Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Ruth Silber, a dedicated public servant for 26 years.

Ruth Silber is a volunteer at Public School 273 in New York City. She was born in Brooklyn, New York and has lived in Brooklyn for eighty- three years.

Mrs. Silber has worked diligently for the Teamster's Union for the 26 years prior to her retirement, and death of her husband, Mr. Silber. Following her retirement, Mrs. Silber volunteered with P.S. 273 to assist in the library.

Mrs. Silber considers volunteering in school the ``love of her life'', along with her children and grand-children, and brings a constant youthful insightfulness to her volunteer work.

Madam Speaker, Please join me in recognizing Ruth Silber for her time and dedication to public service.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Constance V. Hay-Alleyne.

Constance has lived life as a goal oriented and knowledgeable Registered Nurse with ambitious and humanitarian social motivations. Constance is well known in the Panamanian and Caribbean communities. Her delightful intellectual curiosity has served her professional

growth well. She holds a BSN and MSN degrees from Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, New York and Georgetown University, in Washington D.C, respectively. She has distinguished herself as a competent Nurse Manager and Administrator for over three decades, in the Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Washington D.C areas. In 1981, she joined the United States Army Nurses Corps, served as a Captain, active duty and in reserve.

At home, Constance has raised her four children to love and respect everyone especially their elders. She encouraged them to have positive outlooks in life and motivation to do ``as much as they can'' with care and dignity. It could not be otherwise since this has been an inheritance from her parents: John who died at the age of 114 and Imogene, at age 82. Faithful to that motto, she has been involved in many other activities such as a mediator at the Safe Horizon Brooklyn Mediation Center, as a Board Member of the Community Board 5 and as the Chair for Education and Training for Tashia's Life, a lupus foundation.

She was miraculously rescued from the September 11, 2001 disaster at World Trade Center. This encounter made her redefine her mission on earth, realizing that God had saved her life for some special purpose. She serves the Lord at St. Alban's Episcopal Church in Canarsie, Brooklyn, where she functions as a Lay Ecumenical Minister, as well as a Vestry.

Throughout her career, Mrs. Hay-Alleyne has received numerous awards and recognitions including: being featured in ``Who's Who?'' in Nursing in Cambridge.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and to honor Steven L. Zelkowitz, a visionary leader in our community and an inspiration to all of New York.

Steven L. Zelkowitz, an independent energy consultant and attorney, is a senior veteran in New York's energy industry. He began as an attorney in private practice, representing utilities and energy companies for twenty years. He then joined Keyspan Corporation, serving as its General Counsel, Chief Administrative Officer, Executive Vice President, and eventually President of the Energy Assets & Supply Group. At every point in his career, Mr. Zelkowitz distinguished himself by his keen understanding of New York's energy needs, his tireless work ethic, and his loyalty.

Steven L. Zelkowitz has also earned an excellent reputation for supporting local organizations and institutions of higher learning. Mr. Zelkowitz serves on the Board of Trustees of Brooklyn Law School and is chair of its Finance Committee. He is also a member of the Board of Trustees of the Volunteer Lawyers Project of the Brooklyn Bar Association, a member of National Board of Governors of the American Jewish Committee, a member of the American Bar Association and the New York State Bar Association, and a past chair of its Public Utility Law Committee.

Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize Steven L. Zelkowitz, a well- respected leader in Brooklyn's business and educational communities.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Steven L. Zelkowitz.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Matthew Polite, a leader in his community and an inspiration to all of New York.

Matthew Polite was born in 1905 on the Island of St. Helena, off the coast of South Carolina. The only son of a former slave, Matthew understands well how freedom is a cherished gift to be used in the service of your fellow man.

Matthew Polite and his wife, Netha, were wed in 1926. They moved to Savannah, Georgia, where he worked as a baker in Wholesome Bakery. After some years, they moved again to Miami, Florida where he continued as a baker. Matthew and his family moved to New York City in 1954. There he became the Deacon for the Orange Baptist Church in the Bronx, forging a lifelong relationship with the congregation. He served the church community with honor and distinction for many years until his retirement in 1969, when he returned to his hometown in Stavenhagen, South Carolina.

