Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to express my personal gratitude to all the pages for what they have done here in the 112th Congress.

To become a page, Mr. Speaker, these young people have proven themselves to be academically qualified.

As we all know, the job of a congressional page is not an easy one. Along with being away from home, the pages must possess the maturity to balance competing demands for their time and their energy.

You pages have witnessed the House debate issues of war and peace, hunger and poverty, justice and civil rights. You have lived through history.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the members of the House Page Board who provided such fantastic service to this institution. The chairman, Congressman Rob Bishop; the vice chairman, Congresswoman Diana DeGette; Congresswoman Virginia Foxx; Clerk of the House, Karen Haas; Sergeant at Arms; Bill Livingood; and Ms. Lynn Silversmith Klein.

I want to thank them for the service on the House Page Board, and I thank the departing pages. And you've seen a wonderful bit of history take place today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart and deep sympathy to commemorate the life of my friend, Pablo Lopez.

Pablo was born June 22, 1943, in Bach, Michigan. In 1961 he joined the United States Air Force serving active until 1965, and reserves until 1967. In 1966 he hired into the Buick factory and he became a prominent labor leader at UAW local 599, the same local as my father. It was at UAW 599 that I got to know Pablo and I am happy I did

For years after our first meeting, Pablo would call upon me and my staff to help with various issues but he never asked for himself, always looking out for someone else. As a proud Veteran he took up the fight of trying to memorialize their service by naming roads and post offices on their behalf across the 5th district and the state. He was successful at it and I can say if it were not for him the post offices in both Akron and Goodrich, Michigan, would not bear the name of Veteran's Memorial Post Office.

Pablo was an advocate for social justice not only in Flint, Michigan, but across the country. If there was an injustice taking place you would most likely find Pablo fighting it. He joined Cesar Chavez at the Midwest Hispanic Unity March and Rally on June 15, 1990, in Lansing, Michigan, and then traveled to Chicago to join in their march for unity on June 19. The last time he rallied with Cesar was in 1993 in Washington, D.C., always standing up for what he believed in.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to offer my deepest sympathies to the Lopez family and my gratitude for having met Pablo. I am a better person for knowing him and our community is better because of his tireless work.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Paul Spaniola for his 83rd year as the owner of Paul's Pipe Shop in Downtown Flint. Paul's Pipe shop is a local landmark and has resided in the same location for over 48 years.

Paul was born in Owosso, Michigan on January 29th, 1913. At the age of 15 he opened his original location in Morrice, Michigan. Shortly after, in 1930, he moved the shop to Swartz Creek. In 1948 he moved to Flint's Downtown District, where he resides to this day.

Paul is a world renowned pipe smoker and his reputation precedes him in the competitive pipe smoking community. Paul is the only person to win the International Association of Pipe Smokers World Championship six times. He won his first championship in 1951 smoking for over 68 minutes, again in 1966, 1970, 1973, 1977, and his last in 1992 smoking for over 98 minutes.

Through his travels as shop owner and world champion, Paul was able to smoke a pipe with many interesting people and celebrities. One very notable occasion came about when he was asked to teach Susan Hayward how to smoke a pipe for her role in ``The President's Lady.'' Others include Charles Stewart Mott, Billy Martin and Gov. G. Mennen Williams. As well as maintaining his shop and winning championships Paul is involved in many local charities and community organizations.

Paul is known for his pipe shop but he is more than that. He is a devout Catholic and family man. Paul married Leona Merrill and had 11 children. In 1978, Leona passed away. Several years later, he married Doris Bloss and she had 3 children. All together, Paul has 14 children, 47 grandchildren, 74 great grandchildren and 10 great-great grand children.

Mr. Speaker I would like to congratulate my friend Paul Spaniola on his 83rd years in business and his commitment to the downtown area.

Mr Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory of my longtime friend and staff member, Barbara Donnelly.

