Ed Towns

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Howard Pitsch in recognition of his long-term dedication to his community. Howard is a twenty-year resident of Fort Greene who has assisted in promoting the progressive revitalization of the community. He is the chair of the Fort Greene Association, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to historic preservation, strengthening community relations and improving the quality of life and parks. In this position, he has used his professional expertise as a marketing manager for Newsweek to enhance the profile of this vital community organization. He builds relationships with social and cultural organizations to improve the Fort Greene and Downtown Brooklyn areas. The Fort Greene Association sponsors a scholarship for a student to attend the Brooklyn Music School. The Association also works to restore Fort Greene Park and contributes to the creation of a Brooklyn Bridge Park. As Fort Greene Association Chair, he serves as the liaison between the Association and elected officials, Community Board Two, the 88th Precinct Council and the Brooklyn Borough President's office. His ability to juggle and maintain these various relationships is a true talent. Mr. Speaker, Howard Pitsch has dedicated himself to serving his Brooklyn community. As such, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this truly remarkable person.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Mr. William F. Green for his commitment to health care. Mr. William F. Green has spent almost 35 years of creating, implementing and enhancing medical programs and services for the underserved. After a distinguished tour of duty in the United States Marine Corps, Mr. Green pursued an undergraduate degree in sociology. Recognizing the need to strengthen and integrate health care and business systems, he later obtained Masters Degrees in both business and social work. He has also held many Executive Health Care Administrator positions in various hospitals including St. Mary's Hospital, St. John's Hospital, and the Interfaith Medical Center. He was named Vice- President of Ambulatory Services at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center and later took the position of Vice-President of External Affairs and Government Relations. Mr. Green is a member of many professional associations such as the American College of Hospital Administrators, National Association of Black Health Executives, and the Royal College of Health Administrators. Mr. Speaker, Mr. William F. Green is devoted to improving community health and advancing the health profession. I hope that all my colleagues will join me in honoring this remarkable person.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Steven Kaplansky in recognition of his long time commitment to his community. Steve was born in Manhattan and he grew up in Queens, amidst the historic Bowie House and Quaker Meeting Hall. Here, Steve learned important lessons of cultural diversity and love of community, which he took with him throughout his life. He went on to receive his college education at Long Island University, where he majored in sociology and history. He earned his masters degree from the Hunter School of Social Work, and became a New York State certified social worker. Aside from two years which he spent building community centers in Florida, Steven Kaplansky has spent his entire professional career in New York City. As an assistant director of the Flushing YHMA, he developed programs with the Lexington School for the Deaf and the Association For Help To Retarded Children, as well as an interracial youth council with Baptist churches. In 1976, he became the youngest executive director of a YHMA, and developed nontraditional programs, such as enriched and senior housing for the elderly, the only kosher Battered Women's Shelter in America, community services programs for those being discharged from mental institutions, interracial councils, neighborhood preservation projects and one of the first local development corporations in New York City. Steven's nonprofit work has been equally impressive. He was instrumental in establishing the Sam Levenson Cultural Arts Foundation and helped to establish One World One Heart, a nonprofit organization, which provides cultural, educational and neighborhood enrichment programs through music for communities-at-large. A one-time board member of the Local Development Corporation of East New York and a current board member of the Brooklyn Bureau of Community Services, Steven was recently a of a Department of Employment study for job retention in the food industry in New York City. He is also a trustee for Local 348S Food and Commercial Workers Union and the Director of the Koni Arts Foundation. In addition, he has worked on environmental issues, including water, power, and food waste, with both the city and the state. From the 1980's until recently, Steven has worked for Blue Ridge Farms as the Government Community and Public Relations Director, as well as the Personnel Director. He was instrumental in providing donations to the community, including aiding at Ground Zero. Furthermore, he helped the company save over 500 jobs. He has also worked in food banks, homeless shelters, block associations, local police councils, youth groups, and senior centers. He currently is working with Aviation Systems of New York to develop technology to prevent explosions in airplanes, and is a consultant to World Vision, Inc. a music management and entertainment corporation. Mr. Speaker, Steven Kaplansky has spent his life working tirelessly on behalf of his community. As such, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this truly remarkable man.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of Reverend Solomon Young-Min Kim, a well-respected leader in both the Brooklyn and Queens communities. Rev. Kim was born in Pusan, Korea. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Metallurgy from Korea University and has studied at the New York Theological Seminary, the Korea New Church Seminary, and the Swedenborg School of Religion. Rev. Kim is the pastor of The Mirral Church in the Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn. He has helped solve ethnic issues between the Korean businessmen and the Black community, by getting the Korean businessmen to employ more residents from the Black community. He has also fostered relationships between the Korean community and the Caribbean-American, Haitian, and Italian communities. Rev. Kim's work with Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center, as well as with the Brookdale Hospital Schulman Institute Nursing Home, has allowed him to spend time visiting the sick and the shut-in. He has also worked with the New York City Department of Correction by providing spiritual guidance and hope for a renewed life after prison to the population. Additionally, Rev. Kim helped organize the Census 2000 effort in the Korean communities of Bensonhurst, Bayridge, Flatbush, East Flatbush, Flushing and Queens, as well as in New Jersey. Rev. Kim's activism is also evident in his attitude towards education. He formally supports an after-school program for Korean students in Bayridge and Bensonhurst who are having a tough time academically. But Rev. Kim's commitment to education extends to people of all ages. In addition to the Korean Youth Festival, he has established senior/youth intergenerational programs, aimed at initiating ongoing dialogue, rarticipation and education, as a team in the Korean community. Rev. Kim's efforts have earned him numerous accolades and awards, such as the Asian American Heritage Award from the Borough President of Brooklyn, the Distinguished Ecumenical Award from the Wesley McDonald Holder Regular Democratic Club Women's Caucus, and the Community Service Award from Assemblyman Clarence Norman Jr. In closing, I would like to personally thank Rev. Solomon Young-Min Kim for his steadfast devotion to Brooklyn's Korean community and I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this truly dedicated spiritual leader.