S3914 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE June 20, 2011 Gerry also helped many visitors to become the first woman to ever The Foundation will also celebrate our Capitol cope during a time of trag- produce the —again its 40th anniversary by looking back on edy. repeating the feat in 2007. four decades of breakthroughs, He gave the first public tour of the Laura Ziskin devoted her time and progress, and hope in the field of ret- Capitol after two police officers were celebrity to improving the lives of oth- inal disease research. There is a lot to killed in 1998. ers. She gave her support by serving on celebrate, as recent advances in re- In 2001, Gerry gave the first tour the boards of organizations such as the search, including a number of clinical when the Capitol reopened following National Council of Jewish Women and trials, have given new hope for restor- the terrorist attacks of September 11. Education First and was honored by ing vision. Results from one break- In my opinion, this is a testament to many others, such as the Big Sisters of through study funded in part by the the dedication and the patriotism Los Angeles, the Women’s Image Net- Foundation Fighting Blindness show Gerry has shown during his many years work Award, the Producers Guild of that gene therapy restored vision in of service to our country. America, City of Hope, and her own patients suffering from a severe retinal In May 2007, Gerry was the victim of alma mater, USC’s School of Cinematic disease. In fact, a 9-year-old boy who a brutal home invasion and assault. Arts. I was also proud to present her had lost his vision almost completely After this senseless act of violence, he with a ‘‘Woman Making History’’ was able to play baseball and read the was told by his doctors that he may Award for her wonderful work. chalkboard in his class for the first never walk again. When Ziskin was diagnosed with time. But Gerry has never taken no for an breast cancer in 2004, she immediately This life-changing work is possible answer. became heavily involved in creating a thanks to the Foundation Fighting After months in the hospital and new model for cancer research. In 2008, Blindness, which, through various grueling rehabilitation, Gerry returned she founded the nonprofit Stand Up To fundraising efforts, provides the cap- to the Capitol, eventually taking a job Cancer, SU2C, in collaboration with ital necessary to launch innovative, re- as an elevator operator. friends and colleagues, sults-oriented research—the kind of re- Again, Gerry impressed all of us in and and the Entertain- search promising enough to draw fund- the Senate with his dedication and his ment Industry Foundation, among oth- ing from other sources, such as the Na- generous spirit. ers. Ziskin used her film production tional Eye Institute, one of the Na- Gerry will soon begin a job at the De- skills to be a driving force for raising tional Institutes of Health. Now, as the partment of Health and Human Serv- funds for cancer research and support momentum continues to build, a part- ices. I know I speak for all of us when services, including by producing tele- nership between the private and public I say that HHS is lucky to have him. vision specials in 2008 and 2010 that sectors is crucial to eradicating blind- aired on major international networks. Gerry makes the Senate a brighter ing diseases. Throughout her illness, Laura never I congratulate the Foundation Fight- place, and I am truly sorry to see him quit either her professional or chari- ing Blindness on its 40th anniversary. go. I admire his optimism, his dedica- table work. She touched the lives of With the help of this organization and tion, and especially his courage in the countless individuals and families who the National Eye Institute, research face of adversity. struggle with cancer by giving them will continue to flourish until cures are I wish Gerry well as he moves onto hope that one day, there will be a cure. realized.∑ this exciting new challenge. In one of her last blog postings, she f f urged others to take a stand. She BOWDLE, SOUTH DAKOTA ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS wrote, ‘‘Take a stand—for yourself, for a loved one . . . for anyone in the fight. ∑ Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. Let’s make everyone diagnosed with President, today I pay tribute to the REMEMBERING LAURA ZISKIN cancer a survivor.’’ 125th anniversary of the founding of ∑ Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, today I Laura Ziskin is survived by her part- the city of Bowdle, SD. Bowdle, like ask my colleagues to join me in paying ner, , her daughter, Julia many of the cities in South Dakota, ∑ tribute to Laura Ellen Ziskin, one of Barry, and her son-in-law, Eli Dansky. was founded for its position along the Hollywood’s most influential film pro- f railroad tracks. Alex M. Bowdle, an employee for Chi- ducers, activists, and philanthropists. FIGHTING BLINDNESS cago & Milwaukee Railroad, founded Laura Ziskin passed away on June 12, ∑ Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, for most Bowdle in 1886. He chose the location 2011, at her home in Santa Monica, CA, people, it is a given that they are able for its readily available access to clean after a 7-year battle with cancer. She to see the many wonderful sights the water. This water was essential for the was 61 years old. world has to offer. But in this country, trains to use in their boilers, and A