Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Michele Noel- Adolphe and I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing the accomplishments of this outstanding member of the Brooklyn community.

Michele Noel-Adolphe is founder and president of Brooklyn Institute for Children (BIC), where she has worked since 1992. BIC has developed into one of the foremost early childhood facilities in Brooklyn and Ms. Noel-Adolphe has emerged as a leader in the education and civic communities of Brooklyn.

After graduating from the State University of New York (FIT) with a degree in Management and International Trade and Long Island University with a Master's of Social Science degree, Ms. Noel-Adolphe entered the field of education as a NYC high school teacher--and later as Executive Director of The Performing Arts Teen Center. In this capacity, Ms. Noel-Adolphe was responsible for designing and implementing numerous after-school programs in Brooklyn that combined the academic needs of youths and their artistic talents.

Ms. Noel-Adolphe is a proud graduate of Erasmus Hall High School. She is a major contributor to and currently serves on the Board of Directors of Sharing Hearts Network, Inc., a nonprofit charitable organization recently founded to respond to the deterioration of the standard of living of poor children in Haiti.

Additionally, Ms. Noel-Adolphe is an active member of numerous professional and civic associations. Among them are: the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP); The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce; The Caribbean-American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CACCI); the National Black Women Health Association; the National Association for Women Executive and the Association for School Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD). Ms. Noel-Adolphe and her family including her 2 young daughters reside in South Midwood.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent on this body to recognize the accomplishments of Michele Noel-Adolphe, as she offers her talents for the betterment of our local and international communities.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Yolanda Martin, a native of the town of Puerto Annuelles in the beautiful and rich province of Chiriqui, in the Republic of Panama. I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing her accomplishments.

Ms. Martin migrated to the United States in 1981, and settled in Brooklyn, New York. Ms. Martin's story is similar to many of our Nation's proud immigrants. In 1999 through 2002, she founded three Child Care Services. Ms. Martin is the executive director and CEO of Minnie's Day Care Center, Parents United For A Better Day Care Centers No. 1 and No. 2, both of which operate 24 hours. All centers provide parents with day care services, an after school program, pre- kindergarten classes, a summer program and overnight child care.

Ms. Martin attended several colleges over the years and is a N.Y. State certified EMT, NY State certified AIDS and HIV educational instructor, an American Red Cross CPR and First Aid instructor.

From 1982-1985, Ms. Martin worked for NY State with the mentally disabled, from 1985-1998, she worked for the NYS Division for Youth Corrections in facilities with incarcerated youth ages 14 to 18 years old. From 1991 to 1995, she worked with the NYC Department of Education as an integrating bilingual paraprofessional in special education. From 1990 to 1995, Ms. Martin also worked as an Emergency Technician with Tri-Com Ambulance services.

Ms. Martin is the proud mother of three beautiful children: Ronald (25) Kendra (18) Courtney (9) and an adopted daughter in Panama, Kiris (10). When she is not working with others in the community, Ms. Martin spends time with her children and family. She is known for her excellent cooking, baking and interior decorating skills. Ms. Martin's hobbies are the performing arts, modeling, and horseback riding. One of her short-term goals is to own her own horse and then a stable with a minimum of six horses is her long-term goal. Ms. Martin truly believes that the key to success is to do for others. Says Ms. Martin, ``the more you do, the more is returned to you,'' it is the rule of the Universe.

Mr. Speaker, Yolanda Martin'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 Jessica Selestine Jenkins. I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing the impressive accomplishments of this young woman.

Jessica Selestine Jenkins was born on September 10, 1987 in Brooklyn, NY. She is the daughter of proud parents, Moszetia Ahay and Ronald Jenkins.

Jessica is a role model for her family and young people in her community. In her quiet and studious manner, Jessica was educated in the private and public schools of Brooklyn, NY. She attended Phyls Academy, Parkway Elementary School, Ebenezer Junior High School and Boys and Girls High School.

Jessica has always maintained honor roll status throughout her schooling. She is a 2005 Arista Honor Roll graduate of Boys and Girls High School with an average of 91 percent. Her awards, plaques and recognitions are numerous. Some of her most cherished are the Martin Luther King Essay and Community Service Award, the Elliot Spitzer Triple ``C'' Award, Student of the Month, Community Service Award and Perfect Attendance Award to name a few. Jessica is a member of Berean Baptist Church where she participates in the Youth Ministry.

