[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 157 (Thursday, December 8, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2499-E2500]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        IN RECOGNITION OF THE UNITED COMMUNITY CIVIC ASSOCIATION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 8, 2005

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the achievements of 
the United Community Civic Association (UCCA) on the occasion of its 
annual holiday champagne brunch. I ask that my colleagues join me in 
saluting UCCA's distinguished honorees: Assembly Member Michael N. 
Gianaris, Council Member Peter F. Vallone, Jr., Gerald J. Walsh, and 
Dr. Arthur N. Gualtieri.
  The United Community Civic Association is one of the Queens 
community's foremost neighborhood organizations. Deeply committed to 
the improvement of the Queens community, UCCA has remained vigilant on 
a variety of issues relevant to Queens residents, including airport 
pollution and health concerns. Furthermore, UCCA is an important 
catalyst for community pride and involvement. UCCA hosts a yearly 
candlelight ceremony honoring the firefighters who lost their lives on 
September 11 and organizes the annual Flag Day Parade in Queens. These 
events are moving tributes to the best America has to offer, and are 
always beautifully done.
  UCCA is also known for its tradition of excellent leadership. UCCA's 
president, Rose

[[Page E2500]]

Marie Poveromo, has served as a pillar of the Queens community through 
her leadership and activism. She has contributed to community dialogue 
on issues of public concern and sustained the spirit of civic 
participation so important to our Nation's health and well-being.
  The recipients of UCCA's ``Men of the Year'' awards, Assembly Member 
Michael N. Gianaris and Council Member Peter F. Vallone, Jr., have 
outstanding records of public service and community activism. 
Representing the 36th Assembly District in Queens, Assembly Member 
Gianaris has established himself as an effective and smart legislator, 
authoring many public safety measures to enhance New York's security 
after the attacks on New York on September 11, 2001. A lifelong 
resident of Queens, Assembly Member Gianaris has committed himself to 
improving the community in which he grew up and has provided the 
residents of Queens with impeccable leadership.
  Council Member Peter F. Vallone, Jr., also has shown exemplary public 
service to our community. A tireless advocate for public safety issues, 
Council Member Vallone has led the fight to keep illegal guns off of 
the streets of New York City. Council Member Vallone has also been a 
strong advocate for environmental rights, introducing bills to curtail 
the carbon dioxide emissions from power plants.
  Gerald J. Walsh, this year's recipient of the Valerie Fisher 
Community Service Award, was born and raised in Queens and is a 
longtime community activist and leader. Currently the Deputy Director 
of Computer Operations Hardware and Financial Information Services for 
the City of New York, Mr. Walsh is the President of the Dutch Kills 
Civic Association and also serves as a member of the 114th Police 
Precinct.
  Dr. Arthur N. Gualtieri, the Deputy Commissioner at The City of New 
York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and former Medical 
Director of the Mount Sinai Hospital of Queens, is being recognized 
with the Special Award of Recognition. A devoted public servant, Dr. 
Gualtieri is both a physician and a lawyer and a member of both the 
Queens County Bar Association and the Queens County Medical Society. As 
a resident of Astoria, Dr. Gualtieri continues his devotion to the 
Queens community by serving as a member of the Board of Directors of 
the Astoria Civic Association, SHAREing & CAREing, and UCCA.
  Mr. Speaker, I request that my colleagues join me in paying tribute 
to the United Community Civic Association and its celebrated honorees: 
Assembly Member Gianaris, Council Member Vallone, Mr. Walsh, and Dr. 
Gualtieri.

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