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Dr. Winston Price for his commitment to helping others. After completing his training at Cornell Medical College and New York Hospital, Dr. Price began practicing pediatrics in Brooklyn in 1978. He also served as a Medical Director for Aetna US Healthcare and for the Pediatric Ambulatory Department at SUNY Health Science Center in Brooklyn. Dr. Price is currently an Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at the SUNY Health Science Center in Brooklyn as well as the Chief Medical Consultant for V CAST II International, a medical information systems and technology company. He has also been a medical advisor and lecturer with the Cornell Cooperative Extension and New York Department of Social Services. Dr. Price sits on many committees including the Board of Trustees of the National Medical Association and he chairs the Informatics Subcommittee. He serves on a committee of the American Academy of Pediatrics as well as a committee of the National Committee for Quality Assurance. Dr. Winston Price was also appointed to the Administrative Review Board of the New York State Department of Health and served on that 5-member appellate board. Dr. Price has also taken a special interest in serving the needs of abused women and children. He has remained an active advisor to the parenting program of Brooklyn and serves on the Board of the National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect in New York State. He also serves on the Committee on Proactive and Ambulatory Medicine (COPAM) of the American Academy of Pediatrics as well as the PPAC Committee of the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). He co-authored the American Medical Association Guide on the Treatment and Prevention of Sexual Assault. Even with all of these commitments, Dr. Price is an active member of several other organizations including the Office of Professional Medical Conduct and the Medical Society of the State of New York. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Winston Price is dedicated to improving health care in the community. I hope that all my colleagues will join me in honoring this remarkable person.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Maurice A. Reid, the President and CEO of the Brownsville Community Development Corporation (BCDC), and his many years of dedicated service to the community. Maurice Reid has a Masters Degree in Public Administration from the Executive M.P.A. program of Baruch College, CUNY, and a Bachelor's Degree from the School of Business, Manhattan College. In 1995, he completed a two-year fellowship from the Southern Regional Council as a Voting Rights Expert-in-Training. He joined the BCDC after nine years as the Deputy Director for the Center for Law and Social Justice at Medgar Evers College, CUNY. Prior to assuming his post at the CLSJ, Maurice served as Administrative Assistant and District Director to newly elected Congressman Major or Owens. Maurice's management career began when he became the first director of the Brownsville Community Council's Head Start Program. He also helped found the Brownsville Child Development Center, and served as the first Executive Director/CEO for twelve years. Maurice has also held positions as the President of the Central Brooklyn Mobilization Democratic Club, the Chairperson of the Committee for An Effective School Board # 23, and as the Chairperson and Secretary/Treasurer for United Housekeeping Service, Inc. and United Homecare, Inc. Additionally, he has been a member of the Coalition for Community Empowerment and the Board of Directors of the American Reading Council. Maurice is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the Community Health Care Association of New York State. After nearly 17 years of involvement with the BCDC, as a board member and Chairperson, he became President and CEO. His hard work and dedication have clearly paid off. Mr. Speaker, Maurice A. Reid is committed to serving and improving his community. As such, he is more than worthy of receiving this recognition and I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this remarkable man.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Rev. Craig B. Caddy Sr. and his spiritual service in the community. Born to Lucille Atkins, Rev. Caddy began his ministry 19 years ago under the leadership and teachings of the late Rev. Dr. D.W. Batts in his native home of Bedford-Stuyvesant. He realized the needs of his community and saw the vital role that the church played in meeting those needs. In 1999, he was called to serve as the Pastor of the Friendship Baptist Church. Since then, he has built the Friendship Baptist Church into a community centered institution that provides GED preparation and testing, computer literacy, computerized bookkeeping, computer technology, introductory Spanish courses, as well as a partnership with Phoenix House of America. Rev. Caddy is currently a board member of the NAACP, the Bedford Stuyvesant Legal Services, the State University of New York (BEOC), the Neighborhood Advisory Board, and the Community Action Board. In addition, he serves on the Chaplain Staff of the New York City Police Department and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Rev. Caddy is not only a spiritual father to his community, but also the father of two children of his own, Nyesha Joy and Craig Jr. The Bedford Stuyvesant community is blessed to have Rev. Caddy serving them. May God continue to bless him and the work that he does. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring Rev. Craig B. Caddy Sr.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to recognize Nancy T. Sunshine as she is inducted as president of the Brooklyn Bar Association. Her climb to the top of this association is a fine example for us all. Currently, Ms. Clark is the Chief Clerk in the Appellate Term, Second Department, where she oversees the daily functions of the second, ninth, tenth, and eleventh judicial districts and is a confidential assistant to the Court. Among her responsibilities are long-term planning, budgeting, and personnel issues including interviewing candidates for non-judicial positions. Part of her professional success is attributable to the valuable experience that she obtained working first as an Assistant District Attorney in New York County and later as a Principal Law Clerk to a Justice of the Supreme Court and the Associate Justice of the Appellate Term in Kings County. In addition, Ms. Sunshine has been an active member in the Brooklyn Bar Association for seven years while simultaneously serving as a member of the New York Bar Association. Prior to becoming President of the Brooklyn Bar Association, she was recognized in 2001 by former Mayor Rudy Guiliani. He appointed her to his Advisory Committee on the Judiciary. Also, she has been honored with the Distinguished Service Award from the Brooklyn Bar Association. I know that she is an excellent person for this job. Even with all this activism, Ms. Sunshine still maintains a full family life. She is married to Jeffrey S. Sunshine, the Acting Justice of Richmond County Supreme Court, with two daughters. I am glad to see that though her work and activities are demanding, she is still able to demonstrate the value and importance of family life. I commend her for her ability to achieve. From the awards, to her public appointment, to her presidential induction, Ms. Sunshine is an all around achiever. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this truly remarkable Brooklynite.