Jessica loves to work with and teach children. She has been employed with the Berean Summer Day Camp since 2003. Her favorite scripture is ``Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he would not depart from it.'' (Proverbs 22:6) Her favorite song is ``All of My Help Cometh From the Lord.'' Her favorite motto is, ``I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.'' Jessica is presently a freshman at New York City College of Technology where she is studying to be a registered nurse. She chose this field because of her desire to help others and make a difference in someone's day and/or life. Jessica's hobbies include reading, listening to music and dancing.

Jessica's proud younger siblings, Jani and Jeffery Ahay look up to her as a great sister.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent on this body to recognize the accomplishments of Jessica Selestine Jenkins.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Salvatore J.A. Sclafani MD, 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 his impressive accomplishments.

Dr. Sclafani received his Bachelor of Science from Fordham University in 1968 and undertook his medical education at the Upstate campus of SUNY, graduating in 1972. He completed his residency in Diagnostic Radiology at Downstate/Kings County in 1976. He is a diplomate of the American College of Radiology with a certificate of added qualifications in Interventional Radiology.

Dr. Sclafani is a Fellow of the Society of Interventional Radiology and a member of numerous other medical societies. He is a past President of the American Society of Emergency Radiology.

Dr. Sclafani has published more than 150 papers in scientific journals and authored or co-authored more than 20 textbooks. He is currently the Section editor of Radiology for the Journal of Trauma and has served on the editorial boards of the Journal ofInterventional Radiology, and Emergency Radiology. Dr. Sclafani has presented at almost 200 invitational lectures in the U.S. and has lectured extensively on 4 continents. He has taught countless radiologists the techniques of Interventional Radiology during his 9 visits to the Peoples' Republic of China.

Dr. Sclafani is recognized for his work in the uses of Radiology in traumatized and emergency patients and has either developed techniques or set standards for the use of Interventional Radiology in the control of hemorrhage after trauma. He is most recognized for his development of a method of treating without the use of open surgery patients who have sustained a ruptured spleen. Other collaborations have led to an awareness of the value of physiological monitoring of the injured elderly, a non-operative approach to exsanguinating hemorrhage after pelvic fractures and management schemes for vascular injuries of the head and neck.

In 1989, Dr. Sclafani became an honorary police surgeon of the New York Police Department after a celebrated ``save'' by Interventional Radiology of a patrolman who had sustained a near fatal gunshot wound of the internal carotid artery. This event brought national public recognition to Kings County Hospital as an innovator in trauma care and the techniques were featured in the New York Times Science Section.

Dr. Sclafani has spent his entire career working among the indigent and was honored by the New York Academy of Medicine for his contributions to urban health.

Participating in the Trauma Service of Kings County since 1976, he is its senior member. He is currently the Chief of Radiology at Kings County Hospital Center and Chairman of the Department of Radiology of the Downstate Medical Center where he directs more than thirty radiologists and 29 residents. He is also President of the Medical Board of Kings County Hospital Center.

Dr. Sclafani was born and raised in Brooklyn to which he has dedicated his entire career. He currently resides in Park Slope, Brooklyn with his wife, Georgia Sclafani with whom he raised 2 sons, Paul and Ross. He lived in the pediatric examining room of his father, Anthony Sclafani, MD in Bensonhurst during the first 4 years of his life and lived above the waiting room of his father's office until the age of 13. Thus, he considers the hospital his second home and its patients his family.

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

Mr. Speaker, Dr. Sclafani'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 Antonio D. Martin and I hope

my colleagues will join me recognizing the accomplishments of this outstanding member of the community.

Tony Martin's approach to leadership is formulated in his fervent belief in the concept of teamwork, as demonstrated by his track record as a healthcare executive.

A 20-year veteran of the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation, HHC, the largest municipal healthcare system in the United States, Mr. Martin was appointed chief operating officer of Queens Hospital Center, QHC, in July 1999 and executive director in 2002. Under his direction, the hospital successfully completed the construction and opening of a new state-of-the-art facility in January 2002, which has since expanded to a total of 243 beds. In the spring of 2005, QHC volunteered to be one of the first city hospitals to undergo an unannounced Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, JCAHO, survey, successfully completing the rigorous 4- day examination. This acknowledges the hospital's firm compliance with regulatory JCAHO standards at all times.

His overriding mission has been to make Queens Hospital Center the hospital of choice in the borough, and to broaden its appeal beyond the traditional populations within its surrounding community. Specific initiatives include a comprehensive disease management initiative that empowers patients to manage their chronic illnesses, as well as an overall redesign of the hospital's ambulatory care services to better expedite patient visits.

