E902 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks September 30, 2020 twenty-two career in Michigan Republican poli- Ms. Lowe grew up in Dumas, Arkansas in Ms. Lowe was also a sage counselor, men- tics, where he would go on to greatly shape the painful shadow of Jim Crow. When she tor, and role model to countless civic leaders, the political makeup of Michigan, especially in was just fifteen, her family moved to Kansas community organizers, and elected officials Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. City, where she would go on to become a pio- like myself, who sought her wisdom as we His dedication, kindness, and infectious cha- neer in the fight for desegregation. Ms. Lowe began our own barrier-breaking careers on a risma made him well liked and respected by spent her early career with another pioneer in path she helped pave. We who owed her so all who had the opportunity to meet him. that struggle: Black physician Dr. Dennis much, who loved her so much, who looked up Frank passed away on September 5, 2020. Madison Miller, who would go on to be ap- to her so much—we called her ‘‘Mother He is missed dearly by his family and friends, pointed Superintendent of the Jackson County Lowe.’’ We sought her out not only for her ex- and his legacy will undoubtedly live on for Hospital Colored Division. She worked for him perience and wisdom, but also for her kind- generations for come. Frank’s tireless devotion for twenty-three years at his office on 18th and ness, her warmth, and her unflinching, to the public good touched the lives of count- Vine. In the 1950s, Ms. Lowe was instru- unapologetic honesty. She is the political less Michiganders, and the impact of his work mental in efforts to desegregate downtown mother of African American power in Kansas cannot be overstated. Kansas City department stores. Ms. Lowe was City. Madam Speaker, on behalf of Michigan’s also instrumental in the founding of Freedom, Decades working for Dr. Dennis Miller, dec- First Congressional District, I ask you to join Incorporated of Kansas City, , a polit- ades as the committeewoman for the 14th me in honoring the life of Francis V. Egeler. ical organization conceived in 1961 to elevate Ward, decades as the President of the Santa His legacy will forever live on in his family and the votes, voices, and volition of the Black Fe Area Council—Ms. Lowe was one of the through the many lives he bettered through his community of Kansas City to the halls of gov- most dedicated public servants I have ever service. ernment. The next year, she and Freedom, seen in action. Hers was not a rise to power, f Inc. co-founder Leon Jordan ran for seats as where one springs from one post to another. Democratic committee representatives for our Ms. Lowe became ‘‘Mother Lowe’’ because HONORING WESTON T. HENNING City’s 14th Ward. She lost. Jordan won. But she stayed in the arena, fighting in the strug- Ms. Lowe would later go on to win that seat gles of today, every day, for ninety-four years’ HON. and hold it for two decades as Kansas City’s worth of days. OF MISSOURI first Black committeewoman. In 1964, when There is a stretch of street in Kansas City, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES thousands of activists travelled south to Mis- on 29th between Prospect and Indiana Ave- sissippi as part of Freedom Summer, Ms. Wednesday, September 30, 2020 nue. It runs right through the heart of the Lowe stayed in Kansas City and helped reg- Santa Fe Neighborhood. It is called the Hon- Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, ister thousands of Black voters before a city- orary Rosemary S. Lowe Lane. Today, we I proudly pause to recognize Weston T. wide vote on a proposed ordinance that would honor a woman who has defined a stretch of Henning. Weston is a very special young man make it illegal to discriminate in taverns, trade history in Kansas City. It is a stretch that runs who has exemplified the finest qualities of citi- schools, hospitals, and clinics. Kansas City’s right through the heart of our struggle to be- zenship and leadership by taking an active public accommodations ordinance passed, come more free and more equal. Madam part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 43, predating the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by sev- Speaker, please join me in honoring the ex- and earning the most prestigious award of eral months. A retired cosmetologist, she traordinary life and memory of Ms. Rosemary Eagle Scout. spent her later years, if anything, expanding Lowe. Ms. Lowe’s march to a better future for Weston has been very active with his troop, her