Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I wish to honor the dedication and renaming of the PACE School to the Mary E. Smithey PACE Learning Center in Duncanville, Texas.

On Sunday, February 17, 2008, a ceremony will be held honoring Mary E. Smithey for her many years as a teacher in the Duncanville school system. When Mrs. Smithey began teaching in Duncanville in 1946, she was one of eight teachers who served 287 students in grades one through twelve in one school building, now known as Central Elementary. Mrs. Smithey was the first retiree of the Duncanville Teachers Association and spoke highly of her career, particularly of her students.

Mary E. Smithey was an exemplary teacher who was loved and respected by her students, their families and her peers. Mrs. Smithey, along with her husband, Grady Sr., have held long careers in public service in their community and the tradition continues as three of their grandchildren are teachers. The Smithey's two sons, Grady Jr. and Gary Ervin, are Duncanville school graduates.

The Mary E. Smithey PACE Learning Center is an alternative school for students, grades 9 to 12, who need additional assistance in their education. The smaller class sizes and individual learning available at this campus help young people gain confidence and success. Students study a core curriculum, along with electives, on a flexible schedule allowing them the opportunity to achieve a high school diploma.

I am honored to pay tribute to Mary E. Smithey and the Duncanville Independent School District in the dedication and renaming of the PACE School in her memory. The objectives of the PACE Learning Center will perpetuate Mrs. Smithey's legacy in education for many years to come. I am privileged to represent the Duncanville ISD in the 24th District of Texas.

Madam Speaker, a golden anniversary is indeed a special milestone, and today I am proud to recognize the Coppell Fire Department's 50th anniversary. This exemplary and dedicated group of firefighters continues a proud 50-year long tradition of excellence.

As emergency responders for the City of Coppell, Texas, the Coppell Fire Department prides themselves on building a safe community through exceptional services. The Coppell Fire Department provides fire prevention, fire suppression, transport emergency medical services, and technical rescue to the City of Coppell and the North Texas Region. The Department also offers special community services such as a Smoke Detector Program, Fire Extinguisher Training, Fire Safety Training, CPR Training, and Child Safety Seat Installation, just to name a few.

The Coppell Fire Department includes 92 highly trained members operating from four facilities strategically located throughout the city. Each member is fully committed to continuing the traditions of providing a level of public service that is second to none.

Chief Kevin Richardson and his department will be celebrating the 50th anniversary all year long. In honor of the occasion, a special commemorative helmet shield has been designed, restoration of the department's first fire engine is complete, and a commemorative album will be used to honor the department's 50 years of service to the community.

The Coppell Fire Department's 50 years of hard work and commitment to the citizens of Coppell is worthy of recognition. I offer my sincere congratulations on their golden anniversary, and I am most honored to represent this outstanding department in the 24th District of Texas.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Christian Community Action on the occasion of its 35th Anniversary for providing financial and spiritual needs for the underprivileged in southern Denton County.

Christian Community Action (CCA) was founded on February 22, 1973 by a small group of Christians whose resolve was to care for ``the least of the brethren.'' Local mainstream Christian pastors and their congregations were asked to donate food, clothing, furniture, house wares and money. Tom Duffy, founder and the original President of CCA, started organizing their efforts from a residential garage but CCA soon outgrew that space and moved to their current headquarters in downtown Lewisville, Texas. Under Mr. Duffy's tenure, CCA went from a volunteer--run storefront to three full--scale Resale stores that earn approximately $5 million each year to assist needy families. The number of those receiving help also saw an increase from a handful of families in 1973 to more than 15,000 individuals this past year.

Christian Community Action continues to expand its services to those who need it most in more than 46 communities. They compassionately assist families financially with their needs of today while helping them learn to one day live independently for a brighter tomorrow. In addition, CCA encourages spiritual growth providing religious opportunities to further their chances of success. CCA is committed to being responsible and faithful stewards of the donations they receive ensuring that their work directly benefits families in crisis situations.

I am honored to pay tribute to Christian Community Action and the valuable contributions they provide to those in need. I commend CCA for their dedication, commitment and service to disadvantaged families in Lewisville, Texas, and the surrounding communities, during the last 35 years.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Carter BloodCare on pioneering the processes of the blood care/capture industry operations.