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Grace Agard Harewood, a remarkable woman in the senior citizen community, who is being honored at my Ecumenical Seniors Day. Grace Agard Harewood was born in Barbados, West Indies, but pursued her education in the United States. Grace holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Long Island University, and a Master's of Science Degree in Social Work from Columbia University. Grace accomplishments do not cease with her educational pursuits, but extend into the senior community. In 1973 at the conception of the Fort Greene Senior Citizens Center, Ms. Harewood was appointed by the Fort Greene Senior Citizens Council to become the Director. She was later appointed to the position of Executive Director and Chief Operation Officer of the Council, where she is responsible for the supervision of senior centers, day care centers and a family day care program. Approximately 2500 elderly and children benefit from these programs. Mr. Speaker, the woman that I am honoring today has been an exemplary example of leadership in the community, in which she has unselfishly extended a helping hand. Grace has served on numerous state commissions, including the Statewide Committee on Minority Participation in Aging Network Services and the Commission on Nutrition and Poverty. In 1981 she was a State Delegate to the White House Conference on Aging. In addition to holding a number of positions, Grace is a member of the National Caucus on the Black Aged. She is a former member of the Board of Directors of the Council of Senior Centers and Services, and secretary of the Advisory Board for the Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation. She has also made historical strides to be one of the founding members of her high school association, the Harrison College/ Queen's College Alumni (USA) Association. Grace serves not only her neighborhood but her spiritual community as well. As a member of the St. Augustine's Episcopal Church, she serves as the Warden as well as a Lay Reader and Eucharistic Minister. I thank Grace for her diligence in serving the community and being a great leader. I am proud to honor her altruistic character this year at my Ecumenical Seniors Day.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Cedar International Fellowship, of Brooklyn New York, and the visionary whose efforts have made this whole endeavor possible, Reverend Robert L.A. Reaves. In the fall of 2001, while at the Cedar of Lebanon Baptist Church, located at 220 Hegeman Avenue, Brooklyn, New York, Reverend Reaves conducted a meeting for the express purpose of organizing a new church. On November 17, 2001, with the purpose of equipping the new church for the perfecting of saints for the work of the ministry, Reverend Reaves organized a church growth symposium at the Seaview Diner. The new church was born on January 26, 2002, at 400 Thatford Avenue, in Brooklyn. Reverend Reaves resigned his position in the old Cedar Church, and assumed the role of founder and Senior Pastor of the new church, which was to be called the Cedar International Fellowship. The first worship service, attended by 108 members as well as by numerous visitors, was held on February 3, 2002. The spirituality of this ecstatic service reached such a peak, that the members joyously proclaimed: ``Thus Saith the Lord, I will also take off the highest branch of the high cedar, and will set it; I will crop off from the top of his young twigs a tender one, and will plant it upon a high mountain.'' But this was not a one-time occurrence. The International Fellowship has been described as a place ``where the worshipers worship and the word comes alive.'' It focuses on Evangelism through the expository preaching of the word of God and the discipling of its members. Subsequently, the Church's vision statement is ``winning one to win one to win another.'' This atmosphere of outreach has caused the Church's membership to multiply to the extent that, only several months after its inception, the Church can now boast of having 1000 members. Therefore, I urge my colleagues to recognize the achievements of Reverend Reaves and the Cedar International Fellowship Church.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of the heroic people who have dedicated so much to the clean up of the ``Ground Zero''. I am pleased that the House passed H. Res. 424 to bring recognition to their sacrifice. No one will ever forget the horrible events of the morning of September 11, 2001. It seems like just yesterday that I could look across the river from my district in Brooklyn and see those two glimmering towers watching over the city. In the course of a few hours, those symbols of strength and comfort would turn into over three thousand innocent lives lost and a pile of over 1.6 million tons of torn and twisted metal. From the moment the towers were felled, hundreds of thousands of volunteers and professionals rushed to the scene without regard to their personal well-being. Many of those people stayed at the site for days with barely a moment's rest. They were only interested in doing whatever they could to help in the recovery effort. There was no thought of rest or personal safety as workers looked for potential survivors in the devastated area that we have come to know as ``Ground Zero''. Many workers remained on site without any respiratory equipment despite fires burning and toxic fumes surrounding them. After it became clear that it would not be possible to find anyone else alive, the workers remained on site as the search evolved from a rescue and recovery effort into a clean-up effort. Throughout the long hard work, the workers remained committed to their work and showing the families of the victims the respect that they deserve. Every victim that was pulled out of the devastation was given a ceremonial burial. Mr. Speaker, the workers who have spent the last nine months at the WTC-site helped bring our country together. They showed all Americans how important it is to come together, and America responded. People from all across this great nation volunteered and donated whatever was requested. Our country was unified against a common enemy and for a common purpose. There is no way to repair the damage that was caused to our national psyche or our City's glory on September 11. But the hard work and dedication of the ``ground zero workers'' has given us all hope for the future and an understanding of what is necessary to overcome our enemies. As the clean-up operations draw to a close on May 30, 2002, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring these truly heroic people who have given so much in the name of their fallen comrades and our national honor.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of the YMCA of Greater New York in celebration of its rich and vital 150 year history. Throughout its history, the ``Y'', as many of us know it, has spanned three distinct historical periods. The first, from 1852-1902, is marked by a commitment to help newcomers to the city and the creation of programs of social change to help groups impacted by war, population shifts and industrial changes. The New York ``Association'' was staunchly abolitionist and formed a commission to minister to soldiers in camps and hospitals, and on the battlefields of the Civil War. After the War, new YMCA programs were started for African Americans, railroad workers and young boys from urban centers. From 1902-1952, the YMCA expanded its scope to all areas of public life and affairs, and women became members. Racial integration was attained nationally in the 1940s and much earlier in many New York City YMCA branches. The YMCA's expertise produced numerous vocational, skills training and job placement programs during these years. From 1952-2002, the YMCA focused aggressively on urban programs to help girls and boys, and their families, in the city. Programs were developed to deal with poverty, youth unemployment, delinquency and drug abuse, and