[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 81 (Wednesday, June 9, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1185]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CONGRATULATIONS TO THE JEWISH COMMUNITY HOUSE OF BENSONHURST

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ANTHONY D. WEINER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 9, 1999

  Mr. WEINER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to invite my colleagues to pay 
tribute to the Jewish Community House of Bensonhurst on the occasion of 
its 72nd Anniversary Celebration.
  The members of the Jewish Community House of Bensonhurst have long 
been known for their commitment to community service and to enhancing 
the quality of life for all New York City residents.
  This year's gathering 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 others. This year's honorees 
truly represent the best of what our community has to offer.
  Vic Damone, America's legendary vocalist and entertainer, is a 
Bensonhurst native and graduate of Lafayette High School. This year's 
recipient of the Coach Gold Alumni Achievement Award, Vic Damone has 
entertained audiences throughout the world and was recently presented 
with the prestigious Sammy Cahn Award by the Songwriters Hall of Fame. 
A JCH alumnus, Vic Damone remains friends with many JCH alumni 
including Larry King and Herb Cohen.
  Gerry Farber, this year's recipient of the Joseph W. Press 
Humanitarian Award, has long been known as a supporter of early 
childhood education at the JCH. When the JCH needed support to renovate 
its nursery school in 1992, Gerry and his wife, Gail, were as there to 
help see it through. Recently, the Farbers created an endowment for the 
benefit of the JCH's early childhood programs. Gerry is a Bensonhurst 
native and an alumnus of the JCH and maintains close contact with 
fellow alums throughout the country. In 1975, Gerry joined the 
investment firm of Weiss, Peck & Greer and currently serves as the 
manager of its Farber-Weber Fund.
  Each of this evening's honorees has 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 Jewish Community Hour of 
Bensonhurst on the occasion of its 72nd anniversary celebration.

                          ____________________