Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, the Norton Male Chorus of Flint, Michigan will celebrate 90 years of singing together by holding an anniversary concert on May 14th in Flint.

In 1921 a group of men affiliated with Buick Motor Division organized the Buick Male Chorus under the direction of Dr. W.W. Norton. Two years later the Industrial Mutual Association became the sponsor and the group was renamed the IMA Glee Club. This relationship lasted until 1939 when the Chorus became an independent organization named the Norton Male Chorus. Dr. Norton continued as the director until 1951 when he left for a new position in California. The group has had 3 directors since that time, Arthur McCombie, C.L. Bergman, and currently, Dan Hill. The group has performed throughout the United States and Canada including a performance at the 1964 World's Fair in New York City. The group annually awards a scholarship to a male vocal student and the 2011 winner, Matthew Mitchell, will also perform at the anniversary concert.

Currently the group includes: director, Dan Hill; accompanist, Margaret Meade; first tenors, Terry Powell, Matt Brown, Matt Jackson, Jack Smith; second tenors, Don Chambers, Mike Dumanois, Paul Brown, Jim Segar, Don Wagle, Don Hetherington; baritones, Don Gerger, Sam DeLorenzo, Jerome Wolbert, John Roach; bass singers, Dennis Cavanaugh, Bob Maupin, Don Russell, Don Coolich, Adam Coolich, and Len Posio.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating the Norton Male Chorus for 90 years of music and goodwill. I wish them the best in the coming years and many, many more years of performing and entertaining audiences.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Ruth Burr Powell, as she celebrates her 100th birthday on September 24th. The Colonial Dames of the 17th Century are hosting a party in Ruth's honor on May 19th in Florida.

Ruth Burr Powell hails from Linden Michigan. She graduated from Linden High School, attended Flint (Mott) Community College, and the University of Michigan. After receiving her Master's Degree in Music and Art from Wayne State University, Ruth taught in the Detroit Public Schools.

A lifelong interest in history and genealogy led her to publish a book on the genealogy of her mother's family. Along with her husband, Harold F. Powell PhD, she inventoried the grave-sites and headstones of Fairview Cemetery. The Cemetery covers 29 acres in Linden and dates back to 1836. Together they wrote a reference book about the Cemetery still in use today. Ruth has served as the Regent of the Ezra Parker Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution; President of the Huguenot Society of Michigan; Elder of the Society of Mayflower Descendants in Michigan; State President of the Michigan Chapter of the Society of Women Descendants of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company; Vice President of the Florida Genealogical Society; and she is a life member of the Linden Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. She has volunteered her time with several hereditary societies and with the Historical Collections at the Detroit Public Library and the Florida Genealogical Society Library.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in wishing Ruth Burr Powell much joy as she celebrates her 100th birthday and for many, many more years to come.

Mr. Speaker, on May 12th Mott Middle College in Flint Michigan will celebrate its 20th year of preparing at-risk high school students for further education and the workforce. Through collaboration between Genesee Intermediate School District and Mott Community College, students from 21 school districts and 10 public academies in Genesee County are able to integrate high school, community college and the world of work as part of their educational experience.

Mott Middle College opened in 1991 funded by a grant from The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, to specialize in dropout prevention. Working with students that may not succeed in a traditional high school setting, Mott Middle College offers students the opportunity to earn college credits and a high school diploma simultaneously. The student body currently averages 400 students, and over its 20 year history the school has graduated over 650 students.

The teachers are trained to function as focus group leaders to small groups of students. The teachers and support staff work very hard to develop an education system that meets the needs of all learning styles and foster one-on-one relationships with students. The school also utilizes community resources to assist students with their academic, career and personal development. In 2002 the school began to shift from a middle college to an early college to increase the emphasis on student dual enrollment. During the 2009-2010 school year, 375 students earned 1,562 college credits.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating the administrators, educators, staff, graduates, and community partners for working diligently to help accomplish the educational goals of students; and for creating a program that has gained a national reputation for excellence. As a role model for other middle and early colleges, Mott Middle College has set the bar very high for success and I wish them the best in the coming years.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the 100th anniversary of the Flint Masonic Temple. The building was dedicated on May 16, 1911 and has been in continuous use since that time. A celebration will be held in honor of this milestone on May 7th at the Temple.

The Flint Masonic Temple is the home to several Masonic organizations including Flint Lodge 23, Fellowship 490, the Flint Shriners, the York Rite, the Scottish Rite, and the Order of the Eastern Star. Over the years many other organizations have utilized the building for their meetings and events. In 1947 the Battiste Family opened the Temple Dining Room and it became a very popular eating spot in downtown Flint. The third generation of the Battiste Family continues to operate the Dining Room today.

