 while working as a student-teacher intern in one of the violence ridden areas of Kingston, Jamaica. Shernet moved from Jamaica to the United States approximately 20 years ago and shifted her career focus to healthcare. Within this field she has worked at resolving dilemmas in various healthcare settings. Shernet currently serves as the Associate Director of Psychiatry's Division of Chemical Dependency for the Health and Hospitals Corporation at the Woodhull Medical and Mental Health Center and its surrounding network. In this capacity, Shernet has been instrumental in developing, revising and implementing policies that serve as advocacy for persons in recovery from drug and alcohol abuse. This she does while resolving patient complaints and ensuring that the facility and staff meet regulatory and stakeholders expectations regarding service. Her prior capacities as research analyst at the Brooklyn Hospital Center helped her promote the use of evidence-based practices in healthcare. There, Shernet spearheaded improvement in the hospital's patient education practice as well. Not only has Shernet spent her entire career serving as an advocate for the underserved, but she is heavily involved in community organizations. She is a founding member of the Vander Park Glenwood Lions Club, and she is also a member of an organization of Jamaicans (JON-J) that provides services to youths, immigrants and anyone in need. Shernet is also an active member of the United Methodist Church, where she works in various fundraising capacities and volunteers in the church's soup kitchen. Madam Speaker, I would like to once again recognize the selfless contributions that Shernet Neufville-Gray has made to the Brooklyn community. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to this outstanding woman and the great things for which she stands.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Anna Gonzalez, a resident of Brooklyn for more than 40 years. Anna is the current director of the Hope Gardens Multi-Service Center; a community center that seeks to educate and empower the people of Bushwick, Brooklyn. Anna Gonzalez, formerly Anna Rodriguez, attended Clara Barton High School. Ms. Gonzalez worked as a nurse during her 20s until she decided to take time off to raise a family. She first became involved in community activism at Public School 86, the elementary school her children attended. She worked as a parent leader, volunteering to help improve the school and then as a leader of a successful boycott to prevent the school's rezoning by local officials. Ms. Gonzalez's participation in the boycott was a springboard to her next position as Community Associate with the Knickerbocker-Wycoff Service Center, an organization that assists residents with their problems and concerns. Ms. Gonzalez then worked at St. Barbara's Roman Catholic Church, organizing and running youth activities and religious educational services. In 1981, she accepted a position at the P-60 Senior Center, now the Hope Gardens Multi-Service Center. Within 6 months she was promoted to director. Ms. Gonzalez's tenure as the Director of Hope Gardens has been marked by huge growth in the number of services that are being offered as well as the number of people being served. Today, Hope Gardens is an important community resource. However, her professional responsibilities did not interfere with her community involvement. Ms. Gonzalez was elected twice, the first time as a write-in candidate, to Community School Board #32, serving as chair for 2 years. She has also served on Community Planning Board #4 for more than 20 years, serving as chair for more than 6 years. Ms. Gonzalez has been married to Pablo Gonzalez for 46 years; is the mother of four children: George, Aida, Jose, and Ralph; and the grandmother of seven children: Christopher, Justin, Anissa, Jacob, Megan, Kelsey, and Jeremy. Madam Speaker, I cannot say enough about Anna Gonzalez. She is extremely generous with her time and cares a lot about her community. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to this awesome woman.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and honor the work and accomplishments of the Modell family. The Modell family migrated from Russia in the 1870s settling on the Lower East Side of New York City. They soon began peddling clothing, jewelry, and other odds and ends from a pushcart. George Modell opened a store at 79 Cortland Street in 1893. The business moved to Nassau Street during the 1930s when George's son Louis joined and established their pawnbroking business. Louis successfully expanded and assumed leadership of the company during World War II. In 1956, Gerald, Louis' eldest son had completed his studies at Columbia University and was commissioned into the army as an officer. In 1959, he joined the Modell Jewelry & Pawnbroker business. Gerald Modell opened a second location in 1960 on West 47th Street, in the heart of the ``Diamond District,'' where Modell began to extend financing to the diamond and jewelry industry. In 1965, Gerald expanded by starting a diamond importing company operating in Antwerp, Tel Aviv, and Bombay. Gerald Modell's son Eric graduated from the University of Virginia's McIntire School of Commerce in 1997. After a 3-year career as a management consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers, Eric joined the family business in 2000. Today Eric is the executive vice president and is committed to expanding the business even further. Gerald Modell has been associated with the creation and operation of many charitable and philanthropic causes, mostly in the medical field. He currently serves on an Advisory Board at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York City and is the founder and former vice president of the Mental Illness Foundation. Today the Modells have six pawnshop locations in operation throughout New York City: the Diamond District; Gramercy Park; Spanish Harlem; Brooklyn Heights; Brownsville; and Bay Ridge. Annually, Modell makes tens of thousands of loans to the public for their short-term financing needs. Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize and thank the Modell family for their nearly 115 years of service to the residents of New York. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the Modell family.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Dady Belfort. Dady, one of four children, was born in Les Cayes on the Island of Haiti to Rose Nostalie and Joseph Santiford Belfort. In 1977, she migrated to the United States enrolling in Erasmus Hall High School. After her high school graduation in 1980, she attended Kings Borough Community College and is currently enrolled at John Jay College, pursuing a Master's Degree in Criminal Justice. Dady became a police officer for the City of New York in 1989. Since joining the force, she has received numerous citations during her 18 years of service. In 2002, she became the force's Community Affairs Officer and in 2005 she was promoted to Detective. Dady is very active in her community. She is a regular participant in the New York Cares coat drive as well as numerous toy drives. Dady walks each year in the Our Lady of Miraculous Medal Parish's walk-a- thon for the Knights of Columbus, and the walk for breast cancer at Jones Beach. She is a member of the Canarsie Lions Club, and the Haitian American Law Enforcement Fraternal Organization. Dady coordinates with various organizations' outreach programs to help the less fortunate by collecting food for the homeless, adopting a family for the holidays, and frequently assisting at the Gerald R. Ryan Outreach Center Soup Kitchen. As a young girl, Dady has always wanted to make a difference in her community. She lives her life by one simple saying, ``Happiness is not an individual matter. When you are able to bring relief or bring back the smile to one person, not only that person profits but you also profit. The deepest happiness you can have comes from the capacity to help relieve the suffering of others. So if we have the habit of being peaceful, there is a natural tendency for us to go into the direction of service.'' Dady is married to Cecil Ramsay and they have three children; Rodnny, Samantha and Christopher. Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize this pillar of New York who has set the bar extremely high for individual service to her community. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to this Dady Belfort.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Reverend Leary E. Bonnett. Reverend Bonnett, a native of Guyana, completed the General Certificate of Education and high school examinations through the University of London before migrating to the United States. Reverend Bonnett earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics from Queens College of the City University of New York. He went on to pursue a Master of Arts Degree in Human Resources Development from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri as well as a Master of Divinity Degree from New York Theological Seminary. Reverend Bonnett is currently completing work towards a Doctor of Ministry Degree at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. specializing in spirituality and leadership for the 21st century. Reverend Bonnett enlisted in the U.S. Army after college in order to fulfill a deterred draft commitment granted to full-time students during the Vietnam War. He attended Officers Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. After 13 years of distinguished military service, he separated from active duty with rank of Major. His military decorations include the U.S. Army Good Conduct Medal; the U.S. Army Achievement Medal; and the U.S. Army Commendation Medal. Reverend Bonnett is the former Executive Director of a parochial day school in the Rockaway section of Queens. While there he streamlined the curriculum to meet New York State standards. In addition, Reverend Bonnett served with the Salvation Army providing therapeutic crisis intervention to at-risk youths. After the attacks of September 11, 2001, he joined a team of family support specialists with the American Red Cross to providing benefits and support to family members who lost loved ones or were injured in the terrorist attack. Reverend Bonnett is currently the Director of Christian Education at the Berean Missionary Baptist Church in Brooklyn. He is the Founder and Executive Director of Silence The Guns, an educational organization dedicated to eliminating handgun usage among America's children. He is also the author of two books; Failure is Not the Problem: and Joy Cometh in the Morning. Reverend Bonnett resides in Brooklyn with his wife, Dr. Terry Jan Blackett-Bonnet. He has three children, Kimbia, Amilcar and Haron. Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize Reverend Bonnett's selfless contributions and his works as a mentor to the children of Brooklyn. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Reverend Leary E. Bonnett.