efforts to help her community. She volun- our city did not relent for one minute. Let us participating in many scout activities. Over the teered for the American Red Cross at Meno- be grateful for the world she handed us and many years Weston has been involved with rah Medical Center and the Veterans Adminis- resolve to bring the spirit of Mother Lowe to scouting, he has not only earned numerous tration Hospital of Kansas City, won and main- each and every effort we undertake to make merit badges, but also the respect of his fam- tained a place on the Democratic National it better. ily, peers, and community. Most notably, Wes- Committee for six years, co-founded the Local ton has contributed to his community through Investment Commission to improve the lives of f his Eagle Scout project. Weston restored a children and families in the Kansas City re- sign and added landscaping around the Agen- gion, and helped convince city leaders to relo- CONGRATULATING BILL BECKER cy Community Center in Agency, Missouri. cate a Patrol Division of the Kansas City Po- Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join lice Department and rename it after none HON. DEBBIE MUCARSEL-POWELL me in commending Weston T. Henning for his other than Freedom, Inc. co-founder and OF FLORIDA accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of KCPD’s first Black lieutenant, Leon Jordan. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES And whether it was Freedom, Inc., the Kansas America and for his efforts put forth in achiev- Wednesday, September 30, 2020 ing the highest distinction of Eagle Scout. City Democratic Committee, LINC, or any f other of the tables of decision at which Ms. Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL. Madam Speak- Lowe sat, she was, more often than not, either er, I rise today to congratulate Bill Becker on IN RECOGNITION OF THE LIFE the only woman, the only Black voice, or both. his 30 years of remarkable service to the Flor- AND MEMORY OF MS. ROSEMARY I failed to mention, of course, the linchpin of ida Keys-based U.S. 1 Radio 104.1 FM and to LOWE Ms. Lowe’s life of service. In 1952, after the our community. Supreme Court ruled that people could not be Bill began his career with U.S. 1 Radio in HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER evicted from their homes on the basis of race, 1980 when the news station had just estab- OF MISSOURI Ms. Lowe’s became one of the first Black fam- lished itself. He served as the news director, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ilies to move to the beautiful Santa Fe Neigh- where he broadcasted local news, and hosted borhood on the East Side of Kansas City. U.S. 1’s 90-minute ‘‘Morning Magazine’’ every Wednesday, September 30, 2020 Kansas City’s history of ‘redlining’ and Santa morning to highlight local issues and events Mr. CLEAVER. Madam Speaker, it is with a Fe’s history of racial covenants meant the through on-air interviews and commentary. heavy heart that I rise today to honor the life transition for the first wave of Black residents His passion and devotion to marine biology and memory of a dear mentor, a great Kansas was far from easy. White families began to first led him to the Florida Keys and is what Citian, and an extraordinary American: Ms. move away in fear until, in 1955, just 15 per- jumpstarted his career in radio. After grad- Rosemary Lowe. Ms. Lowe, who passed away cent of the neighborhood remained White- uating in 1971, Bill began working at the on the evening of September 22nd, was an owned. Years later, when new residents would Lower Keys’ Newfound Harbor Marine Institute unstoppable force for change, force for good, move into the Santa Fe Neighborhood, they at Sea Camp. He taught marine biology to and force of nature. A public servant can only were told to go see the President of the Santa kids, through outreach programs and became hope to mean to their community what Ms. Fe Area Council, a Ms. Rosemary Lowe, who involved in local organizations. Bill co-founded Lowe means to hers. Since I learned of her had held the position for many decades. As one of the Lower Keys’ signature events: the passing, I have been thinking about her re- President of the Santa Fe Neighborhood, Ms. annual Underwater Music Festival that spot- markable story—about everything she was Lowe fought for more streetlights, improved lights coral reef preservation. Every year the able to accomplish—and I still find it hard to housing and infrastructure, and stronger, more event draws hundreds of diving and snorkeling believe she was able to fit it all into just nine- trusting ties between police and the commu- enthusiasts, as well as national and inter- ty-four years. nities they had sworn to protect. national media coverage.