Matthew Polite has since returned to New York City, surrounded by his friends and family, including his four children, nine grandchildren, twenty great grandchildren, fourteen great-great grandchildren, and two great-great-great grandchildren.

Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize Matthew Polite, a shining example of dedication to community service for all of New York.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Matthew Polite.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Reverend Timothy Wright, a loving husband, a dedicated father, faithful pastor, and compassionate humanitarian. Grammy-nominated singer and composer, and also my dear friend.

Sadly, last week, Reverend Wright, the founder of the Grace Tabernacle Christian Center in Brooklyn, passed away. He had suffered for nearly a year with complications resulting from a tragic traffic accident that claimed the life of his wife, grandson, and of course the driver who hit his car head on.

Despite his struggles against improbable odds, having undergone numerous surgeries, Reverend Wright maintained unwavering faith in his God, even in the darkest hour.

Through his example, he showed us that, although he was physically down, he was spiritually vibrant.

Committed to his professed calling in life, one of the reverend's main desires in his last days was to return to his Brooklyn pulpit where he could encourage his congregants. I believe that his ability to be selfless during great suffering is evidence of a man who treasured, loved and lived life to the fullest that way as well.

Rev. Wright understood and demonstrated that life is not defined by everyday circumstances, nor is it about one's accomplishments. He defined life by his love for people. Rev. Wright's life was embodied in the example of the way he treated people and by the sacrifices he made for his family, for his church and for the Brooklyn community. It was not uncommon to find him giving tirelessly for a charitable cause, lending an ear to someone in despair or even extending personal resources to help anyone who needed him. He reached out to those society had thrown away. The reverend thought that adversity kept you humble and that sacrifice was a way to demonstrate faith in God's promise.

Many the world over will remember the surmountable feats Rev. Wright accomplished as a renowned musician. Having released more than a dozen gospel albums over the span of his 40-year career, Rev. Wright's songs of praise and worship were a blessing to all who had an opportunity to hear and to experience the testimonies he shared through his music. From his 1984 song ``Testify'' to his Grammy-nominated album ``Come Thou Almighty King,'' Rev. Wright's music touched millions all around the world. His final one was ``Jesus, Jesus.'' That was a tremendous record, and of course, many people were able to purchase it and to know him in terms of what he was all about.

Born and raised in Brooklyn's Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood, the passing of Rev. Wright is a great loss to Brooklynites, to New Yorkers and to, in fact, the world over because of his humanitarian spirit and, of course, his dedicated life in terms of how he felt and served people. He was an important voice and tireless advocate, concerned about the everyday issues that strangled his fellow neighbors. He hoped for the things his community hoped for, and he cared about the things that his parishioners cared about--family, friends and community.

The immeasurable contributions and countless investments that Rev. Wright made in the lives of people will far outlive his time on this Earth. Now absent in life, he will remain forever with us as his music, message and his legacy live on.

Let me just conclude by saying, ``Sleep on, Rev. Wright. Sleep on. You truly made a difference, and I'm happy to have had an opportunity to know you and to live during your lifetime.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Workforce Memorial Day. As a Nation built on the strength of our workforce, it is important that we honor those who have lost their lives while struggling to support themselves and their families.

For many Americans, going to work can be a dangerous activity, and one in which many of the harms could potentially be mitigated with the enhancement and enforcement of strong workplace health and safety protection laws.

Each year over 5,000 deaths result from occupational hazards. In 2007, 81 of these deaths occurred in New York City alone. Many of these might have been prevented by the enforcement stronger workplace safety standards.

Today, on Workforce Memorial Day, I urge my fellow Members of Congress to join me in commemorating our workforce, their dedication, and their perseverance, while resolving to create a safer and healthier work environment for all.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Robert B. Catell, a visionary leader in our community and an inspiration to all of New York.

Robert B. Catell was raised and educated in New York City, having earned both his Bachelor's and his Master's degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the City College of New York. A Registered Professional Engineer, Mr. Catell also attended Columbia University's Executive Development Program and the Advanced Management Program at the Harvard Business School.

