[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 100 (Wednesday, June 20, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1363]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING GENEVA HAYDEN AND THE COMMUNITIES UNITED TO REBUILD 
                          NEIGHBORHOODS (CURN)

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES T. WALSH

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 20, 2007

  Mr. WALSH of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today in tribute to Mrs. 
Geneva Hayden for her creation and development of the Communities 
United to Rebuild Neighborhoods (CURN) organization. Over the last 
thirteen years, Mrs. Hayden has reached out to more than five hundred 
inner city youths, making a significant impact on their lives.
  An organization that began in Mrs. Hayden's living room as a 
makeshift library and homework help center, CURN has grown into an 
afternoon and summer program, and has positively impacted children from 
some of Syracuse's most challenged neighborhoods. Mrs. Hayden has 
organized literacy parades, picnics, and field trips to Boston, 
Toronto, and Washington D.C., helping to enhance the sense of cultural 
diversity among the children in her community and increase their 
exposure to a world of opportunity.
  Mrs. Hayden is not only the driving force behind the organization, 
but is also the heart and soul of CURN. She took it upon herself to 
rally neighbors to pick up trash, drove drug dealers from the area, 
provided transportation for neighborhood kids to and from school, and 
inspired pride in young men and women in her community. Mrs. Hayden's 
organization instills positive values within today's youth and offers 
hope for a brighter tomorrow.
  A wife, mother, and retired educator, Mrs. Hayden's devotion to the 
welfare of her community's children is most honorable, and sets an 
example in which all of us can aspire. I congratulate Ms. Hayden on her 
achievements and the positive impact she has made on her community and 
its youth.

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