Jim Walsh

Mr. WALSH of New York

Mr. WALSH of New York. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. WALSH of New York

Mr. WALSH of New York. Madam Speaker, I was deeply honored to accompany my good friend and partner in peace Bertie Ahern before one of his last and most prestigious official engagements, less than a week before he stands down from office. Taoiseach Ahern is one of the finest public servants I have ever known. For more than 30 years he has served his community and the people of Ireland valiantly and with a prevailing sense of civic duty. Bertie Ahern's persistence led to the signing of the Good Friday Accord, the St. Andrews Agreement and more than a decade of prosperity for Ireland. I believe that will be the hallmark of his legacy: commitment to peace, prosperity and progress. As a fellow elected official who will also be transitioning back into private life, I wish him and his family well in whatever future endeavors they choose to undertake.

Mr. WALSH of New York

Mr. WALSH of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sgt. Kevin Hall of the Webster Police Department and the Police Unity Tour. On May 9, 2008, Sgt. Hall will begin a trek to Washington, DC, consisting of 300 miles. He will stop in Liberty Park, New Jersey where he will join about 1,000 officers and continue to our Nation's capitol. The tour will finish in Washington, DC where groups from the north, south and west will converge. On Monday, May 12, the contingent of officers will bicycle to the National Law Enforcement Memorial, to honor all officers who died in the line of duty. This bicycle tour also marks the start of Law Enforcement Week. Sgt. Kevin Hall has always strived to cheerfully serve and protect his fellow citizens and I am proud to recognize him today. I congratulate Sgt. Hall on joining this important group and I wish him the best in his training and journey. On behalf of the people of the 25th District of New York, I thank Officer Hall for his dedicated service that has been a strong pillar in the community.

Mr. WALSH of New York

Mr. WALSH of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Gloria K. Bell. Saturday, March 29, marked the retirement of Gloria K. Bell, a dedicated employee of the Department of Health and Human Services, HHS. Ms. Bell's Federal service spans 40 plus years, and her retirement provides a golden opportunity to reflect upon her service to her agency and to Capitol Hill as a liaison between HHS and congressional staffs. Gloria Bell entered public service while working on her bachelors of science degree at American University in Washington, DC. Upon graduation, she joined HHS as a program analyst in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation where her portfolio included the Head Start and Developmental Disabilities programs. In January 1987, Gloria continued her illustrious career at HHS in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Resources and Technology, Office of Budget, as a budget analyst. For over 20 years since, she has worked tirelessly through all phases of the process to develop and present the Department's budget and has progressed to an effective team leader in the office. She managed one of the largest budget databases in the Department, consisting of over 1,300 programs, project activities, and historical budget numbers from FY 1981 through FY 2005. Gloria also created a database that is used to produce the current All Purpose Tables, APTs. She wrote the operations manual and trained other staff in the APT system's operation. Along with the budget and APT databases, Gloria's legacy encompasses years of service as the Budget Office's Congressional Liaison, ensuring that the myriad Senate and House reports requested of HHS are responsive, complete, and received on Capitol Hill in a timely manner. Through the years, Gloria's industrious service has been commended by 20 Excellent Performance, 9 Outstanding Performance, 4 Special Act of Service, and 2 Employee of the Month Awards. I ask that you join me in applauding Gloria Bell as she closes a chapter on many years of excellent service to her agency and the Federal Government.

Mr. WALSH of New York

Mr. WALSH of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 125th anniversary of the Salvation Army of Syracuse, New York. Founded in 1883, the Salvation Army of Syracuse, New York, was started by four young volunteers who had a great desire to serve others. This organization became well established in the area and by 1898 was providing those in need with food and shelter. Since its humble beginnings, the Salvation Army of the Syracuse Area has seen tremendous growth. Serving over 30,000 people annually, 2,000 volunteers give generously of their time and talents. This fine organization provides valuable programs to those in need, including a food pantry, day care, counseling, and housing. Over the years, my office has had the privilege of working with both former Executive Director Bobbie Schofield and current Executive Director Linda Wright. Their tireless dedication and professionalism have always served as an inspiration. In particular, I continue to be impressed by the caliber of programs developed by the Salvation Army in response to the ever changing needs of our community. The Salvation Army of Syracuse has graciously served others, and I am proud to recognize it today. I congratulate Executive Director Linda M. Wright and her dedicated staff--both past and present--on reaching this milestone. On behalf of the people of the 25th district of New York, I thank them for their 125 years of service that has been such a positive influence on the community.