Robert B. Catell began his career in New York's energy industry in 1958 at Brooklyn Union Gas. As the corporation evolved into the nation's fifth-largest natural gas distributor, Keyspan, Mr. Catell established himself as a leader for the corporation, guiding it through multiple transitions in a growing, competitive industry.

Robert B. Catell is now the Chairman of National Grid, U.S. following the acquisition by National Grid of Keyspan Corporation. He is also Chairman of Northeast Gas Markets, of Alberta Northeast Gas Ltd., and a member of the Board of Directors of KEYERA Energy Management Ltd.

Robert B. Catell is also a leader in securing New York's economic, educational, and cultural future. He co-chairs the Board of the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership and chairs the Long Island Association. He also serves as member of the Board of Directors/Trustees for many local organizations, including the Business Council of New York State, the Partnership for New York City, the Energy Association of New York State, the City College of New York 21st Century Foundation, and the New York City Police Foundation.

Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize Robert B. Catell, a dynamic community leader for all of New York.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1804) to amend title 5, United States Code, to make certain modifications in the Thrift Savings Plan, the Civil Service Retirement System, and the Federal Employees' Retirement System, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Today, I am pleased to bring to the floor H.R. 1804, the Federal Retirement Reform Act of 2009. The bill modernizes the Thrift Savings Plan, the retirement savings plan for Federal employees. The legislation includes several other important retirement reforms for Federal employees and members of the Armed Forces.

This bill enjoyed strong bipartisan support in the last Congress when it passed the House as H.R. 1108. Two weeks ago, the Oversight and Government Reform Committee again considered and reported favorably the current language of this bill. I am pleased that the bill makes further progress in ending the military family tax which unfairly penalizes the survivors of those who died in service or as a result of their service- connected injuries.

As Chairman Skelton will explain, this bill increases the monthly amounts paid to surviving spouses who are denied the full amount of their annuity under the Survivor Benefit Plan. Our enhancement to the TSP program also will benefit military members and their families.

The Federal Employee Thrift Savings Plan is one of the best retirement savings programs in the Nation. The plan runs with very low cost and is a model for both the private sector and other governments. The bill we are considering today will strengthen and modernize the

I recognize the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton) for 3 minutes, the person who has worked really hard on this and has done a fantastic job. And of course, when it comes to the military and military personnel, he is always there doing the right thing.

Mr. Speaker, I recognize one of the hardest working Members in this body, the chairman of the Federal Workforce Subcommittee, Stephen Lynch, for 3 minutes.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee on Armed Services, the gentleman from Texas, Mr. Solomon Ortiz.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Davis), the chairwoman of the Military Personnel Subcommittee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to Congressman Connolly from the great State of Virginia.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to Congresswoman Carol Shea- Porter from New Hampshire.

I recognize the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Moran) for 1 minute.

I would like to recognize the gentleman from Virginia, Glenn Nye, for 1 minute.

At this time I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the Congresswoman from Washington, D.C., Ms. Eleanor Holmes Norton.

Does the gentleman have any further speakers?

I'd like to reserve the time to close.

How much time remains?

Let me begin by first thanking the gentleman from California (Mr. Issa) for his input. Let me thank the staff for all their input. I'd like to thank Congressman Skelton. And of course I'd like to thank Congressman Lynch for all the work they've done to make this bill better.

I'd like to reiterate my strong support for H.R. 1804. It will provide much-needed enhancements to the Thrift Savings Plan and to the Federal Government's retirement system.

I urge all of my colleagues to join in supporting the passage of this measure and, of course, because I think it will do so much for the servicemen and, of course, the widows of servicemen. And I think that we owe them that.

And this legislation is not perfect, but it's a giant step in the right direction. So I'm hoping that my colleagues will support this legislation. And let's move it very quickly through the House, and let's get it to the President's desk for him to be able to sign it.

Thank you so much for the support that we've gotten from everyone.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Cynthia Cummings, Executive Director of Community Parents, Inc. and community activist.

