Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Craig Samuel for his culinary expertise that has infused Brooklyn with tastes from all over the world while celebrating the roots of New York culture.

Born and raised in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, Mr. Samuel developed a strong talent in visual art, and ultimately attended New York City's Art and Design High School. While in high school, his artist's eye was evidenced at home, as he created culinary dishes that were not only delicious, but also beautiful to look at. Mr. Samuel developed a love for the art of cooking at a very early age.

After High School, Mr. Samuel attended Temple University, where he followed his father's wishes and majored in business and economics. Early in his college career, Mr. Samuel's father passed away. After that life-altering event, he soon found himself at the Philadelphia Restaurant School. Never lacking in courage, Mr. Samuel decided that he would approach the chef/owner of the most revered restaurant in Philadelphia, which was also one of the most important restaurants in the world of haute cuisine, Le Bec Fin.

His time spent at Le Bec Fin reinforced that Craig had the talent, stamina, and discipline to compete in the culinary world. After graduating at the top of his class in culinary school and completing his internship, he headed back to New York and ultimately became the executive chef at both The Cub Room and City Hall Restaurants. During this time Mr. Samuel left the U.S. to cook in Spain and in France and do a food tour of Italy. After coming back to the U.S. he decided it was time to open up a venture of his own.

In 2005, while still executive chef at City Hall Restaurant, Mr. Samuel and his good friend and sous chef, Ben Grossman teamed up to go into the barbecue business in Brooklyn. They opened The Smoke Joint in Fort Greene in 2006. Since that time, Mr. Samuel has opened Peaches Restaurant and Peaches HotHouse and has had numerous favorable reviews in Time Out, The New York Times, New York Magazine, New York Press, the Village Voice and many others. The Smoke Joint has the unmatched honor of being the only Brooklyn based barbecue restaurant featured in the world renowned Michelin Guide.

Mr. Samuel is happily married to Laura. They have two children, Tiara, who is currently a junior attending The Fashion Institute of Technology, and Alana who is in her sophomore year at The Saint Paul's School in Concord, NH.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Mr. Craig Samuel for his exceptional foresight in the culinary business that has provided Brooklyn with tastes from around the country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Kesha Townsel for her devotion to the public education and youth in Brooklyn.

Ms. Townsel is the Assistant Principal of Public School 5. She has served in various positions since joining the staff of Public School 5 in September, 2000. Ms. Townsel was a third grade teacher for 5 years, Business Manager for 5 years, and is presently an assistant Principal. Ms. Townsel began her teaching career with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from Brooklyn College. She then served in residence as a Speech Therapist in an Early Intervention Center at Downstate Hospital.

Ms. Townsel was a member of the first cohort of the New York City Teaching Fellows. Through that program she earned her Master Degree in Elementary Education. Although being a classroom teacher, Ms. Townsel continued to provide speech and language therapy services to children in NYC' s Early Intervention Program. Ms. Townsel has served as Business Manager and Staff Developer since September 2005. During that time Ms. Townsel earned her advanced Masters Degree in School District Leadership through a compact with the UFT and Stony Brook University.

In her management role, Ms. Townsel has provided various services to the children of Public School 5. Ms. Townsel collaborated in providing programs such as; New York Cares, Scholastic Book Fairs, Learning Gardens, Club Getaway, Poly-tech University & New York University. Ms. Townsel's collaboration with Poly-Tech University and NYU has increased the experiences in the Math, Science, Engineering and Technology areas for students at Public School 5. This collaboration helped to form Public School 5's first LEGO Robotics Team. Ms. Townsel, in collaboration with the Poly-Tech fellow during the 2010-2011 school year; assisted the team in winning a First Place trophy for ``Team Work'' and helped them qualify for the NYC competition at the Jacobs Javitz Center.

Ms. Townsel continues to strive for excellence for the students of Public School 5. She provides speech therapy, volunteers on her housing development board, and sings with a local community choir, as well as assists with various educationally founded organizations such as the Caring Educators and the Adelaide Sanford Institute. She has also taught NYC-DOE Budgeting as a guest speaker for the past two semesters at Long Island University.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Ms. Townsel for her unwavering support to education and youth in Brooklyn.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Theophine Abakporo for his dynamic approach to healthcare in my district of Brooklyn, New York.