Mr. WALSH of New York

Mr. WALSH of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today in tribute to the Jamesville-Dewitt Basketball Team, 2008 Class A Champions. The Jamesville-Dewitt Red Rams defeated the East Hampton Bonackers by a score of 78-54, earning Jamesville-Dewitt their third New York State Boys Basketball Championship title. I had the pleasure of watching J-D play in the Sectional Finals in Syracuse. They are remarkably talented, deep, and well coached. They clearly understand the concept of team basketball. On behalf of the people of New York's 25th Congressional District, I congratulate these young men on their outstanding athletic achievement, and praise Head Coach Bob McKenney and Assistant Coach Brock Elmore on their team's success. I look forward to another exciting year when the Red Rams take court to defend their title in 2009. Mickey Davis, Tacari Davis, Zach Firestone, Mitchell Howe, Alshwan Hymes, Lamar Kearse, Jon Lee, Antoine Mitchell, Nick Pascale, Dan Piciucco, Nathan Scholl-Hess, John Sheedy, Greg Stern, Brandon Triche, Mychal Weekes, Marcus Williams

Mr. WALSH of New York

Mr. WALSH of New York. Madam Speaker, I thank my friend and colleague, Mr. Deal from Georgia, for yielding time and his leadership on health issues. I would also like to thank my colleague from California, Lois Capps, who's done such a marvelous job of leading the Hearing Caucus for the past several years. I would like to recognize, also, my cochairs along with Congresswoman Capps, Vern Ehlers, and Carolyn McCarthy, who also worked long and hard on this issue, as well as the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Alliance, the National Center of Hearing for Assessment and Management. Without their hard work, this important legislation would not have been possible. In the year 2000, Congress authorized the Children's Health Act which, among several initiatives, provided the necessary authority for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to begin addressing the screening and intervention needs of newborns and children with hearing loss. Indeed, when this program began, there were pilot programs in the country, probably back about 12 or 13 years ago, 3 percent of the children born in the United States were tested. Today, it's well over 95 percent of the entire universe of newborns born in the United States today are being tested. As we all know, the first 3 years of life are the most important period for language and speech development. It is essential that hearing impaired infants and young children be identified and an intervention begun in order to take full advantage of the developing sensory systems. If unidentified, these children will lose out on the crucial period of speech and language learning. Auditory impairment can impact social, emotional, cognitive, and academic development leading to personal, vocational, and economical defects. Delayed identification in management of severe to profound hearing loss can impede a child's ability to adopt to life in a hearing or deaf community. The early hearing, detection, and intervention programs include screening, audiological evaluation, and early intervention to enhance communication, thinking, and behavioral skills needed to achieve academic and social success. The EHDI programs are serving a critical need in a successful manner. Today, I call upon Congress to continue the success that has been experienced since the year 2000 and enact legislation to reauthorize EHDI programs. H.R. 1198 builds upon the EHDI authorization from the year 2000 to address areas of continuing challenge. First, it would provide authority to address those children who are falling through cracks and not receiving necessary care after a screening that shows they have potential hearing loss. Second, it is clear that family-to-family support is critical in the first months after a child is identified with hearing loss. Excellent family-to-family support programs developed by state EHDI programs and other organizations are not yet wildly implemented. This legislation would provide the agency authority to support and disseminate such programs that are working for parents and their children. Third, it is clear that more research and study is needed in the area of hearing detection and intervention.