Mr. Speaker, the first person I hired for my office when I was elected back in 1976 was Barbara, which was one of the best decisions I have made during my 35 years in Congress. From the moment I took the oath of office, Barbara served the people of my district with a level of selflessness, loyalty and dedication to helping others that is unrivaled. You will never meet a more reliable or meticulous staffer, or a more caring person than Barbara Donnelly was. She was a perfectionist with a heart.

Throughout her career, Barbara touched the lives of thousands of residents in my district. From helping constituents with Social Security or veterans benefits, to assisting with immigration difficulties or the adoption of a child, Barbara did it all with compassion, discretion and determination. With Barbara at the helm of my constituent service program, I knew that she would not rest until our office had done everything possible to help people in need.

Barbara was the definition of a public servant, giving everything to her job and never asking for any credit. People like Barbara are the unsung heroes of public service, who work day and night to help others and almost never see their names in the newspapers or on TV. Barbara did not seek glory or recognition for her work, she only sought to improve the lives of others.

Mr. Speaker, there are few people like Barbara in this world. I feel blessed to have had the honor of knowing her and calling her my colleague. Over the years, I learned a lot from Barbara's example and it is my hope that she will inspire others to lives of public service and good works.

Mr. Speaker, Barbara was an irreplaceable friend, staffer and human being. My condolences go out to her family, friends and all the people who had the privilege of knowing her and working with her. At this time of great sorrow, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in honoring the life and memory of Barbara Donnelly.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a profound sadness that I rise today to pay tribute to a dear friend, Attorney C. Frederick Robinson, who passed away on Saturday, June 18th in Flint Michigan.

C. Frederick Robinson moved to Flint after receiving his Doctorate of Jurisprudence from Howard University in 1956. He was admitted to the State Bar of Michigan and established his practice in an office at the corner of Saginaw and Baker Streets. He practiced law in the City of Flint continuously since that time. From the beginning of his career, C. Frederick was an outstanding advocate for justice. He was a passionate fighter for the poor, disenfranchised and minority communities and I have been his friend for over 50 years.

As a leader in the civil rights movement, C. Frederick's list of landmark cases is extensive. He initiated the complaint that ended the Flint Board of Education practice of separate screening committees for black and white teachers. He initiated the lawsuit that ended the Flint Memorial Park Cemetery practice of not allowing blacks to be buried at the cemetery. He participated in the lawsuit that declared the local loitering ordinance unconstitutional. He led the effort to have the first black to be elected to the Flint Board of Education and the fight to have the first black female elected to the same body. He was instrumental in the election of the first black Secretary of State in Michigan. He participated in the lawsuit to allow the NAACP to erect a platform at Flint City Hall to hold a rally. He also represented Clifford Scott in a lawsuit to enact Affirmative Action in the construction business.

In 1968 C. Frederick Robinson helped shape civil rights history in the United States. He and his partner, A. Glen Epps, wrote Flint's open housing ordinance. I remember numerous open housing strategy sessions at C. Frederick's office, the 50 Grand Club, the Vets Club, and the Golden Leaf. I also recall the picket lines which brought Governor George Romney to Flint for a unity rally that drew thousands. The ordinance was placed on the ballot and C. Frederick was determined it would pass. C. Frederick was tireless in his efforts to galvanize the community when working on the fair housing referendum. When the vote was taken on February 20, 1968, Flint became the first city in the nation to pass by popular vote an open housing referendum. C. Frederick said years later about the vote, ``We resolved to change the community, we narrowly won.'' He was a seeker of justice and a natural leader who was assertive when pushing for what he believed in.