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Andrea R. Adams. Andrea was born on Staten Island, New York and is a product of the City's public school system. After receiving her G.E.D., she enrolled in York College in Jamaica, New York and St. Joseph's College in Brooklyn. Andrea later attended Long Island University, graduating with a Master's of Public Administration and a certificate in Health Care Administration. Andrea has worked in the health care field for 25 years. She has held various positions, among them: Medical Secretary; Technical Specialist; Health Educator; Hospital Training Director; Community Outreach Liaison; Executive Assistant; and currently, Director of Volunteer and Auxiliary Services. Andrea is credited with spearheading the Gateway to Health Sciences School at Queens Hospital 12 years ago. She implemented this unique learning hospital/high school collaboration to lure inner city youth to occupations in the health profession. The hospital's on-site project opened the door to her present and most rewarding task; counseling young people allowing them to see the potential of a rewarding a career in the health care field. As the hospital's Volunteer Director, she also assists second career adults referred from health career schools, and senior citizens seeking a rewarding volunteer experience. Andrea is a member of the National Association of University Women's Saturday Tutorial Program. This program assists children in improving their reading, math, penmanship, and communications skills. Andrea is an active supporter of many of the programs at St. Matthew's Community A.M.E. Church of which she is a member. Currently, the church is preparing to open an after school program center. Upon its completion, Andrea plans to be a regular participant of the skills enhancement program. She is also a member of the New York City Board of Education's ``Speaker in the Classroom'' program. Each year, she visits day care centers, schools and colleges to share information about various and unique careers in health care. Andrea is a member of the Women's Concerns Committee at Queens Hospital Center and participates in developing projects to advance cultural awareness among hospital staff. Her diligent work in this area earned her the Mayor's Award in 2001. She is also a rape, domestic violence advocate and an outreach educator of the health care proxy law, breast cancer awareness, and HIV/AIDS transmission. Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize the impressive achievements of Andrea R. Adams, who has spent her life giving so much to others. I also want to thank Ms. Adams helping the children of Brooklyn, New York. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to this exceptionally kind woman.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Ken Reid and Debra Madison-Reid. Ken and Debra have known each other their entire lives. They played together as children in the streets of Bushwich where Debra resided and where Ken would visit relatives who lived on the next street. While the two of them were enrolled in high school, Debra's family moved to the same block as Ken's best friend. Ken and Debra lost contact after high school though Ken had made countless attempts to win the heart of his long-time friend. After high school, Ken enrolled at Hofstra University, pursuing a degree in Broadcast Engineering. Following graduation, he accepted a position at New York Telephone Company, now Verizon. The very first day he reported for work, he opened the door and saw Debra and they were once again connected. They were married in Brooklyn, New York on October 18, 1982. Years later, Debra and Ken found themselves without a tenant for the top floor of their brownstone. With no prospects in sight, they realized they had to get creative very fast. Ken has always purchased gift certificates to area spas; meanwhile, Debra was able to persuade Ken to host several of their own spa parties at places like the Presidential Suite at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Manhattan. Eventually, they would convert the top floor of their brownstone into a day spa. The Spa Club in Bed-Stuy opened its doors December 30, 2006 and has become a place that nourishes the mind, body, and soul. Their clients include government officials, members of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, members of the New Jersey Nets organization, local church congregates and other community organizations. There are plans in the works to expand The Spa Club throughout the entire building within the next 2 years. There are also plans to have a location in the Atlantic Yards within the next 5 years. Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize both Ken Reid and Debra Madison-Reid for their contributions to our community and providing a place for us to nourish our minds, bodies and souls after a hard day. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to this beautiful couple who have the type of story of which movies are created.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I would like to call my colleagues' attention to a compelling letter written by Arthur I. Jacknowitz, Pharm. D, Professor and Distinguished Chair in the Department of Clinical Pharmacy at West Virginia University's School of Pharmacy at the Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center in Morgantown, WV. Writing on behalf of more than 650 pharmacies and 359,000 Medicare beneficiaries in West Virginia, Professor Jacknowitz expressed his deep concern over the adverse impact that CMS's new policy excluding compounded inhalation medications from Medicare beneficiaries would have in West Virginia and across the Nation. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to enter Professor Jacknowitz's letter into the Record. West Virginia University, School of Pharmacy, Morgantown, WV, October 30, 2007. Kerry Weems, Administrator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, 200 Independence Avenue, SW, Room 314 G, Washington, DC. Dear Administrator Weems: Compounding pharmacists play an essential role in many patients' lives by enabling physicians to prescribe customized medication therapy to best meet their needs. Indeed, for the growing number of people with unique therapeutic requirements that cannot be addressed with commercially available products, a compounded product may be the only viable treatment option. Compounding of medications for patient use has been a significant component of the practice of pharmacy and medicine since the beginnings of our profession. Virtually all practicing pharmacists will be involved with compounding activities at some point during their career. In fact, it is estimated that the 30 to 40 million prescriptions are compounded each year. Pharmacists are the only health care professionals that have studied chemical compatibilities and can prepare alternate dosage forms. In fact, each state requires that pharmacy schools must, as part of their core curriculum, instruct students on the compounding of pharmaceutical ingredients. Compounding pharmacies are licensed and regulated by their respective state boards of pharmacy, rather than the FDA. With this mind, I am writing to you as a Professor of Pharmacy and on behalf of more than 650 pharmacies and 359,000 Medicare beneficiaries they serve in our state of West Virginia to express my concern about the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) new policy excluding compounded inhalation medications from Medicare beneficiaries. CMS issued this new policy without explanation or medical rationale driven by the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) posture and legal position regarding compounding. It is a reversal of your agency's long-standing policy on inhalation medications. By excluding compounded inhalation medications for Medicare beneficiaries stating that they are no longer medically necessary you are discriminating against compounded medications in general. I believe that this new policy may have far-reaching and serious consequences for Medicare beneficiaries who rely on nebulizer medications. Eliminating compounding will severely restrict access to these critical medications for Medicare beneficiaries and their prescribing physicians. The FDA's legal position on compounding medications, its aggressive enforcement policies against several compounding pharmacies and the agency's intervention and influence on CMS's recent policies on compounded medications establishes a dangerous precedent for all pharmacy compounding throughout the United States. Ignoring the recent Federal court decision Medical Center Pharmacy v Gonzales. 451 F. Supp.2d 854, 865 (W.D. Tex. 2006), the FDA reasserted its legal position ``that all compounded drugs are unapproved new, and therefore illegal, drugs under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA)''. Contrary to the FDA's position, the Federal Court held that ``compounded drugs, when created for an individual patient pursuant to a prescription from a licensed practitioner, were implicitly exempt from the new drug definitions contained in the Act''. As a result of the FDA's position and CMS's new policy on compounding, more than 29,000 citizens of West Virginia suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) that depend on these medications as well as the hundreds of compounding pharmacies and their employees, will be adversely affected. For this reason, I am asking that CMS rescind the recent policy excluding compounding medications. Thank you, for you consideration. Sincerely, Arthur I. Jacknowitz, Professor and Distinguished Chair, Department of Clinical Pharmacy.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support H.R. 3179, the Local Preparedness Acquisition Act. This is a bipartisan, good government bill that will permit state apd local governments to purchase homeland security and public safety equipment using General Services Administration contract schedules. H.R. 3179 has the support of many state and local governments and the National Association of Counties. It will make it easier for local officials to purchase the items they need to improve safety in their communities, while saving money at the same time. The GSA Schedules are catalogues of more than 4 million commercial goods and services currently available to federal agencies at negotiated discount prices. Since 2002, Congress has enacted ``cooperative purchasing'' legislation that authorized state and local governments to purchase IT equipment and disaster recovery items from GSA schedules. This bill further expands that authority to purchase items such as bomb detection equipment, perimeter security systems, and other homeland security goods and services from GSA Schedule 84. It is important to note that this bill imposes no federal mandate and requires no new spending. Participation in the cooperative purchasing program is voluntary for both state and local governments and vendors. The analysis prepared by the Congressional Budget Office indicates that the bill has no net impact on federal spending and is the opposite of an unfunded mandate--in fact, it is a benefit to state and local governments. This bill was developed jointly with the ranking member of the Government Management Subcommittee, Mr. Bilbray. I thank him for his contribution to this legislation. I urge all my colleagues to support H.R. 3179.