[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 68 (Wednesday, May 12, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E940]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


        TRIBUTE TO THE GREATER WOODHAVEN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ANTHONY D. WEINER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 12, 1999

  Mr. WEINER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to invite my colleagues to pay 
tribute to the Greater Woodhaven Development Corporation on the 
occasion of its 20th Anniversary Celebration.
  The members of the Greater Woodhaven Development Corporation have 
long been known for their commitment to community service and to 
enhancing the quality of life for all New York City residents.
  This event is not only a festive happening, it is a chance for all of 
us to celebrate and pay tribute to a group of individuals who have 
dedicated their lives to helping their friends and neighbors. This 
year's honorees truly represent the best of what our community has to 
offer.
  As a member of the Board of Directors for the American Cancer 
Society, Queens Division, Douglas A. Gerowski helped raise more than 
$50,000 in a five-year period through the organization's ``Stepping Out 
Against Cancer'' fund-raising campaigns. Douglas has served as a 
Chairman of the Greater Woodhaven Development Corporations Board of 
Directors and coined the slogan ``Taking Care of BIDness'' as the 
Woodhaven Business Improvement District's first 3rd Vice President. He 
currently serves as the President of the Merillon Athletic Association 
of Hew Hyde Park and is actively involved in coaching his children's 
baseball, basketball and hockey teams.
  Born a few months after Pearl Harbor, Jeffrey Lewis grew up in 
Woodhaven and attended local public schools. At that time, Jeffrey's 
family already owned and operated a small store, Lewis' of Woodhaven, 
on Jamaica Avenue and 85th Street. While in high school, Jeffrey helped 
his family celebrate the opening of Lewis' of Woodhaven's second store 
on Jamaica Avenue between 90th and 91st Streets. Following his 
graduation from the University of Denver in 1963, Jeffrey got married 
and started working full time at Lewis' of Woodhaven. Within a few 
short years, Jeffrey and his loving wife Marlin were blessed with two 
daughters. Even though he moved his family to Westchester, Jeffrey's 
roots and time were all in Woodhaven. In 1989, Jeffrey became involved 
with the Woodhaven Business Improvement District Feasibility Committee 
and became the first President of the Woodhaven Business Improvement 
District in 1993 upon its creation. While most of Jeffrey Lewis' time 
is still spent running the family business, he makes sure to enjoy the 
time he has with each of his children and grandchildren.
  Today's honorees have long been known as innovators and beacons of 
good will to all those with whom they come into contact. Through their 
dedicated efforts, they have each helped to improve my constituents' 
quality of life. In recognition of their many accomplishments on behalf 
of my constituents, I offer my congratulations on their being honored 
by the Greater Woodhaven Development Corporation.

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