Carter BloodCare (CBC) worked closely with the Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center and successfully implemented a methodology that has significantly achieved process improvements, increased productivity and doubled capacity while reducing floor space. These new changes were the result of CBC collaborating with Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center (an initiative of the U.S. Department of Commerce NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership program) by participating in their training course: Fundamentals of Lean Enterprise. The Lean program was an ``outside the box'' way of thinking in the blood collection industry but it has proven to be an overwhelming success for CBC. This system allowed CBC to identify and correct problem areas, reduce needless work and create a more productive work flow. Their adoption of the Lean Philosophy approach will serve them well for years to come.

I commend Carter BloodCare for transforming the processes of the blood care/capture industry and providing lifesaving units of blood to the people of Texas efficiently and expediently. It is an honor to represent Carter BloodCare in the 24th District of Texas.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Loyd and Sue Eubanks on their 50th wedding anniversary.

The Eubanks met in February 1956 at the Methodist Church in Havelock, N.C. Loyd proposed to Sue in December of that year and then left for fourteen months to Japan as a 2nd Lt. and pilot with VMF-334. Upon his return, the Eubanks were married on March 8, 1958 at Wesley United Methodist Church in Modesto, California. Their honeymoon was spent traveling back across the country in a brown Volkswagen to Havelock, North Carolina.

After 7-8 months, Loyd finished his staff duty and went to Pensacola and Jacksonville, N.C. where he trained and eventually flew helicopters for the remaining 14 months of service. During that time, they celebrated the birth of their first son, Kenneth Allen, at the Naval Hospital at Camp Lejuene. After Loyd's time in the service, he earned a degree in Accounting and for the next thirteen years, they lived in Dallas and Kansas City where Loyd worked for the International Accounting Firm of Ernst and Ernst. Their second son, Clifford Daniel, was born in Dallas in November 1964.

In 1975, Loyd went to work for the LTV Corporation in Oklahoma City and then Dallas. While living in Southlake, Texas, Sue worked as a substitute teacher at Carroll ISD and taught in the Mothers Day Out Program at the Bedford UMC. She also earned an Associate Degree from Tarrant County Community College. Loyd served on the City Council.

In the early 1990's, and after 18 years as residents of Texas, the Eubanks moved to California. The LTV Corporation dismantled and was acquired by Northrop Grumman Corporation whose headquarters was Los Angeles. After 4 years in California and missing their grandchildren, the Eubanks moved back to the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex and currently live in Euless, Texas.

Loyd and Sue have been active members of their community and do most things together. Sue is a Republican Precinct Chairman and Election Judge. Loyd builds signs and serves as a low ranking Election Clerk. They are active members of the Metroplex Republican Women's Club, the Northeast Couples Club and the Bedford United Methodist Church. Throughout the years, they have been active in the PTA, the Cub Scouts, the JCs, the Kiwanis, the United Methodist Women and the Republican Party.

The Eubanks enjoy camping and spending time with their children and grandchildren: Kristi, Mason, Allie, Caleb and Alyssa.

It is my honor to recognize Loyd and Sue Eubanks and congratulate them on this wonderful and momentous event. Together they exemplify the ideals of strong family and community involvement. I would like to extend my best wishes to the Eubanks as they celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Chief Terry L. Webb on the occasion of his retirement as Fire Chief for Duncanville, Texas.

Over the past 34 years, Chief Terry Webb has worked tirelessly to promote efforts that ensure the safety and well-being for the citizens of Duncanville. During his career he has advanced through the ranks of the department serving in such positions as an Emergency Medical Technician, Paramedic, Lieutenant, Captain and Assistant Fire Chief. In 1999, he was appointed by the mayor to serve as Emergency Management Coordinator. Chief Webb is currently the senior employee for the City of Duncanville.

Chief Terry Webb has received numerous awards for his outstanding service. He was named the City of Duncanville 2001 Man of the Year, the Duncanville High School Distinguished Alumni in 2003, the Duncanville Fire Department Meritorious Service Award and the American Legion Local, Regional and State Firefighter of the Year.

Chief Webb is an active member of many fire and civic associations including the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the Texas Fire Chiefs Association, the North Central Texas Fire Chief Association, the Dallas County Fire Chiefs, the National Fire Protection Association, and the Emergency Management Association of Texas. He has also served as President of the Duncanville Lions Club and was named Lion of the Year from 1994-1995. He belongs to the Board of Directors for the Duncanville Educational Foundation and is the Chairman of the Board for the Duncanville Outreach Ministries.

