[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 4 (Tuesday, January 15, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E31]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF GERALD WALSH, PRESIDENT OF THE DUTCH KILLS CIVIC 
                              ASSOCIATION

                                 ______
                                 

                        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 Gerald ``Jerry'' Walsh, outgoing President of the Dutch 
Kills Civic Association. Mr. Walsh has been involved with the 
organization since 1986, and has served with distinction as its 
President for ten years.
  Mr. Walsh has lived in Astoria and Long Island City for his entire 
life. A proud graduate of Long Island City High School, he has always 
been passionate about serving and improving his community. In 1975, 
Jerry married his wife, Diane Hopkins, and is the proud father of two 
daughters, Dawn and Crystal, and has recently become a grandfather. Mr. 
Walsh has worked for the City of New York--Financial Information 
Services for 35 years in the Department of Computer Operations. He is 
currently the shift manager of Computer Operations Hardware.
  His passion for the betterment of his community has been a lifetime 
commitment. He volunteered with the Dutch Kills Civic Association for 
the first time in 1986, and became a board member in 1989. He became 
its Vice President in 1993, and President in 2003. He has been the 
Deputy Chief of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) since 
January 2006, has served as the President of the Parents Association 
for Long Island City High School, and is a former member of the 114th 
Civilian Observation Patrol (Civ-OP). On November 29, 2012, the Central 
Astoria Local Development Coalition presented Mr. Walsh with the 
``Community Leadership Award'' in recognition of his outstanding 
service.
  The Dutch Kills Civic Association was created in 1979 to promote a 
greater awareness of the community among elected officials and 
government agencies. Dutch Kills is a neighborhood bounded by 34th 
Avenue on the north, on the south by Bridge Plaza North, on the east by 
Northern Boulevard, and on the west by 21st Street. The Association's 
goal is to assist all segments of the community and to support 
cooperation between business and residents.
  Under Mr. Walsh's leadership, the Dutch Kills Civic Association has 
flourished. Mr. Walsh strongly believes in the power of community 
involvement and civic engagement. As the neighborhood has become 
increasingly residential, the number of retail establishments has grown 
and the area has become a mecca for tourists with many new hotels. The 
Dutch Kills Civic Association has made extraordinary contributions to 
improve the quality of life in the neighborhood. These efforts include 
supporting a massive rezoning project, making crime reports, improving 
sanitation, keeping a watchful eye on nightclubs, and successfully 
fighting the closure of Fire Engine Company #261. Additionally, Dutch 
Kills has sponsored children's shows at the Dutch Kills Playground and 
street fairs on 36th Avenue, and been involved with the organization of 
the New York City Marathon.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
extraordinary contributions that Mr. Walsh has made to the communities 
of Astoria and Long Island City. Mr. Walsh has truly brought about 
positive changes in the community he loves. His lifetime of service and 
dedication to civic life has greatly benefited his neighbors and the 
city of New York.

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