June 10, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E869 DON’T MESS WITH TEXAS ELE- first to recognize the U.S. as an independent and achievements of my friend, Michael MENTARY SCHOOL ART CONTEST nation at the conclusion of the Revolutionary Messina, former Mayor and City WINNER JESSICA CHAI War. President George Washington formalized Councilmember of Alhambra, who passed diplomatic relations on February 21, 1791, and away on April 10, 2015. our oldest continuously-operated U.S. Con- HON. PETE OLSON Michael was devoted to his city and his OF TEXAS sulate in the world is located in Ponta Delgada ˜ community. A lifelong resident of Alhambra IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES on the island of Sao Miguel in the Azores. Mr. Speaker, on this Dı´a de Portugal, we who attended Ramona Elementary School and Wednesday, June 10, 2015 are reminded that our special relationship with Alhambra High School, he graduated from Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Portugal must be continuously strengthened. State University , and congratulate Jessica Chai of Katy’s Roosevelt As U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has remained a resident of Alhambra until his Alexander Elementary School for being one of said, ‘‘The strong partnership between our two passing. only thirteen winning students of the Don’t countries is more vital than ever.’’ This day In 1979, Michael began his public service Mess with Texas Elementary School Art Con- celebrates the accomplishments of Portuguese career, serving on the Alhambra City Council test. and Portuguese Americans, and we congratu- from 1979 to 1986, and as Mayor in 1982 and late these communities on their global impact Jessica, currently in the fourth grade, is one 1986. During this time, Michael dedicated him- and achievement. of the thirteen winners selected from the 8,228 self to improving the city and community he elementary school students from across Texas f loved. who entered the contest. Keep Texas Beau- IN HONOR OF ALAN SLOBODIEN, tiful and the Texas Department of Transpor- Michael was driven to help businesses to UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM flourish in Alhambra and thanks to his efforts, tation selected the contest winners who dis- VERNON YOUTH SERVICES played tremendous artistic talent, dedication, downtown Alhambra is now a thriving com- and creativity. Jessica’s submission will ap- mercial center with restaurants and busi- pear in the 2016 Don’t Mess with Texas Cal- HON. JOE COURTNEY nesses, giving the intersection of Main and OF CONNECTICUT endar and will be displayed on the Keep Garfield streets a ‘‘Main Street USA’’ feel. Mi- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Texas Beautiful and Don’t Mess with Texas chael worked to expand development, tackling websites. Her work will even be showcased at Wednesday, June 10, 2015 things as instrumental as repaving streets and the Keep Texas Beautiful’s 2015 Annual Con- Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, today I rise sidewalks to paving the way for Price Club ference. to recognize an exceptional public servant (now Costco) to come to Alhambra, which has On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congres- from my hometown of Vernon, Connecticut, become the largest retail tax producer in the sional District of Texas, congratulations again Mr. Alan Slobodien, and mark his retirement city. He also personally led a city delegation to to Jessica for being selected as one of the from Vernon Youth Services. meet with the founder and CEO of Mervyns winners of the Don’t Mess with Texas Elemen- Over the past 20 years, Alan has ably Department stores, as he was convinced that tary School Art Contest. served as the director of Vernon Youth Serv- such an addition would bring even more busi- f ices, an organization devoted to ensuring that ness to the city center, and he was right. ‘‘all Vernon children birth to age 18 are safe, ´ Mervyns planted its roots in Alhambra, and IN RECOGNITION OF DIA DE healthy, and productive.’’ It is with this goal in stores followed, including the Alhambra Place PORTUGAL mind that Alan has developed forward-thinking programming and policies to engage young shopping center, which is still the center of re- HON. people in our town, ensure that they have safe tail in the city today, and every year hosts the ‘‘Taste of Alhambra’’ Festival. This is all OF CALIFORNIA places to learn and play, and have opportuni- thanks to Michael’s vision for his city. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ties for success in the future. His commitment to Vernon’s youth is unparalleled, and his opti- As the population of Los Angeles County Wednesday, June 10, 2015 mism about Vernon’s future has resulted in grew in the past 20 years, Michael fought to Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with real, recognizable benefits for our community. increase his community’s access to transpor- my colleagues Mr. VALADAO of California, Mr. With Al at the helm, Vernon Youth Services tation and to bring down congestion in the CICILLINE of Rhode Island, Mr. NUNES of Cali- through summer nutrition programs, to men- area. He was a champion of seniors, expand- fornia, Mr. LANGEVIN of Rhode Island, Mr. toring, to homework support, has continued to ing programs like Senior Ride and Senior MCGOVERN of Massachusetts, Mr. KEATING of make Vernon an ideal place to raise children. Housing, and he believed deeply in the public ONDA On a personal note, I first met Al over 30 Massachusetts, and Mr. H of California to spaces of Alhambra, increasing the capacity of recognize Dı´a de Portugal and to champion years ago when I was the Assistant Public De- the Parks and Recreation department, so ev- the strong bond between