Managing an annual operating budget of $230 million, Mr. Martin currently oversees three Centers of Excellence within the hospital for Cancer Care; Women's Health; and Diabetes. For the past 3 years, he has aggressively promoted the technological advancement of the Queens Cancer Center of Queens Hospital, his objective being to present it as the premier cancer care facility in the borough. In addition, a new Ambulatory Care Pavilion is scheduled to open its doors in 2006, and a total of four family health centers affiliated with QHC are now offering comprehensive primary care services within the hospital's neighboring communities.

From April 1998 until July 1999, Mr. Martin served as deputy executive director of Network Behavioral Health for the Brooklyn/Staten Island Network of HHC, including Kings County Hospital Center, East New York Diagnostic and Treatment Center, Sea View Hospital and Nursing Home, Dr. Susan Smith McKinney, and Bedford-Stuyvesant Alcohohsm Treatment Center.

Prior to his Network position, Mr. Martin was the executive director of East New York Neighborhood Family Care Center, ENYNFCC, in Brooklyn from 1990 to 1998. Under his leadership, ENYNFCC successfully received its article 28 designation from the New York State Department of Health in 1993, and became the East New York Diagnostic and Treatment Center, ENYDTC. He was the administrator for the Medical Records Department at Kings County Hospital and previously the acting director of Medical Records at Metropolitan Hospital, both of which arc HHC facilities.

Mr. Martin recently served, along with other esteemed African- American leaders, as the healthcare executive on a regional panel addressing the current state of the African-American male. He was a delegate for the Health and Human Services, HHS-International Conference on Ethnic Health. He has received numerous awards for community service, most recent among them the Center for the Women of New York's ``Good Guy'' Award, 2004, the Metropolitan New York Association of Diabetes Educators ``CEO of the Year'' Award, 2004, and the NAHSE Award from the National Association of Health Service Executives, an organization of leaders in the healthcare field, 2002. Professional memberships are sustained with the following organizations: the Health Association of New York State, HANYS, East New York-Brownsville H.I.V. Steering Committee; New York Association of Ambulatory Care; Community Health Care Association of New York State, CHCANYS; National Association of Public Hospitals, NAPH; and the American Hospital Association, AHA.

Mr. Martin holds a master's degree in health service administration and policy from the New School for Social Research in New York City.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent on this body to recognize the accomplishments of Antonio D. Martin, as he offers his talents for the betterment of our local and international communities.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a Brooklynite and distinguished physician, Dr. Kathie T. Rones. It is an honor to represent Dr. Rones in the House of Representatives and it behooves us to pay tribute to such an outstanding leader.

Mr. Speaker, Dr. Rones is currently the Medical Director at Kings County Hospital Center a position she has held since 1996. Dr. Rones manages a staff of over a thousand doctors and hundreds of residents. As the busiest trauma in the State of New York, King's County has a minimum of 120,000 emergency room visits a year.

Dr. Rones is a Senior Clinical Associate Dean and Assistant Professor of Medicine at SUNY Downstate. Prior to her appointment as Medical Director, Dr. Rones served as Chief of Ambulatory Care Services and Director of the Medical Clinic at King's County and more recently as the Medical Director of Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center-Ambulatory Care Network. Dr. Rones went to Medical School at Brown University and earned her M.D. in 1980.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent on this body to recognize the achievements and selfless service of Dr. Rones as she continues to offer her selfless health services for the betterment of the community.

Mr. Speaker, may our country continue to benefit from the actions of altruistic community leaders such as Dr. Kathie T. Rones.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Patricia Deans, a decorator, designer, economist, coordinator, organizer and entrepreneur. I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing her accomplishments.

Patricia was born in Wilson, NC in 1941 and is the oldest daughter of Samuel and Helen Ruth Reid. Patricia graduated from Charles H. Darden High School and moved to New York in 1959. In September 1963, she graduated from Adelphi Business School and began working in the health care profession where she remained for 30 years. She is the mother of three children, Sharon, Walter and Sean, and the proud grandmother of nine grandchildren.

As a community advocate, she is involved with the following organizations: National Association for the Study of African-American Life and History; National Juneteenth Observance Foundation, state coordinator; Solid Waste Advisory Board, SWAB, Brooklyn Borough President's appointment May, 1996; Glenmore Plaza Tenant's Association, president; Brownsville Heritage House Inc., first vice president; Faith Hope and Charity Community Services, Inc., secretary; Brooklyn Public Library Friends Group; Stone Avenue and Brownsville Branches; Multi- Cultural Committee for District 23, member; Youthbuild Brownsville, member.

Patricia's art exhibits have touched both children and senior citizens. Mt. Ararat-Presentation Church Community Senior Citizen Center exhibited her art during its Thanksgiving Convocation for resident leaders.

