Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Sunil Anand, a distinguished member of the business community. It behooves us to pay tribute to this outstanding leader and I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing his impressive accomplishments.

A native of India, Sunil Anand is a successful Certified Public Accountant and entrepreneur performing specialty services to the non- profit sector. He has consulted for numerous Headstart and day care centers, senior citizen programs, mental health programs, homeless prevention programs, AIDS and drug-addiction prevention programs, teenage pregnancy prevention programs, and low-income housing programs.

Mr. Anand is a much sought-after consultant because he is very familiar with federal, state and city rules and regulations for funding agency financial reporting procedures. He has conducted certified audits including A-133, reviewed and prepared financial statements including cash flow analysis and other related statements for various non-profit government funded organizations.

A full service accounting professional, Mr. Anand has established internal control systems including budgetary controls, structural polices and procedures with respect to the cycle of the entity's activities (external financial reporting), financial statement captions (cash and cash equivalents, receivables, payables and accrued liabilities), accompanying systems (cash receipts, disbursements, payroll and general ledger) and inventory controls. Additionally, Mr. Anand has provided financial and administrative management to the real estate industry; his service to the industry included purchase and sales of apartment buildings (residential and commercial), multiple dwellings, condominiums, and single-family residences.

In 1968, Mr. Anand graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting from Delhi University in India. In 1971, he received Professional Accounting and Auditing Training (equivalent P.A.) from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. In 1973, he completed an IBM System 360--Programming, System Design and Analysis Internship Program at New York University and in the same year he completed an M.B.A.-C.P.A. Program at Long Island University in New York. In 1984, Mr. Anand became a New York State Licensed Real Estate Broker and Notary Public.

Mr. Anand is a member of several professional organizations including: Association of MBA Executives; National Association of Accountants; National Society of Public Accountants; National Society of Tax Professionals; and the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent on this body to recognize the accomplishments of Sunil Anand as he offers his talents and philanthropic services for the betterment of our local community.

Mr. Speaker, Sunil Anand's selfless service has continuously demonstrated a level of altruistic dedication that makes him most worthy of our recognition today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Sang Su Yi, a distinguished member of the business and civic communities. It behooves us to pay tribute to this outstanding leader and I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing his impressive accomplishments.

Sang Su Yi was born in Kobe, Japan in 1933 and returned to South Korea right after World War II in 1946. During the Korean Civil War, he served at the supply base in the U.S. Marine Corps Headquarters Division. At the end of the Korean Civil War, Sang Su Yi returned to high school.

Sang Su Yi started his career as a reporter after receiving his bachelor's degree at the University of Han Yang. In 1963, he also served in seventh division of the U.S. Infantry in Korea. In 1973, when he was offered a job from the Carnival Cruise Line in Miami, FL, Sang Su Yi decided to enter the new world of the United States of America. In 1976, he came to New York City and started his small business. In 1984, Sang Su Yi's wife and children immigrated from Seoul, Korea and joined him in New York City. Since coming to New York City, Sang Su Yi has enhanced his spiritual life. He attends Full Gospel New York Church and has served in various positions. He completed the Bible College with his wife and he is serving the Lord as a deacon in the church. Currently, Sang Su Yi is the president of the World Mission of Korean Folk Praise. His Folk Praise team, which includes his wife, traveled to many countries to help missionaries to build schools and hospitals in Central and South America.

Additionally, Sang Su Yi is the chairperson of the board of trustees of the Korean Traditional Music Institute of New York. The Korean Traditional Music team has performed more than 1,800 times over last 20 years. They have performed in Washington, DC, Long Island University, Lincoln Center, at the U.N., World Hunger events, museums, local schools, nursing homes, prisons, and almost every parade and major event in New York

and New Jersey. Sang Su Yi has received numerous awards including from the chairperson of the New York Korean Association, the president of the Long Island Korean Association, a mayor from Guatemala City, a couple of outstanding performance awards from Seoul Korea and a leadership award from Full Gospel New York Church.

Sang Su Yi, his wife and his praise team stand ready to travel beyond the United States to support the missionaries around the world wherever help and encouragement are needed.

Sang Su Yi has been married for 48 years; he and his wife have four children and nine grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent on this body to recognize the accomplishments of Sang Su Yi, as he offers his talents and services for the betterment of our local and global communities.

Mr. Speaker, Sang Su Yi's selfless service has continuously demonstrated a level of altruistic dedication that makes him most worthy of our recognition today.

Mr. Speaker, a few months ago, there was an historic moment that was, sadly, underreported by the news media in this county and in much of the rest of the world. It is only recently that I came to learn of it and I wish to bring it to the attention of this House.

