Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, we are always glad to have the President of the United States in Ohio, but his health care policies miss an important fact, and that is that $1 out of every $4 for health care in the United States goes to the for-profit sector. $1.6 trillion is spent every year on health care in the United States, but over $400 billion goes for corporate profits, advertising, marketing, the cost of paperwork, up to 30 percent for the cost of paperwork.

We have over 46 million Americans who lack health insurance, who lack access to quality health care. H.R. 676, the Conyers-Kucinich-Kaptur bill, presents Americans with an alternative, universal, single-payer, not-for-profit health care, Medicare for all.

There is no reason why anyone in this country should be lacking health care when America has the resources right now. It would not cost much more than what we are paying right now. As a matter of fact, Americans are paying for a universal standard of care. They are just not getting it because it is all about corporations making a profit. It is not about people. Support Medicare for all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Barbara Byrd Bennett, upon the occasion of her retirement that follows seven years of steadfast service and commitment as Chief Executive Officer of the Cleveland Municipal School District.

Ms. Bennett was born and raised in Harlem and was educated in the public school system. She graduated high school early at age 16 and earned a Bachelor's of Arts degree in English from Long Island University at age 19. She earned two Masters degrees, was a Penn Fellow at Columbia University during her doctoral studies and holds several honorary doctoral degrees. Ms. Bennett was an adjunct professor at several New York City universities and is currently an adjunct faculty member at Cleveland State University.

Her life long professional focus on improving the state of struggling urban school districts is evidenced throughout her profession. Her career in education began in her hometown of New York City, where she taught at the elementary and high school levels. She later served as a school principal and District Administrator and served twice as Superintendent of two of the lowest performing school districts in New York City, Chancellor's District and Crown Heights District in Brooklyn. Her leadership is credited with dramatically improving academic achievement in both of those districts.

Ms. Bennett's tenure in Cleveland parallels that of her work in New York. Chosen as Superintendent of the Cleveland Municipal School District in 1998, she began the monumental task of lifting the Cleveland School District out of its decades-old state of failure and despair. During her tenure, Ms. Bennett implemented policies and programs that served to raise the grade throughout the system, including academic performance, financial stability and the restoration of school classrooms and buildings. Additionally, Ms. Bennett forged vital partnerships with parents, teachers and local and state leaders, thereby fostering an atmosphere of achievement and renewal through a unified effort.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in honor and recognition of Superintendent Barbara Byrd Bennett, whose leadership, dedication and service on behalf of every child of the Cleveland Municipal School District has become a source of hope and foundation for academic achievement today, and for the future of public education in Cleveland. I wish Ms. Bennett and her family an abundance of health, peace and happiness as she journeys onward from here.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Carl T. Brancatelli, United States Veteran, loving husband to the late Mary Brancatelli; dear father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to many as well as a successful entrepreneur.

Mr, Brancatelli was born and raised in Cleveland, the son of Italian immigrants. His parents instilled within him a strong sense of family, faith, and community. He gave these gifts from his parents to his own children--giving them a clear example of the significance of hard work, integrity, kindness, and giving to others. Mr. Brancatelli served our nation as a United States Marine and was stationed in Korea during the 1950's.

For many years, Mr. Brancatelli worked as a bus driver with the former Cleveland Transit System. His expertise in the mechanical trades led him to a long career as a Master Mechanic. Equipped with a keen business sense, Mr. Brancatelli also operated several successful small business ventures throughout his life, even after retirement. As owner of the Shanty Inn Tavern on Harvard Avenue, Mr. Brancatelli regularly sponsored community baseball teams.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in honor and remembrance of Carl T. Brancatelli, whose kindness, energy and compassion for others will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him well, especially his family and friends. I extend my deepest condolences to his children, Robert, Wanda, James, Tina, Carl, and Tony; to his grandchildren, great- grandchildren, and also to his extended family and friends. Mr. Brancatelli lived his life with great joy, energy and with a loving focus on his family and friends, and he will live on within their hearts and memories forever.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Martin E. (Marty) Vittardi, devoted family man, public servant, community leader and dedicated volunteer. The leaders and members of the Parma Area Chamber of Commerce recently named him as the recipient of the 2005 Individual Pride Award for his committed and compassionate volunteerism in raising funds and raising community awareness on behalf of the American Cancer Society.