Mr. WALSH of New York. I thank the gentleman. H.R. 1198 would enable NIH to establish a post-doctoral research fellowship program to effectively recruit researchers to become involved in early hearing detection and intervention. Finally, H.R. 1198 provides the agency the authority to address the shortage of trained health professionals and other personnel necessary to make certain that every child who is screened with a hearing problem gets access to appropriate interventions needed to succeed. I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation. Again, I thank my cochairs on the caucus.

Mr. WALSH of New York

Mr. WALSH of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of a beloved husband, father, friend, and patriot--SGT Lawrence J. Hackett, Jr. who passed away in 2006 at the age of 58. Larry was born on December 12, 1947, in Syracuse, New York. After graduation from Thomas J. Corcoran High School in 1967, he was drafted into the United States Army and assigned to the First Air Cavalry Division in South Vietnam. After being discharged from the Army, Larry received his associate of arts degree from Onondaga Community College and went on to serve as a manufacturer's representative for companies throughout central New York and the entire Northeast. Larry was chairman of the 11th Ward Democratic Committee and also served as a manager on numerous political campaigns. In 1999, Larry was diagnosed with Myoxoid Sarcoma of the Omentum, a cancer that most likely resulted from ingesting dioxins released from Agent Orange during his wartime service in Vietnam. He died 7 years later. In addition to being a proud member of the United States Army, Larry was a loving husband to wife Alice and doting father to daughter Amanda. On April 21, 2008, Larry's service to his country will be honored by the Vietnam Memorial Committee as part of their In Memory program. A ceremony will take place at the Vietnam Wall where Larry's name will be added to the In Memory Honor Roll Book and a certificate honoring him, as well as some of his personal items, will be placed in the National Park Service's permanent archive. These honors will serve as a lasting reminder of the sacrifices Larry made on behalf of his country. On behalf of the people of the 25th District of New York, I congratulate Lawrence Hackett, Jr., and his family for this well deserved honor and thank him posthumously for his dedicated service to his country and community.

Mr. WALSH of New York

Mr. WALSH of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today in tribute to the Webster Thomas High School boys varsity ice hockey team, 2008 Division II New York State Public School Ice Hockey Champions. The Webster Thomas Titans defeated the Thousand Islands' Vikings by a score of 5 to 2, earning Webster Thomas' first State ice hockey championship title. On behalf of the people of New York's 25th Congressional District, I congratulate these young men on their outstanding athletic achievement and praise Head Coach David Evans, and Assistant Coaches Allan Mutrie and Sean O'Neill on their team's success. I look forward to another exciting year when the Titans take the ice to defend their title in 2009. Joseph Amico, Brett Bannon, Matthew Casilio, James Chandler, John DiRose, Joseph DiRose, Mischa Dombovy-Johnson, Daniel Fetes, Kevin Glenwright, Mark Goodman, Alan Grabowski, Mason Hill, Michael lulianello, Mikhial Jerzak, Zachary Lamb, Christopher Malec, Patrick Moore, Sean Moore, Matthew Prinzing, Justin Scharfe, Robert Sciarrone, Tyler Smedley, Matthew Solimano, Mark Vaccarelli, Michael Winderl.

Mr. WALSH of New York

Mr. WALSH of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th anniversary of Di Lauro Bakery in Syracuse, New York. Founded by John Di Lauro in 1908, Di Lauro Bakery has become an integral part of the Syracuse community. Although the times have changed since the bakery's opening, the recipe and baking procedure have not. The same oven installed by Di Lauro in the 1950s is used today, and customers go out of their way to buy bread from this fine bakery. By delivering consistency and quality, this Syracuse institution pleases its loyal customers, while attracting new ones. With its great baked goods, Di Lauro Bakery is a place the community will be able to enjoy for many more years to come. Di Lauro's has become a long-time neighborhood fixture and a community anchor. Di Lauro Bakery has always strived to provide the Syracuse community with the finest baked goods, and I am proud to recognize them here today. I congratulate current owners Paul and Valerie Wavercak, and their dedicated staff, both past and present, on reaching this milestone. On behalf of the people of the 25th District of New York, I thank them for 100 years of service that has been and will continue to be such a positive asset to the community.