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, while Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh, President of the Council of Khalistan, was visiting Belgium, he was informed of a very sinister plan by the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), the intelligence service of the Indian government. RAW is the agency behind the Golden Temple attack and also, according to the excellent and well- documented book Soft Target, the agency behind the Air India bombing, which was the largest aviation terror attack prior to September 11. According to sources in Belgium, which is the European headquarters of RAW, RAW is planning to assassinate Sikh leaders using Sikh operatives here in the United States. This sounds very much like their strategy in the Air India attack. Apparently, they haven't been able to come up with new terror tactics in 22 years. One of the targets is a former Jathedar of the Akal Takht, which is the highest office in the Sikh religion. The Sikh leaders who are being targeted have one thing in common: they are supporters of freedom and sovereignty for Khalistan, the Sikh homeland that declared its independence from India in 1987. You might also remember, Madam Speaker, that the Washington Times reported on January 2, 2002 that India was sponsoring cross-border terrorism in the Pakistani province of Sindh. Given this terrorist record, why are American taxpayers being asked to support such a country? Although India proclaims itself democratic, the real India is the one that plans to assassinate Sikh leaders for seeking freedom, bombs its own airplanes to create an excuse to kill its Sikh minority, sponsors cross-border terror, and carries out other such reprehensible acts. Yet many in this country are blinded by India's democratic claims. The time has come to say no more, Madam Speaker. We must stop our aid to this regime until every citizen within its borders and those outside can live securely in freedom, comfortable that no oppression, torture, or assassination plots will be aimed at them. We must demand a free and fair vote for all the people seeking their freedom from this brutal regime. And someone should call the FBI. Plotting to assassinate Americans and others, no matter the circumstances, is an attack on us all, Madam Speaker. I hope that all my colleagues will join me in condemning it. I would like to place the Council of Khalistan's news release on the RAW assassination plot into the Record for the information of my colleagues. RAW Planning To Assassinate Sikh Leaders Washington, D.C., December 6, 2007--During his recent visit to Belgium, Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh, President of the Council of Khalistan, was informed that agents of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), the intelligence agency of the Indian government, plan to assassinate prominent Sikh leaders, including a former Jathedar of the Akal Takht. Belgium is the European headquarters of RAW. A very reliable Sikh source, who intervened to stop the assassination of a prominent Sikh leader, told Dr. Aulakh about the plot The RAW plot seeks to use Sikhs in the United States as their operatives. India is determined to destroy the Sikh Nation and the Sikh religion, both inside and outside India. They are determined to eliminate the pro-Khalistan Sikh leadership worldwide so they can continue to carry out their violent rule over the Sikhs and absorb the Sikh religion into Hinduism. Indian intelligence is using every trick available to them to achieve this goal. According to the book Soft Target by Zuhair Kashmeri of the Toronto Globe and Mail and Brian McAndrew of the Toronto Star, it was RAW that was responsible for the bombing of an Air India flight in 1985 that killed 329 people. Two Canadian Sikhs were acquitted on charges related to the bombing by a Canadian judge who said the evidence against them was ``not credible.'' It was RAW that was responsible for the attack on the Golden Temple, the seat of the Sikh religion, and 38 other Gurdwaras in June 1984, an operation that killed more than 20,000 Sikhs. The Indian government has murdered over 250,000 Sikhs since 1984, more than 300,000 Christians since 1948, over 90,000 Muslims in Kashmir since 1988, and tens of thousands of Tamils, Assamese, Manipuris, Dalits, and others. The Indian Supreme Court called the Indian government's murders of Sikhs ``worse than a genocide.'' Indian police arrested human-rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra after he exposed their policy of mass cremation of Sikhs, in which over 50,000 Sikhs have been arrested, tortured, and murdered, and then their bodies were declared unidentified and secretly cremated. He was murdered in police custody. His body was not given to his family. The police never released the body of former Jathedar of the Akal Takht Sardar Gurdev Singh Kaunke after SSP Swaran Singh Ghotna murdered him. Ghotna has never been brought to trial for Jathedar Kaunke's murder. No one has been brought to justice for the kidnapping and murder of Jaswant Singh Khalra. According to a report by the Movement Against State Repression (MASR), 52,268 Sikhs are being held as political prisoners in India without charge or trial. Some have been in illegal custody since 1984! Tens of thousands of other minorities are also being held as political prisoners, according to Amnesty International. We demand the immediate release of all these political prisoners. History shows that multinational states such as India are doomed to failure. Countries like Austria-Hungary, India's longtime friend the Soviet Union, Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia, and others prove this point. India is not one country; it is a polyglot like those countries, thrown together for the convenience of the British colonialists. It is doomed to break up as they did. ``The flame of freedom burns brightly in the hearts of Sikhs,'' said Dr. Aulakh. ``As Professor Darshan Singh, a former Jathedar of the Akal Takht, said, `If a Sikh is not for Khalistan, he is not a Sikh','' Dr. Aulakh noted. ``Liberating Khalistan is the only way to let the Sikh Nation live in freedom and dignity.''

