[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 98 (Thursday, July 15, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1389]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       A TRIBUTE TO NORMA CIRINO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 14, 2004

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Norma Cirino in 
recognition of her public service and volunteer efforts to strengthen 
the community.
  Norma has worked for the New York City Department of Probation for 
five years. In this short time, she has made an unforgettable mark on 
the Department and the East New York community. She was born and raised 
in East New York.
  Norma is well known in her ``home neighborhood'' of East New York. 
She attends all of the 75th Precinct Council, Community Board #5, and 
Cabinet meetings. She serves on several boards of community 
organizations. In 2000, she created the annual Department of Probation 
``East New York Family Day.'' This event gathers law enforcement, 
elected officials and community residents at Thomas Jefferson Field for 
a great day of family fun. This event has drawn over 1,000 participants 
each year. More than 150 sponsors and many community organizations have 
made this event possible at no cost to the public. Norma has also 
developed ``Afternoon with Santa.'' This event is held during the 
Christmas season and involves probation officers reading stories and 
distributing toys to the children of the Cypress Hills Housing 
Development.
  Norma consistently conducts community outreach and develops 
affiliations with community organizations and residents. Hundreds of 
East New Yorkers have been employed, received health services or 
educational opportunities through referrals received from Norma.
  Norma has linked community-based organizations to community service 
work, crews. The work performed by these crews has improved the quality 
of life in East New York. She has also increased the community's voice 
in the criminal justice system by helping people report crimes and 
connecting them with criminal justice services. Finally, she has helped 
change the community's perception of law enforcement through her 
affiliation with the U.S. Department of Justice's Weed and Seed 
program.
  Norma graduated from Maxwell High School. She takes pride in the East 
New York community where she lives with her daughter Stephanie, who is 
the light of her eyes. Her sisters, Lydia and Rosa, her brother, 
Anthony, all of her nieces and nephews, and her mother live in the 
community as well.
  Mr. Speaker, Norma Cirino has dedicated her time to improving the 
community through both her professional and volunteer efforts. As such, 
she is more than worthy of receiving our recognition today and I urge 
my colleagues to join me in honoring this truly remarkable person.

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