[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 128 (Wednesday, September 22, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1691]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING DIANA AND LEON BERLINER, HUMBOLDT COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 22, 2010

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Diana and Leon Berliner, extraordinary citizens of Humboldt County, 
California, who have dedicated their lives to public service. The 
husband and wife team are being honored by the Humboldt County 
Democratic Central Committee as 2010 Citizens of the Year for one of 
our nation's most precious rights--participation in the political 
system. Their commitment to the general health and welfare of the 
community and to the preservation of our liberty is worthy of 
appreciation and recognition.
  Diana Berliner has been a dedicated educator for over 40 years. She 
has focused her career on the needs of special education students, in 
the classroom and in training student teachers. Diana has also had a 
distinguished career in connection with the California Association of 
Resource Specialists, serving as a board member, president, conference 
presenter and newsletter editor. She has served as an advisory member 
to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and served on 
advisory committees to the Humboldt County Office of Education. And, as 
a vigorous advocate for public education, Diana Berliner has also been 
active in the Association of Retired Teachers. She continues to 
volunteer in many capacities throughout our community, including 
Ferndale Repertory, College of the Redwoods and North Coast Repertory 
Theatre.
  Leon Berliner arrived safely in the United States after boarding a 
Liberty Ship at the age of 13 in 1948. As a Holocaust survivor and 
native of Antwerp, Belgium, Leon's harrowing story of survival inspires 
our deepest admiration. It is a story of perseverance and determination 
that led to a life-long commitment to help those less fortunate. Leon 
became a citizen and went on to receive his education, then served in 
the United States Army from 1954 to 1956. Upon returning to civilian 
life, he launched a long and distinguished career serving children and 
adults with disabilities. He worked in that capacity from New York to 
California, developing model programs and educating the community to 
the needs of people with disabilities. After moving to Humboldt County 
in 1971, he became the founder and Executive Director of Redwoods 
United Workshop, dedicated to providing training and work experience 
for the disabled. Following his retirement, Leon pursued his passion 
for classical music by opening Berliner's Cornucopia, sharing his 
knowledge and enthusiasm for life by further educating and enriching 
the lives of many on the North Coast.
  These extraordinary individuals have demonstrated many times over 
their commitment and public spirit. They possess a keen interest in 
community life and participate every day in a meaningful and thoughtful 
manner by making our community a better place in which to live.
  Madam Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we recognize Diana 
and Leon Berliner for their unwavering compassion and for their 
contribution to the ideals and traditions that have made America a 
nation of hope and achievement.

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