For his lifetime of service, C. Frederick was inducted into the National Bar Association Hall of Fame. Other organizations that have honored him include the Mallory, Van Dyne and Scott Bar Association, the Genesee Bar Association, and the NAACP. He has served as an Executive Board Member of the NAACP, President of the Community Civil League, was a founder and President of the Urban Coalition of Flint. He was a member of Christ Fellowship Baptist Church, a life member of the Flint

NAACP, and a member of the Trade Leader Membership Council. Deeply committed to education, he prepared his three daughters, Dr. Debra Robinson, Attorney Rachel Robinson, and Yvette Robinson, a Social Worker, to work hard and achieve their dreams.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to take a moment of silence to remember the life of C. Frederick Robinson. My condolences go out to his family and friends. I deeply mourn his passing and will miss his enthusiasm, his outspoken passion for justice, and his love of life. May his legacy of compassion for those less fortunate live on after him for many, many years.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise to pay tribute to Sheridan Lee of my district who died on June 9, 2011. We have lost a strong and vigorous supporter of human dignity and justice.

A lifelong resident of Genesee County, Sheridan spent 3 years in the Marine Corps. He returned to Flint and worked in the banking industry for 35 years, retiring from Bank One as Vice President of Commercial Loans. His first hand experience as the owner of the Hale Hat Shop helped him understand the struggles small businesses faced and he was very proud that he was able to help so many businesses in Flint.

For over 45 years, Sheridan was an uncompromising advocate for a better nation. While Sheridan was active in Michigan politics before 1968 his true leadership shined at the 1968 Congressional District Convention when as the Vice-Chair of the New Democratic Coalition he gathered a group that became known as the Kennedy-McCarthy Coalition and elected seven of the eight delegates to the National Democratic Convention, including myself. Sheridan was not satisfied with just saying or singing Kumbaya. He was not content with only sentimentalism. He was a persistent, tireless activist. Sheridan pursued justice unrelentingly. On October 14, 1969 Sheridan presided over the largest peace rally ever held in Flint, Michigan to protest the Vietnam war. Over 4000 citizens assembled at Wilson Park to express their anger over our nation's war policy. On that site today stands a statue of Gandhi, a monument to peace.

His political involvement was all encompassing. He was a great strategist and organizer but he contributed his physical labor to whatever was needed--from going door to door to assembling and distributing yard signs for the Kildee campaign and other Democrats. He helped drive dignitaries when they visited Flint including Secretary of Education Richard Riley during the 2000 campaign. As the former Treasurer of the Genesee County Democratic Party, Sheridan was recognized by the Michigan Democratic Party this year when they named him the Senior Citizen Volunteer of the Year at the annual Jeff-Jack Dinner. Indeed his telephone answering message gave no question as to his fervent political affiliation: ``Hello. You have reached the Lee residence, the home of good Democrats.''

In 2004, Sheridan and his wife, Maryion, formed the Progressive Caucus of the Genesee County Democratic Party. They started the Caucus to focus on educating the public about health care, the war, and other issues affecting the people of our country. They believe the public was getting a slanted view of issues and they decided to do something to correct it. They held numerous town hall meetings and seminars to give people an opportunity to express their views and hear a variety of opinions.

My wife, Gayle, and I appreciated their moral compass and enjoyed their warm friendship. We broke bread together and enjoyed visiting them at their farm home. Family was very important to Sheridan. His son, Lindsey, Lindsey's wife, Beth, and their 3 children Teddy, Marlin and Freya; son, Lynn, his husband, Steve, and their daughter Addison; and daughter, Megan, are all politically active. Sheridan was very proud that he inspired his children to carry on his work in their own communities.

All who have shared Sheridan's friendship are better people because of that. I know that I am a better congressman but more significantly a better human being because of Sheridan Lee and his talented wife, Maryion.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise today to pay tribute to a dear friend, Leroy Nesbit, Jr. Leroy passed away on Monday, June 20th.

When I was a teacher at Flint Central High School, Leroy was a student there. My wife, Gayle, had Leroy as a student in her French class. Even in those early days, we could see his potential for leadership and vision, and Leroy lived up to his full potential. He went on to earn his Associates Degree in Business from Baker Business University, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Ferris State College, and a Masters Degree in Administration from Central Michigan University. He started working for AC Spark Plug as an auditor and worked his way up to a position on General Motors Government Relations Staff.

