March 15, 2013 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E317 the American Story for All, early and under 2% of Boy Scouts. This uncommon accom- RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTION budget, to the President of the United States. plishment is precisely why, Mr. Speaker, I rise OF DELTA ENTERPRISES IN AS- Since that time, the notion of a Smithsonian today to recognize Michael and Cheryl SISTING THE MOST VULNER- American Latino Museum has continued to Paradiso. On Saturday, March 16, 2013, Dan- ABLE VICTIMS OF SUPERSTORM gain support from a diversity of people and iel Paradiso will be the fourth child of Michael SANDY places. Despite that long-standing support and and Cheryl to attain scouting’s highest honor. almost 20 years later, we are still not there Their daughter, Stephanie, has achieved the HON. MICHAEL G. GRIMM yet, but we are getting closer. OF NEW YORK Gold Award in Girl Scouting and their three To move forward in our effort, the House IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES sons, Tony, M.J., and now Daniel have all and Senate must pass the Smithsonian Amer- Friday, March 15, 2013 ican Latino Act. Our bill would do 3 things: earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Mr. GRIMM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Designate the now-vacant Arts and Indus- A century has passed since Arthur Eldred tries Building (AIB) within the Smithsonian In- recognize the contribution made by Delta Chil- earned our Nation’s first Eagle Award. One dren’s Products and it’s President, Mr. Joseph stitution as the location of the museum, includ- hundred years later, dedicated parents Mike ing an annex that would be constructed under- Shamie, in assisting the most vulnerable vic- and Cheryl Paradiso provide the guidance, ground and adjacent to the AIB. The bill re- tims of Superstorm Sandy. quires that the planning, design and construc- support and commitment for their children just Staten Island and Brooklyn were ravaged by tion of the museum be harmonious with open as Arthur Eldred did for his son and grandson. the unprecedented force of this natural dis- space and visual sightlines of the National Congratulations, Mike and Cheryl for your ex- aster, leaving thousands of residents without Mall. traordinary achievement. homes or even the bare necessities of life. While the damage of Superstorm Sandy up- Provide the Board of Regents 18 months to rooted the lives of so many it also left the conduct a study to determine the best way to f most vulnerable victims of this tragic event, in- plan, design, fund and construct the Museum fants and young children, without the essen- of the American Latino, taking into account the CONGRATULATING DAVID J. tials they needed to provide for their well Commission’s report. JOHNS ON HIS APPOINTMENT AS Authorize private fundraising to begin for the DIRECTOR OF NEW WHITE HOUSE being. As a resident of Brooklyn, Mr. Shamie saw planning, designing and construction of the INITIATIVE ON EDUCATIONAL firsthand the devestation left in Sandy’s wake, museum. EXCELLENCE FOR AFRICAN and understood that there would be a des- Upon the bill being passed by both cham- AMERICANS perate need for child care products. Moving bers and signed into law by the President, the swiftly he ensured that Delta Children’s Prod- Smithsonian American Latino Museum would ucts filled this much needed gap in supplies be on its way to becoming the 20th museum HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL by donating cribs, changing tables and infant within the Smithsonian Institution, forming part OF NEW YORK supplies to those affected. of the world’s largest museum and research IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. Speaker, I applaud Mr. Shamie and complex. Delta Children’s Products for their over- Many may ask: at this moment in time how Friday, March 15, 2013 whelming support in helping to protect and can we afford to create a new museum? The care for the most vulnerable victims of better question is how can we not? Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Superstorm Sandy, and I ask you to join me These are challenging times. And in these applaud Secretary Duncan’s appointment of in recognizing their commitment to the ongo- times, the arts, culture and humanities have a David Johns to head the new White House Ini- ing recovery effort. distinct role to play in helping unite us during tiative on Educational Excellence for African episodes of adversity and prepare us to share f Americans. David’s expertise will be critical in in the prosperity to come. Cultural and histor- RECOGNIZING MARIA FOOTE AS ical institutions play a critical role in inves- helping to address the academic challenges THE 2013 OKALOOSA COUNTY, tigating, educating, sharing, celebrating, pre- that many Black students face. America’s edu- FLORIDA EDUCATIONAL SUP- serving, and convening the American people— cational system has undergone a remarkable PORT PROFESSIONAL OF THE as we are doing today—to show that we are transformation in the years since segregation, YEAR in this together. and we must continue to move forward to en- Mr. Speaker, the Smithsonian Institution sure equality of access and opportunity for HON. JEFF MILLER was created for the purpose of helping in- education for all. OF FLORIDA crease and diffuse knowledge. It is in that Here in Congress, I have advocated for ad- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES same spirit that we seek to advance the Friday, March 15, 2013 Smithsonian American Latino Museum effort. vancing the educational opportunities for mi- Just like the National Museum of American norities through increased funding to public Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise History, the National Museum of the American schools, federal fellowships, and