September 14, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1583 outstanding career in journalism and long- In the early 1990s, after falling into some The town has also contributed to the leader- standing dedication to serving the people of disrepair, Fairyland enjoyed a renaissance ship and historic preservation of North Caro- Long Island, New York. As the owner of the when its long-time patrons and supporters in lina, sending Carroll P. Rogers to serve as Mineola America for 40 years and as the writ- the Lake Merritt Breakfast Club proposed that State Representative in 1929, 1939, and 1941. er of the Mineola America column Around the it become a nonprofit organization. Now, as a Rogers cosponsored a bill enabling the state Town with Lou, Mr. Sanders serves as a sta- 501(c)(3) organization, Children’s Fairyland to purchase the site of Tryon Palace in New ple to the residents of Mineola. For these rea- can apply for grant funding to support its up- Bern. In 1933, internationally renowned singer sons and many others, I believe he is worthy keep and growth. Part of Fairyland’s universal and human rights activist Nina Simone (nee of recognition. appeal is its simple ability to entertain all types Eunice Waymon) born in Tryon. Lastly, in Mr. Sanders earned his degree in journalism of families, especially the underserved. 1985, Foothills Equestrian Nature Center at New York University and has been an irre- Through a grant from Alameda County’s Every (F.E.N.C.E) came into being as a nonprofit na- placeable asset to his community in many ca- Child Counts, Fairyland currently waives the ture education and outdoor recreation center, pacities. Lou has been elected the position of cost of admission for approximately 4,000 low- built around an original contribution of 112 President of the Mineola Chamber of Com- income children each year. acres from the Mahler family, which emigrated merce five times and has been elected twice In a rapidly changing 21st century, Fairyland to Tryon in the 1920s. for the position of President of the Nassau is a local treasure—a place where both chil- Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues today County Press Association. Lou and his wife dren and adults can find the time and space to rise with me in recognizing the amazing Grace started the Mineola America in 1952 to enjoy the simple pleasures of childhood. contributions of the town of Tryon on its 125th and, after 40 years, sold the paper to Anton While it hearkens back to times of pastoral anniversary. The purpose of this commenda- Community Newspapers. As the current writer bliss and fanciful characters, it also provides a tion is to increase public awareness of the of the Mineola America column Around the sense of timelessness and calm in the midst considerable natural assets and cultural herit- Two with Lou, Mr. Sanders consistently offers of an urban city. Fairyland’s long list of acco- age Tryon offers to its citizens and visitors and the community encouraging words about the lades includes being named ‘‘Best of the Bay’’ to encourage their active participation in the issues affecting Long Islanders’ day-to-day from the San Francisco Chronicle, ‘‘Best yearlong celebration of the town and its his- life. Amusement Park’’ and ‘‘Best Children’s The- tory. Lou is a part of what makes Mineola, New ater’’ from Bay Area Parent, and ‘‘Best Birth- f York a wonderful place to live, and I am grate- day Party’’ from Diablo Magazine. ful to him for all that he has provided to the On behalf of California’s 9th Congressional THOMAS BURKE RETIREMENT community. I ask my colleagues to join me in District, I want to extend my congratulations expressing the gratitude of the U.S. Congress on this important milestone. I want to thank all HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY for his contributions to society. of the many people who have contributed to OF INDIANA f the continued success of Children’s Fairyland. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HONORING CHILDREN’S I wish you the very best. Tuesday, September 14, 2010 FAIRYLAND 60TH ANNIVERSARY f Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with HONORING THE 125TH ANNIVER- great pleasure that I stand before you to honor HON. BARBARA LEE SARY OF THE TOWN OF TRYON, Mr. Thomas A. Burke on his retirement from OF CALIFORNIA NORTH CAROLINA his position as Business Representative for IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the Chicago Pipe Fitters. Tom, a member of Tuesday, September 14, 2010 HON. HEATH SHULER Pipe Fitters Local #597 for many years, has Ms. LEE of California. Madam Speaker, I OF NORTH CAROLINA made the interests of his fellow tradesmen his rise today to honor the 60th Anniversary of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES top priority. For his devotion and lifetime of service to the Pipe Fitters, Tom was honored Children’s Fairyland, the quintessential story- Tuesday, September 14, 2010 book park on the shores of Oakland’s Lake at a retirement dinner that took place Satur- Merritt. Since its debut in 1950, Fairyland has Mr. SHULER. Madam Speaker, I rise today day, August 21, 2010. been an affordable and charming haven for to honor the 125th anniversary of the town of Tom Burke has been a proud member of children to play, dream and explore the Tryon in western North Carolina. Tryon, a Local #597 since he began his apprenticeship reaches of their imaginations. town of 1,760 residents, has a very rich and 44 years ago. From the moment Tom began It was the vision of local businessman Ar- important history and culture. his apprenticeship, he received the unmarked thur Navlet in 1948 that led to the civic-minded In 1767, William Tryon, Royal Colonial Gov- title of second generation pipe fitter, following Lake Merritt Breakfast Club’s endorsement of ernor of North Carolina, negotiated a demar- his father along with his brother, Dennis. Since an innovative children’s park consisting of cation line to separate territory claimed by set- his apprenticeship, Tom has held many posi- fairytale and storybook sets, farm animals and tlers from Cherokee hunting grounds to the tions, including journeyman, foreman, and live entertainment for families. With the sup- west. In 1877, the Asheville-Spartanburg Rail- superintendant. While working as a skilled and port of Oakland’s Parks Superintendent Wil- road created a line to connect the markets dedicated pipe fitter, Tom assumed numerous liam Penn Mott, Jr., the Breakfast Club’s and ports of the South Carolina Lowcountry to roles of leadership. He served for one term as record-breaking fundraising efforts, and the the people and resources of western North a member of the Federation of Labor Board, creative design of architect William Russell Carolina, Tennessee, and the Ohio River val- joining an honorable group that stands up for Everitt, Fairyland opened its gates on Sep- ley, which had a significant impact on the di- working men and women, and giving his time tember 2, 1950. rection of the region’s economic and social de- to an organization that creates a united voice Word of the whimsical attraction soon velopment. for Chicago’s labor movement. He went on spread, due in large part to the efforts of City One of Tryon’s most famous early residents, from there to serve one term on the Exam- of Oakland Parks and Recreation information William Gillette, was a noted actor who, in col- ining Board, dedicating his time and expertise representative Burton Weber, who helped to laboration with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, cre- in assisting with apprentice entrance examina- create publicity through the famed ‘‘Fairyland ated the stage version of Sherlock Holmes in tions. His leadership roles continued as Tom Personalities’’ program for eight- to 10-year- 1889. In 1915, Eleanor Vance and Charlotte served two plus terms on the Executive Board old community representatives. Since then, Yale moves to Tryon and founded Tryon Toy- that made important decisions on various Fairyland has enchanted countless children makers and Wood Carvers, which trained local union matters. In such a prestigious position, and families throughout the nation, and its craftsmen for the creation of artisan furniture Tom was able to display his well developed success has relied on the commitment and in- and toys that were sold worldwide. In 1928, leadership skills, All of this past experience genuity of generations of volunteers, commu- Seth Vining launched the world’s smallest culminated in Tom’s election to the office of nity leaders, patrons and staff. daily newspaper, the Tryon Daily Bulletin. In Business Representative in 1998. He held this One of Children’s Fairyland’s famed visitors that same year, two Tryon physicians, Dr. honorable office until his retirement in 2010. was the then unknown, Walt Disney. In fact, it Allen J. Jervey and Dr. Marion C. Palmer, Northwest Indiana has a rich history of ex- is believed that the park inspired some of the founded the 25-bed St. Luke’s hospital with cellence in its craftsmanship and loyalty from ideas for his world-famous Disneyland Magic funds from an initial bequest by Miss Lucy its tradesmen. From one leadership position to Kingdom, which opened in southern California Embury, a grant from Duke Foundation, and the next, Tom has continued that history as he in 1955. $57,000 contributed by local citizens. displayed his unwavering dedication to the

