January 18, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E31 leader from Southwest Virginia. Dot left us on con and Chairman of his church, Odell has Mike has a philosophy to help as many people January 9, 2012. been highly involved in many church projects, as possible and lives his life in service to oth- Born on September 6, 1926, Dot was an ac- including the founding of Somerset Christian ers, regardless of their status in life. tive member of the Pulaski County community. School. In light of all Mike has done for the commu- Dot lived by the philosophy, ‘‘You get out of Odell was a man of service and dedication nity of Corona, the Greater Corona Valley anything what you put into it.’’ This philosophy to his community and in 2010, he was hon- Chamber of Commerce named Mike their Cit- was evident through her service in a number ored by the Somerset-Pulaski County Cham- izen of the Year. Mike’s tireless passion for of local groups and the awards she received. ber of Commerce with the highest honor for community service has contributed immensely In 1984, she was named Pulaski County those who have made significant contributions to the betterment of the community of Corona, Woman of the year. She also received the to the community, the ‘‘Distinguished Commu- California. He has been the heart and soul of Gerry Atkinson Community Service Award. nity Service Award.’’ many community organizations and events Dot was involved with local Girl Scout and Odell Merrick leaves behind a devoted fam- and I am proud to call him a fellow community Cub Scout groups, the PTA, Band Boosters, ily: his loving wife of more than 53 years, member, American and friend. I know that the Fairlawn Fire Department, and was a long- Nancy Routt Merrick; their children, Steve many community members are grateful for his time member of the Pulaski County Repub- Merrick and Debbie Eades of Somerset, KY, service and I join them in saluting him as he lican Women. She served as a member of the along with four sisters and grandchildren. On receives this prestigious award. Radford University Advisory Board on Voca- behalf of my wife Cynthia and myself, I want tional Education, the Advisory Committee for to extend our deepest heartfelt sympathies to f Marketing Curriculum at New River Commu- the Merrick family. HONORING GERALD ROPER nity College, the American Cancer Society, f and the American Red Cross Board. Dot was also an election officer in Pulaski County and TRIBUTE TO GREATER CORONA HON. MIKE QUIGLEY an active member of Mountain View United VALLEY CHAMBER OF COM- OF Methodist Church. MERCE CITIZEN OF THE YEAR IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MIKE ZELLER Dot leaves behind her husband, Donald; Wednesday, January 18, 2012 daughter and son-in-law, Alice Fowler and Butch Buford; son and daughter-in-law, Dennis HON. KEN CALVERT Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, on January 25, 2012 longtime civic leader Gerald Roper will James and Eva Fowler; brother, Calvin Dexter OF CALIFORNIA receive honors for his commitment to greening Hall; sister, Ester Soper; sister-in-law, Thelma IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and beautifying , as well as improving Hall; stepdaughters and their spouses, Wednesday, January 18, 2012 Rhonda and Phil Moser, and Sandra Kay and the region’s business and entrepreneurial Brandon Clabes; stepson, Donald Keith Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to communities. Sheffey; as well as four grandchildren, one honor and pay tribute to an individual whose A founding member of Chicago Gateway great-granddaughter, and four step-grand- dedication and contributions to the community Green Committee, Jerry’s commitment to children. of Corona, California are exceptional. Corona beautifying Chicago over the past 25 years Dot impacted the lives of many through her has been fortunate to have dynamic and dedi- can be seen all across our city. As Chairman, work in Pulaski County. She never wanted to cated community leaders who willingly and un- Jerry oversaw the planting of 57,000 shrubs, be in the spotlight. Instead, she pushed others selfishly give their time and talent and make 53,000 perennials, and 2,050 trees and the re- to become leaders in the community and was their communities a better place to live and moval of more than one million pounds of litter content to stay in the background. She had a work. Mike Zeller is one of these individuals. from Chicago’s expressways. He was instru- positive attitude and was always there with On January 21, 2012, Mike will receive a pres- mental in the installation of numerous sculp- words of encouragement or advice. I had the tigious honor when the Greater Corona Valley tures at Chicago’s beautiful landmarks and honor of knowing Dot for many years. I am Chamber of Commerce names him the 2011 has helped make our hometown a place trav- honored to pay tribute to this great woman’s Citizen of the Year at the organization’s an- elers from around the world want to visit and many contributions. Her legacy and influence nual awards and installation gala at the Eagle admire. will be long remembered in Pulaski County Glen Golf Club. Under Jerry’s leadership as President and and throughout Southwest Virginia. Mike began his career as an educator but Chief Executive Officer of the Chicagoland 30 years ago he decided to make a change Chamber of Commerce for more than 18 f and open a life insurance business through years, the Chamber earned a 5-star accredita- TRIBUTE TO ODELL MERRICK Primerica. Mike’s business offers clients op- tion by the Chamber of Com- tions to purchase insurance, from term to life, merce for its sound policies, effective organi- HON. HAROLD ROGERS and anything in between. Another component zational procedures, and positive impact on OF KENTUCKY unique to his business is the marketing and the region’s business climate. The award is given to only the top five percent