Marty's journey of public service began nearly thirty years ago, while a student at John Carroll University, where he served as a Congressional Assistant to then United States Congressman Ronald Mottl. After graduating at the top of his class with a bachelor's degree in political science, he accepted the position of Deputy Clerk with the Cuyahoga County Court. He then served for eight years as a Legislative Representative for the Seafarers Union, where he garnered vital insight into the political processes that took him from our local community to Capitol Hill.

Marty has been entrusted with the faith and confidence of Parma residents and with members of the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party since the early eighties, as voters have consistently supported him in various City and County elected roles. In 1982, Marty was elected as the Cuyahoga County Democratic Executive Committeeman. That same year, he was elected to represent residents of Ward 3 in the City of Parma and was elected to the position of Ward 5 Democratic Leader.

In 1991, Marty was elected for a six-year term as the Clerk of Court for the City of Parma Municipal Court. He was re-elected to a second term in 2003. In addition to his professional endeavors, Marty has been a tireless volunteer and champion of numerous volunteer causes, and has been an active volunteer in many roles, including chairing school levy campaigns; raising funds for the Byers Field Foundation and Veterans Memorial; co-chairing fundraising drives for the American Cancer Society; and active leadership roles in several civic organizations, including the Parma Elks and the Parma Area Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, Marty is the founder and current chairman of the Community Leadership Group, comprised of elected officials, business owners and community activists whose mission is to foster positive change within all levels of the Parma community through the power of a unified commitment, shared vision and collective focus.

Marty's leadership, achievement, and most vital of all, his integrity and genuine concern for others, is a united legacy that co-exists with, and is strengthened by, the integrity, dedication, professional and personal excellence and shared vision of his partner in life--his wife, Lynn M. Vittardi.

With family as the cornerstone of their lives, Marty and Lynn have instilled a deep sense of giving back to the community and service to others within the hearts of their own children, now grown. Marty and Lynn's united focus on their parents, siblings, and above all, their children, Allison, Jessica and Mark, has never wavered and continues to be the center of their lives. Their children have followed a path of professional excellence and service to others, from the examples set by Marty and Lynn. Allison, her husband Nick and Jessica and her husband, Dominick, are education professionals. Their son Mark is in college, majoring in political science.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of Martin E. Vittardi, for his unwavering dedication, integrity and outstanding public service, especially his annual volunteer efforts with the American Cancer Society. Marty's energy, warmth and significant service continues to offer a light of hope and the promise for a better tomorrow within the City of Parma and throughout our entire community.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in honor and recognition of the 2006 Ohio Business Women's Conference and Expo, held this year at Cleveland's Cleveland Renaissance Hotel & Conference Center.

The Conference & Expo is a collaborative effort, presented by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for Ohio, the Small Business Administration, the Urban League, the Northeast Ohio Minority Business Council (NOMBC), the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) and a coalition of Chambers of Commerce throughout Ohio. The event promises to attract hundreds of women business owners and numerous exhibitors.

The organizers of the Conference & Expo are focused on promoting women's business ventures and fostering vital connections of support where women entrepreneurs can find resources to expand and improve their business goals. Additionally, the Conference and Expo will provide a forum where women business owners can display their services and products to Americas leading corporations and public agencies dedicated to doing business with women-owned businesses.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in honor and recognition of the 2006 Ohio Business Women's Conference and Expo, a collaborative venture that promises to bolster the success of women business owners throughout our region. The event, while reflecting the continued struggle of women and minorities to attain economic equality and opportunity, also highlights the reality that through continued support and collaboration, the road to economic security and the attainment of professional dreams will be open to all women, clearing a path on which the next generation of women entrepreneurs will follow.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Christopher Penn, cherished son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend. Mr. Penn's insightful cinematic performances reflected the human condition with subtle power, in a style that ranged from comedic and sublime to rage and despair. His brilliant character portrayals resonated with moviegoers worldwide, connecting us all in our shared humanity.