Mr. WALSH of New York

Mr. WALSH of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the generous spirit of third grader Anna Rose Livingston, a resident of my hometown of Syracuse, New York. Approximately 2 months ago, Anna Rose viewed a film on the life of Mother Teresa during her Sunday school class at Bellevue Heights United Methodist Church. Moved by the work of the Catholic missionary to combat poverty and suffering in India and around the world, Miss Livingston developed a plan with the encouragement of her mother Sharon to gather and collect outdoor winter clothing for needy families in central New York. The following week during the announcement portion of Sunday services at Bellevue Heights, 8-year-old Anna Rose stood to address the congregation and ask for their assistance in her developing effort. Later that week, she petitioned her teacher and principal at the Bishop's Academy at Most Holy Rosary to have the school's third graders join in her service project. Today, three large parcels of hats, gloves, and coats have been assembled for delivery to families struggling to combat Syracuse's harsh winter weather, and Anna Rose has secured Brown Memorial United Methodist Church and its neighborhood missions on Syracuse near westside to assist in distribution. Anna Rose Livingston's initiative and effort is a fine example of the compassion and giving spirit that exists in so many Americans, but Anna Rose's age and lack of prior experience in such a large service initiative make her motivation and success that much more remarkable. On behalf of the people of New York's 25th Congressional District, I proudly recognize Anna Rose for her community service and express great hope that her selflessness and success will motivate similar efforts of charity throughout my hometown community and across this great nation by people of all ages.

Mr. WALSH of New York

Mr. WALSH of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today in tribute to the Eastridge High School Varsity Cheerleaders, 2008 Reach the Beach National Cheerleading Competition Grand Champions. The Eastridge High School Lancers Cheerleaders won first place in their division, and were named Grand Champions for earning the highest total score in a very competitive field of 400 teams. On behalf of the people of New York's 25th Congressional District, I congratulate these young women on their outstanding athletic achievement and praise head coach Ashlee Arberger on her team's success. I look forward to another successful and exciting year when the Lancers defend their title in 2009. Team members are: Catherine Andolina, Taylor Baker, Makaila Danizio, Niner Davis, Areli Diaz, Nicole Fanelli, Rebecca Junco, Cristina Magliocchetti, Christina Maniaci, Shelby Millen, Marissa Pixley, Abigail Prodrick, Latoya Sanders, Ali Scrimenti, Leah Scrimenti, Taniqua Spencer, and Marshay Williams.

Mr. WALSH of New York

Mr. WALSH of New York. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my distinguished friend from Utah (Mr. Bishop) for yielding me time, and to the chairman of the committee, Mr. Rahall, for the courtesy of bringing this bill up on suspension, and also my colleague and good friend from California, Sam Farr, for cosponsoring this bill. I rise today in support of House Resolution 698, a resolution commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Congressional Cemetery. Nineteen Senators and 71 Representatives are interred at the cemetery, located at the corner of 18th Street and E in southwest Washington, as well as monuments to 120 Members of Congress who died while in office. Congressional Cemetery, older than the more well-known Arlington National Cemetery, served as our Nation's first unofficial national burial ground. In 1997, my good friend, Jim Oliver, who worked for many, many years in the Republican cloakroom and provided great service to this institution, brought the cemetery's poor condition to my attention, and at the same time, the National Trust for Historic Preservation named this cemetery one of America's most endangered places. After personally visiting the cemetery back then, I understood why. Headstones were turned over, grass was 2 feet tall, trees had fallen onto buildings, and headstones had damaged the integrity of this sacred place. As chairman of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee, I was in a position at the time to do something to save this piece of history from becoming history. In fiscal year 1999 appropriations, the Congress appropriated $1 million for the creation of a special Congressional Cemetery trust fund to restore and sustain this treasured landmark. Money was raised to match these funds in the private sector, and that fund now pays for the constant maintenance in perpetuity for this cemetery. Some of America's great historic figures are buried in Congressional Cemetery, including Vice President and Declaration of Independence signer Elbridge Gerry, whose name is carried into my home district of Elbridge, New York; civil war photographer Matthew Brady; composer John Philip Sousa; and perhaps the most famous, FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover is also buried there. This legislation recognizes the work of the Association for the Preservation of Historic Congressional Cemetery, charged with management and preservation of this historic site, and pledges that this body will never again forget the cemetery's important role in the development of our Nation's government and cultural foundations. I urge its adoption, and I thank the Chair and the ranking member for their courtesy.

