[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 43 (Tuesday, March 18, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E488]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       A TRIBUTE TO LUCY SCHWARTZ

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 18, 2003

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Lucy Schwartz in 
recognition of her passionate dedication to improving her community 
through civic participation.
  Born in the East New York section of Brooklyn, Lucy was the fourth of 
five children. A first generation American, both of Lucy's parents were 
born in Russia.
  She began her political activities at the tender age of 15, stuffing 
envelopes for the American Labor Party (ALP). Later, when her family 
left the ALP to become Democrats, Lucy began volunteering for the 
Democratic Party.
  Lucy attended Thomas Jefferson High School where she met her husband 
Murray who she married at age 21. Their first son Stephen was born in 
1942 and their second son was born five years later.
  Concerned about her children's education, in 1952, Lucy started and 
became the first president of the parent's association for a brand new 
elementary school PS 273. Before meeting with the school's principal to 
discuss a possible parent's association, Lucy purchased a Roberts rules 
and Order book and received a book from the United Parent's Association 
on how to start an association. These two books became her bibles.
  From 1953 to 1956, Lucy was president of the Boulevard Community 
Center. During her term, she helped form a nursery school. With the 
help of Meade Esposito, she also started a youth program in the 
community center. She would become President of this program as well as 
the Teenage Day camp at Tilden High School. Lucy, with Meade's 
assistance, was also a major fundraiser for the United Leukemia 
Society.
  Motivated by the lack of street lightening on Linden Boulevard in 
Brooklyn and after being ignored by the local district leader, Lucy and 
her friends in the parent's and tenants' association decided to become 
more politically active. The group decided to form their own Democratic 
club, called the Thomas Jefferson Democratic Club. In 1960, the group 
had their first political victory when Lenny Yoswein was elected to the 
New York State Assembly. Lucy became the ``Mother Hen'' of the newly 
formed Democratic club, mentoring and providing guidance to countless 
young Democrats, including myself.
  The Thomas Jefferson Club has been Lucy's love. She has held several 
volunteer positions such as the supervisor of the placement of 
inspectors on polling day, financial secretary, journal chairperson, 
and chairperson of the annual dinner/dance. In addition to the Club, 
Lucy also keeps her fellow co-operative owners up to date on current 
government programs that affect their lives.
  When she is not volunteering, Lucy enjoys gardening. She has read 
extensively on this topic and has developed a green thumb. Wherever 
Lucy is, you can be sure that there is a green garden growing as well.
  Mr. Speaker, Lucy Schwartz has been tireless in her devotion to civic 
participation and her community. As such, she is more than worthy of 
receiving our recognition today. I hope that all of my colleagues will 
join me in honoring this truly remarkable woman.

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