[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 4 (Tuesday, January 15, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E28]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF OSVALDO LOVERME, MARIE TORNIALI AND CONNIE VARIO

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                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 15, 2013

  Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay 
tribute to Osvaldo LoVerme, Marie Torniali, and Connie Vario, who are 
being honored for their distinguished service to the community by the 
Taminent Regular Democratic Club. The Taminent Club is celebrating its 
81st Annual Dinner Dance this month in Astoria, Queens.
  In recognition of his lifetime commitment to civic engagement, 
Osvaldo ``Ozzie'' LoVerme is being honored with the ``Ralph DeMarco 
Award.'' Mr. LoVerme is the President of Teamsters Union Local 808. His 
career began in 1973 working for ConRail Railroad, and throughout his 
career, he has proved himself to be a trusted advocate for co-workers 
and union members. His dedication to the labor movement and his 
tireless efforts to protect workers and their families earned him the 
position as leader of the Teamsters Local 808. Mr. LoVerme has a strong 
presence in the community, serving on many cultural and civic 
organizations in his hometown of Astoria. He is the Vice President of 
the Astoria Homeowners, Tenants & Business Civic Association and Vice 
President of the Associazione Siciliani Uniti of New York. Mr. LoVerme 
came to Astoria from Sicily in 1968, and has always stayed connected to 
his Italian heritage as a member of many Italian cultural 
organizations. He is a devoted husband to his wife, Marie and loving 
father to his son, Vinny.
  Marie Torniali is receiving the ``Community Service Award'' for her 
dedication to her neighborhood and service to others in the community. 
Ms. Tomiali attended high school in Astoria after arriving in the 
United States from France as a child. She is currently the Executive 
Director of the Central Astoria Local Development Coalition, where she 
has worked since 1979, and the Steinway Astoria Partnership. She also 
serves as a Board Member of Community Board 1. Previously, Ms. Torniali 
was the manager of the Steinway Street Business Improvement District. 
Her dedication to the security of the neighborhood of Astoria has 
earned her the 114th Civilian Observation Patrol (Civ-OP) Walter Michie 
Award, the Women of Distinction Award, and the New York Anti-Crime's 
Eternal Vigilance Award. She is also deeply devoted to her husband, 
Pietro, their daughter, Tanya, and son-in-law, John.
  Connie Vario is being honored as a Lifetime Member of Taminent 
Democratic Club. She has been an active member of the Taminent Women's 
Regular Democratic Club for over 30 years. Ms. Vario devotes her time 
to volunteer work through Immaculate Conception parish, for which she 
works at the Church's Homeless Shelter, and is a member of the Rosarian 
Society. Since moving to Astoria with her husband Nicholas in 1954, Ms. 
Vario has been dedicated to serving her community and her neighbors. 
Mr. and Ms. Vario are loving parents to their three children, Patrick, 
Margaret, and Maria.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
extraordinary contributions that Osvaldo LoVerme, Marie Torniali, and 
Connie Vario have made to the community of Astoria. Their lifetimes of 
service and dedication to civic life have greatly benefited their 
neighborhood and the city of New York.

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