October 2, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1915 Its very walls pronounce its fame. The Summit, N.Y. ‘‘I worked side by side with national security implications of what the So- central element of the decor, which Mrs. her. She wanted to get somewhere. Believe viet Union had accomplished. Thus, October Woods describes as ‘‘comfortable, decent and you me, nobody gave her nothing. She 4, 1957 marked not only the birth of the space clean,’’ are photographs of many notable earned it.’’ visitors. Mrs. Woods was reared by her mother, age, but also the birth of the space race be- The former Republican Vice-Presidential Julia Pressley, on their 35-acre farm in Hem- tween America and the Soviet UnionÐa race candidate Jack Kemp, Labor Secretary Alex- ingway, S.C., a patchwork of small farms that was simply one more symbol of the cold is Herman, the media mogul Quincy Jones with more wagons than cars when she was war rivalry of the two superpowers. and the actor Denzel Washington in the role growing up. Yet, from the vantage point of 40 years of just another diner are among scores of Her father died two days before she was later, that rivalry is not the main legacy of those whose pictures are on display in the born, Mrs. Woods said, a victim of gassing Sputnik. Instead, its legacy is embodied in the three cobbled-together rooms that make up during World War I. ‘‘I’ve never seen his face, countless ways in which humanity's explo- Sylvia’s. not even a photo.’’ ration and utilization of space have enriched Winnie Mandela dined there three times. While picking beans for extra money for Diana Ross asked for seconds of Sylvia’s the family, she said, she met Herbert Woods. all of us and fundamentally transformed our Sassy Rice. Muhammad Ali used to roam His mother had died, and he was being raised lives. along the steam tables fetching his own bis- by his step-father in Hemingway. She was 11, We take for granted so much of what the cuits. Spike Lee filmed a scene of his 1991 and he was 12. By their early teens, both re- space program has accomplished, that it is im- film, ‘‘Jungle Fever’’ in a corner of the res- called, they were falling in love. portant to remember what the last four dec- taurant now memorialized with a huge auto- Their affection was so strong, Mr. Woods ades of space activities have brought us. graphed poster for the movie. said, that when she went to New York with These include, but are by no means limited to It has long been a favorite haunt for up- her mother, who worked as a domestic to the following: Satellite communications, which town’s power elite. Mr. Sutton remembered buy more farmland back home, he joined the has brought the rest of the world as close to how over the years he held meetings at Syl- Navy. He thought that as a sailor he might via’s with figures like Robert F. Kennedy sail to Brooklyn and see his sweetheart, he us as our telephone receiver and our tele- and Jesse Jackson. said. vision set; meteorological satellites, which But whenever one of her customers asks ‘‘As close as I got was Norfolk, Va,’’ Mr. have revolutionized weather forecasting and Mrs. Woods who was the most famous star to Woods said with a soundless chuckle. He storm warnings; space-based remote sensing, dine there, she responds with a rhetorical soon found himself in the middle of the Pa- which has promoted our national security, question and then answers it. cific Ocean and World War II as a cook on helped us to understand and manage our en- ‘‘Who’s the most famous star to come into light cruisers and transports. ‘‘When I was in the restaurant?’’ she asks warmly. ‘‘You.’’ vironment and our resources, as well as help- the Navy, that’s all you could be,’’ he said of ing us to monitor natural hazards; and sat- Mrs. Woods says the success of their $3 the era’s segregated armed forces. million-a-year restaurant is due as much to Eventually, they married and moved to ellite-based navigation, which has spawned its unshakable sense of Southern hospitality Harlem. He drove a cab; she worked for the numerous terrestrial applications and products, as to the food itself. Johnsons. and which offers the promised of improved air ‘‘You got to make people feel like they’re In 1961, Mr. Johnson, who owned three res- traffic management. In addition, space re- at home,’’ Mrs. Woods said. ‘‘You got to taurants, turned to Sylvia Woods when his search has left a wealth of technologies in its make people feel like you appreciate them. plans to build an upstate resort for blacks wake that have provided new materials, medi- That love and affection and caring will carry overextended him financially. you where money can never carry.’’ cal diagnostic and monitoring devices, im- ‘‘He wanted me to buy the restaurant from proved power systemsÐthe list goes on and If she is not going over menus and day-to- him to raise some money,’’ Mrs. Woods re- day details in her closet of an office—‘‘Syl- called. ‘‘I said: ‘Johnson, are you crazy? You onÐto benefit our citizens. It is no exaggera- via’s Room’’ is burned into the door—she is know I don’t have any money.’ ’’ tion to say the space has spawned industries minding the steam tables or ‘‘talking up cus- But the mortgage from Mrs. Woods’ moth- and jobs that have become a significant part tomers’’ in a voice from her South Carolina er provided the down payment on the $20,000 of our Nation's economy. roots. price for the restaurant, the start of an em- Beyond the material benefits, our first 40 ‘‘I walks the floor,’’ Mrs. Woods explained. pire now worth $20 million. In 1988, Mrs. years in space have led to dramatic increases ‘‘If a person is not eating the food, I want to Woods bought the upstate resort to prevent in our understanding of planet Earth, of the know why. ‘Well, I’m not hungry,’ I say, uh- Mrs. Johnson, by then a widow and in finan- uh, you have to bring it better than that. Sun and our solar system, and of the universe cial trouble, from losing it on the auction beyond. Space research has led to numerous You wouldn’t come in here, if you wasn’t block. hungry.’’ Looking back to the early days, Mrs. rewritings of the science textbooks with no Her accessibility, says Anthony Bowman, Woods recalled, ‘‘It was really a struggle.’’ end in sight. Anyone who has marveled at the who operates a Harlem-based tour company, But her success, she assured a visitor, was discoveries made by the Hubble space tele- has helped make her ‘‘an icon.’’ part of ‘‘God’s plan.’’ She paused and folded scope or the Galileo spacecraft cannot doubt ‘‘Most people who have gone there have at her hands. least once seen Sylvia,’’ Mr. Bowman said: the truth of that statement. ‘‘God is so good to me that I truly, truly ‘‘She gives the place an identifiable face.’’ And of course 40 years of accomplishments know that He would not bring me this far The couple say they are determined to in space have had an enormous inspirational and leave me alone,’’ she said. ‘‘No.’’ maintain the personal touch in their new valueÐwhether through seeing images of branches. f human footsteps on the Moon, images of So, soft-spoken Herbert Woods, with his Earth as a beautiful blue globe, or images of broad, gentle face, slides behind the steering THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF an overachieving little robotic rover on the sur- wheel of their 1988 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur SPUTNIK face of the Mars. The value of such inspiration and drives with his wife 14 hours—nonstop— from their home in Mount Vernon, N.Y., to should not be underestimated. look in at the Atlanta restaurant, which is HON. GEORGE E. BROWN, JR. Finally, it should be noted that four decades owned by their daughter Bedelia Woods, 49. OF CALIFORNIA after the event that triggered the space race, ‘‘We prefer to drive,’’ Mrs. Woods said. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES we have come full circle and are approaching ‘‘I don’t mind flying, but I prefer not for space exploration as an endeavor to be con- Wednesday, October 1, 1997 both of us to fly together,’’ Mr. Woods noted. ducted through international cooperation rather ‘‘Just in case.’’ Mr. BROWN of California. Mr. Speaker, Oc- than competition. Few may remember that Mrs. Woods disagreed, ‘‘If we go, we go to- tober 4 marks the 40th anniversary of one of Sputnik was launched as a component of the gether.’’ Their visit doesn’t mean they don’t have the most significant milestones in the history International Geophysical Year [IGY], an early confidence in their daughter or their other of humanity's exploration of space. I of course experiment in international scientific coopera- three children and the five grandchildren am speaking of the launching of the world's tion. Now, 40 years later, international co- who work in the family business. But Mom first artificial satelliteÐSputnikÐby the Soviet operation is becoming the norm for both and Dad’s ‘‘guidance’’ is always helpful, they Union on October 4, 1957. human space flight and space science re- note. At the time, the successful orbiting of search. None of Mrs. Woods’s success surprises Earth's ``second moon'' had wide-ranging re- Forty years ago, human space flight was Vicky Johnson, the Belgian war bride of An- percussions. It was an enormous blow to the just a goalÐand a goal framed in terms of the drew Johnson the black entrepreneur who gave Mrs. Woods her first job in Harlem, as American national psyche, and it led to an ag- superpower rivalry. Today, on