E2038 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks November 18, 2004 Psychology. Mrs. Mun˜oz-Velazquez also ob- Mr. Speaker, Al and Joanna Lacy have con- CONGRATULATING SHARON HAM- tained an Elementary Teaching Credential and tributed much toward the education and learn- MERSLA UPON HER RETIREMENT began teaching kindergarten for the Marysville ing of numerous children all across the coun- FROM THE HOUSE OF REP- School District. Soon after her time there, she try, giving parents a reliable source of enter- RESENTATIVES AFTER 32 YEARS moved to San Benito County with her hus- tainment for their kids. I am honored to recog- OF DEDICATED SERVICE band, Felipe Velasquez, and has been teach- nize the accomplishments of Al and Joanna ing for the Hollister School District since 1975. before this body of Congress and this Nation. HON. HENRY J. HYDE They have four sons: Richard, Adrian, Alejo, Thank you, Al and Joanna for all your hard OF ILLINOIS and Junior. work, and I wish you both all the best in your IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES While she was growing up, Mrs. Mun˜oz- future endeavors. Wednesday, November 17, 2004 Velazquez attended a school system that did f not support maintaining Spanish language Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, at the end of the while learning to write and speak in English. NATIONAL HUNGER AND 108th Congress, Sharon Hammersla will be Because she recognized the value of having a HOMELESS AWARENESS WEEK retiring from government service after thirty- good grasp of two languages, she purposely two years as a dedicated and distinguished chose to become a bilingual teacher, allowing HON. FRED UPTON public servant. Sharon has served as the Information Re- her to reclaim her primary language and cul- OF MICHIGAN source Manager for both the House Com- ture. Mrs. Mun˜oz-Velazquez truly believes in IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES mittee on International Relations and the providing and promoting bilingualism and Wednesday, November 17, 2004 House Committee on the Judiciary under my biliteracy, which she feels is instrumental in chairmanship. In fact, Sharon worked for the the success of children learning a second lan- Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to House Judiciary Committee during the im- guage. commemorate the National Hunger and peachment of President Clinton. Her efforts at Of course, with her giving nature, Mrs. Homelessness Awareness Week and to pay that time toward making the Committee’s work Mun˜oz-Velazquez knows how significant it is tribute to the countless shelters and staffs on related events accessible to the public will to give back to the community and has been throughout the country who tirelessly work to be instrumental to historians when studying involved with multiple organizations such as address this ever-growing problem. that period of our Nation’s history. Prior to the United Way, American Cancer Society Throughout our nation help is increasingly working on the Judiciary and International Re- (ACS), Children with Attention Deficit Dis- needed to create safe places for people to call lations Committees, she served seventeen orders (CHADD), Mexican American Commu- home. The face of homelessness does not years with the House Science Committee. nity on Education (MACE), and League of have an age, race, or creed. Over one million Just because Sharon is leaving The Hill United and Latin American Citizens Council of our nation’s homeless are children and fam- doesn’t mean that she won’t be busy. She will (LULAC) #2890. She has also taught religion ilies comprise of nearly 40 percent of the en- maintain her position in history-making and classes at Sacred Heart Church, preparing tire homeless population. There is no question continue to serve as a member of the Board many young ones for Holy Communion. that homelessness is a serious problem, and of Directors of the Dr. Samuel A. Mudd Mu- Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this oppor- we must ensure that our shelters are provided seum in Bryantown, Maryland, where she has tunity to thank Mrs. Laura Mun˜oz-Velazquez with the necessary assistance. been a docent, and she will be publishing her for the outstanding work she’s done in my dis- One particular shelter that is truly making a first book on her family’s genealogy early next trict. I would like to honor and congratulate her difference is the Emergency Shelter Service year. Most importantly, however, she will be on her accomplishments and express my sin- Inc., of Benton Harbor, Michigan. The service, joining her husband, Don, in catching up with cere gratitude for her commitment to the com- care, and opportunity that this shelter provides family and friends and enjoying life with their munity. for the homeless folks of Southwest Michigan grandchildren. f is tremendous. I recently had the chance to visit with the Mr. Speaker, Sharon Hammersla has PAYING TRIBUTE TO AL AND staff and residents of the shelter. It was heart- served her country with honor and distinction. JOANNA LACY warming to see firsthand, individuals getting Please join me in congratulating her on an il- back on their feet, ready to start anew. The lustrious career in federal service and wishing HON. SCOTT McINNIS shelter provides the helping hand that many her well as she embarks on new adventures. f OF COLORADO folks need. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The nine-bedroom shelter, a 100-year old A TRIBUTE TO MRS. TANNER house along Pipestone Street, currently JOHNSON LIVISAY Wednesday, November 17, 2004 houses 35 people, many of which are children. Mr. MCINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay trib- Residents stay for a maximum of 30 days, and HON. NICK J. RAHALL II ute to Al and Joanna Lacy, a retired Baptist the shelter staff work with them to find afford- OF WEST VIRGINIA minister and his wife who have authored nu- able, appropriate housing. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES merous educational books for children. The re- I am pleased to report that the top floor of search and historical background that Al and the house was recently insulated for the winter Wednesday, November 17, 2004 Joanna present in these books have helped which will allow a few more people to have Mr. RAYHALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to educate kids about American history and si- shelter during the coldest months of the year. pay tribute to a woman who had a very distin- multaneously encourages them to read. Today But the unfortunate reality is that more people guished career as a State extension specialist I have the privilege of recognizing their service seek assistance than the shelter can provide in the State of West Virginia Mrs. Tanner before this body of Congress and this Nation. for, and folks seeking a warm bed and a roof Johnson Livisay. Mrs. Livisay was a retired After retiring from thirty-two years of trav- over their heads must find shelter elsewhere. State extension specialist and associate pro- eling as a pastor, Al decided he wanted to On behalf of the Sixth District of Michigan, fessor at West Virginia University and was a write novels. Al first started with Western I pay tribute to the great service of this admi- resident of Princeton, West Virginia. Mrs. themes and expanded into narratives that cov- rable shelter. I commend the selfless efforts of Livisay graduated in 1923 from the former ered religious experiences, the Civil War, the Alysia Babcock and her staff who dedicate Douglas High School in Huntington, West Vir- gold rush era, immigration through Ellis Island, themselves to provide a safe haven for those ginia and later went on to earn her Bachelor and the lives of orphan street children. Joanna in need. Southwest Michigan is better off for of Science degree in home economics from also contributed to her husband’s work with their efforts. West Virginia State College in 1927. She then her extensive background in nursing. They As we approach the holiday season, it is vi- taught in Jefferson and Wyoming counties for have spent countless hours traveling, re- tally important that our communities and cities the next 14 years. Mrs. Livisay earned her searching, and talking with people to learn get involved to raise awareness and work to Masters degree from West Virginia University more about the local cultures and customs for combat the problems of hunger and homeless- and completed further studies at Merrill Palm- the settings in their books, which makes them ness. Any contribution to the Benton Harbor er Institute in Detroit, Michigan, University of a source of education and excitement for shelter will be greatly appreciated, whether it Michigan, University of Cincinnati, Cornell Uni- young readers. Together they have made the be a blanket, some food or even a couple of versity and Colorado State University. In 1941, best seller list numerous times in publishing dollars. Even the smallest donation makes an Mrs. Livisay began her work as a home dem- over 102 works. impact. onstration agent in West Virginia. Her territory VerDate Aug 04 2004 05:31 Nov 19, 2004 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A17NO8.115 E18PT1 November 18, 2004 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2039 included Mercer, McDowell and Cabell coun- Act for the 21st Century, under which Illinois PAYING TRIBUTE TO COL. JOHN E. ties in my district. She organized home and continues to receive an average of $885 mil- STAVAST (USAF RET.) garden clubs, 4–H clubs, and established the lion per year for highway funding and $150 West Virginia State Farm Homemakers Coun- million per year for mass transit programs. HON. SCOTT McINNIS cil, under the auspices of West Virginia State During the 107th Congress, Representative LI- OF COLORADO College, West Virginia University and the U.S.