26852 Hon. Peter J. Roskam Hon. Sam Graves Hon. Alcee L

26852 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS, Vol. 153, Pt. 19 October 5, 2007 Park—a pirate-themed play area—the restora- He has devoted countless hours to planning OSCE-led IEOM’s preliminary statement con- tion of the historic Pacific Electric Railway the Council’s new Cub Scout Adventure Camp cluded that the elections confirmed an open Depot and the development of the 3-acre and I am confident that this endeavor, like ev- and competitive environment for the conduct Palm Street Linear Park, which will feature erything Dick has set his mind to, will be a tre- of the election process and that freedom of bike and walking trails. mendous success. assembly and expression were respected. Bellflower will mark its 50th anniversary in Madam Speaker and Distinguished Col- IEOM observers assessed the voting process mid-October with a week of exciting events, leagues, Dick McCann, a remarkable indi- as good or very good in 98 percent of the including its annual Liberty Day Parade, a fire- vidual, is being deservedly honored with the nearly 3,000 polling stations visited, notwith- works show, a cow-milking contest and sev- Distinguished Citizens Award. Please join me standing some shortcomings, notably with re- eral concerts. I’m honored to recognize this in honoring this outstanding achievement. spect to the quality of voter lists, and the vote historic milestone in this city’s rich history. f count was assessed as good or very good in Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join 94 percent of the IEOM reports. me in celebrating Bellflower’s first 50 years as RECOGNIZING CHRISTOPHER These pre-term elections did not come this thriving community continues to live by its CHASE PARRISH FOR ACHIEVING about easily, coming on the heels of a political motto of ‘‘Growing Together’’ and works to- THE RANK OF EAGLE SCOUT crisis that engulfed Ukraine’s president, prime ward a prosperous future. minister, and parliament for several months f HON. SAM GRAVES earlier this year. These political disputes were OF MISSOURI rooted in weak constitutional delineations of HONORING RICHARD J. MCCANN IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the powers of the president and prime min- Friday, October 5, 2007 ister. After weeks of tense standoff, however, HON. PETER J. ROSKAM agreement was reached on May 27 stipulating OF ILLINOIS Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly new parliamentary elections for September 30. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES pause to recognize Christopher Chase Par- Now that the elections have concluded, it is rish, a very special young man who has exem- Thursday, October 4, 2007 my hope that Ukraine’s political leaders will plified the finest qualities of citizenship and form a government reflecting the will of the Mr. ROSKAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Ukrainian people as expressed by the results to congratulate Richard ‘‘Dick’’ McCann for re- Scouts of America, Troop 260, and in earning of the elections; a government that advances ceiving the Distinguished Citizens Award from the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. political stability and democratic development. the Three Fires Council of the Boy Scouts of Christopher has been very active with his It is my hope, too, that the new parliament and America. troop, participating in many Scout activities. government will focus on the constitutional Dick first began his journey as a Cub Scout, Over the many years Christopher has been in- framework, especially the question of separa- where he quickly learned to love the adven- volved with Scouting, he has not only earned tion of powers, in order to avoid the political ture of the outdoors. A few years later, as a numerous merit badges, but also the respect uncertainty that we witnessed earlier this year. Boy Scout, Dick had the opportunity to attend of his family, peers, and community. Ukraine also needs to further undertake the the three-week-long National Jamboree in Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join hard work of strengthening the rule of law, in- Anaheim, California. Through his experiences me in commending Christopher Chase Parrish cluding an independent judiciary, and fighting as a Boy Scout, Dick developed the persever- for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts corruption. ance that has helped him achieve so much as of America and for his efforts put forth in Madam Speaker, the conduct of these elec- a business and community leader in later life. achieving the highest distinction of Eagle tions is a testament to the Ukrainian people’s Dick’s strong moral grounding and commit- Scout. determined path towards the consolidation of ment to hard work were instrumental as he set f democracy as Ukraine advances its integration out to begin his career. With $1,500 borrowed with the Euro-Atlantic community. As such, INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTION from family, friends and neighbors, Dick start- Ukraine serves as a model for the post-Soviet CONGRATULATING THE UKRAIN- ed a construction company in a 1-car garage countries, all too many of which have unfortu- IAN PEOPLE ON THE SEP- in Villa Park. nately retreated to heavy-handed TEMBER 30, 2007, PARLIAMEN- Under his visionary leadership, McCann authoritarianism. TARY ELECTIONS Construction Specialties Company soon grew This House can pride itself on having been into McCann Industries, directly employing a staunch supporter of freedom, human rights more than 150 individuals in my congressional HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS and democracy in Ukraine for many years— district. Their economic activity indirectly sup- OF FLORIDA even before the restoration of Ukraine’s inde- ports the jobs of countless others. Dick IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES pendence in 1991. As this resolution under- McCann and McCann Industries are a prime Friday, October 5, 2007 scores, it