16104 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS, Vol. 152, Pt. 12 July 26, 2006 of an event. These awards can be made in They have four children and two grand- and volunteers across the country and abroad advance of the event for immediate response. children. Their youngest son, Adam, is cur- who maintain our nation’s public parks and f rently serving aboard in USS Los Angeles recreation facilities. In addition, I would like to (SSN 688), stationed at Pearl Harbor. commemorate National Recreation and Parks SUPPORT FOR THE BREAST CAN- Father Barnard’s gracious presence and Month, celebrated annually since 1984 CER PATIENT PROTECTION ACT true dedication to the work and word of Christ throughout the month of July. The purpose of is an instrumental part of my life. He guides National Recreation and Parks Month is not HON. LUIS FORTUN˜O his flock diligently and challenges us to remain only to celebrate the start of summer pro- OF PUERTO RICO faithful to pursuing our walk with Christ daily. grams but also to advocate for parks and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES I am thankful for his leadership and his pres- recreation by encouraging communities to en- ence here today. It is truly and honor. gage in outdoor physical activities and volun- Wednesday, July 26, 2006 f teering. Mr. FORTUN˜ O. Mr. Speaker, today I ex- Recently, I have undertaken a bipartisan press my strong support for H.R. 1849, the RECOGNIZING THE BETHLEHEM proposal to stop the dumping of sewage into Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act. Breast CENTERS OF NASHVILLE AS ONE the Great Lakes. Initiatives like these are only cancer adversely affects hundreds of thou- OF THE TOP RATED CHILD CARE the beginning. Through the efforts of Congress sands of American women and their families CENTERS IN THE COUNTRY and the National Recreation and Park Asso- each year. Introduced by Representatives SUE ciation, America moves toward a brighter hori- KELLY and ROSA DELAURO, this bill would re- HON. JIM COOPER zon in environmental policy. National Recre- quire that health plans provide coverage for a OF TENNESSEE ation and Parks Month is an important occa- minimum hospital stay for mastectomies, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES sion to remind us of our dedication to the preservation of the environment, and serves lumpectomies and lymph node dissection for Wednesday, July 26, 2006 the treatment of breast cancer and coverage as an aide-me´moire for all Americans to enjoy for secondary consultations. H.R. 1849, in Mr. COOPER. Mr. Speaker, today I wish to the natural wonders of our nation. As a member of the National Parks Caucus, conjunction with its Senate companion bill, S. recognize Bethlehem Centers of Nashville and it is my honor to recognize the collective ef- 901, represents an important bicameral effort express my heartfelt congratulations on their forts of volunteers and staff alike whose con- to improve and ensure the health of American fourth year to receive a three-star rating from tributions and involvement with the nation’s women. Tennessee Department of Human Services for their child care services. public parks and recreation facilities continue I strongly believe that H.R. 1849 is a valu- to shape American communities as well as the able tool to provide effective health care and Founded in 1894 as the United Methodist Neighborhood Centers, today the Bethlehem environment. Today, we celebrate the National recovery support to those impacted by breast Recreation and Park Association’s accom- cancer. Centers of Nashville serve thousands of chil- dren, young adults, adult women and senior plishments and persistent efforts to preserve f citizens in the North Nashville and downtown our environment and show appreciation for the IN HONOR OF REVEREND RICHARD neighborhoods. Bethlehem Centers provide a nation’s public parks and recreation facilities. KEVIN BARNARD variety of services designed to support individ- The NRPA’s initiative, along with support pro- uals regardless of their economic background. vided by volunteers and staff, truly sow the With the goal of helping individuals toward seeds for communal growth. Such achieve- HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS becoming strong, independent and contrib- ments deserve recognition not just during this OF TEXAS uting members of their family and community, month, but at every opportunity throughout the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Bethlehem Centers provide Nashvillians with year. Wednesday, July 26, 2006 life skills training, tutoring, nutrition counseling, f Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to senior outreach programs, business and ca- TRIBUTE TO CORA T. WALKER welcome my pastor, Reverend Richard Kevin reer training, GED preparation, mentoring, and Barnard. I am honored Father Barnard is here even daily hot lunches. HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON In addition to these community programs, today to lead us in glory and praise of our Al- OF MISSISSIPPI Bethlehem Centers have earned a three-star mighty. Reverend Barnard has served as Rec- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES rating for their high quality child care services tor of The Chapel of the Cross—a Reformed Wednesday, July 26, 2006 Episcopal Church—since July of 1989. He has from the Tennessee Department of Human Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speak- also