E1798 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks September 24, 1998 COMMENDING PRESIDENT LEE Marion Howie, with whom he raised a son and Mr. Speaker, with the accomplishments TENG-HUI OF TAIWAN two daughters. highlighted and the numerous others I could Big John became a lifelong resident of not, I ask you to join me in saluting the Agape HON. ROBERT SMITH Terrell when he began work for the Texas Christian Fellowship Family Worship Center Highway Department surveying new roads in OF OREGON on their 10th Anniversary. the southern part of Kaufman County. During f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES World War II, John and his father helped con- Thursday, September 24, 1998 struct the British Flying Training School that A TRIBUTE TO LOU NANNE ON HIS ELECTION TO THE U.S. HOCKEY Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, I here- was built at the local airport. There John re- HALL OF FAME by submit the attached statement for the CON- mained as Supervisor of Civilian Operations GRESSIONAL RECORD regarding Taiwanese non-military personnel through the duration of President Lee Teng-hui's leadership in seek- the War. HON. JIM RAMSTAD Tirelessly committed to the community, Big ing a peaceful solution to the Taiwan/China re- OF MINNESOTA John not only served as a member of the unification issue. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Terrell Volunteer Fire Department for over 38 PRESIDENT LEE TENG-HUI SEEKS DIALOGUE years, but was even named fire chief by his Thursday, September 24, 1998 WITH MAINLAND CHINA peers. When he retired from the fire depart- Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to As The Republic of China on Taiwan gets ment Big John was elected mayor of Terrell, pay tribute to one of the greatest figures in the ready to celebrate their forthcoming Na- serving four terms from 1981 to 1988. Accord- history of hockey in Minnesota, the birthplace tional Day, President Lee Teng-hui has ing to his family, Big John was eternally dedi- urged his mainland China counterparts to of this great sport in America. consider seriously proposals for a meeting cated to the City of Terrell, making every deci- Hockey is an instrumental part of the culture between top leaders, cooperation on assist- sion with the best interest of the people of of our wonderful state. Minnesotans often ance to Southeast Asian countries, coopera- Terrell at heart. With great vision, Big John boast about our 10,000 lakes, but we have 10 tion in agriculture, an offshore trans- helped lay the foundation in the 1980s for the times as many ice rinks. And Lou Nanne is shipment center, assistance on the reform of extensive industrial growth that benefits Terrell one of the founding fathers of hockey in Min- state enterprises, and cultural exchanges. today. nesota as well as our nation. So far, the Chinese communists have been Mr. Speaker, Big John Briggs was loved Mr. Speaker, Lou Nanne of Edina, Min- lukewarm towards President Lee’s many ges- and respected by most everyone who knew nesota, located in the Third Congressional tures of goodwill. The Chinese communists him and he will be greatly missed by family insist on the undemocratic ‘‘one country, District, was elected to the U.S. Hockey Hall two systems’’ arrangement as the way to and friends. As we adjourn today, let us do so of Fame on Wednesday, September 23rd, a solve the reunification issue. in honor of and respect for this great Amer- truly fitting tribute to ``Sweet Lou from The President Lee has made it very clear that icanÐthe late John R. Briggs. Soo,'' a reference to his native Sault Ste. the people on Taiwan cannot accept such an f Marie, Michigan. arrangement. The Republic of China has 87 Just like his patented rushes from one end HONORING AGAPE CHRISTIAN FEL- years of history as a constitutional sov- of the rink to the other, Lou Nanne is known LOWSHIP FAMILY WORSHIP CEN- ereign country and it can’t turn itself into a from coast to coast for the key role he played local government. TER’S 10TH ANNIVERSARY We hope that both Taiwan and the Chinese in making hockey the major sport it is in Amer- mainland will find a peaceful solution to the ica today. In 1989, Lou received the pres- reunification issue. In the meantime as we HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS tigious Lester Patrick Award for his outstand- better our relations with the Chinese main- OF NEW YORK ing service to hockey in the United States. land, we should further strengthen our ties IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. Speaker, there is no level of hockeyÐ to Taiwan. After all, Taiwan has been our Thursday, September 24, 1998 amateur, college, Olympic, international and ally since its founding 87 years ago. Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to proÐin America which has not been touched f honor Agape Christian Fellowship Family Wor- by Lou Nanne's great playing talent, coaching ship Center's 10th Anniversary in Brooklyn, expertise, distinctive management style, en- PERSONAL EXPLANATION New York. thusiasm, articulate salesmanship and inspira- Agape Christian Fellowship is more than a tional involvement. HON. ASA HUTCHINSON place of worship. It strives to take care of the Whether it is attending a pee wee hockey OF ARKANSAS spiritual, educational, support, and social game at a cold, neighborhood rink somewhere IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES needs of the family as a whole. From a small in a distant corner of our state, speaking to a acorn a mighty oak tree shall grow, with its high school boosters group, helping to raise Thursday, September 24, 1998 roots planted deep and its presence strong. money for a paralyzed young player, compet- Mr. HUTCHINSON. Mr. Speaker, I was un- This metaphor only begins to describe The ing at the highest level of the sport both here avoidably detained for the vote on the Mink Agape Christian Fellowship Family Worship and around the world, or managing a profes- Amendment to