Dr. Abakporo, M.D. is the Medical Director/ Chairman, Emergency Services of Wyckoff Heights Medical Center and an Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine in Clinical Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College/New York Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Abakporo has worked with Wyckoff for the last fourteen years, and has been instrumental in forging a relationship between the community and the hospital. He is also an Attending Physician in Emergency Medicine at Brookdale University Hospital & Medical Center. Dr. Abakporo is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and Disaster Medicine.

While pursuing his medical career Dr. Abakporo became deeply involved in the health care needs of inner-city communities in the United States. Dr. Abakporo worked hard and committed himself to participating in health outreach and other programs related to the well being of the Brooklyn communities such as Ocean Hill, Brownsville, East New York, BedStuy, Bushwick and Ridgewood communities. This strong willingness to help and care for people, contributed to his interest and focus in the field of Emergency Medicine and Pre-Hospital Care.

Dr. Abakporo is the recipient of a Congressional Award of the U.S. House of Representatives, and an award in Health Care Excellence in Community Service. He is a Healthcare Advisor to Congressman Edolphus Towns, 10th Congressional District, New York. He was also appointed Chairman of the Health Advisory Council of the 10th Congressional District of New Jersey by Congressman Donald Payne.

In response to the increasing need for disaster awareness and management, Dr. Abakporo has taken further training and certification. He is certified by the United States Department of Homeland Security in Healthcare Leadership and Administrative decision making in responses to weapons of mass destruction (WMD). He is certified by the United States Army in Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive incidents (CBRNE). In addition, he is certified by the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) in Online--Medical Control.

Dr. Abakporo is an accomplished, young and dynamic physician, with a distinguished track record of working successfully with healthcare professionals, government leaders and community groups to address health care issues. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Dr. Theophine Abakporo for providing an intuitive approach to healthcare in his community and to our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the LCG Community Services, Inc. for its mission to provide client-centered services to low-income individuals with one or more special needs to constituents in my district of Brooklyn, New York.

LCG Community Services, Inc. (LCG) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit community based organization that began operations in 2006. LCG offers their services to individuals that have special needs, such as homelessness, mental illness, and developmental disabilities, the elderly, chronic illness, HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, and victims of domestic violence. LCG serves over 5,000 consumers per year from many different nationalities and ethnicities.

LCG recognizes that a home is the foundation necessary to begin addressing other critical individual needs. As such, LCG takes particular pride in their housing programs. LCG provides transitional and permanent housing in congregate and scatter-site settings. LCG, through its HAC division, also operates a group home for orphaned children in Haiti. The group home established in December 2010 is a place for adolescent orphan boys to grow up in a safe, supportive environment after the earthquake.

LCG believes that educating consumers is the most effective method of advocacy. Through health fairs, dinners, and various other programs, LCG provides workshops, seminars, and educational materials to the community at-large.

LCG has found that integrating celebrity entertainment with education can be a very powerful tool in reaching out to children and young adults. LCG organizes an annual, summer, Children's Health Awareness Day, with famous entertainers that are attended by over 2,500 families. Every Thanksgiving, LCG Community Services hosts over 500 seniors for Thanksgiving dinner at Boy's and Girl's High School, in Brooklyn. These are individuals who have found themselves alone during the Thanksgiving holiday. They also provide mental health professionals, and staff from medical clinics that speak to the seniors and who are available to answer questions.

LCG also has a comprehensive guardianship and court evaluation program, United Guardianship Services of New York (UGSNY). UGSNY was formed to assist the elderly, many of whom are no longer capable of making their own health and financial decisions. UGSNY's goal is to provide the highest level of care, through the use of dedicated legal, financial and social service personnel. UGSNY works closely with the New York State Court system, Adult Protective Services and other city and state agencies to provide comprehensive assistance with the respect and dignity that our elderly deserve.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize LCG Community Services, Inc. for their continued involvement with the less fortunate.