Patricia's work, which has a multi-cultural focus--Kwanzaa, Dr. Martin Luther King's Celebration, Hispanic Heritage and Black History Month to name a few--is also exhibited at the Brownsville Heritage House. Founded by Mother Rosetta Gaston in March 1981 at the age of 96, Brownsville Heritage House was to be a beacon of hope to the Brownsville Community. Patricia's commitment is to safeguard and enhance the work started by Mother Gaston. One of Patricia's greatest objectives is to see Brownsville Heritage House become to Brooklyn what the Schomburg Center is to Harlem. She desires to see children take advantage of the rich heritage contained within its walls. Patricia wants more people to become aware that Brownsville Heritage House, located on the third floor of the Stone Avenue Branch Library, is the first library built for children and therefore should have landmark status.

Patricia's art graced the Fort Greene Senior Citizen Center and other venues around the city as well as a library dedication at PS/IS 332, which was attended by the former first lady of New York City, Mrs. Joyce Dinkins along with other dignitaries.

Patricia's strong belief in improving the quality of life in urban and rural environment led her into becoming an entrepreneur in July 1994. She saw the need for community based partnerships to provide opportunities for the elderly, the children and the homeless. By pooling resources, sharing gifts and talents, the end results will provide multiple opportunities and empowerment for this population.

To further this quest, Patricia conducts workshops, consults on arts, education, restoration and environmental community development through the use of intergenerational instruction.

Mr. Speaker, Patricia Dean'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 Marie Isabel Holness-Flemming, Senior Associate Director of Social Work Services at North Brooklyn Health Network. I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing her accomplishments.

Ms. Holness-Flemming is an accomplished professional, dedicated to helping people cope with illness and crisis. As a social work professional for over 20 years she has worked with and developed programs to service a wide variety of populations such as critical ill newborns, the elderly, persons with HIV/AIDS, victims of violence and substance abuse.

Ms. Holness-Flemming was born in Panama City, Republic of Panama to Boswell and Vera Holness. At the age of two, she immigrated with her family to the U.S. where they settled In the Bronx. Education, highly valued in her household, Ms. Holness-Flemming was a New York State Regent Scholarship winner. She went on to attend Union College In Schenectady, New York obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Psychology. After working for several years with preschool children as a day care teacher, she returned to academia and obtained a Master of Social Work degree from Hunter College School of Social Work.

Pursuing her interest in children, she worked for a child-abuse prevention agency focusing on ``at risk'' families in order to prevent children from entering the foster care system. Understanding that violence in the household was not only directed toward the children, she developed support groups for victims of domestic violence in an effort to empower women to protect themselves as well as their children. In 1987, she then joined the social work staff at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center where she served for 14 years in a variety of positions moving from direct practice to program development and administration. She worked as a Social Work Supervisor, Discharge Planning Coordinator, and Coordinator for HIV AIDS testing counseling programs, Director of Social Work and Associate Director for the Emergency Department. Ms. Holness-Flemming was honored by the Generations+ Health Network as one of its outstanding women in March 2001.

Currently, at the North Brooklyn Health Network, Ms. Holness-Flemming is responsible for

the social work staff at Woodhull Medical Center's Chemical Dependency Program and Cumberland Diagnostic and Treatment Center's Mental Health Program. She was instrumental in the implementation of the department's computer-based discharge planning program and has developed an ongoing education program for staff to ensure they are informed and are providing quality care. She is involved in a number of community outreach projects to promote closer ties to the surrounding community. Ms. Holness-Flemming is a member of the hospital's Ethics Committee and Acute Care Flow team. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers, NASW, and the Counsel of Social Work Adminstrators.

Ms. Holness-Flemming is a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church and the Homeowner Association where she has assisted in numerous food and clothing drives. She has volunteered time to assist the elderly in nursing homes and worked with the homeless. Ms. Holness-Flemming counts her family as her primary support system. She still resides in the Bronx with her husband of eight years, Tony Flemming, and her mother. In her free time she enjoys gardening, reading, watching ballet and modem dance and going to museums.

Mr. Speaker, Marie Isabel Holness-Flemming's selfless service has continuously demonstrated a level of altruistic dedication that makes her worthy of our recognition today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a talented and distinguished community theater group, the Heights Players, as they embark upon their 50th anniversary. It is an honor to represent the Heights Players in the House of Representatives and it behooves us to pay tribute to such an outstanding community organization that has brought the art of performance to adults and children throughout Brooklyn.

Mr. Speaker, the Heights Players were founded in 1956 by a small collection of theatre-lovers and successfully produced their first production, Hasty Heart, in February of 1957. The Heights Players eventually established themselves as a nonprofit educational corporation of New York, offering a workshop program and expanding the group to extend opportunities to new performers and directors.

