April 26, 2001 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E657 hundreds of unsung heroes from the Cerro eral. Her actions led to my introducing legisla- Melnick, who was the tour manager, feared Grande fire, and Ms. Musgrave is one of tion in the House of Representatives, H.R. there might be trouble. Instead, the woman them. 1095, intended to make claims of the fire tax- smiled at him indulgently. As Mr. Melnick, The intense Cerro Grande fire forced local 51, recalled, ‘‘She said, ‘It’s really nice, you free. taking care of these retarded boys.’’’ residents to evacuate and essentially closed The Chamber has also contacted me on Joey Ramone, the gawky, geeky, lovable- down Los Alamos for eight days. When resi- issues that are not fire-related. I am proud to loser singer of the Ramones, died last Sun- dents were allowed to return on May 15, they serve as a member of the Small Business day of lymphatic cancer, never to be under- found the fire had left more than 420 people Committee and, as a result, work on matters estimated again. His real name was Jeffrey homeless and destroyed a number of local vital to the Chamber. For example, we have Hyman; he was 49. businesses. To help the town get back on its worked together on daycare issues facing em- As the music world celebrates the 25th an- feet, the Chamber took the lead in coordi- ployees of the Los Alamos National Labora- niversary of punk, the band’s imprint—its nating relief and rebuilding efforts. tory and other equally important items. goofy fury and delinquent humor—echoes I can attest that Ms. Musgrave and others Mr. Speaker, Susan Musgrave is not only a not just in the music of latter-day punks met with me and my staff during this time to like Green Day and Blink 182, but in the wonderful asset for the Chamber of Com- strain of self-aware, loser comedy that has see what they could do and to continue to pro- merce, but she is a true champion for the become the dominant adolescent rattle: vide us with assistance. Within five days after state of New Mexico. I am proud to know her, ‘‘The Simpsons’’ and ‘‘South Park,’’ pro the fire, in conjunction with local banking insti- and I thank her for her continued service. wrestling and MTV’s blithely moronic tutions, the Chamber had established a loan f ‘‘Jackass.’’ fund for Los Alamos businesses. These busi- Mickey Leigh, Joey’s younger brother, who nesses could apply for a six-month loan up to TRIBUTE TO THE LATE JOEY played in a band called the Rattlers, de- $25,000 with a 7.5 percent interest rate. The RAMONE scribed the Ramones as a reaction to the Chamber paid the interest expense on the Queens streets where the band members grew loans for six months. HON. ANTHONY D. WEINER up. ‘‘The humor was inherent to Forest Hills, Through this effort, more than $640,000 in a Jewish neighborhood, and to the small cir- OF NEW YORK cle of rejects and misfits that we were,’’ said loans were made available to 37 companies in IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. Leigh, who, like his brother, was bar Los Alamos. Businesses were able to take Thursday, April 26, 2001 mitzvahed. (Several other Ramones were not care of short-term financial needs and stabilize Jewish.) ‘‘We were always on the outside, re- the effects of lost revenue after being closed Mr. WEINER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to jected by the girls—not by all girls, but by for almost eight days. A Web site for construc- recognize a constituent of mine and an icon in the pretty ones, who preferred guys with tion contractors interested in helping Los Ala- the music world who recently passed away. cars. Our protective shell was to shock peo- mos rebuild was on line within a week of the Joey Ramone, lead singer of the Ramones ple.’’ disaster. died after a long battle with cancer on Easter Picked on in Forest Hills, Joey made him- Thanks to generous donations from member self a star of anti-charisma, fronting a band Sunday. Born Jeff Hyman in Forest Hills, whose legend drew on failure as easily as businesses and individuals, the Chamber was Queens, he changed his name to Joey success. When my friends and I heard the able to extend help to others with an imme- Ramone at age 23 and began stirring up the Ramones in the late 1970’s, as under- diate need for funds, including renters and music world with what was to become known achieving college students, we formed our homeowners without insurance. By May 20, as punk rock. The Ramones were at the lead- own band—awful, but even at our lousiest, gifts in the amount of $1,000 were distributed ing edge of the punk rock movement in the always knowing. I like to think we were to 97 families who had lost their homes. As early to mid-1970s and spoke to a generation post-awful. the fund grew, the Chamber was able to make of adolescents looking to find their way A set by the Ramones was a furious race to a second distribution in the amount of $500 to through that decade. the finish line, blurring bubble-gum riffs and the same individuals. The Chamber’s total cartoon pathologies: ‘‘Now I Wanna Sniff Many of my colleagues here in Congress Some Glue,’’ ‘‘Teenage Lobotomy,’’ ‘‘I contribution topped $142,000. In addition, 12 may not be familiar with the music of the Wanna Be Sedated.’’ What you came away college students who lost their homes were Ramones, or the impact they had on many in with depended in large part on how you took each given $1,000 towards their recovery my generation and on music in general. The the joke. needs. Ramones were everything a classic rock and ‘‘We thought punk rock was going to be The Chamber also helped spread the word roll band were not. They played short, simple the biggest thing ever,’’ said John that Los Alamos was once again ‘‘open for songs. And they did it loudly. They abhorred Holmstrom, 48, a cofounder of Punk maga- business’’ through an innovative advertising convention but compared to many of the zine, which coined the name for the music. campaign. The Chamber underwrote 80 per- bands today, they did it with style. Irony, sin- ‘‘We thought we were mainstream. It was a cent of the costs for member businesses who shock to everyone at CBGB when one by one cerity and humor ran through many of their it didn’t happen.’’ took out advertisements to let the community simple lyrics. They poked fun at the latest fad, know their businesses were up and running Charlotte Lesser, Joey’s mother, always and often themselves, in a way that caused got the joke. Ms. Lesser ran an art gallery again. The Chamber set up a similar adver- adolescents everywhere to nod their heads in and is a commercial artist. At CBGB, the tising campaign with the State of New Mexi- agreement. Bowery dive where the band got started, peo- co’s Economic Development Department as a The Ramones lasted an impressive 22 ple used to call her Mama Ramone, she said, means to successfully bring tourists back to years. Their music helped spawn musicians adding: ‘‘CBGB struck me as too narrow, too the area. who would go on to create their own styles of crowded, and it had the worst bathrooms you The Chamber’s good deeds did not go un- rock and grunge and rap-rock. At the heart of ever saw. But I always saw the whole thing as a funny show.’’ noticed. Ms. Musgrave was named New Mexi- the Ramones was Joey, a notoriously shy, The Ramones emerged just when the rad- co’s Chamber Executive of the Year 2000 by gangly, nice guy, who until his death, loved to the New Mexico Business Journal and the As- ical thrust in pop music was turning in on visit the local clubs in New York and listen to itself Hip-hop whittled down disco; punk sociation of Commerce and Industry. The the music he helped create. trimmed rock ‘n’ roll to its loud essentials. award recognized her exceptional and exem- I would like to submit for the RECORD a Writing about the Ramones and CBGB in plary services to the Chamber and the com- story from the April 22, 2001 edition of the The Village Voice in 1975, James Wolcott ob- munity. New York Times which summarizes well, the served, ‘‘No longer is the rock impulse revo- Thanks to the Los Alamos Chamber of life of Joey Ramone: lutionary—i.e., the transformation of oneself Commerce’s strong leadership and coordina- and society—but conservative: to carry on tion, Los Alamos recovered quickly. And, the A STAR OF ANTI-CHARISMA, JOEY RAMONE the rock tradition.’’ For all their locomotive MADE GEEKS CHIC Chamber has earned respect and gratitude mayhem, the Ramones were preservation- from its member businesses and the local (By John Leland) ists. Even the name harked back, to the days community. FROM his home in Queens last week, when Paul McCartney, as a Silver Beatle, called himself Paul Ramon. Additionally, since then the recovery began, Monte Melnick remembered a time the Ramones stopped for gas in rural Texas. It I think the impulse had much to do with Ms. Musgrave has continually been a leader in was the early days of punk rock, and the age. Lou Reed, punk’s eminence grise, born seeking to correct the technical setbacks that woman at the gas station gave the band the in 1942, was able to sing of a girl whose life have faced victims of the Cerro Grande fire. once-over: matching leather bomber jackets was saved by rock ‘n’ roll. For Mr. Reed, She has kept me informed of the concerns of and ripped jeans, dopey mops of hair, four whose childhood began before rock, the local businesses and the community in gen- guys taking the surname Ramone. Mr. music bred transformation, both personal