Mr. Chair, H.R. 3094, is a bill more aptly named the Election Prevention Act--not the Workforce Democracy and Fairness Act. There is nothing particularly fair about a bill intended to diminish the right of private-sector workers to organize union elections, promote delays for the sake of delays, and encourage unnecessary litigation. At a time when American workers are suffering from layoffs, unemployment, and stagnant wages it is quite simply irresponsible to rollback basic labor protections. This bill does nothing to put the country back on a track of sustained economic growth. Instead of preserving the ability of workers to unionize and demand fairer wages, this legislation will keep wages low and economic recovery stagnant.

We should be working together to identify ways to keep people employed and providing more Americans with opportunities to return to work. We should not be spending valuable time contemplating measures that make workers weaker and more vulnerable to unemployment or unfair compensation for their hard work. In the state of New York, which has the highest rate of union membership, the 7.9 percent rate of unemployment is well below the national average and the latest statistics show it is decreasing. Nation-wide, between 2004-2007 unionized workers enjoyed wages 11.3 percent higher than workers with similar characteristics who did not belong to a union. The more money workers have, the more they spend, and the more consumer demand grows. And yet, here we are considering a measure designed to prevent union elections across the nation and depress wage growth, instead of contemplating legislation to create teacher jobs, construction jobs, and economic reforms to address the deep structural causes of persistent unemployment.

There is a good reason why people do not want to see their labor rights trumped. Our rights in the workplace are the basis for the middle class. These rights were essential to securing higher paychecks for everyday people, and obtaining health and retirement security for the average worker. At a time when we are facing the possibility of deep cuts in health, education, and social security it is all the more imperative that we keep in place whatever power people have to demand a fair compensation and a fairer share of the wealth we create through diligent work. Workers should be empowered to bargain for a bigger share of the wealth they create; they have earned it. But this is not what this legislation is interested in doing. It would rather protect employers at the expense of employees,

which history has shown will not distribute the wealth created by the workers.

The main purpose of H.R. 3094 has nothing to do with democracy and fairness in the workplace. Making elections difficult or almost impossible, whether it be in society or the workplace, is neither democratic nor is it fair. The Election Prevention Act preemptively blocks the National Labor Relations Board's proposed rules to streamline the election process and use modern administrative measures to improve communication between all parties involved--the workers, employers, unions, and the Board. It does this because the more protracted the delays during an election process, the greater the chance workers will give up demanding a union and the power to bargain collectively.

A basic American value is that we should all be able to choose how and with whom to form into an association for the purpose of voicing our interests and views. This same idea that we ought to be able to choose how and with whom to form a community of interests is enshrined in the National Labor Relations Act. The bill before us seeks to deprive workers of this basic right so fundamental to our understanding of democracy by giving employers the power to determine who should be included in an ``appropriate'' bargaining unit instead of allowing people to decide for themselves. This is unacceptable.

Supporting this bill means contradicting our basic values about fair representation, ignoring the message that Americans have sent regarding their wish to retain their rights in the workplace, and putting ideology above the need to create employment. Voting for this bill will not only hurt our chances of an economic recovery--it is equivalent to cutting people's rights and preventing them from securing a fair portion of the wealth they have created.

I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to vote ``no.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor James Roundtree for his service of faith and prayer in Brooklyn and dedication to lead others towards a righteous path.

Mr. Roundtree was born in Savannah, Georgia to Minister Levan and Rosabelle Roundtree. He is the third child of ten siblings and grew up in a very religiously Christian home. Growing up Mr. Roundtree attended Dalton Baptist Church in Sylvania, Georgia where he served on the Usher Board. He is a man that takes his spirituality very seriously and looks to spread its power with those he encounters.

Mr. Roundtree relocated to Queens, New York in 1968 where he met and wed Alma Lee. Together they have one son and twin daughters. As a man of faith Mr. Roundtree conducts himself as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

Mr. Roundtree is a member of Antioch Baptist Church, located in Brooklyn, New York. At this church he served on the Usher Board and as Secretary of the Deacon Ministry for several years. Currently he is the treasurer for Sunday School.

