[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 64 (Thursday, May 10, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E767]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     PAYING TRIBUTE TO FIVE OUTSTANDING WORCESTER COMMUNITY LEADERS

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                         HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 9, 2001

  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to five 
outstanding individuals in Worcester, Massachusetts. These community 
leaders have been selected to receive awards from the Worcester 
Democratic City Committee at their annual JFK Dinner on Saturday, May 
12.
  Julie Komenos is receiving the John F. Kennedy Female Democrat of the 
Year Award. Julie was born and has lived in Worcester her entire life. 
She makes her home with her husband of 28 years, Michael and her two 
sons Michael 3rd and Kristopher. Julie is best known for her work at 
Abby's House, where she started the Day-Center Program, served on the 
Board of Directors as a member for 2 years, and served as President of 
the Board for 5 years. She is presently on staff at Abby's House. 
Women's issues are her passion. Working at Abby's House gives Julie the 
opportunity to work on the front lines with women and their struggles.
  Gary Vecchio will receive the John F. Kennedy Male Democrat of the 
Year Award. Gary has earned this honor as a result of his extensive and 
varied service to the Worcester Democratic Party and the city as a 
whole. Gary's political activism began in 1977 with his first election 
as a delegate to the Massachusetts Democratic State Convention. Gary 
has also served on the Worcester Area Leadership Association, the 
Eastside Community Development Corporation, the Worcester Citizens 
Advisory Council, and as chairman of the Shrewsbury Street Advisory 
Committee. In 1996, Gary received citations from the Massachusetts 
House of Representatives, the State Senate, and the Governor's Council 
for his work as President of Worcester State Hospital's Board of 
Trustees.
  Paul Pezzella is being honored with the Robert F. Kennedy Lifetime 
Achievement Award. Paul is a partner of A.D.S. Ventures, Inc. Paul has 
over 20 years experience in government affairs and national, state and 
local electoral politics. He has worked with former State Senator 
Gerard D'Amico, Governor Michael Dukakis and many many others. In 1985, 
Paul was elected to the first-ever Worcester Charter Commission. He was 
the architect of the Elections Commission and led the fight to 
eliminate the at-large nine member Council and replace it with more 
district Representation. Paul has recently been nominated as an 
Incorporator for the Greater Worcester Community Foundation.
  Leonard Ciuffredo will receive the Edward M. Kennedy Labor Award. 
Lenny is a lifelong resident of Worcester's East Side and learned very 
early on about the values and ideals of working men and women. Lenny 
has been active in a large number of community affairs, and has 
especially enjoyed working with young people and encouraging them to 
get involved in the political process. In addition to his labor 
activities, Lenny has served on the Board of Directors for the United 
Way of Central Massachusetts, the Brown Square Crime Watch Group and as 
a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish. Lenny and his wife Juliann 
have two children, Bianca and Geena-Maria.
  Stacey DeBoise Luster will receive the Barbara Jordan Award, named 
for the late Congresswoman from Texas. Stacey was recently appointed 
Director of Human Resources for the Worcester Public Schools Manager. 
Previously, she was the first woman of color to be elected to the 
Worcester City Council. Stacey also served as the Assistant to the 
President for Affirmative Action and Minority Affairs at Quinsigamond 
Community College. Stacey is a member of the Board of Directors of the 
Greater Worcester Community Foundation and a member of the Board of 
Trustees of the Worcester Art Museum. Recently, she was named one of 
``40 under 40'' by the Worcester Business Journal.
  Mr. Speaker, I commend all of these outstanding citizens for their 
dedication to making the Worcester area a better place for all its 
families, and I congratulate them for these well-deserved accolades. I 
know all of my colleagues join me in paying tribute to 5 fine examples 
of community involvement.

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