Although not often cast as the leading man, Mr. Penn's beautifully understated performances consistently lent grace and authenticity to every role he played. From his endearing performance as an insecure teenager in Footloose, to his colorful and unforgettable performances in Reservoir Dogs, True Romance, The Funeral, Pale Rider and Mulholland Falls, Mr. Penn's personal integrity and depth of character clearly radiated onscreen.

Mr. Penn began his film career as a child actor in the 1970's. His performances in more than forty films captured the hearts of moviegoers and earned the respect and admiration of both colleagues and critics. In 1996, Mr. Penn won a Venice Film Festival Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in the ``The Funeral.'' He also was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award and a Genie Award.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in honor and remembrance of Christopher Penn, whose young life was framed by family, friends and his exceptional artistic dedication. I offer my deepest condolences to his mother and father, Leo and Eileen; to his brothers, Michael and Sean; to his sisters-in-law, Aimee and Robin; and to his many extended family members and friends. Mr. Penn's gentle spirit and kind heart will live on forever within the hearts of his family and friends, and he will be remembered always by his adoring audience.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Dr. Carmelita Thomas, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Dr. Thomas leaves behind a remarkable legacy of leadership, accomplishment and activism on behalf of higher education and throughout our Cleveland community.

Dr. Thomas was born and raised in northern Italy. Her family emigrated to Cleveland when she was a high school senior, yet she quickly overcame the challenges of a new culture and language and graduated with her class from Warrensville Heights High School. With a steady focus on academic achievement, Dr. Thomas earned several bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees from the University of California at Los Angeles. After many years in leadership roles at the Los Angeles Community College District, Dr. Thomas brought her passion, knowledge, expertise and energy to Cleveland, where she served as the President of Cuyahoga Community College, Western Campus, where 12,000 students enroll each semester. Dr. Thomas was respected and admired by colleagues and leaders in both the public and private sectors. Her unwavering focus on improving the College is reflected throughout the Campus. Because of her direction, Tri-C's Western Campus is now a training center for digital technology for visual communication and also includes cutting-edge medical technology used to train health care professionals, such as electroneuro technology and diagnostic sonography.

Dr. Thomas' commitment to others extended beyond the campus of Tri-C. Her boundless energy and commitment to making a positive difference is evidenced within her activism and volunteer service on many local boards and organizations, including her service as a member of the Board of Trustees at St. John Westshore Hospital; the Parma Area Chamber of Commerce; the American Council on Education; and the American Council for International and Intercultural Educational Organizations. Dr. Thomas' personal interests mirrored the passion and energy she committed to her profession, and ranged in scope from travel, to cooking, to the classical arts.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of Dr. Carmelita A. Thomas. I offer my deepest condolences to her husband of 45 years, James E. Thomas; to her daughters, Sondra and Sonia; to her sons-in-law, Timothy and Jim; to her grandsons, Jeremy and Bradley; to her brothers and sisters; and to her extended family members and many friends. Her numerous accomplishments, marked by personal and professional integrity, served to make a positive difference in all areas of higher education throughout the Western Campus of Tri-C and throughout our entire community, and she will be remembered always.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Coretta Scott King, devoted wife, mother, grandmother and civil rights leader, whose courageous mission has left an indelible light of peace and justice visible across our country and around the world. Mrs. King gracefully raised aloft the dreams and legacy of the most prominent visionary for social change in our nation's history, her husband, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Their unified mission of peacefully dismantling the racist foundation of America would change the course of our Nation forever.

Mrs. King's entire life was framed by dignity, courage and an unwavering commitment to social justice and humanitarian causes. She grew up working in the cotton fields of Alabama, where she experienced the harsh reality of racism. Taught by her parents that only a solid education could open the door to freedom and opportunity, Mrs. King focused on her studies and graduated with honors from Antioch College in southern Ohio, one of the first integrated colleges in the country. While a student, she joined the NAACP and became deeply involved in the civil rights movement, foregoing a career in music to carry out the work of peace and justice.