tuition reim- today to recognize Mrs. Maria Foote as the Indian, The National Museum of African Amer- bursement programs. However, substantial ob- 2013 Okaloosa County Educational Support ican History and Culture, the National Air and stacles to equal educational opportunity still Professional of the Year. I am honored to rec- Space Museum, and others, the future Smith- remain in America’s educational system. Black ognize her achievements and dedication to the sonian American Latino Museum will help dis- students lack equal access to effective teach- students and teachers of the Northwest Flor- play America in its full bloom. ers and principals, safe schools, and chal- ida community. Since 2008, Mrs. Foote has worked as an f lenging college-preparatory classes. It is no English Language Learner (ELL) interpreter at IN HONOR OF THE PARADISO coincidence that over a third of them do not Destin Elementary School. While serving the FAMILY graduate from high school on time, and those Okaloosa County School District, Mrs. Foote that do are not nearly as prepared as their has never wavered in her commitment to the HON. MICHAEL G. FITZPATRICK peers. I look forward to working with David to ELL program and her students. She works OF PENNSYLVANIA bridge this gap and to provide all Americans tirelessly to facilitate learning amongst stu- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES regardless of race or gender the skills they dents, teachers, and the community. In a need to compete in the workforce. school district that comprises a high ELL pop- Friday, March 15, 2013 ulation, Mrs. Foote’s role as an interpreter is Education is the key to success in today’s Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, on Sep- extremely critical, as she translates con- world, and everyone in America is entitled to tember 2, 1912, Arthur Rose Eldred of New ferences, documents, and provides academic York earned this Nation’s first Eagle Scout equal opportunity to obtain a degree, get a support. Mrs. Foote also continuously accepts Award. Arthur would be the first of three gen- good paying job, and live fulfilling lives. Amer- new challenges, and when the Okaloosa erations of Eldred’s to rise to the rank of ica needs to come together to solve the prob- County School District began English for Eagle; his son and grandson hold the honor lems of today in order to create a brighter fu- Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) class as well. The title of Eagle is an exceptional ture tomorrow. I am confident that David for families, she was tasked as the liaison be- and extraordinary achievement earned by just Johns will help us get there sooner.’’ tween ELL families and the district facilitator.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:50 Mar 16, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A15MR8.024 E15MRPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with REMARKS E318 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 15, 2013 She has accepted and carried out this role The hospital was state-of-the-art when it to support women in the Democratic Party. with grace and excellence. opened. Still, the advancements in technology Additionally, in a sign of her future political as- Out of her passion for service, Mrs. Foote’s over the next twenty-five years were greater pirations, Minerva worked on Shirley Chis- involvement extends beyond the classroom. than the founders could have imagined. Part- holm’s presidential campaign. She is active in fundraising activities to benefit nerships with universities and other healthcare Over the next 15 years, Minerva’s political the English Language Learner population, as organizations like Visiting Nurses and Doctors accomplishments broke several glass ceilings well as readily answering calls for help after On Duty allow Salinas Valley Memorial to ex- for African-Americans and women. In 1975, school hours. It is not uncommon for Mrs. pand and deliver world-class health care into Minerva became the first woman to serve on Foote to go above and beyond for the families communities across the Central Coast. It is the Shelby County Quarterly Court, now called of Okaloosa County, as she places their currently licensed for 269 acute care beds. the Shelby County Commission, and held this needs before her own. The significant im- Today there are more than 1,600 employees seat for two four-year terms. I was honored to provement and learning gains demonstrated with more than 250 physicians on staff. work with her on the Board of Commissioners by students working with Mrs. Foote truly ex- The hospital has won numerous awards for and one of our proudest achievements was emplify her steadfast commitment to excel- its cardiac care center from such organizations establishing the MED Hospital when others lence and desire for her students to succeed. as the American Heart Association and Blue wanted a smaller hospital. In 1983, she be- Instructors like Mrs. Foote leave a perpetual Cross/Blue Shield. In 2011, it was honored as came the first African-American elected to rep- impact on their schools and community. being one of only 110 U.S. hospitals given the resent an at-large district on the Memphis City Mrs. Foote’s efforts and hard work have not international designation of baby-friendly by Council. As a City Councilwoman, she found- gone unnoticed. She has been widely recog- the World Health Organization and UNICEF. ed the Building Better Bridges for Memphis nized and honored for her accomplishments in Mr. Speaker, I know the whole House joins Task Force, which encouraged African-Ameri- the school and community and is the recipient me in congratulating Salinas Valley Memorial cans and Caucasians in Memphis to work to- of several awards, including Service Beyond Healthcare System on its anniversary, and gether on community problems. In 