Cynthia Cummings is the Executive Director of Community Parents, Inc. (CPI), a non-profit community based organization, serving 275 children and families in Bedford Stuyvesant and Far Rockaway. Additionally, she presides over the Administration for Children's Services Head Start Training Institute at Berean Baptist Church, offering professional, career and credential programs. Continuing accomplishments include securing and renovating a permanent facility in Far Rockaway.

Immediately following completion of her degree in Human Development and Family Studies at Cornell University in 1975, Ms. Cummings begun her career as the Teacher/Director of Moravian Head Start in Harlem, where she developed her administrative skills operating the program now known as Arthur and Thelma Adair Community Centers. She decided to pursue her studies further at New York University in Community Health Education as she worked at SUNY Health Science Center on the National Study on Sickle Cell Disease. Her interest and work in the health industry resulted in her being included in several research publications.

She maintained an important connection with her community as chairperson of Community Parents Head Start, while then employed at Empire Blue Cross and Blue Shield. In 1991, her predecessor passed the torch and Ms. Cummings relinquished the chair of CPI to assume the role of Executive Director. The program grew under her leadership, achieving the NAEYC accreditation and expanding its services into Far Rockaway, Queens. Concurrently, Ms. Cummings has spearheaded many partnerships to improve quality and to enhance services for Head Start children and families. CPI was selected as a promising practices site for the National Head Start Family Literacy Project and was featured in Newsweek Magazine. The organization was featured as one of 14 programs selected by the Administration for Children's Services New York City Head Start Best Practices sites. Most recently, in collaboration with Bank Street College, the agency was selected as an Emotionally Responsive Practices site for continued research on best practices.

Among her professional affiliations are, chairperson of DC 1707 Local 85 Head Start Employees Welfare Fund, representing the interests of approximately 3,000 members. She also is a trustee of The Head Start Management Welfare Fund. Additionally, she is an active member of the National, Regional and State Head Start Associations contributing to the development of their respective annual training conferences. Locally, she is Board member of Brooklyn Kindergarten Society and remains active in the Cornell Black Alumni Association and involved in the Decatur-Stuyvesant Block Association. You often will see Cynthia greeting you at the door during the annual Brownstoner's of Bedford- Stuyvesant house tour.

Cynthia has testified before the General Health and Welfare Committee of the New York City Council and was a panelist for the Citizen's Committee on welfare reform. She has presented at The National Center for Family Literacy Conference and at the National Association for the Education of Young Children on the Importance of Family Literacy. As a Johnson and Johnson Management Fellow, she continues her study of organizational management annually at the Anderson School of Business at UCLA. She also continues her activism as a participant in the CORO Leadership NY program.

She is the recipient of Councilmember Annette Robinson's Spirited Leadership Award, was honored by the Mid-Bedford Heights Lions Club and Vanguard Independent Democratic Association and received a proclamation from Councilmember Albert Vann for her civic efforts. An avid horticulturist, one often will see her lovingly tending to her home gardens. Her creative, artistic expression further is nurtured through dance training and performing with Mo' Jazz, a blithe troupe of athletic and creative women over, let's say, forty.

Cynthia is married to her soul mate, Richard Cummings, a pianist and composer, and she remains blessed to have in her life, her mother, Ellen Lewis, who recently celebrated her 99th birthday. Representing the ascending generation are her two daughters, Diarra, a Columbia University graduate, following professional ballet and modern dance associations, and Imani a graduate of The University of Tampa, who now resides in sunny California currently pursuing a second career in acupuncture.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Humena Bute, an educator and youth advocate.

Ms. Humena Bute worked for the NYC Department of Education from 1970 until her early retirement in 1995. While employed with the Department of Education she advanced to Special Education Records Manager in School District 19. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Community and Human Services from Empire State College in 1997. She applied for and received a per-diem substitute teacher certificate in 1998, and has worked in various NYC schools in Brooklyn to present.