The assassination of Dr. King did not diminish her resolve. She courageously forged ahead on the road to justice, despite the danger inherent in her noble cause. As a young widow with four young children to raise, Mrs. King remained steadfast in her commitment to her children and also unwavering in her determination to continue on the path set by Dr. King. She took up the torch of her late husband, holding it high and dignified, exposing a broken society degraded by racism and injustice and illuminating the reality of peaceful change.

Refined, articulate and reflecting a quiet grace, Mrs. King did not retreat from the movement sparked by Dr. King. She deliberately stepped out into the sharp glare of the public and bravely marched on, leading civil protests where her husband had marched before. She led an unrelenting effort to establish Martin Luther King Jr. Day, an endeavor that took her fifteen years and over six million petitions. Determined to keep Dr. King's legacy alive, Mrs. King founded the King Center in 1968, serving as its president for 26 years.

Armed with a sharp mind, a warm smile and a passion for social change, Mrs. King journeyed around the world, speaking to college and church audiences and meeting with world leaders. Mrs. King championed the rights of the poor and advocated for social and economic justice for women and for the protection and rights of gay men and lesbian women. She marched in protest against racial discrimination across the South and was arrested for protesting apartheid in South Africa.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor, recognition and memory of Coretta Scott King, whose life mission on behalf of human rights has served to raise the collective conscience of the entire world into the promise of universal freedom from oppression. Mrs. King's brilliant legacy, framed in peace, determination and dignity, will forever resound with the voice of her husband, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.--along our urban streets, across the South and around the world--echoing the ongoing struggle for freedom in a chorus of hope that will someday rise with their words on the dawning of a new day of peace and justice for all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and memory of Daniel D. Drake, beloved husband, father, grandfather, outstanding educator and administrator, and friend and mentor to countless individuals, in and out of the classroom.

Equipped with a sharp mind, integrity, a kind heart and a strong work ethic, Mr. Drake forged a personal journey lined with educational and professional accomplishments that sprung from humble beginnings. His devotion to public education and community service is framed by his legacy of unwavering commitment and outreach to African-American youth of our community, a commitment that continues to guide our young women and men toward the light of academic and professional achievement. The accomplishments of Daniel D. Drake are numerous and significant. He was a football and track star at East High School in Cleveland, where he graduated in 1951. He was awarded college scholarships in football and track and excelled in both sports at Miami University, where he graduated with a degree in education in 1955. He taught at Thomas Edison School in Cleveland and then became an administrator at Collinwood High School.

Mr. Drake continued his education, earning a master's degree and a doctorate degree in educational administration from the University of Akron. He served as principal of East High School, the Cleveland School of Science and also at John F. Kennedy High School. He also served as a community superintendent with the Milwaukee Public Schools before returning to Cleveland and accepting a faculty position at Cleveland State University. Mr. Drake also founded and served as the first president of the Metropolitan Cleveland Alliance of Black School Educators, whose mission of addressing the needs of African-American students remains unwavering.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of Daniel D. Drake, whose devotion to his family and to the youth of Cleveland remains a beacon of hope and possibility throughout our community. I offer my heartfelt condolences to his wife of 44 years, Adrienne; to his daughter, Adriana; to his sons, Darian and Daniel; to his three grandchildren, and to his extended family and many friends. Mr. Drake's inspiring vision and steadfast service continues to pave the way for educational and professional opportunities for the people of our community, young and old, and he will be remembered always.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of my dear friend, Gemma Szabo of North Olmsted, Ohio--loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, dedicated community volunteer and activist, and dear friend and mentor to many.

Family, faith and community were central to her life. A united team, Mrs. Szabo and her beloved late husband, Charles J. Sr., raised their five children: Charles Jr., Gary, Johanna, Tim and Peter, and were a consistent source of strength for them, for their grandchildren and for their great-grandchildren. For many years, Mrs. Szabo worked as a school crossing guard. Aside from her family and work, Mrs. Szabo's energy, generous heart and willingness to make a difference led her to volunteer her time and talents throughout her community. Spiritual and devout, Mrs. Szabo was a long-time member and leader within her parish, St. Richard Catholic Church, where she was an active member of the Ladies Guild.

