E924 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks June 9, 2000 Texas leadership must now show compassion have benefitted from her insight, as has the of the Jewish Community organized the Hillel to its future and provide a means for them to entire Waterford community over the course of Streetwork project, which later became Build- live healthy lives. the last 34 years. She has always been a ing Opportunities for Self-Sufficiency or BOSS. f fighter for education, for she believes that a This organization continues to serve the strong educational background is the basis to- homeless and mentally-disabled populations in HONORING GAIL NOLIN ward improving the quality of life. I ask my col- the East Bay, thanks to her leadership 29 leagues to please join me in congratulating years ago. HON. DALE E. KILDEE Gail Nolin on her retirement, and wishing her In addition to her work in BOSS, Ms. Sher- OF MICHIGAN the very best in her future endeavors. man is also a past or current board member IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES f of such organizations as The Jewish Music Wednesday, June 7, 2000 Festival, The Traveling Jewish Theater, the HONORING MR. MICHAEL HARVEY Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, as a former American Jewish Congress of Northern Cali- teacher, it gives me great pleasure to rise be- fornia and the Berkeley Public Library Founda- fore you today on the behalf of the Waterford, HON. SCOTT McINNIS tion. Michigan School District, who will be honoring OF COLORADO In honor of Ms. Sherman's many contribu- one of their own. On June 14, members of the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tions to our community, BOSS is hosting a school district, as well as family and friends, Wednesday, June 7, 2000 Tea Ceremony in her honor at the Rose Gar- will gather to honor the career of Ms. Gail den Inn in Berkeley, California. Proceeds from Nolin, who is retiring after 34 glorious years. Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to this event will benefit BOSS's 21st Century In 1966, Gail Nolin began her career with take a moment to recognize an exceptional Charitable Fund which is dedicated to ending Waterford Schools, teaching third, fourth, and man, Michael Harvey. In May, Mr. Harvey poverty and homelessness in our community. fifth grades at Cooley Elementary School. traveled to Washington D.C. to receive the I proudly join the friends and colleagues of Gail's tenure at Cooley lasted 18 years. Gail ``Star of Life'' award, the highest honor pre- Ursula Sherman in recognizing her community brought with her many unique and creative op- sented to paramedics. Mr. Harvey received leadership and activism, as well as celebrating portunities for her students to learn, including the award because of his dedicated service to her many years of extraordinary service to the painting a large map of Michigan in the school his community and his fellow man as a para- people and organizations of the East Bay. parking lot, and constructing a large rocket medic. Mr. Harvey embodies the goals that f ship. Many times, she incorporated art and this award stands for and we all can learn TRIBUTE TO LOIS FERNANDEZ music in her lessons, giving her students early from the proud example he has set. exposure to fine arts and a well-rounded cur- As you know Mr. Speaker, paramedics work riculum. She later moved up to teach upper el- tirelessly and selflessly to serve their fellow HON. ROBERT A. BRADY ementary, where she involved parents in pre- man. Mr. Harvey and his fellow paramedics OF PENNSYLVANIA senting technology to students, and helped are expected to perform in difficultÐeven per- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ilousÐsituations on a daily basis. Mr. Harvey's pilot the district's first elementary computer Wednesday, June 7, 2000 network, acting as systems operator with service and sacrifice in his field clearly merit Gladys Baker. both the ``Star of Life'' award and the respect Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I In 1991, Gail began a new role within the and admiration of this great body. rise to honor Lois Fernandez, president and District, that of Technology Consultant. She It is obvious why Mr. Harvey was chosen as co-founder of Odunde, a cultural organization diligently worked along with Dick Elsholz and the recipient of the ``Star of Life'' award. I think that for 25 years has sponsored the Odunde Randy Gross to implement a program that that we all owe him a debt of gratitude for his Festival, one of Philadelphia's brightest cul- would allow third grade to fifth grade teachers service to the State of Colorado. Due to Mr. tural attractions and one of the largest African to integrate computer technology into their cur- Harvey's dedication, it is clear that Colorado is American festivals in the United States. riculum. She served as a member of the Insti- a better and safer place in which to live. Odunde, which among the Yoruba of Nige- tutional Technology Planning Committee, and It is with this, Mr. Speaker, that I say thank ria means Happy New Year, is the greeting co-chaired the first elementary technology you and congratulations to Mike Harvey on that first meets the more than 300,000 people plan. this outstanding accomplishment. Your com- who attend the Odunde festival. The festival Gail not only had an accomplished aca- munity, state and nation are all very proud of transforms a 10-block area in the First Con- demic career, but a political career that has you, Mike. Keep up the good work. gressional District into a veritable West African spanned nearly three decades. f marketplace complete with African, African A member of the Waterford Education Asso- American and Caribbean vendors selling ciation, Michigan Education Association, and SALUTE TO URSULA SHERMAN crafts, clothing and food. National Education Association, Gail has al- BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA Those attending the festival can also take ways remained a member