March 26, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E451 later realized that things happen for a reason vides day care, social development and edu- as having voted ‘‘yes’’, on H.R. 2824 (rollcall and that what happened to their family was cational services to developmentally disabled 141), which would overturn Reagan-era pro- predestined. It was at that moment that they persons. This was the first organization of its tections for streams and communities in Appa- made a vow to help others in a way that the kind in California that provided extensive and lachia. I would like the record to reflect my school district was unable to help Takila, their comprehensive services. strong opposition to H.R. 2824. daughter. She also founded the Society of California Thus, the Community Students Learning Care Home Operators (SOCCO), which trains f Center (CSLC) was born in their hearts and caregivers and connects them with the legisla- minds. They became desperate parents who tive process so they can acquaint themselves HONORING THE REDLINERS wanted to save other families from the pain with the law and become advocates for the and ridicule their family suffered. developmentally disabled. Finally, OV helped Today, the Community Students Learning found the South Central Los Angeles Regional HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON Center now has a great working relationship Center (SCLARC), which contracts with the OF MISSISSIPPI with the Holmes County School Board, Super- State of California to coordinate services for IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES intendent, teachers and staff. They have even the developmentally disabled. been blessed with the opportunity to serve as Her courage to confront the establishment, Wednesday, March 26, 2014 a team monitor member for the MDE Office of knowledge of the law, and commitment to ini- Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speak- Special Education where they have traveled tiate change gained the respect of lawmakers, er, I rise today to honor a remarkable organi- across the state educating parents regarding agency officials, and the overall community. zation, the Redliners. their rights and laws as it relates to their child/ She had been recognized by many organiza- The Redliners is a bike club that was estab- children with special needs. tions and sought out for her insights. Her lished in 1996. They share a strong family Throughout the difficult ordeals that Beulah motto ‘‘These are God’s people, and we are bond and chemistry, spreading across 12 faced, her husband, Leslie, was a ‘‘strong responsible for them’’ bespoke the true heart states. tower’’ for her. He encouraged her to move she put into advocating for people with devel- forward and allow God to direct her path. God opmental disabilities. The Redliners’ objectives are: has blessed their bud of an idea to blossom OV Smith will be sorely missed by everyone To bring together individuals who share the into a full blown, yet still growing, non-profit or- who was touched by her graciousness. We all common interest of motorcycle riding; ganization that is positively impacting the lives benefitted from her commitment, vision, and To provide an organized environment of many families. The idea began as an effort caring heart. My thoughts and prayers are with around which its members may enjoy well-co- to assist at-risk students who could not pass all of her family and friends during this difficult ordinated events without regards to politics, the state mandated tests, but now the vision time. religion, race, sex or creed; has expanded to include many more programs f To encourage good riding habits, promote and services. the interests of its members, keep members The Mission for the Community Students CONGRATULATING DENNIS MARKOWITZ aware of motorcyclist rights and issues, and Learning Center is to promote community and sponsor and participate in charitable events educational change, by providing state-of-the- and/or affairs; art leadership development and personal im- HON. MICHAEL G. FITZPATRICK To foster a network of communication and a provement opportunities for youth, adults, and OF PENNSYLVANIA better understanding between various motor- seniors. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES cycle and non-motorcycle enthusiast; and Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing The Community Students Wednesday, March 26, 2014 To fulfill these objectives the chapter func- tions shall incorporate both social and informa- Learning Center (CSLC) for their dedication to Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today tion aspects. serving others and giving back to the commu- to give the heartiest congratulations to Dennis nity. I. Markowitz on being named Person of the The Redliners in Greenville, Mississippi f Year by the Feasterville Business Association. chooses a foundation every year to sponsor a This honor recognizes his many years of out- charity ride. They have done charity rides for IN MEMORY OF OV SMITH standing service to the Feasterville Business the Fannie Lou Hamer Foundation, Boys and Association, as a motivator, officer and current Girls Club and Our House, Inc. HON. MAXINE WATERS treasurer. A tax accountant and founding part- The Redliners have participated in numer- OF CALIFORNIA ner in the Financial Group Plus Companies, ous community services activities, such as he marks his 50th year as a tax accountant. handing out candy at the Boys and Girls Club IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Dennis Markowitz’ many endeavors, both per- for Halloween. Also, Make A Wish Foundation Wednesday, March 26, 2014 sonal and professional, include his honorable contacted Redliners for 16 year old, Freddie Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I am deeply service in the United States Army, and also as Green, of Greenville, Mississippi, who is fight- saddened by the loss of my dear friend OV vice president of the Bucks-Mont Chapter of ing Leukemia. Freddie’s wish was to spend Smith, who died on March 14th at the age of the Society of Tax and Accounting Partners time with the Redliners and eat at a restaurant 99. I had the pleasure of knowing OV for more and educator who has been recognized for his called Frost Top. The Redliners road motor- than 30 years. We became friends while I volunteer work by the U.S. International Rev- cycles to Belzoni, Mississippi to meet Freddie served in the California State Assembly and enue Service. Throughout his years of com- as he was coming home from the hospital in she was working to educate members of the munity service on many different levels, Den- Jackson, Mississippi. They brought Freddie to Assembly about the needs of persons with de- nis Markowitz has set an outstanding example Greenville on the motorcycle and he was over- velopmental disabilities. for others to follow and this recognition comes joyed. OV Smith dedicated her life to caring for the with sincere wishes for a continuation of serv- Furthermore, the Redliners have adopted a developmentally disabled. For more than 40 ice and fellowship, health and happiness. highway in honor of their member, Victor An- years, she welcomed them into her home f derson, who is also known as ‘‘Red Angel’’. while also taking them to church on Sundays, They cleaned up Highway 82 in his honor. PERSONAL EXPLANATION traveling with them on cruises and other trips, The Redliners have done other things like, do- and accompanying them to activities in the nating turkeys to nursing homes for Thanks- community. OV founded several organizations HON. ROBERT C. ‘‘BOBBY’’ SCOTT giving and participating in different toy drives. in Los Angeles. She helped these groups to OF VIRGINIA They are always looking for a way to give back to the community. initiate public policy through the legislative IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES process and educate caregivers on how to Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me Wednesday, March 26, 2014 care for and develop their clients. in recognizing the Redliners for their dedica- In 1970, Ms. Smith founded OV’s Willing Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, yester- tion to serving others and giving back to the Workers for the Mentally Retarded, which pro- day I intended to vote ‘‘no’’, but was recorded community. VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:12 Mar 27, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A26MR8.033 E26MRPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with REMARKS.