many programs were put on wheels, such as Jobmobiles and Youthmobiles, in order to be located in the neighborhoods most in need. In New York City, during fiscal crises and national recessions, the YMCA maintained its firm commitment to the city through large-scale childcare and expanded family programs. A growing emphasis on physical fitness led to many new program offerings, such as aquatics, cardiovascular fitness and sports leagues, including two sports invented at the YMCA in the late 19th century--basketball and volleyball. In the past decade, the YMCA of Greater New York also has become a presence in nearly 200 public schools in every school district in the City. In partnership with the United Way and the New York City Board of Education, the Virtual Y currently enrolls 7,500 children and is expanding. Teen Action NYC, currently operates in five schools and provides academic support, life skills and career planning. Most recently following 9/11, the YMCA of Greater New York has developed programs in response and made its 20 branches available for a variety of community needs. In 2002, the YMCA of Greater New York serves 170,000 youth and 200,000 adults. Throughout its 150 years, the YMCA of Greater New York has been a model of public/private partnerships with a close connection to the City's business and civic leadership. Early lay leaders, such as William E. Dodge Jr., J. Pierpont Morgan and Cornelius Vanderbilt II, were among the most prominent businessmen and philanthropists of their time. Former elected officials, such as Governor Thomas Dewey and Major John Lindsay, served on the YMCA board. Mayors David Dinkins, Rudolph Giuliani and Michael Bloomberg have all been proactive supporters of YMCA community centers and programs. The YMCA of Greater New York's fundraising efforts, including its Capital Campaign for Kids, are supported by hundreds of corporations and foundations that recognize the YMCA's major and continuing commitment to the youth and families of New York City. This support is led by the YMCA of Greater New York's 14 Corporate Champions: AT&T,/AXA Financial, Bloomberg, Con Edison, Credit Suisse/First Boston, Deloitte & Touche, Deutsche Bank, JPMorganChase, Merrill Lynch, Metropolitan Life Foundation, New York Life, Pfizer, PriceWaterhouseCoopers and UBS/ PaineWebber. Mr. Speaker, 150 years after the YMCA of Greater New York first came into existence it is now bigger and better than ever before. As such, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this truly remarkable organization on the occasion of its 150th Anniversary.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of the 25th season of DanceAfrica at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. From Friday, May 24, through Sunday, May 26, BAM will be celebrating 25 years of DanceAfrica with a celebration developed to match the legendary annual festival of African and African-American dance and culture. Founded by Chuck Davis in 1977, DanceAfrica is the Nation's first dance festival devoted solely to the rich legacy of African dance. For 25 years, DanceAfrica has nurtured and celebrated African artistic, spiritual, and cultural identity with programs that illuminate the social, religious, and ceremonial traditions of people throughout the continent. Mr. Speaker, DanceAfrica has become an important part of the educational experience, cultural and artistic experience. As such I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this truly outstanding 25th Anniversary of BAM's DanceAfrica.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, Kazakhstan, the largest country in Central Asia, is a relatively new friend of the United States, but they have become staunch allies with strong economic and political ties to America. They work side by side with us in the war against the terrorists, and their commitment to democracy is part of the fiber of their society. Kazakhstan has been helpful in many ways during the recent fighting in Afghanistan, and today is looking at this neighbor's future. When the guns fall silent in Afghanistan, the rebuilding of that nation must already be well underway. The Afghans have lost many years of what should have been a civil society. The twin curses of war and famine have spread throughout their land. Now it is time for their neighbors and friends to help rebuild Afghanistan and bring the country fully into the community of nations. A politically stable Afghanistan will not harbor terrorists and will emerge as a partner in the increasingly critical Central Asian region. Kazakhstan recently played host to the U.S. Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld, who met with the Kazakh President, Nursultan Nazarbayev. During the joint press conference Secretary Rumsfeld noted, ``We are partners in the global war on terrorism, and we discussed the situation in Afghanistan as well as our common interest in an independent, economically healthy, and secure Afghanistan.'' Kazakhstan, with its developing society and emphasis on democracy, is an ideal source of the help the Afghans so badly need. Kazakhstan can be a model for an emerging society and stable economy in Afghanistan. Kazakhstan has already been providing humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people. Three thousand tons of grain have already made the journey from Astana to Kabul. The U.N. World Food Program has also signed contracts for 100,000 tons of grain at prices well below world market prices. Beyond this, the government of Kazakhstan is building a database of individuals who have special skills needed for the rebuilding of Afghanistan and have volunteered to help. You might call it a ``Central Asian Peace Corps.'' Ironically, many of these volunteers have personal experience in Afghanistan where they served as unwilling draftees in the Soviet Army. These activities, at both the government and the individual volunteer level speak volumes about the similarities between Americans and Kazakhs. Both respond quickly to a neighbor's need. The pluralistic society being sought for Afghanistan is one that Americans will feel comfortable with. The people of Kazakhstan already enjoy a free and open society where religion and the will to succeed are prerogatives of the individual. In Kazakhstan, debate is enlivened by the presence of 17 political parties, 1,600 newspapers and broadcast entities and more than 130 ethnic groups. All have their own points of view and are not timid about voicing them. Kazakhstan is a Muslim- majority country, but, while synagogues are being attacked in Western Europe, they are being built in Kazakhstan. New houses of worship are also being built in Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan itself is a country of enormous economic potential and good relations between Washington and Astana are ever more important. With predicted oil reserves of 100 billion barrels or more, Kazakhstan will play a key role in easing America's dependence on current energy sources. The availability of Kazakh oil will help stabilize world markets and keep domestic prices in check. Thousands of Americans go to work every day in Kazakhstan. Most work in the energy sector, but Americans have also become a common site in the towns and villages of the country. We work well with the people of Kazakhstan, and many friendships have been established. A shared value system is a good basis for friendships. I welcome the recent decision of the U.S. Department of Commerce to grant Kazakhstan the market-economy-country status, a well-deserved recognition of the their achievements in reforming their economy and moving away from the Communist past. The next step in this direction should be the repeal of the outdated Jackson-Vanik amendment in relation to Kazakhstan and I call on my colleagues to support the appropriate resolution. President Nazarbayev, in his recent State of the Nation Address, spoke