[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 4 (Thursday, January 27, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E20]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     REGARDING ROY AND JOANN MITTE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SOLOMON P. ORTIZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 27, 2000

  Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend and pay tribute to 
two Brownsville benefactors, Roy and JoAnn Mitte. Roy, who grew up in 
the city of Brownsville, moved away, but returns to pay a debt of 
gratitude by donating $3 million dollars toward the renovation of Dean 
Porter Park, a park he remembers from his youth.
  Like so many citizens of Brownsville, Roy has very fond memories of 
the park, a park many also know as Ringgold Park. After 30 years, 
Brownsville citizens are getting together to renovate, restore and 
recreate the park to serve as a central retreat for all to enjoy. A 
plan has been designed to better meet the needs of our growing 
community for future generations to come.
  When Roy used to play in the park, he was a beneficiary of the 
benevolence of the Sams Memorial Foundation, named after a family who 
were the first benefactors to enhance the then Ringgold Park; now as an 
adult he is contributing to the first big renovation since 1960.
  Almost anyone you talk to who has grown up in Brownsville has a story 
about their experiences at Ringgold Park. In years past, it was the 
central meeting place to play at the playground, swim at the largest 
pool in town and attend social functions at the pavilion, a popular 
meeting place at the park.
  It is also the location of the Camille Lightner Playhouse, the city's 
only theater which is still active in presenting dramatic plays. Now, 
many years later, it is in serious need of renovation and repair. It is 
my privilege to pay tribute and express gratitude to the Mittes for 
their generous contribution which will go a long way toward 
refurbishing a park that is loved by so many.
  I would also like to commend the efforts of the Dean Porter Park 
Renovation Committee for their initiation of this project and their 
ongoing efforts to revitalize this park which means so much to so many 
people. Our lives, and the lives of those who follow us here in 
Brownsville, will truly be enriched by the efforts of the Mittes and 
their generosity.

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