[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 69 (Friday, May 24, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E918]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                ON THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF JO ANN SHAPIRO

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ANTHONY D. WEINER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 23, 2002

  Mr. WEINER. Mr. Speaker, permit me to pay tribute to an individual 
who has dedicated her life to helping others. Jon Ann Shapiro has been 
a civic leader for most of her adult life and has lived her life by the 
axiom ``Help people. Help those without a voice. Help those who no one 
else would have the compassion to assist.'' Honored Tuesday in New York 
Newsday's Queens Profile for her work with the local chapter of the 
American Cancer Society, the Kiwanis Club and other community and 
political organizations, she has helped improve the quality of life of 
my constituents in the Rockaways, Broad Channel, Howard Beach and Ozone 
Park. Last year, as chairwoman of the annual Relay for Life event, she 
helped raise $70,000 for cancer research. In her capacity as chief of 
staff to Assemblywoman Pheffer, she has further dedicated herself to 
serving the community, and helping constituents in need of assistance. 
I rise today to thank Jo Ann and congratulate her for her many 
accomplishments.
  Mr. Speaker, allow me to submit for the Record Tuesday's New York 
Newsday's Queens Profile which further details Jo Ann's many 
contributions to our community.

                 [From New York Newsday, May 21, 2002]

                 Newsday Queens Profile--Jo Ann Shapiro

                            (Sheila McKenna)

       Role--Chief of staff for Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer (D-
     Rockaway Beach); chairwoman for the American Cancer Society's 
     Relay for Life, June 8-9 at Beach Channel High School; past 
     president of Kiwanis Club of Rockaway; member of St. Rose of 
     Lima R.C. Church in Rockaway Beach.
       Biography--42; native of Plainview, L.I., graduate of SUNY-
     Old Westbury, changed careers from a paraprofessional for the 
     Board of Education to work for Pheffer, a longtime friend, in 
     1987; single and has lived in a co-op in Rockaway Beach two 
     years.
       Impact--``Ultimately, the goal of the event is to raise 
     money, but it is secondary to what we accomplish in terms of 
     bringing a community together. Relay for Life is really a 
     celebration of those who are currently battling cancer--those 
     who have been successful in their fight against cancer--and 
     in recognition and remembrance of those who have not been 
     successful.''
       Current Focus--``Relay for Life is an overnight event, and 
     we ask that participants give up one night of sleep. Cancer 
     is a disease that never sleeps, and we ask that for one 
     night, people join us, and if they can't do that, they join 
     us for as much as they want. It's kind of an outdoor pajama 
     party, people bring tents and camp. It's a big sleepover 
     party with games, music, entertainment, scavenger hunt, we 
     even have movies at midnight. This is our second annual event 
     in Rockaway--last year, we raised $70,000.''
       Why She's Involved--``American Cancer Society's goal is to 
     eliminate cancer as a health care concern for the people of 
     the United States. How could I not be a part of something 
     like that? For information, call 1-800-ACS-2345.''

     

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