[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 195 (Wednesday, December 19, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2648]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


              A TRIBUTE TO KEN REID AND DEBRA MADISON-REID

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 19, 2007

  Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Ken Reid and 
Debra Madison-Reid. Ken and Debra have known each other their entire 
lives. They played together as children in the streets of Bushwich 
where Debra resided and where Ken would visit relatives who lived on 
the next street. While the two of them were enrolled in high school, 
Debra's family moved to the same block as Ken's best friend.
  Ken and Debra lost contact after high school though Ken had made 
countless attempts to win the heart of his long-time friend. After high 
school, Ken enrolled at Hofstra University, pursuing a degree in 
Broadcast Engineering. Following graduation, he accepted a position at 
New York Telephone Company, now Verizon. The very first day he reported 
for work, he opened the door and saw Debra and they were once again 
connected. They were married in Brooklyn, New York on October 18, 1982.
  Years later, Debra and Ken found themselves without a tenant for the 
top floor of their brownstone. With no prospects in sight, they 
realized they had to get creative very fast. Ken has always purchased 
gift certificates to area spas; meanwhile, Debra was able to persuade 
Ken to host several of their own spa parties at places like the 
Presidential Suite at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Manhattan. 
Eventually, they would convert the top floor of their brownstone into a 
day spa.
  The Spa Club in Bed-Stuy opened its doors December 30, 2006 and has 
become a place that nourishes the mind, body, and soul. Their clients 
include government officials, members of the Brooklyn Chamber of 
Commerce, members of the New Jersey Nets organization, local church 
congregates and other community organizations.
  There are plans in the works to expand The Spa Club throughout the 
entire building within the next 2 years. There are also plans to have a 
location in the Atlantic Yards within the next 5 years.
  Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize both Ken Reid and Debra 
Madison-Reid for their contributions to our community and providing a 
place for us to nourish our minds, bodies and souls after a hard day.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to 
this beautiful couple who have the type of story of which movies are 
created.

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