Mrs. Szabo's endless energy, sharp mind and quick wit easily drew others to her. A staunch Democrat, Mrs. Szabo was a life-long member of the North Olmsted Democratic Club and was a Ward Leader for several years. She had the unique ability to inspire and motivate others, recruiting numerous friends and neighbors to become involved in the election process. Mrs. Szabo forged indelible bonds with civic and political leaders that extended from North Olmsted City Hall to Cleveland City Hall.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of Gemma Szabo. Her unwavering commitment to her family, friends and to her community framed her life and served to make a difference within the lives of countless individuals, including my own life, and Gemma Szabo will be remembered always.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of United States Army Master Sergeant Joseph J Andres, Jr., who bravely and selflessly heeded the call of duty and made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our country.

Family, friends and concern for others lined the journey of Sergeant Andres' life. He gained personal strength and faith from his family and friends, especially his mother and father, Sandra and Joseph J., Sr.; his sisters, Deborah, Pamela, Christine, Maureen and Sharon; his brothers-in-law, David, Edward and William; his grandparents, Walter and Winifred Haders; and, his nieces and nephews, Claire, Brielle, Collin, Ryan, Evan and Brandon.

Sergeant Andres' limitless joy for living, dynamic spirit and expansive heart reflected consistently throughout his life, from childhood on. He was a 1989 graduate of Padua Franciscan High School and studied engineering at the University of Cincinnati before enlisting in the Army. Sergeant Andres' seemingly endless reserve of energy, joy for living and strong foundation of personal faith, equaled his steadfast sense of duty to others and to our country.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of Master Sergeant Joseph J Andres, Jr. I extend my deepest condolences to his family members and many friends, especially his parents and sisters. The ultimate sacrifice, significant service and true heart that illuminated the life of Sergeant Andres will shine forever in the hearts and memories of all those who knew him best and loved him most-- his family and close friends. Sergeant Andres' legacy of service and courage will be honored and remembered by the Cleveland community and by our entire Nation, today, and for all time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of my good friend Bishop Anthony M. Pilla, as we celebrate his twenty- fifth year as a spiritual teacher, leading nearly 800,000 Roman Catholic individuals within the Cleveland Catholic Diocese.

Bishop Pilla grew up in Cleveland, the son of Italian immigrants. His parents instilled within him a strong sense of family, faith and service to others. His spiritual vocation began in 1959, when he was ordained to the priesthood. Bishop Pilla served as pastor for a short time before accepting a teaching position at Borromeo Seminary High School in Wickliffe, where he was named President in 1972. Seven years later, he was named Auxiliary Bishop and on January 6, 1981, he was appointed as Diocesan Bishop of Cleveland.

Bishop Pilla's service and presence has been a focused instrument of faith and hope along the streets of Cleveland. Bishop Pilla's dedication to the well being of Cleveland's urban residents is evidenced within the historic churches throughout the city that remain open and viable sources of hope and faith for worshipers of all ages. Additionally, Bishop Pilla's outreach efforts and vision of cultural and interfaith unity has created unbreakable, vital partnerships among members and leaders of all faiths--partnerships that promote understanding and respect for differing views and bonds that celebrate our diversity.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of my dear friend, Bishop Anthony M. Pilla, whose spiritual leadership, guidance and devotion to the people of Cleveland reflects throughout the Cleveland Catholic Dioceses. It has been such a pleasure to work with Bishop Pilla over the years and I am grateful for our years of friendship. Bishop Pilla has been a great strength of hope and courage for me through the years. His guidance, passion, leadership and unwavering commitment has illuminated hope and faith for countless families and individuals of every faith, throughout our Cleveland community, and far beyond.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Vietnamese New Year: Tet, 2006--Year of the Dog. To celebrate this joyous event, the Vietnamese Community in Greater Cleveland, Inc., will gather at Bo Loong Chinese Restaurant to rejoice with family and friends and enjoy Vietnamese culture and performances.

The Tet celebration will include recognition of volunteer leaders, Vietnamese culinary offerings and dancing and entertainment by Vietnamese youth of Cleveland. Tet is the time of year to pay homage to ancestors, reconnect with friends and family, and celebrate the hope and possibility within the rising of a new year.