the United States fender at the Rockville Superior Court and Al eryone in the city could enjoy the beautiful and Portugal. Celebrated on June 10 each was an invaluable contact to get help for outdoor spaces in the San Gabriel Valley. For year, Dı´a de Portugal recognizes Portugal’s young clients. He was incredibly resourceful, beautiful heritage and culture. sizing up the needs of young people in trouble him, civil service was about the people and Dı´a de Portugal honors the death of the re- with the law and designing treatment pro- the community he loved. vered Portuguese poet Luı´s Vaz de Camo˜es grams that helped both the community and the Even when he left the Alhambra City Coun- in 1580. Camo˜es is famously known for Os person. He had a wonderful combination of cil, Michael remained as a key figure in the Lusı´adas, one of Portugal’s most treasured lit- compassion and smarts that I really admired. community, eventually sitting on the Oversight erary works. The poem pays tribute to Por- Despite the sometimes hopeless cir- Board for the city. He was a devoted parish- tugal’s golden age of exploration and cele- cumstances he tried to fix, he never lost his ioner of All Souls Church, and volunteered brates the many monumental discoveries optimism about people and their potential to with Meals on Wheels, Knights of Columbus, made by Portuguese explorers in the 15th change for the better. What an inspiration to the Alhambra Exchange Club, the Foundation century. all of us. for the Blind, and was president of the local Please join me in congratulating Alan on his Vibrant Portuguese American communities St. Vincent de Paul Society. No matter what decades of remarkable service to his commu- can be seen across our nation from Massa- he did, Michael was determined to give back. chusetts, New Jersey and Rhode Island, to nity, and wishing him and his family a reward- ing, and well-deserved retirement. Michael’s dedication to Alhambra was an in- California and Hawaii. These communities are spiration, and when I was first elected Mayor f filled with over 1.3 million Americans of Por- of the neighboring city of Monterey Park in tuguese descent who have been making posi- TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL MESSINA 1988, I looked to Michael as an example of a tive contributions to our society for genera- true public servant. tions. We are a nation of immigrants, and HON. JUDY CHU celebrations like Dı´a de Portugal remind us all There is no doubt that Alhambra has lost OF CALIFORNIA that it is important to remain connected to our one of its most devoted citizens and most stal- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES own individual heritage. wart champions. We are thankful for his many The United States and Portugal maintain a Wednesday, June 10, 2015 years of service, and will continue to honor his robust relationship, and have been connected Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Mr. Speaker, legacy of leadership and commitment to our ever since the Portuguese were among the I rise today to recognize the extraordinary life community.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:27 Jun 11, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN8.010 E10JNPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with REMARKS E870 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks June 10, 2015 RECOGNIZING BILL MURPHY FOR to serve the community at large. He is cur- votes #309–#318 due to a flight cancellation HIS OUTSTANDING COMMITMENT rently a member of the Prince William County from Knoxville. I would like to reflect how I TO THE SOUTH BUFFALO COM- Ministerial Association. He has served on the would have voted had I been present: MUNITY Cardinal Bank Advisory Board; the Board of On Roll Call #309, I would have voted Yes. Directors of the Baptist General Convention, On Roll Call #310, I would have voted Yes. HON. and is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, On Roll Call #311, I would have voted Yes. OF NEW YORK Inc. In June 2004, former Governor Mark War- On Roll Call #312, I would have voted Yes. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ner appointed Dr. Torian to the Virginia Board On Roll Call #313, I would have voted Yes. Wednesday, June 10, 2015 of Counseling. He also served on the ACTS On Roll Call #314, I would have voted Yes. Board of Directors for three years. In addition, On Roll Call #315, I would have voted Yes. Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I stand before in 2009 he was elected to the Virginia House On Roll Call #316, I would have voted No. you today to recognize and honor Mr. Bill Mur- of Delegates, representing the 52nd District. On Roll Call #317, I would have voted Yes. phy for his work in the South Buffalo commu- Dr. Torian’s dedication to his faith and his On Roll Call #318, I would have voted Yes. nity. Mr. Murphy has dedicated his career to congregation, combined with his exceptional f helping area labor unions and injured workers leadership abilities have been recognized by in their legal battles against insurance compa- others. In 2002, Howard University presented OUR UNCONSCIONABLE NATIONAL nies and those that caused them harm. him with the James Floyd Jenkins Pillar of DEBT Mr. Murphy is a Bishop Timon high school Faith Award in recognition of the outstanding class of 1989 graduate as well as a graduate contributions that he has made to his church HON. MIKE COFFMAN of Medaille College where he earned his and the community. In the fall of 2003 and OF COLORADO Bachelor’s Degree. He would then go on to 2004, Dr. John Maxwell, renowned expert in IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES enroll in the University at Buffalo Law School leadership development, selected Dr. Torian Wednesday, June 10, 2015 where he developed the skills which made him as one of 50 leaders from across the country a partner at the law firm Maxwell Murphy. Mr. to participate in a special leadership institute Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, on January Murphy prides himself on his Buffalo roots and in Atlanta. 