served Reformed Episcopal Congrega- Services. This is their fourth year to receive er, I would like to honor the life and legacy of tions in New Jersey and New York. the highest rating awarded by the State and to Ms. Cora T. Walker. Cora Thomasina Walker Before coming to The Chapel, Father Bar- be placed among the top rated child care cen- was born on June 20, 1922, in Charlotte, N.C., nard was Director of Communications for the ters in the Nation. I am proud to send my heartiest congratula- one of nine children of William and Benetta International Bible Society, which was then lo- tions to Bethlehem Centers’ Joyce Searcy and Jones Walker. The family moved to the Bronx cated in East Brunswick, NJ. In that capacity all the dedicated staff members who have when she was a child. When she was an ado- he was a regular participant in the monthly committed themselves to bettering Nashville’s lescent, her parents separated, leaving her, White House Forum for Religious Organiza- communities. her mother and her siblings dependent on tions during the Reagan Administration and I join with everyone in Tennessee’s Fifth public assistance. represented the Bible Society at public and District in applauding the Bethlehem Centers After graduating from James Monroe High private events, traveling to Central America, of Nashville for all that they do for the commu- School in the Bronx, Ms. Walker promptly in- Europe, Africa and Asia. nity and I commend everyone at Bethlehem formed the Welfare Department that their help Father Barnard is the author of two books Centers of Nashville who make it a special was no longer required: she would support the and numerous articles, and is also a Past place to learn, play and grow. family. She took a night job as a teletype op- Master of Roy Stanley Masonic Lodge in Dal- f erator with Western Union and also sold las. Christmas cards. Before becoming a Reformed Episcopalian, TRIBUTE TO NATIONAL At the same time, Ms. Walker was enrolled the Reverend Barnard was a Baptist pastor, RECREATION AND PARKS MONTH at St. John’s University, then in Brooklyn, in a serving congregations in Missouri, Florida and special 6-year program in which students Tennessee. He is a graduate of Baptist Bible HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI earned both a bachelor’s degree and a law College, Springfield, MO, and holds the Mas- OF ILLINOIS degree. She received a bachelor’s degree in ter of Divinity Degree from Cummins Theo- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES accounting from St. John’s in 1945 and a law logical Seminary, a Reformed Episcopal semi- degree the next year. nary in Summerville, SC. Wednesday, July 26, 2006 For much of her career, Ms. Walker was ac- Father Barnard is married to the former Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to tive in the National Bar Association, a histori- Miss Paula Ann Henderson of Fort Worth, TX. honor the essential contributions of employees cally black organization. She helped found the

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So she struck out on County Mayor Kenneth Copeland, Living- Wednesday, July 26, 2006 her own. ston Mayor Frank Martin and the Overton Active in Republican politics, Ms. Walker ran County Bicentennial Committee will lead the Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise unsuccessfully for the New York State Senate celebration in September. They have done an today to recognize the citizens of Burns, Kan- in 1958 and 1964. In 1970, The New York outstanding job in organizing this event and sas for continuing efforts to sustain and revi- Times included her—the only woman—on a leading the community into the 21st Century. talize their community. list of the most powerful leaders in Harlem. I wish them well and hope the next 200 years With a population of approximately 450, the In 1960, Cora Walker became the first are as prosperous and progressive as the first citizens of Burns and the surrounding area woman to serve as president of the Harlem 200 years. demonstrate pride in their community through Lawyers Association. Until recently her law action. firm was located in Harlem, first on 125th f Over the course of many years, steps have Street and later from a renovated brownstone been taken to ensure that the future of Burns on Lenox Avenue. Ms. Walker was the first IN HONOR OF THE GIBBINS’ 75TH is a bright one. woman to run for president of the NBA. This WEDDING ANNIVERSARY In October of 2002, ground was broken on is a little known fact by the younger lawyers. a new community center. With assistance from A recipient of numerous awards, the annual the Kansas Department of Commerce Kan- Black Law Student’s Association’s Breakfast HON. MARION BERRY Step Program, the building was completed in held at the annual NBA Convention is named March of 2003. During that five-month period, OF ARKANSAS in her honor. She retired from the practice of crews of volunteers worked on the center on law in 1999. The same year the New York IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES a daily basis. Cabinets and More, a local busi- County Lawyers’ Association installed a ness, volunteered more than 300 hours of plaque outside her Lenox Avenue law office Wednesday, July 26, 2006 labor to build and install cabinets. A donation of $18,000 was made by the Burns school commemorating her half-century of practicing Mr. BERRY. Mr. Speaker, I rise here today alumni for window