Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Fay E. Malcolm-Allen for her dedication to education and contributions to the nursing profession.

Fay E. Malcolm-Allen is a 1963 nursing graduate of the University of the West Indies. She worked at Linstead Public Hospital in St. Catherine, Jamaica before migrating to the United States in 1966.

Fay E. Malcolm-Allen pursued her advanced education in New York City by achieving a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, graduating Cum Laude from Lehman College; Masters of Art, Nursing Administration from Colombia University; Certified Nursing Administration Advanced degree from the American Nurses Association; an Administrative Fellowship from Wharton Business School, University of Pennsylvania, and completed an Executive Development Program at New York University.

Her career in the United States began as Registered Nurse at Maimonides Hospital in Brooklyn, NY. She then spent 12 years employed at Montefiore Hospital as a Registered Nurse, Head Nurse, and Assistant Director of Nursing.

Fay was recruited to Bronx Municipal Hospital where her outstanding skills were acknowledged. She was quickly promoted from Assistant Director of Nursing to Associate Director of Nursing and then to Deputy Director of Nursing. She then moved to the position of Director of Nursing at North Central Bronx Hospital.

During her 14 year tenure at North Bronx Hospital she was promoted to Deputy Executive Director for Nursing and Clinical Services and then became Chief Operating Officer of the Hospital.

Fay E. Malcolm-Allen had 32 years of health care experience before retiring on July 31, 1998 as the Chief Operating Officer of North Central Bronx Hospital.

She has received numerous awards and recognition for her outstanding leadership ability, staff development, patient satisfaction, and advocacy. In her professional role she was described as a dynamic, committed and effective administrator who provided outstanding leadership for the department of Nursing and the Hospital. She promoted collaborative practice and offered and supported innovative and alternative strategies that enhanced personnel and patient satisfaction.

Fay has mentored graduate, high school and elementary school students and was instrumental in helping to define issues related to nursing education and practice in her role as Adjunct Professor at Lehman College.

Since retiring she has pursued her artistic interests which include painting, jewelry making, card making, scrapbooking, sewing and gardening. She remains active and enjoys walking and Zumba dancing.

Fay is married to Percy Allen II. They now reside in Virginia Beach,

Let me thank you, Mr. Lynch, for the hard work that you have done on this bill.

And let me begin by saying to the other side, I hope we're talking about the same legislation here, because in the committee, the only--as I remember very vividly--the only amendment that was offered was accepted. We accepted the amendment. And of course, the committee voice voted the legislation out.

Now I hear about this motion to recommit. And I understand working together. I do believe in that, and I think you accomplish a whole lot more when you do that.

But the point is, we have not even seen the motion to recommit. So, therefore, you're talking about working together and sharing information but, at the same time, you're withholding information. That, to me, I find very, very strange.

This is a committee that would welcome ideas and suggestions. But the point is that we can't go through a whole process and then, at the end of the process, you complain about the fact that I did not have an opportunity.

I want you to know that we recognize the importance of amendments, and if they strengthened the legislation we would have accepted it.

So I want to thank all the folks that worked on this. And it seems hard, I understand now, to imagine with the sweltering summer heat that has arrived, but during February's record-breaking snowstorm, the Federal Government in the D.C. area shut down for nearly an entire work week. We now have almost forgotten that. The government's lost productivity was significantly reduced because so many employees were not able to get to work. After the storm, OPM Director John Berry reported that the government saved approximately $30 million--and I repeat that--saved almost $30 million a day in the productivity costs because of the growing number of teleworking employees. H.R. 1722 will help the government do even better. And I think that we should not lose sight of that.

The legislation builds on the government's current telework capability and will strengthen it by requiring the head of each agency to establish a telework policy. The legislation also holds agencies accountable for successful implementation of their telework policy.

I should note that similar bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Daniel Akaka and, of course, George Voinovich, passed the United States Senate by unanimous consent as well.

I am pleased to offer my support for this bipartisan, good-government bill that will save the taxpayers money while reducing energy consumption, air pollution, and traffic congestion. It will promote more flexibility for Federal employees and allow the government to attract top talent from every State and every district in the country.

This is win-win-win legislation. I urge all Members to support the bill.

And of course I say to my colleagues, let's move forward. Let's not look back. Let's move forward. We know what we need to do.

And of course, again, let me say that any amendment that was offered was accepted.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Marguerite Sterlin on the occasion of her 106th birthday.

