E920 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 2, 2020 the 2020 Congressional Art Competition. Due recorded in Harris County records in 1852. come. I stand here today to thank Dr. Atkins to the coronavirus, this year’s competition was This could explain why Mary Wilson became for her contributions to the world, and I wish held remotely. The theme of this year’s art- Mary W. Jackson. her family peace during these difficult times. The 186-year-old headstone is one of the work focused on the Indian River Lagoon. oldest marked headstones in Harris County She will be greatly missed. This year a total of thirty-one students from and Deer Park’s oldest artifact. The histor- f high schools across the Space and Treasure ical marker reflects the history of Deer Coasts submitted artwork—all very talented Park, as well as the history of Texas. The CONGRATULATING HOLLEY DEAN students with creative and imaginative pieces. historical marker presents a glimpse of ordi- Three finalists were chosen, and two entries nary people in Texas in the 1830’s and com- HON. EARL L. ‘‘BUDDY’’ CARTER were also selected for special recognition. memorates these early Deer Park settlers. OF GEORGIA This year’s winning piece, titled ‘‘The Prom- As a former member of the Texas Historical IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ise’’ by Michael Spears of Master’s Academy Commission, I know that this is a great honor Friday, October 2, 2020 will be displayed in the United States Capitol for the community. I wish all of my friends in in Washington, D.C. His teacher is Gerry Deer Park well as they celebrate the dedica- Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, Geary. tion on October 20th. I rise today to congratulate Holley Dean of Sa- The runners up included: Adam Hicks of f vannah, Georgia, for being named to Forbes’ West Shore Jr./Sr. High for ‘‘Mosquito’’ earned America’s Top Women Wealth Advisors List the Third Place Award. His teacher is James HONORING DR. BETTINA ‘‘TINA’’ for 2020. Finch. Rain Perlman of Merritt Island High for ATKINS Ms. Dean is remarkably one of ten women ‘‘At the Beach’’ earned the Second Place who were selected from a pool of 32,000 Award. Her teacher is Lara Klopp. HON. VICENTE GONZALEZ nominations. This year the judges also selected two OF TEXAS Top advisors across the country were nomi- pieces of art for Special Recognition. Krystal IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES nated by their firms and then researched, interviewed, and assigned a ranking within Reither of Merritt Island High earned a Special Friday, October 2, 2020 Recognition for her piece ‘‘Lagoon Panoply’’. their respective states. Her teacher is Lara Klopp. Kevin Olson of In- Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Madam Speaker, Service models, investing process, client re- dian River Charter High School also earned a I rise today to honor Dr. Bettina ‘‘Tina’’ Atkins, tention, experience levels, review of compli- Special Recognition for his piece ‘‘Goo La- a pioneer in education who passed away on ance records, and firm nominations are some goon’’. His teacher is Amelia Strazzulla. Saturday, August 22, 2020, at the age of 61. of many factors considered. I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Dr. Bettina ‘‘Tina’’ Atkins was born in Des The decision is also based on quantitative Representatives to join me in congratulating Moines, Iowa, later moving to South Texas as criteria, such as assets under management these fine students for their creative efforts a teenager. She graduated from McAllen High and revenue generated for their firms. and saluting all students across the United School in 1977 and earned a Bachelor of Arts Holley currently serves as a financial advi- States who accepted the challenge to partici- Degree with Honors in Communication from sor for Stifel, which is a diversified global pate in this year’s Congressional Art Competi- the University of Texas, Pan American (UTPA) wealth management and investment banking tion. in 1981, now the University of Texas Rio company. f Grande Valley (UTRGV). Her hard work and dedication throughout Dr. Atkins went on to earn a Masters De- the years has clearly paid off, and she de- RECOGNIZING THE EARLY DEER gree in Educational Leadership at UTPA in serves to be honored and celebrated for this PARK SETTLERS TEXAS HISTOR- 1993 and a Ph.D. in Organization Leadership amazing accomplishment. ICAL MONUMENT DEDICATION from Our Lady of the Lake University in 2015. I wish her the best of luck in the years to She shared her love of and commitment to come. HON. BRIAN BABIN lifelong learning with thousands of children in f OF TEXAS South Texas. RECOGNIZING THE 50TH ANNIVER- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Dr. Atkins’ dedication to educational equality made her one of the most influential women in SARY OF THE MIDDLERIDGE Friday, October 2, 2020 South Texas in the field of higher education. COMMUNITY OF FAIRFAX COUN- Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to Dr. Atkins spent 24 years with Region One, an TY recognize the dedication of the Deer Park organization that assists school districts im- Early Settlers Texas State Historical Marker in prove student performance and implement ini- HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY Deer Park, Harris County, Texas. The text of tiatives assigned by the state legislature or OF VIRGINIA marker reads as follows: education commissioner. During her tenure IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES In 1928, Shell Oil Company purchased land with Region One, Dr. Atkins helped bring the in Deer Park, Texas for a new petrochemical first GEAR-UP grant to South Texas in 1999. Friday, October 2, 2020 refinery. Surveyors discovered a marble These grants are designed to provide more Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I rise to headstone broken into four pieces. Shell re- low-income students with the tools and re- recognize the 50th anniversary of the assembled the headstone and maintained the sources needed to succeed in postsecondary Middleridge community. area as an actual gravesite. In 1976, Shell Located in the heart of Fairfax County and was given permission from the Texas Histor- education. ical Commission, as well as the Harris Coun- Eventually, Dr. Atkins became the Director the 11th Congressional District of Virginia, ty attorney and Harris County judge to relo- of several GEAR-UP grants, helping over Middleridge is a tight-knit community and the cate the marker and disinter any remains. In 25,000 students and their families reach post- land on which it is built is steeped in history. March of 1977, the marble headstone and a secondary education, changing their lives for- The very name of Middleridge was derived small cement casket, from the original site, ever. Dr. Atkins also helped launch Project from a 1766 decision of the Vestry of Truro were moved to Dow Park in the City of Deer Heal2, which supports students who are inter- Parish, including George Washington and Park. ested in pursuing a nursing degree in high Colonel George William Fairfax, to establish The inscription on the headstone gave the name of two siblings, Mary W. Jackson and school through college. Dr. Atkins’ accomplish- the new Payne’s Church at the ‘‘middle Ridge’’ William Wilson. These early settlers died in ments do not stop there, but I would like to of Ox Road. 1834. William Wilson purchased land in the take a moment to talk about her love for her On July 17, 1970 the grand opening of Sec- early 1830’s and built a cabin on the bank of family. tion 1 Middleridge, consisting of 39 lots, was the Buffalo Bayou with his wife and children. Dr. Atkins achieved all these incredible feats announced in The Evening Star. It was adver- This was adjacent to what became the site of while being the ‘‘happy coordinator’’ for her tised by the developer as being in ‘‘the best of the Battle of San Jacinto that secured family and her friends. She was a proud sister, Virginian tradition.’’ ‘‘Surrounded by the rich Texas’ independence from Mexico in 1836. aunt, and daughter. She emanated joy and history of the county, its homes radiate with William Wilson also owned land near the set- tlement of Crosby. Humphrey Jackson, one positive energy everywhere she went. old charm and aristocratic character.’’ Today of the ‘‘Old 300’’ settlers, owned land near the Madam Speaker, Dr. Bettina ‘‘Tina’’ Atkins the community consists of 578 homes situated Wilson property in Crosby. It was presumed was an incredible leader and a shining light for on approximately ninety-five acres and boasts that Mary W. Jackson was somehow associ- South Texas. Her accomplishments will cer- amenities including a lake, large park, basket- ated with Humphrey, based on a judgement tainly be remembered for generations to ball and tennis courts, and swimming pool.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:08 Oct 03, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A02OC8.012 E02OCPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with REMARKS October 2, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E921 The all-volunteer Middleridge Civic Associa- Therefore, Madam Speaker, I ask you to rise tinue to rest in peace, and may his legacy pre- tion was formed in 1973. The civic association with me in honor of Mr. Charles Reeder, Jr. vail eternally. promotes an exceptionally strong sense of He will be profoundly missed, but his memory community that greets new residents with lives on in his family. f open arms, providing welcoming gifts to the f newest neighbors. The Civic Association co- MALCOM BLAIR ‘‘MAL’’ WHITE ordinates regular stream clean-ups and CELEBRATING JUSTICE RUTH awards annual scholarships to high school BADER GINSBURG HON. EARL L. ‘‘BUDDY’’ CARTER seniors. Annual events include an Easter egg OF GEORGIA hunt, home and garden tours, Halloween pa- HON. SUSAN A. DAVIS rade, a holiday light decorating contest and OF CALIFORNIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES community movie nights. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Friday, October 2, 2020 In 2002, Middleridge established a National Friday, October 2, 2020 Night Out celebration in partnership with the Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, Fairfax County Police Department. Of the Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Mr. Malcom scores of NNO events held each year, the today we celebrate Ruth Bader Ginsburg. We Blair ‘‘Mal’’ White of Metter, Georgia, who Middleridge National Night Out has been rec- remember her groundbreaking work and re- passed away on September 21st. ognized as the largest event in the entire markable legacy. We owe our opportunity to Mal was a beloved son, husband, father, county—again a testament to the community be who we are to what she accomplished. grandfather, leader, and friend. spirit and activism of Middleridge residents. That’s why we call her the Notorious RBG. Mal taught high school math at Savannah As the former president of the Mantua civic Justice Ginsburg defied expectations. De- Country Day School in Georgia’s First District association, I know firsthand that a community spite her acumen and proven ability in the law, for over three decades. is more than houses in a development. In fact, she was denied jobs for which she was well- Mal generously and selflessly served Sa- the health and well-being of a region can be qualified. She nonetheless pursued that career vannah Country Day in various roles, including measured by the involvement of its citizens. at a time when social norms kept women