On March 31, outside of Nairobi, Kenya, there was a dedication ceremony for the Karen Hospital, which is the first full-service hospital opened in Kenya since the colonial era, before that country became an independent state within the community of nations.

Karen Hospital is located in the Nairobi suburb of Karen, which many will recognize as the setting for the movie, ``Out of Africa,'' which told the story of author Isak Dinesen, who used the pen name Karen Blixen, and who lived and worked in Kenya and wrote about that country and her love for it.

The opening of Karen Hospital has important implications for health care in Kenya and throughout East Africa. This state-of-the-art facility will provide opportunities for teaching health-care professionals--not just doctors, but nurses, administrators, orderlies, and others--who will bring their knowledge and skills into cities and villages across the region.

When Karen Hospital was opened formally, its chief executive officer, Dr. Betty Gikonyo--who received her medical education in the United States--made a speech, in the presence of President Mwai Kibaki, that reflected the pride and hard work of bringing this hospital from a mere conception to a full-fledged operating unit serving the people of Kenya.

Mr. Speaker, if there is no objection, I would like to place excerpts of the address by Dr. Gikonyo in the Congressional Record. Such a historic occasion deserves to be paid much more attention than it has so far received.

Excerpts From a Speech by Dr. Betty Gikonyo, Chief Executive Officer,

the Karen Hospital, Friday, March 31, 2006

We have gathered here to celebrate a special day, which

will form a milestone in the history of The Karen Hospital.

21 years ago a dream was born, nurtured over the years and

now realized. Over the last 10 years we have gone through a

process of feasibility studies, consultation, intense

planning resulting in a business plan for the Karen Hospital.

The search for a financier was not an easy one and it took us

over 5 years to convince financial institutions that a

medical business is a viable option. We kept on knocking

at their doors. Nevertheless some doors were open. We

received some offers from both regional and local banks.

In consultation with our financial advisers opted for a

loan in Kenya Shillings that could finance the two major

components of the project which are including building and

acquisition of medical equipment. Your Excellency Sir,

please, allow us to thank the Kenya Commercial Bank, for

believing in our vision and trusting the business plan of

a local investor. Kenya Commercial Bank took the risk and

proudly partnered with us in undertaking a project of this

magnitude. To the KCB Board of Directors and Management

Asanteni Sana. You have worked closely with in the

formation of this project to see it conclude successfully.

Medical equipment are an expensive undertaking and we wish

to recognize Philips Medical Systems Netherlands and

Frescenius Renal Supplies of Germany who entered into

equipment financing credit plans to enable us to equip the

hospital with ultra modem state of the art equipment in all

departments as Your Excellency has had an opportunity to see.

This has been achieved through hardwork, commitment and

consistency of purpose by a team of financial consultants,

medical consultants, hospital engineers and building and

civil engineers and a dedicated contractor and sub-

contractors. By following the clearly laid out rules we were

able to import clear all equipment in good time for

installation.

The hospital building comprises of 4 floors each with four

wings thoughtfully planned to ensure all services are

accessed with minimum effort and maximum convenience to our

patients and staff. . . .

The Karen Hospital is a world class ultra modern health

facility bringing quality healthcare not only to Kenyans but

also to Eastern and Central Africa but beyond.

The 102 bed hospital serves patients with general ailments

alongside specialized medical and surgical interventions. It

has the newest ultra modern state-of-the art equipment,

cardiac diagnosis, interventions and surgery, intensive care,

kidney dialysis, Laparoscopic surgery, video Endoscopy and

physiotherapy. . . .

[A] Hospital is however not made of building and equipment.

Our most important resource is the highly trained and

experienced personnel in all departments. Through competitive

selection of the best qualified personnel Karen Hospital has

been manned by the best Kenya can offer in all our

departments both medical and non-medical. This includes our

permanent staff as well highly experienced team of medical

consultants who form the large panel of over 100 admitting

doctors of different areas of specialization.

Your Excellency Sir, I am happy to inform you that we have

been able to attend to 634 patients in our Accident and

Emergency department. Some with major injuries including

bullet assault cases and road traffic accidents. Additionally

we have performed a number of surgeries, endoscopies and

cardiac catheterizations and as you have seen a full wing of

inpatients with varying ailments ranging from major surgeries

to medical conditions are recuperating in our Sagana Ward.

This confirms that Kenyans have already come to know,

trust and use this facility in the last one month. We look

forward to a full house in 6 months time. The performance

so far has been very impressive and we are encouraged and

grateful for the support Kenyans have given this facility

at its inception. . . .

The City of Nairobi has been the hub of specialized medical

services for the entire country as well as for the Eastern

and Central Africa region. Indeed this has been realized in

the month of March, as we have admitted referred patients

from Tanzania (Daresalam), DRC Congo, Sudan (Khartoum), and

Burundi (Bujumbura).