For the past 50 years, the Heights Players have continued to assume an active role in the community by presenting performances for homeless groups, senior citizens and hospital-bound children. In 1962, the Heights Players moved to their current location at the historic 26 Willow Place in the basement of the Alfred T. White Community Center. The Heights Players, under their Board of Directors, continuously seek to enhance the quality of their performances, facilities, and organization.

The Heights Players now enjoy a large membership of 200 subscribers and a group mailing list of 2,500 supporters, including those from the Brooklyn Heights Community along with the tri-state area. The Heights Players also continue to provide special Theater for Children performances, traveling entertainment to Brooklyn hospitals, nursing homes, and Hale House in Manhattan, and special performances to nearly 1,000 homeless New Yorkers annually. They have been awarded for their ongoing laudable community efforts by Brooklyn Borough President Abe Stark, the Brooklyn Heights Association, the City Council, and Borough President Howard Golden, who designated April 4, 1987, as ``Heights Players Day.''

Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent on this body to recognize the achievements and committed service of the Heights Players as they continue to offer their artistic talents and performances for the benefit of the community.

Mr. Speaker, may our country continue to benefit from the actions of altruistic community leaders such as the Heights Players.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Michael J. Chambers, and I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing the accomplishments of this outstanding member of the Brooklyn community.

Mr. Chambers joined the North Brooklyn Health Network in November 1998. As the senior associate executive director for the Department of Psychiatry, he is responsible for the operation of an extensive network of emergency, inpatient, and outpatient services to the residents of Bushwick, Bedford Stuyvesant, Fort Green, Williamsburg, and Greenpoint.

Prior to his service at the North Brooklyn Health Network, Mr. Chambers was the Administrator of the Department of Psychiatry at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in Queens. He was also instrumental in the development of its new Department of Psychiatry. Before pursuing a career in hospital administration, Mr. Chambers had a distinguished 14- year career with the New York State Office of Mental Health, New York City Regional Office, where he served as director of certification for New York City. He is an associate in the American

College of Healthcare Executives and is president and CEO of Integrated Behavioral Systems, Inc., a behavioral healthcare consulting firm.

Additionally, Mr. Chambers is an adjunct faculty member of the Department of Human Services at Touro College and earned his bachelor of arts degree in psychology from the State University of New York at Albany and his masters of public administration degree from the Baruch College School of Business and Public Affairs. He is active in community affairs, particularly the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Babylon, NY.

Mr. Chambers lives on Long Island with his wife of 22 years, Peggy, and their four daughters Keri, Christine, Kimberly, and Meaghan. The Chambers family spent this past Thanksgiving at the Circle of Life Ministries in Copiague, NY, cooking and serving dinner to 600 individuals who would otherwise have had no place to celebrate the holiday.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent on this body to recognize the accomplishments of Michael J. Chambers, as he offers his talents for the betterment of our local communities.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mr. Ellis A. Mercer and I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing the accomplishments of this outstanding member of the Brooklyn community.

Ellis A. Mercer was born on March 8, 1960 in Brooklyn, New York. He is the son of Mr. Mercer and Mamie Mercer, and the oldest sibling of Eva Maria Mercer-Andrews.

He received his education in the New York City public schools, graduating from Brooklyn Technical High School with a Regents Diploma in Mathematics and Electronics. Mr. Mercer then attended Johnson & Wales University in Providence, R.I., where he received an A.S. degree in Data Processing, A.S. degree in Accounting, and a B.S. degree in Computer Systems Management.

After receiving his A.S. degree in Data Processing, Mr. Mercer was hired as the University's Assistant Athletic Director. As the Assistant Athletic Director, he managed the University's Sports Complex and oversaw the University's Intramural Sports Program in which over 1,500 students participated. This is where his passion for youth involvement in education and sports began. In 1990 he returned to New York and was hired as the City of New York Parks & Recreation's Brooklyn Sports Coordinator, where he coordinated and supervised various citywide programs, including Reebok's Coup de Hoop and the Junior Knicks Basketball clinics and tournaments. Mr. Mercer volunteered to recruit and coach the New York's National Youth Game Volleyball Team in Atlanta, GA. He implemented and supervised the Pro-Am NAACP's (3 on 3) and Midnight Basketball tournaments in Brooklyn. He also umpired softball games for the New York City Housing Authority. At the Brownsville Recreation Center he was employed as the After-school Director. After only three years as director, his program was recommended for use as the model program for all City of New York Parks & Recreation After-school programs. Mr. Mercer's program included extensive homework: help and tutoring that helped students sustain the academic standards set by the Board of Education. He also conducted workshops for SAT and ACT testing. He promoted local and overnight college and university tours, including tours to Howard University and Johnson & Wales University. Mr. Mercer also conducted free workshops for over 500 adult participants seeking postal employment.