Mr. WALSH of New York

Mr. WALSH of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a consummate gentleman and a terrific ambassador for the central New York community, the Honorable Armond J. Magnarelli, who passed away last weekend. A teacher by trade at Lyncourt School, Armond entered elected office as a member of the Syracuse City School District Board of Education, eventually rising to become its president. Armand later ran for and won a seat on the Syracuse City Council and was elected council president, serving until 1985. His public service career also included service in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II. Mr. Magnarelli worked as a marketing executive at KeyBank and later as regional director of the State parks and recreation. He was a member of the New York State Council of the Arts, New York State Draft Board, board of directors of P.E.A.C.E., Inc., and board of directors of the Syracuse Chiefs baseball team. He was inducted into the Greater Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame and the Oswego State Athletic Hall of Fame at his alma mater. In 1950 and 1951, he coached the boys of St. Lucy's to back-to-back parochial league basketball championships. Regardless of his position and his workload, Armand's heart never ventured far from his native northside of Syracuse. He was a member of the Our Lady of Pompei Holy Name Society for 50 years, served on its parish council, and was active in the fundraising and building of the new parish school in 1966. Armond was a member of the Italian American Athletic Club and was well-known for his longtime work in local theater and the arts, including the famed Pompeian Players, Salt City for the Performing Arts, and Theater 90. When new development threatened the future of the Landmark Theatre in downtown Syracuse, it was Armond who stepped in to save the treasured facility. Though retired, Armond kept busy through many civic activities, and up until recently, central New Yorkers could still visit with Armond every Sunday morning as he hosted the popular ``Italian Hour'' on WFBL radio. Armond Magnarelli was a prince of a man who dedicated himself to his family, his community, and his passion for living. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Mr. WALSH of New York

Mr. WALSH of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of one of Syracuse's most beloved priests. Monsignor Joseph Champlin, who passed away on January 17 at the age of 77. Throughout his life Father Joe was dedicated not only to the priesthood and his faith, but also to the people and communities he served. Ordained in 1956, Father Joe served for 50 years in the Syracuse Diocese. He served as pastor in three parishes, including as rector of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception from 1995 until his retirement in 2005. Even in retirement, Msgr. Champlin was active in the church and the community. In 2006 he became priest in residence at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Warners, New York. Father Joe was known worldwide for being a prolific writer. He wrote more than 62 books and pamphlets on liturgy, pastoral theology, love, and marriage. In fact, Father Champlin's ``Together for Life'' continues to lead Catholic couples across the country and around the world through preparation for marriage. In addition to his success as a writer, Msgr. Champlin remained committed to the people of the greater Syracuse area throughout his life. In 1997 he founded the Guardian Angel Society, which provides tuition assistance, technological updates, and other improvements to the former Cathedral School in Syracuse. He raised more than $2 million for the program, and for that effort he was awarded the President's Volunteer Service Award by President George W. Bush in 2005. He also received the Post-Standard Achievement Award in 2005 and the Temple Adath Yeshurun Citizen of the year award this past October. Msgr. Champlin's commitment to the Catholic Church and the people that he served is unquestionable. He was a beloved priest and friend, and will be sorely missed.

