[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 110 (Tuesday, July 15, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1162]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING DR. VERONICA MAZ

                                  _____
                                 

                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 15, 2014

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of 
Representatives to join me in remembering Dr. Veronica Maz, a founder 
of So Others Might Eat (S.O.M.E.) in the District of Columbia, who 
passed away on June 24, 2014. Dr. Maz's signature achievement was the 
co-founding of Martha's Table in 1980, upon realizing the need for 
children, particularly in the 14th Street corridor Northwest 
neighborhood, to have a refuge from violence and drugs. Originally, 
Martha's Table served as a place for children to get a free meal after 
school. After 35 years of service, Martha's Table has developed into a 
multifaceted social services organization, providing services that not 
only address the problem of hunger in DC communities, but also the lack 
of quality education and affordable clothing.
  Dr. Maz was born in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania on October 15, 1924. She 
attended the University of Pittsburgh in 1947, where she received her 
undergraduate and a doctorate degree in sociology. Dr. Maz began her 
career as an educator, teaching at Lake Erie College for Women, 
Skidmore College, and Georgetown University. While teaching at 
Georgetown University, Dr. Maz decided to change careers and become a 
social entrepreneur. With the help of Father Horace B. McKenna, Dr. Maz 
founded S.O.M.E. and House of Ruth, a home for battered women. Today, 
both organizations continue to be bulwarks to the residents of the 
District, and have expanded their reach throughout the community.
  Today, Martha's Table has almost 90 employees, and has expanded its 
operation to include McKenna's Wagon, a daily mobile feeding program 
for the hungry, Martha's Markets, a free and health-conscious market in 
10 locations, and Martha's Outfitters, a thrift store for families in 
need and the community at large. Ultimately, Martha's Table, S.O.M.E. 
and House of Ruth maintain Dr. Maz's legacy of community service 
through holistic and solution-based support for the people of the 
District.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Dr. Veronica 
Maz for a life of committed service to the District of Columbia. Her 
legacy continues to offer a powerful example for how we should conduct 
our lives and strive to serve our communities.

                          ____________________