November 4, 2005 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2275 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS

RECOGNIZING KATHRYN VICCHI- tour wrapped up in Chicago, he used the origi- Taylor for his dedicated service to the National ULLO OF BUSHNELL, FLORIDA nal pianist’s ticket and went to Hollywood. Archives. Mr. Taylor has worked for the Na- There he met Bob Hope and played piano for tional Archives since 1946. Throughout those HON. GINNY BROWN-WAITE Bob on the Pepsodent Show. He became years, Mr. Taylor has been acclaimed by re- OF FLORIDA friends with Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby searchers worldwide for his extraordinary and lent them his musical expertise. He con- grasp of history and ability to locate pertinent IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tinued on to win a Grammy award as a con- documents. Friday, November 4, 2005 ductor. His many remarkable accomplishments Mr. Taylor specializes in World War II docu- Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. reflect his diverse talents and character. ments and records of the Office of Strategic Speaker, I rise today to recognize Kathryn During World War II, Skitch like many others Services. Mr. Taylor’s colleagues praise him Ann Vicchiullo of Bushnell, Florida. A lifelong put his life on hold for the greater cause. He as one of the most knowledgeable and gen- resident of Florida, Kathryn is a shining exam- flew both the Royal Air Force and, after be- erous archivists, known for his sound advice ple of a woman who has returned to the com- coming an American citizen, the United States and resourceful assistance to authors, schol- munity where she was raised to help it grow Army Air Corps. This fostered Skitch’s love for ars and historians. and prosper. airplanes and flying, which became a lifelong Throughout his illustrious career, Mr. Taylor Following her graduation from South Sumter passion. has been honored by groups all over the High School in 10th grade, Kathryn enrolled at Skitch may be best known from his days as world. In 1997 Mr. Taylor was honored by the Stetson University. At the age of 16, she was the bandleader for Steve Allen’s ‘‘Tonight Japanese Embassy for helping Japanese his- the youngest student ever enrolled at Stetson. Show,’’ which brought Skitch into the nation’s torians and journalists for the previous forty Kathryn went on to receive her bachelor’s de- living rooms every night. Skitch not only years. In 2003 the American Jewish Historical gree with a triple major in English, Political served as bandleader for Allen, but for Jack Society awarded Mr. Taylor its first ‘‘Distin- Science and Russian. Paar and Johnny Carson as well, reflecting his guished Archivist Award’’ for his lifetime of After her graduation, Kathryn enrolled at rich personality and breathe of talents. work as an archivist. He has also received nu- Barry Law School, where she recently com- Not resting on his laurels, Skitch founded merous honors from the National Archives pleted her first year of studies. On a hiatus the New York Pops in 1983. He wanted to itself. The National Archives has a special from her legal studies, Kathryn has returned to share his passion for music by bringing the John E. Taylor Collection of books on espio- South Sumter High School, where she is more accessible symphonic pops fare to a nage and intelligence which largely consists of teaching English. broader audience. He led free New York Pops works with which Mr. Taylor provided critical In addition to her stellar academic career, concerts in the city’s parks each summer, so assistance. Kathryn spent much of her teenage years and that people of all backgrounds could experi- Mr. Taylor is truly an invaluable resource. vacations during college working for her par- ence the majesty of hearing a world-class or- His service at the National Archives is leg- ents’ family restaurant, Mr. Goodburger. When chestra perform live. The New York Pops is endary, and he will be greatly missed as he not teaching at South Sumter, Kathryn has now the largest independent symphonic pops enters retirement. I applaud Mr. Taylor for his studied to become a certified financial planner, orchestra in the United States. outstanding achievements and dedication to and worked to put herself through law school. Beyond his career as a performer, Skitch his work and wish him an enjoyable and ful- I am also proud to note that this weekend, helped thousands of New York City’s school filling retirement. children gain new possibilities in life through Kathryn will marry Shawn Seufert in Howey-In- f The-Hills, Florida and start the next stage of music. He personally visited classrooms her life. throughout the city to encourage children in a IN RECOGNITION OF THE PASSING Mr. Speaker, it is women like Kathryn who love of music and learning. Recently, he was OF REVEREND HOLLICE T. WIL- will help Florida’s 5th Congressional District appointed to be a distinguished Professor of LIAMS prosper and grow into the future. Her success Music at Western Connecticut State University and hard work should serve as an inspiration and only a few weeks ago, with that twinkle in HON. JEFF MILLER his eye, excitedly shared with me his vision of to young men and women in Bushnell and OF FLORIDA this great opportunity to develop the talents of throughout Florida. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES local students and mold them into a first rate f orchestra. Friday, November 4, 2005 HONORING THE LIFE OF ‘‘SKITCH’’ I extend my heartfelt condolences to Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is HENDERSON Skitch’s wife Ruth. The couple married on with sadness that I rise today to note the February 7, 1958 and since then, they have passing of a man whose legacy will forever be HON. NANCY L. JOHNSON not only been partners in marriage, but Ruth remembered. In 1970, Reverend Hollice T. has been a partner in Skitch’s many endeav- OF CONNECTICUT Williams became the first black city council- ors and is currently President of the New York IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES man in Pensacola, a city in my district in Pops. Northwest Florida. Friday, November 4, 2005 Skitch Henderson brought music, beauty, For more than twelve years, Rev. Williams Mrs. JOHNSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speak- and hope to millions. It is my privilege to rise served on the city council, re-elected six times er, I rise to pay tribute to a great friend and to honor him for enriching the lives of people to the council. However, his service to North- a gentleman who gave the gift of music freely, of all ages over many decades throughout west Florida extended far beyond elected of- enthusiastically, and successfully throughout America. Few leave such a magnificent leg- fice. For nearly 50 years, Rev. Williams his life: my friend Lyle Russell Cedric ‘‘Skitch’’ acy. A life well lived, my friend! worked at the local YMCA, eventually becom- Henderson. Skitch passed away on November f ing executive director in 1969. Through his dif- 1 at his home in New Milford at 87. TRIBUTE TO JOHN E. TAYLOR ferent positions at the YMCA, he became Skitch was born in England, and moved to known as a man with a genuine sense of car- the United States in the 1930’s. In the early HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN ing who fostered that sense into those with years, he eked out a living as pianist, playing whom he came into contact. OF MARYLAND vaudeville and movie music in Minnesota and The Reverend Hollice Williams was also IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Montana road houses. His big break came in known in areas of the community as he con- 1937 when he filled in for an ailing accom- Friday, November 4, 2005 tinuously addressed civic issues for the black panist for an MGM promotional tour featuring Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, it is with community as well as the faith-based commu- Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney. When the great pleasure that I rise to commend John E. nity. His love for God was readily apparent in

∑ This ‘‘bullet’’ symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor. Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor.

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