Many prominent citizens and leaders of Flint were involved in the planning and construction of the Flint Masonic Temple. The cornerstone was laid in 1909 and the building itself was constructed to incorporate the ritual work themes given to candidates as they progress through the first three degrees for full membership in a Masonic Lodge in Michigan. The building's east-west orientation and the use of big blocks are reminiscent of the Masonic ritual of building King Solomon's Temple. The State of Michigan listed the site on its State Registry of Historic Places in 1981.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Flint Masonic Temple. The Masons devote their time, talent, and resources to make the Flint community a better place. The Flint Masonic Temple is a landmark and stands as a testament to the goodwill of our Masonic organizations. I pray that the Flint Masonic Temple will continue to be a place of fellowship for many, many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 75th anniversary of St. George Orthodox Church. The parish celebrated this occasion this past weekend with a banquet and brunch.

The parish was organized in 1936 by families that had immigrated from Lebanon, Syria and Palestine. Due to the success of these immigrants the parish thrived and the first church was built in 1938. Many of the original

members remain a vibrant part of parish life to this day. The parish relocated to the existing church 40 years ago in 1971. Currently there are 230 families that make their spiritual home at St. George Orthodox Church. Despite the diversity of cultures among the parishioners, the Church members are united in their Orthodox Faith rooted in Apostolic Succession.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Father Joseph Abud, the parishioners, clergy, staff, and friends of St. George Orthodox Church for 75 years of worship, fellowship, and inspiration. May God continue to bless the parish with enthusiasm and spiritual growth for many, many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy of an extraordinary man, dedicated public servant and proud Michigander: President Gerald Ford.

For 25 years, President Ford served as a Representative from Michigan. As Minority Leader he was respected on both sides of the aisle as a strong and capable leader. As he famously said ``I have had a lot of adversaries in my political life, but no enemies that I can remember.''

He ascended to the Presidency during a difficult chapter in our nation's history. Through his dedicated leadership, he helped guide the country out of the turmoil caused by Watergate and in the process he distinguished himself as truly one of the most honorable Presidents we have ever had.

I have served under seven Presidents in my 34 years in Congress, but President Ford was the first. His State of the Union Address was the first I had the privilege to attend on the floor of the House of Representatives and it is an experience I will never forget.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor this great American patriot and proud Michigander.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Alvin J. Appold, retiring after 18 years as the Clerk of Frankenlust Township, Michigan. The township will hold a celebration this evening in his honor at the Township Hall.

Alvin Appold is a lifelong resident of Frankenlust Township. He served as the Township Clerk from 1984-1992 and 2000-2011. Prior to assuming the Clerk's duties, Alvin worked in the construction trade, as a farmer, and as an appraiser. He is an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church singing in the choir and working as a Sunday Greeter. Alvin enjoys politics and was dedicated to performing his duties in a serious, professional manner. He is very proud of Frankenlust Township and the role he played in its significant development in recent years. Now that he is retired, Alvin plans to spend more time pursuing his leisure activities: working out at Delta College's pool, gardening and playing golf.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Alvin J. Appold as he retires as Frankenlust Township Clerk. I wish him the best in his future endeavors for many, many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Goodwill Industries of Mid-Michigan as they celebrate their 80th anniversary. A celebration will be held on April 29th in my hometown of Flint, Michigan, to commemorate this milestone.

In 1931 the Oak Park Methodist Church established an agency to assist people with disabilities and Goodwill Industries of Mid-Michigan was born. The agency's heart is centered on serving the needs of persons facing a variety of barriers, including physical and mental disabilities, illiteracy, substance abuse, inadequate education, ex- felons, and welfare dependency. Headquartered in Flint, the agency currently serves clients in ten Mid-Michigan counties. With their ultimate goal of placing individuals in productive employment, Goodwill Industries has several Workforce Development programs, a retail division, and an e-commerce program. As a private, non-profit 501/(3) charity, the agency remains focused on their clients' future.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Goodwill Industries of Mid-Michigan for 80 years of successfully serving the community. The ten Mid-Michigan counties served by Goodwill Industries have benefited from the work, dedication and enthusiasm of their clients, staff, volunteers and supporters. I wish them the best and hope they continue their success for many, many years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Christopher S. Hamilton for his outstanding service to the Tall Pine Council, Boy Scouts of America. Christopher will be honored at a luncheon on Thursday, April 7, sponsored jointly by the Tall Pine Council and the Burton Rotary Club, where he will be presented with the Jack A. Hamady Good Scout Award.