Marguerite Sterlin was born on July 20, 1904 in Cap Haitian. She came to the United States in the early 1960s, and has been a resident of Brooklyn ever since.

For approximately 30 years, Ms. Sterlin worked as a babysitter and a seamstress. She is now retired.

Ms. Sterlin was never married, and did not have children of her own. She is the only survivor of her five siblings, but is visited by her nieces and nephews.

Ms. Sterlin is a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Her hobbies include sewing, cooking, and dancing. She also enjoys Haitian music and ice cream, and she is known to many as ``JoJo,'' pronounced ``GoGo.''

She has been at River Manor Care Center in Brooklyn, New York, since 2003. She is a regular participant in daily recreational programs, and is very close to the Haitian staff of River Manor, and is considered their adopted grandmother.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life of Marguerite Sterlin.

Mr. Speaker, my heart is heavy this evening because a very dear friend of mine passed away, Buddy Keaton.

Buddy Keaton has been a real fixture in the Brooklyn community for so many years. Many, many basketball players are in the NBA because of Buddy Keaton. Buddy Keaton was a person that spent a lot of time with young people, helping them to understand how important it is to go straight in life, and also how important it was to really work on your skills. But at the same time, he indicated that they needed to be involved in making certain that their academics were in order.

Buddy Keaton, as a result of his involvement, made it possible for many basketball officials to be able to officiate games. Some have gone on to the NBA and to other places as a result of Buddy Keaton and his involvement.

Buddy Keaton was truly a coalition builder. He was a person that just had a natural flair for saying the right thing at the right time. He knew how to do that.

So I say to the Brooklyn community and to the family of Buddy Keaton, and, of course, to my good friend Hank Carter and to all those who knew him in terms of his work and how hard he has worked on behalf of people, we say to his family, you have our deepest sympathy. If there is anything that we can do, please do not hesitate to reach out.

What a tremendous loss for the Brooklyn community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Reverend Earl Jones, Sr. for his unwavering commitment and service to his faith and community.

Reverend Earl Jones, Sr. preached his trial sermon in March of 1981, and became an Associate Minister of the Universal Baptist Church. In March of 1983, Dr. John H. Nichols and the First Calvary Baptist Church called Rev. Jones to be Assistant to the Pastor. Rev. Jones served in this capacity until the Lord called Dr. Nichols from labor to reward in June of 1984, after which, the First Calvary Baptist Church called Rev. Jones to serve as interim Pastor for one year. Rev. Jones was called to the pastorate of the First Calvary Baptist Church in June of 1985.

Reverend Jones has been a man of vision and great faith, leading his congregation to spiritual heights and service not only to each other but, most importantly to those in the community. Under his leadership the church has started an Outreach Ministry; Vacation Bible School; a soup kitchen which also distributes clothing to the needy and homeless; provided clothing and other needed items to the Renaissance Women's Facility and home goods and toys to the mothers and children of the Rose Kennedy Home for Displaced Mothers and Children; established the First Calvary Baptist Church Bible Institute; undertook a total renovation of the church edifice; and added more than 1000 new members to the church membership.

Currently, Reverend Jones is solidifying the plans for ``Project Kingdom,'' which will be the relocation of our current church to a 38,000 square ft area to include a 1,200 seat sanctuary, state of the art multi-purpose facility including a banquet hall, classrooms, administrative offices and gymnasium. Our current site will become a 53 family apartment building, including a medical facility.

Reverend Jones is also working with federal, state and local elected officials in the area of green technology, addressing environmental issues and solutions such as converting waste to energy.

Under his leadership, the church has organized a movement of pastors, churches and other lay persons to address the issue of black on black crime in our neighborhoods. Too many of our black youth are being gunned down and his message is, ``If Not Now, Then When, If Not Us, Then Who.'' They have embraced the concept of peace action designed by Dr. Matthew Johnson, which teaches them to identify and develop strategies to handle conflicts other than in a violent manner.

Reverend Jones has worked and been very successful in the financial and business industries, but he has remained faithful to his first love (God) and the work of the ministry. In June 1995, Rev. Jones was named ``Minister of the Week'' for his outstanding leadership and outreach to the community.

Reverend Jones has held several positions of leadership, including Moderator of the New York Missionary Baptist Association; a member of the Board of Directors of the Hampton Ministers and Musicians Conference; an officer of the Progressive National Baptist Convention; the Chairman of the Community Advisory Board of Brooklyn Hospital; and he serves on various political and civic committees throughout the city.