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, recently, Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh, President of the Council of Khalistan, made a very successful trip to Great Britain and Belgium. Belgium is the European headquarters of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), India's shadowy ``intelligence service.'' Dr. Aulakh spoke at three Gurdwaras and the crowds responded enthusiastically. They chanted pro-Khalistan slogans and they overwhelmingly supported the message of freedom for Khalistan, the Sikh homeland. This was a blow to the Indian occupation and oppression in Punjab, Khalistan. Their support should be rewarded, Madam Speaker. We should go on record supporting a free and fair vote on the matter. And we should stop our aid to India until such time as they recognize basic human rights. Madam Speaker, I would like to add the Council of Khalistan's recent release on Dr. Aulakh's European visit to the Record at this time. Dr. Aulakh's Visit to Europe Very Successful Washington, DC, Dec. 6.--Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh, President of the Council of Khalistan, has recently returned from a very successful trip to Europe. He traveled to Gurdwaras in Belgium and Great Britain. He spoke at the Gurdwaras in Sint- Truiden in Belgium and in Slough and Birmingham in the United Kingdom. Belgium is the European headquarters of India's Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). At every stop, slogans of ``Khalistan Zindabad'' filled the air. Enthusiastic crowds greeted Dr. Aulakh's message of freedom for Khalistan, the Sikh homeland that declared its independence from India on October 7, 1987. ``I would like to thank my hosts in Europe for helping to make the trip so successful,'' Dr. Aulakh said. The show of support for liberating the Sikh Nation, Khalistan, from Indian occupation shows that the flame of freedom burns brightly in the hearts of the Sikh Nation despite India's many years of oppression.'' India has refused to allow so much as a vote on the matter of independence for Khalistan. It has refused to grant the people of Kashmir the plebiscite on their status that they were promised in 1948. It continues to kill and harass Sikhs and other minorities. The Indian government has murdered over 250,000 Sikhs since 1984, more than 300,000 Christians since 1948, over 90,000 Muslims in Kashmir since 1988, and tens of thousands of Tamils, Assamese, Manipuris, Dalits, and others. The Indian Supreme Court called the Indian government's murders of Sikhs ``worse than a genocide.'' Indian police arrested human-rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra after he exposed their policy of mass cremation of Sikhs, in which over 50,000 Sikhs have been arrested, tortured, and murdered, and then their bodies were declared unidentified and secretly cremated. He was murdered in police custody. His body was not given to his family. The police never released the body of former Jathedar of the Akal Takht Sardar Gurdev Singh Kaunke after SSP Swaran Singh Ghotna murdered him. Ghotna has never been brought to trial for Jathedar Kaunke's murder. No one has been brought to justice for the kidnapping and murder of Jaswant Singh Khalra. According to a report by the Movement Against State Repression (MASR), 52,268 Sikhs are being held as political prisoners in India without charge or trial. Some have been in illegal custody since 1984! Tens of thousands of other minorities are also being held as political prisoners, according to Amnesty International. We demand the immediate release of all these political prisoners. History shows that multinational states such as India are doomed to failure. Countries like Austria-Hungary, India's longtime friend the Soviet Union, Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia, and others prove this point. India is not one country; it is a polyglot like those countries, thrown together for the convenience of the British colonialists. It is doomed to break up as they did. ``The desire to reclaim the sovereignty that Guru Gobind Singh declared for us still resides in every Sikh heart,'' said Dr. Aulakh. ``As Professor Darshan Singh, a former Jathedar of the Akal Takht, said, `If a Sikh is not for Khalistan, he is not a Sikh','' Dr. Aulakh noted. ``We must continue to press for our God-given birthright of freedom,'' he said. ``Khalistan must and will be free soon.''