Christopher S. Hamilton grew up in the Flint area, earning the Eagle Scout distinction from Troop 120 in Linden Michigan. He went on to play football for Purdue University and was a member of the only Purdue team to win the Rose Bowl. After graduation he returned to the Flint area and worked for AC Spark Plug until his retirement in 2007. During this time he was an avid promoter of Scouting. Christopher was an Explorer Advisor for Post 651, a volunteer committee member of the Tall Pine Council Golf Tournament for over 20 years, and a Friends of Scouting Captain for the Tall Pine Council. In 1999 he received the Silver Beaver Award, the highest award given to an adult volunteer in Scouting.

In 2008 Christopher became the Executive Director of the Old Newsboys of Flint. This was the culmination of several years working as a member of the Old Newsboys of Flint Board of Directors. He served as President of the Board and Secretary/Treasurer before assuming the duties of Executive Director. He has been active with Easter Seals, the United Way, the Burton Rotary Club, F&AM Lodge Number 23, Flint Elks Number 222, Burton Eagles, and several local Chambers of Commerce.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Christopher S. Hamilton as he is honored by the Tall Pine Council, Boy Scouts of America for his work on behalf of the children in the Flint community. He has touched numerous lives and I wish him the best in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 24th anniversary of the naming of Chavez Drive and the fifth annual Cesar Chavez March in my hometown of Flint, Michigan. A celebration and fundraiser for the United Farm Workers members was held on March 26th to coincide with what would have been the late Cesar Chavez's 84th birthday.

Born on a family farm, March 31, 1927, Cesar Chavez witnessed firsthand the suffering of migrant workers. When the family lost the farm during the Great Depression, Cesar toiled in the fields following crops across the Southwest. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II he returned to farm work and began his lifelong commitment to justice for migrant workers.

During the 1960s Cesar Chavez, in reaction to the conditions he witnessed in the fields, became a union activist. Adopting the techniques of industrial unions like the UAW, Cesar fought against agribusiness and unfair laws that forbade farm workers from organizing. A nationwide boycott of table grapes and a 25-day hunger strike brought the United Farm Workers international attention. His leadership and personal commitment forced agribusiness to sign the first union contract with the United Farm Workers. He labored to improve the health and safety of the workers. He fought successfully to end the use of harmful chemicals like DDT and benefited not only the workers but the consumers as well.

When Cesar Chavez died in 1993, over 40,000 people attended his funeral. In a show of respect for the man who had changed so many lives, our nation posthumously awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Mr. Speaker, Flint Michigan was the first community in our nation to honor this great humanitarian by naming a street after Cesar Chavez. I ask the House of Representatives to join me in honoring the memory of Cesar Chavez and his legacy to the American people.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the memory of Sergeant Kristopher James Gould of Frankenlust Township in Michigan. Kristopher paid the ultimate price in service to his country on February 27, 2011 in Afghanistan.

Sergeant Gould joined the Michigan Army National Guard in 2003. He served in Iraq from 2005 to 2006. He joined the US Army in 2007 and was serving his second tour of duty in Afghanistan when his unit was struck by an improvised explosive device. Kristopher was assigned to the B Company, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Knox, Kentucky. He was a 2004 graduate of Valley Lutheran High School and his funeral was held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church on Saturday, March 12th.

James and Ann Gould, Kristopher's parents, would like to thank the Casualty Assistance Officer, Sergeant Angelina Saldana, of the Michigan Army National Guard for her assistance during this time. She escorted them to Dover Air Force Base, and coordinated the military honors with the church. Mr. and Mrs. Gould were touched by her compassion and her support of the family during this time.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to stand with me in a moment of silence and remember the life of Kristopher James Gould and the service he rendered to our country. His sacrifice for the United States of America cannot be measured, and we owe him our thanks and gratitude. Please join me in offering prayers and condolences to his parents, sister and family for their loss.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Tom Bryson upon his retirement as President and CEO of WJRT-TV. Tom retired on February 28th with over 25 years of service.

After graduating from the University of Missouri's School of Journalism, Tom worked with Group W Radio in Washington, DC covering Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s ``I Have a Dream'' speech. Over the years he has worked for various stations throughout the United States before accepting a position at WJRT-TV and has called it home for the past 25 years. Tom has accepted several leadership roles within the Michigan broadcasting industry including President of the MAB Board of Directors, and Chairman of the MAB Foundation. He was inducted into the Michigan' Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2007 and received the 2010 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Michigan Association of Broadcasters.

