E686 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 18, 2018 which is the largest not for profit organization AMBER COOPER line between feeling ‘at ease’ and feeling working with and for people with intellectual ‘safe.’ We do not need politicians to acknowl- edge what happened in past and recent and developmental disabilities in New York HON. ED PERLMUTTER school shootings. We need them to look at State and is a member of The Arc of the OF COLORADO Columbine, Sandy Hook, Marjory Stoneman United States. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Douglas, and countless others as an incen- A courageous group of family members and tive to want to prevent more shootings from Friday, May 18, 2018 ever happening again. In simpler terms, we friends of people with intellectual and develop- Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise need to emphasize that it’s okay to recognize mental disabilities founded The Arc of today to recognize and applaud Amber Coo- what happened in the past as long as we use Schuyler on May seventh, in the year nineteen per for receiving the Adams County Mayors those events to carve out a pathway towards hundred and seventy-eight. From modest be- and Commissioners Youth Award. our future! To truly understand what it feels ginnings it has become the most comprehen- like to be safe, we must first realize what it Amber Cooper received this award because is like to live in fear. As an African-Amer- sive provider of support in Schuyler County to her determination and hard work have allowed ican male, living in fear means wearing a hundreds of people with developmental dis- her to overcome adversities. hoodie and being scared to walk to the store abilities and their families. The dedication demonstrated by Amber for some skittles or an Arizona Iced Tea, or Cooper is exemplary of the type of achieve- wanting to sell CDs. What I am saying is The Arc of Schuyler is an advocacy agency that having this angst festering inside of me that believes all people have the fundamental ment that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all every day is my reality, but it does not have moral, civic, and constitutional rights to live, to be yours too. levels strive to make the most of their edu- learn, and work in safe and respectful commu- School shootings? Children in school. A cation and develop a work ethic which will nities of their choosing without prejudice. A place where students go to learn, make guide them for the rest of their lives. friends, and find themselves as human volunteer Board of Directors including relatives I extend my deepest congratulations to beings. A place parents can drop their kids of persons with a developmental disability and Amber Cooper for winning the Adams County and feel safe in knowing that their precious dedicated community leaders continue to pro- Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. I children are protected at all costs. It isn’t vide their experience and insight to ensure the have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedi- true. It doesn’t exist. And that, my friends, is the sad reality of today. Why we are here. rights of people with developmental disabil- cation and character in all of her future ac- ities. Why we care. We must stand together so that complishments. every single one of us can feel safe. You guys The Arc of Schuyler urges all citizens to f might be wondering ‘what does he mean by starting to make a difference, how can I, a give full support to the efforts empowering SHARING STUDENTS’ ‘‘MARCH FOR people with intellectual and developmental dis- high school student, have any influence?’ Let OUR LIVES’’ REMARKS me tell you guys a brief story to make it abilities so that they may live full and produc- clearer. tive lives of inclusion in our communities. HON. STENY H. HOYER I remember being on the playground and Given the above, I ask that this Legislative looking up at those tall monkey bars tow- OF MARYLAND ering above the field. They seemed so big and Body pause in its deliberations and join me to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tall, like something incredible. Of course, to commend The Arc of Schuyler upon the occa- Friday, May 18, 2018 any seven-year-old, climbing it seems a feat sion of its fortieth anniversary in the year two worth trying. But, no matter how hard I thousand eighteen. Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, on May 9, I came tried it was still physically impossible for to the Floor and spoke about the March For my short arms to reach the highest bar. I tell this story because on this day, March 24, f Our Lives on March 24 and the nine extraor- dinarily poised students in Morristown, New 2018, our end goal may seem impossible to Jersey, who spoke at the rally there, which I reach. It may seem so idealistic that we CELEBRATING DEDE TERNS- doubt seeing such immense change within THORPE OF GREENE COUNTY attended. I included in the RECORD remarks by the course of our lifetime. However, I am Nile Burch. I hope my colleagues will read confident that meeting our goal can become them and internalize the sense of fear in a reality by taking the right steps to get HON. JOHN J. FASO which our nation’s students are living every there. I didn’t finish my childhood story. As day—and our responsibility as Members of I started to climb the bars, I had multiple OF NEW YORK Congress to do something to address this cri- encounters with failure and defeat by slip- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES sis of gun violence. ping off of the handlebars. Enacting change to the issue of gun violence is no different. MARCH FOR OUR LIVES’ REMARKS Friday, May 18, 2018 We have and will continue to encounter ob- (By Nile Burch) stacles that will try to prevent us from suc- Mr. FASO. Mr. Speaker, it is with profound Hello and good morning! My name is Nile ceeding. In order to overcome these difficul- respect that I rise today to recognize and cele- Birch and I am from Morristown High ties, it is imperative that we lobby Congress School. to change the gun laws to ensure that only brate Dede Terns-Thorpe of Haines Falls for I