[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 109 (Wednesday, August 5, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1562]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           LAS CASAS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PETE SESSIONS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, August 5, 1998

  Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I want to share with my colleagues the 
positive impact that can be made by people who care. In East Dallas, 
there's a small neighborhood that makes a great impact in the lives of 
many. The Las Casas Neighborhood Association, which is headed by the 
indomitable Mary Malone, has grown exponentially since its inception, 
and it has made that part of East Dallas safer and better for everyone 
in that community and in surrounding areas.
  Early in its tenure, the Las Casas Neighborhood Association consisted 
of a few interested neighbors meeting occasionally to discuss problems 
in their community. Thanks to Mary Malone, the group has begun to meet 
more regularly, and its annual meeting draws as many as 300 people. At 
one time, this simple, neighborhood meeting drew more than 500 people.
  Each year, Mary Malone's Las Casas Neighborhood Association annual 
meeting is the gathering of those interested in making a difference. 
From fighting crime to improving traffic safety, the Las Casas 
Neighborhood Association meeting joins residents of East Dallas, 
elected representatives, and public officials to discuss the status of 
efforts to improve the neighborhood and the lives of the families that 
live there. I know that the Mayor of Dallas, Ron Kirk, will be in 
attendance, as will members of the Dallas police force.
  Mr. Speaker, I have the honor of acting as the Master of Ceremonies 
at this year's Las Casas Neighborhood Association annual meeting. Since 
1993, I have been deeply involved with the Association and the Dallas 
Police Department in the fight against crime and drug activity in the 
neighborhood. And it's my honor to join Mary Malone, the President of 
the Association, because she has sacrificed to help so many others.
  Mary Malone has been honored with a proclamation by the State of 
Texas. She has been honored by the Dallas Police Department, and I had 
the pleasure of attending an event in her honor at the East Dallas 
Rotary. There is not enough room in the Congressional Record to name 
the things she has done for the Las Casas Neighborhood or the awards 
she has received to honor her work. But I want my colleagues to know 
that, when friends, neighbors, and families join in an effort to 
improve their lives, we can make a difference. And there is no better 
example of this than the Las Casas Neighborhood Association and Mary 
Malone.

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