Communities served by WJRT are better because of his dedicated service. He has provided guidance and direction to several organizations including: United Way of Genesee County, the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, the School of Health Professions and Studies for the University of Michigan-Flint, Goodwill Industries of Mid-Michigan, Genesys Charity Classic, Kiwanis Club of Flint, the Flint Salvation Army, the Flint Area Chamber of Commerce, the Genesee Focus Council, and the Genesee County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Tom and his wife, Mary, have three daughters and four grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Tom Bryson and wish him a happy retirement. He has been a great influence on Flint and on me personally. I am a better person because of Tom Bryson. I wish him the best in the future and thank him for his service to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 25th anniversary of my District Chief of Staff, Tiffany Flynn. Twenty five years ago today, I hired Tiffany as a receptionist in my Flint office. Tiffany, who grew up in Lapeer, Michigan and graduated from Lapeer West High School, worked her way up in my district office to eventually become my District Chief of Staff. She now oversees my district staff and manages my offices in Flint, Saginaw, and Bay City.

Tiffany is a reliable and focused manager. She has been instrumental in helping foster growth and revitalization throughout my district. Tiffany played a critical role in ensuring that the Flint Main Post Office Processing and Distribution Center and the Social Security Administration office remained downtown. She also played a leading role in the redevelopment of downtown Flint. Tiffany has not only been a great asset to my office, but also to the people of mid-Michigan.

Even after her workday is done, Tiffany continues to give back to her community by participating in a number of local activities and charities. Tiffany has been a member of the Rotary Board of Directors and is now president-elect of the Rotary Club of Flint. She works with the United Way and Muscular Dystrophy Association and supports the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Flint and the YWCA. Tiffany is also active in Women in Leadership, the League of Women Voters and in 2008 she received the ATHENA award by the Women's Business Council of the Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce for mentoring and inspiring young women.

Today, I want to thank Tiffany for her years of service, hard work and dedication to my office and to the people of mid-Michigan. Throughout the years, she has made a significant impact on my office and the lives of my constituents. I have been very fortunate to have had Tiffany on my staff for the last 25 years.

Mr. Speaker, on March 30th the Genesee County Free Medical Clinic will honor the healthcare providers that volunteer their time and talents to ensuring the uninsured low-income people of Genesee County have access to quality medical care.

Conceived in 1991 by Dr. M. Nagaraju, the Genesee County Free Medical Clinic started as a one night a week clinic. Because there was no waiting room, the patients had to wait outside regardless of the weather. Today the clinic has its own building with 10 exam rooms, a licensed on-site pharmacy, and a waiting room. During an average week between 80 and 85 patients are treated and the clinic is the primary care provider for 3,000 uninsured patients. To be treated, a patient must be a Genesee County resident between 18 and 64 years old, have no medical coverage and income under 200 percent of the federal poverty level. The clinic is funded through their annual fundraising event--the Healing Hands 5K Run/Walk, grants and private donations.

The commitment of the medical community is integral to the success of the clinic. Thirty-nine physicians, 48 nurses, 8 pharmacists, and other professionals donate their time and skills to treat patients. Sixty specialty care physicians and the 3 hospitals in Genesee County; Genesys Health Park, Hurley Medical Center and McLaren Regional Medical Center; work with the clinic to provide hospitalizations, laboratory services and diagnostic tests.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in applauding the work of the staff, medical community, volunteers, and supporters of the clinic for their selfless dedication to serving those in need. Twenty years ago the medical community saw a need in the greater Flint area to help those individuals that did not have health insurance and the Genesee County Free Medical Clinic was born. For the past 20 years the men and women of the medical community have been steadfast in their commitment to the clinic and I commend them for their enthusiasm, devotion, work and compassion.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Henry ``Hank'' Oginsky as he celebrates his 80th birthday. Hank is a dear friend, I have known for many, many years and I congratulate him on reaching this milestone in his life. A party will be held in his honor on March 27 in Corunna, Michigan.

Hank was born on March 1, 1931 in New Lothrop, Michigan. He graduated from Northeastern High School in Detroit and in 1950 he started working for Buick Motor Division of General Motors. He worked at Buick for 40 years. As a member of UAW Local 599, Hank was elected as a Committeeman, then Shop Committeeman, and as the Local's Financial Secretary. He served as Financial Secretary for 25 years. During this time he was also a member of the Executive Committee and continued serving when he became a retiree. Over the years he played a pivotal role in passage of the ``30 and Out'' retirement policy and obtaining dental benefits for the membership.

As a father of ten children, Hank also finds time to maintain two farms. He has his own farm in Lennon, Michigan and he operates his grandfather's farm in the New Lothrop area.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in applauding Henry ``Hank'' Oginsky as he celebrates his 80th birthday. I have always welcomed his insight, thoughtfulness, astute judgment and assistance over the years. I wish him the best in the coming year and many, many more.