In 2000, Ms. Bute became a member of the Brooklyn Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Club Inc (NANBPWC). She became a Life Member in 2005. During the past eight years Ms. Bute has held the office of Recording Secretary, Vice President (Membership Chair) and has voluntarily served on the Battered Women's Shelter project, the Thanksgiving Basket Committee and the Founders Day Celebration Committees from 2003-2005. Ms. Bute received an Appreciation Award from The Brooklyn Club president in 2002. In 2007 Ms. Bute received the Membership Chair of the Year Award from National Director of Membership of NANBPWC Inc. She has recently been appointed to serve as Membership Director of the Northeast District of NANBPWC Inc.

From 1997 to 2000 Ms. Bute was given the opportunity to work with at- risk youths as an Educational Specialist for Mental Health Juvenile Justice Diversion project in Brooklyn N.Y. She was also a recruiter for Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Program in various High Schools in Brooklyn N.Y.

In 2004, Ms. Bute became a member of the Stuyvesant Heights Lions Club and in 2006 she received the Lion of the Year award from the club president. In 2007 Ms. Bute was nominated as Club President and still holds that title to this day. She is also a Board Member of the Bridge Street Child Development Day Care in Brooklyn NY. Ms. Bute has recently joined the American College of Counselors.

Ms. Bute is a mother of two children, Felicia Allen and the late Gregory Bute and three loving grandchildren Jason Allen, Geninne Allen and Shanay Bute. Ms. Bute regards her many accomplishments and children as gifts from God.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Linda Bradley, a champion of Nursing and health and wellness promotion.

Linda Bradley was born in Brooklyn, New York to Lola Balance and the late Jerry Balance. Linda is the oldest of four siblings, her brother and sisters are Denise, Michelle and Jerry, Jr. She is wife of Calvin Bradley, mother of four children Nicole, Calvin III, Michael and Johnathan and grandmother of Amir. Linda was always a curious child and now is very active in her community.

After graduation from Canarsie H.S., Linda indulged her desire for inquiry and obtained a degree in Medical Laboratory Technology in Applied Science from N.Y.C Community College. Linda went on to obtain an A.A.S. and a B.S.N. in Nursing. Linda continued her education and earned a dual degree; she earned a Master's of Science in Nursing and a Masters of Public Health and received the Outstanding Community Leadership Award from Hunter College.

She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau, International Honor Society, American Public Health Association and Public Health Association of NYC. She held P.T.A. positions in her children's school, is an active member of A.C.O.R.N. and was one of three women who were instrumental in the development of a Kwanzaa community event. She has held positions as Director of Nursing at a licensed agency, Patient Service Manager at Hillside Manor LTHHCP and a staff nurse and then a community outreach nurse for St. Johns Episcopal Hospital. Linda currently works at the Visiting Nurse Service of New York Lombardi Program as a Manager of Clinical Support Services in the boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens. Linda has been an NYU adjunct clinical faculty for the clinical rotation in the Community Health course since 2007. Linda has dedicated her life to nursing, health and wellness which shows through her professional and community activities.

Linda believes that through faith in God and healthy choices people can prevent a multitude of diseases. In her promotion of the profession of nursing, and belief that there are young, intelligent and vibrant minds within her community, she has participated in a community career day, appeared on a Brooklyn cable show and mentored two young women who are now R.N.'s. Linda is the current Health Ministry Director at Solid Rock S.D.A. church, who promotes ongoing health emphasis activities. Linda has assisted in the administration of NIH/Loma Linda Health Study II surveys from 2004-2007 at Solid Rock Church. She has taught as a Sabbath School teacher in the youth division for more than 20 years and is active with the Adventurer's and youth at the church and in the community.

Linda believes that she is a living testimony of God's blessing and healing power and is very committed to nurturing the spirit, mind and body of every person she comes in contact with. Linda believes in excellence and that knowledge is power and whatever knowledge she has is to be shared. Linda has often described the essence of her being as ``one who shares'' in every aspect of her life.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Lottie Dobson-Shannon.

Lottie Dobson-Shannon is an educator with the Department of Education, Office for Family Engagement and Advocacy. She was born in North Carolina and moved to New York at the age of nine. She was raised in Bedford-Stuyvesant, in Brooklyn, New York.

