E1806 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 17, 2000 use of words, movement and balance dis- Closure Project. Jim is secretary of the South Humboldt Arts Council, Dell'Arte, Redwood order, including a stiff gait and tremulous Hayward Parish and was in charge of food Arts Council, and Humboldt Child Care Coun- movement of the limbs, behavioral unique- distribution at the Parish for ten years. He dis- cil. He is currently an elected member of the ness, including excitability, frequent laughter tributed food every Saturday morning and Redwoods Community College District Board and smiling, flapping movements, and a short most Wednesday. He is currently secretary of of Trustees, Chairman of the Retired Public attention span. More than 80% of people with the Congress for Seniors handling mailing and Employees Association and ably serves the Angelman's Syndrome have a delayed or developing flyersÐmany times at his own ex- California Faculty Association. disproportionally slow growth in head circum- pense. Jim also lends his expertise to the Both Milt and Bette Dobkin are being recog- ference and seizures that begin around the California Consumers Health Care Council nized this year for their outstanding contribu- age of three. Many other cases include symp- and the Californians for Justice. In 1967, Jim tion to the political process by the Humboldt toms such as hypopigmentation of the skin founded the Progressive Hayward Demos County Democratic Central Committee as the and eyes, sucking and swallowing disorders, Democratic Club and is the current newsletter ``Democrats of the Year, 2000.'' wide mouth, hyperactive tendon reflexes, sen- editor. His other memberships include the Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time sitivity to heat, and sleep disturbances. Starr King Universal Unitarian Church, the that we recognize Milt and Bette Dobkin for One of the most difficult aspects of Federation of Retired Union Members, and their unwavering commitment and compas- Angelman's Syndrome is that the disease is Vote Health. sion, and for their contribution to the ideals usually not recognized at birth. Diagnosis Jim has been a long-time opponent of war and traditions that have made America great. often does not occur until the child is between as a means of solving economic or social f the ages of three and seven, when the char- problems. He began by speaking out against acteristics become evident. Those with the Korean War and continued with the Viet- TRIBUTE TO WORKING Angelman's Syndrome are born with a normal nam War when Jim, Fran, and their children WARDROBES prenatal history and no major birth defects. marched in numerous protests. It was only 35 years ago that Dr. Harry In all of these groups and activities for elec- HON. LORETTA SANCHEZ Angelman, an English physician, diagnosed tions and social change, Jim Forsyth works OF CALIFORNIA Angelman's Syndrome for the first time. The tirelessly, willingly, and with enthusiasm. He is IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES first reports of the disease in North America proud of his work. This is his life and his Tuesday, October 17, 2000 did not begin to appear until the 1980's. Until recreation. He feels responsible for attempting very recently, many doctors considered to make the world a better place for working Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker: Today, I rise Angelman's Syndrome to be extremely rare people. to pay tribute to one of Orange County's out- and some even doubted its existence. Thank- Jim's friends and colleagues will honor his standing community service groups, Working fully, through the Human Genome Project, we work on October 19, 2000 at a public cere- Wardrobes. Working Wardrobes is dedicated have been able to gain a better understanding mony. I join his friends and admirers in thank- to assisting survivors of domestic violence of this disease. However, we still have a long ing him for his years of service and I am achieve self-sufficiency in their lives. way to go until we fully understand proud that he has been my friend for several Working Wardrobes began in 1990 when six Angelman's Syndrome. years. Orange County business women decided to While we now know that Angelman's Syn- f initiative a program which would help victims drome affects anywhere between 1 in 10,000 of domestic violence regain their dignity, integ- and 1 in 30,000, we still have much to learn HONORING MILT AND BETTE rity and self-respect. Over 60,000 women in about the disease and its symptoms. DOBKIN, HUMBOLDT COUNTY, Orange County are severely beaten each year Angelman's Syndrome is only diagnosed CALIFORNIA as a result of domestic violence. This cycle of through genetic laboratory testing. However, it domestic violence also affects children who is often misdiagnosed and mistaken for au- HON. MIKE THOMPSON are 1,000 times more likely to become abus- tism. We need to work toward a better and OF CALIFORNIA ers themselves. more comprehensive understanding of the dis- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Through programs such as Career/Life Skills Workshops and Annual ``Days of Self- ease, its causes, and the best way to treat it. Tuesday, October 17, 2000 It is my hope that through research, we can Esteem'', survivors are given the extra edge come to understand and effectively treat Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, they need to be successful in their search for Angelman's Syndrome and that the medical I rise today to recognize Milt and Bette a career and the confidence needed to make community will develop guidelines for treating Dobkin, two extraordinary citizens of Humboldt changes in their lives. patients with these conditions. County, CA, who have dedicated their lives to Colleagues, please join with me today in f public service. They are being honored for recognizing Working Wardrobes for excellence their life-long contribution to one of the Na- in providing victims of domestic violence with IN RECOGNITION OF JAMES tion's most precious rightsÐparticipation in