[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 128 (Wednesday, September 22, 2010)]
[House]
[Page H6862]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      THE SPIRIT OF SOUTH FLORIDA

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I rise to remember the life and 
legacy of a great south Floridian and fellow Cuban America, Ricardo 
Mayo-Alvarez.
  Ricardo was an irreplaceable member of the Cuban American community. 
Having fled Cuba's communist regime, Ricardo continued the fight for a 
free Cuba in south Florida.
  Ricardo became a successful entrepreneur and started a chain of 
pharmacies in south Florida. He generously gave of his time to serve 
his community and was a constant fixture in the civic and cultural 
fabric of south Florida.
  Although he was deeply committed to the struggle for a free Cuba, I 
know that the role he cherished the most was that of devoted husband, 
father, and grandfather.
  Ricardo leaves behind his beloved wife and partner, Nieves Fraga, and 
his children--Jorge, Alina, and Ricky--as well as his grandchildren.
  Ricardo, we will never forget you nor your selfless legacy. Rest in 
peace, my friend.
  Madam Speaker, I am proud to praise the Citizens' Crime Watch of 
Miami-Dade County and its executive director, Carmen Caldwell, who has 
served our area in so many ways over the years. Neighborhood volunteers 
are truly the backbone of our communities. Volunteers have done so much 
to reduce crime and to help keep our south Florida neighborhoods safer.
  Citizens' Crime Watch of Miami-Dade County will be celebrating its 
35th anniversary at the Doubletree Miami Mart/Airport Hotel on October 
1 and will be honoring the leaders of south Florida's war on crime.
  It is my honor and privilege to recognize the many dedicated and 
hardworking members of Citizens' Crime Watch of Miami-Dade County and 
to thank each of them for what they do to help keep us safe.
  Madam Speaker, I would like to congratulate the International Ballet 
Festival of Miami for another spectacular year of performances. Since 
1995, this yearly celebration of the arts has brought some of the 
world's leading ballet companies to our area of south Florida.
  In addition to being known as a hub for international commerce, south 
Florida has a thriving and diverse arts community. Through the 
dedication of Pedro Pablo Pena, the festival has become a yearly staple 
on the south Florida calendar with five spectacular performances at 
four theaters. Ballet companies from as far away as Hungary, Australia, 
and Italy have participated in this festival.
  I congratulate Pedro Pablo Pena and everyone who made this year's 
International Ballet Festival of Miami a resounding success. Your 
efforts have enriched south Florida, and we are all the better for it.

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