Madam Speaker, in closing, I would like to commend and congratulate Chief Terry L. Webb on all of his accomplishments. His numerous years of service and dedication to the City of Duncanville is worthy of recognition. It is an honor to represent Chief Webb in the 24th District of Texas and I wish him continued success in the years to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to extend my congratulations to the 2007 Euless Trinity High School football team upon winning the 5A Division I State Championship on Saturday, December 22, 2007.

The Trinity Trojans' 13-10 win over Converse Judson Rockets in the San Antonio Alamodome gave the program its second State title in 3 years. It is believed that defenses win championships and this game was no exception as the Trojans held the Rockets scoreless during the second half. Despite the fact that all of the scoring took place in the first and second quarters, the second half was just as thrilling as the defense stopped the Converse Judson's offensive attack while the Trojans' tireless running offense wore down the Rockets and controlled the clock. Under Coach Steve Lineweaver's tenure, Euless Trinity has amassed an 88-16 record and has won 14 of its last 16 playoff games.

I am extremely proud to represent Euless Trinity High School in Congress and I congratulate the players, coaches, fans and parents who made the 2007 season a memorable and victorious one.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Quality Cabinets/Masco Builder Cabinet Group (MBCG) on earning the prestigious Star Award for the Volunteer Protection Program from the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for its outstanding safety performance and processes.

Quality Cabinets was founded by Charles Ladd in 1969 with three employees in a 7,500 square foot building in Duncanville, Texas. The company grew to add a location in Kentucky and another Texas facility in Cedar Hill. The Texas locations have a total of 1,259 employees. The company now is based in Adrian, Michigan and is part of the MBCG.

The OSHA Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) encourages employers to participate and improve their safety program to very high levels. Achieving the VPP Star award is the pinnacle in recognition for participants that exceed OSHA standards. Quality Cabinets are the first Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturing Company to achieve this exceptional feat.

Programs implemented in the Texas Quality Cabinets facilities include Management Leadership and Employee Involvement, Worksite Analysis for Safety Hazards, Prevent and Control Hazards, and Safety Knowledge training.

I am proud to represent Quality Cabinets/Masco Builder Cabinet Group for their outstanding efforts of both its management and employees on achieving exemplary occupational safety and health standards. The VPP Star Award is truly representative of Quality Cabinets dedication and commitment to safety.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise to honor

the Carroll Senior High and Carroll High School's Lady Dragon Cross Country Team on their 2007 5A State Championship.

This is the Lady Dragon's first place win for the third consecutive year. The team learned days after the November 17th State 5A meet that they finished in first place. They were originally awarded second, following a tie breaker, but the University Interscholastic League later confirmed an error in the place results and awarded the Lady Dragon's with the top finish.

The Lady Dragon State Cross Country consists of 7 tremendous young women, including Seniors Taylor Stephens and Lauren Hill; Juniors Tara Upshaw, Lucia Xiong, Caitlin Gilbert and Jessica Ferber; and Sophomore Jessica Harper. They are coached by Robert Ondrasek.

I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Lady Dragon's on a great season and their State Championship. The Carroll Senior High School and the Carroll High School deserve public recognition for this great honor and I extend my congratulations to the outstanding runners and coaching staff.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Coppell Middle School North Band on being named an Outstanding National Wind Band and winning the 1-A Middle School Division.

Coppell Middle School North was among 81 bands selected in the top 25 percent of recordings submitted to the National Winds Band Honors competition. Each band was judged once again and narrowed the selection down to the National Honor in each classification. Charles Peltz, director of the New England Conservatory of Music, and noted composer John Mackey were the judges for this event.

All National award-winner bands will be invited to perform in the prestigious National Theatre in Washington, D.C. in May 2008.

Coppell Middle School North's band is under the direction of Joey Ashbrook and assistant director, Jeremy Lindquist.

Madam Speaker, it is an honor to represent Coppell Middle School North and their exceptional band department in the 24th District of Texas.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to T.J. Lee Elementary and the Irving Independent School District Food Service Department upon receiving the first coveted United States Department of Agriculture Gold School award in the state of Texas.

This honor was bestowed on Lee Elementary and IISD Food Service because of their strong commitment to the nutritional and physical well being of their students. Before an elementary school is granted this prestigious award, a stringent HealthierUS School challenge criteria must be met. Providing USDA nutrition standard school lunches, nutrition education to students, regularly scheduled physical activity and other lunch menu criteria are just a few of the measures required to obtain this recognition.