of the need to continue ``pragmatic policies'' in all areas. The question of revitalizing the farms of Kazakhstan has been a subject of much debate and was a major topic for the President. The debate over farm policies would probably sound familiar to many Americans. In the foreign affairs area the President noted, ``Kazakhstan has managed (over the first decade of independence) to build good stable relationships with all the nations without harming its own strategic interests.'' Kazakhstan's firm commitment to the ideal of democracy was also a major topic in President Nazarbayev's speech. He said, ``democracy is our deliberate choice for development and we all must work to strengthen this process. We will move step by step, preserving values of our culture founded in mutual assistance, tolerance, cooperation, and mutual respect between the peoples of different ethnic background.'' As he closed his speech, President Nazarbayev foresaw closer ties with the United States and even greater emphasis on the development of democratic ideals and the civil society. We must support Kazakhstan for many reasons. Heading the list are our shared ideals of democracy, a better life for all peoples and the uprooting of terrorism. Mr. Speaker, Kazakhstan is the hope for political stability and prosperity in Central Asia.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of a vital community organization that has affected real change in its short history. On May 10, 1992, Reverend Zachary G. Jones held its first worship service in the Charles Angel room of the New York City Lesbian and Gay Community Center. On that historic Sunday afternoon, Reverend Jones ministered to approximately 15 people. The group heard what continues to be the core message of the church to this day, ``God is Love and Love is for everyone'' and ``Let nothing or no one separate you from the Love of God''. During that time many people with alternative lifestyles felt that they were turned away from their traditional houses of worship because of their orientation and the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Since that first service, now Bishop Zachary G. Jones has built a congregation of more than 600 members andover 200,000 people of faith from New York City and around the world have attended his services. In addition, today, Unity Fellowship Church Movement of New York has a permanent location at 230 Classon Avenue in Brooklyn. Clearly, this church has filled a void. Unity Fellowship Church Movement of New York's mission states that it is a social justice ministry that teaches freedom on all levels of racial, sexual, religious and social-economic oppression. They carry out their mission through a variety of programs designed to meet the needs of the community and their parishioners, such as, their hunger program which has fed over 5,000 homeless individuals and families; their creation of the ``Unity in CommunityWeek'' to publicly address homophobia, health education, racism, and violence based on sexual orientation; ``Unity fellowship breaking ground'' an organization dedicated to providing social services to support gay and lesbian youth in Brooklyn. This is the first organization ofcolor in New York dedicated to the needs of the Lesbian and Gay community on a regular basis. Mr. Speaker, Bishop Zachary G. Jones fulfills his mission every day as he reaches out to people outside of the regular church setting who share a commitment to God but have lacked the opportunity to practice their faith freely because of their sexual orientation. As such, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this unique and vital organization on its 10th Anniversary.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Vivian Becker on the occasion of her retirement from the Pratt Area Community Council (PACC). In 1989, Vivian Becker was appointed Executive Director of PACC--then a 25-year-old three-employee community organization dedicated to improving the community. Today, under Vivian's leadership PACC now stands out as a leading community-based organization with a revenue stream of $3 million a year as well as a full-time staff of more than thirty people and a host of community volunteers and intems. PACC has not just grown; it has flourished through Vivian's hard work, dedication, and fine leadership. Vivian saw the tremendous potential in PACC and in the community and has done an outstanding job in using both to their mutual advantage. Through tenant and community organizing, Vivian and PACC have helped residents in the traditionally low and moderate-income communities of Fort-Greene, Clinton Hill, and Bedford Stuyvesant to achieve self- sufficiency, develop a sense of community, and attain overall neighborhood revitalization. They have also overseen the development of more than 50 buildings, which created more than 500 units of affordable housing for families in need. Moreover, under Vivian's leadership, PACC has addressed community issues by solving community problems. Vacant lots were turned into community gardens, blocks that were not organized, were organized and the problem of homelessness became a top priority. In addition, PACC has offered tenant and homeowner services as well as community economic development assistance. Mr. Speaker, Vivian Becker has spent the past thirteen years turning a small community organization into a powerful force that has improved the quality of life for everyone within their catchment area. She is a hard-working dedicated leader who has left an extraordinary legacy in Brooklyn. As such, she is more than worthy of receiving this recognition and I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this truly outstanding community builder.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I was saddened to read an article in the Times of India showing that India's repressive new ``Prevention of Terrorism Ordinance'' (POTO) is already being abused. The new law allows the police to hold someone without charges for up to 180 days, according to the Washington Post. According to the article, a court granted bail to a POTO defendant named Abdul Ahmed Bhat and granted him bail of Rs 2,500. The judgment shows how the police are abusing POTO. The police filed two varying reports against Mr. Bhat, abusing the process to make certain that he stayed in police custody. The official police reports exonerates Mr. Bhat of the charges against him, while the investigating officer's report implicates him. Unfortunately, this kind of abuse is typical of the Indian government. The Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS), a hardline, militant Hindu fundamentalist organization published a booklet on how to implicate Christians and other minorities in false criminal cases. The RSS is the parent organization of the ruling BJP, which sponsored and passed POTO. Mr. Speaker, we must not support this kind of tyranny. We should end all our aid to India until it ends. We should also put ourselves on record in favor of self-determination for everyone in the subcontinent by means of a free and fair, democratic vote on independence for Khalistan, Kashmir, Nagaland, and the other nations seeking their freedom from India. Mr. Speaker, I would like the permission of the House to insert the Times of India article into the Record for the information of my colleagues. [From the Times of India, Apr. 3, 2002] POTO Misused by Police in Bhat Case Srinagar.