[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 105 (Wednesday, September 8, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1533]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN RECOGNITION OF GERTRUDE McDONALD ON THE OCCASION OF HER 88TH 
                          BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 7, 2004

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the achievements of 
Gertrude ``Gert'' McDonald, a lifelong New Yorker and dedicated public 
servant. On August 5, 2004, many of Mrs. McDonald's friends and 
colleagues will gather in her longtime neighborhood of Sunnyside, 
Queens to celebrate her 88th birthday. I am very pleased to offer my 
best wishes to Mrs. McDonald for a truly memorable and enjoyable 
evening.
  Gertrude McDonald's decades of service to our community are truly 
worthy of celebration. Born in New York City, Gert moved to Sunnyside 
when she was seven years old. For more than sixty years, Gert has 
worked tirelessly to improve the well-being of her fellow New Yorkers. 
Gert has been a Democratic District Leader and a Downstate 
Representative of the Steering Committee of the Women's Political 
Caucus; additionally, she continues to serve as the President of the 
Queens of Angels Senior Center Club and the Corresponding Secretary of 
the 108th Precinct Community Council. Mrs. McDonald is a member of 
Community School Board 24, the United Forties Civic Association, the 
Borden Avenue Veterans Residence Advisory Board, the Queens 
Correctional Facility Advisory Board, the Mayor's Volunteer Task Force 
and, significantly, has been a loyal member of Queens Community Board 
Two for nearly thirty years.
  Gert has also been a prominent figure in local politics for decades. 
At a time when women were usually relegated to a supporting role, Gert 
took the bold step of tossing her own hat into the ring. Her legacy as 
the first woman to run as a Democratic candidate for public office in 
Queens is truly inspirational. Although Gert did not prevail in her 
1968 candidacy for the New York State Assembly, this bold act 
encouraged other women, including me, to run for public office.
  With a quick wit and undeniable charm, Gert has a reputation for 
finding clever ways to make her point. When the mayor proposed cutting 
garbage pickup in Queens to once a week, while leaving Manhattan pickup 
at three times per week, Gert suggested that Queens residents should 
take their garbage to work.
  I continue to be in awe not only of Gert's contributions to the 
public good, but also of the level of energy and enthusiasm she brings 
to her many activities. Mrs. McDonald's life and accomplishments are a 
reflection of the strength and vitality of New York City itself.
  I would like to join Gert McDonald's friends and family in marking 
this special occasion; I trust that she will be surrounded by the 
warmth of happy memories, good cheer and loving friendships.
  Mr. Speaker, I request that my colleagues join me in paying tribute 
to Gertrude McDonald, a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and 
cherished friend of New York City. To Mrs. McDonald and her dedicated 
colleagues and friends at Queens Community Board Two, I offer my 
continuing admiration, respect and support.

                          ____________________