1987, Mi- the Call of Duty awarded by Northwest Florida wish them many more years of quality service nerva came in second in a six-way race for State College and Taking the Lead Organizing to the public. city mayor. Not to be discouraged from public Projects awarded by AmeriCorps. f office, in 1990, she became the first African- Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States HONORING THE LIFE AND ACCOM- American and the first woman to be elected Congress, I am privileged to recognize Maria Shelby County Criminal Court Clerk. During Foote on her achievements and contributions PLISHMENTS OF MINERVA JOHNICAN her time as County Clerk, she automated the to the Okaloosa County School District. She is Clerk’s office and implemented computers to a dedicated teacher, an inspiration to her stu- maintain records, making it easier and more dents, and an honorable public servant. My HON. STEVE COHEN efficient to serve the needs of Memphians and wife Vicki joins me in congratulating Mrs. OF TENNESSEE staff. Her vision for improving the County Foote, and we wish her all the best for contin- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Clerk’s Office earned three national awards. ued success. Friday, March 15, 2013 After leaving office in 1994, Minerva worked f Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to as a managing loan officer at Mid-America IN HONOR OF THE SALINAS VAL- honor a champion for the rights of women, a Mortgage and transferred her skills into open- LEY MEMORIAL HEALTHCARE leader in her community and a stalwart for ing up her own company, OMO Mortgage Fi- SYSTEM Civil Rights, Minerva Johnican, who passed nancial Services. Although she no longer away in her hometown of Memphis, Ten- served in a public office, her passion for public HON. SAM FARR nessee. I was proud to call her my friend and service and community involvement continued. she will be greatly missed throughout the City She was a vital member and supporter of my OF CALIFORNIA campaigns in 2006 and 2008 and she served IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of Memphis. Minerva was born in Memphis on November as Co-Campaign Manager for Herman Friday, March 15, 2013 16, 1938 and was the sixth of seven children Morris’s mayoral run. Minerva also served on Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to con- to John Bruce and Annie B. Johnican. She at- the board of directors for the Mid-South Mus- gratulate the Salinas Valley Memorial tended Hamilton Elementary and High School cular Dystrophy Association, Mid-South Chap- Healthcare System on its sixtieth anniversary and began her college studies at Central State ter of the ACLU, NAACP, and numerous other of caring for the health needs of Monterey College in Ohio before graduating from Ten- organizations. County. Community leaders began fundraising nessee State University in 1960. Throughout her public and private sector for a new hospital in 1941. World War II post- After graduating from college, Minerva work, Minerva received countless recognition poned those efforts. They resumed in 1947, earned her certificate in library science from for her diligence and commitment to the city of after the State of California passed an act al- the University of Memphis in 1965. She Memphis. The Women’s Foundation for a lowing taxation districts to be established in served in the Memphis City Schools system Greater Memphis honored her with the Leg- local communities for the building of hospitals. as a teacher and librarian for a total of 18 ends Award in 2009. In addition, she was All funding for the hospital was local; no state years, and later, she became the head librar- awarded with the Distinguished Leadership or federal funds were used in the project. ian at Colonial Elementary School. She was Award from the National Conference of Chris- The hospital was named Salinas Valley Me- always active in politics. However, her interest tians and Jews, History Makers Award from morial to honor the memory of ‘‘the men and crystallized in 1967 when she was driving the National Council of Negro Women, and women of the armed forces who made the su- home from school and heard on the radio that the NAACP Life Membership. preme sacrifice for their community and their a group of ministers were maced while march- Sadly, Minerva lost her battle with cancer on nation.’’ It opened on April 20, 1953 with 138 ing for the rights of sanitation workers in Friday, March 8, 2013 at 74 years of age. She beds, 100 employees and 45 physicians. downtown Memphis. From this experience, will be remembered as a pioneer for her tire- President Dwight D. Eisenhower sent a letter she became an instrumental member of Citi- less public service at a time when women of congratulations in which he wrote, the zens on the Move for Equality, which advo- were not expected to take a leading role. Her ‘‘People of Salinas have every right to be cated for higher wages for sanitation workers. dedication to improving her community is un- proud of this admirable example of local self- In 1971, she founded the Inner City Voter paralleled. Minerva’s passion led her to take reliance and initiative.’’ Roy Diaz, who sur- Education Committee that helped inner-city risks during an era of heightened racial ten- vived the Bataan Death March, was in attend- 18-year-olds register to vote. During this time, sions and to encourage people from across ance at the dedication; he still lives in the area she also founded the Volunteer Women’s racial lines to work together for the betterment and will help Salinas Valley Memorial Round Table, which was a coalition of women of the city. Hers was a life well-lived. Thank Healthcare System celebrate its anniversary. from different racial backgrounds who worked you, Minerva, for coming our way.

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