After 35 years of service Mr. Roundtree retired from Gould Paper Company in 2004. He is now an employee of the Board of Education in New York City.

Throughout his life Mr. Roundtree has made considerable achievements: In 2006 he had confirmation of his ordination as Deacon; in 2010 he attained his Associate, Bachelor's and Master's Degree's in theology at North Carolina College of Theology; and in 2010 he also had his confirmation of his ordination as Minister.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Mr. James Roundtree for his dedicated service to the church and his faith.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Charlene Phillips, a native New Yorker with a passion for helping others through non- profit means.

Ms. Phillips was educated in the New York City Public School system. She attended Long Island University where she received an Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts and a Bachelor of Arts Degree. She graduated with Honors, Suma Cum Laude.

Ms. Phillips is the District Manager for Community Board 3, a position she has held since January 2006. She began working for the Community Board in December of 2004. Ms. Phillips has always enjoyed assisting people and felt that she would be able to live her passion through her position of helping at the Community Board. She has managed for the past 15 years to work in the field of service provider to the community through diverse non-profit organizations.

Prior to coming to Community Board 3, she worked in the office of Attorney Kimberly L. Detherage, again providing service to those of our community. Ms. Phillips possesses a humble spirit and is rarely seen in the forefront. In the 1990s she worked for a church where she provided services to the congregants, often utilizing the services of the Community Board and its former District Manager. Later, she worked for an organization, The Faith Center for Community Development, which specialized in capacity building for organizations within the faith- based community to enhance the communities around them through areas of housing, day care, and multi-service facilities.

In addition to her work at the Community Board, Ms. Phillips is very active in her church. Her activities include singing in the choir, teaching children in Sunday School, and she also worked with the Female Rites of Passage Program for young ladies between the ages of 12-18 for twelve years. She has recently become a Deacon in Brooklyn Community Church.

Ms. Phillips believes that God places you in diverse circumstances to allow you to fully understand exactly where you should be and what you should be doing.

Ms. Phillips' motto is: ``If she can help someone as she passes along this way; then her living will truly not be in vain.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Ms. Charlene Phillips for her extraordinary ability to serve her fellow constituents with unwavering dedication.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Detective First Grade Izora Neal for her dedication to restoring law and order in my district, as well as for bridging the gap between the community and the police.

Detective First Grade Neal is currently assigned as the Community Affairs Officer of Police Service Area #2. She entered the New York City Police Department Academy in 1994. Upon her graduation, she was assigned to the PSA #2. Detective Neal excelled--engaging in numerous arrests while gaining experience on the force. Detective Neal was assigned to the Community Affairs position in October 1997. She entered the position with confidence and a genuine desire to have a positive impact for all New York City Housing Authority residents.

Detective Neal was ambitious about the prospects of becoming detective and made great strides towards accomplishing her goal. In July 1999, her perseverance was recognized as she was promoted to the rank of Detective Special Assignment. As a newly promoted Detective she continued in her present assignment and utilized her leadership and strong interpersonal skills, gaining the trust of all residents. In her continued pursuit for success, Detective Neal was promoted to the rank of Detective Second Grade in February 2003. Although pleased with her present rank and assignment, Detective Neal's desire for excellence compelled her to continue working hard. Her devotion for a better quality of life for all NYCHA residents proved to be very successful. In August 2006 she was promoted to the rank of Detective First Grade.

Currently, Detective Neal continues to make strides while assigned to Police Service Area #2, giving her the opportunity to display her leadership skills, and her dedication towards the community. As the Community Affairs Officer one must ensure a bond of trust and reliance between the police and community; one must be open-minded, unbiased and sensitive to the concerns and problems within the community, display empathy and compassion with sincerity, but not in a rehearsed manner. These ideas are a part of the partnership that allows Detective Neal to define herself as the Community Affairs Officer of Police Service Area #2.