Referrals from the region not only is testimony to the high

standard medical services available in Kenya but also affords

us an opportunity to boost our inflow of foreign currency to

enhance our economic growth. This is an area that can be

expanded further by the establishment of highly specialized

medical services in the private sector that would see greater

number of referral from this population of over 100 million

that forms the Eastern Africa community. We at The Karen

Hospital has addressed this very specifically by

incorporating in our hospital a cardiology program that spans

from diagnosis to interventional non-evasive procedures and

to heart surgery. We believe that more patients will be

diverted from the exodus that sees patient travel to India,

South Africa and Europe to seek some of these specialized

services. As a new centre of medical excellence, we plan to

market our services effervescently to the region and make

Kenya a preferred destination for medical services. . . .

This will provide a forum for many to channel their

energies, experiences, resources and to harness these

positively towards our mission statement. I believe that many

of us are cognizant of the benefits that come along with the

integrated teaching and referral facility globally.

We at The Karen Hospital wish to compliment and be active

participants in the implementation of the government policy

of providing promotive, preventive and curative services. We

believe there is room for the private sector to provide

specialist tertiary medical institutions to compliment those

existing in the government and indeed these are not in

competition but rather in partnership. More facilities like

Karen Hospital are needed in our countries especially in

cities Like Mombasa Kisumu and Eldoret and also in the East

African cities.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, Management, Staff of

The Karen Hospital, may once again, thank you for joining us

during this auspicious occasion.

In closing, allow me to quote Our Mentor and Teacher Dr.

Sam Mwinzi, a renowned neurologist who is with us today and

had this immortalized in our visitors book when he visited

Karen Hospital, ``May the portals of this magnificent edifice

forever remain open and overflowing with those that seek

better health as well as those that have the gift of giving

it''.

Mr. Speaker, on May 14, 2005, the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II, the Democratic Pacific Union was formally inaugurated in Taipei, Taiwan. Notable guests at the ceremony included presidents of Taiwan, Costa Rica and Guatemala, as well as vice presidents of Taiwan, Nicaragua and Palau. The goals of the union are to integrate resources in the pan-Pacific region for joint development and regional cooperation and to promote democracy, peace and prosperity among DPU member democracies.

Since May of 2005, the union has established a Secretariat, published its first quarterly, planned West Pacific regional meetings, formed a Pacific economic advisory group, and initiated the Pacific Congressional Caucus project. The project seeks to bring congressional and parliamentary members of DPU together to promote exchange and cooperation among lawmakers throughout DPU member countries. The Taiwan Chapter of the Pacific Congressional Caucus was inaugurated on May 20, 2006 and convened by the Speaker of Taiwan's Legislature Yuan.

The Taiwan Chapter of the Pacific Congressional Caucus will sponsor a symposium on congressional reforms this August 12-14 in Taipei, Taiwan. Legislative members of the DPU members states and U.S. Members of Congress are cordially invited to attend this symposium either as participants or observers. I hope that my colleagues will find time to attend this very important event in Taipei and lend our encouragement and support to the Pacific Congressional Caucus.

I salute the Democratic Pacific Union, its goals, achievements, and initiations which included a training program on hazard mitigation on typhoon-related disasters held May 8-12, 2006 in Taiwan; a 2006 fellowship and scholarship program providing funds for students from DPU member states to attend universities in Taiwan; invitation of distinguished women from member states to attend meetings in Taiwan to identify, and address problems women face in the Pacific region; invitation of political experts to observe elections in Taiwan; and establishment of the Pacific Center for Disaster Reduction in Taipei.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Elba Roman, a distinguished member of the Brooklyn, New York, community. It behooves us to pay tribute to this outstanding leader and I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing her impressive accomplishments.

Elba Roman was born in the picturesque town of Cayey, Puerto Rico, which is located in the Central part of the island. She came to Brooklyn, New York, in 1954 and began working at an early age in her community. She accompanied her father to several community meetings and demonstrations for the betterment and social progress of the people of in her neighborhood.

Elba Graduated from Eli Whitney High School in Williamsburg and went on to attend Pace University. She continued with her community work and founded the Alliance of United Women of Brooklyn, an organization of Hispanic women geared to serving and addressing community concerns.

As President of the Alliance, Elba organized numerous food drives, feeding thousands of underprivileged families in the Bushwick community. Her organization also took over the management of the Martin de Porres Day Care Center of Bushwick, which serves over 200 families.