blinds and furniture. Twenty law. to pay tribute to a special couple from Eng- In 1988, she helped found the Corporate tables and 200 chairs were provided at cost— land, Arkansas, Eityhel and Luvesta Gibbins, Counsel Conference which is still sponsored saving the community $7,000. The end result who celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary annually by the Commercial Law and Cor- is a building that sports a wellness center, porate Law Section of the NBA. Her first client on July 3, 2006. This is a significant milestone youth room, a place for seniors to quilt and a was an undertaker, for whom she did collec- and one that only a very few are fortunate great kitchen. The center is constantly re- tions. Before her retirement, her firm was rep- enough to celebrate in their lifetime. served for civic events and private gatherings. resenting corporate clients such as Conrail, Eityhel and Luvesta Gibbins met as children Carolyn Koehn, former city clerk and coordi- the Ford Motor Company, Texas Instruments in Fairbanks, Arkansas, and decided to marry nator of the community center project, be- and Kentucky Fried Chicken. Although she in the summer of 1931. The couple made their lieves the facility demonstrates a collective was representing corporate clients, she contin- home in Lonoke County, Arkansas and spent willingness to enhance Burns’ quality of life— ued to draft wills and represent the ‘‘plain, or- the next forty-five years growing cotton, soy- today and for future generations. ‘‘This project would have not succeeded without the culture dinary, not elegant people’’ . beans, and wheat. Throughout the years, the of volunteerism and the acceptance of change Cora T. Walker made an impact on the lives Gibbins’ were blessed with four children—Van and new ideas in the Burns community,’’ of many black lawyers across the country. She D. Gibbins, Ulyes F. Gibbins, Lynn E. Gibbins, will be dearly missed, but not forgotten. It Koehn said. and Joe C. Gibbins—and now have the pleas- gives me great pleasure to give tribute to Ms. More recently, residents banded together to ure of spending time with seven grandchildren Cora T. Walker. transform the former post office into a new and eight great-grandchildren. f community library and city hall. Grant funding Their love for each other and their family ex- from USDA Rural Development covered HONORING THE 200TH ANNIVER- tends to their neighbors as well, where they $50,000 of the project expense. Impressively, SARY OF OVERTON COUNTY continue to stay involved in their community. more than $95,000 was raised by the Burns They remain active members of the Coy Public Library Board from private sources. Ap- HON. BART GORDON Church of Christ and are often seen partici- proximately half that amount came from local OF TENNESSEE pating in local activities and events. Their en- and area residents. The fundraising effort con- sisted of phone calls, an ice cream social by IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ergy is truly remarkable and perhaps the se- the Burns United Methodist Church and an cret to a long and fulfilling life. Wednesday, July 26, 2006 800 letter fundraising campaign. The new city Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to A 75th wedding anniversary reminds us that hall and library was completed in May of 2006. recognize the 200th anniversary of Overton marriage is not an instant achievement but a Barb Stuhlsatz, library board president, is ex- County, Tennessee, which I have the honor of covenant that requires love, patience, and re- cited by the additional opportunities that the representing in this esteemed body. The spect. Eityhel and Luvesta Gibbins have per- new facility affords area residents. ‘‘We now Upper Cumberland community will commemo- fected this commitment to each other and are have a state-of-the-art library that provides rate its bicentennial with a 3-day celebration in truly blessed to have a strong marriage, their reading programs, GED assistance and com- September. family, and a lifetime of memories. As they live puter access to residents of Burns and the The area of Overton County was originally each day by their wedding vows, they con- surrounding area,’’ Stuhlsatz said. encompassed in North Carolina as part of the tinue to inspire all who are fortunate to know The Burns PRIDE committee is always 13 original colonies. The location was ideal for them. searching for ways to promote the community. settlers due to its fresh water, fertile soil, Sandy Heyman, a committee member, came abundant wild game and moderate climate. On July 3rd, 2006, Eityhel and Luvesta up with a unique way to achieve this goal. She The area had been a heralded Native Amer- Gibbins joined their family at a celebration to initiated the sale of two-foot tall concrete ican hunting ground for many years. honor their 75 years of marriage. I ask my col- roosters to local businesses and residents. As the community grew and prospered, the leagues to join me in congratulating them on Upon sale, the roosters were then creatively General Assembly of Tennessee named the this joyous occasion and sending our best decorated. In May of 2004, Burns hosted its area Overton County on September 11th, wishes for many more years of love and hap- first ever Rooster Parade. In all, more than 60 1806. The county was named for Judge John piness. roosters have been sold, decorated and are

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