Shannon began her career in 1972 at the Department of Education and worked her way to a management position. In 1987, she became the Project Director of the New York City Board of Education Mentoring Program, where she is still a mentor in the Women in Government Mentoring Program. She involved corporate, government, and cultural institutions in mentoring young high school students throughout New York City. The program thrived under her leadership and became the prototype for Matilda Cuomo's statewide mentoring program.

In 1990, Shannon became the Executive Director for the Parent Advocacy Center of Medgar Evers College. She coordinated staff, raised funds and developed and conducted an award winning Parent Training Institute that was directed at teaching parents skills in advocating for their children in the city public schools. The program received recognition throughout the state, and from the former Commissioner Tom Sobol, New York State Education Department. The Parent Training Institute became a model for the development of parent participation in programs in Mount Vernon and Hempstead New York.

Shannon returned to the Department of Education in 1996 as the Borough Deputy to the Chancellor (Rudy Crews). She was responsible for the development and implementation of projects and assisting the Superintendents and Principals in obtaining resources for their schools.

In 2002, Shannon became the Parent Support Officer for District 17, Region 6 where she empowered parents, trained them in how to advocate for their children, and to learn how to navigate the school system. In 2007, Shannon became the District Family Advocate for District 22, where she continues to empower parents to become parent leaders and partners in their children's education. She also conducts professional development trainings, seminars and conferences that will develop the skills of the parents to become successful leaders in their schools.

Shannon is also the host/producer of the award winning show, ``Keeping It Real with Shannon'', a talk show and entertainment that began in 1998. The show has aired on Brooklyn Community Access Television (BCAT) and various networks for ten years. ``Keeping it Real With Shannon'' reflects on a wide variety of topics such as Domestic Violence, Police Brutality, Education, Male/Female Relationships, Health and Community issues. The show addresses the issues of the growing community and promotes local artists as well as professional artists. Past guests have included Terrie M. Williams, Publicist/ Author, Bad Boy Michael Baisden, KISS FM Radio Personality Dominic Carter, NY1 News Reporter Colleen Babb and Frank Laghezza from the District Attorneys' office, legendary R&B singers the late Isaac Hayes and Maxine Brown, Baby Washington, The Ink Spots and renowned gospel singer Vicki Winan.

``Keeping it Real With Shannon'' is the 2002 winner of the National Hometown Video Festival Award. It won first place for best in public access programming for talk show and entertainment. She was recognized for her award winning show with a Proclamation from Brooklyn Borough President Mary Markowitz.

Shannon personifies the qualities of intelligence, endurance, compassion, and a strong faith that characterize black foremothers who held the family, church, and community together through all adversities. Shannon is a woman of distinction who has accomplished great professional and educational victories, while maintaining a household and rearing a daughter who is a graduate of Morgan State University. She strongly believes that Christian fellowship should be practiced in all aspects of life. Shannon attended college and obtained three degrees, including a Masters.

Shannon served on the Board of Directors for several Corporate and Community Based Organizations. She has won numerous awards and citations from national and local organizations including being recognized by DA Charles Hynes, the Brooklyn Borough President and NYS Governor Mario Cuomo. She was featured on (ABC) ``Like it Is'' with Gil Nobles, ``Metro Magazine'' (WYNE), ``The Hotline Show'' (Channel 31), ``McCreary Report'' (Channel 5), Fox 5-Dayside with Linda Vester and in the publications Caribbean Life, Daily News, Brooklyn Paper, New York Newsday and Medgar Evers Radio Station.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Marsha T. DuPont.

Marsha was born in Brooklyn, NY, to Deacon Clyde Tarrant, Sr. and the Late Catherine Britt Tarrant. She is the only girl child out of three children born; her siblings are Clyde Tarrant Jr., and the Late Bruce Tarrant.