Elba was elected to Community School Board 32 and as a member, led the drive for drug-free school zones and rehabilitation and modernization of many of the school facilities in the district. She was also elected Female District Leader of the 54th Assembly District and as a Democratic District Leader, she became actively involved in the 83rd Community Precinct Council where she and her husband, Edmundo Roman, organized a yearly fundraiser to provide Christmas gifts for the children in the Bushwick area. During her tenure as District Leader, Elba led several voter registration drives where tens of thousands of new voters were registered in Brooklyn. With her husband, Edmundo, she was also actively involved with opening Woodhull Hospital. Elba had served as a member of community Board 4 and is a member of the Women's Caucus for Congressman Edolphus ``Ed'' Towns. Additionally, Elba was the Founder and past President of the Boriqua Festival in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, New York.

Elba and her husband, Edmundo Roman, who is an attorney with a private practice, co-founded Precision Abstract LLC, the first Puerto Rican title abstract in the City of New York. She is presently an active member of the Sunset Park Lions Club, where she helps collect and wrap thousands of toys that are distributed to organizations that serve children in Brooklyn.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent on this body to recognize the accomplishments of Elba Roman as she offers her talents and services for the betterment of our community.

Mr. Speaker, Elba Roman's selfless service has continuously demonstrated a level of altruistic dedication that makes her most worthy of our recognition today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mohammed Ghriga, a distinguished member of the community. It behooves us to pay tribute to this outstanding leader and I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing his impressive accomplishments.

A scholar and a man who only recently was named Dean of the Business Department, Dr.

Mohammed Ghriga is already revolutionizing the business department at New York's Long Island University.

``The business world is being redefined by technology, with changes that can be swift and dramatic as well as risky,'' Dr. Ghriga once pointed out, adding, ``Internet security and online commerce may be as significant over the next decade as the `dot-com' bubble was to the 1990s.''

Dr. Ghriga's views of success and security in business are formed by his own expertise. An Algerian native, he received his undergraduate degree in computer science in 1986 at the University of Sciences and Technology at Algiers, Algeria. Following research and teaching fellowships at Polytechnic University in Brooklyn, where he earned M.S. and Ph.D. degrees also in computer science, Dr. Ghriga joined Long Island University as an assistant professor in 1994. He was associate dean of the business school for 2 years before his appointment as dean this summer.

As an educator, Dr. Ghriga has brought innovative methods to the classroom for teaching highly complex topics in modeling, analysis and discrete structures. His teaching interests include information systems analysis and design, programming languages and environments, and data security. His research interests incorporate the areas of conformance testing and formal analysis of communication systems.

In addition to his numerous scholarly publications and professional presentations, Dr. Mohammed Ghriga has served in progressively responsible administrative positions in the School of Business, establishing an exemplary record of leadership and service.

Although Dr. Mohammed Ghriga teaches in Brooklyn, he makes his home in Toms River, New Jersey with his wife and daughter.

Mr. Speaker Dr. Mohammed Ghriga is a leader that will propel the Long Island University business department into the next decade and far beyond; his service makes him most worthy of our recognition today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Sang Su Yi, a distinguished member of the business and civic communities. It behooves us to pay tribute to this outstanding leader and I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing his impressive accomplishments.

Sang Su Yi was born in Kobe, Japan, in 1933 and returned to South Korea right after World War II in 1946. During the Korean civil war, he served at the supply base in the U.S. Marine Corps Headquarters Division. At the end of the Korean civil war, Sang Su Yi returned to high school.

Sang Su Yi started his career as a reporter after receiving his bachelor's degree at the University of Han Yang. In 1963, he also served in Seventh Division of the U.S. infantry in Korea. In 1973, when he was offered a job from the Carnival Cruise Line in Miami, Florida, Sang Su Yi decided to enter the new world of the United States of America. In 1976, he came to New York City and started his small business. In 1984, Sang Sui Yi's wife and children immigrated from Seoul, Korea, and joined him in New York City. Since coming to New York City, Sang Su Yi has enhanced his spiritual life. He attends Full Gospel New York Church and has served in various positions. He completed the Bible College with his wife and he is serving the Lord as a deacon in the Church. Currently, Sang Su Yi is the president of the World Mission of Korean Folk Praise. His Folk Praise team, which includes his wife, traveled to many countries to help missionaries to build schools and hospitals in Central and South America.

Additionally, Sang Su Yi is the chairperson of the board of trustees of the Korean Traditional Music Institute of New York. The Korean Traditional Music team has performed more than 1,800 times over last 20 years. They have performed in Washington, DC, Long Island University, Lincoln Center, at the U.N., World Hunger events, museums, local schools, nursing homes, prisons, and almost every parade and major event in New York and New Jersey. Sang Su Yi has received numerous awards including from the chairperson of New York Korean Association, the president of the Long Island Korean Association, a mayor from Guatemala City, a couple of outstanding performance awards from Seoul, Korea, and a leadership award from Full Gospel New York Church.

Sang Su Yi, his wife and his praise team stand ready to travel beyond the United States to support the missionaries around the world wherever help and encouragement are needed.