Mr. Mercer is now a manager at the Jackie Robinson Recreation Center located in Harlem, New York. He also served as Chairman of the DC37, Local 299-2005 election committee.

As Worshipful Master of African 459 Lodge #63 for the past 2 years, Mr. Mercer continues to see that his lodge serves its community by sending 5 children to Camp Eureka in Upstate N.Y., issuing 3 scholarships to students enrolling in, or attending college, and continuing the lodge's annual feeding program and Christmas toy drive.

Mr. Mercer is a deacon at The Friendship Baptist Church. He also serves as the President of the Brotherhood Men's Committee at Friendship.

Mr. Mercer is married to Sandra Elaine Gibson-Mercer and they are the proud parents of one daughter, Britney Elise Mercer.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Cherice Yvonne James and I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing the accomplishments of this outstanding member of the community.

Cherice Yvonne James was born in Jamaica, Queens, NY and was very active as a youth. She attended Gloria Jackson's School of Dance from age 5 to 18 studying ballet, jazz, African and tap. She was a girl scout and a member of her school's volleyball and basketball teams. At the age of 9, Cherice joined the Prince Hall Shriner's, Abu-Bekr Court #74 Isiserettes Drill Team, where she rose up the ranks to eventually become team captain. She also represented Abu-Bekr Temple and Court by winning their ``Miss AbuBekr'' Talent and Scholarship pageant.

Cherice is a graduate of Jamaica High School's Gateway to Higher Learning Honors program. During high school, she received numerous awards including being named in the National Dean's List and being a winner of the NYC Board of Education's Queens borough-wide High School Desktop Publishing Contest. New Jerusalem Baptist of Jamaica, NY, recognized her during their graduates' banquet.

Cherice decided to pursue a career in hospitality and continued her education in Washington, DC at Howard University. During her college career, she was selected for the ultimate hospitality internship . . . Disney, where she spent a summer working and learning in Anaheim, CA. She received a Bachelor of Business Administration/Hospitality Management degree. After graduation, Cherice was chosen as a manager- in-training for the Grand Hyatt Washington, which led to her becoming a food and beverage manager.

She later joined the New York Marriott Marquis, Marriott's 2000 room, flagship hotel in Times Square. For the past eight years, Cherice has held various management positions in the company including the housekeeping and catering sales departments. Just this past September, she was promoted to Director of Services, at the newly constructed, Upper Eastside Courtyard by Marriott.

In her spare time, Cherice enjoys traveling, reading, television and real estate. She currently owns two properties and has aspirations of obtaining many more. She also enjoys talking to others about the possibilities and joys of home ownership. Cherice eventually plans to enjoy an early retirement due to real estate investment. She has volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, Aids Walk, NY Cares and coordinated clothing drives at work.

Cherice is thankful for the support of her family and friends, especially her mother, Phyllis Johnson, who has always supported her in all her endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent on this body to recognize the accomplishments of Cherice Yvonne James as she offers her talents for the betterment of our local and national communities.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Parthenia R. Holliday and I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing the accomplishments of this outstanding member of the community.

Parthenia R. Holliday was born in Philadelphia, PA.

Her childhood years were like so many others filled with challenges, crossroads and hurdles that seemed uncrossable. At the tender age of 16 she knew her life long dream and desire was the wonderful art of singing. Her father and other sibling also were musically inclined and played instruments and sang, and so it was in her blood to sing and sing she did.

Ms. Holliday sang all over the world from Budapest, Hungary, Russia, Africa, and most recently in 2005 in London, England. She has also performed with Alvin Slaughter and others.

Ms. Holliday sang in many establishments in New York City and New Jersey. Unfortunately, Ms. Holliday found herself entangled in substances that were not healthy, or helpful for her continued growth and high self-esteem. Ms. Holliday's life took a wonderful change in her early 20s, hearing the promises of God, she accepted Jesus Christ as her lord and savior. The word of deliverance was preached unto her and after many trials and errors, the chains that bound her were broken and the broken pieces of her life were put back together again. Nothing became more important to Ms. Holliday than to do the will of Him who called her out of darkness to the marvelous light.

