October 17, 2000 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 23049 Denise and Kyle Marx are parents of Nich- community will develop guidelines for treating HONORING MILT AND BETTE olas, a ten-year-old boy with Angelman’s Syn- patients with these conditions. DOBKIN, HUMBOLDT COUNTY, drome. Those familiar with special needs chil- dren know the demands, but also the tremen- f dous blessings that Nicholas has bestowed on HON. MIKE THOMPSON his family. Due to recent events, the need to IN RECOGNITION OF JAMES OF CALIFORNIA better understand and treat this disorder has FORSYTH—AN EXEMPLARY AC- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES become obvious. Today, Nicolas is in a coma TIVIST Tuesday, October 17, 2000 and has only a few months to live after being administered medication that caused an aller- Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, gic reaction. This happened, in part, because HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK I rise today to recognize Milt and Bette those with Angelman’s Syndrome are unable Dobkin, two extraordinary citizens of Humboldt to communicate pain or discomfort and Nico- OF CALIFORNIA County, CA, who have dedicated their lives to las was powerless to express the effects that IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES public service. They are being honored for the medication was having on his body. their life-long contribution to one of the Na- Today, I am asking Congress to make efforts Tuesday, October 17, 2000 tion’s most precious rights—participation in the political system. Their actions on behalf of to provide for research so that Angelman’s Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, today I ask my Syndrome can be better understood and treat- Representative Democracy are worthy of ap- colleagues to join me in paying recognition to ed more effectively. preciation and recognition. Angelman’s Syndrome is a genetic disorder a true progressive activist, Jim Forsyth. As Jim Bette Dobkin has taken on many roles usually caused by a small deletion of mol- continues to fight tirelessly for labor, the envi- throughout her years of service to the commu- ecules on the long arm of the fifteenth chro- ronment, housing, seniors, and civil rights, he nity. She has been an elementary school mosome. In some rare cases, Angelman’s can is an ever-present voice speaking out wher- teacher, school board member, grand juror, also be caused when a child inherits both long ever there is injustice or human need. and human rights, housing, and elections commissioner. She currently serves on the arms of the fifteenth chromosome from the fa- Jim was born on July 14, 1927, Bastille Day ther. The effects of this disease include board of the Arcata Community Recycling in Brooklyn, . After graduating from speech impairment, with minimal or almost no Center and the North Coast Repertory The- use of words, movement and balance dis- Williams College, where he joined the progres- ater. In her career, she has brought distinction order, including a stiff gait and tremulous sive movement, Jim came to California’s Bay and honor to her profession. Bette has been movement of the limbs, behavioral unique- Area to work on the assembly line in General selected as the ‘‘Realtor of the Year’’ by the ness, including excitability, frequent laughter Motors. Jim and his late wife Fran were the Humboldt County Board of Realtors and se- and smiling, flapping movements, and a short dutiful parents of five children. lected as ‘‘Honorary Director for Life’’ by the attention span. More than 80% of people with California Association of Realtors. Jim is a member of several progressive Milt Dobkin has been a recognized leader of Angelman’s Syndrome have a delayed or groups and organizations. He is proud to have disproportionally slow growth in head circum- higher education in our community for many been a part of the pro-union group, the Plant ference and seizures that begin around the years. He served as the Vice President of age of three. Many other cases include symp- Closure Project. Jim is secretary of the South Academic Affairs at Humboldt State University toms such as hypopigmentation of the skin Hayward Parish and was in charge of food for 14 years before retiring. He is Professor and eyes, sucking and swallowing disorders, distribution at the Parish for ten years. He dis- Emeritus of Communication Studies and Vice wide mouth, hyperactive tendon reflexes, sen- tributed food every Saturday morning and President for Academic Affairs, Emeritus. Milt sitivity to heat, and sleep disturbances. most Wednesday. He is currently secretary of has served on many local board, including the One of the most difficult aspects of the Congress for Seniors handling mailing and Humboldt Arts Council, Dell’Arte, Redwood Arts Council, and Humboldt Child Care Coun- Angelman’s Syndrome is that the disease is developing flyers—many times at his own ex- usually not recognized at birth. Diagnosis cil. He is currently an elected member of the pense. Jim also lends his expertise to the Redwoods Community College District Board often does not occur until the child is between California Consumers Health Care Council the ages of three and seven, when the char- of Trustees, Chairman of the Retired Public and the Californians for Justice. In 1967, Jim acteristics become evident. Those with Employees Association and ably serves the founded the Progressive Hayward Demos Angelman’s Syndrome are born with a normal California Faculty Association. prenatal history and no major birth defects. Democratic Club and is the current newsletter Both Milt and Bette Dobkin are being recog- It was only 35 years ago that Dr. Harry editor. His other memberships include the nized this year for their outstanding contribu- Angelman, an English physician, diagnosed Starr King Universal Unitarian Church, the tion to the political process by the Humboldt Angelman’s Syndrome for the first time. The Federation of Retired Union Members, and County Democratic Central Committee as the first reports of the disease in North America Vote Health. ‘‘Democrats of the Year, 2000.’’ Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time did not begin to appear until the 1980’s. Until Jim has been a long-time opponent of war very recently, many doctors considered that we recognize Milt and Bette Dobkin for as a means of solving economic or social Angelman’s Syndrome to be extremely rare their unwavering commitment and compas- and some even doubted its existence. Thank- problems. He began by speaking out against sion, and for their contribution to the ideals fully, through the Human Genome Project, we the Korean War and continued with the Viet- and traditions that have made America great. have been able to gain a better understanding nam War when Jim, Fran, and their children f of this disease. However, we still have a long marched in numerous protests. TRIBUTE TO WORKING way to go until we fully understand In all of these groups and activities for elec- WARDROBES Angelman’s Syndrome. tions and social change, Jim Forsyth works While we now know that Angelman’s Syn- tirelessly, willingly, and with enthusiasm. He is drome affects anywhere between 1 in 10,000 HON. and 1 in 30,000, we still have much to learn proud of his work. This is his life and his OF CALIFORNIA about the disease and its symptoms. recreation. He feels responsible for attempting IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Angelman’s Syndrome is only diagnosed to make the world a better place for working Tuesday, October 17, 2000 through genetic laboratory testing. However, it people. Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker: Today, I rise is often misdiagnosed and mistaken for au- Jim’s friends and colleagues will honor his to pay tribute to one of Orange County’s out- tism. We need to work toward a better and work on October 19, 2000 at a public cere- standing community service groups, Working more comprehensive understanding of the dis- mony. I join his friends and admirers in thank- Wardrobes. Working Wardrobes is dedicated ease, its causes, and the best way to treat it. ing him for his years of service and I am to assisting survivors of domestic violence It is my hope that through research, we can achieve self-sufficiency in their lives. proud that he has been my friend for several come to understand and effectively treat Working Wardrobes began in 1990 when six Angelman’s Syndrome and that the medical years. Orange County business women decided to

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initiative a program which would help victims lic education on, and a public choice among, Throughout his legislative career, TOM BLI- of domestic violence regain their dignity, integ- political status options for Puerto Rico. This LEY has accumulated a list of accomplish- rity and self-respect. Over 60,000 women in request was first left out of the FY 2001 ments most of us can barely imagine. For the Orange County are severely beaten each year Treasury Appropriations bill but the Transpor- last six years, he has led one of the most suc- as a result of domestic violence. This cycle of tation Conferees saw fit to restore this funding cessful, efficient, and constructive committees domestic violence also affects children who request during their negotiations. in Congress. He oversaw passage of the Tele- are 1,000 times more likely to become abus- Puerto Rico has been a part of the United communications Act of 1996, which brought ers themselves. States for more than a century. Over the fairness, competition, and increased consumer Through programs such as Career/Life course of this period, the Puerto Rican people choice to the industry. He led the charge to Skills Workshops and Annual ‘‘Days of Self- have participated in our democracy. Their override President Clinton’s veto of the Con- Esteem’’, survivors are given the extra edge sons and daughters have fought our wars and tract with America, at the same time over- they need to be successful in their search for their political leaders keep issues that affect hauling and reforming the nation’s securities a career and the confidence needed to make Puerto Rico on the surface of our political dis- laws. Finally, TOM BLILEY led the effort needed changes in their lives. course. Most importantly, the richness of their to pass the Mammography Standard Act of Colleagues, please join with me today in people and culture have become a part of 1998, life-saving legislation that will ensure the recognizing Working Wardrobes for excellence what is good about America. quality of many women’s lives for years to in providing victims of domestic violence with After gaining U.S. citizenship in 1917 and come. educational programs that have given them a eventually adopting their own constitution to These are only a few of the legislative ac- new beginning in life. increase self-government, the people of Puer- complishments we attribute to our colleague f to Rico have consistently sought to fully ex- from Virginia. They illustrate his commitment press their political desires through self-deter- to sound fiscal principles, a balanced budget, CELEBRATING TAFT, CALIFORNIA, mination. In the past 30 years, Puerto Rico increased opportunities for individuals and 90TH BIRTHDAY has held three plebiscites to gauge the peo- small business owners, and common sense ple’s preference on a future political status. government. More importantly, they are HON. WILLIAM M. THOMAS Because of their current status, Congress is among the reasons that TOM BLILEY’s constitu- responsible for assisting Puerto Rico in their ents know that they can count on him to look OF CALIFORNIA status efforts. In 1999, the House Resources after their best interests. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Committee issued a bipartisan report that con- I know I join TOM BLILEY’s many friends in Tuesday, October 17, 2000 cluded Federal action is needed to establish a Virginia’s Seventh Congressional District, as Mr. THOMAS. Mr. Speaker, I want to join process for resolving Puerto Rico’s status. well as his many friends and colleagues here my friends and constituents in the community Congress has a responsibility to remain ob- in the House, in wishing him the best in the of Taft, California in celebrating Taft’s 90th jective and work with the people of Puerto years to come. He has served us well, and we birthday. On November 7th, Taft will be 90 Rico about the status choices. We should en- will all miss the dedication and leadership he years old and the town has come together to sure that any option put before the voters of brought to his work. celebrate that fact as part of this year’s Puerto Rico is acceptable to Congress and we f should also make certain that the Puerto Oildorado Days celebration, entitled ‘‘Blowout TRIBUTE TO GWEN SESSIONS 2000’’. It is a proud celebration of the commu- Rican electorate is well-informed and edu- nity’s history and ties to the California oil in- cated on what each option can mean to their HON. JOHN T. DOOLITTLE dustry. future. OF CALIFORNIA Taft is an oil town, pure and simple. From The funding made available to the President IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the time of oil’s discovery in the area in the in the FY 2001 Department of Transportation 1860s, the area around this small western bill is a good step toward assisting with any Tuesday, October 17, 2000 Kern County community has been the focus of future plebiscite in Puerto Rico. Congress Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, today, I oil production. Some of the biggest producing must now be truthful with the people of Puerto stand to recognize an outstanding public serv- fields in the lower 48 states are located Rico on what their options are and in assuring ant in my district. She is a woman who has around Taft, fields like Midway-Sunset, that Congress will stand by those decisions. dedicated her life to not only raising her own Cymric, the Belridge Fields, Buena Vista and We must remain mindful that the United four children, but also teaching and nurturing Elk Hills. Kern County, California produces States claimed Puerto Rico. There is no ‘‘us many small children in her community. I wish more oil than the State of and the against them’’—they are part of ‘‘us.’’ Puerto to recognize my good personal friend Gwen people of Taft do much of the work that Rico self-determination will happen and it is Sessions who was recently named Elementary makes the county so very productive. our responsibility that within that process we School Teacher of the Year in the Rocklin Uni- The Oildorado celebration Taft holds every ensure that the residents of Puerto Rico are fied School District. five years is one way the community cele- fully educated on each status option. As a kindergarten teacher at Antelope brates its link to energy production and lets its f Creek Elementary School, Gwen has touched hair down—literally, since there is a beard TRIBUTE TO CONGRESSMAN TOM countless lives for good, both directly and indi- growing contest. People who work hard pro- BLILEY rectly. She has contributed many hours of be- ducing energy get together to celebrate their hind-the-scenes work by participating in nu- commitment to a very tough trade. I hope my SPEECH OF merous district and school site committees. colleagues will join me in celebrating their More importantly, she has earned praise from HON. F. JAMES SENSENBRENNER, JR. students, parents, and colleagues for her in- pride in their work and in their town with them. OF f spirational style of teaching. She sets clear IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES boundaries for the children and reinforces FUNDING FOR PUERTO RICO Thursday, October 12, 2000 positive behavior through praise. She is also STATUS OPTIONS Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise known for maintaining a well organized yet today to pay tribute to our distinguished col- stimulating classroom that is full of color. In HON. GEORGE MILLER league, the Chairman of the Commerce Com- fact, one of her fellow teachers has said, ‘‘Her OF CALIFORNIA mittee, the gentleman from Virginia, Rep- room is a learning lab which exudes personal IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES resentative TOM BLILEY. TOM BLILEY has enthusiasm and warmth. She has an ability to served his constituents in Virginia for over 30 motivate students beyond their natural abilities Tuesday, October 17, 2000 years, both on the local and national levels. and helps them reach their greatest potential.’’ Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. His dedication to public service has taken him As a testament to Mrs. Sessions’ involved ap- Speaker, I was very pleased that the House from the Richmond City Council, to the posi- proach to teaching, one parent has said, ‘‘It is passed FY 2001 Department of Transportation tion of Mayor of Richmond, and then to this not uncommon to find Mrs. Sessions with red Appropriations bill which included the Presi- House where he has risen to chair this body’s painted hands, bright colored clothes, and tiny dent’s request of $2.5 million to assist in pub- oldest committee. little hands embraced around her.’’

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