[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 70 (Tuesday, May 1, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E900]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO MR. RONALD CALERY

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                            HON. BART STUPAK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 1, 2007

  Mr. STUPAK. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor a constituent and friend 
of mine, Mr. Ronald Calery, who has spent a lifetime fighting poverty, 
serving as a voice for those least fortunate and defending the 
powerless in our society. This week, Mr. Calery will be recognized for 
his efforts with the prestigious Terrence DuVernay Award, which 
recognizes career excellence in the field of affordable housing.
  Mr. Calery has served for 35 years as Executive Director with the 
Chippewa-Luce-Mackinac Community Action Human Resources Authority 
(CAHRA) Inc. Before his appointment to the position of Executive 
Director, he served the agency as a founding member of the board of 
directors. The Chippewa-Luce-Mackinac CAHRA administers a number of 
critical programs that attack poverty head on. Among its vital 
services, the organization provides quality housing that is affordable 
to low income and moderate income persons.
  Ron Calery's leadership of the Chippewa-Luce-Mackinac Community 
Action Human Resources Authority has strengthened this organization, 
making it one of the most effective community action agencies in the 
state. Under his leadership, the Chippewa-Luce-Mackinac Community 
Action Agency has assisted local entities to improve existing housing 
and develop new housing units.
  Perhaps one of Mr. Calery's most notable contributions was the 
construction of Avery Square Complex, a project that served to help 
revitalize downtown Sault Ste. Marie. The project has been widely 
recognized as a housing model throughout the State of Michigan. Mr. 
Calery has also worked closely with county and local governments, 
helping to spur the construction of moderate cost housing in several 
rural communities. He planned a housing development in Sault Ste. 
Marie, and is currently planning moderate cost housing in St. Ignace.
  While the Duvernay award which Mr. Calery will receive focuses upon 
efforts to provide affordable housing, Mr. Calery's service to the 
public, the Eastern Upper Peninsula (V.P.) and the State of Michigan 
extends well beyond affordable housing issues. His service to the state 
and his community has been extensive.
  At one time or another, he has been a driving force in just about 
every organization that plays a positive role in the Eastern U.P. He 
served on the Tri-County Small Business Loan Committee, helping to spur 
small business in Chippewa, Luce and Mackinac Counties. As President of 
the John F. Kennedy Chippewa County Retarded Children's Association, he 
helped to expand activities and programs for handicapped children. He 
served on the State board of directors for the Michigan Association for 
Retarded Children. He spent 4 years in a non-partisan position as an 
elected City Commissioner for Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. As the 
Chairman of the Tri-County Recreation Commission and the Sault Ste. 
Marie Parks and Recreation Commission, he helped ensure that positive 
recreation opportunities abound in the Sault Ste. Marie region. He also 
coached Soo PeeWee Hockey.
  No matter what project Mr. Calery takes on, he never takes ``no'' for 
an answer. He never retreats from a challenge. Instead, Ron Calery is 
known for pausing, examining the various obstacles, assembling a new 
coalition, seeking different funding arrangements, and ultimately 
finding a solution to achieve the goal. Regardless of what it takes, 
once he decides that a project or program can have a positive impact on 
his fellow citizens, he is relentless in seeing the project brought to 
fruition. The affordable housing projects, programs to eliminate 
poverty, and efforts to improve the living conditions for-residents of 
Michigan have all been challenging, but never once has Ron Calery 
shirked from the challenge.
  When a project he has worked upon is complete or a program is 
successful, this humble man does not leap forward to take credit. 
Instead, Mr. Calery always steps aside to commend the work of others 
and compliment the fine leadership they have provided.
  On Tuesday, May 1, 2007, Mr. Calery will be recognized by his 
colleagues for a career spent helping others. His many friends will 
gather to say thank you for all that Ron Calery has accomplished. 
Across Michigan, many other citizens will be unable to attend, but 
they, too, will be thanking this warm man for his many kindnesses. 
Madam Speaker, as Ron Calery receives this well-deserved award, I would 
ask that you and the entire U.S. House of Representatives join me in 
saluting, congratulating, and thanking him for his selfless service to 
others.

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