Mr. WALSH of New York

Mr. WALSH of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 75th anniversary of Coleman's Authentic Irish Pub in Syracuse, New York. Founded in 1933, Coleman's, located on Tipperary Hill, is a fixture of the Central New York community. Throughout its long history. Coleman's has transformed from a working man's saloon in the 1930's to a college hot spot in the 1970's to the first class restaurant and pub it is today. With its great food, wonderful service, and Irish atmosphere. Coleman's Authentic Irish Pub is a place for all generations to enjoy and is a premiere attraction in central New York. Coleman's has always strived to maintain the highest standards of public service, and I am proud to recognize them today. I congratulate owner Peter J. Coleman, his wife Mary Pat and children, and his employees, both past and present, on reaching this milestone. On behalf of the people of the 25th District of New York, I thank them for their 75 years of business that has been such a positive influence on the community.

Mr. WALSH of New York

Mr. WALSH of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today with great pride to honor someone who is a good friend and for whom I hold great respect--Mr. Nicholas J. Pirro. For two decades Nick has served as Onondaga County Executive, and it has been a great honor to work with him for so many years. Nick began his career in county government in 1965, when he was elected to the Onondaga County Board of Supervisors, the precursor to today's Onondaga County Legislature. He would eventually be elected as the Legislature's chairman. In 1987, Nick was elected to the first of five terms as Onondaga County Executive, an office he would hold for 20 years. When Nick took office in 1987, he was confronted with a number of challenging tasks. Onondaga County had a failing trash disposal system and jails that were so severely overcrowded that the U.S. Justice Department filed a remediation order. The county was also faced with the tremendous task of cleaning up Onondaga Lake after a Federal clean- up order was issued. Convention business was stagnant due to the lack of appropriate facilities and the future of Syracuse's Triple-A baseball franchise was in jeopardy because of an insufficient stadium. In addition, Onondaga County tax payers were feeling the heavy burden of high Medicaid costs. Today, as Nick steps down as County Executive, Onondaga County has a state-of-the-art trash disposal system and a new county justice center, which opened in 1995. A local, State, and federally-shared $535-million clean up of Onondaga Lake has been ongoing for the past 10 years. The OnCenter was opened in 1992 to increase the success of convention business and a convention center hotel will begin construction soon. The Syracuse Chiefs have a state-of-the-art baseball stadium that was built in 1997. Skyrocketing Medicaid costs have been curbed by instituting a State-wide price cap that Nick was instrumental in obtaining due to his lobbying of State lawmakers for change. Onondaga County in 1987 is vastly different from Onondaga County in 2007, and a large reason for that is because of the efforts of Nick Pirro. For 20 years Nick has been the face of Onondaga County and has been committed to doing what was right for the people he so faithfully served. I thank Nick for his 42 years of serving Onondaga County and recognize his wife Patti and his children Nicholas III and Jessica for sharing him with us for so many years. While Nick is retiring, I know he will continue to be a fixture in the community and an advocate for the people of Onondaga County. I congratulate Nick on a job well done and wish him the best in a well-deserved retirement. We will miss him.

Mr. WALSH of New York

Mr. WALSH of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor former Savannah Town Supervisor Don Colvin. Don was first elected to public office in 1959 and served the people of Savannah for the next 48 years. His dedication and leadership helped Savannah through some of its toughest times. The three heavy duty trucks that Don sought to purchase in 1964 were essential in helping the town deal with the storms of 1966. In 1966 Don was elected chairman of the Wayne County Board of Supervisors, where his influence during trying times continued to be felt. After flooding affected the county in 1972, Don played a crucial role securing a disaster declaration and in helping to obtain $1 million to fix the dikes. Don's contributions were also instrumental in creating the Montezuma Audubon Center, which has helped to bring people to Savannah and revitalize the town. He also helped to establish the annual Potato Fest, which grew from a car show that Don sponsored. As he vacates his role of town supervisor, Don leaves the town of Savannah in good shape to continue progressing in the future. On behalf of the people of New York's 25th Congressional District, I thank Don for his commitment to the people of Savannah and for the hard work he has done on their behalf for 48 years. I wish him well in all of his future endeavors.