Detective Neal is happily married to Anthony Neal (whom she met on 09/11/2001), and has a 5 year old son Jaylen. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Detective Izora Neal for her pursuit of excellence in the field of law enforcement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Major Morrison for his dedicated public service to his country, community, and family.

Reverend Major Morrison, III is son of Marian and Major Morrison, Jr. Reverend Morrison grew up in New York City where he attended Medgar Evers College with a concentration in Liberal Arts. He then transferred to New York City Community College and studied Mechanical Engineering.

In 1979, Reverend Morrison joined the United States Merchant Marines and served until 1998. He was elevated to the post of Watch Engineer. Reverend Morrison served one tour duty in Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield in 1991. After serving his country he started working at the Veterans Medical Center in New York City where he is presently a Systems Boiler Plant Operating Engineer.

Reverend Morrison was called into the ministry at an early age. He was baptized in the Methodist tradition and faith. Reverend Morrison was a choir member; Boy Scout; and served as an usher. Reverend Morrison has preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ in various denominational settings: Baptist; Methodist; and Presbyterian.

Reverend Morrison felt compelled to continue his education and enrolled in Somerset Christian College pursuing a Bachelor of Arts Degree. Upon completing his degree at Somerset Christian College, Reverend Morrison will enhance his ministerial capabilities as a biblical interpreter at The New York Theological Seminary in the Master of Divinity Program.

Reverend Morrison has been engaged in many civic associations: he is a former member of Community Board 4; sat on the Public Safety and Human Services Committee; was a chaplain for the New Jersey Eastern Star Home; and serviced the veterans at St. Albans Community Living Center--Unit A5.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Mr. Reverend Major Morrison for his excellence in working with Veterans and his service within the church.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Alice Adell Mays for the many accomplishments she has attained in my district throughout her life.

Ms. Mays was born in Halifax County Virginia, about six and a half decades ago. Growing up on a farm as the second oldest of five children she was endowed with the responsibility of being the caregiver at an early age. This was never an issue for Ms. Mays, as she always had a loving and compassionate heart.

Ms. Mays was educated in Virginia and later migrated to New York City. Once settled in, she began working as an usherette for playwrights such as Neil Simon at the Eugene O'Neil Theatre and other local theatres. Presently, she is a Childcare Provider and package receiver for the community. She has not only raised her own children, but she has been a community mother for numerous years.

Later she met and married George (Gee) W. Mays. Together they reared six children; three have preceded them in death. She also has four grandchildren and one great grandchild. Through it all, her faith has gotten stronger in Christ, and she gives back to her community through her devout religiosity.

Ms., Mays was a faithful member of the Greater Friendship Baptist for many years where she served as President of the Deaconess Board and on the pastor's aide ministry. In 2003, after the death of her mother, she moved her membership to Union Baptist Church. There she works in the capacity as President of the Pastor's Aide and will willingly help other church ministries in their efforts.

Ms. Mays has many hobbies that include conversing with people from all walks of life; playing games of various sorts; and beautification of one's self, making sure her hair, nails, and makeup are done on a daily basis.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Ms. Alice Adell Mays for her dedication to her faith and the nurturing personality she has developed with all those she is in contact with.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Carl Luciano, a Brooklynite who has offered decades of service to my community through education and social welfare programs.

Mr. Luciano is a lifelong Brooklynite, educated in the New York Public school system. It was the streets of Brooklyn that gave Mr. Luciano the passion for the work that he currently does. He is presently working with Councilmember Darlene Mealy and has had the fortunes of working with many other officials in the Brooklyn community.

The Lord has allowed Mr. Luciano to work under three other elected officials. The blessing in working with all of these elected officials is that they all share the same passion as Mr. Luciano towards education and empowerment of the community of Bedford Stuyvesant. Through education, a youth can change their personal lives and the lives of others living in their community. It is Mr. Luciano's way of paying it forward--the service he offers Brooklyn constituents.

