[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 25 (Wednesday, February 28, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E225-E226]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF SERVICE TO COMMUNITY

                                 ______


                        HON. THOMAS M. FOGLIETTA

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 27, 1996

  Mr. FOGLIETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 20 year 
anniversary of publishing for the Philadelphia Gay News, one of the 
oldest newspapers serving the gay and lesbian community in America.
  I met a young activist named Mark Segal when I was a Republican 
member of the Philadelphia City Council many years ago. When Mark 
started the newspaper in 1975, he was a pioneer. In 1975, very few 
communities had any means for gays and lesbians to know about what was 
going on in terms of politics, government, health or social events. 
They had to depend on leaflets and word of mouth. Through the energy of 
people like Mark Segal throughout the country, that has changed. 
Lesbian and gay journalism helped that community become more cohesive, 
politically aware and active. Indeed, trailblazers like Mark Segal 
helped put the community in the gay and lesbian community. Now, Mark is 
respected as an elder statesman in gay and lesbian independent 
journalism in America, though he is anything but an elder. Nationally, 
Mark was deeply involved in the establishment of gay and lesbian 
journalists' and publishers' organizations, as well as putting some of 
their newspapers onto the internet.
  Through credible and independent journalism, the Philadelphia Gay 
News promoted pride in gay and lesbian self identity and educated the 
community about violence and HIV, AIDS, and other health concerns. The 
paper helped promote empowerment by giving an advertising avenue for 
burgeoning gay and lesbian business interests. It gave force to gays 
and lesbians in Philadelphia government and politics.
  I congratulate Mark Segal, his partner Tony Lombardo, who acts as the 
paper's business manager, and the paper's editor Al Patrick for their 
commitment to adding to the vitality and diversity of the Greater 
Philadelphia community.

[[Page E226]]


                 TRIBUTE TO LAKELAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

                                 ______


                       HON. ESTEBAN EDWARD TORRES

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 27, 1996

  Mr. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Lakeland 
Elementary School in Norwalk, CA. Lakeland has been selected for the 
1996 Program of Excellence Award by the California Council for the 
Social Studies. Only one school or district is selected each year 
throughout California to receive this prestigious award.
  With the leadership and support of principal Tom Noesen, the creative 
and imaginative staff at Lakeland have used social studies as the core 
of an exciting resource-based instructional program, which has 
attracted the attention of an increasing number of educators. Lakeland 
School has also developed a remarkable relationship with its students, 
families, and with its primarily minority community. The staff at 
Lakeland Elementary are to be commended for achieving such positive 
educational results and for boosting its role within the community.
  In this era of dwindling resources and support for public education, 
it is encouraging to see enthusiastic and caring teachers that are 
committed to providing our children the high quality education to which 
they are entitled. Lakeland School is a prime example of a team effort. 
Because of the cooperation that exists on the part of the 
administration to the students, Lakeland School has proved itself to be 
a pioneer in the effort to prepare our young people for success in the 
challenging world of tomorrow.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with tremendous pride and appreciation that I ask 
my colleagues to join me in acknowledging the positive contribution 
that Lakeland School is making toward the future of America.

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