the educational programs that have given them a FORSYTH—AN EXEMPLARY AC- political system. Their actions on behalf of new beginning in life. TIVIST Representative Democracy are worthy of ap- f preciation and recognition. HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK Bette Dobkin has taken on many roles CELEBRATING TAFT, CALIFORNIA, 90TH BIRTHDAY OF CALIFORNIA throughout her years of service to the commu- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES nity. She has been an elementary school teacher, school board member, grand juror, HON. WILLIAM M. THOMAS Tuesday, October 17, 2000 and human rights, housing, and elections OF CALIFORNIA Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, today I ask my commissioner. She currently serves on the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES colleagues to join me in paying recognition to board of the Arcata Community Recycling a true progressive activist, Jim Forsyth. As Jim Center and the North Coast Repertory The- Tuesday, October 17, 2000 continues to fight tirelessly for labor, the envi- ater. In her career, she has brought distinction Mr. THOMAS. Mr. Speaker, I want to join ronment, housing, seniors, and civil rights, he and honor to her profession. Bette has been my friends and constituents in the community is an ever-present voice speaking out wher- selected as the ``Realtor of the Year'' by the of Taft, California in celebrating Taft's 90th ever there is injustice or human need. Humboldt County Board of Realtors and se- birthday. On November 7th, Taft will be 90 Jim was born on July 14, 1927, Bastille Day lected as ``Honorary Director for Life'' by the years old and the town has come together to in Brooklyn, New York. After graduating from California Association of Realtors. celebrate that fact as part of this year's Williams College, where he joined the progres- Milt Dobkin has been a recognized leader of Oildorado Days celebration, entitled ``Blowout sive movement, Jim came to California's Bay higher education in our community for many 2000''. It is a proud celebration of the commu- Area to work on the assembly line in General years. He served as the Vice President of nity's history and ties to the California oil in- Motors. Jim and his late wife Fran were the Academic Affairs at Humboldt State University dustry. dutiful parents of five children. for 14 years before retiring. He is Professor Taft is an oil town, pure and simple. From Jim is a member of several progressive Emeritus of Communication Studies and Vice the time of oil's discovery in the area in the groups and organizations. He is proud to have President for Academic Affairs, Emeritus. Milt 1860s, the area around this small western been a part of the pro-union group, the Plant has served on many local board, including the Kern County community has been the focus of

VerDate 112000 05:02 Oct 18, 2000 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A17OC8.009 pfrm04 PsN: E17PT1 October 17, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1807 oil production. Some of the biggest producing that Congress will stand by those decisions. ant in my district. She is a woman who has fields in the lower 48 states are located We must remain mindful that the United dedicated her life to not only raising her own around Taft, fields like Midway-Sunset, States claimed Puerto Rico. There is no ``us four children, but also teaching and nurturing Cymric, the Belridge Fields, Buena Vista and against them''Ðthey are part of ``us.'' Puerto many small children in her community. I wish Elk Hills. Kern County, California produces Rico self-determination will happen and it is to recognize my good personal friend Gwen more oil than the State of Oklahoma and the our responsibility that within that process we Sessions who was recently named Elementary people of Taft do much of the work that ensure that the residents of Puerto Rico are School Teacher of the Year in the Rocklin Uni- makes the county so very productive. fully educated on each status option. fied School District. The Oildorado celebration Taft holds every f As a kindergarten teacher at Antelope five years is one way the community cele- Creek Elementary School, Gwen has touched TRIBUTE TO CONGRESSMAN TOM brates its link to energy production and lets its countless lives for good, both directly and indi- BLILEY hair downÐliterally, since there is a beard rectly. She has contributed many hours of be- growing contest. People who work hard pro- hind-the-scenes work by participating in nu- SPEECH OF ducing energy get together to celebrate their merous district and school site committees. commitment to a very tough trade. I hope my More importantly, she has earned praise from colleagues will join me in celebrating their HON. F. JAMES SENSENBRENNER, JR. OF WISCONSIN students, parents, and colleagues for her in- pride in their work and in their town with them. spirational style of teaching. She sets clear IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES f boundaries for the children and reinforces Thursday, October 12, 2000 positive behavior through praise. She is also FUNDING FOR PUERTO RICO known for maintaining a well organized yet STATUS OPTIONS Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to our distinguished col- stimulating classroom that is full of color. In league, the Chairman of the Commerce Com- fact, one of her fellow teachers has said, ``Her HON. GEORGE MILLER mittee, the gentleman from Virginia, Rep- room is a learning lab which exudes personal OF CALIFORNIA resentative TOM BLILEY. TOM BLILEY has enthusiasm and warmth. She has an ability to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES served his constituents in Virginia for over 30 motivate students beyond their natural abilities and helps them reach their greatest potential.'' Tuesday, October 17, 2000 years, both on the local and national levels. His dedication to public service has taken him As a testament to Mrs. Sessions' involved ap- Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. from the Richmond City Council, to