E24 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks January 7, 2015 to replicate their success. I am proud that time with her husband Roger, children Sarah, Prior to becoming the 218th Judicial District Spring Avenue Elementary School in La Dan, and Martha, granddaughter Sophia, and Judge, Stella Hartman Saxon worked as an Grange has been honored as one of those ex- another grandchild who will be born later this Assistant District Attorney. During that time, ceptional schools. month. she was selected as the Aerl Jernigan Law Led by Principal Elizabeth Webb Peterman, So again, Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recog- Enforcement Officer of the Year for her suc- the mission of Spring Avenue School is to em- nize Sharon’s service to the House of Rep- cessful prosecution of cases from a large un- power students to pursue their interests and resentatives and her dedication to Minnesota’s dercover operation. Judge Saxon was first dreams. The teachers support and nurture the Seventh District. I wish her all the best in her elected as District Judge in 1990, and has students while they work to empower these retirement. served admirably for over two decades, boldly talented students to achieve their highest po- f advocating for the citizens and employees of tential in every area. Each student at Spring Atascosa, Frio, Karnes, LaSalle and Wilson Avenue School feels that they are a valued PERSONAL EXPLANATION Counties. Throughout her career, she has member of the school community and will be been a shining example of kindness and fair- prepared for their future academic and career HON. ness and an ever-present role model to those success. With the help of the community, the OF around her. faculty and staff work to create a positive dif- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES In addition to her exemplary career, Judge ference for each student. Wednesday, January 7, 2015 Saxon is a committed wife, mother, grand- The key to Spring Avenue School’s success mother, Girl Scout leader, and breast cancer Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 1 is their goal-based school improvement plan. survivor. Their professional development is focused I was absent while attending the funeral of Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have the op- around how to help each and every child ad- Governor Mario M. Cuomo in New York. Had portunity to recognize Judge Stella Hartman vance at the expected rate of improvement I been present, I would have voted ‘‘present.’’ Saxon. Her dedication to the citizens of Texas and beyond. Together with the community, the f has truly made her community a better place faculty is helping create a safe, advanced HONORING THE LIFE OF LEON to live and work. learning environment. HARE, SR. f Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me HONORING SEVENTH AVENUE ELE- in recognizing Spring Avenue Elementary HON. BRIAN HIGGINS School for this significant achievement and MENTARY SCHOOL FOR BEING OF NEW YORK congratulating the staff, parents, students, and NAMED A NATIONAL BLUE RIB- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES community. BON SCHOOL f Wednesday, January 7, 2015 Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI HONORING SHARON JOSEPHSON honor the life and legacy of Leon Hare, Sr., OF ILLINOIS ON HER RETIREMENT who recently passed away at the age of 92. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES A distinguished World War II veteran, Mr. Wednesday, January 7, 2015 HON. COLLIN C. PETERSON Hare was born in Buffalo, New York to William Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to OF MINNESOTA and Lillie Hare on January 10, 1923. In his congratulate Seventh Avenue Elementary IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES youth, he was an accomplished basketball School for receiving the prestigious 2014 U.S. Wednesday, January 7, 2015 player during his time as a student at Hutch- inson Central High School. Department of Education National Blue Ribbon Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today In 1942, Mr. Hare was drafted into the School Award. to recognize the dedicated service of my long Army, serving with distinction in In 1982, The Department of Education es- time district staff assistant, Sharon Josephson. Italy and Germany. He later returned to the tablished the National Blue Ribbon Schools After 24 years of service to me and the con- U.S. and married Margaret Eileen Sealy, and Program to recognize public and private stituents of Minnesota’s Seventh District, Shar- began a career as a steelworker. He and Mar- schools boasting high or significantly improved on retired at the end of the 113th Congress. garet had three children, Frances, L. Nathan, achievement. The program’s goal is to identify Sharon began working for me when I was and Lorna. aspects of thriving American schools in order elected to Congress in 1990, and very ably Mr. Hare was an avid bowler as well. He to replicate their success. I am proud that served the people of Minnesota’s Seventh Dis- worked at Ellicott Lanes, managing and ad- Seventh Avenue Elementary School in La trict, handling nearly every issue and concern ministering the business, and becoming a fa- Grange has been honored as one of those ex- that our office faced. Over the years, Sharon ther figure to thousands of young men and ceptional schools. drove countless miles through a geographi- women, teaching and mentoring them not just Principal Erin Hall is committed to ensuring cally large and rural district to help constitu- in bowling, but also in life. success for her students. This begins at the ents, communities and businesses