[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 142 (Tuesday, October 21, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2034-E2035]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE IN MEMORY OF VERALYNE HAMILTON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 21, 1997

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the memory 
of Veralyne Hamilton, a remarkable woman whose lifelong commitment to 
her family, friends and the Bronx

[[Page E2035]]

contributed to the nourishment and strengthening of our community. Her 
memory was honored on October 17 for her outstanding contributions to 
the communities at the Eighth Annual Salute to Excellence Awards Dinner 
hosted by the 163d Street Improvement Council, Inc. in New York.
  Years of experience, dedication, and hard work led to her 1984 
appointment as director of Community Boards and Affairs in the 
administration of Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer, the position 
she held at the time of her passing last year.
  Previously, Ms. Hamilton served as the second vice chairperson for 
the Bronx Model Cities Program Committee from 1968 to 1972. She 
assisted in the development of proposals in physical development, 
education, multi-services, safety and sanitation for the Bronx. Her 
involvement in the Model Cities Program inspired and motivated her to 
pursue a career in urban planning.
  Besides her service for the Model Cities Program, Ms. Hamilton was a 
member of Community Board #3 which includes the Morrisania community. 
She served as chairperson of the board and went on to become its 
district manager.
  From 1973 to 1981, Ms. Hamilton was director of Labor Sherman Daycare 
in the Bronx. The center serves 235 children in daycare and after-
school programs. She stressed the need to provide educational and 
housing workshops to parents and their children at the center. Many 
parents who initially were welfare recipients had enrolled in college 
by the time their children graduated from the daycare center.
  Ms. Hamilton was born in 1934 in Norfolk, VA. She relocated to the 
Bronx in 1958 and attended Hunter College where she earned a bachelor's 
degree and a master's degree in urban planning.
  She married Winston Hamilton and had four daughters, Pamela, Winifred 
and twins Joan and Joy. She had four grandchildren Malik, Yusef, Shani 
and Ziad. Ms. Hamilton left a legacy of courage, faith, hope, 
responsibility, love, and commitment to her family and community.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying homage to the 
life of Veralyne Hamilton, who still remains with us through the many 
people she served and touched.

                          ____________________