the posi- proach to teaching, one parent has said, ``It is Speaker, I was very pleased that the House tion of Mayor of Richmond, and then to this not uncommon to find Mrs. Sessions with red passed FY 2001 Department of Transportation House where he has risen to chair this body's painted hands, bright colored clothes, and tiny Appropriations bill which included the Presi- oldest committee. little hands embraced around her.'' dent's request of $2.5 million to assist in pub- Throughout his legislative career, TOM BLI- The first evidence of what Gwen is doing lic education on, and a public choice among, LEY has accumulated a list of accomplish- right is found in the fact that she has one of political status options for Puerto Rico. This ments most of us can barely imagine. For the the largest Parent Volunteer programs at the request was first left out of the FY 2001 last six years, he has led one of the most suc- school every year. High school students, par- Treasury Appropriations bill but the Transpor- cessful, efficient, and constructive committees ents, and grandparents enjoy volunteering in tation Conferees saw fit to restore this funding in Congress. He oversaw passage of the Tele- her classroom because she makes them feel request during their negotiations. communications Act of 1996, which brought rewarded for helping out. Puerto Rico has been a part of the United fairness, competition, and increased consumer In addition to getting involved, many parents States for more than a century. Over the choice to the industry. He led the charge to have also voiced their appreciation for the ex- course of this period, the Puerto Rican people override President Clinton's veto of the Con- cellent way in which Gwen Sessions educates have participated in our democracy. Their tract with America, at the same time over- their children. Said one student's mother, ``It's sons and daughters have fought our wars and hauling and reforming the nation's securities their political leaders keep issues that affect always scary turning your child over to their laws. Finally, TOM BLILEY led the effort needed first teacher. It didn't take long, however, for Puerto Rico on the surface of our political dis- to pass the Mammography Standard Act of our family to learn to completely trust, respect, course. Most importantly, the richness of their 1998, life-saving legislation that will ensure the and appreciate Mrs. Sessions for all her won- people and culture have become a part of quality of many women's lives for years to derful gifts she has to offer.'' Remarked an- what is good about America. come. After gaining U.S. citizenship in 1917 and other mother, ``The first time I entered Mrs. These are only a few of the legislative ac- eventually adopting their own constitution to Sessions kindergarten classroom I know my complishments we attribute to our colleague increase self-government, the people of Puer- daughter was in the best hands possible.'' from Virginia. They illustrate his commitment to Rico have consistently sought to fully ex- One parent and long-time instructional aide to sound fiscal principles, a balanced budget, press their political desires through self-deter- puts it this way, ``I feel her empathy with peo- increased opportunities for individuals and mination. In the past 30 years, Puerto Rico ple and her desire to inspire others has made small business owners, and common sense has held three plebiscites to gauge the peo- the difference in countless lives. She puts her government. More importantly, they are ple's preference on a future political status. heart and soul into her daily task of making among the reasons that TOM BLILEY's constitu- Because of their current status, Congress is the beginnings of our children's many years in ents know that they can count on him to look school a joy.'' responsible for assisting Puerto Rico in their after their best interests. status efforts. In 1999, the House Resources I know I join TOM BLILEY's many friends in As a final and perhaps supreme tribute, an- Committee issued a bipartisan report that con- Virginia's Seventh Congressional District, as other mother has said, ``She makes learning cluded Federal action is needed to establish a well as his many friends and colleagues here exciting and brings even the shyest of children process for resolving Puerto Rico's status. in the House, in wishing him the best in the out of their shell . . . I know we will look back Congress has a responsibility to remain ob- years to come. He has served us well, and we in years to come and say, This teacher made jective and work with the people of Puerto will all miss the dedication and leadership he a difference between success and failure.'' Rico about the status choices. We should en- brought to his work. sure that any option put before the voters of Congress has made improving education a Puerto Rico is acceptable to Congress and we f top priority. As we continue searching for ways to better the educational system, we need to should also make certain that the Puerto TRIBUTE TO GWEN SESSIONS Rican electorate is well-informed and edu- look at the positive things happening in cated on what each option can mean to their schools across the country. I believe that future. HON. JOHN T. DOOLITTLE Gwen Sessions is an excellent example of what is right with America's schools. The funding made available to the President OF CALIFORNIA in the FY 2001 Department of Transportation IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES To my friend Gwen Sessions, the Rocklin bill is a good step toward assisting with any Unified School District Elementary School Tuesday, October 17, 2000 future plebiscite in Puerto Rico. Congress Teacher of the Year, I say, ``Thank you and must now be truthful with the people of Puerto Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, today, I congratulations on a job well done! Keep up Rico on what their options are and in assuring stand to recognize an outstanding public serv- the good work.''

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