April 21, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E903 Ricchiuti’s volunteerism and her philanthropic laziness while transforming and deepening our TRIBUTE TO THE BOOKER T. spirit, the time and produce that she has do- world view and our self-knowledge. HIGH SCHOOL nated has benefited multiple organizations in Dr. Johnson’s influence is international, but CLASS OF 1949 the Fresno area including numerous schools it is our honor that his presence is local to within the Clovis Unified School District, the Washington State’s 7th Congressional District. HON. KENDRICK B. MEEK Fresno Art Museum, Fresno Metropolitan Mu- OF FLORIDA seum, Junior League of Fresno and Assist- f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ance League of Fresno. She has made dona- Tuesday, April 21, 2009 tions to various State University or- IN HONOR OF THE PERFORMING ganizations and the not-for-profit hospitals in ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY Mr. MEEK of Florida. Madam Speaker, I am the region. (PAWS) pleased to recognize and extend my congratu- For Mrs. Ricchiuti’s commitment and dedica- lations to the Booker T. Washington High tion to her community, she has been recog- School Class of 1949 as they prepare to cele- nized as the ‘‘California State University, Fres- HON. SAM FARR brate their 60th class reunion. Booker T. no Alumni of the Year’’ from the School of Arts OF CALIFORNIA Washington High School is located in and Humanities, the ‘‘Arthur Safstrom Award IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Overtown, Miami, Florida, which is in my con- for Outstanding Service to Fresno State.’’ She gressional District. Tuesday, April 21, 2009 has also been named the California State Uni- Founded in 1926 for African-American stu- dents residing from West Palm Beach to Key versity, Fresno Alumni Association ‘‘Top Dog,’’ Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor West, Booker T. Washington High School has the Association of Fundraising Professionals the 25th anniversary of the founding of The served as a stalwart in the Miami-Dade Coun- ‘‘Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year,’’ and the Performing Animal Welfare Society, PAWS, ty community since its inception. By 1949, Foundation for Clovis Schools ‘‘Guardian of which continues to valiantly lead efforts to pro- Booker T. Washington High School was one the Year.’’ tect all animals and to ensure proper humane of three African-American high schools in Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend sanctuary for wildlife who have experienced Miami-Dade County and since then has be- and congratulate Vinci Ricchiuti upon being the inhumanity of the exotic and performing come a vital center for cultural activities in named a ‘‘2009 Common Threads Honoree’’ animal trades. by California State University, Fresno. I invite Overtown. In 1984, Pat Derby and Ed Stewart founded The Class of 1949 was the first high school my colleagues to join me in wishing Mrs. PAWS, sharing their commitment to develop a alumni group in South Florida to honor Dr. Ricchiuti many years of continued success. pristine sanctuary for abused, neglected and Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday as a holiday. f retired wildlife. Throughout the last 25 years, I Additionally, the Class of 1949 has been the HONORING DOCTOR CHARLES am proud to have worked with PAWS to en- sole alumni group in the country to file and JOHNSON sure improved, humane standards for captive successfully conclude a Civil Rights Action, wildlife. An early success for PAWS and ani- specifically a public accommodation lawsuit HON. JIM McDERMOTT mal rights activists was celebrated in 1985 against a commercial establishment. More- with the passing of California Assembly Bill over, many ‘‘49ers’’ have engaged in chari- OF WASHINGTON 1620 which introduced humane standards for table endeavors including granting educational IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the care and handling of wildlife. Following scholarships, annual contributions and support Tuesday, April 21, 2009 that initial success, more support was gar- to the United Negro College Fund, the Black nered which led the California Assembly to Mr. MCDERMOTT. Madam Speaker, on the Archives and the Sickle Cell Anemia Founda- pass the Elephant Bill in 1995. This historic occasion of the honoring of his lifetime tion. statute mandated that elephants be provided achievement by one of ’s historic orga- Noteworthy achievements by the ‘‘49ers’’ in- minimum adequate space to move freely and nizations and keeper of the arts, the Rainier clude: the first