[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 167 (Thursday, October 26, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2040]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    EXTRAORDINARY COMMUNITY ACTIVISM

                                 ______


                        HON. CHARLES E. SCHUMER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 25, 1995

  Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of an extraordinary 
story of community activism in Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn, a 
neighborhood guided by the strength of its parish. Local neighborhood 
bartender, Jimmy Houlihan, in a casual conversation with Rev. Dennis 
Farrell of Holy Name Church, learned of the ailing physical condition 
of the church's grade school. Anyone from Windsor Terrace knows that 
Farrell's Saloon, the bar where ``Houlie'' works, is also a solid 
neighborhood landmark well known for its involvement in community 
events.
  As one who understands the importance of helping his fellow 
neighbors, Houlie immediately began soliciting others to paint the 
schools' 33 classrooms. He called upon Charlie Kawas, a firefighter for 
the New York Fire Department and a graduate of Holy Name School, to 
gather support among his friends and neighbors for this altruistic 
undertaking. Since almost everyone in the community had either gone to 
Holy Name or had children who currently attended, it was not long 
before their volunteer list reached 300 enlistees.
  Through the efforts of Kawas, the entire community of Windsor Terrace 
became actively involved in the preparation and planning of this 
painting project. Local merchants also devoted resources to the 
painting crew, providing coffee, bagels, food, and beer. Farrell's 
donated money for the party afterward and the parish donated the paint.
  The people of Windsor Terrace prove once again that community 
activism still exists in America. Men and women gave up a day off, 
donated money and resources and joined hands with their fellow 
parishioners to improve the appearance of their local school. This 
overwhelming tale serves as an inspiration to every community in every 
city in America. I commend these courageous and thoughtful citizens for 
exhibiting the true spirit of community and public service.

                          ____________________