Reverend Jones is a pastor, preacher, teacher, husband, father, grandfather, godfather, friend and visionary whose mission is to bring people to Jesus.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the contributions of Reverend Earl Jones, Sr.

Thank you very much.

I am delighted to come and participate in this special order this evening, to be here with the longest serving member of the United States House of Representatives, John Dingell. We come tonight to say thank you to Ron Gettelfinger for 40 years of service to the UAW, and 8 years as its president. So I rise in order to honor him tonight because of the outstanding job that Ron was able to do.

It is easy to admire Ron by just looking back over his long career. From his early work as a chassis line repairman in 1964 at a Louisville assembly plant to being elected to the United Auto Workers top leadership post in 2002, where he became the face of one of the largest and most diverse unions in North America, he has shown a remarkable drive and work ethic that made him a role model as he fought for health care and so many issues that improved the quality of life for so many.

Ron was not a selfish person. He felt that if I can help somebody, then my living is not in vain. In addition to his work in the auto industry, he has had a positive effect on Federal and State public policy. Mr. Gettelfinger is a hardworking individual who has been an outspoken advocate for so many good causes.

Under his leadership, the UAW also lobbied for new technologies and environmental standards, supporting smart policies for solid jobs, and, of course, clean air. These are issues that have been and continue to be very important to me and the people of the 10th Congressional District.

Ron was once quoted as saying, ``We don't accept the notion that America is a country where a privileged few live while the rest of us struggle to meet our daily expenses. We're going to fight for something better.'' And I want you to know he did.

And, of course, we look back tonight and we say, Ron, thank you. Thank you for the outstanding job that you did on behalf of the UAW. Thank you for the outstanding job that you have done on behalf of the people of this Nation. We thank you for the leadership; and as a result, people throughout were able to see you as a role model.

So I come tonight to say thank you again and we wish you Godspeed. We know that you will be out there doing some things in a positive way which will continue to improve the quality of life.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Julio Salinas for his commitment to excellence in business and contracting.

Julio Salinas is the owner of Mecca Contracting, Inc. located in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn, New York. Mr. Salinas was born in Canton San Juan Bosco, Morona Santiago Ecuador and came to Brooklyn twenty years ago. He is married to Sonia Salinas and they have two children, Donna, age 12, and Emily, age 2.

Mr. Salinas likes to work with people, especially those that need encouragement to take a step in the right direction. From his early experiences in the United States as a laborer, he knows firsthand how difficult life can be. He draws strength from his upbringing and thanks his parents for showing him the right path to walk. His parents' guidance allowed him to become a man of great integrity and moral fortitude. He was educated at Rio Upano de la ciudad de Sucua, Ecuador where he obtained his Bachelor's degree.

Mr. Salinas started Mecca Contracting, Inc. in 1997 and worked first as a subcontractor, and now as a general contractor. He works closely with the City of New York, Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD). Mr. Salinas holds numerous certifications: NYC Department of Small Business Services (MBE), NY & NJ Minority Supplier Development Council (MBE), Empire State Development (Minority-Owned Business Enterprise), the Port Authority of NY & NJ (Minority-Owned and Small Business Enterprise), New York City MWSBE Housing Authority, NYC School of Construction Authority (MBE), and the Dormitory Authority- State of New York (MWBE). In 2002 he obtained a certificate from the Construction Management Institute sponsored by Jamaica Business Resource Center and New York State Chapter of the National Association of Minority Contractors. In 2003 he completed the Construction Management Training Certificate Program, sponsored by New York City Department of Small Business Services and Turner Construction. And in 2006 he obtained a certificate in Construction Management Building Blocks Program, sponsored by Skanska USA, The New York State Chapter of the National Association of Minority Contractors and Medgar Evers College. In 2008 he obtained a Certificate in Construction Management, sponsored by Pace University, Regional Alliance for Small Contractors, and The Port Authority of NY & NJ. In 2004 Mr. Salinas started another business called Broadway Supplies Lumber Corp.

Mr. Salinas has affiliations with the Regional Alliance for Small Contractors, the New York State Chapter of the National Association of Minority Contractors, The Association of Minority Enterprises of New York, Inc., NHCA Hispanic National Construction Association., League of United Latin American Citizens and Youth Organization JUVE Ecuador. He has also been a member of Community Board # 4. In his free time he enjoys watching documentaries on television and listenting to sports and classical music. He enjoys his weekends greatly, often with a good meal.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the achievements of Julio Salinas.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Sheila Stewart-Betegon for her tireless service to her community.

