May 16, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E641 Mr. and Mrs. Norton have called Dahlonega area. He was also heavily involved in the Yp- restored with the support of the Kresge Foun- home for years, and their love for the town is silanti community, serving as a member of the dation and Renaissance, and later at evident in the passion with which they run local Kiwanis Club and spearheading several the , which was formally their business. The Picnic Cafe´ has employed of the organization’s outreach efforts and re- opened on April 21, 1996 with a performance dozens of college students and Dahlonega maining involved with its committees. by the great tenor Luciano Pavarotti. residents, providing the Lumpkin County com- As the first African-American Postmaster in Dr. DiChiera’s impact extends beyond his munity with jobs and students with work expe- Ypsilanti, Mr. Eaglin dedicated his life and ca- building of this important institution. He has rience. reer effectively served the public while helping been a vital center of gravity for arts and cul- Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize the to break down barriers. In addition to his pio- ture in and around the City of Detroit. He has Nortons’ commitment to their small business, neering career as Ypsilanti’s postmaster, Mr. been committed to nurturing and showcasing and, in the spirit of Small Business Week, Eaglin was well-known as a kind, caring indi- the broad diversity of talent in opera, some- thank them for their dedication to serving the vidual whose service to the Ypsilanti commu- thing which he viewed from the inception of people of Dahlonega. I am looking forward to nity was instrumental to making the city a Opera Theatre as central to its mis- my next visit to the Picnic Cafe´ to see what’s great place to live and work. In addition to his sion. ‘‘Building bridges into the community was new on the menu, and wish the Norton family career as Ypsilanti’s Postmaster, Mr. Eaglin a primary mission,’’ he said in the Theatre’s continued success. volunteered for years with St. John’s Catholic blog, ‘‘making sure that the African American f Church, the Housing Bureau of Seniors and community, the majority of Detroit’s popu- several local hospitals. His legacy of public lation, was represented on the stage.’’ In addi- RECOGNIZING JAMES HICKS service, as well as his upbeat and friendly atti- tion to producing works which reflect the Afri- tude, made him a beloved figure in the com- can American experience such as Porgy and HON. RODNEY DAVIS munity, and he will be missed. Bess and Tremonisha, the Michigan Opera OF ILLINOIS Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me Theatre commissioned and produced the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES in honoring Simon Eaglin, Ypsilanti’s former world premiere of Margaret Garner, based on Postmaster and community leader. Mr. Eaglin Tuesday, May 16, 2017 the novel Beloved written by Nobel Laureate went above and beyond to serve the city and Toni Morrison. Ms. Morrison wrote the libretto Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speak- its residents during his life. for Margaret Garner, and the production er, I rise today to recognize a man who has f starred famed mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves. dedicated his life to protecting and educating Dr. DiChiera has ensured that Michigan Opera the public. James Hicks will be retiring this PAYING TRIBUTE TO DR. DAVID Theatre has performed works reflecting the May from the Pana Fire Department after 45 DICHIERA rich cultural fabric of Metro Detroit, including years of service. the Armenian opera Anoush, King Roger and During his career with the fire department, HON. SANDER M. LEVIN The Haunted Castle, which celebrate the re- James pioneered an Explorer Post, which he OF MICHIGAN gion’s Polish community, an opera based on led for 34 years. This program allows youth IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the life of the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, and and young adults become involved with and Tuesday, May 16, 2017 The Passenger, an opera about the Holo- learn more about firefighting and fire re- caust. sponder careers. Under James’ leadership, Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay In addition to founding, building, and leading many of the explorers were inspired to protect tribute to Dr. David DiChiera, who is retiring , Dr. DiChiera is a their communities and become firefighters. from the Michigan Opera Theatre. While he noted composer as well. In further tribute to Hicks has also worked to keep the area began his distinguished and impassioned ca- him, the Michigan Opera Theatre is featuring schools informed on fire prevention techniques reer in California, he became known in Michi- this month Dr. DiChiera’s full-length opera, Cy- and spent many hours volunteering with the gan and beyond as Mr. Opera. He is retiring rano, based on Edmond Rostand’s timeless Pana Ambulance Service as an Emergency from the Michigan Opera Theatre, which he play, Cyrano de Bergerac. Medical Technician. founded in 1971 and which he served as Gen- Mr. Speaker, like innumerable opera I am honored to recognize Mr. Hicks and eral Director and Artistic Director. After com- aficionados, I know that David DiChiera has wish him all the best in his retirement. pleting his undergraduate studies in musical brought boundless joy to experienced opera f composition at UCLA, David DiChiera contin- lovers while helping to create countless new ued his scholarship in Italy on a Fulbright ones. Along the way, he has nurtured young IN RECOGNITION OF SIMON scholarship, and returned to UCLA to join the artists and has ensured that the Michigan EAGLIN FOR HIS LIFETIME OF faculty and to complete his PhD in musi- Opera Theatre reflects the diversity of the SERVICE TO THE YPSILANTI cology. In 1962, Dr. DiChiera was recruited to community it serves. Dr. DiChiera built an en- COMMUNITY join the faculty at as a