E774 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks August 21, 2020 TX on being chosen as one of the 87 new IN CELEBRATION OF DEDE ABTS’ My thoughts and prayers are with his family members of the National Academy of Engi- 100TH BIRTHDAY and friends during this most difficult time. neering (NAE). f The NAE is a highly elite and notable insti- HON. GREG PENCE HONORING THE LIFE OF CLAIRE tution that provides advice and input to the OF INDIANA SHULMAN federal government in the fields of technology, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES engineering and overall quality of life. Mem- Friday, August 21, 2020 bers include individuals who have made revo- HON. GRACE MENG Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to OF NEW YORK lutionary contributions to the engineering field. honor a mother, friend and fellow Hoosier, Vir- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES It is one of the highest professional honors an ginia ‘‘Dede’’ Abts, who will be celebrating her Friday, August 21, 2020 engineer can receive—there are only 2,300 100th birthday on August 20, 2020. members out of the two million engineers and After graduating from Indiana University in Ms. MENG. Madam Speaker, l rise today to computer scientists in America’s workforce. 1942 with a degree in Spanish, Dede became honor the life of Claire Shulman for her tire- Mr. Frantz is a Professor at Rice University, a cultural asset in my hometown community of less work in leading the people of Queens. my alma mater. He also co-founded Octavo Columbus, Indiana. Claire was the first woman to serve as the Systems, a systems-in-package company Dede is a true philanthropist and a pillar of Queens Borough President. As borough presi- where he serves as Vice President. Frantz the community. As the co-founder of Uncom- dent, she fought to champion a quality life for gained recognition by his work in developing mon Cause, Dede inspires hope in others all people in Queens. Claire made sure we digital signal microprocessors. Frantz is a while supporting the Columbus Area Arts had access to good jobs, quality infrastructure, graduate of the University of Central Florida Council. safe housing, and so much more. Her work and Southern Methodist University. Columbus is a better place to live because had a tremendous impact on the lives of countless individuals and she continued to im- On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congres- of the work that Dede has done throughout prove Queens beyond her capacity as the sional District of Texas, I congratulate Gene her life. I am proud to join the Columbus com- Borough President. Claire Shulman was noth- Frantz on this lifetime accomplishment. He munity in recognizing Dede’s accomplishments ing short of a trailblazer. has made TX–22 very proud. and I wish her many more healthy years. Happy 100th Birthday, Dede. Not only was Claire impactful to Queens, f she was an outstanding mentor and friend to f me as well. She believed strongly in empow- REMEMBERING AND HONORING ering women and fighting for our representa- REMEMBERING AND HONORING FREDERICK ‘‘FRED’’ WILLIAM PAUL OSTERMAN tion in public service and leadership—before it KRAMER III was popular to do so. Claire believed in me, and I am forever grateful for her encourage- HON. EARL L. ‘‘BUDDY’’ CARTER HON. EARL L. ‘‘BUDDY’’ CARTER ment and kindness. OF GEORGIA I was fortunate to speak to Claire recently. OF GEORGIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The last thing she said to me was, ‘‘I want to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Friday, August 21, 2020 thank you for your excellent work in Wash- ington and tell you how proud I am of you.’’ I Friday, August 21, 2020 Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, cannot explain how touching it was to hear I rise today in remembrance of Frederick, or these words from an amazing woman like Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, Fred, William Kramer III of Georgia’s First Claire, who fought for the lives of every one of I rise today in remembrance of Paul Osterman Congressional District, who passed away on my constituents. I hope we can all learn a les- of Savannah, Georgia, who passed away at June 26th. son from the empathy and care she exhibited the age of 58. Fred was a born and raised Savannahian every day. Paul was born in Utica, New York, and who loved Coastal Georgia and spent as Claire was born in Brooklyn in 1926 and earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in much time as he could on the water. graduated from Adelphi University on Long Is- music. He earned a degree in computer Because he was the son of a veteran, Fred land. She worked as a registered nurse and science from SUNY IT, Utica, as well. cherished the opportunities he had to travel met her husband, the late Dr. Melvin Shulman, post-war Europe as a boy and live in Zargoza, After school, he went on to work for General at Queens Hospital Center. While living in Spain. Bayside in the 1960s, she led both Community Electric, Utica, and the United States Air Force Fred turned down Ivy League colleges to at- Research Lab. Board 11 in Bayside and the Queens Commu- tend the University of Georgia and become a nity Boards. Claire passed away this week Music was the epicenter of Paul’s life start- Georgia Bulldog like his mother. After college, from pancreatic cancer, surrounded by her ing from a young age when he took his first he received his Juris Doctorate from the Uni- family. music lessons. versity of Georgia. Claire’s leadership undoubtedly made He brought joy, inspiration, and