[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 92 (Tuesday, June 5, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E775-E776]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO MARIA A. THOMSON

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 5, 2018

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and achievements 
of Maria A. Thomson who was a tireless lifelong leader and advocate for 
the community of Woodhaven, Queens which she dearly loved. On January 
l0th of 2018, Mrs. Thomson passed away, leaving behind a lifelong 
legacy of community service and civic engagement. She earned the 
respect of city and state leaders, in fact she was known as the 
unofficial ``Mayor of Woodhaven''. With over 40 years of community 
activism, Mrs. Thomson's accolades and accomplishments are numerous. I 
hope to highlight some of her life's work today.
  Mrs. Thomson was a dedicated public servant who cherished public 
safety and quality of life. Early in her career she was elected 
President of the 102nd Precinct Community Council, bridging the gap 
between law enforcement and the community. She later founded the 
volunteer local Civilian Patrol. As a result of her leadership, she 
earned the unique distinction of being the first and only civilian to 
be recognized as the 102nd Precinct's Honorary Police Officer of the 
Month. Furthermore, she annually honored the fallen heroes of 911 and 
our nations veterans.
  To better ensure the delivery of government services to Woodhaven, 
she joined Queens

[[Page E776]]

Community Board 9 where she served for three decades. In addition, Mrs. 
Thomson served as the Executive Director of the Greater Woodhaven 
Development Corporation for more than two decades and led the Woodhaven 
Business Improvement District (BID). She understood that small and 
independent businesses are vital to boosting the local economy, 
creating walk to work jobs and shaping a neighborhood's identity. Mrs. 
Thomson enjoyed promoting and showcasing Woodhaven's Jamaica Avenue 
business corridor by hosting the yearly ``Wonderful Woodhaven Street 
Festival'' and other events.
  Whether she advocated for small businesses or led the fight to 
landmark the cherished Forest Park Carousel, her passion emanated from 
her strong sense of civic pride and duty. Her advocacy, passion and 
dedication to the betterment of Woodhaven was immeasurable. Mrs. 
Thomson truly set the bar for what it means to be a community activist 
and leader.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Maria A. Thomson's 
distinguished life of public service and accomplishments. Our 
neighborhoods are enriched because of her vision and leadership. We 
mourn her passing and cherish her legacy.

                          ____________________