African-American elected to prohibited the use of chains for confinement. Club, the people of the State of Washington public office in Miami-Dade County as a Coun- hold up as a national inspiration the work of Building on previous accomplishments, ty Commissioner, the first African-American to one of the world’s most distinguished authors, PAWS forged a bipartisan partnership with serve as chairman of a board in Miami-Dade Seattle’s own Dr. Charles Johnson. Congress in 1997 to pass the Asian Elephant County the Fair Housing and Employment Dr. Johnson made the journey to Seattle Conservation Act. In another watershed mo- Commission and the first African-American to from Long Island in 1976 to teach at the Uni- ment for animal protection advocates, this im- serve as a head coach at a fully integrated versity of Washington. He noted in Smithso- portant legislation provided financial assist- public high school in Miami-Dade County. nian Magazine in 2008 that Seattle is ‘‘an ance for projects intended to protect Asian Madam Speaker, I am proud to commemo- ideal environment for nurturing innovation, in- elephants and blocked funding for captive rate Booker T. Washington High School for its dividualism and the creative spirit.’’ It is in this breeding programs. As a co-sponsor of the remarkable role in fostering education among setting that Dr. Johnson has made a uniquely original Act, and having twice voted to fully African-Americans and implore its alumni to rich array of contributions to the arts and let- fund the Asian Elephant Conservation Reau- ensure that future generations have edu- ters, and became one of his generation’s most thorization Acts of 2001 and 2007, I under- cational access to foster the skills to face distinguished African American authors. stand the importance and deeply appreciate complex challenges. I once again extend my While his works are too numerous to list, the beneficence of PAWS. In addition to pro- congratulations to the members of the Booker Madam Speaker, Dr. Johnson counts among tecting elephants, PAWS has successfully im- T. Washington High School Class of 1949 as his literary gems four novels, Faith and the plemented solutions to rescue and relocate they prepare to celebrate their 60th class re- Good Thing, Oxherding Tale, Middle Passage, over 35 tigers and other animals from breed- union. and Dreamer; as well as short stories, screen- ing facilities. f plays, aesthetics, comic art, and King: The Through The Performing Animal Welfare CONGRATULATING THE ROCH- Photobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr. His Society’s extraordinary accomplishments, ESTER HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BAS- awards and honors are as abundant as they which now includes over 2,400 acres of nat- KETBALL TEAM are approbative. ural protected sanctuaries, countless captive Dr. Johnson noted in Seattle’s Post-Intel- animals have been rescued from hazardous HON. JOE DONNELLY ligencer on April 27, 2007 that American soci- and inhumane conditions and have been pro- OF INDIANA ety is threatened by a ‘‘diminished literary cul- vided with healthy and sustainable environ- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ture,’’ the cure for which is ‘‘the experience of ments in which to live quality lives. Without complex, well-wrought, visionary books that their steadfast support and dedication for the Tuesday, April 21, 2009 challenge our assumptions, our intellectual la- humane treatment of wildlife, our nation’s ef- Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana. Madam Speak- ziness, and transform as well as deepen our forts to protect these animals would be dras- er, today I rise to extend my congratulations to perceptions of the world and ourselves.’’ While tically impaired. the Rochester High School Boys Basketball he probably intended otherwise, this describes Madam Speaker, it is with the upmost re- Team. The Zebras succeeded in placing sec- Dr. Johnson’s own pivotal role in our literary spect and gratitude that I rise to honor the ond in the IHSAA 3-A State Tournament on ethos, as his works consistently have chal- 25th anniversary of PAWS and especially to March 28, 2009 at Conseco Field House in In- lenged readers’ assumptions and intellectual pay tribute to Pat Derby and Ed Stewart. dianapolis. After making it to the championship

