[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 127 (Monday, September 8, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1355-E1356]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING SARA LOUISE STEVENS BOOTH AND CHRISTOPHER ``KIT'' HENRY 
            BOOTH FOR THEIR EXTRAORDINARY COMMUNITY SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. WILLIAM L. OWENS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 8, 2014

  Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sara Louise Stevens 
Booth and Christopher ``Kit'' Henry Booth for their extraordinary 
community service.
  The Commemoration of the Battle of Plattsburgh began in 1997 as a 
weekend event and this year will take place during sixteen days. It is 
an event that captures the interest of history buffs, authors of 
history books, children and adults of all ages.
  Kit and Sally Booth, people that I have known for well over thirty 
years, have been the prime movers for the development of this exciting 
historical event in our community. It now provides concerts, the 
Children's Old Time Village Fair, offers dances and authentic food from 
the period, all of which appeal to not only those interested in the 
historical importance of the Battle of Plattsburgh but those just 
interested in having a fun weekend.

[[Page E1356]]

  The historical highlight, of course, is the reenactment, which helps 
to demonstrate the importance of the Battle of Plattsburgh to the 
outcome of the War of 1812. The entertainment is highlighted by a 
parade and includes notable bands including the Navy Band, a thirty 
piece brass band from Coberg, Ontario and approximately ten bagpipe 
bands.
  All of this was made possible through the hard work of Sally and Kit, 
both in terms of the work that they have done themselves, which has 
been in and of itself enormous, but also their leadership in inspiring 
numerous volunteers to participate. This year we again expect numerous 
volunteers working over the course of sixteen days to make this event a 
success.
  In honor of the two hundredth anniversary of the Battle of 
Plattsburgh, there will be two nights of fireworks and a local 
physician has created a musical play which will have five performances 
in the newly renovated Strand Theatre.
  The economic impact of this event is demonstrated by the American Bus 
Association's recognition of it as one of the top twenty themed events 
in the country as well as the many vendors and tourists who now attend 
the event. The Commemoration Committee has purchased five thousand 
buttons over the last several years which are sold as evidence of 
admission to all the venues for $10, raising well over $50,000 to 
support this event.
  Sally and Kit will be serving their final year as the Co-Chairs after 
dedicating seventeen years to the development of this event. Their 
commitment has been outstanding and represents only one of the many 
community services that they have performed over their lives in 
Plattsburgh.
  Kit Booth is a father and grandfather who also served as an Alderman 
for Ward 1 in the City of Plattsburgh, as a Clinton County legislator 
and as a member of the United States Armed Services during the Korean 
conflict. In addition to his work in Commemoration of the Battle of 
Plattsburgh, he volunteers at CVPH Medical Center, is an active member 
of the Rotary Club and is an accomplished wood carver.
  Sally Booth is a mother and grandmother who has is a talented and 
creative writer and artist, a member of the League of Woman Voters and 
serves as a board member for the Kent Delord House Museum and as a 
Docent for the Rockwell Kent Museum. She is widely respected for her 
many years of volunteerism, serving on countless boards and 
volunteering for numerous organizations in the community.
  The Booths owned Booth's Gifts for many years and provided a great 
service to the community as local entrepreneurs.
  Kit and Sally Booth have made immeasurable contributions to the 
Plattsburgh community and deserve recognition and high praise for all 
they have done and continue to do, and we hope will continue to do for 
their community for years to come.

                          ____________________