Sheila Stewart-Betegon was born August 22 in Colon in the Republic of Panama to Cathleen and August Stewart. She is the youngest of three sisters; her older sisters are Maritza Austin and Diana Street. She is married to Porfirio Betegon; she has three children and one grandchild.

Sheila graduated from Abel Bravo High School in Colon and went to study law and political science in the University of Panama. She migrated to the United States in December of 1984.

Like many immigrants, Sheila took odd jobs such as fast food restaurants, and working as a messenger and mail clerk while pursuing the American dream. As a determined and ambitious woman with aspirations of growing professionally, she completed her undergraduate studies in criminal justice at John Jay College in February 1989.

Thereafter she began to work for Miracle Makers Inc., one of the largest minority non-profit organizations in the State of New York. For 16 years Sheila worked at Miracle Makers Inc. and served the community in numerous capacities: as a caseworker, supervisor and coordinator for permanency planning. Sheila monitored over fifty children annually in their foster homes and schools and assessed the goal of reunification of children and families.

In order to keep up with the increasing demands for high level professionals, Sheila returned to college and obtained a Masters degree from Long Island University Brooklyn Campus in 2001.

In 2005, Sheila carried over her experience and skills in social service and social work involving children and young adults to the Salvation Army, one of the oldest social services organizations in the United States. Sheila was hired as a recruiting officer to find foster and adoptive parents for children who could not remain with their biological family.

During this time Sheila volunteered her service at ``Prouecto de Trabajadores Latino Americanos'' providing instruction in English as a second language to immigrants. Sheila is a member of Free Will Church of God in Christ where the pastor is Eddie Lacewell. Sheila has been given the opportunity to bring forth the word of God.

In 2006, Sheila returned to Panama for six months to culminate her studies in law and obtain her degree as a lawyer. She is currently employed as a Probation Officer for the City of New York Department of Probation.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the contributions of Sheila Stewart-Betegon.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Nathan Bradley for his continued involvement in his community.

Nathan Bradley was born and raised in Brooklyn, and educated in the New York City Public School system. He is a veteran of the United States Army and has studied advanced micro electronics technology, computer science and graphic design. Upon completion of his education, Nathan worked for an information technology company wherein he installed networks, was responsible for troubleshooting and repaired computers. He also worked in the Graphic Design Department where he was a Senior Project Manager.

In 1989 Nathan became actively involved in the Ronald Brown Democratic Club. Through the years he has developed an extensive background in community relations from organizing faith based and community based organizations, youth groups and groups with varying ethnic backgrounds such as Jewish, Russian, Hispanic, Caribbean and African American.

Nathan has been involved in various electoral campaigns at the Federal, State, city and judicial levels. He has served in the capacity of Campaign Manager, Deputy Campaign Manager and Field Operation Coordinator throughout the borough of Brooklyn. In these various capacities, Nathan has been profoundly involved in grassroots organizing, voter registration drives, door to door canvassing, phone banks, and petition drives.

Nathan has served as a Chief of Staff to a member of the New York State Assembly. He is currently the Deputy Chief of Staff for the Majority conference leader of the New York State Senate, the Honorable John L. Sampson. He is also the Chairman of Brooklyn Community Board #5, a member of the Community Advisory Board at Brookdale Hospital, a member of the Board of Directors of East New York Kids Power, and also a member of the Board of Directors of the True Worship Church.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the achievements of Nathan Bradley.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mary Elizabeth Whitehead Clark for her dedication to service and work as a community activist.

Mary Elizabeth Catten, the oldest of six children, was born on October 8, 1938 in Franklin, Virginia where her family owned and worked their land and grew fruits, and vegetables. After having her first child, Arlinda, saving her money and getting married to Jesse Whitehead, she moved her family to the East New York section of Brooklyn, New York. She and her husband have five other children: Jesse Jr., Jacqueline, Johnette, John and Juanita, and raised five of her husband's nieces and nephews.

Mary became Director of a daycare in East New York that employed 10 adults as well as 15 neighborhood youth during the summer. Through her strong leadership in the community of East New York, Mary played a key role in working with Community Board 5, and former Mayor of New York City, the Honorable Abraham ``Abe'' Beame, in mapping out the new housing developments that were built in East New York, currently known as the Nehemiah homes. Mary started a block association on Sutter Avenue to improve the conditions in the neighborhood of Community Board 5.