of all cham- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES structure of Primerica. Mike has been honored by Primerica often, and was again on January bers in the country. Wednesday, January 18, 2012 15 as he celebrates 30 years of providing Jerry demonstrates the meaning of a true Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I service to his clients. public servant. In 2000 he formed the rise today to pay tribute to the late Odell In addition to his business acumen, Mike Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center, an affil- Merrick, a successful Kentucky businessman has also lived a compassionate and giving life. iate of the Chamber of Commerce. The Cen- and longtime community leader of Pulaski Twenty years ago, his son Chad was fatally ter’s contributions features the innovative County, Kentucky. His passing is a great loss injured on a bicycle ride. Both he and his wife Bridge Program that connects emerging com- to his family, his community, and to me per- Nancee refused to let this tragedy define their panies to establish Chicago area firms to their sonally. lives and in honor of Chad they formed a mutual benefit, as well as the Illinois Innova- As the Co-Founder and CEO of Cumberland foundation, called the Chad Zeller Memorial. tion Accelerator Fund that bolsters access to Wood & Chair, Co-Owner of Somerset Wood The foundation has held annual consecutive venture capital. Products, and Director of Citizens National walks/runs to ensure public safety—giving A founding member of the National Busi- Bank, Odell Merrick has left behind a legacy thousands of helmets to children of all ages. ness Leaders for Transportation, Jerry is an of successful business ventures. Throughout the many years that Mike has outspoken voice for the aviation and rapid In 1985, Odell founded Somerset Wood been a member of the Greater Corona Valley transit industries. He also participates actively Products, alongside his son, Steve Merrick, Chamber, Mike has been involved and sup- in several civic and industry organizations, which grew over the years to become a na- ported the Chamber financially in sponsor- serving as Chairman of the President’s Advi- tionally-recognized manufacturer of hardwood ships and door prizes. Every year, he is quick sory Council for Harold Washington College, flooring. Odell remained a co-owner with the to recognize the Chamber for its involvement for example. company up until his death last November. with the Chad Zeller Memorial Walk/Run Jerry’s passion and commitment to the City In addition to his many successful business events. of Chicago is beyond compare. On this day, ventures, Odell was a highly active member of In addition to the Greater Corona Valley we thank Jerry for his outstanding service to his church, where he taught Sunday school for Chamber of Commerce, Mike is involved with our greater community and look forward to his more than 30 years. Serving as both a Dea- service clubs and multitude of other charities. future contributions.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:43 Jan 19, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A18JA8.005 E18JAPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with REMARKS E32 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks January 18, 2012 STALEY HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL and serves on the committee for Griffith’s the cause of social justice, and promoting the TEAM ‘‘Park Full of Art’’ event. He is also a member political, educational and social empowerment of the Knights of Columbus and Saint Mary of African Americans. HON. SAM GRAVES Catholic Church, where he serves as a Eucha- The ‘‘Black Papers’’, containing nearly 260 ristic Minister. Mr. Szafarczyk is the most gen- OF MISSOURI archival boxes, is the largest collection assem- erous of gentlemen. bled at the historic Vivian G. Harsh Research IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Ron’s dedication to the town of Griffith is Collection in more than two decades. It con- Wednesday, January 18, 2012 noteworthy; however, it is his commitment to tains material from the 1963 March on Wash- Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I his family that is most impressive. Ron and his ington, rare photos of Black with the late Dr. proudly pause to recognize the outstanding wonderful wife, Janice, have six beloved chil- Martin Luther King, Jr. and a vast jazz collec- achievement of the Staley Falcons High dren and fourteen grandchildren. tion featuring Duke Ellington and others. School football team on defeating the Kirk- I am proud that Ron Szafarczyk is my friend Mr. Speaker, Dr. Timuel D. Black, Jr.’s life wood Pioneers, by a score of 35–21, to win and I cannot thank him enough for all that he has been seen through the lenses of discrimi- the Class 5 State Championship. has done for me over the years. I am even nation, restrictive housing covenants, marches The Falcons finished their incredible season more grateful for what he has done for so and protests for human rights and dignity, and by posting an undefeated 14–0 record. In a many for so long; strangers and friends alike. struggles for social and political self-deter- hard-won championship game, Staley scored Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other mination and empowerment that have been an 80-yard drive in the 4th quarter, taking 7 distinguished colleagues join me in com- preserved and will be unveiled for Chicago, minutes off the clock. Staley then made a de- mending Mr. Ronald Szafarczyk for his out- this nation, and indeed the world to now see. fensive stop to win the school’s first-ever state standing contributions to the town of Griffith I commend him and the Chicago Public Li- title, and the first football title for the North and the community of Northwest Indiana, and brary for their forethought in capturing, record- Kansas City School District. Staley’s football to wish him well upon his retirement. Ron has ing, and displaying an important part of Amer- team also became the first in Missouri history given his time and efforts selflessly to the ican history. I am privileged to enter these to have two-2,000 yard rushers, with Morgan community and his service is worthy of the words in the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD of the Steward earning 2225 yards and Trent Hosick highest praise. U.S. House of Representatives. 