is important to continue our efforts to example of the hard work and productivity that the further development of a democratic sys- sets American businesses apart in the global Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, tem in Ukraine based on the rule of law, a free marketplace. as Chairman of the Helsinki Commission I rise market economy, and consolidation of As Dick’s experience and industry expertise to introduce a resolution congratulating the Ukraine’s security and sovereignty. I urge my became apparent, he was tapped by his peers Ukrainian people for the holding of free, fair colleagues to support this timely resolution. to serve as a board member of the Under- and transparent parliamentary elections on f ground Contractors Association and the Con- September 30, 2007. These elections were crete Contractors Association of Greater Chi- held in a peaceful manner consistent with PERSONAL EXPLANATION cago, as well as President of the Associated Ukraine’s democratic values, and in keeping Construction Distributors International and with that nation’s commitments as a partici- HON. BARBARA LEE President of the Illinois Equipment Distributors. pating State of the Organization for Security OF CALIFORNIA Although Dick retired from McCann Indus- and Cooperation in Europe. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tries several years ago, he has left an indelible While there were some shortcomings, these mark on both the company and the construc- elections stand in contrast to the vast majority Friday, October 5, 2007 tion industry at large, working to build a cor- of elections that have taken place in the coun- Ms. LEE. Madam Speaker, due to the pass- porate culture of integrity that reflects his tries of the former Soviet Union over the ing of my father, on Wednesday, October 3, many years of involvement with the Boy course of the last 15 years. Tone Tingsgaard, 2007, and Thursday, October 4, 2007, I Scouts. McCann Industries continues to set the Special Coordinator of the short-term elec- missed rollcall vote Nos. 932 through 948. the standard for construction businesses. tion observers for the International Election Had I been present, I would have voted ‘‘aye’’ In addition to his professional accolades, Observation Mission (IEOM) and Vice Presi- on the motion on ordering the previous ques- Dick serves an executive board member and dent of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, tion on the rule H. Res. 701; ‘‘aye’’ on the mo- sits on the facilities committee of the Three stated that these elections were conducted ‘‘in tion on ordering the previous question on the Fires Council of the Boy Scouts of America. a positive and professional manner.’’ The rule H. Res. 702; ‘‘aye’’ on H. Res. 702; ‘‘aye’’

VerDate Mar 15 2010 12:39 Jul 29, 2010 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0689 Sfmt 9920 E:\BR07\E05OC7.000 E05OC7 cprice-sewell on DSK89S0YB1PROD with BOUND RECORD October 5, 2007 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS, Vol. 153, Pt. 19 26853 on the Conyers amendment to H.R. 928; Irvin Burchell’s focus on quality led to the niversary: Sunday, October 7th, 2007, marks ‘‘nay’’ on the motion to recommit H.R. 928; development of the state of California’s own the one-year anniversary of the death of Rus- ‘‘aye’’ on H.R. 928; ‘‘aye’’ on the motion to tree certification program. The Nursery began sian journalist Anna Politkovskaya, who was postpone the vote to override the president’s in the 1960s and has worked toward elimi- shot and killed by an unknown assailant or as- veto of the children’s health care bill; ‘‘nay’’ on nating viruses from commercial tree varieties sailants at the entrance to her apartment the motion to recommit H.R. 2740; ‘‘aye’’ on and establishing clean sources of bud wood. building in Moscow. H.R. 2740; ‘‘aye’’ on motion on ordering the They have created an ongoing sampling proc- Ms. Politkovskaya was a brave and prolific previous question on the rule H. Res. 704; ess to ensure virus-free trees. This has be- journalist whose name has become synony- ‘‘aye’’ on the rule H. Res. 704; ‘‘aye’’ on the come the model that is used by the state mous with journalistic courage under fire. Her motion on ordering the previous question on today. vivid, on-the-spot reporting brought to the the rule H. Res. 703; ‘‘aye’’ on the rule H. Burchell Nursery changed hands in 1970 to world’s attention the bloody war in Russia’s Res. 703; ‘‘nay’’ on the motion to recommit Bill Burchell, who oversaw dramatic growth in breakaway region of Chechnya and the suf- H.R. 3246; ‘‘aye’’ on H.R. 3246; ‘‘nay’’ on mo- the company. Through out the decade 700 fering of its victims, both Chechen and Rus- tion to recommit H.R. 3648; and ‘‘aye’’ on H.R. acres were added in Oakdale, CA, and during sian. In her book ‘‘The Dirty War,’’ a compila- 3648. the 1980s another branch was opened in tion of articles she had written previously on the conflict, she demonstrated a unique gift for f Fresno, CA. Now in the third generation, Burchell Nurs- telling the stories of people caught in the RECOGNIZING MELISSA HENSLEY ery is headed by Tom Burchell. Tom has re- crossfire between the Russian military forces, FOR ACHIEVING THE MISSOURI newed the company’s focus on research. Tom brutal Chechen paramilitaries operating on AMERICAN STAR OF TEACHING has pioneered the development of the Moscow’s behalf, the indigenous Chechen re- nursery’s container tree lines. With special sistance, and Islamic extremists who rushed in HON. SAM GRAVES growing techniques, and a uniquely designed from all over the world to exploit the conflict. One reviewer wrote that ‘‘her writing focuses OF MISSOURI container, the program has expanded from about 8,000 container trees per year to more on the ethics of everyday life and individual IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES than 170,000 in 2006. The breeding program misery in the midst of Chechnya’s catas- Friday, October 5, 2007 has also flourished under Tom, with more than trophe. It is Chechen civilians and Russian Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly 40 patented varieties to the nursery’s credit. conscript soldiers who are the centers of con- pause to recognize Melissa Hensley, of Milan, Burchell Nursery has been a constant lead- cern here. Politkovskaya’s most withering MO. Melissa Hensley is the recipient of the er in the community and in the state of Cali- scorn is reserved for the political and military Missouri American Star of Teaching Award. fornia. To the state, Burchell Nursery has pro- classes that initiated this war, together with its Melissa serves as a Literary Coach for vided innovative ways of growing, nurturing profiteers, opportunists, and contract soldiers Milan C–2 Elementary in Milan, MO. She and protecting trees from a number of viruses. straight from Russia’s prisons.’’ works closely with other educational profes- In the local community, they have not only For her hard-hitting and courageous report- sionals and parents to increase students’ provided employment, but they have also ing Ms. Politkovskaya earned numerous jour- reading abilities. Melissa also acts as a men- given back in the form of donations and sup- nalism awards, including the OSCE Par- tor to beginner teachers and represented Mis- port to various groups. Burchell Nursery has liamentary Assembly’s annual Prize for Jour- souri schools by presenting at the National always been a strong supporter of 4–H and nalism and Democracy in 2003. In 2004, she Reading First Conference in Reno, NV. Cur- Future Farmers of America. They have pro- shared the Olof Palme Prize for human rights rently, she is working on completing her mas- vided scholarships to outstanding agriculture work with fellow Russian human rights activ- ter’s degree in Reading. students at Modesto Junior College and con- ists Ludmila Alexeyeva and Sergei Kovalev. On the day Anna Politkovskaya was killed, Each year, American Stars of Teaching re- tributed trees to the orchards of elementary she was due to file a story on the looted re- ceives over 4,000 nominations for this award. and secondary schools. They have also been construction money intended for Chechnya, From this, the organization picks 1 educator active supporters of the agriculture research and use of torture and kidnapping by pro-Mos- from each state. This year, Melissa rep- programs at Modesto Junior College, Cali- fornia State University at Fresno, University of cow Chechen paramilitaries. Clearly, her re- resented Missouri by earning the American porting had made a lot of enemies and threat- Star of Teaching Award. California at Davis and have provided financial support to the Stanislaus County Agriculture ened a lot of comfortable positions. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join Anna Politkovskaya was an American cit- me in honoring Melissa Hensley whose dedi- Center. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend izen, born during the Cold War in New York cation and service to the people of Milan has City, where she was exposed to democracy, a been truly exceptional. and congratulate Burchell Nursery on 65 years of business. I invite my colleagues to join me free press, and a world of ideas denied to f in wishing Burchell Nursery many years of most Soviet citizens. Graduating in 1980 from HONORING BURCHELL NURSERY continued success. Moscow State University, she worked for the Soviet newspaper Izvestiya during the halcyon f days of perestroika. In 1999, she joined the HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH THE ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF staff of Novaya Gazeta, one of the few na- OF CALIFORNIA THE ASSASSINATION OF ANNA tional Russian newspapers at that time that IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES POLITKOVSKAYA took a critical line toward the Russian govern- Friday, October 5, 2007 ment. Her dedication to exposing the tragic HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS events in Chechnya resulted in around 50 trips Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise to that cauldron of conflict. today to congratulate Burchell Nursery upon OF FLORIDA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES In 2004, she made an attempt to travel to celebrating their 65th anniversary in the nurs- Beslan during the murderous school siege, in ery business. Friday, October 5, 2007 that village but fell ill with food poisoning on Irvin Burchell began his small business with Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, the way, an event which some took as a delib- an acre and a half in central California, just as chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, erate poison attempt by her enemies to kill outside of Modesto, in 1942. Mr. Burchell’s I have followed closely the difficulties faced by her. She was very aware that her actions an- idea was ‘‘Plant good trees on good land, take journalists throughout the nations of the Orga- gered many in the governments of both care of them, and they will take care of you.’’ nization for Security and Cooperation in Eu- Chechnya and Russia, but never let threats to Three generations later the company has rope. Many of these dedicated men and her life dissuade her from her passion. She grown to more than 1,000 acres, from 10,000 women risk financial ruin, physical intimidation was once quoted as saying, ‘‘journalists have trees to 2.5 million. Burchell Nursery began and even death at the hands of those who a duty to report on the subject that matters, with just peach trees. Today they grow peach, fear honesty and truth in print or in the elec- just as singers have to sing and doctors have nectarine, cherry, apricot, plum, prune, apple, tronic media. to heal.’’ pomegranate, pistachio, citrus, almond, and In this connection, I would call the attention Despite her critical attitude toward her coun- walnut trees in more than 200 varieties. of my distinguished colleagues to a tragic an- try’s political leadership, Anna Politkovskaya

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