navigate Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me to start of the school year with fall tours of the federal issues. take the time to honor the life of Leon Hare, school which give students and parents the In the wake of severe flooding events, Shar- Sr., and I ask that my colleagues join me in opportunity to meet their new teachers. Stu- on worked with community leaders throughout offering our deepest condolences to the Hare dents and teachers develop a mutual respect the Red River Valley as they dealt with the family. for one another which continues to develop challenges of clean up, recovery and mitiga- until the 6th Grade Farewell event in which the f tion of future events. She was a steady pres- community comes together to celebrate the ence at meetings of watershed districts, the HONORING JUDGE STELLA year at an all-school picnic with families in the Red River Basin Commission, the Fargo/Moor- HARTMAN SAXON park. These and other events, such as service head Diversion, the Red River Retention Au- learning opportunities during the first few thority and many others. HON. months of school, bring together students As a former educator, Sharon enjoyed OF TEXAS across all grades and backgrounds. At Seventh Avenue School teachers are en- speaking to classrooms around the district IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES about the workings of Congress and the polit- couraged to use individual student data to cre- ical process. She also coordinated the Military Wednesday, January 7, 2015 ate instructional groups in reading and math Academy nominations process, helping many Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to so that each student’s needs are met. Stu- high school students achieve their dreams of honor the exceptional career of Judge Stella dents are pushed to think critically and over- attending places like West Point, the Air Force Hartman Saxon of Karnes City, Texas. come academic challenges through problem Academy, and the Naval Academy. Judge Saxon was born in 1948 in El Paso, solving. Parents are thanked for their support Sharon was a trusted advisor that I called Texas, to parents Pete and Helen Hartman. and presence and encouraged to participate in on for advice on a regular basis. It will be dif- The eldest of six children, she graduated from assemblies, classroom presentations, and par- ficult to see her leave and she will be missed the University of Texas with a ent conferences. Ms. Hall recognizes that the by so many. degree in Government, and subsequently Blue Ribbon award is due to the successes of After many years of dedicated public serv- earned her law degree from the University of the staff, students, and parents and would not ice, Sharon will now be able to enjoy more Houston. be possible without any of them.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:41 Jan 08, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A07JA8.009 E07JAPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with REMARKS January 7, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E25 Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me expand the company based on the values of RECOGNIZING THE PASSING OF in recognizing Seventh Avenue Elementary honesty, integrity, and commitment to excel- FORMER REP. HERBERT HARRIS School for this significant achievement and lence. congratulating the staff, parents, students, and In 1981, Mr. Ciminelli founded a real estate community. HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY company, the Ciminelli Real Estate Corp, OF VIRGINIA f which expanded to four states and manages IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HONORING GREGORY P. over 12 million square feet of real estate. The MONTANARO company is now owned by his son Paul, who Wednesday, January 7, 2015 was inspired by his father’s business acumen, Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, it is with HON. ROBERT A. BRADY and possesses similar strengths as a business great sadness that I rise with the members of leader within our community. OF PENNSYLVANIA the Virginia delegation to inform our col- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. Ciminelli was a dynamic figure in the re- leagues of the passing of a former Member of gion, dedicated to his business, and behind this Chamber, Herbert Harris. Wednesday, January 7, 2015 many well-known construction projects includ- Herb died at the age of 88 on Christmas Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I ing expansion projects at Millard Fillmore Sub- Eve at his home in the Mount Vernon neigh- rise to honor The Union League of Philadel- urban Hospital and Roswell Park Cancer Insti- borhood of Fairfax County. phia and the 69th President of this patriotic or- tute, the General Motors Tonawanda Engine He served three terms in the House from ganization, Hon. Gregory P. Montanaro. Plant, the Ford Motor and the Natural 1974 to 1980, representing what was then Vir- Founded in 1862, the Union League has Sciences Building on the North Campus of the ginia’s 8th District. been one of the leading supporters of our na- University of Buffalo, as well as numerous oth- Like his predecessor, Stan Parris, my pred- tion and of our Constitution. ers. ecessor, Tom Davis, and me, Herb served on Its 3,600 members pledge ‘‘support of the the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors prior United States Constitution’’, and are leaders in An active philanthropist, Mr. Ciminelli was also involved with the Roswell Park Alliance, to his election to Congress, and that experi- business, education, medicine and the arts. ence served him well here. He was a cham- the Sisters Hospital Foundation, Catholic