Mr. Luciano has resided in Bedford Stuyvesant for over forty years. He has witnessed the good and bad of his community. In his spare time he devotes attention to youth intervention, willing to communicate with anyone interested in learning the power of community through unity. He has planted this seed in various platforms for the past eleven years. Mr. Luciano's strength comes from his spiritual grounding and guidance through his relationship with Christ Jesus.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Carl Luciano for his accomplishments in Brooklyn.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Reverend Kimberly Headley for her extensive efforts to reform my Brooklyn district through public outreach services.

Reverend Headley was born and raised in East New York, Brooklyn. She started junior high school at age 12 and was promoted from the 7th to the 9th grade. After high school, Reverend Headley entered Bernard M. Baruch College at age 16 where she studied Public Administration. Upon graduation, she entered the workforce as a junior press secretary to then Comptroller Elizabeth Holtzman. She stayed in the administration until Alan G. Hevesi became Comptroller.

Reverend Headley has always demonstrated a willingness to go above and beyond what is expected of her. In her earlier years, while her father was district leader and

first vice chair of Kings County Democratic organization, she spearheaded all of his fundraisers at which hundreds of people were in attendance. The most successful fundraiser she hosted had an attendance of up to 900 people.

In 1997, Reverend Headley began teaching Sunday school, and became the Sunday School Superintendent within a year in Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church. In 2006, Reverend Headley became a licensed minister of the Gospel. Prior to that, she had been preaching in platform services and evangelizing on the subways and streets of Brooklyn. Upon the death of pastor Reverend Charles Dunston, the Lord called Reverend Headley to Berean Baptist Church. She was ordained as a Reverend by Reverend Dr. Arlee Griffin, Jr., pastor of Berean Baptist Church. Today she is an active member of the Young Adult Ministry; is a teacher with the New Members and Friends Ministry; and is an associate minister and member of Berean's newest drama ministry.

She is presently a Special Assistant to Congressman Edolphus ``Ed'' Towns in the Canarsie district office where she drafts most of the proclamations and assists with letters of commendation; condolence; and support for organizations seeking funding from Congressman Towns' office. She is his office liaison for the 40th Assembly District and sits on the Cypress Hills Weed & Seed Steering Committee on behalf of Congressman Towns.

Reverend Headley holds a Master of Science degree in Publishing. She presently is a second year student at Alliance Theological Seminary in New York City, pursuing a Master's in Divinity in Church Development. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Reverend Kimberly Headley for her passion for God's word and the dedication she has for improving our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Reverend M. Zidde Hamatheite for his profound dedication to his religion and for sharing his convictions with my community through prayer.

Reverend M. Zidde Hamatheite was born on January 11, 1971 to the late Archbishop M. Zidoneo and Rakal Hamatheite in Brooklyn, New York. He was taught at an early age to respect God and the people of God. It was because of his upbringing that he understood that he would pursue a career in prayer service.

Under the auspices of his Pastor, Rev. Alvin Barnett of West Baptist Church, Reverend Hamatheite learned the ways of the ministry until he turned 25. The Lord led him to accept the challenge as the Pastor of the Gethsemane Baptist Church in December 1995 as a result of his training.

After working in the Department of Education for several years and seeing the desperate need of the young people in this community, Reverend Hamatheite sought to rival against strongholds on the young people. He joined forces with the 73rd Precinct where he serves as Clergy Liaison, Police Chaplin, and Administrator for the Police Explorers Program. He and several members of the church also mentor youth for the Kings County District Attorney's Office in their Youth and Congregation in Partnership Program. Reverend Hamatheite saw the need to teach young men how to be real men so he developed a program that the Lord gave him, entitled, M.O.V.E. (Men of Valor Empowered), working with 12- to 17-year-old young men.

Reverend Hamatheite serves on several boards in my district: he is the Vice President of Bridging the Gap Ministries; first and former President of the Young Pastors, Ministers, and Evangelists Department of the Eastern Baptist Association; and the former Recording Secretary for the Moderator's Department of the Progressive National Baptist Convention.