This year also marks the 31st anniversary of the establishment of the Vietnamese Community in Greater Cleveland, Inc.--reflecting nearly three decades of this agency's superior commitment, service and community outreach to Americans of Vietnamese heritage. The Vietnamese community in Cleveland reflects a vibrant layer within the colorful fabric of our culturally diverse city. And the Vietnamese Community of Greater Cleveland, Inc. plays a significant role in preserving and promoting the ancient cultural and historical traditions that spiral back throughout the centuries--connecting the old world to the new, extending from Vietnam to America.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of Le Nguyen, President of the Vietnamese Community in Greater Cleveland, Inc., and all members, past and present, for their dedication and support of Americans of Vietnamese heritage within our Cleveland community. As we join in celebration of the Vietnamese New Year, the Year of the Dog, may every American of Vietnamese heritage hold memories of their past forever in their hearts, and find happiness and peace with the dawning of each new day.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Dr. Mahmoud ``Michael'' Orra--beloved husband, father, brother and friend to many, whose innovation in medicine and focus on healthcare for the poor will forever resound throughout our community.

Dr. Orra was born in Baka Valley, Lebanon. His dedication to his family and to our most vulnerable citizens remained unwavering throughout his life. Dr. Orra's vision and innovation led him to the practice of specialized medical treatments including holistic methods. He was the CEO of four clinics that infused holistic and traditional medical care. His medical expertise was surpassed only by his compassion for others. Dr. Orra's kind demeanor and quick smile easily drew others to him, and most significantly, he was a light of hope and well being for families, children and senior citizens who struggled daily against a tide of poverty and homelessness on Cleveland's West side.

Dr. Orra regularly provided free medical services to low-income individuals and families, free of charge. He offered respect and dedicated attention to every patient, regardless of the person's station in life. Dr. Orra's generosity and vision extended throughout Cleveland's Arab community. Throughout his volunteer tenure with AACCESS-Ohio Arab American Community Center for Economic and Social Services, Dr. Orra was instrumental in helping the organization expand its services, which now include programs assisting immigrant and low- income families.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of Dr. Mahmoud ``Michael'' Orra, whose energetic spirit, boundless vision and expansive heart has served to uplift the lives of countless families and individuals throughout our community. I extend my deepest condolences to Dr. Orra's wife, Amne Youssef; to his children, Muna, Leana and Michael; and to his brother, Dr. Abdul Orra. Dr. Orra's legacy of faith, family and community will forever reflect within the hearts of his family and friends, and will continue on as a source of personal hope, healing and strength, where none existed before.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Mary Lehmann, whose joyous life was framed by family, community and giving to others. Her passing marks a great loss for her family and friends, yet her good works, generous spirit and energy for life will never be forgotten.

Born to Italian and German immigrants, Ms. Lehmann's parents instilled within her the significance of family, faith and community. The

well being of her family and service to others framed her entire life. She taught her children by example, reflecting the vital gifts of family unity, reaching out to those in need, hard work and an endless joy for learning and living. Ms. Lehmann's intellectual level was reflected in her numerous and varied life interests. After her children were grown, she enrolled in college, earning a perfect 4.0 grade point average and an associate's degree. Her compassionate heart directed her onto pathways where she gave freely of her time and talent. Ms. Lehmann volunteered at Hillcrest Hospital, worked with special needs children at Millridge Elementary School, read to visually impaired children and volunteered in the gift shop at Cleveland Play House.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of Mary Lehmann. Her limitless spirit of giving and endless joy for life has had a profound impact upon the lives of her family, friends and the children and adults whom she so graciously served. I extend my deepest condolences to her children, David, Joan, John and Carol; to her daughters and sons-in-law, Kim, Roger, Melissa and Gil; to her grandchildren, Michael, Jennifer, Eric, Reid, Brittany, Ashley, Jonathon, Gilbert, Elena, Eva, Andrea, Lily and the memory of David; to her companion, Dr. Oscar Stadtler; and to her many extended family members and friends. The kindness, energy, joy and love that defined Mary Lehmann's life will live forever in the hearts of her family and within every soul she touched during her journey here--and she will never be forgotten.