[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 155 (Friday, November 7, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2207]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING ALEX GALLIONE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARGE ROUKEMA

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 6, 1997

  Mrs. ROUKEMA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Alex Gallione on 
being named as the honoree for Spectrum for Living Development Inc.'s 
Annual Dinner. This well-deserved honor recognizes Mr. Gallione for his 
years of selfless dedication and leadership on behalf of the disabled. 
Mr. Gallione is chairman of the Spectrum Board of Trustees and--as a 
member of the spectrum Advisory Board--I am acutely aware of the 
countless contributions he has made to our community. Under his 
guidance, Spectrum has become one of the largest organizations serving 
the disabled in New Jersey, offering residential facilities, job 
training, physical therapy, educational programs, recreation, and many 
other services. The thousands of individuals who have been served by 
this public-private partnership are extremely grateful to Mr. Gallione 
for making these opportunities available.
  It is inspiring to know that a man with as many accomplishments as 
Mr. Gallione comes from a modest background. Born and raised in 
Englewood, NJ, he joined the Navy and served in World War II. He went 
to work for the Post Office after his discharge. During a 32-year 
career, he advanced to a number of prestigious assignments, including 
postmaster of Englewood, general manager of the large Kearney Mail 
Facility and general manager of the Bulk and Foreign Mail Service 
Center.
  Mr. Gallione has long been deeply concerned about the needs of the 
disabled, leading him to become an outspoken advocate for their 
interests. In 1985, he successfully led the effort for passage of the 
New Jersey Development Disabilities Act. He has served on a number of 
panels including the State Human Service Advocacy Committee, Governor's 
Task Force for the Disabled, the Division of Development Disabilities 
Advisory Council and the Developmental Disabilities Constituency 
Committee. At the county level, he cofounded the Bergen County 
Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities and is a former chairman of the 
advisory board for the Office of the Disabled. He has also served on 
the Bergen County Human Services Advisory Committee, the Division of 
Aging Advisory Council, and the Housing Authority Task Force on 
Affordable Housing.
  Mr. Gallione founded the Alliance for the Betterment of Citizens with 
Disabilities in 1995. This statewide organization is dedicated to 
serving individuals with both physical and development disabilities.
  Mr. Gallione's proudest accomplishment was the founding of Spectrum 
for Living Development Inc. in 1977, along with a group of parents of 
adult children with multiple disabilities. Under his leadership, 
Spectrum has grown to become one of the largest providers of services 
for the disabled in the State.
  Spectrum offers a wide variety of specialized services for the 
disabled, including a 52-client residential facility in Closter; group 
homes for half a dozen individuals each in Northvale, Norwood, 
Bergenfield, Paramus, Wayne, Hillsdale and Glen Rock; and a 21-unit 
apartment building in River Vale. The residences offer varying degrees 
of support, from the supervised apartments in River Vale to full day-
to-day support in Closter. Speech, occupational and physical therapy, 
psychological services, remedial education, social work, recreational 
opportunities, and vocational programs are all available.
  Even the most disabled individuals living at Spectrum facilties are 
encouraged to achieve a maximum degree of independent living, sense of 
independence and community involvement. Residents participate in 
elections, hear from political speakers, participate in community 
shopping, social recreation, and other activities.
  Spectrum also operates adult training centers in Hackensack, North 
Haledon, and Westwood. The centers provide training in work activities, 
personal awareness, and community awareness. Occupational, physical and 
speech therapies are available, along with appropriate medical care. In 
addition, disabled individuals can sell arts and crafts items, woodshop 
products, T-shirts, balloons, holiday gift items, and other articles 
through Spectrum From the Heart, a retail shop in River Vale. For those 
ready to enter the world of work outside the training centers, Spectrum 
offers a work program that includes job placement, training, and 
supervision.
  In addition to residential and training facilities, Spectrum offers 
case managers and counselors who can assist families of the disabled in 
their own homes. The organization can provide in-home overnight care of 
the disabled in order to offer relief for family members who normally 
care for them, and can take the disabled into its group homes on a 
temporary basis for the same purpose.
  Mr. Gallione is a dedicated civic leader and his activities have not 
been limited to helping the disabled. He has served his community as a 
former president of the Northvale Lions Club, a former chairman of the 
Northvale Recreation Committee and--helping instill his sense of 
leadership in young people--a former member of the Northvale Boy Scouts 
Commission.
  Mr. Gallione is the father of three adult sons, Alexander, James and 
Jeff. His wife of 48 years, Ann, died in 1995 and he has since married 
the former Florence Canonica. He has lived in Northvale for 43 years.
  Alex Gallione is clearly a leading citizen among leading citizens. 
His compassion for those in need has touched countless lives and has 
allowed the disabled to live with respect and dignity. He is an 
outstanding humanitarian who deserves our recognition and our deepest 
gratitude.

                          ____________________