pro- during institution in Michigan Opera Theatre, fessor. He later became chairman of music at and in so doing, he has established himself as HON. DEBBIE DINGELL the university. one of Metro Detroit’s true treasures. I encour- OF MICHIGAN While at Oakland University, Dr. DiChiera age my colleagues to join me in congratulating IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES created ‘‘Overture to Opera,’’ a program fea- and thanking much beloved Dr. David turing local opera singers which brought opera Tuesday, May 16, 2017 DiChiera for the immeasurable contribution he to communities throughout Michigan, and has made to the arts in Metro Detroit and far Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to which planted the seeds for the creation of beyond. recognize Simon Eaglin, a prominent commu- Michigan Opera Theatre. As Dr. DiChiera ex- f nity leader who served Ypsilanti throughout his plained in an interview, ‘‘I would cast the won- life. Mr. Eaglin served as Postmaster General derful local singers who otherwise had limited HONORING THE 52ND for the Ypsilanti area for over two decades opportunities . . . we started taking this pro- ANNIVERSARY OF HEAD START and provided impactful leadership to many gram to community centers—every year, I local organizations and causes. took it to The War Memorial and area schools. HON. ELISE M. STEFANIK Born in 1917, Mr. Eaglin moved to Ypsilanti This was all throughout the 1960s. Then, in OF NEW YORK during the Second World War to work at the 1970, I thought it was time to do a full-length IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Willow Run Bomber Plant and aid the United opera, and to create the beginnings of an States’ war effort. After the end of the war, Mr. opera company.’’ Tuesday, May 16, 2017 Eaglin became a radiation control technician It is important to keep in mind the backdrop Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to at the medical center for Dr. DiChiera’s efforts to create an opera honor and recognize the Head Start organiza- while working to complete his college degree company in Detroit. By 1971, when Michigan tion on its 52nd Anniversary. at Eastern Michigan University. He was then Opera Theatre was established, the city itself Since its establishment, Head Start has named as the Ypsilanti Post Office’s Post- was experiencing a major loss of population been working to serve the country’s most vul- master in 1964, a position he served until his and many people were skeptical that this en- nerable families. In addition to working with or- retirement in 1988. Mr. Eaglin was known for deavor could succeed. But Michigan Opera ganizations that provide learning, nutrition and his efficient leadership in ensuring prompt de- Theatre not only succeeded, it thrived—first at general health assistance for children, Head livery of mail and packages in the Ypsilanti the Music Hall in downtown Detroit which was Start has also helped to provide training, job

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:27 May 17, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A16MY8.015 E16MYPT1 lotter on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with REMARKS E642 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 16, 2017 development, and volunteer opportunities for HONORING GLENN R. LITTLE ON ways goes above and beyond to help others— low-income parents. These efforts are critical THE AWARD OF THE CONGRES- evident in the integral role she plays in the an- for establishing an environment in which every SIONAL GOLD MEDAL (POST- nual James R. Pohlman Memorial Golf Outing, American is equipped to reach their full poten- HUMOUS) which raises money for Parkinson’s disease tial. research. In my district, the Lewis County Head Start HON. SCOTT PERRY Jan has been a truly influential individual in Center has strengthened our community by OF PENNSYLVANIA the lives of so many people, and I am honored working with over 180 families to provide IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES to be able to call her a friend. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again congratulate Jan on her learning opportunities for children and parents Tuesday, May 16, 2017 alike. Focusing on early childhood develop- well-deserved retirement and thank her for all ment programs, these centers partner with Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, today I offer my of her contributions and service to our commu- families to ensure that every child is prepared heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the late Glenn nity. to take full advantage of their education. R. Little, formerly of Hanover and Gettysburg, f Pennsylvania, on the posthumous award of I would like to thank Head Start for 52 years the Congressional Gold Medal for his service GERMANTOWN FIRE DEPARTMENT of commitment to children and families across to the United States in the Civil Air Patrol dur- the country. In New York’s 21st District, we ing World War II. HON. JOHN SHIMKUS are grateful for their work to make sure every Second Lieutenant Little was one of OF ILLINOIS child has the opportunity to succeed. I wish 120,000 men and women who joined the Civil IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Head Start a prosperous future and I am con- Air Patrol during World War II. They helped to Tuesday, May 16, 2017 fident that it will continue making a positive im- protect our Nation by warding off German U- pact on the lives of many Americans. boat attacks on American oil tankers bound for Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Allied nations. They also took to the skies to acknowledge the 125th Anniversary of the f patrol America’s borders, conduct search and Germantown Fire Department. rescue missions, and provide disaster relief. The Germantown Fire Department was RECOGNIZING STEPHEN FRIEDMAN These brave and heroic citizen volunteers chartered on May 2, 1892. The first com- helped to preserve our Nation’s freedom. plement of members included 