2054 yards. f I want to recognize the great leadership of f the team, including Head Coach Fred Bou- TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE AND LEG- chard and the work of his assistant coaches. ACY OF DR. TIMUEL D. BLACK, HONORING DR. FELICIA MOSS I also want to acknowledge the work of Super- JR. OF CHICAGO MAYFIELD intendent Todd White, and Principal Clark Mershon as additional keys to success. HON. BOBBY L. RUSH HON. HENRY C. ‘‘HANK’’ JOHNSON, JR. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in con- OF ILLINOIS OF GEORGIA gratulating the Staley Falcons High School IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES football team on their perfect season and State Championship. It is an honor to rep- Wednesday, January 18, 2012 Wednesday, January 18, 2012 resent this team in the United States Con- Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I gress and I wish them the best of luck in the to the life and legacy of my friend and con- submit the following proclamation, seasons to come. stituent Dr. Timuel D. Black, Jr. on the occa- Whereas, Thirty-six years ago a virtuous sion today of the unveiling of the ‘‘Timuel D. f woman of God accepted her calling to serve Black Jr. Papers’’ at the Vivian G. Harsh Re- in the Educational System in DeKalb County, CELEBRATING RON SZAFARCZYK’S search Collection of Afro-American History Georgia; and RETIREMENT and Literature of the ’s Carter G. Woodson Regional Branch. Whereas, Dr. Felicia Moss Mayfield began HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY The grandson of slaves, Dr. Black was born her educational career in teaching, she rose to in Birmingham, Alabama in 1919. He and his the rank of Associate Superintendent for Stu- OF INDIANA dent Support Services and has served the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES family, who were part of the first big wave of African-Americans to migrate from the South, DeKalb County Public Schools System well Wednesday, January 18, 2012 came to Chicago when he was just 8 months and our community has been blessed through her service; and Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with old. He is the product of the Chicago Public great pleasure that I congratulate Mr. Ronald Schools system, graduating from DuSable Whereas, this phenomenal woman has Szafarczyk on his retirement from his position High School and completed his undergraduate shared her time and talents as a Teacher, Ed- of Clerk-Treasurer for the town of Griffith, Indi- degree at and graduate ucator, Administrator and Motivator, giving the ana. Ron has dedicated his life to public serv- degree at the University of Chicago. citizens of Georgia a person of great worth, a ice and the interests of the residents of Grif- Dr. Black taught in the Chicago Public fearless leader, a devoted scholar and a serv- fith. For his lifetime of serving the people of Schools for 40 years, served as a Dean of ant to all who wants to advance the lives of Griffith and Northwest Indiana, Ron will be Transfer Programs and Vice President in the our youth; and honored at a celebratory reception on Thurs- City Colleges of Colleges. He is Professor Whereas, Dr. Mayfield is formally retiring day, January 19, 2012, at Andorra Banquets Emeritus of Social Science at the City Col- from her educational career today, she will in Schererville, Indiana. leges’ Harold Washington College. Dr. Black is continue to promote education because she is Ron’s interest in local politics began in a revered political and social activist, commu- a cornerstone in our community that has en- 1967, when he became a precinct committee- nity leader, oral historian, and philosopher. hanced the lives of thousands for the better- man for the town of Griffith. For the past twen- It was while teaching in the City Colleges ment of our District and Nation; and ty-four years, Ron has served the town of Grif- system that Black trained himself to be an oral Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the fith in numerous elected capacities. In 1987, historian. His collection includes the extended Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this Ron ran for a position on the town council and versions of the 400 interviews that were ex- day to honor and recognize Dr. Felicia Moss was elected as a councilman, serving from cerpted for Black’s celebrated two-book series, Mayfield on her retirement from the DeKalb 1988 to 1996. Ron was then elected Clerk- Bridges of Memory: Chicago’s First Wave of County Public Schools System and to wish Treasurer, and served in this capacity for six- Great Migration, which chronicled black Chi- her well in her new endeavors; teen years. Ron’s passion, devotion, and con- cago history from the 1920s to the present. Now therefore, I, HENRY C. ‘‘HANK’ JOHN- tinuous support to the town of Griffith are re- Dr. Black was a pioneer in the independent, SON, JR. do hereby proclaim December 16, markable and he is to be commended. progressive black political movement in Chi- 2011 as Dr. Felicia Moss Mayfield Day in the In addition to his impressive career with the cago which eventually saw the rise of Chi- 4th Congressional District of Georgia. town of Griffith, Ron is a member of the Grif- cago’s first Black Mayor, the late Harold Proclaimed, This 16th day of December, fith Rotary, the Griffith Chamber of Commerce, Washington. Black has spent his life furthering 2011.

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