--Two varying police reports by the same investigating officer prompted the special court to grant bail to Abdul Ahmed Bhat on Monday. Bhat, a resident of Ahmad Nagar, was booked under the Prevention of Terrorism Ordinance (POTO) under FIR No 12/2002 at police station Soura. The special court had granted bail to Bhat against a bond of Rs 25,000. The judgment points a finger of suspicion at the police for misuse of the prevention of terrorism law--despite the Centre and the state government's assurance for its fair use to tackle terrorism across the country. Announcing the judgment on Monday, special Judge M I Qureshi said: ``After close and minute examination of the two police reports and case diary that the prima-facie case under Sections 3 and 21 of POTO is made out against the accused persons except Abdul Ahad Bhat.'' The judgment further reveals that there were variations in the two police reports about the date of Bhat's arrest. Also, the police report exonerates Bhat from the implication of alleged offences, while the second report submitted before the court on March 14 by the investigating officer of his own, implicates him (Bhat) for the alleged offences.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Callista Yates Nance on the occasion of her 90th Birthday. Callista Yates was born and raised in Chadbourn, North Carolina. She was one of six children born to Willis and Gloria Yates. She had two sisters and three brothers. She attended the Johnson High School in Chadbourn. She married Willie Rufus Nance and together they had thirteen children. Callista was never overwhelmed by her large family. In fact, she opened the doors of her home to her children's friends and treated them as if they were her own children. In addition to Callista's family obligations, she was also very active in her church and her community. She taught Sunday school for years and served as a deaconess in the church. She is loved throughout the community for her kindness and generosity. She is known as ``ma'' or ``grandma'' throughout the community. Others attribute her open door policy to one of her favorite sayings, ``in God's eyesight we are all equal''. Sadly, her husband, Willie, died when he was only 60 years old, but Callista has never failed to persevere. She has always been known for her beautiful smile--a trait that she passed on to her luckiest children. Mr. Speaker, Callista Yates Nance is a beacon in her community, in her church, and in her family. She has spread joy for her first 89 years and I expect she always will. As such I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this truly remarkable woman on the occasion of her 90th Birthday.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of the late Dr. Stanley Hugh Smith in recognition of his lifelong commitment to education. Stan was bom on October 23, 1925 in Trinidad, West Indies. Having been raised in Tobago, he immigrated to the U.S., where he received his undergraduate and masters degrees from Fisk University in 1949 and 1950, respectively. In 1953, Stanley Smith earned a Doctorate of Philosophy at Washington State University. Returning to the South to begin his career, Stan first taught at Livingstone College in North Carolina, where he became Chairman of the Sociology Department. After moving to Tuskegee, Alabama to work at Tuskegee University, he was elected to the City Council of Tuskegee, making him the first African American elected in the Deep South since Reconstruction. Stan also worked for Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee in the field of community psychiatry. He served as Dean of Fisk University and of the College of Human Resources at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. He was also President of Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina. After years of dynamic and enriching educational experiences, Stanley reestablished his career in foreign affairs and international studies, becoming the first African American Staff Director of the U.S. House of Representative's Subcommittee on International Operations of the Foreign Affairs Committee. Later, he served as Staff Director for the Subcommittee on Africa. After retiring from the Congress, Stanley continued to play an active role in his community. In addition to serving as a consultant to the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education, he worked with several churches and young people around the Washington, D.C. area. Stanley Smith is survived by his loving wife, Sarah; his devoted son, Stephen Hugh; and his grandson, Stephen Dysart Smith. I am proud to have known and worked with him during his tenure at Shaw University and while he was with the House Foreign Affairs Committee. As a dedicated educator and foreign policy specialist, Dr. Stanley Hugh Smith will be sorely missed.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Frank Harris on the occasion of is 80th Birthday. Frank Harris was born and raised in Boston, MA. He left Boston when he joined the army. After completing his military service he moved to New York. He has served St. Barnabas Episcopal Church for 40 years. He is very active in his church. He has been an usher, he is on the vestry, and he is in the Brotherhood where he has worked as the secretary and treasurer for over 20 years. In addition to his work in the church, before retiring, Frank worked for Con Edison for over 20 years in Brooklyn and Buchanan, New York. He has been happily married to Annie Harris for 44 years. As a proud father and a loving husband, he and his wife have three children, two adopted and their natural son, Kirby. Mr. Speaker, Frank Harris has lived a life of hard work and dedication to his church, his family and community. As such he is more than worthy of receiving this recognition today and I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this truly remarkable man on his 80th Birthday.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Reverend Dr. John L. Pratt, Sr. in recognition of his 25th Pastoral Anniversary. Reverend Dr. John L. Pratt, Sr. was born in Fredericksburg, Virginia. He graduated from Walker-Grant High School and attended Storer College in Harpers Ferry, WVA, where he majored in education. He went on to receive his graduate degree from the Bible Institute and American Divinity School also earning a B.A. Degree and Doctorate of Theology. When Rev. Dr. Pratt was elected pastor of Zion Shiloh Baptist Church, he told the congregation, ``I accept the challenge'' and he continues to ``accept the challenge'' as he remains there to this day. Rev. Dr. Pratt will quickly tell you that his greatest reward is working for the Lord. Among his many accomplishments since arriving at the Church, he has led his congregation to a new church building. In addition, to his work on behalf of the church, the wider church community has also recognized him. He is a past recording secretary for Progressive National Baptist Convention, past moderator of the New York Missionary Association, member of the Advisory Board of Community Board #2, member of Cumberland Community Board, past Secretary of Moderator's Department of the Progressive National Baptist Convention, member of the Hampton Ministers Conference Board, member of the Fort Greene Support and Rescue Group, Instructor for New York Missionary Baptist Association of Ministers and newly elected President of the Brooklyn Council of Churches and many others. Rev. Dr. Pratt is married to Mrs. Gertrude Pratt. They are blessed with two sons; Leo C. Pratt and John L. Pratt, Jr.; a daughter in law, Michelle and a loving grandson, Leo Sterling Pratt. Mr. Speaker, Rev. Dr. John L. Pratt, Sr. has been accepting the challenge as the pastor of Zion Shiloh Baptist Church for twenty-five years and is still telling everyone to ``Keep Praying, Caring, Loving and . . .'' for God answers all prayers. As such, he is more than worthy of receiving this recognition and I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this truly remarkable man of God.