[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 142 (Wednesday, November 19, 2014)]
[House]
[Pages H8113-H8114]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING OHIO CITIZENS
(Ms. Kaptur asked and was given permission to address the House for 1
minute.)
Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, as we come to the season of Thanksgiving, a
time to celebrate the precious gifts of family, friends, community, and
country, please allow me to pay special tribute of gratitude to some
outstanding northwest Ohio citizens whose lives made a significant
contribution to building a better community and America.
=========================== NOTE ===========================
November 19, 2014, on page H8113, the following appeared: the
last full measure of devotion.Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, as we come
to the season of Thanksgiving, a
The online version should be corrected to read: the last full
measure of devotion. ------------------------HONORING OHIO
CITIZENS (Ms. KAPTUR asked and was given permission to address the
House for 1 minute.) Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, as wecome to the
season of Thanksgiving, a
========================= END NOTE =========================
We honor them for who they were and what they contributed to the
betterment of our lives together in what some have called our beloved
community.
In particular, let me recognize business leader Barry Greenblatt, his
magnificent, ebullient personality as founder of Barry Bagels and a
work ethic like no other.
Mrs. Jean Overton was a pioneering woman who gladly assumed the role
of mother for our community.
The former Mayor of Waterville, Ohio, three terms, Chuck Peyton, who
lived as a man for others, a Navy veteran who logged four decades of
public service.
Sheryl Shipman, who dedicated her career to ensuring recreational
opportunities for children, older adults, and people with special
needs. Oh, she was a leader, and how people trusted her in Toledo.
Finally, Sam Szor, ``Mr. Music.'' Born in Toledo's Birmingham
neighborhood, for more than 60 years under his baton delighting
hundreds of thousands of people in his incredible music that floated
over our community in free concerts for decade after decade after
decade.
What magnificent Americans these individuals were.
Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to lay their life stories in the
Congressional Record.
Mr. Speaker, as we come to this Season of Thanksgiving, a time to
celebrate the precious gifts of family, friends, community, and
country, please allow me to pay special tribute of gratitude to some
outstanding Northwest Ohio citizens whose lives made a significant
contribution to building a better community and America. We honor them
for who they were and what they contributed to the betterment of our
lives together in what some have called our beloved community.
[[Page H8114]]
In particular, Mr. Speaker, please let me recognize for outstanding
character and achievement:
Business leader Barry Greenblatt, founder of Barry Bagels. Without a
doubt, Barry's ebullient personality, creativity, and work ethic
produced a business, founded in 1972, that anchored Toledo and
Southeast Michigan in their very hearts. Without question, Barry Bagels
are the best in America. His deli counter became part of the Toledo and
Ann Arbor scenes, appreciated and always dependable. Barry's generosity
extended far beyond the walls of his business. His charity was as
boundless as his broad smile. He was always collecting for some needy
cause--sick children, peace in the Middle East, local ball clubs and
youth groups. He worked in his business, hands on, year after year. He
was indefatigable. He made an effort to employ local youth and touched
the lives of thousands of our fellow citizens with his good humor and
community-minded. What a likable human being was he. Customers could
often find Barry behind the counter, his happy banter infectious.
Quick to lend a hand, participate in an event, lead an effort or help
a friend, Barry Greenblatt was held in high esteem by all who were
lucky to know him. He was the perfect example of a compassionate
businessman whose focus was on his family, his employees and his
community. We shall always remember Barry's smiling face and golden
heart. May his wife, children and grandchildren draw strength from his
legacy achievements. We join our spirits with theirs and shall deeply
miss him.
Mrs. T. Jean Overton was a pioneering woman who gladly assumed the
role of Mother for our Community. Jean never stopped giving--to her
family, her church, her neighborhood, her community, and to every
person whose path she crossed. A talent and broadcast pioneer and
graduate of the University of Toledo, in 1952 Jean was the first
African American woman to broadcast on Toledo area airwaves. She went
on to work for many more years in broadcasting and public relations,
but also moved into public service.
Following the Civil Rights movement of the 1960's, Jean assumed
leadership roles in Model Cities and other programs to revitalize
Toledo's neighborhoods, with a particular dedication to North Toledo.