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 14:28 Oct 01, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A30SE8.014 E30SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with REMARKS September 30, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E903 With his unyielding dedication to his com- HONORING MICHAEL LAIRMORE Huntingdon, Pennsylvania home on August munity, Bill’s work has left a tremendous im- 30, 2020. I knew Vince personally and can at- pact in numerous people’s lives. He volun- HON. test that his devotion to family, community, teered his time during the 1998 Hurricane OF CALIFORNIA and country was evident to everyone who met Georges to offer comfort and critical live up- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES him. dates throughout the storm. Bill partook in Vince was the proud owner of Pecora Floor- broadcasts in Cuba as part of humanitarian ef- Wednesday, September 30, 2020 ing Inc., a southwestern Pennsylvania com- forts led by a local group taking essential Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, I rise pany specializing in institutional and industrial medical supplies and food to the island nation. today to recognize Michael Lairmore and his installation for over fifty years. Throughout that In 1982, Bill broadcasted live from Key West’s nearly 10 years of distinguished service as the time, Vince earned the respect and trust of his Mallory Square when the Florida Keys se- Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine at community through his tenacity, workmanship, ceded from the Union and formed the inde- the University of California, Davis. As Dr. and approachability. pendent Conch Republic. Aside from his hard Lairmore retires this year, his dedicated tenure Outside of work, Vince was committed to work in broadcasting, Bill also dedicated his ensures he leaves behind a veterinary school helping kids with cancer after his grandson time to the community of the Lower Keys by which, ranks among the best in the world and was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leu- serving as the president of the Lower Keys is well-placed to further its success at the fore- kemia. After watching one of their own go Chamber of Commerce. front of veterinary science far into the future. through treatment and ultimately achieve re- Through all these accomplishments, Bill Alongside the school’s pioneering research, mission, the Pecora family started Genre’s made himself a pillar of the Keys community the veterinary hospital is unmatched in reputa- Kids with Cancer Fund to support others in and his retirement marks the end of an era. tion and patient visits. similar situations. From entertainment systems Bill embodies the hard working, community- Dr. Lairmore became Dean in 2011 and im- to go-bags packed with essentials, Genre’s minded nature that the Florida Keys is known mediately set to work; crafting a long-term and Kids with Cancer Fund anticipates the needs for. On behalf of Florida’s 26th District, I would multifaceted plan to guide the institution to its of families confronted with the horror of a like to thank Bill for his contribution to the full potential. His emphasis on the importance childhood cancer diagnosis. community and wish him the absolute best in of the school’s student and patient experience Vince is survived by his wife of 56 years, this next chapter of his life. at the forefront of his efforts and under his Donna Day Pecora; children, Daunette Baker leadership, the school implemented multiple and her husband, John, Vincent Pecora and comprehensive student programs, such as the his wife, Brenda, Dante Pecora and his wife, f Office of Global Programs and the Counseling Carla, and Todd Hook and his wife, Julie; sis- RECOGNIZING MS. PATRICIA and Career Service Center. Dr. Lairmore si- ter, Antoinette Capo; grandchildren, Kaitlynn CROWLEY, PRESIDENT/CEO OF multaneously reigned in student fees and was (Ricky) Boyer, James Baker, Genre Baker, THE GREATER HERNANDO COUN- a vanguard for diversity, ultimately making UC Vincent Pecora, Gianna Baker, Avery Pecora TY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Davis a leader among veterinary schools with and Ava Pecora; and great-grandchildren, Gid- both the lowest levels of student debt and eon Boyer, Eden Boyer, Lacey Hook and most diverse student body. Together this al- Cameron Hook. HON. DANIEL WEBSTER lowed UC Davis’ program to tackle inequities Madam Speaker, it is with profound sadness in the veterinary field and