As an active volunteer in the credit union movement, Leroy served on the Dort Federal Credit Union Board of Directors since 1975. He held several leadership positions at Dort Federal Credit Union and he was active with credit unions on a national level. He served as the National President of the Council of GM Credit Unions, Chief Coordinator of the Combined Council of Automotive Credit Unions, he was active with the Michigan Credit Union League and the African-American Credit Union Coalition.

Leroy served as Chairman of the Flint Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, past Polemarch of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Chairman of the Northern Province Senior Kappa Affairs Committee and Northern Province Achievement Committee. He was a member of the Michigan Travel Commission, a

board member of the Flint Disability Network, and 3rd Vice President of the Mariah Consulting Group in Washington DC. He was awarded the General Motors Chairman's Award for Excellence in Community Affairs, the Michigan Credit Union League Hall of Fame--Distinguished Service Award, and the Robert L. Gordon Achievement Award from Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

A devout Christian, Leroy accepted Christ as his personal Savior and worshiped with the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church where he is a former member of the Highlight Gospel Chorus and the Progressive Laymen. He leaves behind another church family to treasure his memory, the Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in expressing condolences to Leroy's wife Gwendolyn, and his daughter, Jacqueline, his relatives, friends, and the many persons Leroy touched over the years. I have known Leroy since he was a child, watched him grow into an exemplary man, and valued his advice and his friendship. Leroy Nesbit, Jr. is a shining example of a man with the aptitude to excel and the vision to turn his dreams into reality. I will deeply miss him, his wisdom, and his enthusiasm for life.

Mr. Speaker. I rise today to strongly condemn the violence that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has unleashed on his people over the past few months.

While the world closely watched the revolutions in Egypt and Tunisia unfold, little attention has been paid to the Assad government's crackdown on peaceful demonstrators. In March 2011, hundreds of Syrians took to the streets to demand freedom and to force the Assad government to lift the emergency law, which has been in place since 1963.

Instead of meeting their demands, the Assad government unleashed a vicious crackdown on demonstrators with security forces firing, arresting and torturing thousands of unarmed Syrians. According to U.N. officials, as many as 1,100 people may have been killed since the protests began and as many as 10,000 people have been reported to be in custody or missing.

In May 2011, the Syrian government widened its military crackdown by sending tanks into several more villages and severing communications. The attacks on civilians and military defectors intensified in June after demonstrators showed renewed strength and determination. The relentless attacks have forced thousands of Syrians to flee Syria into Lebanon and Turkey to escape the escalating violence.

While I applaud President Obama and Secretary Clinton for condemning these brutal attacks and human rights violations, I believe the U.S. and the international community should be doing more to force the Assad regime to stop attacking its own people. I urge my colleagues to join me in condemning this violence and to call on the Obama administration to take a more active role in forcing the Syrian government to end these attacks.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Stanley Cup winner, playoff MVP, Flint Native and Davison High School graduate Tim Thomas.

Tim's road to the championship is a tale of perseverance and staying true to your dreams. Tim was born in my hometown of Flint, Michigan, graduating from high school in nearby Davison. From an early age, he dreamed of playing in the NHL as a goalie. His family was so supportive of his dreams, that his parents sold their wedding rings in order to pay for him to go to hockey camp.

During his four years of college hockey at the University of Vermont, he was the 217th player drafted in 1994 and turned down an offer to play for the NHL's Quebec Nordiques. After graduation, he spent nine years playing for minor league teams in the United States, and for leagues in Canada and Finland. It seemed that his dream of playing in the NHL would not be realized.

But finally, after years of perseverance he finally got the call to the big leagues, becoming a full-time goalie for the Boston Bruins in 2005-2006 season. He continued his uphill battle to keep his place on the team, fighting through critics who wanted him traded and a hip injury that required surgery during the off season. But last night, he showed that all those years of hard work were worth it. Tim helped lead his team to playoff victory, blocking 37 shots to post his fourth shutout of the series. At the age of 37, Tim is only the fourth goalie in history to post a Game 7 shutout in the Stanley Cup finals.