Mary's family outgrew their Sutter avenue apartment and later moved into a house in the Bedford Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn. She gave birth to a second set of twins (Mary and Marty) that gave her and Jesse 13 children to raise.

Mary started another block association in her new neighborhood on Halsey Street. She was always involved in the schools that her children attended. Sadly, her beloved husband passed away in 1974. Shortly thereafter, Mary began attending the Macedonia Disciples of Church of God in Christ. She served as the pastor's aide and became a member of the usher's board. She also became involved with the church food pantry, which distributes food to individuals and families in the Bedford Stuyvesant community. The church was an integral part of Mary's life and helped to make sure that her entire family knew God. Mary is still an active member of the church to this day and continues to tirelessly run the food pantry. Mary continues to maintain a presence in the schools that her children attended and served as President of the P.T.A. of P.S. 93, J.H.S. 258, and Boys and Girls High School. Mary inspires everyone she meets to make a better life for their families and communities.

As her children grew old enough to care for themselves, Mary went back to school and trained to become a home health aide. After successfully completing school and working for a while as a home health aide, she began teaching home health aide courses at the request of the directors of her school. Mary retired after many years of teaching, but her teaching days were far from over. Mary raised two of her many grandchildren, ran the food pantry and served as President of the Nurses Unite organization at her church. Mary was remarried to Mr. James Clark and moved to the Bushwick section of Brooklyn where she continues to be an active member of her block association. The Mary Elizabeth Whitehead Clark legacy of community activism is continued by her children who are all in some aspects involved in politics, and community activism.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the achievements of Mary Elizabeth Whitehead Clark.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Dr. Jeffrey A. Mckoy for his dedication to educational pursuits and his work in the field of psychotherapy.

Dr. Jeffrey A. Mckoy was born in Kingston, Jamaica. He migrated to the United States and later moved to Brooklyn, New York to join his family. He attended several universities and obtained a Bachelor's degree and Master's degree and a Doctor of Science in Clinical Psychology.

At the age of 15, Dr. Mckoy began to realize the importance of education and by the time he was 17, he migrated to the United States. He enrolled in an alternative program night school and worked part- time. He found out quickly that a minimum wage job was not going to get him through college. This created a need to fund his educational pursuits. In 1980, he joined the Board of Education as a Family Paraprofessional, where he was able to gain valuable experience and support for his education. In the years in the Department of Education, he was able to attend college and graduated in 1989. He did not stop there; he later enrolled in Brooklyn College.

In 1989, he joined the family District Council 37, Local 372 and served as Released Time Representative for approximately 8 years. It was there that he met and fell in love with his wife Gloria. He later reentered the Board of Education in 1996 as a teacher. He taught Social Studies and various subjects in middle school and High School. His wife has been supportive of his efforts through the years.

Dr. Mckoy is a psychotherapist; he currently owns and operates the mental health clinic Visionary Mental Health Counseling Service, P.C. in Brooklyn. The clinic offers counseling and psychotherapy treatments, evaluations, treatments for ADHD, ADD, ODD, anxiety, grief and loss, work and career issues, stress, and autism and Aspergers disorders.

Dr. Mckoy is a Diplomat and Board Certified member of the American Psychotherapy Association. He is also a member of American Psychological Association and a clinical member of American College of Counselors. He is a Lion and a member of the F & A.M., New York, and served as a worshipful Master of Publicity Lodge 1000.

His youngest daughter, Sheria, is 30 years old. She is a graduate of Rutgers University and the Naval Academy. She is now pursuing a medical degree. The oldest, Melissa, is 32 years old. She is a graduate of New Jersey Technical Institute. She is an Army Reservist, with a degree in finance and marketing. She is currently pursuing her dreams.

Dr. Mckoy has always placed a great importance on education. He would like to see his children continue their educational interests. He has lived a life based on hard work, education, and responsibility. It is these principles that he believes can have the greatest impact on anyone's success.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the achievements of Dr. Jeffrey A. Mckoy.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Jose Antonio Zapata for his dedication to his community and excellence in his field.