Jean was a leader. Always with grace, she attended community meetings,
founded organizations, counseled youth, testified at public forums,
fought the abuses of poverty and discrimination, and ministered to
forgotten people and places. Her spirituality, perseverance, and
genuine concern were evident and made a difference. Appointed to the
Ohio Public Health Council in 1971, Jean led an effort to organize an
association for people with sickle cell anemia. Jean was also a
neighborhood activist throughout her life. As her son succinctly
described Jean, ``She would want to be remembered as a mother, first
and foremost. And someone who would rather give than receive, to be
honest. She was a mother to Toledo.'' Toledo is a better place because
Jean Overton made her life here with us. May God grant her a peaceful
rest and bring comfort to her dear family and all those who loved her.
Chuck Peyton truly was a man for others. As a Navy veteran,
councilman, municipal administrator and then three term mayor of
Waterville, Ohio, Chuck logged four decades of public service. With an
easy smile and ability to listen, he happily devoted his years to
building a stronger community and country. He was a storyteller,
enjoyable company to young and old. His travels as a deep sea diver
equipped him with harrowing and adventuresome tales.
Committed to public transit, and understanding the needs of the
disabled as he bore lifetime mobility challenges from an accident, he
served 18 years as a trustee for the Toledo Area Regional Transit
Authority for eighteen years. His public service also included various
county positions and administration in the Ohio Department of
Transportation's Northwest Ohio district office.
Chuck Peyton knew how to achieve progress. He was always thinking
forward, whether it was modernizing regional public transit or
visioning the new U.S. 24 route between Ohio and Indiana to relieve
dangerous conditions on the old Route 24. Our community is better
because Chuck Peyton lived among us, and cared about us. May his lovely
wife Diane, family, and friends draw comfort from their memories of his
living legacy of love and devotion to duty.
Robert O'Connell was ``an icon of local tennis.'' He was a history
teacher and renowned tennis coach at Ottawa Hills High School, retiring
in 1988. A master of the game, he coached many young people to
outstanding high school and college careers, imbuing them with a love
of the game. A testament to his character and his coaching is the high
regard with which his athletes still hold him. In 2006, the Ottawa
Hills tennis courts were named in Robert O'Connell's honor. Even with
all of the local and statewide accolades, Robert O'Connell's greatest
legacy is his family. We shall not forget this champion.
Sheryl Shipman dedicated her career to ensuring recreational
opportunities for children, older adults and people with special needs.
She served as a supervisor and manager in Toledo's Recreation
Department until illness overcame her. Through several city
administrations and many budget challenges, Sherrie fought for the
initiatives she developed for people to play in Toledo's pools, parks,
ice rinks, baseball diamonds and community centers. One of her
colleagues explained, ``She felt all the children of Toledo were her
children. That's what allowed her to be a force to be reckoned with.''
Sherrie Shipman's tireless efforts on behalf of others earned her
respect and admiration and will not soon be forgotten. Her son summed
it up by saying, ``She was a leader, and people trusted her.''
Finally, Samuel Szor, ``Mr. Music.'' Born in Toledo's Birmingham
neighborhood, Sam's musical talents were soon recognized. A high school
standout, Sam performed as part of the University of Michigan Marching
Band while earning two degrees. He came home to teach, inspiring
students and community alike. Sam began Toledo's famed outdoor summer
concert series, ``Music Under the Stars'' in the Toledo Zoo's
amphitheater. For more than sixty years under his baton, Sam delighted
and dazzled summer concertgoers with this brilliance. An accomplished
musician in this own right, Sam performed with the Toledo Symphony
Orchestra, eventually leading it himself in the Casual Concerts program
of popular and classical music. He also conducted the Perrysburg
Symphony Orchestra for twenty years. He directed the First
Congregational Church motet choir for 37 years. For 53 years Sam led
the Toledo Choral Society in its annual December presentation of
Handel's ``Messiah.'' A true visionary, Sam Szor enjoyed iconic status
in his lifetime. His imprimatur in our community is everywhere as his
career was writ large. The gifts he gave us are truly priceless and we
will long remember our very own ``Mr. Music.''
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