VerDate 112000 05:27 Apr 27, 2001 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A26AP8.070 pfrm01 PsN: E26PT1 E658 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks April 26, 2001 and societal. Joey Ramone, born in 1951, ar- ommendation on the Avenue to the President sachusetts for her extraordinary caring and rived as the shutter was closing on this per- by July. compassion. Her workweek does not consist spective. Punk was a last loud call to em- I am today introducing a Sense of the of 40 hours; she works countless extra hours brace these moments of transition, when the House resolution urging the Commission to going unrecognized and even unpaid at times world before rock became the world after. adopt a plan that restores vehicular traffic— For later punks, these moments were only for the sake of the families and patients that hearsay. By the time Kurt Cobain, born in and, with it, a sense of democratic open- need her in difficult times. Laurine Frykberg of 1967, took up the legacy of the Ramones, the ness—to Pennsylvania Avenue. Worcester, Massachusetts is being recognized music could aspire to be alternative, but not I do so with the support of ELEANOR HOLMES for her willingness to help both patients and revolutionary. NORTON and other members of the local con- staff alike. She is credited with bringing the In his engagingly lurid memoir, ‘‘Lobot- gressional delegation—TOM DAVIS and JIM term ‘‘flexibility’’ to a new level, covering New omy: Surviving the Ramones’’ (1997), Dee MORAN—and other colleagues who share our Year’s Eve staff shortage with a smile dressed Dee Ramone observed, ‘‘A Ramones story concern about the closure of one of America’s can’t really have a happy ending.’’ To the in her evening attire. Sandra Stone of the Wa- most famous avenues. D.C. Mayor Anthony tertown, Massachusetts office is an excep- end, Joey lived in a one-bedroom apartment Williams and the City Council are fully behind in the East Village, originally decorated by tional Home Care Aide who adapts readily to his mother but long since submerged in his our efforts to re-open the Avenue as well. changing department needs with an out- accumulated clutter. On good days he To be sure, the security of the President re- standing commitment to patients needing cov- walked around the neighborhood in an odd, mains paramount to us. But we cannot build a erage. Her quiet calmness and profes- obsessive-compulsive fashion, always walk- glass bubble around the White House. I am sionalism soothes the anxious—both patients ing past a curb, then back to touch it before convinced there are prudent steps we can and family members. Ana Rodriguez is being moving on. take—including slightly reconfiguring the road recognized for her exemplary work as a Home He became fixated by the stock market; and using pedestrian bridges to block truck Care Aide Scheduling Coordinator. Not only the last great song he wrote, said his friend traffic from the stretch of Pennsylvania Avenue has she been a cohesive factor in uniting the Arturo Vega, the band’s artistic director, in front of the White House—that will allow us office staff, but also she is praised by family was a love song to Maria Bartiromo, the to re-open the road while protecting those who CNBC business anchor. members and clinicians for her positive, enthu- live, work and visit the White House. Last week, fans turned the doorway of siastic, and consistent efforts. Finally, Marion CBGB into a shrine and filled Internet mes- f Ray is being recognized for her record in the sage boards with tributes—a testament not EXTRA MILE AWARDS performance of her main responsibility of time- just to Joey but to the eternal loneliness of adolescence. ly billing and collection of accounts, her ability Mickey Leigh continued to ponder the de- HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN to manage a large staff with great skill, and ceptive complexity of the Ramones’ music. OF MASSACHUSETTS her diligence, work ethic and ‘‘can do’’ atti- ‘‘The intelligence was well disguised,’’ he IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tude. said. Then he paused. ‘‘Maybe there wasn’t Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor for me to Thursday, April 26, 2001 that much intelligence.’’ But there was, and recognize these outstanding individuals, and warmth as well. And for a still-growing le- Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to thank them for all they have done to im- gion of misfits, there is community. As Joey to salute the recipients of the ‘‘Extra Mile’’ prove the lives of the people of Massachu- sang, in a signature line culled from the Awards given by the VNACare Network, Inc. setts. movie ‘‘Freaks,’’ ‘‘Gabba gabba, we accept The Extra Mile Award for Caregivers recog- f you, we accept you, one of us.’’ nizes the dedication of family caregivers who f go the extra mile in caring for a loved one. TRIBUTE TO THE BRONX SHEP- These individuals inspire with their never-end- HERDS RESTORATION CORPORA- RE-OPEN PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE ing energy, devotion, and compassion. The TION Extra Mile Award for Staff is presented to em- HON. CONSTANCE A. MORELLA ployees who go above and beyond expecta- HON. JOSE´ E. SERRANO OF MARYLAND tions. Their dedication to the VNACare Net- OF NEW YORK IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES work makes life easier for those in the office IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Thursday, April 26, 2001 and improves the quality of life for patients Thursday, April 26, 2001 and their families. Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, nearly six The Caregiver Award is being given to Gilda Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, once again it years ago, Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin Ryan of Ipswich, Massachusetts for the con- is an honor for me to recognize The Bronx ordered Pennsylvania Avenue closed to vehic- stant care and love she gives her daughter Shepherds Restoration Corporation on its ular traffic in front of the White House. The Julie. Staff working with her say this 80-year- twenty second anniversary. Following is a con- Secretary did so with the powers granted to old dynamo is a fearless advocate, loving gratulation letter I wrote to the Executive Di- him as head of the Secret Service, which caregiver and her tenacity throughout these rector for their continued service to the people allow him to ‘‘temporarily’’ shut down any road past 20 years has allowed her daughter to re- of my congressional district. in the District of Columbia to protect Presi- ceive the absolute best care available. She is Mr. THEODORE JEFFERSON, dential safety. a true model to nurses and home health aides Executive Director, Bronx Shepherds Restora- As anyone who has been stuck in the grid- alike in character and caregiving. Leo Lavigne tion Corp., Bronx, NY. lock while trying to drive across town certainly DEAR TED: On the auspicious occasion of of Hudson, Massachusetts is also receiving the 22nd Anniversary of The Bronx Shep- knows, that ‘‘temporary’’ blockade still exists. the award for taking care of his wife Frances. herds Restoration Corporation I want to be And it exists much to the detriment of our na- His caring and careful attention to her complex amongst the first to once again congratulate tion’s capital, where unsightly concrete bar- medical problems has prompted the staff to you on the outstanding job you do. Your pro- riers make us look like a city under siege, as say that he may need to be recruited to allevi- grams have greatly enhanced the lives of the well as to the detriment of the city of Wash- ate the nursing shortage. Richard Law of people of our district and your continued ington, D.C., which has suffered serious eco- Worcester, Massachusetts is being recognized commitment to them gives us all hope. nomic consequences as a result. for his steadfast, hands-on, loving, and de- The Bronx Shepherds Restoration Corpora- It’s high time to re-open Pennsylvania Ave- tion has served as an exemplary model for voted care of his late wife Mary during her last other agencies seeking to serve neighbor- nue and return Pierre L’Enfant’s grand boule- days. He stayed strong—even though his hoods such as ours. I believe that as role vard—America’s Main Street—to its proper heart was breaking—so that Mary would not models you will continue to impact upon role as an uninterrupted link between the feel like a burden to her family. Alan more organizations, and in this way in the White House and the Congress and as a vital Basmajian and Family of Burlington, Massa- very near future the development of our east-west artery for the District of Columbia. chusetts are recognized for their courage, Bronx Community will amaze those that did The National Capital Planning Commission commitment, honesty, and love during the last not think such stability and prosperity pos- is now evaluating what impact the security days of their wife and mother, Linda. Her goal sible. Your organization has always provided the measures around the White House, the na- of seeing her daughter graduate from eighth support services necessary for individuals to tional memorials and Federal buildings have grade was realized with incredible support develop into active members of society. on our nation’s capital. The first subject they from her family. Bronx Shepherds Restoration Corporation’s will be tackling is Pennsylvania Avenue, and The Staff ‘‘Extra Mile’’ award is being given record of helping residents find affordable the Commission expects to make a rec- to Kathy Cronin-Reardon of Gloucester, Mas- housing, education, and better health care

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