would like to begin by thanking Ms. those who are able to handle the responsi- being named Greene County’s 2018 Senior Bosrock for this incredible opportunity. I ap- bility of owning a gun can do so. It is also Citizen of the Year. This is a designation re- preciate all of her support and help in mak- paramount that organizations such as the served for the outstanding individual in Greene ing this possible. I am so proud to be rep- NRA accept the consequences of prioritizing County who has continuously and selflessly resenting my African-American and social profit over life. I remain optimistic that gone above and beyond to make a positive activism club, Melanin Minds, at the march we’ll be able to do this because, despite hav- today. Melanin Minds consists of a group of ing fallen multiple times on the wood chips, impact on the community. united and ethnically diverse individuals I persevered and, yes, eventually reached the From her time working as a nurse and for dedicated towards raising awareness within top. The feeling at the top of those monkey the U.S. postal service, to her volunteerism our communities. Encouraging change is ex- bars was one I’ll never forget. For a brief mo- actly what our club is about, and I am hon- delivering meals to her neighbors and gar- ment in time I felt like the king of the world ored to speak to everyone today about the with nothing to stop me. I made my way dening, Dede has been dedicated to the issue of gun violence on behalf of our presi- down, and yes, fell again, but this time it Greene County community and has shown dent, Bella Simon. So why should I take was worth it. I have no doubt that this move- compassion and care in all that she does. As such a vested interest in this issue? ment will feel the same way when we make the town historian of Hunter, Dede has made I can understand how it is a Constitutional strides. The obstacles will never truly go great contributions to the history of the area, right for people to own guns. But, as we’ve away, but we will enact laws, start protests all come to realize, there is a lot of gray area unearthing the wonders, stories, and heroes of and incite conversations that will make in that. Nevertheless, that area should never these obstacles irrelevant. Greene County’s past. include questioning public safety. If people Piece by piece we will inspire other stu- I am grateful for Dede’s many years of dedi- choose to own guns, that is their preroga- dents to gain the courage to stand up for cated service to Greene County, to the 19th tive, but in no way shape or form should what they believe in. Piece by piece we will their interest threaten the lives of anyone or show youth that they have a voice and that District, and to New York State. I wish her the anything else. Yet, the trouble I think we all it does matter. And piece by piece we will best as she continues to preserve the region’s experience is that the current laws we once again feel safe enough to walk our history and I am thankful for her many con- haveare nowhere strict enough to make peo- school hallways without feeling as if that is tributions to the community. ple feel at ease. Then again, there is a fine the last day we’ll walk at all.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:32 May 19, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A18MY8.007 E18MYPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with REMARKS May 18, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E687 Contact our congressmen! These men are In honor of the Soo’s semiseptcentennial, ployer in the City of Aurora, also flourished in the government speaking for and rep- the city is hosting a variety of events and cele- under Mayor Hogan’s leadership. While other resenting you. Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen, brations throughout the year. The festivities military installations have troubled relation- Rep. Leonard Lance, Sen. Cory Booker, and Sen. Robert Menendez all need to hear from kicked off with the ball drop that welcomed the ships with their local communities, Mayor you about how we feel about gun violence. If New Year, and has already included the 50th Hogan was an avid supporter of the base and we want to save lives, it begins with speak- Annual I–500 Snowmobile Race and the an- a supporter of efforts now nearing completion ing with our powerful elected officials. nual opening of the Soo Locks. From July to add over 1,000 acres of open space around You’ve already climbed your first bar just by 20th to the 27th, the city will host a week-long the base that will protect it from encroach- being here today. Hopefully you’ve been lis- 350th Festival filled with history, games, kids’ ment. In April, as a mark of its respect of the tening, and hopefully you take the next step entertainment, music, and food. The closing Mayor, Aurora City Council voted unanimously to putting an end to gun violence! I am so ceremonies for the year-long festivities will be to rename the 6th Avenue Parkway Extension impressed with the numbers here today and I want you guys to keep fighting, and keep December 16, 2018, with a performance at as the Stephen D. Hogan Parkway. climbing, because eventually, we willreach Pullar Stadium and the closing of the Mayor Hogan exemplified the spirit of public the top, together! Thank you and have a Semiseptcentennial Time Capsule. service, and my hometown of Aurora would good day! Mr. Speaker, day after day, the city of Sault not be the wonderful place that it is without his f Sainte Marie continues to set a positive exam- vision and his leadership. We are all better off ple of what can be achieved when the people because of his decades of hard work. My ANESSA FLORES of a community work together for the common heartfelt thanks to Mayor Hogan and I salute good. It’s my honor to congratulate them for him for his service to our fellow citizens. I am HON. ED PERLMUTTER their 350 years of success and community proud to have been able to call him a friend OF COLORADO growth. On behalf of my constituents, I wish and his family are in my thoughts and prayers. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the Soo all the best as it ventures into the fu- f ture. Friday, May 18, 2018 DEVAN GARCIA f Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Anessa Flores TRIBUTE TO MAYOR OF AURORA, HON. ED PERLMUTTER COLORADO, STEPHEN D. HOGAN for receiving the Adams County Mayors and OF COLORADO Commissioners Youth Award. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Anessa Flores received this award because HON. MIKE COFFMAN Friday, May 18, 2018 her determination and hard work have allowed OF COLORADO her to overcome adversities. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise The dedication demonstrated by Anessa today to recognize and applaud Devan Garcia Friday, May 18, 2018 Flores is exemplary of the type of achieve- for receiving the Adams County Mayors and ment that can be attained with hard work and Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Commissioners Youth Award. perseverance. It is essential students at all recognize the passing of a truly great citizen Devan Garcia received this award because levels strive to make the most of their edu- of the United States, the Mayor of Aurora, Col- his determination and hard work have allowed cation and develop a work ethic which will orado, Stephen D. Hogan. Mayor Hogan him to overcome adversities. guide them for the rest of their lives. passed away on May 13, 2018. Throughout The dedication demonstrated by Devan Gar- I extend my deepest congratulations to his nearly eight year tenure as the mayor of cia is exemplary of the type of achievement Anessa Flores for winning the Adams County my hometown, Steve Hogan oversaw a re- that can be attained with hard work and perse- Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. I markable and exciting renaissance in the city. verance. It is essential students at all levels have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedi- Aurora has become Colorado’s third largest strive to make the most of their education and cation and character in all of her future ac- city, and a driving force of innovation, develop- develop a work ethic which will guide them for complishments. ment, and economic opportunity. Aurora has the rest of their lives. f also become an even greater place to live, I extend my deepest congratulations to work, and raise a family. Devan Garcia for winning the Adams County CELEBRATING THE 350TH ANNI- I first met Steve Hogan 35 years ago when Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. I VERSARY OF THE SETTLEMENT I returned home to Aurora after serving in the have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedica- OF SAULT SAINTE MARIE Marines. I have had the distinct pleasure to tion and character in all of his future accom- call him a friend ever since. Mayor Hogan’s plishments. HON. JACK BERGMAN career in public service has taken him from f OF MICHIGAN serving in the Colorado House of Representa- IN HONOR OF DR. DON STOCKTON IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tives in the 1970’s, to serving six terms as an Aurora City Council Member, and finally to two Friday, May 18, 2018 terms elected as the Mayor of the city I know HON. KEVIN BRADY Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, it’s my honor he loved so dearly. OF TEXAS to recognize the city of Sault Sainte Marie Throughout his time serving the citizens of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES upon the occasion of its 350th Anniversary. Aurora, Mayor Hogan managed its remarkable Through three and a half centuries of commu- growth. Although thought of by many as sim- Friday, May 18, 2018 nity investment and growth, the Soo has be- ply a suburb of the city of Denver, Aurora is Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today, I come an indispensable part of the Upper Pe- so much more. In fact, Aurora is now the 54th rise to recognize and thank Dr. Don Stockton ninsula and the state of Michigan. largest city in the United States. During Mayor for his tireless service and unwavering com- For centuries before the arrival of Euro- Hogan’s tenure, Aurora saw the expansion of mitment to the students and employees of the peans, the area now known as Sault Sainte the E–470 highway, the continued buildout of Conroe Independent School District. Marie was inhabited by Chippewa Native the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical A graduate of both Purdue University and Americans. In 1668, French missionaries Campus, the final stages of the construction of Texas A&M University, Don Stockton began Jacques Marquette and Claude Dablon found- the Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention his career in education as a math teacher in ed a Jesuit mission near the rapids of the St. Center, and the openings of an Amazon Fulfill- Lafayette, Indiana, but just two years later, Mary’s River—establishing the oldest perma- ment Center and a Walmart Distribution Cen- Don found his way to Conroe lSD, where he nent settlement in what is now the state of ter. In addition, he worked closely with the Re- continued to teach math and coach at Conroe Michigan. The first look connecting Lake Su- gional Transport District on the innovative pub- High School and Travis Junior High School. perior to Lake Huron was constructed in 1855, lic private partnership that resulted in the com- Over the course of seventeen years, Don and since then a steady flow of goods and pletion of the R-Line light rail that runs served throughout Conroe lSD: working as the materials have flowed through this critical throughout the city years ahead of schedule. Assistant Principal at Oak Ridge High School, junction. Over its 350 years, the settlement These new developments have contributed the Assistant Principal and Principal of grew from a mission and base for fur trappers millions of dollars to Aurora’s economy, cre- McCullough Junior High, the Assistant Prin- into a modern city and major artery for the in- ating new jobs and exciting economic opportu- cipal and Principal of Knox Junior High, the dustry of the Great Lakes. nities. Buckley Air Force Base, the largest em- Principal of The Woodlands High School, and

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