[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 29 (Tuesday, March 9, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E326]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO MS. MARTHA WATFORD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 9, 2004

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise 
during this month of March, which has been designated Women's History 
Month, to pay tribute to Ms. Martha Watford, an incredible woman who 
has dedicated most her life to the service of others.
  For 38 years, Martha has been an active member of the community. She 
has served as parent, staff and currently Executive Director of the La 
Peninsula Community Organization. Serving over one thousand families 
annually, it is one of the largest community based organizations in the 
South Bronx. In her position as Executive Director, she has been 
responsible for expanding what was once a two room operation to what is 
now a facility with six centers and 33 classrooms. This new facility is 
due to open in September 2004 and will aptly be named the Martha 
Watford Center.
  Mr. Speaker, Martha is always eager to incorporate new initiatives 
into the program in order ensure that the families and children that 
her organization serves are given every opportunity to achieve all that 
they possibly can. As a result of her unyielding commitment to her 
community, Martha was the recipient of the Robin Hood Foundation Heroes 
Award in 1996. She leads her staff by demonstrating unfailing strength 
and passion in serving the families of our community.
  For her commitment to the families of our community, I ask that my 
colleagues join me in honoring this remarkable woman.

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