A personable and dedicated retail bank professional, Jose Antonio Zapata is the oldest of three sons raised in Bronx, New York by proud parents Honoria Guaba and Antonio Zapata. Jose's parents left their native country of the Dominican Republic and migrated to the United States with the hope of giving their children a better life. His parents instilled in him that dedication, hard work, higher education and motivation will lead to success in life.

Graduating from the prestigious Bronx High School of Science, Jose immersed himself in becoming a noteworthy athlete in Track and Field. He also volunteered throughout the Bronx, through such deeds as helping in the clean up project at Van Cortland Park.

With his mother's relentless support for academic advancement, Jose earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Baruch College in Real Estate and Metropolitan Development. He chose this field in hopes of filling the need of affordable housing in underserved communities. However, he soon realized that having a solid understanding of financial services would enable an individual to go much further than being provided affordable shelter. Ever since then he has focused his efforts on the financial industry.

Mr. Zapata is now a highly accomplished bilingual management professional with expertise in retail banking and an interest in micro- finance. Jose joined Citibank, a leading global financial services company, in 2004 and quickly became an award-winning employee, earning the 2005 CitiStars Top Sales Producer Award. He also became Chair of the Community Outreach and Professional Development Committee for the Citigroup Hispanic Network and Editor of the Citibank Management Association newsletter. His hard work continued to pay off as he was selected to work on high-profile initiatives for the previous chairman and C.E.O. of Citibank North America.

Jose quickly moved on to becoming Branch Manager of Citibank's Liberty Avenue branch where he has had great success. Through his management, Citibank's Liberty Avenue Branch is intensely focused on serving its clients, customers, and community through branch involvement in events such as the Bangladesh Festival, the Mobile Mexican Consulate, Community Board Meetings, and various customer appreciation initiatives.

Prior to joining Citibank, Jose provided marketing support for Gala Resources LLC and Powerhouse Mortgage and Funding and sale support for the Unicasa Realty. When he is not working, he loves playing basketball, and nurturing his younger brothers' affinity for the sport. He is also a boxing aficionado. Jose now hopes to continue his educational endeavors and entering a graduate program of study in the near future.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the achievements of Jose Antonio Zapata.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Jacqueline V. Narine for her many achievements in the health field.

Jacqueline V. Narine is a born and bred Brooklynite. She is the youngest daughter of the late Theodore and Marion Holmes. Educated in the New York City Public School system, she nurtured a desire to work in a hospital community. Jacqueline began in high school as a hospital volunteer and then moved onto an outstanding professional career within the New York City Health and Hospital Corporation.

In 1977, Jacqueline joined NYC Health and Hospital Corporation with the Finance Department at Cumberland Hospital as a Hospital Care Investigator. Her work style and commitment were soon acknowledged and she was promoted to Systems Analyst in Outpatient Billing. This phenomenal experience led to her position as the Assistant Director for Clinical Operations, with responsibilities in several different capacities at this North Brooklyn Health Network, including the oversight, management and budget for Ambulatory Care Services. However, the most significant aspect for Jacqueline and the key to great hospital care was always the effective and responsive care given to patients. Her impact was noticed by patients and staff.

Over the 32 years of service to the NYC Health and Hospital Corporation there have been challenges to patient care. Jacqueline and her colleagues have had to adapt to changing healthcare/managed care, decreased resources and the perpetual needs of the patients. The importance of working with the community you are serving to maintain efficiency has always been significant to Jacqueline. She has worked with the Community Advisory Board, the Auxiliary Board and the Reach Out and Read Program of Greater NY. Over the years she planned and coordinated many events. The community based event in 1996 ``Bedford- Stuyvesant Resource Family Day'' earned Jacqueline recognition from former New York City Public Advocate Mark Green.

Jacqueline is a fourth generation member of the Cornerstone Baptist Church in Brooklyn. She is active in the Business and Professional Women of Cornerstone Baptist Church. She is the Financial Secretary for the Bedford Section of the National Council of Negro Women Inc., member of the Senior Umbrella Network of Brooklyn, Unity Democratic Club and a lifetime member of the Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Brooklyn Chapter. Retirement will allow her the time to give generously to her family and her community.

Jacqueline has been a devoted wife for 36 years to Peter Narine and is the mother of Seth Ramjit Narine and Danielle Melissa Narine. It is scripture that guides her (Luke 12:48) ``To whom much is given much is expected.''

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the achievements of Jacqueline V. Narine.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Davis Gayle, Jr. for his contributions to the Brooklyn community.