Sang Su Yi has been married for 48 years; he and his wife have four children and nine grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent on this body to recognize the accomplishments of Sang Su Yi, as he offers his talents and services for the betterment of our local and global communities.

Mr. Speaker, Sang Su Yi's selfless service has continuously demonstrated a level of altruistic dedication that makes him most worthy of our recognition today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Sunil Anand, a distinguished member of the business community. It behooves us to pay tribute to this outstanding leader and I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing his impressive accomplishments.

A native of India, Sunil Anand is a successful Certified Public Accountant and entrepreneur performing specialty services to the non- profit sector. He has consulted for numerous Headstart and day care centers, senior citizen programs, mental health programs, homeless prevention programs, AIDS and drug-addiction prevention programs, teenage pregnancy prevention programs, and low-income housing programs.

Mr. Anand is a much sought-after consultant because he is very familiar with Federal, State and city rules and regulations for funding agency financial reporting procedures. He has conducted certified audits including A-133, reviewed and prepared financial statements including cash flow analysis and other related statements for various non-profit government funded organizations.

A full-service accounting professional, Mr. Anand has established internal control systems including budgetary controls, structure polices and procedures with respect to the cycle of the entity's activities (external financial reporting), financial statement captions (cash and cash equivalents, receivables, payables and accrued liabilities), accompanying systems (cash receipts, disbursements, payroll and general ledger) and inventory controls. Additionally, Mr. Anand has provided financial and administrative management to the real estate industry; his service to the industry included purchase and sales of apartment buildings (residential and commercial), multiple dwellings, condominiums, and single-family residences.

In 1968, Mr. Anand graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in accounting from Delhi University in India. In 1971, he received Professional Accounting and Auditing Training (equivalent P.A.) from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. In 1973, he completed an IBM System 360--Programming, System Design and Analysis Internship Program at New York University and in the same year he completed an M.B.A.-C.P.A. Program at Long Island University in New York. In 1984, Mr. Anand became a New York State licensed real estate broker and notary public.

Mr. Anand is a member of several professional organizations including: Association of MBA Executives; National Association of Accountants; National Society of Public Accountants; National Society of Tax Professionals; and the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent on this body to recognize the accomplishments of Sunil Anand as he offers his talents and philanthropic services for the betterment of our local community.

Mr. Speaker, Sunil Anand's selfless service has continuously demonstrated a level of altruistic dedication that makes him most worthy of our recognition today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Kum-Ok Kim, a distinguished member of the Brooklyn, NY business and civic communities. It behooves us to pay tribute to this outstanding leader and I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing his impressive accomplishments.

Mr. Kum-Ok Kim was born in Bo-Ryong City, ChungChung Province, Korea. He came to the United States in1981, and started a fruits and vegetables business at Nostrand Avenue in Brooklyn in 1989. Mr. Kim, a Korean-American citizen, was ordained in 1996.

A member of several community organizations, Mr. Kim held many leadership positions such as: chairman of the board of the ChungChung Province Association of Eastern U.S.A. in 1997; vice president of the Korean Sports Association of New York; chairman of the Supporting Committee for Governor George E. Pataki, and director of the Korean- American Youth Foundation from 1995 to 2005.

Mr. Kim served 4 years, two terms, as president of the Korean- American Brooklyn Association, New York, Inc., a not for profit (501- c3) community-based organization, which was first established in April 1984, in order to reflect its wider civic role in providing outreach services to families and individuals. As president of the Korean- American Brooklyn Association, New York, Inc., Mr. Kim has been instrumental in assisting not only within the Korean community of Brooklyn, but other communities at large to contribute to the further developing relationships of an enlightened, healthy Korean-American community and culture, and to promote better understanding, friendship and cooperation with other ethnic groups in the greater New York area.

Mr. Kim planned and organized a free citizenship assistance and basic English program for Korean-American Brooklyn residents, developed an assistance program for the Korean-American Teacher Association, created seminars for small business owners that were sponsored by the New York State Attorney General, and developed a relief fund for flood victims in Korea. Every year on Thanksgiving day, under the supervision of the Brooklyn Borough President, Mr. Kim, along with several religious organizations and at least 28 community groups, participates in feeding the homeless at a help center and in the Brooklyn Toy Drive for Brooklyn Borough President's children's Christmas party.

Mr. Kim has been the recipient of numerous awards for his contributions to his community including citations from the Brooklyn Borough President and a State Senator Commemoration Award, and the Korean-American Community Service Awards.

Mr. Kim is a dedicated, loving husband and father. He resides with his wife Monica, sons Daniel and Joseph and daughters Tailer and Do- Kyung.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent on this body to recognize the accomplishments of Kum-Ok Kim as he offers his talents and philanthropic services for the betterment of our community.

