[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 129 (Wednesday, November 15, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2033]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      A TRIBUTE TO CARMEN S. COMAS

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 15, 2006

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the jazz 
musician, Carmen S. Comas, distinguished musician. It behooves us to 
pay tribute to this outstanding artist and I hope my colleagues will 
join me in recognizing her impressive accomplishments.
  With a smile of grace that can light up a room, Carmen S. Comas was 
born on November 9, 1939 in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico to Arthur Comas and 
Patricia America Justiniano. At the young age of eighteen, Mrs. Comas 
was voted ``Misses Smile of Mayaguez.'' This was just a reminder that 
her smile had an impact on her neighbors and her community.
  At the age of twenty-one, Mrs. Comas was married with two daughters, 
when she decided to move to New York City. Mrs. Comas is a woman of 
many talents and was unsure which she would use to become the 
entrepreneur that she was determined to be. While attending secretary 
school she changed gears to open a clothing factory. She became a 
mentor to people in the community, showing them that opportunity does 
exist with guidance and determination.
  Mrs. Comas' drive and expectations allowed her to continue to pursue 
the land of opportunity. After thirty wonderful years of learning and 
growing, she pursued her second passion--cooking.
  After working for Heart Share Human Services of New York for ten 
years as a resident cook she changed gears to Cypress Hills Child Care 
Corporation. This experience allowed her to do her best work of 
nurturing children.
  Loved and adored by many, Mrs. Comas acknowledges the support of her 
growing family. Aside from her four beautiful daughters, she has her 
life partner Luis who has provided her with support and empowerment 
throughout their lives together. She has three granddaughters: 
Christina, Alisson and Javalia and six grandsons: Hector, Nelson, 
Javier, Thomas, John and Anthony. Mrs. Comas is also a part of the 
extended family at the Democratic Club of North Brooklyn, the Brooklyn 
Highland Park Lions club.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent on this body to recognize 
the accomplishments of Carmen S. Comas. Her willingness to get involved 
and the smile she brings makes her most worthy of our recognition 
today.

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