Mr. WALSH of New York

Mr. WALSH of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 175th anniversary of Rochester, New York's Democrat and Chronicle. In 1833 the first publication of a new daily newspaper, the Evening Advertiser, was issued. Thirty seven years later, after a series of mergers and name changes, the name plate of the Democrat and Chronicle was established. From Susan B. Anthony and Fredrick Douglas to Kodak and Xerox, as history unfolded in Western New York the Democrat and Chronicle was there to cover it. As the publication continued to grow it began reaching historic milestones of its own. In 1884 the Democrat and Chronicle published its first Sunday edition. That same year the paper printed a portrait of a woman for the first time. In 1906, the first color comic strip was run and in 1978 the paper printed its first articles using a word processor that included a video monitor. Not only has the Democrat and Chronicle been essential to reporting news and covering history, but it has also been an innovator in how the news is delivered. Throughout its history, the paper has used a wide range of delivery methods, including the pony express and a pigeon carrier service, and now it serves the community technologically, using the internet, videos, photos, forums, podcasts, text messages and online newsletters. Over the past 175 years, many things about the Democrat and Chronicle have changed--the name, the cost, the delivery method--but the commitment to deliver the news and serve the community has never wavered. I congratulate the staff at the Democrat and Chronicle, both past and present, on achieving this milestone, and thank them for their hard work and dedicated service. This anniversary should not only serve to look back at the Democrat and Chronicle's history, but it should also be used to look forward to the papers future, as it will continue to serve an essential role in serving the Greater Rochester community.

Mr. WALSH of New York

Mr. WALSH of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today in tribute to the Red Creek High School Boy's Soccer Team, 2007 Class C New York State Champions. The Red Creek Mules Boy's Soccer Team defeated the Marathon Olympians by a score of 3-1, earning Red Creek's second State soccer championship in 3 years. The Red Creek Boy's Soccer Team has an excellent tradition of athletic achievement. They have been crowned State champions five times, including twice in the last 3 years alone. On behalf of the 25th Congressional District, I congratulate these young men on their outstanding athletic achievement and praise head coach Don Hartley, and assistant coach David Gregg on their team's success. I look forward to another exciting year when the Mules take to the field to defend their title in 2008. The team members are: Colton Gregg, Jordan Lang, Bryan March, Anthony Roden, Devin Reese, Eric Stevens, Reis Cunningham, Steve Deferio, Ryan Fisher, Drew Knox, Alex Keeling, Ryan Pudlowski, Anthony Losurdo, Keyan Scutt, Cody Sherman, Ryon Adam, Nathaniel Gregg, Eli Vitale, Matt Treby, Dan Burnett, Ryan Gould and Juan (Chino) Torres.

Mr. WALSH of New York

Mr. WALSH of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today in tribute to the West Genesee High School Football Team, 2007 Class AA New York State Football Champions. The West Genesee Wildcats defeated Monroe-Woodbury Crusader by a score of 42-21, earning West Genesee High School's first state football championship title. On behalf of the people of New York's 25th Congressional District, I congratulate these young men on their outstanding athletic achievement and praise head coach Steve Bush, and Assistant Coaches Joe Corley. John Lawrence, Tim Lane, Corey Brooks, and Dana Eells on their team's success. I look forward to another exciting year when the Wildcats take the field to defend their title in 2008. Joe Kesler, Dave Hildman, Matt McCabe, Joe Fazio, Ryan McConnell, George Eunice, Jim Marks, James Grecco, Nick Aiken, Tim Moran, Jeremy Jones, Kyle Nojaim, Nick Collins, Pat Shanley, Mike Carter, Jeremy Connors, Tim Town, Mike Simiele, Yaw Awuah, Mike Mercer, Ben Waldron, Sirron Wright, Mike Delaney, Marcus Armstrong, Josh Cruz, Tom Flynn, Will Furdyn, AJ Reese, Scott Erikson, Nate Wells, Rich Longo, Mark Ferguson, Nick Pedrotti, Christos Dimkos, Mike Gagnon, Nick Cammuso, Nick Rinaldi, Kevin Heron, Stefan Cavedine, Mike Severance, John Gacek, Vinny Lananna, Ossamia Mere, Craig Simmons, Ben Wysokowski, Stephen Pooler, Tony Pedrotti, Doug Ayer, Jake Fietkiewicz, Dan Kolinski, Jeff Mancuso, Kevin Petrick, Luke Cometti