Mr. Speaker, Kum-Ok Kim's selfless service has continuously demonstrated a level of altruistic dedication that makes him most worthy of our recognition today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Martha Rodriguez-Torres, a distinguished member of the Brooklyn, NY, community. It behooves us to pay tribute to this outstanding leader and I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing her impressive accomplishments.

Martha Rodriguez-Torres was born and raised in Brownsville, Brooklyn and is one of five children born to the late Carmen Rodriguez. In spite of being raised in a one-parent household, her mother made certain that education and community involvement were a priority in her home. Martha has her bachelor of science from Boston College, a master of science and a professional diploma from Long Island University and was a member of the Harvard University Principal's Institute.

After working in several school districts throughout the city, Martha became the principal of PS 156, the Waverly School of the Arts where she accepted the challenge of leading a low performing school with only 17 percent of the children reading at or above grade level. Today, the school is one that stands as a model for others. The school has become a nurturing environment for both students and teachers and the reading scores at the school have more than tripled.

Martha is respected by both her superiors and peers and has served as a mentor principal and was a member of the Chancellor's Distinguished Faculty, where she trained new principals. Martha worked with Hunter College in the design and implementation of a new program for the training of future administrators.

It is through Martha's dedication, tenacity and courage that she has been able to make a positive impact on her school community and it is because of these very qualities that she now serves as a local instructional superintendent in Region 5 as well as the community superintendent for Community School District 19.

Martha is to be applauded for refusing to let her humble beginnings be an impediment for success, not forgetting from where she came and for continuing to serve those with challenging circumstances.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent on this body to recognize the accomplishments of Martha Rodriguez-Torres as she offers her talents and philanthropic services for the betterment of our local and national communities.

Mr. Speaker, Martha Rodriguez-Torres's selfless service has continuously demonstrated a level of altruistic dedication that makes her most worthy of our recognition today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Miguel A. Feliciano, a distinguished member of the business and civic communities. It behooves us to pay tribute to this outstanding leader and I hope by colleagues will join me in recognizing his impressive accomplishments.

A young successful entrepreneur and avid community activist, Miguel Feliciano has resided in Brooklyn, New York since moving from Puerto Rico in 1956.

Mr. Feliciano is known for his friendly, energetic and dynamic style. Servicing our community for over 25 years, Mr. Feliciano has left his mark on the real estate and banking fields. He is the president of Feliciano Properties Inc., and executive vice president of Equitable Funding, a licensed mortgage bank with offices in the neighborhood of City Line, Brooklyn.

Mr. Feliciano's honors include: Chairman of the Board of Managers of North Brooklyn YMCA, Recipient of the coveted YMCA of Greater New York Volunteer of the Year Award, Founder of the Brooklyn East Sports Federation, servicing our youth since 1987, Commissioner of the Pedrin Zorilla Baseball League, Member of New York City Community Planning Board #5, Treasurer of the East New York Urban Youth Corp, Former President of the Liberty Avenue Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Feliciano demonstrated his leadership skills early on when he helped organized the youth at Our Lady of Presentation, a Catholic Church in Ocean Hill Brownsville the community where he was raised. He is a staunch supporter of his Hispanic heritage as shown by his participation and support in the annual celebration of the Feast of the Epiphany (three Kings Day) held on January 6th at the Twelve Towns

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Pastor Tyrone Stevenson, a distinguished member of the Brooklyn, New York community. It behooves us to pay tribute to this outstanding leader and I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing his impressive accomplishments.

Pastor Tyrone Stevenson is blessed by the unique privilege to serve the Lord in the community where he was born and raised. As his purpose in life manifests itself, he has the distinct honor to be the Senior Pastor of Hope Christian Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Pastor Stevenson is fueled by his God-given mission to disciple those whom we touch that they may in turn disciple those they touch for generations to come. As such, his preaching and teaching is geared towards transforming his congregates into equipped disciples.

Pastor Stevenson has been married to the love of his life, Terrie Lane Stevenson, and from their union, God has blessed them with two beautiful daughters, Emoni and Hannah.

After graduating from Forest Hills High School, Pastor Stevenson enlisted in the United States Navy and was discharged with honors after eight years of service. After which, he was a successful mortgage banker, writing millions of dollars in residential loans.

In 1994, Pastor Stevenson and his wife joined the First Baptist Church of Glenarden, in Landover, Maryland, under the leadership of Pastor John K. Jenkins, Sr. It was there, in 1995 that Pastor Stevenson yielded his life and responded to the call of ministry. As he grew in the Lord, Pastor Stevenson faithfully served his spiritual father, Pastor Jenkins, and witnessed the hand of God move in his life as the Lord propelled him forward in fulfilling His mandate. Pastor Stevenson has traveled tirelessly teaching and proclaiming the Word of God. On August 26, 2001, Pastor Stevenson answered the call of God to pastor. Shortly after that an opportunity arose for Pastor Stevenson to revitalize his home church in Brooklyn, New York.