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:56 Nov 24, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD10\RECFILES\E14SE0.REC E14SE0 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE E1584 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks September 14, 2010 members of the Pipe Fitters and other trades. his new position as the assistant coach at A TRIBUTE TO ONEONTA CON- He took on tasks that benefited not just Yavapai College. GREGATIONAL CHURCH OF tradesmen but also the greater community. SOUTH PASADENA The Pipe Fitters have supported and assisted f the community through their unwavering dedi- HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF cation, and the community continues to turn to HONORING ARTIST AND OF CALIFORNIA the trades when in need, and the Pipe Fitters MUSIC EDUCATOR MARCUS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES have been one of its greatest assets. BELGRAVE Tuesday, September 14, 2010 Tom’s dedication and loyalty to the trades is matched only by his devotion to his family. His Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today commitment to his community is truly admi- HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR. to recognize Oneonta Congregational Church rable, but his commitment to his family is most of South Pasadena upon its centennial anni- OF MICHIGAN impressive. Tom and his devoted wife, Bar- versary. bara, have one son, Brian, and one daughter, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Oneonta Congregational Church was estab- Shannon. lished in South Pasadena in 1910, when the Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my Tuesday, September 14, 2010 Ladies Aid Society called upon Dr. I. Curtis Meserve, D.D. to be the first pastor of the de- other distinguished colleagues join me in com- Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I rise to veloping church. The first services were held mending Thomas A. Burke for his lifetime of recognize the life and career of a friend and leadership, service, and dedication to the com- in the new high school and then in the parson- fellow Detroiter, Marcus Belgrave. He will be age bungalow, and the first Sunday school munity. He has given his time and efforts self- honored at the Congressional Black Caucus lessly to the tradesmen he has worked with met in a garden. Founders Day was October Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference and represented, as well as to the people of 12, 1910, when officers were elected at the Jazz Issue Forum and Concert on September Northwest Indiana. He has a personality that first official meeting. In 1911, land on Fletcher 16, 2010. Belgrave is a living jazz impresario; motivates those around him to work hard and Avenue was acquired for the first church build- be successful. His fellow officers and brother he plays, writes, composes, and teaches. In ing, which was completed in 1925. The church Pipe Fitters respect him and find him to be a doing so, he has inspired other artists such as was named after Henry E. Huntington’s home role model and a true friend. For his service and Kenny Garrett. town, the City of Oneonta, New York and it is and uncompromising dedication, Thomas A. In 2009, Marcus Belgrave was honored by a Native American name that means ‘‘place of Burke is worthy of the highest praise, and I the Kresge Foundation as their Eminent Artist. rest.’’ ask that you join me in wishing him well upon Belgrave’s career has spanned many genera- Since its inception one hundred years ago, his retirement. tions. During this time, he has worked with Oneonta Congregational church has only had f many of the great musicians of our time: Ray twelve senior ministers serve the church. One Charles, , , of the most beloved ministers was Dr. Henry RECOGNIZING RETIRING COACH McCoy Tyner, , Eric Dolphy, David Gray, the church’s fifth senior minister. JERRY DAWSON FOR 37 INSPIR- Under his leadership, land was purchased and Aretha Franklin, and Joe ING AND EXCEPTIONAL YEARS the new sanctuary was constructed. Dedicated Henderson. Every musician he has played on October 12, 1950, with the first worship with can attest to his skill as a musician and service held on October 15, the sanctuary, lo- HON. HARRY E. MITCHELL composer. OF ARIZONA cated on Garfield Avenue on the grounds of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Belgrave’s career started at the age of 18 the former Boothe estate, was designed by with several collaborations with . award-winning architect Herbert Powell and Tuesday, September 14, 2010 He was given a solo on the song Alexander’s was featured in Life Magazine for its beauty. Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise Ragtime Band on the album The Genius of Fellowship hall was completed in 1954, and today to recognize Coach Jerry Dawson’s re- Ray Charles. We have heard Belgrave’s tal- the Christian education building was com- tirement as Chaparral High School’s Head ents as a musician demonstrated on some of pleted in 1972. Baseball Coach after 37 inspiring and excep- ’s greatest hit records such as My Girl During the ministry of Dr. Gray, membership tional years. and Dancing in the Street. Belgrave is also an grew from 703 to 2,157. He instituted work- Coach Dawson is a well-known figure at original member of Lincoln Center Jazz Or- shops and interest groups, which included par- Chaparral High School in Arizona’s 5th Con- chestra. ticipation in worship services, program build- gressional District. Since the school’s very first ing, recreational activities and work in the varsity baseball season in 1974, he has been In 1997, as a jazz ambassador, Belgrave church office, and organized the pilgrim fellow- at the helm of the team as the head baseball carried the sounds of American jazz to Latin ship for youth and led youth church members coach. During his tenure, he led the Firebirds’ America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle on significant journeys overseas. baseball team to an amazing 23 regional East. In 1997, he traveled with five other Other notable senior ministers include Dr. championships, finished in the ‘‘final four’’ 19 Michigan jazz masters to Egypt, Ivory Coast, Charles Copenhaver, who hosted Sunday times, attained state runner up on four occa- Senegal, Syria, Tunisia, and Turkey as part of night radio broadcasts called ‘‘Let’s Talk,’’ and sions, and won the state champions eight a six-nation cultural exchange sponsored by Dr. Edwin Roberts, the longest-serving min- times. the U.S. Agency for International Develop- ister at twenty-one years, who was instru- Coach Dawson’s dedication to baseball and ment. mental in increasing church members’ partici- the students of Chaparral High School is re- Belgrave gravitated toward working with pation in voluntary church responsibilities and markable. In addition to creating and man- young musicians in during the 1970s. sharing resources generously with those in aging a successful baseball program, Jerry He established the Jazz Development Work- need. The twelfth and current minister is Rev- Dawson contributed much of his time to stu- shop and co-founded the Jazz Studies Pro- erend Douglas Brandt, who has added a con- dents as an instructor of Physical Education gram at the Detroit Metro Arts Complex. He is temporary worship service and increased out- and as the school’s Athletic Director. Through also a professor of Jazz studies at Oberlin reach to youth. In addition to Oneonta Con- these careers, he has inspired thousands of College in Ohio. Many of his young prote´ge´s gregational Church’s own ministries, such as Arizona’s youth and been recognized as the have established successful careers in the their music, adult, and youth ministries, ‘‘Coach of the Year’’ in Arizona nine times and music industry. congregants also volunteer for various organi- the national ‘‘Coach of the Year’’ three times. zations such as Door of Hope, Habitat for Hu- And, although he is retiring as a coach at Madam Speaker, Marcus Belgrave’s career manity, Neighborhood Urban Family Center, Chaparral, I am pleased to note that Coach has been nothing short of legendary. He has Union Station Homeless Services, YMCA, Dawson will continue to motivate young base- had a lasting impact on the music community Foothill Unity Center, Pan American Institute ball players in the upcoming season as an as- of Detroit and is recognized and appreciated and the Ronald McDonald House. sistant baseball coach at Yavapai College. around the world. His contributions as a per- I consider it a privilege to recognize the Madam Speaker, please join me in recog- former, composer and educator deserve the Oneonta Congregational Church of South nizing the retirement of an outstanding mem- recognition of this body. I urge all Members to Pasadena, and I invite all Members to join me ber of Arizona’s 5th Congressional District, acquaint themselves with this great artist and in congratulating the congregation upon one Coach Jerry Dawson, and congratulate him on his music. hundred years of service to the community.

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