18 volunteer The Congressional Gold Medal is the high- firefighters, and the first apparatus was a hand HON. NITA M. LOWEY est civilian honor bestowed by the United operated pump—which had to be loaded onto OF NEW YORK States Congress, and legislation was signed a horse-drawn wagon, so the first roster of members included one horse. The first motor- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES into law in May 2014 that honored members of the Civil Air Patrol. Lt. Little’s career and ac- ized apparatus was a 1919 Ford Model-T Tuesday, May 16, 2017 complishments during the War recently were truck, which is now a part of the collection of celebrated at the Pennsylvania State Capitol the Hall of Flame Museum in Phoenix, Ari- Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recog- in Harrisburg. His granddaughter, Mrs. Bar- zona. nize Stephen Friedman, who is retiring after a bara Heffner of Gettysburg, accepted the In its first days the department depended decade as President of Pace University with award on his behalf. entirely on donations. The first apparatus and campuses in New York City and Pleasantville, On behalf of Pennsylvania’s Fourth Con- equipment were all donated and through the New York. gressional District, I thank and commend years the members held all sorts of fund- Mr. Friedman has dedicated more than 13 Glenn R. Little for his bravery and selfless raisers. In the 1930s and 1940s weekly ‘‘plat- years of service to Pace University, where he service to the United States of America. form dances’’ were held to raise funds. This first served as dean of Pace University School f allowed the department to purchase a 1941 of Law for three years before being named pumper truck, which was in use until 1988. president in 2007. Under his leadership, Pace RECOGNIZING MS. JAN POHLMAN The antique truck was sold, but later repur- has significantly increased its enrollment num- ON HER RETIREMENT chased by department members. bers while maintaining its commitment to pro- In the early 1950s members raised funds to viding education access and opportunities to HON. CHERI BUSTOS help build a new fire station, purchase a 1953- students from all backgrounds. During his ten- OF ILLINOIS model pumper truck, and purchase the first ure, President Friedman has revitalized the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES fire department radio system in the county. In those days a normal year would include ten Pleasantville campus in my district and led ef- Tuesday, May 16, 2017 forts to expand the university’s academic pro- calls, and during one period the department gram offerings, including study abroad and Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to went 18 months without a call. In 1952 the other international opportunities for students. recognize my dear friend, Jan Pohlman, who Germantown Rural Fire Protection District, a Pace’s international enrollment is at its highest is retiring this month after teaching in the taxing district, was formed to provide a stable level in 15 years, with students coming from Physical Education Department of Calhoun funding source for the department; however, more than 100 countries. Another initiative High School for the past 34 years. donations remain a significant part of depart- which he spearheaded to advance the univer- Throughout her distinguished career, Jan ment finances. sity’s motto of ‘‘Opportunitas,’’ has been the has served as a strong role model in our com- In 1986, the Department began providing development of iPace, an online degree com- munity both inside and outside the classroom. First Responder emergency medical services pletion program for adult learners. During her time at Illinois College, where I had to the community. The Department also imple- the pleasure of having her as a teammate and mented the first fire department-based Auto- Before joining the Pace community, Mr. a Floor Monitor, Jan’s leadership and passion mated External Defibrillator (AED) program in Friedman served as Commissioner of the Se- allowed her to build a notable sports career for the region. And in 1989 the Department pur- curities and Exchange Commission, Deputy which she was inducted into the Illinois Col- chased, with donated funds, then only the sec- Assistant Secretary for Capital Markets Policy lege Sports Hall of Fame. She was one of the ond rescue tool ‘‘Jaws of Life’’ system in the at the United States Treasury Department, first stars of the Illinois College women’s track county. and a law clerk for U.S. Supreme Court Jus- and field team where she served as senior In 2002, the Department formed an Explorer tice William J. Brennan, Jr. He has also lent captain, and set school records for the 400 post to expose youth ages 14 through 21 to his leadership to organizations such as the meter run, the discus and the javelin, which the fire and rescue service. Today, 11 former American Ballet Theatre, the National Museum earned her the status of NCAA Division III Illi- Explorers are members of the department. of the American Indian in New York, and the nois State Champion in 1981. Jan’s love of Currently, the Germantown Fire Department Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Univer- sports naturally led to her teaching career at has 35 members and responds to an average sities. Calhoun High School where she has enriched of 110 calls per year. Current vehicles include Mr. Speaker, Mr. Friedman’s numerous ac- the lives of her students by instilling values of two pumpers, one pumper-tanker, one brush complishments have left a lasting impact on teamwork and perseverance for more than truck, one rescue vehicle, and one support the communities he has served. I urge my col- three decades. SUV. leagues to join me in applauding his years of Jan’s compassion and service to our com- The Germantown Fire Department has leadership and service. munity goes beyond the classroom. She al- planned a grand celebration in recognition of

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