native of the San Fernando Valley, more than 10 million people are af- helped to keep the trains moving on Laura Ziskin was born on March 3, fected by retinal diseases, such as reti- schedule. The water also greatly bene- 1950, to Mae and Jay Ziskin. In 1973, nitis pigmentosa and age-related fited area farmers who needed it for ir- Ziskin graduated from the University macular degeneration, that result in rigation of their crops. of Southern ’s School of blindness. These people are being Bowdle through the years has contin- Cinematic Arts and began working in robbed of their vision, plain and sim- ued to be a thriving community. Their the entertainment industry first as a ple. By 2020, as the population con- commitment to education can be seen game show writer, and then as a per- tinues to age, that number is expected in the graduates of the Bowdle School sonal assistant to producer and direc- to reach 15 million. These diseases District. In addition city of Bowdle has tor , with whom she would might not attract much attention, but many outdoor recreation options in- work on the 1976 re- their impact on the lives of our friends, cluding pheasant hunting and the make of ‘‘A Star Is Born.’’ family members, and constituents is Bowdle Golf Club, which residents be- Over the next three decades, Laura significant. lieve is one of the best courses in the Ziskin became one of the world’s most Later this month, in Baltimore, MD, State. successful female producers. Ziskin’s the Foundation Fighting Blindness, a Bowdle’s residents have a strong fame quickly grew with her production private nonprofit that has raised more local community and take pride in of 1985’s ‘‘Murphy’s Romance,’’ 1988’s than $425 million in research funding, their city. To celebrate the momentous ‘‘D.O.A.,’’ 1990’s megahit ‘‘Pretty will host its national VISIONS Con- occasion the city is planning to hold a Woman,’’ and 1991’s ‘‘What About ference. It will gather together visually street dance with live music, along Bob?’’ Ziskins films were both criti- challenged people from across the with many other events to bring the cally acclaimed and well received, with United States, as well as eight other surrounding community together to ‘‘,’’ 1997, ‘‘The Thin countries, along with renowned re- share stories and experiences of the be- Red Line,’’ 1998, ‘‘,’’ 1999, and searchers committed to finding treat- loved city of Bowdle. the recent blockbuster Spider-Man ments and cures for these diseases and I am proud to publicly honor Bowdle films. In 2002, Laura Ziskin would also physicians providing patient care. on this memorable occasion. Small

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:57 Jun 21, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G20JN6.022 S20JNPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE June 20, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3915 communities such as Bowdle are part 5K ‘‘Roll and Stroll’’ through the beau- From its earliest days, Langford has of the backbone of our great State, and tiful town of Conde, and plenty of food been marked by a strong sense of com- help to preserve our rich frontier his- vendors. munity with residents gathering fre- tory and deep-seated character. Bowdle Conde exemplifies the hometown quently in the Langford Opera House, exemplifies what it means to be a great community spirit of South Dakota. now the Legion Hall. Langford at one South Dakota community.∑ After 125 years, the community of time boasted five schoolhouses, and f Conde is still thriving, and it is my still continues this commitment to honor to publicly congratulate the citi- education with the Langford Area BRYANT, SOUTH DAKOTA zens of Conde on reaching this com- School District. ∑ Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. mendable milestone.∑ Residents plan to celebrate the 125th President, today I wish to recognize f with many activities, including a pa- the community of Bryant, SD, on rade, car show, softball tournament, HECLA, SOUTH DAKOTA reaching the 125th anniversary of its and a Sunday service. Main Street in founding. Bryant is a community-ori- ∑ Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. Langford will be filled with the pride of ented town located in Hamlin County President, today I wish to recognize all the residents from the area, past and will be celebrating its the town of Hecla, SD, on reaching the and present. quasquicentennial the weekend of June 125th anniversary of its founding. This A hundred twenty five years after its 24 to 26. small town in Brown County has flour- founding, Langford continues to be a Founded in 1887 upon the completion ished from its humble pioneer origins vibrant community and a great asset of the Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. to a vibrant South Dakotan commu- to South Dakota. I am proud to honor Paul railroads, the small town em- nity. the achievements of Langford on this braced its origins and was named after The completion of the Dakota Cen- memorable occasion.∑ the local railroad official. Bryant tral Railroad, known later as the Chi- f cago Northwestern, breathed life into prides itself on its fire preparedness TURTON, SOUTH DAKOTA and is home to a dedicated volunteer this region of Brown County, and the ∑ fire department. community of Hecla was born in 1886. Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. The importance of community to the The railroad was essential to the President, today I pay tribute to the town is evident in the presence of their progress of the town as it provided a 125th anniversary of the founding of well-maintained auditorium and parks means to get supplies, export harvests, Turton, SD. This small town in Spink which host town gatherings, baseball and transport mail. Mystery surrounds County embodies the very values that the naming of Hecla as the railroad South Dakota was founded upon. games, dances, craft fairs, and suppers. crew decided to name the town after Named after Joseph Turton, one of Bryant will celebrate this milestone the volcano, Mt. Hekla, in Iceland for the town’s first settlers from England, with many activities including a car unknown reasons. the town was founded in 1886 and for- and tractor show, a parade, and even Today, Hecla is a progressive small mally incorporated in 1907. Situated fireman’s games. town community. It features several along the Groton branch of the Chicago South Dakota is built on the values local businesses, including grain ele- Northwestern Railroad, Turton was and spirit of small communities like vators, lodging sites, banks, res- originally established as a railroad Bryant. It is because of our small taurants, meat processors, and insur- town. The railroad was essential to the tight-knit communities that many ance agencies, and is home to several development of the vibrant town as it choose to call South Dakota home. I churches. Hecla will be commemo- provided necessary supplies and a congratulate the citizens of Bryant on rating its anniversary with a celebra- means to transport goods. Today, their accomplishments over the last 125 tion on the weekend of June 25th-26th. Turton is best known for their beau- years and look forward to seeing their The town plans to celebrate with many tiful Catholic church, which was built ∑ future endeavors. events including a parade and a dance in 1893, and is still in use today. f to be held on Hecla’s Main Street. The Residents of Turton will kick off the CONDE, SOUTH DAKOTA events of the weekend promise to pro- town’s quasquicentennial celebration vide great opportunities to celebrate and their annual St. John’s Day with ∑ Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. such a historic milestone. the Turton Community Golf Tour- President, today I wish to recognize Most South Dakotans call small nament, street dances, games, and ban- the community of Conde, SD, on reach- towns like Hecla home. Even 125 years quets. To wrap up a fun filled weekend, ing the 125th anniversary of its found- after its founding, Hecla still exempli- Turton has planned a Sunday morning ing. Located in Spink County, this fies what it means to be a great South mass and breakfast. small, close-knit community will be Dakota community. I am proud to pub- Small towns like Turton symbolize celebrating its quasquicentennial the licly honor Hecla on this memorable what it means to be a South Dakotan weekend of June 24 to 26. occasion and congratulate the people of community. I am pleased to recognize The building of railroad branches in Hecla on their achievements.∑ the achievements of Turton, and to South Dakota by the Chicago and f offer my congratulations to the resi- Northwestern Railroad created growth dents of the town on this historic mile- for numerous towns. Amongst the LANGFORD, SOUTH DAKOTA stone.∑ ∑ newly established area, the town of Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. f Conde was founded in 1886. This rail- President, I wish to recognize the 125th road town was formerly known as anniversary of the founding of TEEN VOICES Coral until April 15, 1882. A railroad of- Langford, SD. Langford served histori- ∑ Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, I ask to ficial’s wife selected the name in honor cally as a city born from the railroads, have printed in the RECORD the re- of the Conde family of France and the and for many residents was the first marks of my friend Donna Brazile at French town of Conde. stop to a new life on the prairie. the 20th anniversary celebration for Conde, SD, ‘‘The Place to Call Founded in 1886, Langford was settled Teen Voices. Teen Voices is a jour- Home,’’ is known for its beautiful sce- as the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. nalism mentoring and leadership devel- nery and outdoor activities. Conde is Paul Railroad Company continued to opment program for teen girls which settled in the rolling Coteau Hills and lay their track across the prairie. Sam was founded in Cambridge, MA, and is an excellent area for Ring Neck Denton originally surveyed the 190-acre creates publications which reach hun- Pheasant and White Tail Deer hunting. plot overlooking the South Dakota dreds of thousands of young women The city of Conde still has a variety of countryside. John A. Edmunds’ hard- across the world. Donna’s words do businesses located in this community. ware store was the first business estab- great justice to what a terrific program Conde will commemorate its anniver- lished in Langford. The store was deliv- Teen Voices is as they celebrate an im- sary with a weekend of events. The ered prebuilt as a shanty. The very portant milestone, and I believe this community has planned to host live next day a blacksmith shop was opened occasion deserves special recognition music bands, an all-school reunion, a with several churches soon to follow. in the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD.

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