The Foundations of the Union League, three pion for the region, helping secure the nec- Charities, the University at Buffalo Foundation, non-profit charities that provide constitutional essary federal funds to complete construction St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy, Business Backs and leadership education, college scholar- of the Metro system and to expand the Ma- ships, and the opportunity to research and ex- the Bills, and countless other causes. nassas National Battlefield Park. plore one of the most important Civil War col- Mr. Ciminelli was a hardworking and loyal lections in the United States. He stood out as an outspoken liberal at a family man, and he leaves behind his loving In December of 2014, the League elected time when most of Virginia, even Northern Vir- wife, Rosalie G. Savarino Ciminelli, his six my friend Gregory P. Montanaro as its 69th ginia, was still largely conservative. During his children, Louis, Gary, Paul, John, Susan, and President. Mr. Montanaro embodies the quali- tenure on the Fairfax County Board, he fought Mary, eleven grandchildren, and three great- ties that the League stands for today: leader- for community infrastructure investments, par- ship, patriotism, service to the community, and grandchildren, as well as a host of friends and ticularly for transportation and sewer system a dedication to preserving the promise of lib- associates. modernization. He also helped with Inova Health System’s expansion to Mount Vernon. erty and freedom embodied in our constitution. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a It was during these years that he served on Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to few moments to honor Mr. Frank Ciminelli. I regional transportation boards, including the join me in honoring The Union League of ask that my colleagues join me in expressing Metro Board of Directors, and became one of Philadelphia and its president Mr. Gregory P. our deepest condolences to the Ciminelli fam- its chief regional advocates. Montanaro for its 153 years of service to the ily and our gratitude for their contributions to Upon his election to Congress, he pushed United States of America. . to secure the necessary federal funds to com- f plete the regional Metro system, and he was HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY f an early proponent for expanding the system OF FRANK CIMINELLI further into Virginia to reach Dulles Inter- PERSONAL EXPLANATION national Airport and other communities. A vet- eran of the Navy, Herb fought the Carter Ad- HON. BRIAN HIGGINS ministration on proposed cuts in national de- OF NEW YORK HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY fense and military pay. And based on his ex- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF NEW YORK perience in local government, he became an Wednesday, January 7, 2015 advocate for granting full voting representation IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES in the House for the District of Columbia. After Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to narrowly losing his bid for re-election in 1980 Wednesday, January 7, 2015 honor the life and legacy of Frank L. Ciminelli, and then a rematch in 1982, Herb put his po- who passed away on December 26, 2014 at Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. litical career aside, telling one confidant that the age of 80. A highly respected member of the time required by today’s Members to raise Western New York’s business and construc- Mr. Speaker, regrettably, I was unable to at- tend the opening session of the 114th Con- campaign funds put too much emphasis on tion community, Mr. Ciminelli’s contributions to chasing money rather than exchanging ideas. our region were many and varied. gress yesterday, January 6, as I joined many He returned to private law practice after Mr. Ciminelli was born in Buffalo, New York of my colleagues and friends to memorialize leaving the House. on October 6, 1934, and grew up on the city’s the life of former New York Governor Mario East Side. As a curious young man, he would Cuomo. Our former colleagues, Representatives Moran, Davis, and Wolf collaborated in 2001 assist with his father’s concrete business, Had I been present at the opening session, learning the trade as he was completing high to name a new Post Office building in the I would have voted for my friend and col- Mount Vernon area to honor Herb’s service. school. Mr. Ciminelli graduated from Erie league from California, Rep. , to Many of us attended funeral services for County Technical Institute in 1954. serve as Speaker of the House. An extraordinary businessman, Mr. Ciminelli Herb yesterday, and flags were flown at half- started his own concrete company in 1960, As the Speaker in the 110th and 111th Con- mast at the Fairfax Government Center and the Frank L. Ciminelli Construction Co., which gresses, and the first woman to hold this posi- the capitol in Richmond. grew steadily and ultimately became the larg- tion, Rep. PELOSI accumulated an unparalleled Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join us est general contractor & construction firm in record of accomplishments to support the mid- in extending our gratitude for his public service Western New York. This company was sold to dle class and hardworking American families, and sympathy on his passing to Herb’s family his son Louis in 1987 and is now known as and I would have been proud to support her and friends by standing with us to observe a LPCiminelli. Like his father, Louis continues to election to a third term as Speaker. moment of silence.

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