Ms. Holliday combined the fields of dentistry and elder care for a lifetime of caring and sharing. However, she believes her greatest gift is fundraising. Ms. Holliday received a certificate for great community services from the Honorable State Senator John L. Sampson for her accomplishments at the Bible Speaks Church and Christian School of Brooklyn, NY.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent on this body to recognize the accomplishments of Parthenia R. Holliday as she offers her talents for the betterment of our local and national communities.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Luther M. Wright, and I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing the impressive accomplishments of this outstanding member of the community.

Luther M. Wright was born on June 2, 1942 in Louisa, Virginia, and he currently resides in Laurelton, New York.

Mr. Wright received his early education in New York City at P.S. 140. He graduated from Andrew Jackson High School and attended Queens College of the City University of New York from 1974-1977. He also attended the United States Coast Guard Engineer Program and received his license as a Chief Marine Engineer.

Mr. Wright served in the New York City Fire Department for 15 years as a Chief Engineer, retiring with 27 years of service. He served in the United States Army from 1964-1966 in active duty, as a reservist from 1969-1995 and participated in Desert Storm in 1991. Mr. Wright retired from the Army as a Master Sergeant. He is also a member of the Vulcan Society of the New York City Fire Department and Past President and Captain of the 231st Block Association.

Among his many community service projects, Mr. Wright was initiated into Tuscan Lodge No. 58 F&AM (PH) in 1978. He was elected to Worshipful Master of Tuscan Lodge No. 58 in 1986; Secretary of Tuscan Lodge No. 58 in 1987-present; Excellent High Priest of Mount Moriah Chapter No. 3 Holy Royal Arch Masons in June 2003; Ill. Commander in Chief of Long Island Consistory No. 61 AASR (PHA) in 2002 and 2003; Ill. Potentate of Abu-Bekr Temple No. 91 AEAONMS (PHA) in 1994; and appointed Deputy of the Oasis for Abu-Bekr No. 91 in 2002, by Imperial Potentate William F. Crockett.

Additional leadership posts include: District Deputy Grand Master for the Second Masonic District from June 2001-2002; Worthy Patron in Fidelity Chapter No. 54 OES (PHA); District Deputy Grand Commander for the Second District; District Deputy Thrice Illustrious Master for the Royal & Select Masters and Assistant Recorder for the Grand Commandery Knights Templar State of New York.

Through these organizations, Mr. Wright has distributed toys and clothing to the needy children of East New York and Kings County Hospital, fed the homeless, and sponsored young children to attend Camp Eureka during the summers of 2002 and 2003.

Luther Wright is a member of the Good News Baptist Church of Hollis Queens, New York. He has been married to the beautiful Phyllis A. Wright for the past 34 years, and they have three grown children, all 4-year college graduates.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, the Indian newspaper The Telegraph ran a story on March 21 reporting that two Sikh organizations in Punjab, Dal Khalsa, under the leadership of Satnam Singh, and the Shiromani Khalsa Dal under the leadership of Daljit Singh Bittu, are uniting to promote a sovereign, independent Khalistan. As you know, Mr. Speaker, the Sikhs declared Khalistan independent on October 7, 1987. Ever since then, Sikhs have been struggling against a massive Indian force of over 500,000 troops sent to suppress their drive for freedom.

The announcement from Dal Khalsa and the Shiromani Khalsa Dal was met by shouts of ``Khalistan Zindabad,'' meaning ``Long live Khalistan.'' Now the Chief Minister of Punjab has ordered the police to place the leaders of both organizations under watch. Let me make this clear, Mr. Speaker. They are under police watch in ``the world's largest democracy'' for peaceful political activities designed to achieve freedom for their people.

These arrests come in short order after the recent arrests of Sikh activists Dr. Jagjit Singh Chohan and Kanwarpal Singh Dhami for speeches they made supporting Khalistan. Dr. Chohan committed the additional crime of flying the Khalistani flag from his residence. Groups of Sikhs were arrested last year in January and June for hoisting the Khalistani flag and making speeches in support of sovereignty for Khalistan. Dal Khalsa organized those events. It has organized numerous events in support of a sovereign Khalistan in Punjab, and the support has been shown to be large. I guess this scares the Indian government.

Mr. Speaker, these actions are unacceptable in any country. We use our influence to put pressure on totalitarian regimes for just these kinds of tactics. They are even more unacceptable when the country using them

claims to be democratic. This does not resemble any kind of democracy I know about.

Mr. Speaker, we must take a stand for freedom in South Asia, as we are doing elsewhere in the world. The time has come to cut off our aid and trade with India and until basic human rights for all people are respected there. In addition, we should put the Congress officially on record in support of free and fair plebiscites in Punjab, Khalistan, in Kashmir, in Nagaland, and all the other minority nations seeking their freedom from India. It is time for America to show its active support for freedom, stability, dignity, and human rights.

