E1360 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 11, 2017 Jennifer Langston, and together they have two of Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Washington for voting on October 4–5, 2017 children, Todd and Brandon, a daughter-in- Appropriations Act, 2018, moved $500,000 due to circumstances beyond my control. Had law, Casey, and a grandchild, Kate. from the Office of the Secretary account to the I been present, I would have voted: Yes on In 1969, at the age of 19, Dr. Martin an- Grassroots Source Water Protection Program. the Grijalva Amendment to H. Con. Res. 71 swered God’s call to ministry by joining Rose- I support increased funding for the Grass- (Roll Call No. 553), and Yes on the Scott dale Baptist Church in Beaumont, Texas as a roots Source Water Protection Program and Amendment to H. Con. Res. 71 (Roll Call No. part-time Minister of Music and Youth. By thank Chairman ADERHOLT and my colleagues 1974, Dr. Martin joined Fletcher Emanuel Bap- for their support of my amendment. 554). Additionally, I would have voted Yes on tist Church in Lumberton, Texas as the full- f the Yarmuth amendment to H. Con. Res. 71 time Minister of Education and Youth. In 1982, (Roll Call No. 556), and voted No on Final Dr. Martin moved to South Main Baptist HONORING THE LIFE OF Passage (Roll Call No. 557). Church in Houston, Texas as the Church Busi- REVEREND DR. A.V. FISHER ness Administrator. Soon after, Dr. Martin f moved his young family to North Texas to HON. MARC A. VEASEY start his service at First Baptist Church of OF TEXAS IN HONOR OF QUEENS COLLEGE’S Carrollton. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 80TH ANNIVERSARY For 16 years, Dr. Martin served as the As- Wednesday, October 11, 2017 sociate Pastor of Education at First Baptist Mr. VEASEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Church of Carrollton. During Dr. Martin’s ten- honor the life of a community trailblazer, fa- HON. GRACE MENG ure at First Baptist Carrollton, the church was ther, husband, and man of God, the Reverend OF NEW YORK one of the largest and fastest growing con- Dr. A.V. Fisher. gregations in the nation. He guided the total The Reverend Dr. A.V. Fisher was born the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES education program including Sunday School, sixth of seven children to Essie J. and Corine Wednesday, October 11, 2017 discipleship training, missions and weekday Caraway Fisher in 1933 in Marshall County, education. Texas. After graduating from Pemberton High Ms. MENG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today along In 1999, Dr. Martin joined the Dallas Baptist School, Reverend Fisher forged his own path Association as the Director of Leadership De- with my colleague, The Honorable JOSEPH to become the first male student to graduate CROWLEY, to recognize the 80th anniversary of velopment. Dallas Baptist Association serves Cosmetology at Valarie Hurd Beauty College. over 500 churches in 40 different languages Queens College, an institution of higher edu- In 1958, Reverend Fisher brought his exper- cation in Queens that provides an exemplary with the mission of multiplying disciples, min- tise and work ethic to Fort Worth where he education to nearly 20,000 students annually. istries, and churches throughout Dallas and opened his first beauty salon. Reverend Fisher Rockwall Counties. Over the last 18 years, Dr. immediately transformed the salon into a com- Queens College opened its doors on October Martin has been charged with equipping Chris- munity icon that caught the attention of Ebony 11, 1937, and ushered in the first class of stu- tian leaders with the tools they need for Bible and Beauty Trade Magazines, ranking him as dents to the first public college in Queens. On study and discipleship. Dr. Martin’s years of one of the Top 100 Beauty Operators in the the first day of classes, Queens College Presi- service at the Dallas Baptist Association have United States. The Texas Legislature joined dent Paul Klapper remarked, ‘‘We are the pio- helped the organization grow and prosper. their high praise by honoring Reverend Fisher neers of a new institution. We have no history Throughout his tenure, he earned the reputa- for 50 years as a Hair Stylist and Beauty to look back to, but we can look forward to tion as a steadfast spiritual leader and an ef- Owner. progress.’’ fective advocate who is dedicated to Christian Following his successful barbershop career, education and spiritual advancement. Reverend Fisher decided to embark on a new Mr. Speaker, I believe that President Dr. Martin has committed his time and en- chapter of this life by transitioning into min- Klapper would be proud to see the remarkable ergy to service in his community in different istry. He entered the Gospel Ministry in 1963 progress that Queens College has made. The ministry outreach positions. Since 1997, Dr. under the spiritual guidance of Reverend Princeton Review has continuously com- Martin has served as the Lead Chaplain for James Warren and Dr. M.R. Lester, and later mended the college for offering a world-class the Carrollton Police Department. From 2001 became pastor of the Salem Missionary Bap- education by an illustrious faculty for an af- to 2010, Dr. Martin served on the Board of Di- tist Church. As a Reverend, Dr. Fisher has fordable price. It is no wonder that it places in rectors of the DFW Airport Interfaith Chap- welcomed hundreds to his church; baptized the top 1 percent of colleges that successfully laincy. He participated in organizing chap- many, ordained over 300 deacons, and in- move its students from the bottom-fifth income laincy programs for military members returning stalled over 200 preachers as pastors all over distribution percentile to the top-fifth income home for ‘‘rest and relief’’ from Operations the United States. Additionally, Reverend Fish- Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. In