[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 96 (Tuesday, June 6, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E773]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNIZING ``MARY A. WHALEN''

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 6, 2017

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of the launch of the NYC 
Ferry South Brooklyn route, I rise to recognize the 79th birthday of 
the tanker Mary A. Whalen (The Mary).
  The Mary was launched in May of 1938, and now serves as a vital 
community landmark and asset in Red Hook, Brooklyn. As home to PortSide 
NewYork, a nonprofit organization, the tanker is a vessel for arts, 
education and vocational programs as well as public access to the 
waterfront.
  By recognizing the importance of a life of continued learning, 
PortSide NewYork developed Red Hook WaterStories. As a digital museum, 
WaterStories is a resource for both locals and visitors to learn about 
the history and present of the Red Hook Waterfront.
  PortSide NewYork received a 2013 Champions of Change White House 
Award for their Superstorm Sandy preparations that protected the Mary 
followed by creating a pop-up aid station to ensure recovery efforts 
for the community after the storm.
  The Mary is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and 
is the only oil tanker cultural center in the world. On June 1, 2017, 
the NYC Ferry will make its maiden journey to Red Hook, pulling up 
right beside the Mary.
  I applaud PortSide NewYork for their dedication to serving the 
communities ashore and afloat, the Red Hook community and the maritime 
community of this port. On this joyful day, I wish them many more years 
of continued learning and success.

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