February 10, 2004 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E131 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS HONORING JOHN M. McCANN George and Vie Obern have dedicated and principle, a man who loves America more themselves to improving conditions for than anything, a great husband to his late wife HON. RAHM EMANUEL bicyclists, hikers and equestrians throughout Maxine, a great friend to all who have the OF ILLINOIS Santa Barbara County. George and Vie pleasure of making his acquaintance and, put IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Obern’s work led to the successful develop- simply, a decent and honorable American. Tuesday, February 10, 2004 ment of local trail and pathway projects, in- Mr. Speaker, Hal Shroyer of Adams, Coun- cluding the Maria Ygnacia Creek Bikepath, the ty, Colorado, is a true American treasure; and Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to con- Coastal Route Bikepath, the Juan Bautista de it is my tremendous honor to pay my most gratulate John M. McCann of Chicago on re- Anza National Historic Trail and many others. heartfelt respects to him and his legacy of ceiving the Dr. Robert Hamilton Special Serv- During the 1970s, George and Vie Obern leadership and patriotism. ice Award in recognition of his years of excel- assumed a leadership role in the development lence and dedication to the DePaul University of many bikepaths and trails, working to bring f Athletic Department. consensus among local homeowners, special John McCann is being honored for his years districts, Caltrans, the Southern Pacific Rail- FEBRUARY SCHOOL OF THE of service to DePaul University as sports infor- road and county government regarding the MONTH mation director. From 1958 to 1973, John was need to build six miles of paved bikepath in the man responsible for the promotion of the midst of an urbanized area. HON. CAROLYN McCARTHY DePaul athletics, years that produced some of The Coastal Route and Maria Ygnacia OF NEW YORK the most exciting times in Blue Demons his- Creek bikepaths are the primary recreational tory. facilities for the Goleta Valley and are two of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES A lifelong Chicagoan, John was raised on the best urban pathways in the State. On Jan- Tuesday, February 10, 2004 the city’s west side, attending St. Philip’s uary 20th, 2004, the Santa Barbara County Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, School. During World War II, John was in the Supervisors designated the Coastal Bike it is with great pride that I announce the Early U.S. Navy, stationed on the USS Case. Upon Route in Goleta Valley as the ‘‘Obern Trail’’ in Childhood program in the Hempstead Union his return from the war, John enrolled at recognition of the hard work and dedication Free School District as School of the Month in DePaul University, beginning a relationship that George and Vie Obern exhibited in their the Fourth Congressional District for February that would last a lifetime. work to develop the trails. It is my pleasure 2004. After graduating from DePaul in 1950, John and honor to recognize the Oberns at this time began his career in education, first working as for their work in our community. The gen- The principal of the Early Childhood pro- a teacher at DePaul Academy. He later joined erosity and dedication of people like George gram is Florence Galloway, and the super- the ranks of teachers and administrators in the and Vie Obern are what make our community intendent of schools is Dr. Nathaniel Clay. The Chicago public schools, eventually becoming special, and I am happy to salute them. Early Childhood program serves almost 1,000 the principal of Lakeview’s Louis J. Agassiz students in the village of Hempstead’s first Full Elementary School, a position he retired from f Day Kindergarten program. The faculty work in 1984. PAYING RESPECTS TO HAL to ensure children begin life on the right path, But John’s true passion was always with SHROYER with a strong commitment to education and DePaul athletics. As sports information direc- family values. tor, John oversaw the publicity and media cov- HON. BOB BEAUPREZ The administrators and teachers of the Full erage of dominant years in Blue Demons bas- Day Kindergarten program are committed to OF COLORADO ketball, including the great teams of the 1960s teaching every child to read by the third grade IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that starred Howie Carl and Billy Haig. John through an enriched curriculum of math, was an integral part of the DePaul basketball Tuesday, February 10, 2004 science, and social studies. The students are family that was led by the legendary Coach Mr. BEAUPREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today taught socialization skills that revolve around Ray Meyer and his longtime assistant, the late to pay respect to a great American, a great respect, sharing and interaction, a superior Frank McGrath. Coloradoan and a great Republican. combination. To John and his wife, Cay, family has al- My good friend, Hal Shroyer of Adams This invaluable program was spearheaded ways been a priority. Their son Kevin has fol- County, Colorado, is without question a giant by the current principal, Mrs. Florence Gallo- lowed in his footsteps as an educator, rising to in Colorado politics. As one who has toiled way, in 2003. Mrs. Galloway has dedicated his current position as principal of Jamieson through the political party leadership myself her life to improving the classroom and school School in Lincoln Park. John is most proud, from precinct committeeman to State chair- environment, while remaining active within the though, that Kevin and his two siblings, Mary man, I can honestly say that my State, our community. During her 48 years in education, and John, all attended his beloved alma country and our Republican Party have no Mrs. Galloway dedicated 35 to the Hempstead mater, DePaul. greater patriot and warrior than Mr. Shroyer. School District. After more than 2 decades of Mr. Speaker, I join with the people of Chi- For decades he has fought valiantly for the service at the Marshall Street Primary School, cago and the members of the DePaul family in causes and ideals of the GOP. Having served Mrs. Galloway accepted the position of coordi- recognizing the great honor being bestowed at all levels of party leadership, including his nator for the district’s pre-K program. Shortly upon John McCann and wish him continued chairmanship of the Adams County GOP, Hal after, Mrs. Galloway took on the role of prin- happiness in the future. Shroyer has represented the ideals and phi- cipal for the district’s newly formed Early f losophy of the Republican Party with civility, Childhood program, a task she has proudly PAYING TRIBUTE TO GEORGE AND grace and patriotism. A shrewd strategist, a served for 11 years. Mrs. Galloway will be re- VIE OBERN motivating leader and an appropriate role tiring this year after nearly a half-century of model for all who relish the thrill of partisan impeccable service. She will be greatly missed HON. LOIS CAPPS battle yet respect the integrity of the local op- not only in Hempstead but in the entire Fourth Congressional District. OF CALIFORNIA position, Hal Shroyer set the example in Colo- rado of what it means to be a party leader. Mr. Speaker, the faculty and students of the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. Speaker, we unfortunately live in an age Early Childhood program, along with the com- Tuesday, February 10, 2004 where honest differences about principles and munity, have created a wonderful learning en- Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, today I would policy too often give way to petty and personal vironment. I am proud to name the Hemp- like to pay tribute to two special citizens, attacks. Hal Shroyer may be among the last of stead Early Childhood program as the school George and Vie Obern. a dying breed. He is a great man of integrity of the month for February 2004. ∑ 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 jul 14 2003 04:54 Feb 11, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10FE8.001 E10PT1 E132 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks February 10, 2004 A LIFE OF SERVICE AND all care about, particularly since women from Mr. Hanley translated the keys to his busi- COURAGE—A TRIBUTE every State, of every ethnic and economic ness success as a local funeral director into background are diagnosed and treated for the his Congressional office operations, attending HON. KAY GRANGER disease every year. to personal details and providing timely re- OF TEXAS In my home State of Illinois, researchers es- sponse to constituent requests. He was a IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES timate that over 10,000 women will develop thoughtful and gracious man who actively leg- breast cancer during the coming year. Their islated on behalf of the best interests of the Tuesday, February 10, 2004 lives depend on early detection and early, ef- people he served. Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to fective treatment. When Americans send let- After his retirement, the Federal office build- pay tribute to a young man from my district ters and cards using the Breast Cancer ing in downtown Syracuse was named James who exemplified great courage while serving Stamp, they aren’t just showing that they’ve M. Hanley Federal Building by this institution his country. Army Spc. Jason Chappell was contributed to the cause of research.