Recognizing Co-Op City Naacp

Floor Speech

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Mr. LATIMER. Madam Speaker, let me recognize the outstanding work of the Co-op City branch of the NAACP for its many contributions to the life of African Americans in their area.

The branch is ably led by president Leslie Peterson, and she is aided by Tracy Edwards, Brenda Brown, and Anika Green-Watson and has been connected and involved in numerous programs in their community.

The branch meets on the fourth Sunday of each month in their offices in the Einstein, room 36, with interesting programs and speakers.

The branch has also hosted and sponsored major events during February's Black History Month, the January celebration of the life of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King and in June for Juneteenth.

The group joins other NAACP branches, notably the next-door Williamsbridge NAACP, for events like Know Your Rights seminars. Their advocacy of national NAACP legislative priorities bring them to lobby their elected officials on matters promoting education, healthcare, and antidiscrimination policies.

From the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, I salute the Co- op City branch of the NAACP for their persistence and their moral leadership at a time when it is needed the most.

Saluting Senior Citizen Council of Tuckahoe and Bronxville

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Mr. LATIMER. Madam Speaker, I rise to salute the outstanding work of the Senior Citizen Council of Tuckahoe and Bronxville and the services that they provide to address the issues of isolation and loneliness to seniors in both villages.

Their programs include a host of different activities, social and recreational programs, health and wellness, arts and crafts, musical programs, guest lectures, luncheons, and day trips.

The council is led by chair Eleanor Gustavson, along with Sarah Belair, Maryann Dennen, Barbara McGraw, Jean Murrer, and a host of other active board members.

The weekly senior programs are offered at both the Father Fata Hall in Tuckahoe and the Reformed Church of Bronxville. They are sponsored and supervised by Tuckahoe senior director Michelle Oliva and Bronxville senior director Lisa McGovern.

The council is also helped by a community advisory board of prominent Tuckahoe and Bronxville leaders who give assistance and counsel to the council.

From the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, I salute the Senior Citizen Council of Tuckahoe and Bronxville and will tell both of those senior groups I will be stopping by sometime soon with the cookies. Staff Salute

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Mr. LATIMER. Madam Speaker, every freshman member comes into this institution with much to learn, and it is impossible to do that and function every day to represent the people of your district without the help of a committed, talented staff.

Let me publicly express my gratitude for the hard work of the staff that I have had the pleasure of working with in this first term: chief of staff, Rich Orsillo; senior adviser on policy, Rob Hoch. My D.C. team is led by Jessica Merritt, deputy chief of staff and legislative director; along with Ryan Reed; Sidd Gannu; Jeremy Hoffner; Samantha Kirschner; and Ellie Lockhart. My Westchester team is led by Ellen Hendrickx, the district director; Michelle Gewanter, Edili Espaillat, Daphney Sintyl, Tara Conte, and Chanah Haigh. My Bronx team is led by Tremaine O'Garro, Bronx director, and Kelly Saunders. I owe a debt of gratitude to each and every one of them.

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