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of a truly remarkable woman on the occasion of her 100th birthday celebration. Deacon Nora E. Wright was born at the dawn of the twentieth century to the late Rev. and Mrs. Robert Brightwell in Atlanta, Georgia. She graduated from the Roth Street School and Spelman Seminary in her hometown. As the daughter of a Baptist Minister she was taught to love family and church above all else. In 1952, she joined the Berean Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorate of Dr. Hylton L. James. She has always been an active and dedicated member of her church. Deacon Wright has served as a Supervisor of the Deaconess Broad for 15 years, President of the Senior Missionary Society for 24 years, an advisor to the floral club, and a member of the Senior and Volunteer Choirs. Her religious convictions and service go far beyond her own church. In 1978, she was honored for her 44 years of service as a District Worker to 25 churches, Recording Secretary for 30 years, and as the Vice-President at large. Under the Pastorate of Dr. Arlee Griffin, Nora was consecrated as a Deacon. Extending beyond the Eastern Baptist Association, she became Chairman of the Worship Committee of the New England Convention. Deacon Wright's work has not been limited to the church. She also organized and became the leader of the Annie G. Martin Tent # 102; she was the organizer and president of the Guiding Light Benevolent Club of Brooklyn; and Founder and Executive Director of the Ruth L. McLean Scholarship Guild. All of these groups were formed with the concept of helping others. Nora has also held positions as the Recording Secretary of the Executive Board of the Eastern District Grand Tent #3; Financial Secretary of the Brooklyn Tent Home; a member of the Past Grand Officers League of the Royal Degree Chamber #5; and Treasurer of the C.V.C. Alumni. One of her greatest accomplishments is the creation of the first Black calendar Children Preview in 1960. Deacon Wright has been recognized for many of her accomplishments; she received a citation from the now former Brooklyn Borough President, Howard Golden; a citation of honor as an extraordinary elder from the Kings County District Attorney, the Honorable Charles J. Hynes; and a citation from former New York State Assemblyman(now Councilman), the Honorable Al Vann. Mr. Speaker, Deacon Nora E. Wright is a wife, a mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great-great-grandmother. She has lived through experiences that most can only read about in history books and throughout she has remained a dedicated church leader, and a lover of all mankind. On the occasion of her 100th Birthday, she is more than deserving of this recognition and I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this truly remarkable woman.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, on April 13, the Sikhs will be celebrating Vaisakhi Day, their most important holiday. I want to salute the Sikh Nation for its contributions to America and wish all the Sikh people a happy Vaisakhi Day. Vaisakhi Day is the day when the Sikhs were formed by their guru into the Khalsa Panth. It is the anniversary of the founding of their order, and the Sikh Nation has been a very important contributor to every country in which Sikhs live. A Sikh named Dalip Singh Saund served in Congress in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Dr. Amarjit Singh Bhullar of Connecticut is an elected school board member. Sikhs have been very active and successful in this country in virtually every walk of life. They have also made important contributions to India, including giving about 80 percent of the sacrifices for India's independence. Yet India persecutes them. Over 250,000 Sikhs have been murdered by the Indian government since 1984, according to the book The Politics of Genocide. At least 50,000 were picked up, tortured, murdered, and then declared ``unidentified'' and their bodies were cremated. The Movement Against State Repression reports that India admitted to holding 52,268 Sikh political prisoners. Tens of thousands of Christians, Muslims, and other minorities are also being held. Our own State Department reported in 1994 that the Indian government paid more than 41,000 cash bounties to police officers for killing Sikhs. These are just a few examples of the oppression of the Sikhs by the Indian government. I could give a very long list, but I do not wish to take up too much of the House's time. April 13 also happens to be the birthday of Thomas Jefferson, who wrote the Declaration of Independence. In that document he wrote that when a government becomes tyrannical, ``it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it and institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness.'' That certainly applies to the Sikh Nation today, as well as Kashmir, primarily Christian Nagaland, and the other nations living under Indian occupation. It is time for them to claim their own. America should support these nations' right to self-determination by stopping aid to India and by supporting a free and fair vote on independence. Then the people of South Asia can finally live in freedom and enjoy stability, prosperity, and peace. That is something we should all work for. Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh, President of the Council of Khalistan, put out an excellent and informative statement for Vaisakhi Day. It really lays out the issues well. With the consent of the House, I would like to insert it into the Record at this time. [From the Council of Khalistan, March 25, 2002] Vaisakhi Message to the Sikh Nation (By Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh) This is a time of celebration of our 303rd anniversary of the Khalsa Panth. It is also time to look back at our history. The Guru gave sovereignty to the Khalsa Panth. (``In grieb Sikhin ko deon Patshahi.'') Banda Singh Bahadur established the first Khalsa rule in Punjab from 1710 to 1716. Then there was a period of persecution of the Sikhs. Again Sikhs established a sovereign, independent rule from 1765 to 1849, when the British annexed the Sikh homeland, Punjab, into British India. To regain freedom from the British, Sikhs were on the front line of the fight. The Sikh Nation gave about 80 percent of the sacrifices during this freedom struggle when they formed only 1.5 percent of the Indian population. At the time of the independence of India, Sikhs were equal signatories to the transfer of power from the British. Muslim leader Mohammed Ali Jinnah was very wise and well educated and he did not trust the majority Hindu leadership. He got an independent Pakistan for the Muslims. The Sikh leadership should have gotten an independent country for the Sikhs at that time, but they were fooled by the Hindu leadership of Nehru and Gandhi so Sikhs took their share and joined India on the promise that they would have the glow of freedom in the northwest part of India. Khalsa Ji, we have seen this ``glow of freedom'' in the form of the attack on the Golden Temple in June 1984, when over 20,000 Sikhs were killed in Punjab in a single month. The next massacre of Sikhs occurred after the assassination of Indira Gandhi in Delhi. There was a mass murder of Sikhs throughout India, including Delhi. The Sikhs were pulled out of trains and burned alive. Sikh truck drivers were pulled out of their trucks. Tires were put around their necks by Hindu militants and they were burned to death. In Punjab, this genocide continued under Beant Singh's government. Sikhs were arrested, tortured, and then cremated and their bodies were declared ``unidentified.'' Since 1984, over 250,000 Sikhs have been murdered. 