[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 154 (Thursday, November 6, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S11895-S11896]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 ARAB-AMERICAN AND CHALDEAN COUNCIL 1997 ANNUAL CIVIC AND HUMANITARIAN 
                             AWARDS BANQUET

 Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today to acknowledge an 
important event which is taking place in the State of Michigan. On this 
day, December 5, 1997, many have gathered to celebrate the Arab-
American and Chaldean Council [ACC] Annual Civic and Humanitarian 
Awards Banquet. Each of the individuals in attendance deserve special 
recognition for their commitment and steadfast support of the Arab-
American and Chaldean communities.

[[Page S11896]]

  I am pleased to recognize the recipients of this evening's awards: 
Mr. Brian Connolly and Ms. Beverly B. Smith, civic and humanitarian; 
Mr. John Almstadt, 1997 leadership award; Senator Dick Posthumus, 1997 
State leadership award; and Ms. Elham Jabiru-Shayota and Mr. Andrew 
Ansara, Entrepreneurs of the Year. Each of these recipients should take 
great pride in receiving these distinguished awards.
  While it is important to pay special tribute to the awardees, it is 
also essential to honor the citizens of the Arab-American and Chaldean 
communities. Each of you that has worked to strengthen cultural 
understanding have contributed greatly to the State of Michigan. For 
the past 18 years, the ACC has provided tireless support and steadfast 
dedication to Arabic and Chaldean-speaking immigrants and refugees. 
Through job placement programs and mental health services, ACC has 
significantly enhanced the lives of many in our community. As you 
gather this evening to honor these awardees, I challenge each of you to 
be active participants in your respective communities.
  To the Arab-American and Chaldean American communities and to the 
awardees, I send my sincere best wishes. May the spirit of this evening 
continue to inspire each of you.

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