H.R. 3248 (Roll No. 450). Had Center. sional team, Lou Nanne has done it all in pro- I been present, I would have voted against The numerous ministries, evangelical and moting the sport he loves so dearly. this amendment. missionary outreaches strive to constantly in- Mr. Speaker, Lou came to prominence as a f crease in number and spirit the Family of the player for the University of Minnesota, my Savior. The Elders and Ministers Alliance cele- alma mater. Lou played for the Gophers from IN RECOGNITION OF JOHN R. brates and supports those called to serve and 1959 to 1963 and was named an All-American BRIGGS those who desire to be a vehicle for God. The his senior year. Nehemiah Ministry for children encourages the Lou Nanne served as captain of the 1968 HON. RALPH M. HALL positive support and rearing of children in the U.S. Olympic team, as well as general man- OF TEXAS way of righteousness. The Evangelism and ager of Team USA for four years. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Missionary Department serve to meet the Lou was the hometown favorite when he needs of the lost and preach salvation and played for the Minnesota North Stars of the Thursday, September 24, 1998 hope in Christ. These are but a few of the National Hockey League, starring with the Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise many examples of Agape's diligence to spread team from its inception and remaining one of today to pay my respects to a loving family the word of God. the team's stalwarts for more than a decade of man and dedicated civic servant, Mr. ``Big'' The Educational Division, Music Ministry, thrills, from 1967 to 1978. He was coach of John R. Briggs, Jr., who passed away in and Daughters of Esther are integral parts of the North Stars in 1978, general manager for Terrell, Texas, on June 10, 1998. Agape's desire to support members and non- the ensuing decade and president from 1988 Big John was born in Rockwall, Texas, on members to have a complete life in the Lord. to 1990. June 14, 1918. At an early age, John began The Educational Division celebrates those in We Minnesotans just call him Sweet Lou to work with his father at Briggs Oil Company schools at all levels and encourages them to because of his smooth stick handling skills and established Briggs Wrecker Service in stay steadfast in their faith. The Daughters of and low-key, friendly personality. I'm also 1933, a business he continued until his retire- Esther minister to young women to construct proud to call Lou Nanne my good friend of ment. In 1953, Big John married the former their lives according to biblical principles. many years. CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1799 Mr. Speaker, all Minnesotans are extremely As a founding and charter member of the While BRCALA has thousands of supporters proud of Lou Nanne on his election to the U.S. Central Exchange, a lifetime member of the throughout the state of Maryland, I would like Hockey Hall of Fame. We wish Lou and National Association for the Advancement of to take this opportunity to recognize particular Francine and their wonderful family the very Colored People, board member of the Kansas individuals who have given countless hours to best in the years to come. City Habitat for Humanity, and an advisory advance its mission. They are Mary Felica f board member of the Women's Foundation, Kniep, Executive Director for BRCALA; Vicki Ms. Hughes has received many awards. Her L. Almond, chairwoman; Joseph Brown, Jr.; TRIBUTE TO MAMIE HUGHES honors include the Public Service Award from Stanley Dill; Dr. William Howard; Gary O. the African American Episcopal Church Mis- Prince; and the Honorable Joseph SachsÐ HON. KAREN McCARTHY sionary Society, Career Woman of the Year each directors and supporters dedicated to OF MISSOURI from the Jones Store Company, and Eleanor BRCALA. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Roosevelt Award for her Exemplary Leader- Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend all of Thursday, September 24, 1998 ship for Women from the Greater Kansas City the individuals who are involved with Baltimore Commission on the Status of Women. Regional Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse for Ms. MCCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I My friendship with Ms. Hughes is special. their wholehearted dedication to this important am honored to rise today to pay tribute to Ms. She is an inspirational figure in our community endeavor. Mamie Hughes, an inspirational civic leader and offers the woman of Kansas City and the and civil rights activist in my district. For her region a strong role model. As an original f dedicated, steadfast commitment to public member of the Woman's Public Service Net- service and quality leadership throughout the work, she is very active in the organization TRIBUTE TO SANDRA S. MORGAN years, Hughes is being recognized As Woman which is a network on key issues of concern of the Year by the Central Exchange, an orga- to women in our community, especially in HON. JULIAN C. DIXON nization established in 1980 as a networking helping women succeed in the political proc- OF CALIFORNIA resource for women. Ms. Hughes is the first ess. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES African-American in Kansas City to receive Ms. Hughes has the respect, admiration, Thursday, September 24, 1998 this coveted award. and trust of citizens in our area and region. Ms. Hughes graduated from Fisk University She is unique, and truly deserves to be Mr. DIXON. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to in Nashville, TN, with a Bachelor of Arts de- Woman of the Year. Mr. Speaker, please join recognize Ms. Sandra B. Morgan who on Oc- gree, and began her public service as an ele- me in thanking her for her efforts on behalf of tober 14, 1998, will retire after a distinguished mentary school teacher in Arcola, MS. She others, and congratulating her for her dedica- 31 year career with the City of Los Angeles continued her career as a teacher in the Kan- tion to making the world a better place for all government. On October 2, 1998, Sandy, as sas City, Missouri School District. of us. she is affectionately known, will be honored at In 1962, as a mother of five children, Ms. f an appreciation dinner at the Proud Bird Res- Hughes volunteered for several Kansas City taurant in Los Angeles. In honor of her exem- BALTIMORE REGIONAL CITIZENS civil rights organizations. She represented the plary service to the City of Los Angeles gov- AGAINST LAWSUIT ABUSE 4th district in the Jackson County Legislature ernment, I am pleased to have the opportunity for 6 years following a 1972 election, and today to publicly commend her. eventually chaired its Health and Welfare HON. ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR. A native Angeleno, Sandy was born to Hia- Committee. Following a 1976 re-election, Ms. OF MARYLAND watha and Lula Garrett on October 2, 1948. Hughes was chosen by her peers for the hon- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES She attended public schools in Los Angeles, orable position of Vice-Chair of the Legisla- Thursday, September 24, 1998 graduating from Manual Arts High School in ture, and 2 years later she was appointed by Mr. EHRLICH. Mr. Speaker, the week of 1966. After attending Los Angeles City Junior President Carter to be Regional Director for September 20±26, 1998, has been recognized College, she began her career with the City of ACTION, a Federal Volunteer Service Agency, in my home state of Maryland as ``Lawsuit Los Angeles government working for the De- where she oversaw more than 20,000 volun- Abuse Awareness Week.'' Baltimore Regional partment of Traffic as a clerk stenographer. teers in four states. Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (BRCALA) From 1967 to 1985, she held various clerical In 1981, Ms. Hughes' focus shifted slightly has worked tirelessly over the last three years positions of increasing responsibility, rising to from regional to local concerns when she ac- to educate Marylanders about the higher costs become an executive secretary to the vice cepted an offer by the Black Economic Union for consumer products, medical expenses, president of the Board of Public Works in April of Greater Kansas City to serve as a Commu- taxes, and lost business expansion and prod- 1985. Later that same year, she became a nity Planner. A year later, as President and uct development associated with lawsuit personnel analyst, serving as a management Chief Executive Officer of the Black Economic abuse. Almost everyone agrees that America advocate for the City of Los Angeles Depart- Union, Ms. Hughes became a driving force be- has become an overly litigious society. ment of Public Works. As part of her duties, hind the rejuvenation of the Historic Jazz Dis- BRCALA is a non-profit, non-partisan, Sandy developed and implemented employee trict at 18th and Vine as she promoted the grassroots, legal watchdog organization. Its ef- training modules for the Department of Trans- area as a cultural center and worked with local forts include running educational media an- portation Office of Parking Management. officials to get the project designated as an nouncements, posting billboards and signs, When not fulfilling her responsibilities as a Historic District. We owe thanks to Ms. and speaking to local groups throughout the city employee, Sandy can be found managing Hughes for the successful tourist attraction in- Baltimore area in order to raise public aware- her real estate company, Morgan's Real Es- cluding the Negro League Baseball Museum ness of lawsuit abuse. tate, which operates in the states of California and Jazz Museum, and the growing business When frivolous lawsuits are filed, we all pay, and Nevada. She is also a notary public. Mar- and residential development that 18th and and we all lose, BRCALA's mission to curb ried to Leslie H. Morgan, a retired real estate Vine are today. lawsuit abuse is an example of Marylanders officer for the City of Los Angeles, she has Ms. Hughes currently is employed by the devoting energy and efforts toward solving three stepsons, Fredrick, Gerry, and Vincent. City of Kansas City, Missouri, as an ombuds- problems which cost our state jobs, profits, Sandra and Leslie also are the proud grand- man for the Bruce R. Watkins Drive, an impor- and opportunities. Its public awareness cam- parents of Fredrick and Darnell. tant thoroughfare that is being constructed to paign reaches out to thousands of my con- Mr. Speaker, I am delighted on behalf of the connect the communities of south Kansas City stituents as well as thousands of other citizens citizens of the 32nd Congressional District of with downtown. When the development of the throughout the Baltimore metropolitan region. California to have this occasion to thank San- Bruce R. Watkins Drive led to public concern Legal reform of any kind is not a simple dra S. ``Sandy'' Morgan for her many years of about citizens' property rights. Ms. Hughes issue. The legal system must function properly dedicated and committed services to the citi- stepped up as champion for citizens within the to provide justice to every American. Accord- zens of Los Angeles. As she prepares to set area, to counsel them about their rights as ingly, when lawsuits and the courts can be course on yet another chapter of her life, residents. She also coordinates activities of used recklessly at the consequence of impos- which I understand will begin with the Morgan the Missouri Department of Transportation ing excessive costs to other partiesÐfrom in- family's move to Las Vegas, Nevada, I ask with Kansas City's Housing and Urban Devel- dividuals to nonprofit agencies to busi- that you join me in extending our best wishes opment, Public Works, and Parks, Recreation, nessesÐthe system should be reviewed and to her for a future that is filled with much hap- and Boulevards Departments. reformed if possible. piness, good health, and abundant prosperity.