[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 140 (Thursday, October 9, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2008]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


             CONGRATULATIONS TO THE YWCA WOMEN OF INFLUENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 9, 1997

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, October 18, the YWCA of Essex 
and West Hudson will honor the winners of their Annual Women of 
Influence Awards. I ask my colleagues here in the U.S. House of 
Representatives to join me in congratulating these special women of 
achievement.
  Among the honorees is Ms. Antoinette (Tony) O'Flagherty, a dear 
friend of mine and a person whom I greatly admire for her strong 
spirit, her generosity, and her tremendous contributions to our 
community. Ms. O'Flagherty, who holds a degree in economics from Mount 
Holyoke College, has been a tireless crusader in behalf of the poor and 
homeless of our community. After a distinguished career in the labor 
movement and county government where she held a number of positions 
including public information officer and coordinator for the Essex 
County Department of Citizen Services, Ms. O'Flagherty devoted her 
considerable talent and energy to community service. She served as 
chairperson of the Homeless Task Force established by the Newark 
Emergency Services for Families. Under her creative leadership, the 
task force brought together a group of homeless women from hotels and 
shelters to exchange information and ideas. It also provided a forum 
for exchanges among service providers, State, county and government 
representatives. Ms. O'Flagherty has championed the cause of those who 
are still struggling to succeed in our society, giving a voice to their 
concerns, hopes and aspirations for the future. Her many volunteer 
commitments include service on the New Jersey Child Care Advisory; the 
Newark Preschool Council, Inc.; chairperson of the Newark Emergency 
Services for Families Homeless Task Force; chair of the Essex County 
Advisory Board of the Salvation Army; board member of the Isaiah House; 
board member of the United Labor Agency; member of the League of Women 
Voters; and chair of the Essex Advisory Board of the Catholic Community 
Services.
  One of her many accomplishments while working with the county was 
that Ms. O'Flagherty was able to create employment opportunities for 
qualified minorities who had previously encountered difficulties in 
breaking barriers. She understood that employment was the key to the 
economic success of the community. After I was elected to Congress, I 
was honored that she agreed to serve on my child care task force, 
sharing her vast knowledge and expertise for the betterment of the 
10<>G5th congressional district.
  Ms. O'Flagherty remains a vibrant force in our community. Just 
yesterday, she was personally greeted by President Clinton when he 
arrived at the Metropolitan Baptist Church in Newark, where he 
discussed an issue close to her heart--child care.
  The other Women of Influence honorees who have also distinguished 
themselves through outstanding professional achievements and dedicated 
community service are: Susan Jenkins, business, executive at Merck and 
a member of the YWCA Board; Bernice Davis, education, past 
superintendent, Orange Board of Education; Cheryl Hudson, entrepreneur, 
proprietor/publisher, Just Us Books; Dr. M. Calhoun Thomas, medicine, 
pediatrician with 21 years of service to the Orange community; Dr. 
Byrte Johnson, religion, a life of dedication to the ministry of music 
and youth; Michele Williams, religion, youth Sunday school teacher, and 
minister of music; Angela Hayes, youth president of Senior Teens of 
Jack and Jill of America; Harriett Johnson, nursing, assistant 
executive director, Board of Nursing, Orange.
  Mr. Speaker, our community is proud of these women of accomplishment, 
and I know my colleagues join me in extending congratulations and best 
wishes for continued success.

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