Pastor Stevenson is now celebrating another milestone in his working legacy of dedicated and faithful service to the Lord. Because he dares to believe in God, his life and lifestyle serves as an example to those he leads.

Pastor Stevenson is a much sought after preacher. God uses him in a tremendous way to minister directly to the hurts, issues and challenges of people with whom he comes in contact. God's effectiveness is manifested through the response of the unsaved to the preached Word.

Pastor Stevenson gives thanks to the Lord who has enabled him because God has counted him faithful by placing him in the ministry.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent on this body to recognize the accomplishments of Pastor Tyrone Stevenson, as he offers his talents and services for the betterment of our local and national communities.

Mr. Speaker, Pastor Tyrone Stevenson's selfless service has continuously demonstrated a level of altruistic dedication that makes him most worthy of our recognition today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Vivian Yvette Bright, a distinguished member of the Brooklyn community. It behooves us to pay tribute to this outstanding leader and I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing her impressive accomplishments.

Ms. Bright represents an esteemed and respected instrument that is superbly tuned to the needs of others and who performs with beauty, depth and understanding in the orchestra of life.

Academically, her credentials include an M.S. in Human Resources Management from the New School for Social Research; graduate of the first class of the Pratt Institute Community Economic Development program; and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. She has received numerous honors and is listed in ``Who's Who of American Women''.

Vivian Y. Bright wears numerous hats. She is committed to the never- ending fight for her community and the development of our youth. She believes that it is important to try and do as much as you can for as many as you can for as long as you can. This is illustrated by her exhaustive list of associations. Vivian is a life member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and past President of the Delta Alpha Zeta Chapter; life member of the National Council of Negro Women; former Chairperson of the Board of Directors Cypress Community Day Care Center; Trustee of the Addiction Research & Treatment Center/Urban Research Institute; member and former member of the Board of Directors of the Brooklyn NAACP; member of Community Board No. 5 and former Vice President and Chair of the Land Use Committee; President of the Women's Caucus for Congressman Edolphus `Ed' Towns; President of the Leadership Council of Open Communities of Brooklyn, Inc.; Business Manager- Concerned Women of Brooklyn; and member of Stuy Park Lions--among many other affiliations. In addition to all of the above and more she has been a member of the historic Berean Baptist Church of Brooklyn, New York for over 55 years and has served as the church's Business Administrator since 1989.

Vivian has received many awards among which are: Brooklyn Navy Yard Community Leadership; The Lucille Rose Humanitarian Award-NAACP; Gov. Carey International Year of the Child Award; New Horizons Village Homeowners Leadership award; Community Service Awards from Assemblyman William Boyland, Assemblyman Darryl Towns and Senator Marty Markowitz; a Congressional Record Award from Congressman Edolphus Towns; a citation from New York City Mayor David Dinkins; and the Robert J. Epslinger Distinguished Service Award from Lions Inc.

Vivian is a proud wife and mother receiving constant support from her husband of 47 years, Lonnie M. Bright and their children Gary, Teresa, Marvin, Jamal and Tiffany. Her involvement in community affairs in the East New York section of Brooklyn, where she has lived for over 40 years, has won her wide support and admiration from the residents.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent on this body to recognize the accomplishments of Vivian Yvette Bright as she offers her talents and services for the betterment of our community.

Mr. Speaker, Vivian Yvette Bright's selfless service has continuously demonstrated a level of altruistic dedication that makes her most worthy of our recognition today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Young-Chon Min, a distinguished member of the business and civic communities. It behooves us to pay tribute to this outstanding leader and I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing his impressive accomplishments.

Mr. Min was born in South Korea and immigrated to U.S. in 1988. He graduated Sunrin Business High School, but he started working as a musician right after his graduation in spite of his parents' objection to his career choice. He became a member of the MBC-TV Orchestra and he worked in various places such as the U.S. Army Base in South Korea.

After his immigration to the United States, Mr. Min became involved with the Korean American Entertainers Association of New York. In April 2001, he became chairman of the organization and later became the president in 2003. Coinciding with his chairmanship of the organization, Mr. Min also volunteered to provide entertainment for the elderly residents of the various nursing homes in the New York area, such as The Schulman Institute of Brookdale University Hospital, the Flushing Manor Nursing Home, the Union Plaza Nursing Home, the Queens Korean Catholic Church, and the Yonkers Nursing Home.