in good standing part in a traditional Yoruba ceremony that and a role model for her peers. She has HON. BARBARA LEE pays respect to Oshun, a Yoruba deity. The served the WEA as a member of its Human OF CALIFORNIA festival also offers a broad assortment of per- Rights Commission and Negotiations Com- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES formances by musicians, dancers, singers and mittee, as well as other leadership roles with Wednesday, June 7, 2000 poets. the union. As a member of the MEA, Gail has Ms. Fernandez has enriched our community been an executive officer since 1985, and also Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, today I salute, con- by providing sorely needed education regard- sits on the Staff Retirement Board and Legis- gratulate, and honor Ursula Sherman. ing the rich culture and history of Africa and lative Committee. She has operated as the Ms. Sherman has been a founding and ac- the Africans of the diaspora. MEA representative to the NEA on several oc- tive Board member of Building Opportunities For a quarter of a century Ms. Fernandez casions. for Self-Sufficiency (BOSS) for more than 29 has been a formidable force for social change Gail's strong belief in our democratic system years. in our city and she has provided us with an in- has allowed her an audience with not only Ms. Sherman came to California in 1938 valuable cultural legacy. members of Congress, but senators, Cabinet after her family spent five years in Paris as f members, and several presidents, on issues refugees from Nazi Germany. She learned the such as Title I and equal rights. Gail was in- importance of volunteerism as an under- HATE CRIMES vited to the White House by President Carter graduate at the University of Wisconsin and to participate in discussions regarding the during her year as a researcher at the Nurem- HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS drafting of women into the military. berg trials, where she fully grasped the con- OF FLORIDA These experiences also led her to a stint as cept that there but for the grace of God go I. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES an assistant to Congressman Bob Carr, and Ms. Sherman became an advocate for youth Wednesday, June 7, 2000 the opportunity in 1993, where President Clin- as a children's librarian and University of Cali- ton met and bowled with her eighth grade stu- fornia at Berkeley visiting lecturer. In her Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, sit- dents. ``other'' vocation as a community activist orga- ting on a bench, riding on a bus, or even walk- Mr. Speaker, Gail Nolin is my educational nizer, she worked hard at integrating Berkeley ing down the street, a hate crime can occur colleague and my friend. For many years, I schools in the late sixties. She and members anytime or any place. Hate crimes are acts of CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E925 pure unadulterated evil, wronging someone Today he is a Sergeant with the Anaheim Po- Samantha.'' She is recognized in the Fort because they are different. People should not lice Department and its Public Information Offi- Leonard Wood area by her patriotic red, white and cannot live in fear because of their race, cer. Among his numerous merits are Police and blue outfit. She appears frequently at color, religion or sexual orientation; it is time Officer of the Year and founder of several po- community events, grand openings, birthday that we take the strongest course of action to lice organizations. He teaches a karate class parties, and other events to raise money for prevent these crimes. to children every Friday. the Armed Services YMCA. Over the past decade the number of hate Sgt. Lucy Vargas Prouse, 53, came to the Prior to her present involvement with the crimes has risen rapidly, consummating with United States as a child and has since be- military, Dr. Mahan served as an officer in the 1999's ``summer of hate.'' If taking anything come a proud U.S. citizen. She first joined the United States Air Force. She also was the positive from this infamous period is possible Riverside Sheriff's Department as a Correc- Deputy Public Affairs Officer and Community it is, that we have not done enough to prevent tional Deputy. She later was promoted to Cor- Relations Officer at Fort Leonard Wood for such crimes. Committing a hate crime is the rectional Sergeant and currently is a Super- thirteen years. Additionally, she has been a most serious of offenses. It is our duty to visor at the Banning Correctional Facility. Her teacher, civil servant and special education make the punishment severe enough to deter accolades include the Gold Star Award and consultant. Dr. Mahan earned her doctorate in even the most prejudicial person from consid- recognition from the California Board of Cor- education from the University of Cincinnati in ering a crime of this size. We in Congress rections. 1980. Currently, she is co-owner of a retail an- have the ability and the opportunity to prevent Officer Jose Vargas, 64, was born in Mexico tique store and serves as an adjunct instructor the possible consequences of bias from occur- and came to the United States as a teenager. at Drury University in Springfield, Missouri. ring. As a young man he worked as a garbage Mr. Speaker, Dr. Mahan is dedicated to the Today, as we commemorate the second an- truck driver while studying English at night. At Pulaski County Armed Services YMCA and niversary of James Byrd's tragic death, we age 30 he received his high school diploma. generously volunteers her time to ensure that must pledge upon ourselves to do everything Three years later he became an American cit- members of our nation's Armed ForcesÐes- in our power to reduce the number of hate izen and a police officer. He is now the His- pecially young enlisted membersÐenjoy a bet- crimes. No one should ever fall victim to a panic Affairs Officer for the Santa Ana Police ter quality of life. I know that all the Members hate