peace to ev- He often spoke of his time in Athens—in- Queens a better place. I urge my colleagues eryone he performed for with his exceptional cluding walking to the Varsity, living in the Joe to rise with me to celebrate the life of Claire gift in playing the piano and organ. Brown dorm, and the fun times he had in col- Shulman. lege and in law school. Fred started his law Paul was extremely dedicated to local and career in private practice and then moved to f professional theatre groups, and even worked the Chatham County District Attorney’s office. REMEMBERING AND HONORING briefly in New York City where he worked with He joined the esteemed Department of Justice TERRY DURRENCE renowned musicians like Gene Simmons. in 1980. He was also dedicated to serving the church Fred was a leader in his practice of law, and HON. EARL L. ‘‘BUDDY’’ CARTER as an organist for both the United Methodist trained many young attorneys in his role as OF GEORGIA Church in New Hartford, New York, and Wes- senior litigation counsel. In recent years, he IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ley Oaks Methodist Church in Savannah. was a docent at the Mighty Eighth Air Force Friday, August 21, 2020 Paul met his lovely wife, Jacquelin Jones, museum, and he deeply enjoyed educating through theatre, and they ran the Hartford the public about the experience of soldiers, Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, Players Youth Theatre in Utica for many the value of understanding history, and the I rise today to honor and remember the life of years. value of a vote. my friend, Mr. Terry Durrence, who passed He lived a life deeply caring for others, and away on August 2nd at the age of 65. He was known for his encouragement of was generous in caring for orphans and wid- Terry and I graduated from the University of others, countless wry jokes, his love of cross- ows—and he did it humbly. Georgia’s College of Pharmacy together, and word puzzles, and his optimistic view and love Everyone who knew him will miss his sense I was blessed to have him in my life. of life. of humor, eccentric ways, colorful stories, pas- After pharmacy school, he went on to work Paul was a family man and loved his family sion for learning, and encouragement. for Revco, CVS, and Candler Hospital phar- deeply. Although he is not with us any longer, He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will macies, where he always served others with a his light will continue to shine. continue for countless years to come. kind and selfless heart.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:22 Aug 22, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A21AU8.005 E21AUPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with REMARKS August 21, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E775 Terry took his heart for serving others out- CONGRATULATING TROY BLAND Let us remember Sonny by one of the last side of his work as a pharmacist, as well. He messages he sent to a friend: ‘‘With enough was an avid supporter of the Habersham HON. EARL L. ‘‘BUDDY’’ CARTER voices, mountains may indeed be moved!’’ YMCA where he volunteered as a lifeguard OF GEORGIA Sonny certainly moved mountains for each and was active in the Leadership Club. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of us, and it is in his honor that we continue to champion the justice and equality for which One of his greatest passions was scuba div- Friday, August 21, 2020 ing, and he went to some of the most incred- he dedicated so much. ible diving locations. Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, f I rise today to recognize and congratulate Troy I always loved hearing about his trips and Bland with Bland Farms, LLC for being ap- REMEMBERING M.L. COFFER discoveries. pointed to the USDA Fruit and Vegetable In- Terry was a true Georgia Bulldog fan dustry Advisory Committee. He and 12 others HON. EARL L. ‘‘BUDDY’’ CARTER throughout the years, and I was glad to have join 12 other members who were re-appointed. OF GEORGIA him by my side to cheer on the Dawgs to- The Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES gether. Committee advises the secretary of agriculture Friday, August 21, 2020 on issues that affect the industry. He was also a member of the Georgia Phar- Headquartered in Glennville, Georgia, Bland Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, macy Association, and was a true leader in Farms is the largest grower, packer, and ship- I rise today to remember and honor Martin L. the pharmacy field. per of sweet onions in the United States. They ‘‘M.L.’’ Coffer, who passed away on June 23 His lovely wife, Susan, two amazing chil- represent roughly one quarter of the entire at the age of 83. dren, Alexander and Addison, are especially in Vidalia sweet onion volume and have the larg- M.L was a lifelong resident of Fleming who my thoughts and prayers during this time as est controlled-environment storage capacity in loved the Lord, his family, and farming with his they grieve the loss of such a wonderful man. the industry. Additionally, Bland Farms was whole heart. He was a faithful member of Mt. the first company in the industry to market Olivet United Methodist Church, and held sev- f sweet onions year-round. eral positions. M.L. always served others with Troy grew up working the farm with both his such kindness and sincerity everywhere he IN MEMORY OF PAUL MCEACHERN father and grandfather and he knew from a went. very young age that his dream, like his fa- He met his lovely wife, Beverly Black, in ther’s, was to carry on the family