[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 120 (Tuesday, August 10, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1555]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE HONORABLE SYLVIA POITIER ON THE OCCASION OF HER 75TH 
                                BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 10, 2010

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a 
dear personal friend and dedicated public servant, the Honorable Sylvia 
Poitier, who will be celebrating her 75th birthday on September 4. 
Sylvia is currently serving her second consecutive term as District 2 
Commissioner of the City of Deerfield Beach, Florida.
  Sylvia is a public servant, community leader, educator, 
philanthropist, and entrepreneur whose commitment to civic duty and the 
citizens of Deerfield Beach is truly inspiring. A lifelong resident of 
Deerfield Beach and of District 2, Sylvia has spent her entire career 
working to improve the lives of children, young people, and all those 
who live in Deerfield Beach. After opening the Deerfield Beach Cleaners 
and Laundry in 1956, Sylvia pursued a career in Early Childhood 
Education and earned a certificate in Early Childhood Development from 
Broward Community College. Combining her business expertise with her 
passion for children, she opened Kiddies Kollege Kindergarten and the 
Children's Cultural Center, Inc.
  In 1973, Sylvia was elected to the Deerfield Beach City Commission, 
where she served from 1973-1985. Furthermore, she served as Vice Mayor 
in 1975 and as Mayor from 1976-1977. Following her three distinguished 
terms on the City Commission, Governor Bob Graham appointed her to the 
Board of Broward County Commissioners in 1985, where she served from 
1986-1998. During her tenure as City and County Commissioner, Sylvia 
provided affordable housing to residents in Broward County, served as a 
founding Board Member of the Deerfield Beach Boys and Girls Club, and 
was involved in the development of Westside Park. As Commissioner of 
District 2 since 2005, she is now engaged with creating economic 
development along the Dixie Highway corridor and bringing a sense of 
unity to the City at large.
  In addition to her many professional achievements, Sylvia also takes 
an active role in many public service, social, and community 
organizations. Currently, she serves as Chairperson for the Community 
Action Agency and is a member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board.
  In addition, Sylvia has served on several boards and committees, 
including Deerfield Beach's Unclassified Civil Service Board. She was 
also the first African American president of the Broward County Council 
of Parent-Teacher Associations, an Advisory Board member to the Red 
Cross, Broward County Chapter, and a member of the Community Service 
Council and Man Power Planning Association.
  Madam Speaker, Sylvia Poitier is truly a friend to me, the City of 
Deerfield Beach, and to the State of Florida. It is with great honor 
and joy that I wish her a very happy 75th birthday.

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