Tim's story is an inspiration to everyone who has been told that they're not good enough and who have struggled to achieve success. He is proof that if you work hard, greatness can be achieved and that dreams do come true.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Tim Thomas for helping to lead the Boston Bruins to the Stanley Cup victory and winning the title of Most Valuable Player in the NHL.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pastor Robert E. Smith, Sr. and his wife, Mother Gilda J. Smith, as they retire from the White Cloud Empowerment Center Church of God in Christ after 45 years ministering to the people in White Cloud and Flint, Michigan.

Pastor Smith and his wife Gilda were married in 1960 after he completed a tour of duty in the United States Air Force. Gilda graduated from the Hurley Hospital School of Nursing the following year and Robert went to work at Delphi. During this time they sustained a lifetime of ministry, calling individuals to live in Christ Jesus. Their ministry has taken them throughout the country but the focus has been in the State of Michigan. Pastor Smith and Mother Gilda have walked the streets of several communities giving prayer and encouragement to the people they meet. They have reached out to youth, the homeless, and the disaffected. As the pastor of the White Cloud Empowerment Center Church of God in Christ they have traveled every week from Flint to White Cloud to hold services and minister to the people of that community. In addition, Pastor Smith has served his jurisdiction as Assistant State Sunday School Superintendent, District Superintendent (on 3 occasions), State Sunday School Superintendent, Chairman of Auxiliaries-in-Ministry, and presently serves as Administrative Assistant to Bishop P.A. Brooks, Jurisdictional Prelate, who is also 1st Assistant presiding Bishop of the Church of God in Christ.

Their three sons are all ministers and they have five grandchildren. Retired from their jobs at Delphi and Hurley Medical Center, Pastor Smith and Mother Gilda continue to encourage and bring spiritual healing to their many ``adopted children'' throughout our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Pastor Robert E. Smith, Sr. and Mother Gilda Smith as they retire from ministry at the White Cloud Empowerment Center, Church of God in Christ and I pray they will find much joy as they enter this next phase of their lives.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Chairman, I would like to take this opportunity to express my personal gratitude to all of the pages for

what they have done to serve this House of Representatives.

These groups of young people who come from all across the Nation represent what is good about our country. To become a page, Mr. Chairman, these young people have proven themselves to be academically qualified. They have ventured away from the security of their homes and families to spend time in an unfamiliar city. Through this experience, they have witnessed a new culture, made new friends and learned the details of how our government operates.

As we all know the job of congressional page is not an easy one. Along with being away from home, the pages must possess the maturity to balance competing demands for their time and their energy. In addition, they must have the dedication to work long hours and the ability to interact with people at a personal level. At the same time they face a challenging academic schedule of classes in the House page school.

The pages have witnessed the House debate issues of war and peace, hunger and poverty, justice and civil rights. You have lived through history. You have seen Congress at moments of greatness, and you have seen Congress with its frailties. You have witnessed the workings of an institution that has endured well over 200 years.

No one has seen Congress and Members of Congress as close up as have you, and I am sure that you will consider your time spent in Washington, D.C., to be one of the most valuable and exciting experiences of your lives. With this experience, you will all move ahead to lead successful and productive lives.

I would like to thank the members of the House Page Board, who provide such a service to this body: Congressman Rob Bishop, not only a member of the board but a dear friend; Diana DeGette, also a very good friend; and my good friend on the other side of the aisle, Virginia Foxx.

I don't think we have ever had a disagreement in the page board. We reach unanimity there.