She received her education from Public School 11 and Rothchild Junior High School both of Brooklyn, New York. Marsha received a scholarship from Fashion Industries Vocational High School, where she graduated valedictorian and Female Athlete of the Year, class of 1972. She continued her education attending and graduating from LaGuardia Community College and Fashion Institute of Technology where she majored in pattern making and fashion design. She later changed her career and attended and graduated from the Grace Downs Vocational Air Career and Hotel Management College in Glen Cove, Long Island. Marsha was employed by the Inter-Continental Hotel for 10 years as Reservations Manager. She changed employment to the Drake Swissotel Hotel in New York City where she also worked as Reservations Manager for 17 years. She received numerous awards and departmental training certificates and she was also cited as Employee of the Month and Manager of the Year. Marsha was loved and respected by her staff and fellow co-workers; she was always giving career opportunities to others.

Marsha's love and flare for fashion and decorating encouraged her to form a company

``Duchess Unlimited'' where she worked as a Wedding Coordinator and coordinated anniversaries and other types of social events at cost.

Marsha joined the Mt. Ollie Baptist Church in 1959 under the leadership of the late Rev. R.D. Brown. She sang in the Junior Choir, was an original member of the Buds of Promise, a member of the Junior Usher Board and later joined the Young Adult Choir. Rev. Brown appointed Marsha to the Senior Trustee Board to ``observe.'' She was the youngest female trustee. This was a major accomplishment for Marsha, for little did she know that God was preparing her for the future. In 1989 she was elected as the first female Chairperson of the Board and is still serving in that capacity today. She has given 20 years of service to the trustee board.

At present Marsha works as the Director of Housing/Food & Beverage for the Office of Conventions and Meetings for the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc. She was appointed to this position by the President of the Convention in 1995. She is a member of the religious Conference Management Association and Coalition of Black Meeting Planners. She is also a member of the National Council of Negro Women.

Marsha began her work as a member of the Brooklyn District of the New York State Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America, Inc. in the 1970's under the leadership of Bishop Albert L. Jamison, Sr. as Chapter representative. Marsha gave great support and dedication to the late Brother Larry Brown and the late Minister Allen D. Jamison as Borough Presidents of the Brooklyn District. After their passing she then was appointed Borough President. The Brooklyn District took on new life and direction under her leadership.

Marsha is also a Charter Member of the famous Tri-boro Mass Choir of which she credits the choir's annual prayer and fasting shut-in as her introduction to her spiritual growth and her enhancement to her personal relationship with God.

Marsha was appointed by Bishop Jamison as his Executive Director to the Chairman of the Board for the Gospel Music Workshop of America, Inc. also she is the Administrative Assistant to the New York State Chapter.

Her love for her church family and retired Pastor and his wife, Rev. Dr./Mrs. Spurgeon E. Crayton is consistently enthusiastic; the bond between them has always been a positive one.

Her love and dedication for church work is untiring. Her motto: ``If I can help somebody as I pass along then my living shall not be in vain.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Natalie Addison, the Assistant Manager of Collections at Starrett City and resident of Brooklyn.

Natalie, a native of Queens, was raised in the Queensbridge Housing Projects. She attended and graduated, with a concentration in business subjects, from Washington Irving High School in Manhattan. Pursuing her interest in the field of business after high school graduation, Natalie excelled at the Berk Business School. Natalie was a high achiever who graduated with the honor of Valedictorian for Accounting and Business Management.

Continuing to advance on her employment path, Natalie worked for the Equitable Life Insurance Company. Always interested to expand the application of her knowledge, she transferred to the New York City Board of Education and was assigned to the Community District 19 office located in the East New York section of Brooklyn.

Currently, Natalie is employed by Starrett City at Spring Creek. As the Assistant Manager of Collections, Natalie interacts daily with Starrett's legal department. And when life appears to throw tenants a financial curve ball, Natalie's ability to aide people with finding a method of paying their rent becomes paramount.

Her compassion and concern for her constituents demonstrated though her patience and efforts on their behalf immediately make the tenants realize the necessity to become more responsible for the well-being of their families. She makes an official matter understandable by providing a caring voice.