create greater op- that I recognize the loss of Genre Vincent OF FLORIDA portunities for the most disadvantaged stu- Pecora. Vince will be remembered as a friend IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES dents. to many and his legacy will live on in south- Dr. Lairmore expanded the school’s re- western Pennsylvania. Wednesday, September 30, 2020 search capabilities—placing them at the top in f funding, infrastructure, and cutting-edge tech- Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Madam Speaker, nology. With his guidance, the school RECOGNIZING THE UKRAINIAN it is with sincere appreciation that I recognize partnered with the State Depart- NATIONAL MUSEUM OF CHICAGO my friend Patricia Crowley, President/CEO of ment’s Office of Food and Agriculture; to cur- the Greater Hernando County Chamber of tail the Newcastle and Mad Cow viruses. In HON. MIKE QUIGLEY Commerce, for her leadership and service to addition, Dr. Lairmore played a pivotal role in OF our business community. After 20 years of the development of USAID’s PREDICT project IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES service to the Greater Hernando County and identifying the Marburg and Ebola viruses Wednesday, September 30, 2020 Chamber of Commerce, Ms. Crowley will retire in bats preventing potential outbreaks. While on October 31, 2020. the world continues to combat the coronavirus Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today Ms. Crowley began her career with the pandemic, UC Davis provides a model for to recognize the Ukrainian National Museum Greater Hernando County Chamber of Com- stopping future pandemics before they are al- of Chicago (UNM), a cultural landmark in the merce in March of 2000 as a Membership lowed to spread. heart of my district, on the occasion of its an- Representative. A few years later, Ms. Crow- Dr. Lairmore is continuing his career with nual banquet. The UNM prides itself, for good ley was named President/CEO of the Greater the School of Veterinary Medicine as a distin- reason, on its museum artifacts, library, and Hernando County Chamber of Commerce. guished professor in the Department of Pa- archives, which highlight Ukraine’s history, its Throughout her years of service with the thology, Microbiology, and Immunology. How- ongoing fight for freedom and democracy, and Chamber, she formed strong partnerships with ever, it is clear that his legacy as Dean will the rich culture and contributions made by local leaders and business organizations to continue to shape the school and its students Ukrainian Americans and Americans of strengthen the county’s business environment and faculty for years to come. On behalf of the Ukrainian heritage, both to Chicago’s cultural to enable business development and pros- people of California’s 3rd Congressional Dis- tapestry and to that of the United States. perity throughout Hernando County. trict, I offer my sincere gratitude for his dedi- Each one of the four waves of immigration from Ukraine, as well as the generations of Ms. Crowley has been a dedicated servant cated service and best wishes upon his future endeavors and accomplishments. American Ukrainians who have followed, have to people of Hernando County throughout her brought with it a wealth of literary, music, artis- f career. She has served in several organiza- tic, and cultural artifacts, historical tions including the United Way of Hernando CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF testimonials, relics, scientific patents, personal County, Kiwanis Club of Brooksville, and Oak GENRE VINCENT PECORA keepsakes and reminders, all of which speak Hill Hospital Board. to the importance of Ukrainian heritage and I am honored to recognize Patricia Crowley HON. the personal and professional accomplish- and thank her for her hard work and countless OF PENNSYLVANIA ments of American Ukrainians across our contributions to the Hernando County commu- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES country. nity. Her commitment to excellence, leadership Themselves a part of the third wave of and service is to be admired, and may it in- Wednesday, September 30, 2020 Ukrainian immigrants to the United States, spire others to follow in her footsteps. My sin- Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Madam Speaker, I Olexa Hankewych, Julian Kamenetsky and cerest wishes and congratulations to Pat on rise to celebrate the life of Genre Vincent Orest Horodysky, founded the Ukrainian Li- her retirement. Pecora who sadly passed away in his North brary and Archival Center in 1952 in order to

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