crime, or any other crime for that matter, Department. His hard work and dedication of the House will join me in showing our ap- and we must renew and maintain our focus of have earned him hundreds of commendations, preciation for her commitment to our troops. the Hate Crimes Prevention Act (H.R. 1082), including being selected as ``One of the 10 f to ensure that crimes cease. Best Cops in the USA'' by Parade Magazine. f Leticia Vargas, also born in Mexico, is a dy- CONGRESSWOMAN LOIS CAPPS namic community activist who advocates for HONORED AS DISTINGUISHED IN HONOR OF UPSTANDING CITI- women, minorities and low-income residents. ALUMNUS AT THE UNIVERSITY ZENS PHIL VARGAS, JOE Her broad range of service includes seats on OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA BAR- VARGAS, KEN VARGAS, LUCY the Sheriff's Advisory Council and the District BARA VARGAS PROUSE, JOSE VARGAS, Attorney Hispanic Commission. In addition, LETICIA VARGAS ORANGE COUN- she teaches young women about the rights HON. SAM FARR TY, CALIFORNIA and responsibilities of citizens and has worked OF CALIFORNIA with the Mexican American Arts Council devel- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HON. LORETTA SANCHEZ oping programs to extend access of the arts to Wednesday, June 7, 2000 OF CALIFORNIA low income residents. She has served on sev- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES eral boards of directors such as the Legal Aid Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, I offer my congratulations to my very distinguished Wednesday, June 7, 2000 Society of Orange County, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Homeless colleague, the Honorable LOIS CAPPS, on her Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, Issues Task Force. recognition as the Distinguished Alumni Award I rise today to honor a family of upstanding Each of these members of the Vargas fam- recipient this year at the University of Cali- citizens. These men and women are being ily has answered the call of civic duty in a fornia, Santa Barbara. LOIS CAPPS represents recognized for giving their lives in service to manner that is inspirational and worthy of rec- a large Congressional district that includes their country and their communities. Each one ognition. They have achieved extraordinary Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties. of them has demonstrated excellence in their feats even though many of them came from Lois received a Master's Degree from UCSB fields and they continue to accumulate awards humble and modest beginnings. The Vargas in 1990, at a time when the prospects ever of merit and outstanding performance. These family serves as a role model of dedication to serving in Congress would have seemed very remarkable members of the Vargas family community and country. I ask you to join with remote. A loving wife of a University Pro- make their homes in Orange County, Cali- me today in commemorating this deserving fessor, our beloved former colleague Walter fornia. family for the service which they have unself- Capps, and mother of three wonderful chil- Officer Phil Vargas, 31, was bom and grad- ishly given and continue to give. dren, LOIS earned her Master's degree from uated from high school in Anaheim, California. f the School of Education in early childhood be- He joined the U.S. Marines and participated in havior. This degree improved her skills and Desert Storm. As a result of his actions, he re- CONGRATULATIONS TO ARMED leadership as a nurse in the Santa Barbara ceived many awards and recognitions, includ- SERVICES YMCA NATIONAL VOL- School District, as an instructor in early child- ing the Good Conduct Medal and the Kuwait UNTEER OF THE YEAR DR. VIR- hood development at the Santa Barbara Com- Liberation Medal. Later, he joined the Ana- GINIA M. MAHAN munity College, and as the Director of Santa heim Police Department where he has re- Barbara County's Teenage Pregnancy and ceived various commendations in his role as a HON. IKE SKELTON Parenting Project and the Parent and Child police officer including ``Rookie of the Year.'' OF MISSOURI Enrichment Center. Ken Vargas, 39, has lived in Orange County IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The past ten years since she received her most of his life. He initially joined the Orange Master's Degree at UCSB have seen many County Probation Department as a juvenile Wednesday, June 7, 2000 changes in her life. LOIS has earned the re- counselor. Today he is the manager of the Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, recently Dr. spect of her constituents and her colleagues Santa Ana Detention Facility, which has been Virginia M. Mahan of Waynesville, Missouri, here in Congress with her hard work, dedica- recognized nationally for its efficient, humane, was named Armed Services YMCA National tion to the family and childhood issues that are economical and practical methods of incarcer- Volunteer of the Year during the Thirteenth so important to her, and strength in times of ation. In addition to his exemplary administra- Annual Recognition Luncheon held on Thurs- unfathomable tragedy. tive skills, Mr. Vargas has served as an in- day, May 11, 2000. As a member of the House, LOIS has served structor at the Correctional Basic Academy Dr. Mahan has been a volunteer for the Fort as a member of the Science and International and speaks at seminars all over the nation. Leonard Wood Armed Services YMCA, where Relations Committees before assuming her Sgt. Joe Vargas, 43, has served as a police she is on the Board of Management and is a current position on the Commerce Committee, officer for many years in Orange County. His past Chairperson, since 1984. Among her where she serves on the Health and the Envi- career began at age 14 when he joined the many contributions, Dr. Mahan created a spin- ronment and Finance and Hazardous Material Stanton Police Department Explorer Program. off of Uncle Sam in the character of ``Aunt Subcommittees. LOIS has made her mark in