I also thank the Clerk of the House, Karen Haas; the Sergeant at Arms, Bill Livingood; and Ms. Lynn Silversmith Klein. I want to thank them for their service on the House Page Board. And I thank all our departing pages.

spring 2011 page class

Daniel Ryan Ackerman, MI

Aram Ambartsumyan, WA

Dina Asfaha, CA

Thomas B. Ashe, MA

Jihad Barnes, PA

Ryan Andrew Beeson, NC

Eliana Marie Bencosme, MA

Annabelle Boyd, IL

Erin Brewer, TX

Michael S. Brinkley, GA

Emily M. Bull, PA

Ashley Burke, VA

Edgar Byrum Davis Camacho, II, TX

Olivia Campbell, CA

Wesley Lanier Colston, GA

D'ymond Shanty'l Dantzler, MD

Stephen Delahunt, WI

Timothy Desmarais, RI

Anna Dietderich, WA

William Powell Eddins, NC

Jeremy-Clay Fauchier, CA

Brad Fingeroot, MI

Maria G. Garcia, CA

Christopher W. Gardner, CA

Kari Ellen Gibson, IL

Therese Gildea, CT

Julian Alexander Gilyard, NC

Micah C. Goodman, NC

Neshaun Grady, IN

Lauren Harper, OH

Branden Haynes, VA

Sophia Hoog, SC

P.K. Isacs, CT

Aminata Jamina, MA

Stella Joh, CA

Alia Khan, IL

Anna Mather, WA

Giovana Meza, CA

Thomas McKee, NC

Andrew Robert Mumford, MI

Alexander Murphy, NY

Nicholas Jacob Ensign Murphy, NY

Frances Diane Murray, WY

Imani Nicole Phillips, CT

Dante Michael Procopio, RI

Brendan Coltrane Browner

Pulsford, KY

Natalie Queally, CA

Kiwanda Robinson, MD

Molly Rose, IL

Shayna Saliman, CA

Jack Sanders, IA

Sarah Suchower, WA

Shayna Talbott, FL

Adriana Threlkeld, CA

Daisy Torres, CA

Julie Towbin, FL

Amanda Trosen, MO

Allie Vreeman, MN

Ervis Vukaj, CT

Kel Walters, TX

Scott Weber, OH

Avery Weisel, NC

Conor Winters, NC

Allison Zwierlein, CA

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Children's Free Ward Association for 100 years of caring for the needs of poor, sick children in the Saginaw Michigan area. The Association will celebrate this milestone at St. Mary's of Michigan Hospital on June 2 in Saginaw.

The Children's Free Ward Association was started in 1911 by a group of women dedicated to assisting the poor in the Saginaw community. It grew out of the women's sewing circle, hospital volunteers that devoted hours to sewing and repairing patient garments and linens. In the beginning the Association rented one bed from St. Mary's Hospital for $12 a week. The physicians and surgeons donated their services to care for the children and the Association was soon able to increase their commitment to more beds and cribs. Upon discharge from the hospital every sponsored child was given a new outfit made by the volunteers. Over the years they have advocated and worked to improve pediatric healthcare in the Saginaw area. They purchased the first incubator and oxygen therapy unit in Saginaw for premature babies. The members of the Association also volunteered their time to entertain and comfort the children.

In the last year the Association has supported new medical equipment benefitting 17,000 children in the Saginaw Valley region including: pediatric crash carts, pediatric attachments for glidescopes, medical trays for emergency care, educational and entertainment items for the patients' use. They funded a grief camp for children, Asthma Camp, and the GreenHouse Center for HOPE expansion project.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in applauding the work of the Children's Free Ward Association. Through their efforts countless children have been given the gifts of health and life. Conceived with the idea of helping the smallest and poorest in our midst receive quality healthcare, the Children's Free Ward Association has proven over the last century that with charity, determination and a willingness to work, we can accomplish great things. I commend the volunteers, healthcare providers and supporters for their vision, commitment and enthusiasm to provide hope and health to the children and families of Saginaw and I wish them continued success through the next 100 years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Randall D. Byrne as he retires as City Manager of the City of Grand Blanc, Michigan, after nearly 30 years of service. His retirement is planned for June 3.

