March 16, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E333 HONORING AMELIA BOYNTON HONORING GWEN MCCLAIN A TRIBUTE TO ANN NEILSON—28TH ROBINSON CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT HON. JASON SMITH WOMAN OF THE YEAR HON. MARC A. VEASEY OF MISSOURI OF TEXAS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF CALIFORNIA Monday, March 16, 2015 Monday, March 16, 2015 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise Mr. VEASEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Monday, March 16, 2015 today to honor Gwen McClain of Steeleville, honor Amelia Boynton Robinson, a woman Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in who made vast contributions to the civil rights Missouri, for her outstanding achievement of receiving the Patriot’s Pen Award. The Na- honor of Women’s History Month. Each year, movement. we pay special tribute to the contributions and Amelia Boynton was born on August 18, tional Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest is an an- sacrifices made by our nation’s women. It is 1911 in Savannah, Georgia, and was first ex- nual competition sponsored by the Veterans of an honor to pay homage to outstanding posed to the fight for equal rights at the age Foreign Wars. While over 200 essays were women who are making a difference in my of 9, when she joined her mother in the wom- submitted in the state of Missouri, Gwen’s Congressional District. I would like to recog- en’s suffrage movement. She learned four stood out above the rest. nize a remarkable woman, Ann Neilson of La principles of life that she still carries on today: The theme of the 2015 National Patriot’s Can˜ada Flintridge, California. daily praying, always helping and showing Pen Contest was ‘‘Why I appreciate America’s Born in Los Angeles and raised in Manhat- compassion for others, standing up for the Veterans.’’ Students were encouraged to ex- tan Beach, Ms. Neilson and her husband, morally right, and becoming economically amine America’s history, along with their own Bob, have lived in La Can˜ada Flintridge for independent. experiences in modern American society. As a After graduating from Tuskegee University, recipient of this award, Gwen has shown re- over fifty years. Well-regarded as a straight- she also studied at Tennessee State, Virginia markable creativity and maturity. forward, tireless community leader, Ann is in- State, and Temple University. She became a It is my pleasure to congratulate Gwen volved in numerous charitable organizations in registered voter in 1932, and was one of the McClain on her great accomplishment before La Can˜ada Flintridge. She has been a Docent first people to pass tests used as a barrier to the U.S. House of Representatives. at the Lanterman House for over two decades, and is a past and present Board member. She prevent Southern blacks from being able to f vote. is active in the Assistance League of Flintridge In 1930, Amelia met Dallas County exten- HONORING BRANDAN SCOTT (ALF), a nonprofit service organization of vol- sion agent Samuel Boynton. The two shared FITZGERALD unteers committed to serving the needs of the the desire to improve the lives of African- community through philanthropic programs de- Americans in their community. As a result, the HON. SAM GRAVES veloped and administered by its members. Ms. Boynton’s became co-founders of the Dallas Neilson was Chair of the College Application OF MISSOURI County Voters League in 1933. In 1936, Amel- Essay Committee, Chair of the Retired Service IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ia and Samuel married and had two sons, Bill, Volunteer Committee, a volunteer at the Bar- Jr. and Bruce Carver. After losing her husband Monday, March 16, 2015 gain Box Thrift Shop, and a member of the in 1963, Amelia was not deterred from her Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I Budget Committee. Ann’s current project with commitment to improve the lives of African proudly pause to recognize Brandan Scott ALF is Chair of their impressive Summer ˜ Americans. Fitzgerald. Brandan is a very special young School program for La Canada Flintridge chil- On February 29, 1964, Amelia Boynton ran man who has exemplified the finest qualities dren grades one through eight, a project that on the Democratic ticket for a seat in Con- of citizenship and leadership by taking an ac- the league subsidizes. Another organization that is near and dear gress representing the state of Alabama, be- tive part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop to her heart, Ann has been active in the Girl coming the first African-American woman to 314, and earning the most prestigious award Scouts of America for nearly forty-six years. run as a Democratic candidate as well as the of Eagle Scout. She served as a Leader, was President of the first woman to run in the state’s history. Brandan has been very active with his Mt. Wilson/Vista Girl Scout Council for six On March 7, 1965, at the age of 53, Amelia troop, participating in many scout activities. years, Director and Co-Director of two Girl joined fellow civil rights activist Martin Luther Over the many years Brandan has been in- Scout Day Camps in La Can˜ada Flintridge, King, Jr. in organizing the marches from volved with scouting, he has not only earned and Co-Organizer of the 100th Anniversary Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. On that fate- numerous merit badges, but also the respect Girl Scout Float for the 2012 Pasadena Tour- ful day, 600 peaceful protestors tried to cross of his family, peers, and community. Most no- nament of Roses Parade. Ms. Neilson is also the Edmund Pettus Bridge and were met with tably, Brandan has contributed to his commu- very involved in the La Can˜ada Flintridge the violence known as ‘‘Bloody Sunday.’’ For- nity through his Eagle Scout project. Tournament of Roses Association, established ever immortalized by photograph, the nation Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in in 1979, where she is a Founding Member. saw Amelia Boynton beaten unconscious and commending Brandan Scott Fitzgerald for his The association has produced volunteer-made left for dead on this tragic day. accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of ‘‘Bloody Sunday’’ prompted swift action by floats for the Pasadena Tournament of Roses America and for his efforts put forth in achiev- Congress and resulted in President Lyndon B. Parades for nearly four decades, winning ing the highest distinction of Eagle Scout. Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act on Au- awards in the majority of the parades. She gust 6, 1965. President Johnson invited Amel- f served as President for three years and now ia as a guest of honor during the signing of serves as Past President. OUR UNCONSCIONABLE NATIONAL this important civil rights legislation. Married for nearly sixty years, Ann and Bob DEBT After the signing of the Voting Rights Act, have four children, Beth, Karen, Nancy and Amelia continued her leadership across the Jim, and one grandchild, Emily. nation as a writer, speaker, and social change HON. MIKE COFFMAN I ask all Members to join me in honoring an ambassador. OF COLORADO exceptional woman of California’s 28th Con- In 1990, Boynton was awarded the Martin IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES gressional District, Ann Neilson. Luther King, Jr. Medal of Freedom. She con- Monday, March 16, 2015 f tinued to tour the United States on behalf of the Schiller Institute, which continues to de- Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, on January TRIBUTE TO DORIS DIDDY fend the human and moral rights of all. 20, 2009, the day President Obama took of- And on March 7, 2015, I was proud to have fice, the national debt was HON. DAVID YOUNG walked alongside Amelia Boynton during the $10,626,877,048,913.08. OF IOWA 50th Anniversary of the March in Selma, Ala- Today, it is $18,152,457,339,107.97. We’ve IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES bama. I ask my colleagues who also traced added $7,525,580,290,194.89 to our debt in 6 the very footsteps that Amelia took to pledge years. This is over $7.5 trillion in debt our na- Monday, March 16, 2015 to go beyond just remembering those who tion, our economy, and our children could Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise sacrificed for us and resolve to carry on their have avoided with a balanced budget amend- today to recognize Doris Diddy for her many legacy with action. ment. years of service at the bank in Menlo, Iowa.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:35 Mar 17, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A16MR8.011 E16MRPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with REMARKS E334 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 16, 2015 For the past 55 years, Ms. Diddy has education teacher as well as a football and that same year, was instrumental in raising served the people of Menlo as an outstanding track coach. Over his many years in education substantial funds that will be used to paint the and dedicated employee, offering reliable and Mr. Cappelli served as a vice-principal at Tri- entire school. She launched the ‘‘I Keep King friendly service. Her first day of employment ton High School for ten years and as its prin- Clean’’ project with a group of parents who was January 15, 1960, and since that time cipal for another twenty-four years. clean the school and carry out other beautifi- she has seen four company changes, but she Mr. Cappelli also served the people of New cation tasks, and was ultimately successful in has stayed at her post at the bank, serving Jersey in a number of civic posts. He honored obtaining a professional cleaning service for her fellow community members. Great service his heritage through his leadership with Order the school. In addition, Ms. Plant has been a goes a long way, and I am honored to see fel- of the Sons of Italy, serving as the president key force with upcoming efforts to decorate low Iowans like Doris providing service second for his local Lodge 494 and the Grand Lodge the perimeter fences at the school, the ‘‘Chain to none. of the State of New Jersey. Serving on the Link Art Gallery’’ project, and the upcoming I know that my colleagues in the United board of directors for the Cerebral Palsy renovation of the library and the gym. States Congress join me in commending Doris School & Treatment Center of Camden Coun- Married for eleven years, Renae and her Diddy for her service to Menlo and Rolling ty, Mr. Cappelli never shied away from being husband, Livinio, have three children, Ilan, Hills Band and Trust as she faithfully defended a part of a good movement. Mateo and Deklan. their vault for 55 years. I consider it an honor He was an effective and beloved member of I ask all Members to join me in honoring an to represent her in Congress, and I wish her the Collingswood Board of Education, and was exceptional woman of California’s 28th Con- the best in her future endeavors. known as advocate for the needs of the stu- gressional District, Renae Plant. f dents, even when those positions were un- f popular. He was also a valued member of the HONORING POTS RECOGNIZING STATE OF PENNSYL- Camden County College board of trustees. I VANIA VFW DEPARTMENT knew Mr. Cappelli as a vital member of the HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL PRESIDENT BRENDA JOHNSON community, who couldn’t have been more OF NEW YORK proud of his family. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HON. MICHAEL G. FITZPATRICK Mr. Speaker, Louis Cappelli, Sr. was a great Monday, March 16, 2015 OF PENNSYLVANIA man who exemplified the true meaning of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES community leader and family-man. I join with Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, as the Congres- my community and all of New Jersey in hon- sional Representative for New York’s 16th Dis- Monday, March 16, 2015 oring the achievements of this truly excep- trict, I am always amazed by some of the work Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, the Ladies tional man. our great civic organizations do to better the Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of f community. Part of the Solution, better known the United States was established to serve our as POTS, is one of those fantastic organiza- nation’s veterans and their families. This orga- A TRIBUTE TO RENAE PLANT— tions that has done so much for so very many nization honors military service and ensures 28TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT throughout the Bronx. that the history of America’s veterans is pre- WOMAN OF THE YEAR POTS is a 501(c)(3) organization that served for future generations. With the help of serves as a ‘‘one-stop shop’’ for individuals liv- its 500,000 members, the organization serves HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF ing in poverty. The goal of the organization is those who have been called to the highest OF CALIFORNIA to help those in need on their journeys from honor by maintaining veterans’ memorials, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES crisis to stability and, ultimately, self-suffi- sharing veterans’ history with the community, ciency. By nourishing the basic needs and Monday, March 16, 2015 volunteering at veterans’ hospitals, and pro- hunger of those who come through their viding scholarships to students recognizing pa- Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in doors, the organization seeks to create a posi- triotism through art and volunteerism. One honor of Women’s History Month. Each year, tive, loving, and caring community in the very special member, who I would like to rec- we pay special tribute to the contributions and Bronx. POTS offers a wide variety of services ognize today, President Brenda Johnson, ral- sacrifices made by our nation’s women. It is that were designed to work in concert to ad- lies the theme ‘‘LOVE FOR OUR VETERANS’’ an honor to pay homage to outstanding dress diverse and complex issues. From cloth- in my home state of Pennsylvania. President women who are making a difference in my ing and food pantry programs to comprehen- Johnson, a resident of Falls Township, is a Congressional District. I would like to recog- sive legal services, POTS does it all. Even in Life Auxiliary member of the VFW#6495 lo- nize a remarkable woman, Renae Plant of Los instances where POTS does not provide di- cated on Haines Road in Levittown, Bucks Feliz, a unique neighborhood in Los Angeles, rectly needed service, their staff will link in- County, PA, one of seven auxiliaries in my California. coming clients with other groups or organiza- home district. I would like to thank President Born in Eumundi, Queensland, Australia, tions that can help them. Simply put, anyone Johnson and the Ladies Auxiliary for their con- Renae moved to the United States in 1994 who comes to POTS for help gets it. tinued support and dedication and wish them with dreams of becoming an actor. After living Since the very first meal in 1982, POTS has continued success as they serve our veterans in New York for six years, where she was a served hundreds of thousands of New York- and their families. model and actor, she moved to Los Angeles ers, and this year will help more than 20,000 individuals, including 6,000 children. They f in 2000, and established a management com- pany, Nebula Management. Shortly after, she have been an absolute godsend to the Bronx IN HONOR OF LOUIS F. CAPPELLI, began a second business, a maternity tee and continue to do more and more every year SR. shirt line. In 2007, Renae and her husband, to help those in trying times. Livinio, rescued the local preschool their The Riverdale Jewish Community Relations HON. DONALD NORCROSS daughter attended, Camelot Kids, located in Council is honoring POTS with the Community Organization Award at their annual Legislative OF NEW JERSEY the Silver Lake area of Los Angeles, which Breakfast. They have chosen a wonderful or- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES had been on the verge of permanent closure. After three months of meetings, the preschool ganization to honor. My sincere congratula- Monday, March 16, 2015 was able to re-open its doors. Now eight years tions go out to the entire Board and staff of Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today later, with Ms. Plant as the Director, the pre- POTS on receiving this well deserved recogni- to honor the memory of Louis F. Cappelli, Sr. school is known for its warm, nurturing envi- tion and award. for his achievements, contributions and serv- ronment that encourages a natural love of f ice to the people of New Jersey as an educa- learning, and is an award-winning school with TRIBUTE TO JACLYN EASTER tor, advocate and leader. Mr. Cappelli passed a long waiting list. away at the age of eighty this year and will An accomplished organizer, Renae has re- truly be missed. cently given her time and talent to the Thomas HON. DAVID YOUNG OF IOWA Mr. Cappelli graduated with a bachelor’s de- Starr King Middle School, where her daughter, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES gree from Trenton State College and a Mas- Ilan attends the Environmental Magnet pro- ter’s degree from Temple University both in gram. In 2014, she joined the Executive Board Monday, March 16, 2015 education. Particularly valuing his work with as Treasurer of Friends of King, a parent sup- Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise to young athletes, Mr. Cappelli was a physical port and fundraising group for the school, and honor Jaclyn Easter, a middle school science

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