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, the government of Pakistan has recognized the Anand Marriage Act of 1909. This act covers Sikh marriages. I commend the Pakistani government for this show of tolerance and religious freedom. There are only about 15,000 Sikhs in Pakistan. When is India, with its 22 million Sikhs, going to recognize the same act? It has been on the books for almost a century. India refuses to enforce or even recognize the Anand Marriage Act. Instead, it records all Sikh marriages as Hindu marriages under the Hindu Marriage Act. This constitutes a refusal of ``secular'', ``democratic'' India to recognize Sikhism as a separate religion. Instead, they seek to subsume it under Hinduism. The fact that Guru Nanak, who began the Sikh religion, was born Hindu no more makes Sikhism a part of Hinduism than the fact that Jesus was Jewish makes Christianity part of Judaism. The Indian government is simply trying to eliminate the Sikh religion by subverting it and forcing Sikhs into Hinduism. Where is the freedom of religion in India? Madam Speaker, this is unacceptable! America can and must do something to protect the rights and freedoms of all people in South Asia. We can start by stopping our aid to India and our trade until such time as it learns to respect the rights of all people regardless of ethnicity, religion, or social status. And we should put this Congress on record in support of self-determination for the Sikhs of Punjab, Khalistan, the Muslims of Kashmir, the Christians of Nagaland, and all the others who seek freedom. India will not allow such free and fair votes, belying its self-proclaimed democratic principles. The essence of democracy is the right to self-determination. Madam Speaker, I would like to insert the Council of Khalistan's press release on the Anand Marriage Act into the Record. Pakistan Recognizes Anand Marriage Act Washington, D.C., December 6, 2007.--The government of Pakistan has formally recognized the Anand Marriage Act, which governs Sikh marriages. The act was adopted in 1909. Even though there are only about 15,000 Sikhs in Pakistan and there are millions of Sikhs in India, India still refuses to recognize the act. While Sikhs conduct marriages in accord with the Anand Marriage Act, the Indian government will not certify them under the act. Instead, they are recorded under the Hindu Marriage Act. The Indian government is trying to destroy the Sikh religion. Its failure to recognize the Anand Marriage Act is one more way that it is carrying out this effort. Sikh marriages are different from Hindu marriages. Hindu couples circle around a fire. Sikh couples circle around the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy scripture, four times. ``I would like to thank the Pakistani government for its recognition of the Anand Marriage Act, which is almost a hundred years old,'' said Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh, President of the Council of Khalistan, which leads the Sikh struggle for freedom. ``Pakistan's action has shown a level of tolerance that supposedly secular, supposedly democratic India has never shown,'' he said. ``That is very telling. It shows the true face of India,'' he said. ``There is no place for Sikhs, Muslims, Christians, or other minorities there.'' The Indian government has murdered over 250,000 Sikhs since 1984, more than 300,000 Christians since 1948, over 90,000 Muslims in Kashmir since 1988, and tens of thousands of Tamils, Assamese, Manipuris, Dalits, and others. The Indian Supreme Court called the Indian government's murders of Sikhs ``worse than a genocide.'' Indian police arrested human-rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra after he exposed their policy of mass cremation of Sikhs, in which over 50,000 Sikhs have been arrested, tortured, and murdered, and then their bodies were declared unidentified and secretly cremated. He was murdered in police custody. His body was not given to his family. The police never released the body of former Jathedar of the Akal Takht Sardar Gurdev Singh Kaunke after SSP Swaran Singh Ghotna murdered him. Ghotna has never been brought to trial for the Jathedar Kaunke murder. No one has been brought to justice for the kidnapping and murder of Jaswant Singh Khalra. According to a report by the Movement Against State Repression (MASR), 52,268 Sikhs are being held as political prisoners in India without charge or trial. Some have been in illegal custody since 1984! Tens of thousands of other minorities are also being held as political prisoners, according to Amnesty International. We demand the immediate release of all these political prisoners. History shows that multinational states such as India are doomed to failure. Countries like Austria-Hungary, India's longtime friend the Soviet Union, Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia, and others prove this point. India is not one country; it is a polyglot like those countries, thrown together for the convenience of the British colonialists. It is doomed to break up as they did. ``Only a sovereign, independent Khalistan will allow the Sikhs of Punjab and the other people of the subcontinent to live in freedom, dignity, and prosperity,'' said Dr. Aulakh. ``As Professor Darshan Singh, a former Jathedar of the Akal Takht, said, `If a Sikh is not for Khalistan, he is not a Sikh','' Dr. Aulakh noted. ``We must continue to press for our God-given birthright of freedom,'' he said. ``Without political power, religions cannot flourish and nations perish. Let us join together and free Khalistan.''