20, 2009, the day President Obama took of- on his ability to help those who live in his na- Mr. Speaker, I ask that my Colleagues join fice, the national debt was tive town. me in recognizing Dr. Luke E. Torian and the $10,626,877,048,913.08. The contributions that Mr. Murphy has made First Mount Zion Baptist Church congregation Today, it is $18,152,778,985,959.44. We’ve to the South Buffalo community are many and as they celebrate this significant milestone in added $7,525,901,937,046.36 to our debt in 6 varied. He has served as a Chairman of the their history and in wishing them continued years. This is over $7.5 trillion in debt our na- Timon Lawn Fete and Timon Sports Night. success and prosperity. tion, our economy, and our children could Both he and his law firm have donated to var- f have avoided with a balanced budget amend- ious community events throughout Western ment. New York, and they have supported such DON’T MESS WITH TEXAS ELE- f events as the ‘‘Run Jimmy Run’’ Charity Race, MENTARY SCHOOL ART CONTEST the annual Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Golf WINNER ANNABELLE DU HONORING THE BIRTHDAY OF Outing, and the Mount Mercy Academy 5K. HONOR DOLD Additionally Mr. Murphy’s law firm helped the students of Saints Peter and Paul Grade HON. PETE OLSON OF TEXAS HON. ROBERT J. DOLD School to purchase new hockey uniforms to OF ILLINOIS replace their worn jerseys. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a Wednesday, June 10, 2015 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Wednesday, June 10, 2015 few moments to honor and recognize Mr. Bill Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Murphy. I ask that my colleagues join me con- congratulate Annabelle Du of Katy’s James E. Mr. DOLD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to wish gratulating Mr. Murphy on an accomplished Williams Elementary School for being one of my daughter, Honor Dold, a happy birthday. career, and to commend him for the exem- only thirteen winning students of the Don’t Honor turned eight years old yesterday. She plary work he has done to enrich the commu- Mess with Texas Elementary School Art Con- was born in Evanston, Illinois, and since that nities of Western New York. test. day in 2007, has kept me, her mother, f Annabelle, who is currently in the fourth Danielle, her sister Harper, and brother Bobby RECOGNIZING DR. LUKE TORIAN grade, is one of the thirteen winners selected always smiling. ON THE OCCASION OF HIS 20TH from the 8,228 elementary school students Honor’s favorite subject is math and always PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY AT from across Texas who entered the contest. puts her best effort forward into everything she FIRST MOUNT ZION BAPTIST Keep Texas Beautiful and the Texas Depart- does. Honor excels not only in soccer and la- CHURCH OF DUMFRIES ment of Transportation selected the contest crosse, but also in dance. She brightens every winners who displayed tremendous artistic tal- room she walks into with a truly contagious HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY ent, dedication, and creativity. Annabelle’s smile. Honor is the perfect amount of smart, submission will appear in the 2016 Don’t Mess silly, and funny that makes everyone around OF VIRGINIA with Texas Calendar and will be displayed on her happy. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the Keep Texas Beautiful and Don’t Mess with Honor enjoys spending time with her proud Wednesday, June 10, 2015 Texas websites. Her work will even be show- grandparents, Nana and Chief, Papa and Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to rec- cased at the Keep Texas Beautiful’s 2015 An- Granma, her aunts and uncles, and all of her ognize my dear friend, the Reverend Dr. Luke nual Conference. cousins. E. Torian, on the occasion of his 20th Pastoral On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congres- I look forward to watching Honor grow and Anniversary at First Mount Zion Baptist sional District of Texas, congratulations again mature into a fine independent young woman, Church of Dumfries, Virginia. to Annabelle for being selected as one of the and a shining light to our family and commu- First Mount Zion Baptist Church has a long, winners of the Don’t Mess with Texas Elemen- nity. Happy Birthday, Honor. prosperous history starting with its founding in tary School Art Contest. f 1867, which now continues under the tutelage f of Dr. Torian, who became its first and only RECOGNITION OF MARLENE full time pastor in 1995. Since his installation, PERSONAL EXPLANATION ISBELL DEVINE Dr. Torian has served an instrumental role in the growth of the church. More than 4,000 HON. JOHN J. DUNCAN, JR. HON. ERIK PAULSEN now call First Mount Zion Baptist Church their OF TENNESSEE OF MINNESOTA religious and spiritual home and approximately IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 70 different ministries now serve the needs of Wednesday, June 10, 2015 Wednesday, June 10, 2015 the congregation and community. Not only has Dr. Torian served his con- Mr. DUNCAN of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to gregation, but he also has dedicated his time on June 9, 2015 I was absent for recorded recognize Marlene Isbell Devine who retired

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:27 Jun 11, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K10JN8.006 E10JNPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with REMARKS