[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 48 (Monday, March 18, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E318]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING SYLVIA LASK

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 18, 2019

  Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, it is my great and distinct privilege to 
honor one of my dearest friends, the incomparable Sylvia Lask, as she 
celebrated her 85th birthday this year on February 25th.
  Born in 1934 to Vera Lask and Max Lask, Sylvia was one of three 
children in the family, which included her brothers Ronald and Robert. 
She grew up in Detroit, Michigan and later moved to New York City, 
where she became certified as a dietician. Sylvia and I first met when 
we were both living in Co-op City. I had knocked on her door while 
gathering petition signatures, and she began asking me all kinds of 
questions pertinent to both our community and the political world. 
After we had a long chat, I asked if she was a member of the local 
political club, and suggested she join us at the next meeting. She did, 
and we became fast friends.
  Sylvia and I were both heavily involved in the club's work from there 
on out. She went on to serve as Democratic State Committee Person, was 
also a delegate at two democratic conventions, for Ted Kennedy and Bill 
Clinton.
  Sylvia is a fierce advocate for her community and always a strong 
voice on the issue of mental health. Her lobbying trips to Albany have 
become the stuff of legend. Among other things, her efforts led to the 
passage of the Mental Health in Education Act, which requires Mental 
Health to be taught in all public schools in New York State. Even at 
85, Sylvia still makes those weekly trips to Albany and continues her 
advocacy work on behalf of the Mental Health Association in New York 
State (MHANYS).
  When not saving the world, Sylvia enjoys listening to folk music--
specifically The Weavers, Pete Seeger and Peter Paul and Mary--and 
taking long strolls. Her spirit is indomitable; she never sits down, 
never spends too much time celebrating a victory, and is always 
planning the next steps needed to advance patient rights. Sylvia's 
drive has always been fueled in large part by her family and friends. 
She was married to Sam Hershkowitz and has two beautiful children, 
Vicki and Marc, and one grandchild, Ron. They are the light in Sylvia's 
life.
  Madam Speaker, I count myself fortunate every day to know Sylvia 
Lask, and I'm not alone in feeling that way about such a special 
individual. Her list of friends, from elected officials to community 
activists and everyone in between, is too long to list. She has done 
incredible work to help the people of New York over many decades, and 
her contributions cannot be overstated.
  Sylvia is like a family member to me and my entire family. I am so 
honored to recognize her achievements, and I am so thankful to have her 
in my life.

                          ____________________