er’s service did not waiver. He founded the distribution percentile. In its eighty years, 2008, Dr. Martin joined the Federal Bureau of Black Pastor’s Association, coordinated the 160,000 students have become alumni. Some Investigation’s Dallas Division as Chaplain. He Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Service and have earned Pulitzer Prizes, Emmy Awards, has been a visiting Chaplain at the FBI Acad- Prayer Breakfast for 30 years, and helped becoming CEOs, or achieved scientific break- emy at Quantico, Virginia, and part of the found the East Fort Worth Interdenominational throughs. As an alumnus himself, I know that FBI’s Critical Incident Team. Ministerial Alliance. Reverend Fisher grad- Congressman CROWLEY is proud to join me in Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th District of uated from the New World Bible Institute, and commending Queens College for its steadfast Texas, I would like to thank Dr. Bobby Martin has received numerous awards including an commitment in ensuring that students reach for his lifetime of Christian leadership and honorary doctorate. He has preached all their potential. service. I ask all my distinguished colleagues across the United States and the Bahamas. to join me in wishing Dr. Martin continued suc- Reverend Dr. A.V. Fisher passed away on Queens College has not only cultivated a cess as he enjoys his retirement. Tuesday, October 3, 2017 and is survived by reputation for investing in student success, but f his wife, Verdell Knighten, and their three also for being one of the most diverse col- beautiful daughters, Avis Michelle, Ava LaNell, leges in the country. Students who are cur- GRASSROOTS SOURCE WATER and Adrain Van. rently enrolled are from 170 countries and PROTECTION PROGRAM IN THE I honor and celebrate the life of a dedicated speak over 110 languages. Queens College DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR, EN- community servant, Reverend Dr. A.V. Fisher. VIRONMENT, AND RELATED offers 69 undergraduate programs in the arts AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS f and sciences. In its eighty years of operations, ACT, 2018 PERSONAL EXPLANATION the college has become a cultural hub for stu- dents to pursue and achieve academic suc- HON. DARREN SOTO HON. MICHAEL F. DOYLE cess in Queens. OF FLORIDA OF PENNSYLVANIA I am proud to stand with Congressman IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CROWLEY to commemorate Queens College’s Wednesday, October 11, 2017 Wednesday, October 11, 2017 80th anniversary. I look forward to seeing Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Soto amendment, Mr. MICHAEL F. DOYLE of Pennsylvania. what the future will bring for this trailblazing Soto number 23 to Division B, the Department Mr. Speaker, I was unable to be present in beacon of higher education.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:49 Oct 12, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A11OC8.016 E11OCPT1 October 11, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1361 IN RECOGNITION OF THE 100TH IN HONOR OF THE CAPITOLA Juanita was born to the late Howard and BIRTHDAY OF THELMA G. GOLD- BEGONIA FESTIVAL Maggie Lee Varnado and grew up in STEIN McComb, Mississippi. She graduated from HON. JIMMY PANETTA Tuskegee Institute, now Tuskegee University, HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING OF CALIFORNIA in 1974 with a B.S. in Early Childhood Edu- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES cation and from Auburn University with a Mas- OF MASSACHUSETTS Wednesday, October 11, 2017 ter’s in Early Childhood Education in August of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 1975. Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Juanita was married to the late Booker T. Wednesday, October 11, 2017 recognize an important milestone in my dis- Pierce, Sr. and was blessed with three chil- trict. The Capitola Begonia Festival has re- Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in dren: Booker T. Pierce, Jr. (Nashville, Ten- cently completed its 65th and final year. This recognition of Thelma G. Goldstein, a resident nessee), Vincent B. Pierce (St. Louis, Mis- event has provided family friendly fun in the of Falmouth, Massachusetts, who would have souri) and Lisa P. Grant (Alexandria, Virginia). beautiful village of Capitola for thousands of They have two grandsons, Dominque Pierce turned 100 years young on October 12th. people in our neighborhood and beyond. It Thelma was born in Manhattan. Her family (Pompano Beach, Florida) and Nicholas B. has brought hundreds of families together and Grant, who is a third year Mechanical Engi- persevered through the Great Depression sup- has created many memories that will always ported by her father’s ice cream factory. Presi- neering Student at Georgia Tech. be remembered. Juanita started teaching 2nd grade at Dean dent Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s government The Capitola Begonia Festival has been a Road Elementary School in Auburn in August interventions during that period served as an cherished event in our community since it of 1975 and continued teaching 2nd grade for inspiration that led her to discovering a pas- began in 1952. The begonias have been do- 17 years. After completing her Administration sion for public service. Her other great passion nated by several growers in our community, Certification from the University of Alabama, was her family and no matter how busy she including the Antonelli, Vetterle, and Reinelt she was hired as the Assistant Principal at got, she always made time for family and she families. The Golden State Bulb Growers pro- Dean Road Elementary in Fall of 1992 and raised four children with her husband, a career vided additional support that helped keep the became Principal in Fall of 1996. She retired military doctor. tradition