[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 177 (Thursday, November 9, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H12069]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1815
                       TRIBUTE TO GREEN CHIMNEYS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Allard). Under a previous order of the 
House, the gentlewoman from New York [Mrs. Kelly] is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Mrs. KELLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise at this time to acknowledge the 
ongoing commitment of an organization in my community called Green 
Chimneys.
  Green Chimneys is a nonprofit agency that successfully adheres to its 
mission to provide care and concern for all living things. This center, 
located on 150 acres of farm land in Brewster, NY, is a treatment 
center and special education school for emotionally disturbed and 
learning disabled children. The rural setting provides a therapeutic 
environment which helps children learn to work out their problems. By 
incorporating the rehabilitation of orphaned or injured animals into 
their daily regiment each child can learn to feel needed and gain a 
sense of purpose and responsibility. As a result, Green Chimneys is 
teaching both the children and the animals how to survive in their 
natural habitat.
  This fine organization has found a way to reach troubled youths 
without dipping into the pockets of the taxpayers. Their innovative 
solutions to address problems in the Hudson River Valley is not only 
admirable but is extremely commendable.
  A perfect example of Green Chimneys' work is Eddie Lugo. Eddie, 14, 
was sent to Green Chimneys by the Manhattan Family Court because of his 
threatening and abusive behavior toward his family. Three and a half 
years later, he is leaving Green Chimneys with the desire to become a 
police officer or veterinarian because he doesn't like people who 
mistreat other people or animals. Eddie is only one of hundreds of 
children who have been helped by Green Chimneys. What better legacy 
could an organization like this hope for?
  At this time I would like to thank all of those involved in Green 
Chimneys, whether it is a donation of time or money, for ensuring that 
the future of this country is in good hands. However, I would like to 
especially single out their director, Dr. Samuel Ross, whose tireless 
support has been invaluable to our community. It was Dr. Ross who sent 
me this hat. And I would urge all my colleagues to give Green Chimneys 
a big tip of the hat to this extremely worthy organization. They are 
truly the epitome of America civic-mindedness and compassion, and for 
this I say, ``Thank you'' not only as your Representative but also as 
your neighbor.

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