February 6, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E117 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS PERSONAL EXPLANATION Today, California’s Ninth Congressional Dis- nic in Clarence. With the help of a local farm- trict joins with the communities of Los Ange- er, Wesley Williams, the company raised HON. TOM FEENEY les, CA, Chicago, IL, and all the places where enough money to construct Williams Hall. OF FLORIDA Earl William’s love touched the lives of those The year 1922 marked a milestone for the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES who knew him, to salute and honor a great Clarence Center Volunteer Fire Company. In Wednesday, February 6, 2008 human being. We extend our deepest condo- February of this year the company was able to lences to Earl’s family. Thank you for sharing purchase its first fire truck. The acquisition of Mr. FEENEY. Madam Speaker, I regret that his great spirit with so many. May his soul rest this truck was important to the protection that on January 29, 2008, due to the Florida pri- in peace. the fire company offered the people in Clar- mary I was unable to be in Washington for f ence. Additionally, the first annual Labor Day votes. picnic was held in 1922. This is a time-hon- f RECOGNIZING MELISSA BOOSMAN ored event in the town of Clarence; not only FOR ACHIEVING THE GOLD AWARD HONORING EARL WILLIAMS is it a way for the fire company to raise funds for improvements to the equipment used to HON. BARBARA LEE HON. SAM GRAVES serve the people of Clarence, but it is an OF MISSOURI event that families throughout the town look OF CALIFORNIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES forward to every year. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Since its beginnings the Clarence Volunteer Wednesday, February 6, 2008 Wednesday, February 6, 2008 Fire Company has become an indispensable Ms. LEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly part of the town. The company remains com- honor the brilliant life of Mr. Earl Williams. Earl pause to recognize Melissa Boosman, a very mitted to providing fire, rescue, and EMS serv- was a caring friend, family member, and lead- special young woman who has exemplified the ices to the citizens that reside within the dis- er in the community. He will be greatly finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by trict boundaries. They’ve continued to meet missed, but the positive impact he has left will taking an active part in the Girl Scouts of the needs of the rapidly growing population of remain in the hearts of all who had the honor America, Troop 1262, and by earning the most Clarence Center. As we reach the 100th anni- of knowing him. prestigious Gold Award. versary of this fire company the volunteers It is with a deep sense of sadness that I rise Less than 1 percent of all Girl Scouts in the continue to dedicate themselves to serve and today to deliver condolences to the family and United States earn this prestigious award, the assist the members of their community. friends of a great man, a brilliant human being highest award in Girl Scouting. It symbolizes Thus Madam Speaker, in recognition of its and a true servant of God. However, it is also outstanding accomplishments in the areas of 100th anniversary of tremendous service in with a deep sense of gratitude to Earl’s family leadership, community service, career plan- the town of Clarence, I ask this Honorable and friends for sharing this loyal, patriotic, and ning and personal development. Body join me in honoring the Clarence Center compassionate man with us that I rise to cele- Melissa has been very active with her troop, Volunteer Fire Company. brate his life and honor his legacy. participating in many Scout activities. Over the f As a person committed to those who are many years Melissa has been involved with most vulnerable and most in need in our Scouting, she has not only earned numerous HONORING DR. RICHARD world, Earl was committed to creating safe ha- merit badges, but the respect of her family, WITKOWSKI, SUPERINTENDENT vens for individuals who needed the love and peers, and community. OF THE GARDEN CITY PUBLIC kindness of their neighbors to see them Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join SCHOOLS through difficult times. He worked tirelessly as me in commending Melissa Boosman for her an administrator and part owner of Garden accomplishments with the Girl Scouts of HON. THADDEUS G. McCOTTER Plaza Convalescent Home in Los Angeles, America and for her efforts put forth in achiev- OF MICHIGAN CA. Earl was also the founder of Liberty Child ing the highest distinction in Girl Scouting, the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Gold Award. Care Center in Chicago. Wednesday, February 6, 2008 His wide reach—involved in communities as f different as Chicago and Los Angeles—and Mr. MCCOTTER. Madam Speaker, today I his limitless compassion drove his intentions TRIBUTE TO CLARENCE CENTER rise to honor and acknowledge Dr. Richard to service humankind, and to do the Lord’s VOLUNTEER FIRE CO. Witkowski, Superintendent of the Garden City work on this earth. Public Schools, upon his retirement from a Earl was a true patriot, serving his country HON. THOMAS M. REYNOLDS distinguished 41-year career in education. as an outstanding and dedicated member of OF NEW YORK For just over four decades, Superintendent the United States Army. He and his family IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Witkowski has served the citizens of Wayne were proud of his service, and our country County. Richard began his 39-year tenure with Wednesday, February 6, 2008 owes him a debt of gratitude for his commit- the Garden City Public Schools in 1969 after ment to his country. Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, it is with 2 years with the Gibraltar schools. Throughout As a devoted family man, Earl always dem- great pride that I rise today to commemorate his distinguished career with the Garden City onstrated his unwavering and unconditional the 100th anniversary of the Clarence Center Public Schools, Richard served as both an ed- love, loyalty, and devotion to each and every Volunteer Fire Company of Clarence, New ucator and administrator. Mr. Witkowski began member of his family. He was a true role York. For a century the members of the Clar- as a mathematics and science teacher at Gar- model to those whose lives he touched in so ence Hose Company have been volunteering den City East High School in 1969 before many ways. to protect their neighbors. moving across town and becoming Assistant Today, I join with Earl’s family and friends in The Clarence Center Volunteer Fire Com- Principal at Garden City West High School in bidding him farewell. I salute Earl Williams for pany became the first fire company in the 1971. Mr. Witkowski discovered an innate tal- a life well lived. Let us keep his legacy alive town of Clarence in 1908. The company ent for administration, being promoted to di- by recommitting our lives to his work and to began as a stock company and was able to rector in the central office in 1974, business his values to make this a better world. May his purchase a hand drawn hose cart and chem- manager for the district in 1985, associate su- beautiful spirit continue to live and guide our ical fire extinguishers. Land for a fire hall was perintendent, and superintendent in 2001. lives, helping us to be true to our family, our donated to the fire company by a local busi- Superintendent Witkowski will be best re- friends, our community, our country, and most nessman, and fundraising for the construction membered for his dedication, both to his job importantly, to our God. began in July 1908 with the first firemen’s pic- and community. Shortly after his promotion to ∑ This ‘‘bullet’’ symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor. Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor. VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:30 Feb 07, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A06FE8.001 E06FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with REMARKS E118 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks February 6, 2008 superintendent, Richard was tested with sev- with the Village, he has affected countless the issues of access to oral healthcare by eral crises, including the September 11, 2001 lives and left an indelible impression on Lom- itself, it is a great opportunity to raise aware- terrorist attacks and a bacterial meningitis out- bard and its residents. ness of the importance of oral health and pro- break at the high school, which resulted in a Madam Speaker and Distinguished Col- vide care to our most important and vulnerable first-ever schoolwide inoculation of the stu- leagues, Bill Lichter is a remarkable man who resource—our children. dents. He also oversaw the rebuilding of the has dedicated his life to serving the people of f district’s five elementary schools, assisting Lombard. Please join me in honoring this un- school staff in directing students to buses, sung hero for his extraordinary career and NICHOLAS ROYCE, FIFTY YEARS which would take students to their temporary wishing him every happiness in the well de- AND STILL FIGHTING THE GOOD classrooms. Witkowski remains active in the served respite of his retirement. FIGHT community as a member of the Garden City f Rotary and the Garden City Chamber of Com- HON. HOWARD L.