Mr. WALSH of New York

Mr. WALSH of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today in tribute to the Bishop Ludden High School Football Team, 2007 Mass C New York State Football Champions. The Bishop Ludden Gaelic Knights defeated the Dobbs Ferry Eagles by a score of 21-16, earning Bishop Ludden's first state football championship title. On behalf of the people of New York's 25th Congressional District, I congratulate these young men on their outstanding athletic achievement and praise head coach John Cosgrove, and Assistant Coaches Mike Rogers and Bill Cloonan on their team's success. I look forward to another exciting year when the Gaelic Knights take the field to defend their title in 2008. Steven Barrett, Eric Beauford, James Braithwaite, Connor Brown, Casey Christo, Conor Cosgrove, Christopher Davis, Mark Deangelis, Yaroslav Fentsor, Nicholas Ferrante, Daquan Grobsmith, Christopher Harding, Michael Hogan, Eugene Law, Jiyhouh Ly, William McGrath, Julio Ortiz, Omar Osbourne, Joseph Rathbun, John Rooney, Patrick Rosanio, Benjamin Searle, Nathaniel Stewart, Connor Sweeney, Jake Szelewski, Devin White, Wendall Williams, Joevon Works

Mr. WALSH of New York

Mr. WALSH of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today in tribute to the Fayetteville Manlius, F-M, High School Girl's Cross Country Team, 2007 Nike Team National Champions. The F-M Girl's Cross Country Team won at the State, regional, and national levels to earn their second consecutive national championship title, and become the first team ever to win back to back Nike National Championships. On behalf of the people of New York's 25th Congressional District, I congratulate these young women on their outstanding athletic achievement and praise head coach William Aris, and assistant coaches John Aris and David Davis on their team's success. I look forward to another exciting year when the Hornets defend their title in 2008. The team members are Kathryn Buchan, Katie Buchan, Mackenzie Carter, Courtney Chapman, Hannah Luber, Molly Malone, and Jocelyn Richards.

Mr. WALSH of New York

Mr. WALSH of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of internationally known authority on paper-making technology, Barbara H. Wortley. Mrs. Wortley of Fort Lauderdale, FL, passed away on November 25 in Washington, DC surrounded by her loving family. The wife of former Congressman George C. Wortley, she conducted innovative research in paper-making techniques for more than 40 years. Barbara was the first woman graduate of the SUNY College of Forestry with a pulp and paper specialty. She was an honors forestry graduate and also received a cum laude degree in chemistry from Syracuse University in 1948. She was senior technical manager for Allied Chemical in Solvay, NY, later Allied Signal and then General Chemical. Her work took her to countries around the world to solve technical problems in paper mills. Numerous organizations awarded Barbara for her achievements. The Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry, TAPPI, awarded her for many years of contributions to the organization. Barbara wrote more than 30 technical papers, contributed regularly to professional journals, organized seminars and was a member of TAPPI for more than 40 years. Barbara served on several Central New York foundations and associations. She was a past president of the Zonta Club of Syracuse, NY, an international professional women's organization; a former member of the CNY Epilepsy Foundation; and a former member of the New York State Women's Advisory Council. For her many contributions, she was a Syracuse Post-Standard Woman of Achievement for Science. She is survived by her loving husband, George C. Wortley, and their children, son George, daughters Ann and Elizabeth, daughter-in-law Susan, sons-in-law Frank and John, nine grandchildren, and two great- grandchildren. For her contributions to paper-making technology and to the greater Central New York community, I honor my dear friend Barbara H. Wortley for her lifetime of accomplishment.