As the ``First Lady'' of the Alpha Riders MC, Inc., located in East New York, Natalie was challenged by a motorcycle accident that left her seriously injured and hospitalized for four months. She attributes her rapid recovery to God and a dedicated staff at the Wartburg Lutheran Home For The Aging, where she and the Alpha Riders still today volunteer their time each month to others in need of love and assistance.

Natalie has been married to Barry ``Mr. B'' Addison for thirty-one years and they are the proud parents of Ebony, Barry II and very proud grandparents of Lil Andre.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Tracye Rawls-Martin.

Tracye Rawls-Martin, proud daughter of Henry Sr. and Shirley M. Rawls, wife of Arnold V ``Woody'' Martin, stepmother to Britt'ney D. Clarence and ``Nana T'' to Woody's oldest daughters' son, Charles Lovell 3rd.

Tracye Rawls-Martin, MS ATC is a Certified Athletic Trainer and one of 5 African American Athletic Training Education Program Directors in the United States. She is ``mother,'' advisor and professor to more than 16 Athletic Training Students within the BS/MS Degree Program in Athletic Training & Sports Sciences at Long Island University Brooklyn Campus. She began her academic career as a Dance Education major and progressed to a Pre-Physical Therapy major and finally fell in love with an Athletic Training major. After completing two semesters in the Pre-Physical Therapy program at Kingsborough Community College, she decided it was time to move on to a more exciting and productive field--the field of Athletic Training and Sports Sciences. The field of Athletic Trainers was made for her because it is designed for Health Care Professionals who specialize in prevention, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries and illnesses that occur to athletes and the physically active. All Certified Athletic Trainers must have at least a bachelor's degree in athletic training, which is an allied health profession, must pass a comprehensive exam before earning the ATC credential, must keep knowledge and skills current by participating in continuing education and must adhere to standards of professional practice set by a national certifying agency.

The combination of dance education & athletic performance was a winning combination for her personality because she loves helping people, teaching, watching and participating in sports. In addition to nurturing her students through academic requirements for the program, she has had the honor and privilege of working with over 1000 athletes worldwide; high school, junior college, division one collegiate athletes, semiprofessional and professional. Her current responsibilities as Director of Athletic Training Education Programs at Long Island University, Brooklyn Campus include teaching (18 credit hours teaching a variety of sports medicine topics which include risk management, injury prevention, orthopedic examination & diagnosis, medical conditions and disabilities, acute care of injuries and illnesses, therapeutic modalities, conditioning, rehabilitation exercise and pharmacology, psychosocial intervention and referral, nutritional aspect of injuries and illnesses and health care administration), administrative (direct and administer BS/MS Degree Program and Advanced Master's Degree program in Athletic Training and Sports Sciences, maintain guidelines and standards set forth by the accrediting agency, work with the Clinical Coordinator to establish and maintain affiliations, conduct and publish research/ scholarly activities in areas of expertise, advise students, develop and implement internal/external marketing strategies for the Athletic Training Education Programs, assist in the recruitment of faculty, continue to encourage good citizenship and professional conduct among all students and faculty so as to promote the best interest of athletic trainers, maintain continuing education credits, participate/coordinate and conduct committees within the Division, School of health Professions, the University and the Brooklyn Committee), service (active member with the local, regional and national athletic training organizations, Athletic Training Students Club/Members and Faculty noted on national website, Instructor for American Heart Association, Book Reviewer for Lippincott Williams and Wilkin publishing company, participant in several health events for children, i.e. TEAM L.I.U- Teenagers Educated About Asthma Management).

In addition, Tracye Rawls-Martin is an entrepreneur and a top executive for one of the world's largest direct selling telecommunications providers. On a part time basis she has reached the first earned executive position in the company. She is well on her way to helping hundreds and thousands of individuals achieve financial freedom and continue to live out their life long dreams whether it is to have more time with their families or to explore the beaches of the world.

Tracye will continue to pursue her passions and would like to contribute her success to the Lord, her family and her students. She will not rest until she has fulfilled her life's long mission--to take care of children of all ages, to feed them, clothe them, teach them and love them; in the end to develop a place they can call home and a place they can always return to a ``University for Children.''