Davis Gayle, Jr., the proprietor of Tropical Paradise Restaurant and Tropical Paradise Ballroom, is one of the most outstanding businesspeople in the Brooklyn area. Affectionately referred to as Junior, Gayle has distinguished himself and his establishment. With fierce entrepreneurial will and a genuine love for people, Junior has taken the business of restaurants to new heights and has transformed the Tropical Paradise franchise into a veritable cultural center.

Tropical Paradise Restaurant and Tropical Paradise Ballroom are located in the heart of the Utica Avenue metropolis. The restaurant opened on September 8, 2001 and offers a wide range of West Indian dishes. In addition to being frequented by top artists, Tropical Paradise is now well known in the community as a nurturing ground for new artists. The Tropical Paradise Ballroom opened on November 8, 2008. The large ballroom with its mirror walls and beautiful chandeliers has

quickly become the ``In place'' for weddings, birthday parties, and community events.

Junior, American born of Honduran parentage, started in business in 1979 working in his father's meat market. He continued to learn and absorb all that he could about the business from his father while pursuing his own career path. In 1988, he joined the New York City Department of Corrections. As a corrections officer for 13 years, Junior worked the night shift at the Anna M. Kross Center, which is the largest correctional facility on Rikers Island. By day, he continued to help his father build one of the best known meat markets in Brooklyn.

By 1994, Junior was ready and fully prepared to take on business ownership for himself. Taking a leave of absence from the Department of Corrections, he opened the Avenue D Meat Market. This business continues to be one of the most successful in the area.

His love and concern for his community was evident in1983 when Junior became an Auxiliary Police Officer at the 67th precinct. Now, as a restaurant owner, he continues to give back to the community. He does so by graciously supporting cultural events in the area by providing courtesy backstage catering. Every Christmas, Junior and Tropical Paradise produce a cultural show that has become a calendar event in the Brooklyn West Indian Community.

As a role model, Junior willingly shares his personal credo with young people. ``Anything you desire in life can be achieved with hard work and education,'' he says. Junior's commitment to excellence and community service has been recognized and rewarded with several awards including the ``Men of Distinction Award'' from former State Senator Mary Markowitz in 2001 and a Community Service Award from New York Tabernacle Church.

Junior is married to Joanne Gayle and is the proud father of two daughters, Leonie and Jasmine.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the achievements of Davis Gayle, Jr.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Reverend Dr. Mark V. C. Taylor for his dedication to his faith and tireless service to his community.

Reverend Dr. Mark V. C. Taylor is a native of Chicago, Illinois. He was licensed in 1978 and ordained in 1979 at the Living Hope Baptist Church in Chicago under the leadership of Rev. James F. Jordan. From 1978 to 1981 he attended the Faith Temple Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Bishop Carliss L. Moody, who was one of the participating ministers at Dr. Taylor's ordination in 1979.

Dr. Taylor received his B.A. in History from Northwestern University, Master's of Divinity in Theology and Church History, Master's of Philosophy in Church History and a Ph.D. in Church History from Union Theological Seminary in New York.

Dr. Taylor is currently the Pastor at The Church of the Open Door in Brooklyn, New York where he has developed several new programs; a Council of Ministries, including nine ministries specifically addressing the needs of the community and Black Male Emphasis Sundays. He has developed an extensive outreach ministry through outdoor services. He works closely with the youth and conducts a monthly bible study where the youth of the church openly discuss pertinent issues of the day and how they relate to the Word of God.

Recently he has formed a Bible Institute, which seeks to provide a pleasurable and informative encounter with the Word of God. He has sponsored a new church school curriculum and a new summation of the Church's Doctrine called the Doctrine of Christian Wholism. He is very active and can often be found at public hearings and in community meetings.

Dr. Taylor has published many articles and his dissertation was titled ``Godless Spots in Paradise: Social Christianity and Public Housing 1932-1955''. His most recent publication titled, ``In Times Like These: Sermons of Christian Power for Post-Modern Urban America'', is an uplifting collection of his sermons dealing with today's issues.

Dr. Taylor also is an evangelist. In addition to outdoor services in the community surrounding the church, he preaches at many local congregations and has preached in churches from New York to Los Angeles. Dr. Taylor defines the focus of his ministry as ``Progressive Pentecostalism,'' the attempt to link the best of western rationality and the democratic tradition to the need to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the contributions of Reverend Dr. Mark V. C. Taylor.