Mr. Speaker, the Council of Khalistan has published a very good release on the statement by Dal Khalsa and the Shiromani Khalsa Dal. I would like to add it to the Record now for the information of my colleagues.

Sikhs Arrested in India for Speaking for Khalistan

Washington, DC, March 15, 2006.--Sardar Kanwarpal Singh

Dhami, Chairman of Dal Khalsa, and Dr. Jagjit Singh Chohan

were arrested earlier this month for speaking out for an

independent Khalistan. They were charged with sedition. These

arrests follow the arrests of Sikh leaders last year

belonging to Dal Khalsa both in January and June for hoisting

the flag of Khalistan. Kanwarpal Singh Dhami was arrested

after saying that the Sikh Panth could not live under someone

else's rule. He was accused of ``. . . sedition, promoting

enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race,

doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony,

imputations, assertions prejudicial to national integration

and statements conducing to public mischief.'' The government

charged that he promoted separatist and `terrorist'

movements.

Dal Khalsa has sponsored numerous marches and conferences

in Punjab in support of a free Khalistan, the Sikh homeland

that declared its independence from India on October 7, 1987.

It was the organizer of the two events at which Sikhs were

arrested for making speeches and raising the Khalistani flag.

It was announced today that they will be joining forces with

the Shiromani Khalsa Dal, headed by Sardar Daljit Singh

Bittu, in support of a free Khalistan. The Punjab and Haryana

High Court ruled that it is legal to ask for freedom for

Khalistan, yet the Indian government continues to treat it as

a crime. They do not even live by their own law.

Dr. Chohan said on India's Zee TV that Khalistan will be

free by 2007. He has also been flying the Khalistani flag and

that of his party, the Khalsa Raj Party, outside his office.

According to the book Chakravyuh: Web of Indian Secularism

(page 183), Dr. Chohan worked with Major General Jaswant

Singh Bhullar, Professor Manjit Singh Sidhu, Didar Singh

Bains, and others ``to stop Sikhs living abroad'' from

supporting freedom for Khalistan and connived with the Indian

government for the June 1984 attack on the Golden Temple.

``It is evident that the Indian government is scared of the

increasing amount of peaceful activism in Punjab in support

of Khalistan,'' said Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh, President of

the Council of Khalistan, which is leading the Sikh struggle

for independence. ``The time of Khalistan's liberation is

near. India will fall apart soon,'' he said. ``We condemn the

arrests of Sardar Dhami and Dr. Chohan but remind the Sikh

Nation that it must work only with leaders who are honest,

sincere, and committed to the liberation of Khalistan.'' Dr.

Aulakh noted that in New York in 2000, former Member of

Parliament Simranjit Singh Mann had called for the Council of

Khalistan's office to be closed. ``Sikhs must be very careful

about the leaders they follow,'' Dr. Aulakh said. ``This

office has worked unwaveringly for a sovereign Khalistan for

almost 20 years,'' he noted.

History shows that multinational states such as India are

doomed to failure. Countries like Austria-Hungary, India's

longtime friend the Soviet Union, Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia,

and others prove this point. India is not one country; it is

a polyglot like those countries, thrown together for the

convenience of the British colonialists. It is doomed to

break up as they did. ``We only hope that the breakup will be

peaceful,'' said Dr. Aulakh.

The Indian government has murdered over 250,000 Sikhs since

1984, more than 300,000 Christians in Nagaland, over 90,000

Muslims in Kashmir, tens of thousands of Christians and

Muslims throughout the country, and tens of thousands of

Tamils, Assamese, Manipuris, and others. The Indian Supreme

Court called the Indian government's murders of Sikhs ``worse

than a genocide.''

Indian police arrested human-rights activist Jaswant Singh

Khalra after he exposed their policy of mass cremation of

Sikhs, in which over 50,000 Sikhs have been arrested,

tortured, and murdered, then their bodies were declared

unidentified and secretly cremated. He was murdered in police

custody. His body was not given to his family. The police

never released the body of former Jathedar of the Akal Takht

Gurdev Singh Kaunke after SSP Swaran Singh Ghotna murdered

him. No one has been brought to justice for the Khalra

kidnapping and murder. Yet according to a report by the

Movement Against State Repression (MASR), 52,268 Sikhs are

being held as political prisoners in India without charge or

trial, some since 1984!

Only in a free Khalistan will the Sikh Nation prosper and

get justice,'' said Dr. Aulakh. ``India should act like a

democracy and allow a plebiscite on independence for

Khalistan and all the nations of South Asia,'' Dr. Aulakh

said. ``We must free Khalistan now.''