the other hand, a waitress in his Harlem luncheonette. onizing reappraisal of our educational system, we are attempting nothing less than the ‘‘She was a hard worker,’’ Mrs. Johnson, a questioning of our assumed technological peaceful merger of the human space flight 69, recalled by telephone from her home in superiority in the world, and alarm over the programs of Russia and the United States, as E1916 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 2, 1997 well as cooperation with a dozen nations on In its laudatory recognition the Miami Times to call the attention of my colleagues to one the development of a truly international space aptly described him as ``a forceful, coura- amendment in particular. station. When we read reports of the difficul- geous, and visionary leader not only of the re- From reviewing the STTR awards made ties that United States-Russian cooperation in ligious community but also of our wider society during the past 3 years, I became concerned space is encountering, it is well worth remem- * * * with the recognition that our churches that the majority of awards are made to only bering how far we have come from the days are part of a larger network of institutions that a few States. of a dangerous rivalry, and how much we are are the pillars of our community.'' Bishop Therefore, I suggested a provision that trying to accomplish together. Space is not the Curry is fully living up to his vocation as a would require SBA to develop an outreach province of a single nationÐit is the province genuine pastor. His standards for learning, program to under represented States. Under of all humanity. caring, and achieving, especially among the represented States are defined as those which In sum, we have accomplished much in the youth has won for him the accolades of our receive less than 20 awards during the prior 2 40 years since that tiny metallic globe circled ecumenical community. Public and private year period. During fiscal years 1995±96 only the Earth for the first time. We cannot predict agencies have oftentimes cited him for his 8 states received more than 20 awards. with any great confidence what the next 40 untiring consecration to the truth and his un- During the Technology Subcommittee's years will bring. However, if the past is any compromising stance on justice and equal op- hearing it seemed clear that other States have guide, we can look forward to our future in portunity for all. fully qualified small businesses, universities, space with anticipation, hope, and a sense of Moreover, his crusades in teaching many a and nonprofit labs to enable them to compete wonder. wayward inner-city youth has become legend- successfully in the STTR program. However, f ary. He has gained the utmost confidence of in many States the program is not well-known countless parents and teachers who see in nor does the business community know how TRIBUTE TO BISHOP VICTOR T. him a no-nonsense motivator. They are wont to apply to the program. The goal of these CURRY, PASTOR OF NEW BIRTH to entrust him with the future of their children, provisions are to expand participation in the BAPTIST CHURCH fully cognizant and genuinely confident that STTR program. they would learn from him the tenets of schol- I want to thank Chairman SENSENBRENNER HON. CARRIE P. MEEK arship and the pursuit of scholastic excellence and Ranking Member BROWN of the Science OF FLORIDA under a conscientious commitment and rigor- Committee and Chairman TALENT and Rank- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ous discipline. ing Member LAFALCE for including these spe- Wednesday, October 1, 1997 Our community is deeply touched and com- cific provisions in H.R. 2261. forted by his undaunted leadership, compas- I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2261. Mrs. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is sion, and personal warmth. As head of one of f truly a distinct honor and privilege to pay trib- the fastest growing churches in Florida, Bish- ute to one of Miami's great leaders, Bishop op Curry preaches and lives by the adage that HONORING CALVARY COMMUNITY Victor T. Curry. I want to echo the same senti- under the grace of God's Providence our com- CHURCH FOR ITS 50 YEARS OF ments of joy and gratitude that the 10,000 mon quest for personal integrity and profes- SERVICE members of the New Birth Baptist Church in sional achievement is not beyond the reach of Miami lifted up to Almighty God this past those who are willing to dare the impossible. HON. ESTEBAN EDWARD TORRES weekend to celebrate his sixth pastoral anni- As a man of God and as an indomitable lead- OF CALIFORNIA versary. er in our community, he has rightfully earned IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Bishop Curry, 37 years old, truly represents our deepest respect and genuine admiration. Thursday, October 2, 1997 the best and the noblest of our community. As This is the great legacy Bishop Victor T. bishop, senior pastor, and teacher of New Curry is unselfishly sharing with all of us. I am Mr. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I ask my col- Birth Baptist Church, he is remarkably leading greatly privileged indeed to have his friendship leagues to join with me today in honoring the his congregation in the ways of God and has and his confidence, and I am grateful that he Calvary Community Church on its 50th year of tirelessly worked to enlighten our community continues to teach us to live by his noble ethic unselfish dedication to the community. on the agenda of spiritual wisdom and good of always loving God and serving our fellow- For 50 years, Calvary Community Church government based on our God-given con- men. has provided a comfortable space for worship science and responsibility. f and social gathering for residents of Norwalk, It is indeed fitting for those of us who sub- Downey, Whittier, and other neighboring cities. scribe to the Judeo-Christian faith to pause SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAMS RE- Founded in October 1946, the church was offi- and reflect on the important role that Bishop AUTHORIZATION AND AMEND- cially established in April 1947, when Rev. Curry plays in the day-to-day affairs of our MENTS ACT OF 1997 Dale E. Hundsdoerfer was named its first pas- community. I want to acknowledge the tremen- tor. dous work he is doing in constantly guiding SPEECH OF In 1949, Calvary Community Church pur- not only the members of New Birth Baptist HON. BART GORDON chased property on the corner of Pioneer and Church, but the entire community. He has truly OF TENNESSEE Mapledale, in the city of Downey; holding exemplified the example of Christ as the Good services in a tent while constructing its perma- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Shepherd, and has led his flock of believers, nent building. On April 4, 1950, the church sharing with them the words of God's wisdom Thursday, October 2, 1997 held its first service in its new chapel. A larger and the good news emanating from the Gos- Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong sanctuary was built in 1956 to facilitate the pel. support of H.R. 2261, the Small Business Pro- growing congregation. His motto, ``From Vision to Victory,'' has im- grams authorization. H.R. 2261 incorporates Calvary Community Church has emerged as pacted the lives of countless people, propel- the provisions of H.R. 2429 which reauthorizes a revolutionary church providing service for ling him into one of our Nation's charismatic the Small Business Technology Transfer Pro- the hearing impaired, initiating food and cloth- televangelists par excellence. Along with many gram as reported by the Science Committee. ing drives for the needy, holding weekly serv- others in our community, I am indeed a fortu- First, I want to say it has been a pleasure ices at the California Youth Authority facilities nate beneficiary of Bishop Curry's televised working with the Small Business Committee in in Norwalk, bringing SHARE, a low-cost food teachings and radio ministry through the this legislation. program, to Los Angeles County, and for the church-owned Radio WMBM±1490 AM, espe- During the Technology Subcommittee's past 10 years cosponsoring summer camps cially in his advocacy to demonstrate both by hearing on the STTR program we heard for abused and neglected children. In addition, way of word and example our unconditional strong bipartisan support for this small busi- the church currently provides support for 15 love for and commitment to the children and ness, university, government partnership. missionaries and provides weekly programs the elderly, the poor, the disenfranchised, and This program has been very successful at for boys (Royal Rangers), girls (Missionettes), the least fortunate among us. I have learned linking the research capabilities of universities teenagers, and adults of all backgrounds. from him the very centrality of God in our daily and national laboratories, with the business I would also like to recognize and thank the lives, conscious of the fact that the mandate of sense and drive of our Nation's small business pastors for their selfless devotion to Calvary our faith must characterize our attitudes to- community. Community Church: Rev. Dale E. ward those who could least fend for them- A number of amendments have been draft- Hundsdoerfer 1947±62, Rev. A.J. Sovern selves. ed to the original legislation and I would like 1963±77, Rev. Dennis Millat 1977±87, and