[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 90 (Wednesday, June 11, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E960]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING MARTI MICHAEL

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 11, 2014

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, the Riverdale YM-YWHA is fortunate to have 
had Marti Michael at its helm. Deeply rooted in Jewish culture, the 
Riverdale Y is open to all within the community and promotes an 
environment of inclusion and diversity.
  Marti's involvement with the Riverdale Y started long before she 
became its Executive Director and even before the first bricks were 
laid. While working at UJA-Federation in the early 1980s, Marti worked 
with the Riverdale community to raise the necessary capital to build 
the Y.
  Marti has worked for the Riverdale Y for 28 years, and since taking 
the helm as Executive Director, she oversees a thriving community 
center that offers athletic, artistic and enrichment for children, 
adults and seniors. The Riverdale Y also offers after-school programs 
at PS24 and Kinneret, and Marti wants to expand that scope even 
farther.
  The Riverdale Rising Stars' Broadway Gala will honor Marti for all 
that she has done at the Riverdale Y, particularly her dedication to 
the performing arts. There is something magical about the theater. 
Audiences become enraptured by the performances as actors make their 
characters come to life.
  Children and teens who participate in theater programs through the 
Riverdale Y grow too. Marti enjoys watching once-shy children and timid 
teens develop greater confidence in themselves. There is indeed magic 
in the theater and all that Marti does to encourage our youth to 
flourish.
  Her devotion to the Riverdale Y and the greater community is 
inspiring. I am pleased to have the opportunity to recognize Marti 
Michael's leadership and achievements. We are saddened that she is 
leaving but I wanted this opportunity to thank her for all that she has 
done and continues to do in our beloved community.

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