June 15, 2007 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS, Vol. 153, Pt. 11 16077 friendly competition. The creed for the Games munity and family life center, a 4-story building lead on helping businesses affected by mill is: which includes a primary healthcare center, a closures or simply providing first-rate customer ‘‘We swear that we will take part in the full scale gymnasium and a fitness and service, Mary’s devotion to serving our State’s CANUSA Games in fair competition, wellness center. small business community was second to respecting the regulations which govern Reverend Griffin has done missionary work none. She cares about people and I could see them in Senegal, Gambia, West Africa and South that she enjoyed helping them realize their and with the desire to participate in the true Africa and was a delegate to the First African spirit of sportsmanship, and African-American Summit at the Ivory dreams. for the glory of sports and for the honor of our country.’’ Coast in 1991. He was selected to be an offi- Mary’s commitment to making Maine a bet- cial international election observer in the first ter place is an inspiration to all of us who con- Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Rep- free South African election in April of 1994. Dr. resentatives to join me in congratulating all the tinue to serve in public office. Her warmth and Griffin has also been an associate professor of athletes, coaches, coordinators, and volun- generous spirit are a joy to all who know her. church administration at the New York Theo- teers in Hamilton, Ontario and Flint, Michigan I wish Mary the very best in her retirement: logical Seminary. for 50 years of dedication to promoting friend- she represents the best of Maine. Reverend Griffin is married to Mrs. Angela ship and harmony between our two nations Farr Griffin of Rocky Mount, North Carolina. through the spirit of athletic competition. f They have two daughters: Angel Arlecia and f Ariel Arlyce. HONORING REVEREND DR. A TRIBUTE TO REVEREND DR. Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize SAMUEL SIMPSON ARLEE GRIFFIN, JR. Reverend Dr. Arlee Griffin, Jr. for his many works and his tremendous contribution to his HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS congregants and the community. HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL OF NEW YORK Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to OF NEW YORK IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES join me in paying tribute to this wonderful man and his tireless commitment to others. Friday, June 15, 2007 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES f Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today Friday, June 15, 2007 to honor the Reverend Dr. Arlee Griffin, Jr. TRIBUTE TO MARY MCALENEY Reverend Griffin is a native of Elizabeth City Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, Reverend Dr. North Carolina. An honor graduate of North- HON. MICHAEL H. MICHAUD Samuel Simpson, pastor of the Bronx Baptist eastern High School, Reverend Griffin earned OF MAINE and Wake Eden community Baptist Churches a bachelor of arts degree in Zoology from the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES in the Bronx was born in Jamaica W.I. He re- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He located to the United States in the early six- Friday, June 15, 2007 later earned a master’s of Divinity degree from ties. He and his wife Lola Campbell have Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Mr. MICHAUD. Madam Speaker, I rise three children and five grandchildren. He is Reverend Griffin has also studied at East today to recognize a woman from my home well known in the Bronx and the West Indian State of Maine who truly embodies the spirit of Carolina University, New York University, the communities throughout the State and beyond. Postgraduate Center for Mental Health in New public service. Mary McAleney is a friend, a York City, and abroad at Oxford University in trusted advisor, an accomplished professional, In addition to leading the Bronx and Wake England. He graduated from Boston University and a wonderful person who has devoted her Eden congregations, Reverend Simpson has with a doctorate of Ministry. In April, 1992, career to serving the people of Maine. Today, been instrumental in starting the Honeywell Shaw Divinity School awarded him an hon- I congratulate her on a distinguished career Baptist Chapel, and a newer mission in the orary doctorate of Divinity. and her upcoming retirement. Spring Valley area. Grace Baptist Chapel in Reverend Griffin served as pastor of Cor- A native of Maine, Mary grew up in the northern section of the Bronx is an off/ nerstone Missionary Baptist Church in Green- Vanceboro and attended St. Joseph’s Acad- shoot of Bronx Baptist Church. Reverend ville, North Carolina for nearly 10 years. Dur- emy in Portland. She is a graduate of Simpson also communicates his strong belief Merrimack College in North Andover, Massa- ing his tenure, the church experienced unprec- in