Randy Byrne served as the Village Manager of Almont Village before accepting the post of Grand Blanc City Manager. During his tenure with the City of Grand Blanc he served with 6 Mayors and 24 City Council members and has accomplished numerous major projects. These include the construction of the City Hall, the Water Softening Project, the Grand Oak Subdivision Sanitary Sewer Project, expansion of Rust Park, creation of the Downtown Development Authority, expansion of the Gordon Mancour Fire Hall, the Jack Kipps Public Works Building, and construction of the Grand Blanc Senior Center, street and infrastructure projects and $12 million worth of grant projects.

In addition to his work for the City, Randy Byrne served as President of the Grand Blanc Rotary Club twice, Vice President of the Genesee County 911 Executive Board, President of the Michigan Local Government Management Association, and Board Member of the Grand Blanc Chamber of Commerce. He was named the 1999 Citizen of the Year by the Grand Blanc Chamber of Commerce. He earned his Bachelor's Degree from Central Michigan University, his Master's Degree from Oakland University, received Credential Manager Status from the International City Management Association and attended the Senior Executive Institute at the University of Virginia. Randy and his wife Patricia have 3 sons, Phil, Kevin, and Chris.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in applauding the public service career of Randall Byrne. Through his hard work, and perseverance the City of Grand Blanc is a thriving community. The residents, staff, and elected officials have all benefitted from his expertise and enthusiasm and his leadership will be missed. I wish him the best as he enters the next phase of his life.

Mr. Speaker, Atherton Community Schools will celebrate the 175th anniversary of the school district's start on May 29th in Burton, MI. An All School Class Reunion is planned to celebrate the occasion.

The Atherton Settlement was founded by three brothers: Perus, Shubael and Adonijah. The settlement grew to 30 farming families and the Settlement school was founded in 1836. The first teacher was Adonijah's daughter, Betsey Atherton. She held the teacher's position in the single-room schoolhouse for 20 years. The Atherton Agricultural School, as it was known at the time, remained a 1 room schoolhouse for over 100 years. In 1940, an 8-room schoolhouse was built to accommodate the growing community. In 1946, the Atherton School District combined with the Howe and Casper districts. Until 1954 classes were only offered through the eighth grade. If a student wanted to continue their education beyond that grade level, they had to transfer to Bendle, Flint Central or Davison High Schools. In 1954, Atherton Schools graduated its first high school class of about 18 students.

Currently, the Atherton School District holds classes in the Vern Van Y Elementary School, Atherton Middle School and Atherton High School. Graduates have gone on to fill roles in the spectrum of society including doctors and judges.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating the alumni, educators, students, staff, parents and supporters for their commitment to education and community. I commend them for 175 years of continuous education, and I wish them the best in the coming years.

Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, May 15th, the South Flint Tabernacle will celebrate 80 years of bringing the Word of God to the people of Genesee County. The congregation will join together on that day to express their gratitude for the multiple blessings bestowed upon them by Our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Reverend John McLaughlin founded South Flint Tabernacle in 1931. Several months later he turned the church over to Reverend Albert A. Abbey. Reverend Abbey remained as the pastor for the next 35 years. During this time the church relocated to its current site in Burton, Michigan. Due to an expanding congregation the church is planning to relocate to a larger facility in the near future. The Reverend Robert E. Henson has been the Pastor since 1979. Our community has grown spiritually because of Pastor Henson. I am a beneficiary of his deep faith and love of God and his creatures.

The dynamic congregation is active in over 50 different types of ministry including Home Friendship Groups. South Flint Tabernacle's Statement of Purpose is to pray, proclaim the Word of God, to win and mature disciples of Jesus Christ. Through their commitment to exalting Jesus Christ through lifestyle, worship and ministry, the congregation grows stronger in their relationship with God.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating South Flint Tabernacle as they celebrate 80 years of spiritual, meaningful, inspirational worship and ministry. The vibrant prayer life of this congregation has made South Flint Tabernacle a landmark in the community. I pray they continue to spread the Word of God through their prayers, actions, example, ministry and worship for many, many years to come.