October 1, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—SENATE, Vol. 155, Pt. 17 23433 So, I want to thank ‘‘dear’’ Mary for For artists, who know how to so create... city of Portland will gather at the her devotion to the people of Massa- and legislate! steps of City Hall to witness the proc- chusetts, for all her years of service on Whether, with a voice of a lion making the lamation of John Calvin Stevens Day my staff and for being such a wonder- Senate quake! on the 154th anniversary of his birth. ful, generous friend. And I especially Or like a fine surgeon, so delicately legisla- The most renowned architect in tion you’d manipulate... want to wish ‘‘dear’’ Mary all of my Yea, Teddy... Daniel Webster ain’t got Maine’s history, Mr. Stevens’ distinc- best and hope that this will be a very nothing on you! tive style is recognizable in numerous happy birthday.∑ And in the Senate reception room... structures throughout the region. f And upon this floor my son... history will Today, I rise to acknowledge the com- you so view! pany he founded, now known as SMRT, TRIBUTE TO SENATOR EDWARD M. One of the greatest who’s who! as we celebrate the 125th anniversary KENNEDY Now, up in Heaven... it’s the greatest of of its founding. ∑ Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, I debates between Daniel and you! SMRT’s founder, John Calvin Ste- ask to have printed in the RECORD a In honor of and in memory of Senator Ed- vens, was born in Boston in 1855, and poem written by Mr. Albert Carey ward M. Kennedy—Albert Carey Caswell.∑ moved with his family to Portland 2 Caswell. Mr. Caswell is a valued tour f years later. On July 4, 1866, Mr. Ste- guide of the U.S. Capitol whose great TRIBUTE TO KEVORK S. vens witnessed the devastating Great enthusiasm and love of our country has HOVNANIAN Fire of Portland, which was responsible inspired him to compose over 500 for 1,800 buildings burning to the ∑ Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. President, I poems. Mr. Caswell wrote this poem in ground, as well as the subsequent re- wish to pay tribute to the memory of tribute to the remarkable life and work construction of the city. After com- Kevork S. Hovnanian, a friend and New of our beloved late colleague Senator pleting high school, he joined Francis Jersey businessman and community Ted Kennedy. H. Fassett’s architectural firm, which leader. A hard working Armenian im- The information follows. did much of the work to rebuild the UPON THIS FLOOR migrant, Mr. Hovnanian embodied the American dream. Already the owner of city in the fire’s aftermath. Upon this floor... Following a decade at the Fassett a successful construction company in From our forefathers so bore... firm, Mr. Stevens founded his own one- in 1959, Mr. Hovnanian was forced A dream, for all our futures to ensure... man architectural firm, John Calvin to flee Iraq and arrived in Now in history, the world’s greatest of all Stevens Architects, in 1884 in Portland. democracies... to rebuild his life, and rebuild it he did. Upon this floor... He started another construction com- Mr. Stevens ran this business until his For as the years have played out... pany and, along with his brothers, death in 1940, during which time he re- The Senate, would so tout! committed himself to making afford- ceived over 300 commissions to design Some of the greatest, from Clay, Calhoun to able housing available to young fami- or update a variety of structures on the Webster no doubt... lies and first-time home buyers—first Portland peninsula alone, from govern- Men of conscience and of faith, who would so ment buildings to churches to residen- debate... in New Jersey, then nationwide. He built a successful business and, at the tial houses. The Stevens family re- Who but in their hands, were but put our na- mains involved in the company’s day- tion’s future fate. same time, gave something back to the Upon this floor! community, to New Jersey, and to the to-day operations, as Mr. Stevens’ Who all but for the greater good, did but all Nation. Through his chosen profession, great-grandson, Paul Stratton Stevens, they could... he shared his realization of the Amer- is one of the company’s principals. Giants one and all, who but heard our na- ican dream by helping others establish Above all other techniques, John Cal- tion’s call... themselves in their own homes and vin Stevens is known as a pioneer and Her call to public service, upon this took pride in having helped. As his promoter of the quintessentially New floor... England ‘‘shingle’’ style. Most often as- And now as the years have gone by... business grew, Mr. Hovnanian never forgot his adopted community and gen- sociated with the Maine coast and the A new great, a new giant has so arrived... Boston area, the practice is essentially A name we now so utter with tear in eye... erously supported numerous charities Edward M. Kennedy, who upon this floor and organizations. His philanthropy an adaptation of the Victorian-era spoke so eloquently! touched the lives of all of us in New Queen Anne architectural style with Whose word, was one to be cherished and re- Jersey. Every child who enters the K. the additional of shingles. The cottage- spected! Hovnanian Children’s Hospital at Jer- like houses built in the style fre- The most effective Senator, as John McCain sey Shore University Medical Center quently feature wide porches, broad ga- expressed this! benefits from his generosity. Every bles, graceful and distinct profiles, and, For legislation can be a blood sport... worshiper who enters St. Stepanos Ar- of course, wooden shingles lining the For only those of great heart and courage, roofs and sides. Because of Mr. Stevens’ will like lions roar! menian Church in Elberon, New Jersey And yet, in all that heat... it takes a lead- knows Kevork Hovnanian generously diligent efforts, this style became a er who can make minds meet! supported its construction in memory mainstay of seaside and residential As was this man, so charming and sweet! of his mother. He remained committed homes across the region. And leave their most hallowed marks upon to bringing the Armenian genocide to As the continuation of Mr. Stevens’ this floor... light and supporting Armenian auton- multidisciplinary brainchild, SMRT— With Teddy’s passing, I rise to state... omy. He was a man who worked hard, previously known as Stevens Morton Without objection, we have lost one of the achieved his dreams, but always be- Rose & Thompson to represent the last truly greats! names of the company’s partners—is a There will be no quorum call, or voice vote lieved in the concept of community, expected! each of us working together for the widely recognized expert in the areas of Or a bill, for The President to sign... stat- betterment of all. architecture, engineering, planning, ing of such perfection! As we celebrate Kevork Hovnanian’s and interior design. SMRT designs and For he, was A Man For All Seasons... life and memory, our heartfelt constructs functional spaces and aes- Who knew how to debate, and more impor- thoughts and prayers are with his fam- thetically pleasing edifices for its plen- tantly how to reason! ily and friends, his beloved wife tiful clientele. The company now has A giant among mere men, who with his prin- Sirwart, and his sons, daughters, and additional offices in Manchester, NH; ciples would so splendidly and stead- grandchildren who will miss his love North Andover, MA; and Albany, NY. fastly defend! ∑ Throughout its lengthy history, Motivating women and men, with but his and laughter. May he rest in peace. heart of a champion... f SMRT has been responsible for design- ing, building, altering, or restoring Time and time again, upon this floor... RECOGNIZING SMRT Ted, you are gone, but not forgotten... countless landmark buildings across For history and heaven so holds a place, for ∑ Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, on the State of Maine. SMRT lent its ar- the champions of the downtrodden! Thursday, October 8, citizens of the chitectural talents to the new Dorothy

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