at math department chair, dean of students, When residents invest their time, care, and home and discouraged them from working. Upper School assistant principal. Justice Ginsburg showed up for a genera- energies, a true community is created to the He was dedicated to enriching the lives of tion of women and men. Equality drove her benefit of all. Fairfax County is considered one all students and equally invested his time to work. of the best places in the nation in which to athletics, including assisting with the varsity Her vision and imagination demanded that live, work and raise a family, largely because football and JV basketball teams, serving as she not allow an individual’s dreams be short- of the willingness of so many to become ac- the varsity girls basketball head coach, as well changed by institutional inequality. tively involved. Middleridge Civic Association as serving as the varsity golf coach for over When people are held back by unjust laws, and the residents of this neighborhood provide three decades. they cannot flourish and thrive. She felt that in an excellent example of how to create a thriv- He led all teams to numerous victories. ing, energetic, and welcoming place to call her bones, and she strove to fix it. I am thankful for the lasting impact Mal home. As a Jewish woman, I feel a strong sense made on his community, and I know his leg- Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join of identity with her. She was grounded in the acy will continue at Savannah Country Day me in commemorating the 50th Anniversary of teaching of Tikkun Olum—to repair the world School for years to come. Middleridge and in thanking the residents and and the Torah’s admonition that one doesn’t civic association members and officers for have to complete the work but cannot desist My thoughts and prayers go out to his fam- their contributions and service to our commu- trying. ily, friends, and the countless students, par- nity. Now, there will be not just a void with her ents, and teachers’ lives he touched. f passing, but a chasm as our role model—our champion of liberty, equality, and democracy. f IN RECOGNITION OF MR. CHARLES So we and future generations must pick up TRIBUTE TO BABA SHEIKH W. REEDER, JR. the torch and continue her fight. f HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN HONORING MOHANDAS HON. JEFF FORTENBERRY OF VIRGINIA KARAMCHAND GANDHI OF NEBRASKA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Friday, October 2, 2020 HON. GEORGE HOLDING Friday, October 2, 2020 Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, it is with OF NORTH CAROLINA Mr. FORTENBERRY. Madam Speaker, I deep sadness but great respect that I take this IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES time to remember Mr. Charles W. Reeder, Jr., want to express my heartfelt condolences to who passed away on September 7, 2020, at Friday, October 2, 2020 the Yazidi community around the world and in the age of 69. Mr. Reeder’s love for his family Mr. HOLDING. Madam Speaker, I rise today my hometown of Lincoln, Nebraska on the and dedication to his community is noteworthy to honor the life and legacy of Mahatma Gan- loss of spiritual leader Baba Sheikh. and admirable. While he will be truly missed dhi, one of the most influential men of the In August 2014, ISIS launched a genocidal by his family and friends, the impact he has modern world. As we celebrate the close of campaign against the Yazidi people in Iraq, had on his community will live on for genera- the 150th anniversary of Gandhi’s birth, it is killing and brutalizing thousands. Five years tions to come. important to remember that his legacy is born later, hundreds of thousands of Yazidis are Mr. Reeder received a Master of Divinity out every day in the lives of billions of people still displaced in refugee camps in their own from Virginia Theological Seminary and he who live the way they do because of his self- country. Throughout all this terror and diaboli- later completed a Doctor of Ministry from Ash- less work. cal suffering, the spiritual leader of the Yazidi land Seminary and worked for Food for the His teachings of non-violence have im- people, Baba Sheikh, stood steady as a great Poor, raising funds for third world countries. pacted the entire world; and his promotion of source of comfort, love, and inspiration. During 40 years of ministry, he served church- racial, social, and political equality will con- Madam Speaker, it’s not widely known, but es in Ohio, Illinois, Washington, and Colorado. tinue to touch the global community as we two years ago, at the behest of Vice President He also taught classes at several college work towards a brighter, freer future. Pence, I traveled to Northern Iraq to assess venues as well as prisons. Teaching and It is vital that we continue to embody the situation faced by religious minority com- preaching were his passions, and he excelled Gandhi’s perseverance and non-violent ways munities after the ISIS genocide. It was my at both. He had a love for theology and phys- as we work to make the world a better place. privilege to meet with Baba Sheik. Together ics, remodeling and good music. Today, we honor his legacy and the power we met with the Yazidi women who had been His life was filled with compassion, and he that an individual man had to change the enslaved by ISIS. I will never forget his lived to serve the needs of others. His great- world. 151 years ago, Gandhi was born an or- gentleness, kindness, and eagerness to be est loves, however, were his wife, Pat, his two dinary man. Today, he is a worldwide symbol with us even amidst all the suffering. daughters, and his three precious grandsons. of peace and civil disobedience. May he con- May he rest in peace.

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