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, Sylvia's Restaurant of Harlem is known as one of this country's greatest restaurants which has a selection of mouth-watering dishes that each time will leave you wanting more. This is one of the best-known restaurants in New York and serves its patrons good southern cooking with a dash of Sylvia's secret seasoning. Sylvia Woods worked at Johnson's Luncheonette as a waitress. Her opportunity came when the owner offered to sell her the business. She purchased the original luncheonette by borrowing $20,000 from her mother who had to mortgage her farm in Hemingway, SC. The establishment, which consists of not only the restaurant but catering and banquet facilities, was started in July of 1962. back then the menu consisted of very simple things; pigtails, lima beans, hamhocks, and neck bones. There was only one cook on staff and they picked their food up in the trunk of a car. In 1981, they bought an adjoining building on Lenox Avenue, renovated it and turned it into a dining room. In 1992, Sylvia's son, Van Woods, launched a line of Sylvia's Soul Food Proucts. The line consists of Sylvia's world famous all-purpose sauces, pre-seasoned vegetables, spices, syrup, cornbread, pancake mixes, and several other items that can be found on the shelves at any grocery store. With the help of some great investors, Sylvia's was able to open its second restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia in 1997. Sylvia's of Atlanta is located right across from City Hall. Plans are in the works to open additional Sylvia's restaurants in Texas, Kansas, Illinois, California, South Carolina, and Paris, France. This well-known restaurant attracts a clientele that ranges from harlem locals to visiting celebrities including President Bill Clinton, Nelson Mandela, and Magic Johnson. However, Sylvia's success is not based solely on her restaurants and food product line. Recently, the family launched a line of beauty products for hair and skin. Sylvia's beauty products consist of two brands: Sylvia's Beauty and Soul Products; and African Vision Products. Sylvia and her husband Herbert will tell you the secret of their success is love, family and hard work, love of God, love of family, love of friends, customers, and love of work. Sylvia and Herbert met in a bean field when they were 11 and 12 years old, respectively. They attended the same school and church and have now been married for nearly 65 years. I would like to honor Sylvia's Soul Food Restaurant where I have eaten on many occasions and where I plan to eat again.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam 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 subject matter of Mr. Clyburn's Special Order.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Alba May Powell. Alba was born and raised in the Republic of Costa Rica. She is from a tightly knit family composed of five sisters and one brother. She received her formal education at Liberty Hall School and later moved to Panama where she lived for 35 years. In 1964, she migrated to the United States and settled in Brooklyn, NY. Alba is an active participant at the East New York Seventh Day Adventist Church, where she has been a member for the past 36 years. Additionally, she is a member of the East New York Community Service Department, an honorary deaconess, and a member of the East New York Benevolence Society. Alba is also a faithful supporter of the Concerned Women of Brooklyn. Alba received a New York State Assembly Citation for Outstanding Achievements and Senior of the Year by Assemblywoman Diane Gordon. Alba has no biological children of her own. She has been a supportive and concerned mother and grandmother to many children over the years. She is also a dedicated aunt to all of her beloved nieces and nephews. Alba vows to continue helping others as long as she is allowed. Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize this wonderful and caring woman who has given so much of herself, asking very little in return. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Alba May Powell.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Wanda A. Jackson. Wanda is the second generation child of the civic-minded parents, Della and Irkston R. ``Jack'' Jackson, Jr. Her mother, known as a friend to the friendless, providing a home for the homeless and making everyone feel special, has long been considered the mayor of East New York. In the shadow of her parents and the only girl in a family of six boys, Wanda has quietly and steadily made contributions to the Brooklyn community as well as to the community at large. Wanda is a native of New York and a product of the city's public school system, graduating from John Dewey High School. She earned a business management degree at Berkeley College where she graduated magna cum laude. In 2005, she was listed among Who's Who of the Berkeley College Alumni Association. Wanda maintains strong family ties while juggling a demanding, fast- paced career for nearly 20 years as an executive assistant at a major brokerage firm on Wall Street. She still finds time to lend assistance to major fundraising campaigns such as the United Negro College Fund, United Way of Tri-State, the Building Capital Fund Campaign at St. Paul's Community Baptist Church and Project Sunshine, a non-profit organization that provides free social, educational and recreational programs to children and families living with medical challenges. During tax season, Wanda can be found preparing tax returns for Brooklyn's East New York residents. She is also former treasurer of the Rosetta Gaston United Democratic Club, Inc., where she was a close friend of the late Mary Warren, district leader for East New York. She is also a current member of the Spirit of America Heart Volunteers. In addition to her professional and volunteer accomplishments, Wanda is extremely creative, with a flair for fashion. She attended Fishburn's Charm School and graduated from Barbizon Modeling School. She has designed her own clothes, which she models at talent shows. Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize this accomplished, civic- minded woman who comes from a lineage of giving people. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Wanda A. Jackson.