Mr. Min is also a faithful member and serves as a treasurer of the Church of Little Grain and the New York Association of The Swedenborgian Church. He has a lovely wife, Jung Hwa, a son, Sung-Sik, and a daughter Nicole who is married to Jung Min Kim. The couple has two children, Dean and Sean.

Mr. Min received numerous awards and appreciation plaques from various organizations such as CCM, Flushing Manor Nursing Home and the Brooklyn Roman Catholic Church Diocese.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent on this body to recognize the accomplishments of Young-Chon Min, as he offers his talents for the betterment of our communities.

Mr. Speaker, Young-Chon Min's service to our communities makes him most worthy of our recognition today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Dr. Eda Harris-Hastick, a distinguished member of the Brooklyn, New York community.

Dr. Eda Harris-Hastick is a tenured Associate Professor of Social Work at Medgar Evers College of the City University of New York. A trained clinical social worker with over 30 years experience in alcoholism and substance abuse services and administration, she has also served as Assistant Chief of Alcoholism Services at Harlem Hospital Center and is a former Administrator at New York City Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Alcoholism Services.

Dr. Harris-Hastick began her career at Medgar in 1984 in the dual capacity of Director of College Counseling Services and Chairperson of Special Programs. Since that time, she has initiated several innovative programs to assist students including an Emergency Financial Assistance Fund to aid students in financial crisis (1984), the Rose Ross Scholarship Fund for students interested in social work and/or social welfare, in memory of a former social work colleague (1998), and has served as the MEC Coordinator for the CUNY-wide Substance Abuse Information and Referral Services Unit. As director of the MEC Academic Success Center, Dr. Harris-Hastick supervised academic advisors and counselors, and in collaboration with the OAA, initiated creative strategies to implement counselor training, centralize and streamline the college's academic advisement and counseling services programs that were later expanded into a separate unit to serve students in a more comprehensive manner. A recipient of numerous research grants and academic awards, she has been engaged in several community initiatives and international health and mental health missions to the Caribbean, where she has utilized her expertise as educator, researcher and social worker to balance teaching and academic research with community service. Dr. Harris-Hastick has studied Korean and Caribbean immigrant cultures in Brooklyn and in the Caribbean and has involved students in collaborative research projects to teach research/problem solving skills in local/international community contexts. Her publications and her research continue to reflect her interest/commitment to understanding cultural differences, women's issues and public health concerns.

Dr. Harris-Hastick has completed the initial stages of the development of a Bachelor of Social Work degree. In addition, she has continued to serve as faculty advisor for the MEC Student Black Social Work Club, which she assisted in initiating in 1995. As an elected member of the City University Faculty Senate (UFS), she also serves as an elected member of the Executive Committee of the UFS. A founding member of the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CACCI), she currently serves as board member of CACCI's Educational Foundation, Caribbean Research Center's Editorial Board, SUNY Downstate Medical Center Community Advisory Board, Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions Editorial Board, NYC Chapter of NASW Leadership Team, and NYS OASAS (Substance Abuse) Workforce Development.

Dr. Harris-Hastick was born on the Caribbean island of St. Kitts and has traveled extensively throughout the Caribbean where she has conducted research on substance abuse, organized training seminars and collaborated with faculty and administration at the University of the West Indies, and with social workers, health clinicians and others practitioners engaged in chemical dependency and HIV/AIDS studies, treatment and administration. Dr. Harris-Hastick's published work consists of several journal articles and a book chapter that include: Managing Stress in Challenging Times; Susus: New Life for a Caribbean Grassroots Approach to Savings; Voices of Korean American Women; Substance Abuse Treatment Among English Speaking People of Caribbean Ancestry; The Importance of Culture in HIV/AIDS Prevention in Grenada (with Dr. Clarice Modeste-Curwen, Minister of Health and the Environment, Grenada, W.I.), and a forthcoming article ``Substance Abuse and AIDS: Intertwined Epidemics in the Caribbean region'' is nearing completion.

Dr. Harris-Hastick has received numerous awards and citations for leadership and community service. A sought after speaker, Dr. Harris- Hastick has made numerous presentations to student groups as well as local, national and international groups including business, academic, social work, civic and community organizations such as the National Conferences of NASW and NABSW, National Association of Meeting Planners, Asian American Studies Conference, Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference, CACCI, and the Addiction Studies Institute. Dr. Harris-Hastick received a BA in Sociology/Anthropology from Queens College, a Masters in Social Work from Smith College, School for Social Work, and a Doctorate in Education from Columbia University.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent on this body to recognize the accomplishments of Dr. Eda Harris-Hastick as she offers her talents and services for the betterment of our local and global communities.

Mr. Speaker, Dr. Eda Harris-Hastick's selfless service has continuously demonstrated a level of altruistic dedication that makes her most worthy of our recognition today.