[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 109 (Tuesday, September 14, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1619]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING JERRY RABER FOR HER CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 14, 2004

  Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jerry Raber, a resident 
of Newark, California. The city of Newark will pay tribute to Jerry on 
September 16, 2004 at the dedication of Jerry Raber Ash Street Park.
  All who know her describe Jerry as a truly special woman. For over 
thirty years, Jerry has been a tireless advocate fighting to meet the 
needs of children in her community.
  When a fire devastated the original Ash Street Youth Center in March 
1969, Jerry pushed and pursued the city to replace the building. 
Through her leadership and perseverance, she garnered support from 
volunteers and local contractors to help rebuild the center. Service 
clubs, such as Kiwanis and Rotary donated funds for play equipment 
while local contractors contributed roofing, concrete and other 
building materials. Area businesses and restaurants joined forces and 
placed donation jars in their establishments to collect funds that 
helped to complete the softball field.
  Along with city funding, federal grants, generous grassroots 
donations and hard work, the Ash Street Youth Center was rebuilt. The 
Center was ready to serve the community with programs such as ballet, 
cake decorating, adult education, secretarial courses, storybook hours, 
book exchanges, arts and crafts, a game lending library and a horse 
clinic.
  In June 1971, Ash Street Park joined the Ash Street Youth Center and 
services to the community were expanded. A wide variety of recreational 
activities included picnicking, softball, flag football, Easter egg 
hunts, supervised overnight camping and even a pet parade.
  Jerry Raber continued to push for further services for the community 
and assisted in the expansion of Ash Street Park. In 1992, Jerry, along 
with area residents, school officials and PTA members, formed a non-
profit organization, Friends for Ash Street Community Enrichment, 
better known as FACE. FACE, with the city of Newark, started a new 
balanced lunch and recreation program.
  Children enrolled in the program received free hot lunches and the 
opportunity to participate in arts and crafts, sports games, lessons on 
public safety awareness and teambuilding.
  Jerry Raber's drive and persistence to make Newark a better place for 
children has been recognized and appreciated through the years. She has 
many markers of success she can point to with pride. Her 
accomplishments have earned her the honorary title ``Mayor of Old 
Town''. I join in thanking Jerry for her tireless efforts and 
investment in the community to make a difference in the lives of 
others.

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