52,268 are rotting in Indian jails under TADA, which expired in 1995. Many of them have been in illegal custody since Operation Bluestar in 1984. Only last month, 42 Members of the U.S. Congress wrote to President Bush to get these political prisoners released. Jaswant Singh Khalra, who exposed the government killing of Sikhs in fake encounters, became a victim of the Indian police himself. He was kidnapped outside his house and murdered in police custody. He documented 6,018 Sikhs who were secretly cremated by the government in three cremation grounds, Patti, Tam Taran, and Durgiana Mandir. Subsequently, Punjab Human Rights Organization (PHRO) chairman Justice Ajit Singh Bains said that about 50,000 Sikhs were secretly cremated in this manner. Even Akal Takht Jathedar Sahib Gurdev Singh Kaunke was murdered by SSP Swaran Singh Ghotna and then his body was disposed of. The Badal government was forced to conduct an inquiry into the killing of Jathedar Kaunke. It was done by three Punjab police officials under the leadership of DIG Tiwari. He submitted a report to the Badal government, which has not been made public as of today. How could a democratically elected Akali government hide the murder of the Akal Takht Jathedar by not releasing this report, which was conducted by its own order? The Badal government was the most corrupt one in Punjab's history. They invented a new term for bribery: ``fee for service.'' If you didn't pay the fee, you didn't get the service. There was a fixed amount of money for government jobs. Bags of money were received by Mrs. Badal in return for these jobs. The Punjab economy deteriorated under Badal and the Punjab government its largest debt ever. It is bankrupt now. Badal made three promises to get elected. He promised to free the political prisoners, to punish the police officers who carried out atrocities against the Sikh Nation, and to appoint a commission to investigate atrocities. He did not keep any of them. The Sikh leadership is completely under Indian government control, whether it is the Akali leadership of Badal, Tohra, Mann, and others or the Congress leadership of Punjab under Captain Amarinder Singh or former Chief Minister Mrs. Bhatthal. Changing parties and faces every election will not solve the problems of the Sikh Nation. Congress is no better than the Akalis and the Akalis proved to be the worst enemies of the Sikh Nation. How could an Akali government keep 52,268 Sikhs in jail without charge or trial for the last 16 years? It is shameful and a black mark on the present Akali leadership. They have cashed in on the sacrifices and good will of the pre-independence Akali leadership. Khalsa Ji, the only solution to this quagmire is the formation of a Khalsa Raj Party under new, honest, dedicated, and committed leadership. The time is now to do it. Let's not waste time and prolong the suffering and agony of the Sikh Nation under the present corrupt Akali leadership which is controlled by the Indian government and is determined to wipe out the Sikh Nation and the Sikh religion. The only remedy is to sever our relationship with Delhi completely, once and for all, and declare the independence from India and start a peaceful agitation to free the Sikh homeland, Punjab, Khalistan. The victory of the Congress Party was a massive rejection of the Akalis, who were elected five years ago to reject the Congress Party. However, the Congress Party remains the enemy of the Sikh Nation. In the last two elections, the Sikh Nation has soundly rejected both parties. Neither supports the interests of the Sikh Nation; neither can be trusted by the Sikh Nation. The time has come to discard the present Akali leadership that has betrayed the Sikh Nation. We must press for action against the police officials who carried out the police kidnapping and murder of human-rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. These would be good first steps for the Sikh leadership and for the new government in Punjab. But we must continue to pursue our ultimate goal of freeing the Sikh homeland, Punjab, Khalistan. The Sikh Nation is sovereign and it must have its sovereign, independent country. Guru gave sovereignty to the Khalsa Panth. Remember ``Raj Kare Ga Khalsa.'' Sikhs can never forgive or forget the desecration of the Golden Temple. This is the history and tradition of the Sikh Nation. The time has come to form a Khalsa Raj Party to liberate Khalistan. The new Sikh leadership must launch a Shantmai Morcha to liberate our homeland. The only way the Sikh Nation can prosper is to free the Sikh homeland, Punjab, Khalistan. The freedom of the Sikh Nation will bring prosperity, stability, and peace to Punjab and to South Asia.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Teresa Johnson-Hunt in recognition of her tireless energy and passionate commitment to her community. Teresa, affectionately called ``Terry'', is the third oldest of seven children born to the late Nathaniel and Louise Haywood Johnson of Panama. She came to New York in the early sixties to pursue a career as a Fashion Designer. She graduated from the Mayer School of Fashion Design and the Fashion Institute in New York City. She was employed as an Assistant Fashion Designer for twelve years at several prominent fashion houses in the ``Fashion District''. Her career took her to many interesting places and gave her the chance to meet many influential people. One of her most memorable moments was her assignment to design costumes for a group of performers for the New York Metropolitan Opera. Her professional accomplishments, include a certificate in Word Processing from Brooklyn College and a certificate in Health Administration from the City of New York of New York's Health Services Administration. After attending LaGuardia Community College, she decided to change careers and enter the field of healthcare. She started this new chapter in her life by volunteering as an EKG Technical Aide at what was then Greenpoint Hospital. She quickly decided that the caring and sensitivity to the pain and suffering of the patients affected her too personally so she decided not to continue in the health field. She immediately decided to refocus her studies. After taking business and computer courses at LaGuardia Community College, she obtained employment at Community Board No. 5 in Brooklyn. She currently serves as Assistant to the District Manager. Her tireless energy and sincere concern for the well being and improvement of those whom she serves so willingly and graciously is commendable. Terry is extremely proud to be a member of the National Council of Negro Women as well as the Women's Caucus. She is a member of St. Claire's Roman Catholic Church. She is married to Von R. Hunt, a former professional musician. She is the mother of two children, Delina and Gregory and the proud grandmother of Jenille, Gregory Jr., Obassi and Basaar. Mr. Speaker, Teresa Johnson-Hunt has tireless energy and sincere concern for the well-being and improvement of the community and its residents. As such, she is more than worthy of receiving this recognition today and I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this truly hard working woman.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Jacqueline Europe for her dedication to her community. Jacqueline founded the ``Reach for the Stars'' Child Development Center, a Christian centered day school approximately five years ago. Her motto is ``every child is born with gifts and talents, and is capable of learning and becoming scholastically gifted.'' Her vision is to expand the facility to include pre-kindergarten through the sixth grade, as well as continued service of the nursery school to accommodate the needs of her community. Jacqueline also co-founded the ``Childcare Providers Business Coalition Inc.'' whose forum is to make daycare providers a strong united political force. The agenda for the coalition is to effectuate positive changes in the childcare profession. She is also a very active member of the Bedford Central Presbyterian Church, as a choir member, spiritual counselor and teacher for the Saturday Math and Reading program. She has been recognized as a ``2001 Visionary'' and as a ``2001 Woman History Maker.'' Mr. Speaker, Jacqueline Europe is devoted to serving her community. As such, she is more than worthy of receiving our recognition. I hope that all of my colleagues will join me honoring this truly remarkable woman.