Fighting obesity in school children in the United States is of utmost importance. Lee Elementary and IISD Food Service Department are to be commended for their commitment in improving the health and well being of their students. The leadership they have shown helping students learn healthy eating habits and maintain an active lifestyle is an example to all of us.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor T.J. Lee Elementary and IISD Food Department for earning the United States Department of Agriculture Gold Award.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Olivia Harrington upon her retirement for her volunteer work and community involvement in Duncanville, Texas.

Mrs. Harrington has been working with youth and volunteers for 25 years. She was the YW Teen Director for the YWCA for 13 years and also created and served as the Duncanville Teen Court Volunteer Coordinator for 12 years. Teen Court allows teens, who have committed Class C misdemeanors, to be judged by their peers in an authentic court setting with actual sentences being handed out. Teen volunteers serve as attorneys, clerks, bailiffs and jurors. Many students have contributed their success in adulthood to the lessons they learned from Mrs. Harrington's guidance participating in Teen Court.

Besides Teen Court Coordinator, Mrs. Harrington is involved in other numerous volunteer organizations. She's a charter member of Theta Pi Chapter, Epsilon Sigma Alpha service fraternity, the Duncanville Genealogy Club, the Ellis County Genealogy Society, and the Duncanville Book Review Club. In addition, Mrs. Harrington is a life member of the Ellis County Art Association, the Historic Waxahachie Inc. and United Methodist Women.

Mrs. Harrington has been recognized for her achievements when the Duncanville Teen Court received the TICA Spotlight Achievement Award for outstanding Teen Court in Texas in 2001. She was also honored by the Duncanville High School naming the Olivia Harrington Outstanding Volunteer Award for her in 2005.

Mrs. Harrington has a husband, Fred, and two beautiful daughters, Angie and Teenya.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Olivia Harrington for her community activism which has enriched the lives of so many in Duncanville, Texas. I applaud her efforts and wish her the best in her future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize Grapevine Opry in Grapevine, Texas on the occasion of its 20th Anniversary of continuous family entertainment.

Originally built as Grapevine's Palace Theatre in November 21, 1940, this historic building was reopened in 1974 by a Grapevine dance instructor, Chisai Childs, for dance recitals. Its use evolved into a musical revue stage show and was dubbed ``Grapevine Opry''.

After many failed business partnerships, Grapevine Opry doors closed in 1984 and its fate seemed doomed forever. However, one year later, a new owner began renovation of the theater only to see the stage, roof and building partially destroyed by fire due to contractor negligence. But renovations began anew and on November 14, 1987, Grapevine Opry reopened with Mr. Rocky Gribble as the new producer and bandleader. In 1990, ownership sold the property to a local attorney's company, Grapevine Opry, Inc.

Bad times almost fell again on the Opry when in 1991, the Grapevine Opry, Inc. filed

for bankruptcy. The show was in danger of closing and the future of the theater was in doubt, even to the point of demolition. However, the City Council of Grapevine, along with the overwhelming support of the Grapevine Opry Association members, voted to acquire the property if the anchor tenant, the Grapevine Opry, would continue to operate in the theater. A long-term agreement was forged with the city and Yellow Rose Productions, Inc. to operate the Grapevine Opry and the Grapevine Heritage Foundation was formed to manage the property. Due to the foresight of Yellow Rose Productions, Inc., Grapevine civic leaders and residents, the future of the Palace Theatre was preserved.

In 1999, the Grapevine Opry underwent its most recent renovation and celebrated a grand reopening/homecoming show on June 2, 2001. The show continues to be a mainstay of family entertainment not only in North Texas but across the region and beyond. Many music industry performers attribute their success to experience gained on this landmark stage. Some of the best up-and-coming performers in country music can be found performing each weekend at Grapevine Opry.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of Grapevine Opry's on November 10, 2007. This beautiful and historic building, whose preservation is secure, is an important local landmark in Grapevine, Texas and surrounding areas. I sincerely wish the Grapevine Opry many more successful years of continuous family entertainment.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Duncanville High School Panther Baseball Coach Bob Rombach for 39 years of dedicated coaching and teaching.

