[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 144 (Thursday, October 23, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2055-E2056]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   TRIBUTE TO THE GLENDALE UNIT 104 AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY CRIME 
                           PREVENTION PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. THOMAS J. MANTON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 22, 1997

  Mr. MANTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the American 
Legion Auxiliary of Glendale, Queens, NY, for its continued sponsorship 
of anticrime and drug prevention seminars on behalf of children and 
adults in the city of New York.
  Mr. Speaker, I recently had the fortune of witnessing, firsthand, the 
auxiliary's commitment in this regard when I joined New York State 
Senator Serphin Maltese and New York City Councilman Thomas Ognibene, 
as well as several concerned citizens and civic leaders of New York's 
Seventh Congressional District, for a highly informative seminar 
conducted by Ms. Joanne DeLisi, president of Glendale Unit No. 104 of 
the American Legion Auxiliary.
  The forum commenced with a presentation by Police Officer Marlene 
Higgs, the Crime Prevention Officer for the New York City Police 
Department's 104th Precinct, who briefed participants on several facets 
of crime prevention. Officer Higgs specifically addressed the rising 
trend of scams which target the elderly of our community. Participants 
were urged to contact their local police precincts and avail themselves 
of anticrime initiatives such as vehicle identification No. [VIN] 
etching and home security surveys.
  Ms. DeLisi, in turn, led an intensive and instructive workshop that 
enhanced the community's awareness of and resolve to fight substance 
abuse. The central tenets of Ms. DeLisi's segment were: First, 
recognition of the signs of drug abuse; second, identification of the 
illegal substances; third, the swift delivery of assistance to the 
substance abuser through private and/or government agencies or help 
lines; and fourth, treatment of substance abuser before drug-related 
crimes are committed.
  The seminar succeeded not only in reinforcing traditional crime/drug-
prevention techniques, but also in familiarizing participants with a 
host of ``gateway'' drugs that are extracted from common household 
products. The misuse of these products, either through inhalation or 
ingestion, has become alarmingly popular in our Nation, particularly 
among our youngsters.
  I salute the Glendale American Legion Auxiliary and the community of 
Glendale as a whole for continuing to educate their friends and 
neighbors on the symbiotic relationship between crime and substance 
abuse. Furthermore, their unswerving attention to this critical issue 
is a great testimony to the fact that individuals can and do indeed 
make a difference in the ever-challenging fight against crime and the 
war on drugs.

[[Page E2056]]

  Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues join me in congratulating the 
Glendale American Legion Auxiliary for continuing to run exemplary 
programs that enrich the quality of life for all New Yorkers.

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