[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 105 (Wednesday, September 8, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1527]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING BELLEROSE MAYOR THOMAS VAN BUSKIRK

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CAROLYN McCARTHY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 7, 2004

  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Thomas Van 
Buskirk, the Mayor of Bellerose Village and a person I am pleased to 
call a friend. After serving the village for almost 20 years, the last 
11 as Mayor, he is taking a well deserved retirement. I thank him for 
his dedicated and loyal service.
  Tom moved to Bellerose Village with his family, wife Roberta and 
their two sons Tom Jr. and Christian, in 1985 and immediately immersed 
himself into the town. He became a member of the fire department in 
1986 and within six years was the Second Deputy Chief. In 1988, he was 
appointed to the Village's Board of Trustees as well as Recreation 
Commissioner. In 1991, in his election victory for the Board, Tom 
received more votes than any other candidate in the history of 
Bellerose Village.
  By revitalizing the Recreation Commission, Tom was able to improve 
the community by providing residents with opportunities to enjoy 
leisure activities. He also installed the first children's play area in 
the recreation area. Maintaining his focus on energizing the community, 
Tom, along with Roberta, instituted the Annual Food Drive to help the 
less fortunate in the surrounding areas. They also started the Village 
Bellerose Summer Children's Program in 1989, which gives children and 
teenagers a place to participate in sports and arts and crafts for two 
summer weeks. One of Tom's major successes has been the revamping of 
Bellerose Village Day, one of the town's best attended functions, which 
culminates in a barbecue for over 400 people.
  Elected as Mayor in 1993, Tom put his energy into moving the Village 
forward into the new millennium. He renovated Village Hall, upgraded 
the fire departments and first responders, repaired the drainage 
system, and on and on. As Mayor, Tom has always taken pride in his 
relationship with the residents of Bellerose. He has taken the time to 
quickly help resolve peoples' issues.
  As for all Americans, particularly New Yorkers, 9/11 was, and is 
still a difficult day. Although he was hurting, Tom led the town 
through the difficult time by bringing everyone together and honoring 
those lost and supporting our country. On the first anniversary of 9/
11, he orchestrated the development of a Memorial Garden to the victims 
of 9/11 and dedicated the garden and a monument to those lost.
  In Tom's tenure as Mayor he has revitalized the infrastructure of the 
Village and the spirit of the residents. Through hard work, dedication 
and his love for his hometown, Tom has made Bellerose Village's slogan 
come to life, ``Bellerose Village . . . an American Beauty.'' I am 
happy Tom and his family have no plans of leaving Bellerose because 
although he is no longer Mayor, I know he will be active in his 
community. Once again Tom, thank you.

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