alive for 65 years. The begonias pro- as Principal of Dean Road Elementary School Thelma was a devoted Democrat since she vided by all of these growers have been a part of one of the most prized events of the week- in the Fall of 1998. cast her first ballot in 1940. Her belief in com- After joining Washington Chapel A.M.E. munity engagement followed her through life end, the Nautical Parade of begonia adorned floats. Each year, volunteers head down to the Church in 1960, she started teaching the pre- and led her to becoming the co-chairman of school Sunday School class and remained the the Falmouth Democratic Town Committee. city of Marina in the early morning to collect the blooming begonias to adorn the floats. teacher for nearly 50 years. She still serves in A local legend in Falmouth, Thelma is re- While begonias once grew abundantly in the Cathedral Choir, as a member of the membered for her tireless efforts to improve Capitola by the 1970’s, they were eventually Stewardess Board and is active in Sunday the Democratic Party and as a strong advo- only to be found in Marina. School. cate for women in politics. In her nineties, she The Begonia Festival has allowed us to en- In Summer of 2005, Juanita founded the was organizing trips to New Hampshire to courage imagination in our community. We S.M.A.R.T. (Science, Math, Art, Reading and campaign for Hillary Clinton and led local ef- have seen a giraffe created out of begonias Technology) Camp. Funded by grants and do- forts to make phone calls, knock on doors, for the 2007 ‘‘Jungle Safari’’ theme and wit- nations, this free two-week camp was started and hold signs. Unfortunately Thelma passed nessed the sunshine yellow form of at Washington Chapel A.M.E. Church with ap- away on June 9, 2016. She had attended a SpongeBob SquarePants come alive for the proximately 40 students. Today, it is held at Democratic Convention just one week earlier. 2008 ‘‘It Came From the Sea’’ theme. Whether George Washington Carver Elementary Her commitment to public service continues it is creative ideas or creative structures, the School due to size and nearly 100 applica- with the Thelma Goldstein Award for Civic In- Begonia Festival has been an incredible outlet tions. volvement and with the legacy she left behind for art, creativity, and imagination here in our A surprise Ladies’ Luncheon will be held in our community. community. with women who have blessed her life over Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor the life of Along with the Nautical Parade, there have the years on October 21st at O’Charley’s in Thelma G. Goldstein on this occasion of her been many other activities created to help cel- Opelika, Alabama. 100th birthday. I ask that my colleagues join ebrate this special weekend. Among these, Mr. Speaker, please join me in wishing Jua- me in recognizing her many years of dedica- some favorites stand out, including the Horse- nita Varnado Pierce a very happy 80th birth- tion to the community. shoe Contest, Fishing Derby, and the Sand day. Sculpture Contest, where art is created from f f one of the finest mediums found on the Cen- PATTI CANCHOLA TRIBUTE tral Coast of California. All of these events are INVASIVE SPECIES IN THE DE- open to the community and beyond, making PARTMENT OF INTERIOR, ENVI- Capitola a warm and welcoming environment. HON. SCOTT R. TIPTON RONMENT, AND RELATED AGEN- These cherished events will be remembered OF COLORADO CIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2018 fondly for creating a family friendly and histor- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ical tradition for Labor Day weekend in our Wednesday, October 11, 2017 HON. DARREN SOTO community. Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize honor Patti Canchola, a well-respected veteri- OF FLORIDA this treasured community tradition that has narian at Pueblo Animal Services. Patti was IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES brought together countless participants, volun- voted the 2017 American Humane Hero Vet- teers, and sponsors. I thank all of those who Wednesday, October 11, 2017 erinarian, which is a national honor bestowed have given their time and resources to make upon an individual who improves the lives of Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Soto amendment, the Capitola Begonia Festival a gem of our animals and their owners in unheralded ways. Soto number 49 to Division A, the Department community; one that will be truly missed. Patti performs 3,500 to 4,500 spay and neu- of Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies f ter procedures a year, as well as 200 other Appropriations Act, 2018, moved $500,000 IN HONOR OF THE 80TH BIRTHDAY surgeries. She voluntarily takes veterinary from the United States Fish and Wildlife gen- OF JUANITA VARNADO PIERCE forensics courses that train her on identifying eral administration account to the National abused, neglected, and mistreated animals Wildlife Refuge System program, specifically that are a part of criminal investigations. When for the Wildlife and Habitat Management of HON. MIKE ROGERS off the clock, Patti operates Amazin’ Amos Pet OF ALABAMA invasive species, Food Pantry, a nonprofit food bank, as well as IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES I support increased funding for the Wildlife St. Martin’s Well Pet Clinic, an independent and Habitat Management efforts to combat Wednesday, October 11, 2017 low-cost health center. Both of these organiza- invasive species and thank Chairman CALVERT Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I tions help pet owners with low socio-economic and my colleagues for their support of my ask for the House’s attention to recognize the status provide their animals with the care and amendment. 80th birthday of Juanita Varnado Pierce. food they need.

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