[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 93 (Friday, June 19, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1507]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN HONOR OF ELLEN PSENICKA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 19, 2009

  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of 
Ellen Psenicka, whose forty-year tenure as reporter, editor and 
publisher of the award-winning Neighborhood News, continues to 
enlighten, entertain and unite Cleveland's southeast community every 
Wednesday, highlighting current events along our city streets--from the 
neighborhoods of Slavic Village, to the streets of Garfield Heights, to 
the steps of Cleveland City Hall.
  Ellen grew up in Sandusky, Ohio and went on to attend Ohio 
University, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Journalism. Shortly 
following graduation, in June, 1969, Ellen was hired as a reporter by 
Jim Psenicka, publisher of the Neighborhood News. A few years later, 
Jim and Ellen were married, and they worked in dedication to each 
other, to the newspaper and to the community until Jim's passing in 
2001. At that time, Ellen accepted the torch of leadership passed to 
her by Jim, and she continues to carry on his legacy of excellence in 
journalism, and his commitment to the Greater Cleveland Community.
  Ellen's spirit of volunteerism and focus on the betterment of the 
community is evident throughout Southeast Cleveland and its suburbs. 
Her kind and humble nature draws people to her, and she has garnered 
the admiration and respect of everyone she knows. She is a longtime 
member of the Garfield Heights Historical Society and serves as a board 
member for Cleveland Central Catholic High School. She is currently 
serving her second term as President of the Kiwanis of Southeast 
Cleveland. As a member and leader in Kiwanis, Ellen has been 
instrumental in leading several fundraising efforts aimed at local 
student scholarship awards, and recently, a fundraiser and recognition 
dinner honoring Dr. Javier Lopez which raised greatly-needed funds for 
his medical missions to Central America. Ellen has always reached out 
with a generous heart wherever and whenever needed. Her efforts in 
volunteerism also include her tireless dedication in her efforts to 
save St. Michael's hospital.
  Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition 
of Ellen Psenicka, as she celebrates her 40th Anniversary with the 
Neighborhood News. The Neighborhood News is read by tens of thousands 
of people weekly, and continues to inform and unite us all. Ellen's 
commitment to bringing us the news of the neighborhood and her 
generosity as a community leader and volunteer serves to brighten and 
strengthen our entire community.

                          ____________________