business. He Clarkesville when he attended the North Geor- HON. CHRIS PAPPAS now serves as Chief Operating Officer, and gia Trade and Vocational School in works alongside his brother, Landis. Clarkesville on a baseball and basketball OF NEW HAMPSHIRE His hard work, dedication, and commitment scholarship. M.L. worked at Savannah Electric IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES has allowed the family business to thrive. Con- and Power Company for 15 years and retired gratulations, again. I wish Troy the best in his from Coastal Utilities after 33 years of service. Friday, August 21, 2020 new position. He was the first President and charter mem- Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today f ber of the Liberty Coastal Lions Club, First Citizens Bank Board of Directors, Soil and to honor Paul McEachern, a Navy veteran, HONORING THE LIFE OF WILLIAM Water Conservation Board, Resource Con- lawyer, and public servant who passed away HAROLD ‘‘SONNY’’ FLOWERS, JR. servation and Development Board, and Liberty this week at 82. A lifelong resident of Ports- Hunting Club. mouth, Paul will be remembered as a pillar of M.L. was also Chairman of the Liberty his community and a tireless fighter for social HON. JOE NEGUSE County Commissioners for 16 years and Sec- and economic justice. OF COLORADO IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES retary and Treasury of the Coastal EMC Board Paul served in the Navy from 1956 to 1960 of Directors. He owned BevMar Logging and Friday, August 21, 2020 before returning home to attend college at the BevMar farms, as well. University of New Hampshire. He then at- Mr. NEGUSE. Madam Speaker, last month, He was a fearless leader and a cowboy at tended law school and went on to practice law Colorado lost one its most brilliant legal minds, heart. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy for over fifty years, litigating numerous pivotal a mentor treasured by generations of lawyers will live on for countless years to come. public access cases. Paul was a founding and Coloradans, Mr. William Harold ‘‘Sonny’’ My thoughts and prayers are with his family member of the New Hampshire Young Demo- Flowers, Jr. and friends during this most difficult time. crats, an organization that has become instru- Sonny was raised in Boulder, Colorado by f mental in training and electing young, progres- his mother Ruth and father William Harold, Sr. sive Granite Staters. A dedicated public serv- Since his days as a university student in the RECOGNIZING DARNELL ‘‘DEEJAY’’ ant, Paul served as a five term New Hamp- 1960’s, Sonny was a fierce, vocal advocate for JOHNSON AS CONSTITUENT OF shire State Representative, Portsmouth City social justice and racial equality. This was a THE MONTH Councilor, legal counselor to Governor Hugh commitment he kept throughout his life by Gallen, and a two-time Democratic guber- traveling our state to recruit students of color, HON. MIKE LEVIN natorial nominee. As a leader, Paul never sac- helping to establish CU Boulder’s Black Alum- OF CALIFORNIA rificed his integrity and exemplified the best of ni Association, and creating an endowed IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES what our public officials should strive to be. scholarship for students of color at both Colo- rado Law and the University of Denver. Friday, August 21, 2020 Paul was engaged across the full spectrum Sonny is remembered not only for his intel- Mr. LEVIN of California. Madam Speaker, it of public life, serving as President of the New ligence and commitment to justice, but also is my honor to recognize Darnell ‘‘DeeJay’’ Hampshire Bar Association, Chair of the New his great kindness, radiant laughter, and the Johnson, a community leader, racial justice Hampshire Bar Foundation, Chair of the Ports- kinship he formed with those great many peo- activist and local high school football coach, mouth Library Board of Trustees, Trustee of ple he encouraged and guided throughout his as the Constituent of the Month for August. At the Trust Funds of the City of Portsmouth, and lifetime. I count myself so lucky to have been a time when our country is reeling from racial member of the Board of Directors of the USS among the countless individuals that Sonny injustice and seeking to address police bru- Albacore Museum. He demonstrated an out- supported, and can say with certainty that I tality, Mr. Johnson and his team marched side standing commitment to his community and is would not be where I am today without both by side to speak out against racial injustice. remembered for his courage, conviction, and the great many paths he forged on my behalf This past June, DeeJay organized a Black integrity. and his caring, devoted mentorship. Lives Matter protest for marchers to walk in On behalf of all my constituents in New Sonny’s legacy will be felt by those through- support of the movement in North County San Hampshire’s First Congressional District, I out the Boulder community and the whole of Diego. During the protest, marchers raised share my gratitude for Paul’s decades of de- Colorado. I share my deepest condolences concerns to DeeJay of a young white male in voted public service and offer my condolences with Sonny’s wife Pam, his entire family, and military-style gear carrying a knife and acting to Paul’s wife Shaun and their five children. all those whom he impacted throughout his uneasy while walking with the group. DeeJay May Paul McEachern’s memory be a blessing. lifetime. carefully approached the young man, and after

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