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:14 Apr 22, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A21AP8.024 E21APPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with REMARKS E904 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks April 21, 2009 game, they suffered a narrow 79–81 double- This month, the Astoria Civic Association teens, and families to work together and build overtime loss against the Princeton Tigers. holds its annual Judge Charles J. Vallone on their strengths. Returning only two starters from the pre- Scholarship Dinner Dance at the Riccardo’s by Alternative House has grown organically vious year, the Rochester Zebras enjoyed an the Bridge in Astoria, Queens. George Alexiou from its origins in a trailer on the grounds of incredible season, showing a strong work ethic and Gloria DeMarco Aloise, two extraordinary Lewinsville Presbyterian Church to a ren- in their practices and throughout the regular people who are truly pillars of the community, ovated house located on Gallows Road in season in order to advance to the IHSAA 3- will be this year’s honorees. They each have Dunn Loring. While Alternative House’s pro- A State Tournament. The Zebras played bril- demonstrated remarkable leadership and have grams have grown, the organization continues liantly during the tournament and despite their been instrumental in supporting the Astoria to focus on those most in need of assistance close loss in the final game, their great effort Civic Association’s vital mission. and those with the greatest possibility for mak- capped off an impressive 23–4 season. George Alexiou embodies the American im- ing life-altering changes. The Rochester team has 13 members in- migrant success story. He was born and In 1993, Alternative House embarked on an cluding seniors Bruce Grimm, Jr., Brody raised in Greece. Following his service in the aggressive outreach program for at-risk youth. Schoen, Austin Lowe and Jason Smith; Jun- Greek Army, he went to the Hotel Manager The effort consisted of a mobile unit with two iors Garrett Winegar, Marc Bowers and Colt School in Heidelberg, Germany, where he counselors who walked through our neighbor- Meadows; and Sophomores Nate Basham, studied for two years. He then worked for two hoods to provide young people with support, Evan Hoff, Collin Harris, Cameron Screeton, years at the Hilton Hotel in Dusseldorf, Ger- resources, and guidance. Since its origins, the Cahner Thompson and Chris Messersmith. many, and also worked in the hotel business Community Outreach Program has expanded The Zebras are led by senior Bruce Grimm, in Paris and London. In 1972, Mr. Alexiou to include additional recreation and education Jr., who averaged an impressive 25.2 points moved to Astoria, New York. For ten years, services designed to help children and teens per game and had 40 points in the champion- Mr. Alexiou worked in top restaurants and ho- stay in school. ship game. tels before leaving the hospitality industry to In 2002, Alternative House expanded its as- During the championship game, the Roch- start his own business. He established Cen- sistance outreach by opening the Assisting ester Zebras completed 15 three-point shots, tury 21 Alexiou Realty, which helps Queens Young Mothers program. This program seeks setting a new IHSAA record. residents find housing and enables many to to provide shelter, education, counseling and I also want to acknowledge the wonderful begin the American dream of home owner- support to young women who are homeless, support the team had from Head Coach Rob ship. Mr. Alexiou is honorary President of the pregnant or already parenting. These pro- Malchow and Assistant Coaches Rex Reinholt, Greek American Homeowners Association, grams give young people hope for brighter fu- Sean Kelly, Dewayne Stiles, Mike Malchow and is a member of Queens Community Board tures. and Mike Barnett. They helped guide the Ze- 1 and the Astoria/Long Island City Kiwanis In 2008, Alternative House’s Emergency bras to victory. I would also like to thank Prin- Club. He resides in Astoria with his lovely Shelter for Teenagers provided safe shelter, cipal Dan Ronk, Assistant Principal Jana wife, Elpida. food and counseling to an average of more Vance, Athletic Director Mark Miller and above Gloria DeMarco Aloise grew up in a political than eighteen young people each month, total- all, the fans in the community, many of whom family and has spent a lifetime involved in ing 220 for the year. In just the past twelve traveled to Indianapolis for the game and Queens politics, particularly through the months, Alternative House provided neighbor- gathered to welcome the team home upon Taminent Democratic Club. Ms. Aloise is a hood-based counseling, outreach, food and their return. Democratic District Leader for 36th Assembly after-school programs to more than 1,800 at- I offer my hardy congratulations to the mem- District, and has