Reverend Hamatheite now serves as the Pastor of the Wayside Baptist Church, where he was installed on July 18, 2011. Since arriving at Wayside Baptist Church, Reverend Hamatheite has implemented a new Visionary Theme, ``Moving from Conformity to Transformation.'' During his first year as Pastor he established leadership classes for all leaders, reorganized the Youth and Young Adult Ministry, and under his pastorate many have come to give their lives to Christ.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Reverend Hamatheite for his passion for God's word and the diverse initiatives he has employed as Pastor of Wayside Baptist Church.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Theresa Graham DeVore for her many accomplishments as a constituent in the 10th congressional district of New York.

Ms. DeVore was born on June 7, 1945. From an early age growing up in the Bedford Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, NY, she developed a strong concern for her community. As a teenager she witnessed children, adults, and seniors who lost many opportunities for advancement because of a lack of information.

Ms. DeVore began her career as a nursing assistant in the Brooklyn Veteran's Administration Hospital, and was later promoted to clerk. It was during this work experience that she developed administrative skills. She was later reassigned and promoted to Supervisor of Medical Records in the Bronx Veteran's Medical Center. She received special recognition and monetary awards for implementing the first rotating file unit in the Bronx.

Ms. DeVore is committed to doing all that she can through mentoring, support, and sharing with children, adults, and especially seniors the importance of education, and how to fulfill their purpose. She provides them with the skills, knowledge, and direction that contribute to their growth and development. In addition to giving support, she respectfully challenges them to be accountable for choices and decisions that affect their lives. She is lovingly known in the community as ``Momma Tee.''

Ms. DeVore's professional experience includes: CEO and founder of Covenant of Faith Outreach, Inc (faith-based community initiative) which has been in operation for 10 years, issuing referrals and resources to those in need of housing, and information on health issues that affect our community. Covenant of Faith Outreach continues to award scholarships to students who are entering college for the first time and she conducts workshops on topics such as: ``The Awareness of Single, Dating, & Marriage'', ``Mastering the Mysteries of Love'', Grieving, Self-Esteem, tutoring and much more.

Ms. DeVore volunteers as a Chaplain with the United Chaplain International Worldwide Outreach, Inc. She is a member of The National Council of Negro Women; The Unity Democratic Club; The Women's Federation for World Peace; American Clergy Leadership Conference; and the Global Peace Foundation. Presently, she is completing her studies, and will graduate with a Master's of Divinity degree in 2012.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Ms. Theresa DeVore for her resounding dedication to faith-based initiatives in the 10th congressional district of New York.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Bernice A. Brown, a native New Yorker with a passion for helping others through community building.

Ms. Brown was born on October 22, 1921 in Brooklyn, NY to Alice and George Wyche, and was the second to eleven other siblings. She was a 1940 graduate of Girls High School and soon went on to marry her husband of 49 years Charles Brown.

For 20 years Ms. Brown served as an accountant in payroll and retired in 1984. Her true passion and efforts were geared towards the community and her church, joining many organizations and church affiliated clubs. Ms. Brown was a member of Berean Church for 30 years, serving as Treasurer of Berean Federal Union for 18 years, Trustee for 15 years, and being part of Usher Boards.

Ms. Brown's community involvement has been the focus of her career, being affiliated with the Decatur Street Block Association and the Unity Democratic Club. At the Decatur Street Block Association Ms. Brown served as the President for four years, Financial Secretary for eight years, and Treasurer for 10 years. Ms. Brown has also been a member of

the Unity Democratic Club for over 40 years, and served as the first female President of the organization during her tenure, as well as being the Financial Secretary and Treasurer.

Ms. Brown's efforts have extended well beyond what has ever been asked of her and she continues to this day to exemplify her passion for the community. In her spare time Ms. Brown is a member of Area Policy Board and has been a member of Planning Board No. 3 for 30 years. She has also taken an active role at the Key Women Brooklyn Branch where she has served as President, Vice President, Financial Secretary, and Treasurer.

Ms. Brown has been a resident in Brooklyn for over 90 years and has been a major influence in the lives of her fellow constituents. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Ms. Bernice Brown for her extraordinary ability to build partnerships between the church and the community while furthering the political process in Brooklyn.