helping people via the media, and writes a chusetts. After teaching at Catherine McAuley edented growth and many new ministries were weekly column for the Carib News. Periodi- established, including the Cornerstone Chris- High School in Portland, she worked in the cally he is heard on Family Radio and has tian Child Care Center. The church later relo- Maine legislature and as a field organizer for cated, and in 1996, a new $1 million facility the Maine State Employees Association. been the subject of three books: ‘‘What God was built. Mary went on to serve for many years as did for Me,’’ ‘‘Sam Simpson, Architect of Reverend Griffin served in several positions Chief of Staff to Senator George Mitchell. Hope,’’ and his most recent ‘‘To Dream the of leadership in both community and religious While I was in the Maine Legislature, we had Impossible Dream.’’ organizations in North Carolina. Among them: many opportunities to work together, and it He serves in many capacities in the Baptist president of the Pitt County Black Ministerial was clear to me that she always had the best denomination. Among his leadership roles has interests of Maine in mind. She was constantly Alliance; moderator and vice-moderator of the been president—Baptist Convention of New Old Eastern Missionary Baptist Association; looking for ways for the Federal Government York for two terms, and moderator—Metropoli- parliamentarian of the General Baptist State to help Maine’s people and businesses. But Convention of North Carolina; trustee of Pitt the way she went about it was important too— tan New York Baptist Association. Other areas County Memorial Hospital; and campus min- she always worked across the aisle to get of service were: president and board chairman ister at the University of North Carolina at things done for Maine. She set high standards of Protestant Council of Churches of New Chapel Hill. for all who worked around her and served as York, president, Bronx division of Council of Reverend Griffin became the senior pastor a mentor to staffers, many of whom went on Churches, chairman of the board and presi- of Brooklyn’s Berean Baptist Church in 1989. to serve Congressman John Baldacci or who dent, Bronx Shepherds Restoration, and board Under his leadership, the Community Service now work on my staff. In this way, her legacy member, Northeastern Bible College. Rev- Center has been revitalized, now offering a full of professionalism, boundless energy, and erend Dr. Simpson is a true man of God and range of social services including emergency commitment to public service continues to be a firm believer in serving the total person. He food distribution, meals to the homeless and felt in Congress. has worked tirelessly for his community both needy, Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous Most recently, Mary served as Maine’s within and outside the Bronx seeking to im- groups, employment counseling, training pro- Small Business Administration District Direc- prove the temporal and spiritual aspects of his grams and senior citizens’ programs. In 1996, tor. In that capacity, she strongly advocated the church completed Berean Gardens, a $7 for our State’s entrepreneurs and always went congregation and his community. million senior citizens’ housing complex. More the extra mile to support innovative small busi- We are a stronger, better community for his recently, the church broke ground on a com- ness development. Whether it was taking the work. VerDate Mar 15 2010 12:48 May 17, 2010 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0689 Sfmt 9920 E:\BR07\E15JN7.000 E15JN7 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with BOUND RECORD 16078 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS, Vol. 153, Pt. 11 June 15, 2007 HONORING MITCHELL IGNERI AND tries, including frequent appearances at the The Altenheim German Old People’s Home STEPHEN CLARKE OF SS. CYRIL New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and opened in 1885 and boasts the original vic- AND METHODIUS SCHOOL IN numerous other Louisiana venues, including torian building still in use. The building has DEER PARK, NY the Paragon Casino in Avoyelles Parish. been popular with Hollywood and it has been Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join used as a location for three movies. In 1973, HON. STEVE ISRAEL me in celebrating the accomplishments of 20th century film ‘‘Harry and Fonte’’. Art Car- OF NEW YORK Riley B. King. I acknowledge his invaluable ney, the film star, won an Oscar for his per- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES talent and significant contribution to not only formance and in 1988, scenes were shot there the State of Louisiana, but our Nation as well. Friday, June 15, 2007 with Gene Hackman in the package. Finally, in f 1995, the building was again used for exterior Mr. ISRAEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today shots for the movie ‘‘The Babe’’, starring John to honor Mitchell Igneri and Stephen Clarke of CONGRATULATIONS TO THE VIL- LAGE OF FOREST PARK, ILLI- Goodman.