[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 142 (Tuesday, November 1, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2233]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


      IN HONOR OF THE PEACE AND JUSTICE AWARDS DINNER OF CLEVELAND

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                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 1, 2005

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of 
Rev. Mr. Bill Merriman, The Empowerment Center of Greater Cleveland, 
Marilyn Cunin and the Pulaski Franciscan Community Development 
Corporation as they receive the annual Peace and Justice awards from 
the Commission on Catholic Community Action.
  Rev. Mr. Bill Merriman is a deacon at St. Patrick's Parish in 
Cleveland. He received the Individual Award for his work as an advocate 
and catalyst for social justice and peace locally and globally for over 
thirty-five years. Rev. Mr. Merriman aggressively works with 
transitioning refugees into the city of Cleveland through the Migrant 
Refugee Office.
  The Empowerment Center of Greater Cleveland received the Organization 
Award. The Empowerment Center has worked on numerous cases including 
getting school supplies to families on welfare. Their nearly forty 
years of service of advocacy on public policy and practical programs 
with and for low-income people across greater Cleveland has earned them 
this recognition.
  Marilyn Cunin received the Special ``Church in the City'' Recognition 
Award. She received this award for her strong support of ``The Church 
in the City'' Forum series, as well as the West Side Ecumenical 
Ministry and the East Cleveland Public Library and countless efforts to 
strengthen the urban core of Northeast Ohio.
  The Pulaski Franciscan Community Development Corporation is a not-
for-profit CDC. Their collaboration effort with the St. Stanislaus 
Parish to develop the Cloisters Housing Development in the Warszawa 
Historic District in Cleveland, Ohio is a major revitalization to the 
Slavic Village area. For their spearheading efforts the Pulaski 
Franciscan Community Development Corporation received the Special 
``Church in the City'' Recognition Award.
  Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition 
of the recipients of the Catholic Community Action Annual Peace and 
Justice Awards as they are honored today for their work.

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