[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 149 (Thursday, October 15, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2556]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING BILL AND BETTY KICK

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MAURICE D. HINCHEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 15, 2009

  Mr. HINCHEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my good friends 
Bill and Betty Kick of Saugerties, New York. Their kind demeanor and 
dedication to service work stand as a testament to the importance of 
giving back to the community.
  Bill and Betty first met in kindergarten in Teaneck, New Jersey, 
where they grew up around the corner from one another. It came as no 
surprise when these childhood sweethearts married just days before Bill 
left to serve his country during World War II. During his 4 years in 
the Army, Bill was stationed in France, Germany, and Africa, rising to 
the difficult and challenging circumstances that this momentous 
conflict presented. Meanwhile, Betty remained in the U.S., doing her 
part by working for U.S. Rubber and the Syrian Embassy. Once Bill 
returned from the war, the couple settled in New York and soon welcomed 
their wonderful children, Linda and Peter. As new parents, they 
continued their commitment to community service by volunteering as 
Scout leaders.
  When the time came to retire, and much to our benefit, Bill and Betty 
chose Saugerties, New York, as their home base. But Bill and Betty were 
far from homebound. Avid sailors, they have spent much of their 
retirement sailing around the world, going from Maine to the Florida 
Keys, and even as far as the South China Sea. In fact, Betty became one 
of the first female Celestial Navigators in the Hudson Valley. In spite 
of their passion for sailing, they still make time to volunteer within 
their community. Local organizations like Benedictine Hospital, Ulster 
Literacy Association, and the Winston Farm Alliance have all benefited 
from their time and dedication.
  Throughout their lives, Bill and Betty have selflessly donated their 
time to help better their community. The 22nd District is fortunate to 
call them our own and it is with great enthusiasm that we look forward 
to many more years of their reminding us all of the importance of 
volunteerism.

                          ____________________