After graduating from Denton High School in 1961, Coach Rombach signed a professional baseball contract with the Houston Colt 45's organization. He spent the off-seasons studying for his Bachelor's Degree and graduated in 1968 from North Texas State University.

His first coaching position was in Amarillo. Since then he has led five different baseball programs and is recognized as one of the most successful and respected coaches in Texas High School Baseball. Coach Rombach's accolades are not only numerous but prestigious as well. He has been named Texas Coach of the Year twice, received a number of district honors and was coach of the North-South All-Star Game. In November of 1990, Coach Rombach was elected into the Texas Baseball Hall of Fame after guiding the Panthers to the Class 5A State Championship. In 2000, he was selected by the Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association for the Hall of Fame.

As coach of the Duncanville Panthers, Coach Rombach's teams have reached the playoffs 22 times in 23 seasons. They have earned a trip to the Texas State Tournament in Austin six times and won the state title in 1990. His career record is 859 wins and 362 losses and his record at Duncanville High School is 565 wins with 180 losses. During his distinguished tenure at Duncanville, Coach Rombach has seen thirty of his players drafted with nine playing in the big leagues.

Coach Rombach and his wife, Deanna, have three children: daughters, Amy and Tracy and son, Deron, who is a national cross checker for the Baltimore Orioles. They have seven grandchildren.

Madam Speaker, in closing I would like to commend and congratulate Coach Bob Rombach on all of his accomplishments. His dedication and commitment to coaching and teaching is worthy of recognition. I wish Coach Rombach a happy and healthy retirement and it is an honor to represent him in the 24th District of Texas.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Christ United Methodist Church on its 50th Anniversary for providing a place to worship, learn, assist those in need and gather in Christ's name.

On January 7, 2007 a JUBILEE Worship Service was conducted on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Christ United Methodist Church of Farmers Branch, Texas. The service was attended and conducted by twenty Charter Members, 500 congregants, a United Methodist Bishop, and eight robed ministers, gratefully celebrating the anniversary.

The City of Farmers Branch is the oldest settlement in north Dallas County, but in 1956 it was rapidly expanding with new construction of homes. The desire for a new Methodist church in the area prompted a small group of Christians to petition the United Methodist Bishop William C. Martin for the extension of the church. Upon approval by the Bishop, the Reverend Bourdon Smith was appointed church pastor. The first worship service was held at Valwood Elementary School on January 6, 1957. The name Christ United Methodist Church was voted upon, and 44 members united with the church. Charter membership closed on Easter, 1957 with 135 members registered.

Groundbreaking ceremonies for the first phase of future church facilities were held in January, 1959 with 300 members in joyful attendance. Over the years a uniquely oval shaped sanctuary was constructed, accommodating 500 people for praise and worship. The current campus contains 51,000 sq ft of education and office space, a gym, and a commercial kitchen--all of it used on a weekly basis.

Dr. Victor Casad, Senior Pastor and Rev. Bob Spencer continue the message of those who served before them, and that is to live the mission statement, ``To Share the love of Christ''. Christ UMC provides ESL classes to the community, and financial aid to foreign missions. Child Development and Mother's Day Out programs provide a Christian learning experience. Three distinctively different worship services each Sunday morning welcome members and visitors. All ages are offered a variety of Sunday school classes and study groups each Sunday, and Bible Study groups throughout the week. Youth and Adult work teams tackle local assistance services, and travel far and wide to assist the Appalachia Service Project to make homes warmer, dryer, and safer. Men's Work Teams aid people impacted by disasters in Texas.

Those early dreams of Bishop Martin and the Charter Members have been met; however, the goal of today's 1455 members is equally as forward- reaching as theirs were. As the trumpets blasted to proclaim the year of JUBILEE at Christ United Methodist Church in January, the sanctuary was filled to capacity, and the spirit and energy was contagious. It was a day of genuine joy and appreciation for what has been accomplished and what lies ahead for each member of Christ United Methodist Church in Farmers Branch, Texas.

In honor of this special anniversary, Christ UMC is culminating its celebration with weekend events beginning on October 13, 2007. There will be a pancake dinner on Saturday and a parade begins the Sunday celebration. Following a special church service where former CUMC ministers and Charter Members will also be present, an all-church barbeque dinner will be enjoyed. An afternoon concert in the sanctuary will close the activities.

I am privileged to have had this time to honor the 50th Anniversary of Christ United Methodist Church of Farmers Branch, Texas.