[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 46 (Tuesday, March 23, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E516]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           A TRIBUTE TO MR. ERNIE LEWIN AND MR. RALPH FREEMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL P. FORBES

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 23, 1999

  Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in the House of Representatives 
to pay tribute to two very special Long Island citizens, Mr. Ernie 
Lewin and Mr. Ralph Freeman. These two citizens recently received well-
deserved honor for their service to Long Island's community. Throughout 
their career as farmers on Long Island, both individuals have greatly 
benefited their fellow farmers and their less fortunate neighbors.
  Mr. Lewin received the Amherst Davis Memorial Farmer Citizen Award at 
the Long Island Farm Bureau's annual awards dinner dance, held on 
Saturday, March 27. This honor recognizes the many sacrifices that Mr. 
Lewin has made over his career to aid the less fortunate. His farm in 
Calverton, Long Island regularly donates surplus produce to local soup 
kitchens and churches. He has also helped to set up a program where 
people can pick their own produce and operate their own farm stand. 
This program has enabled many people to get first hand experience as an 
entrepreneur and learn the responsibility of running a company.
  Lewin has served for 45 years with the Grange League Federation and 
is a member of the National Potato Council, Potato Board, Potato 
Advisory Committee of Cornell Cooperative Extension, Farm Credit Board 
and the advisory board for Cornell University's research lab. Mr. Lewin 
is also involved in many notable community organizations, such as the 
Lions Club in which Lewin has had a 25-year membership. Lewin is also a 
proud trustee of the Baiting Hollow Congregational Church.
  Mr. Freeman was the 1999 recipient of the Long Island Farm Bureau's 
Citizen Award for his contributions to the community. This honor is a 
true testament to his work in helping his fellow farmers. Mr. Freeman 
has worked as an Cornell Cooperative Extension educator to directly 
help the farmers in his community. His role as educator is to instruct 
owners and managers of commercial production and marketing firms in 
greenhouses and related industries. His efforts have helped local 
businesses increase their profit and productivity.
  Mr. Freeman is also a widely published author and a frequent speaker. 
He is known nationally and internationally for his expertise in 
floriculture. In the community, Mr. Freeman is an active member of the 
Eastport Bible Church and Gideon's International.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives 
to join me in honoring the efforts of these two very special Long 
Islanders who have devoted their lives to help others. I only hope that 
we learn from these two individuals and that they continue their fine 
work in our community.

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