provided organizational skills risk youth in Fairfax County. bers of the boys’ basketball team of Rochester and guidance to every local elected official in Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join High School, the coaching staff, the school ad- Western Queens. Ms. Aloise has also been an me in honoring the consistently growing and ministration, and the community for their ac- inspiration to countless community leaders increasingly significant contributions of Alter- complishments this season on the road to through her tireless efforts to improve the native House to at-risk young people in Fairfax their second place finish in the IHSAA 3-A quality of life of all the residents of Astoria, County. From both its origins to its current ef- State Basketball Tournament. New York. Ms. Aloise is active in many com- forts, Alternative House is truly an exemplar f munity organizations, including the Martin De for community-based assistance programs. IN RECOGNITION OF THE JUDGE Porres School, where she has served as a f CHARLES J. VALLONE SCHOLAR- teacher and a caseworker. She is supported LEGISLATION TO CODIFY TITLE 53, SHIP DINNER DANCE by her devoted husband Edward, and by her U.S. CODE—SMALL BUSINESS children and grandchildren. HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join HON. , JR. OF NEW YORK me in paying tribute to all those who have OF IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES made the Judge Charles J. Vallone Scholar- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ship Dinner possible and in recognizing the Tuesday, April 21, 2009 Tuesday, April 21, 2009 accomplishments of its sponsor, the Astoria Mrs. MALONEY. Madam Speaker, I rise to Civic Association, and its distinguished 2009 Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, Ranking pay honor to the organizers of the Judge honorees. Member LAMAR SMITH and I are introducing a Charles J. Vallone Scholarship Dinner, to the f bill to codify into positive law as title 53, dinner’s honorees and to the students who re- Code, certain general and per- ceive scholarships as a result of the gen- RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBU- manent laws related to small business. This erosity of dinner attendees. The scholarship, TIONS OF ALTERNATIVE HOUSE bill was prepared by the Office of the Law Re- named for the late Charles J. Vallone, has vision Counsel, as part of its ongoing respon- awarded over half a million dollars to grad- HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY sibility under 2 U.S.C. § 285b to prepare, and uating high school seniors from Astoria, mak- OF VIRGINIA submit to the Committee on the Judiciary one ing it possible for these bright students to en- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES title at a time, a complete compilation, restate- roll in the colleges of their choice. ment, and revision of the general and perma- Tuesday, April 21, 2009 Judge Charles Vallone, father of former City nent laws of the United States. Council Speaker Peter Vallone and grand- Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speak- The bill restates the Small Business Act and father of City Councilmember Peter Vallone er, I rise today to recognize an outstanding or- the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, Jr., founded the Astoria Civic Association with ganization serving at-risk youth in Fairfax along with related provisions in other Acts, as a group of concerned neighbors in 1928. The County. Alternative House was founded in a new positive law title of the United States association was incorporated by the state of 1972 as the first emergency shelter for run- Code. The new positive law title replaces the New York in 1933 and Judge Vallone served away teenagers in Northern Virginia. Through existing provisions, which are repealed by the as its first executive chairman. After Judge counseling, shelter, crisis intervention and bill. Vallone died in 1967, his widow, Leah Vallone, neighborhood outreach, Alternative House pro- This bill is not intended to make any sub- founded the scholarship fund in his memory. vides support to at-risk young children, teens stantive changes in the law. As is typical with The Vallone Scholarship fund has grown to be and their families. Recognizing the inter- the codification process, a number of nonsub- one of the largest private scholarship funds in dependence of families, Alternative House stantive revisions are made, including the re- New York state. programs seek to empower young children, organization of sections into a more coherent

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