[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 3588-3589]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   CONGRATULATING SANTA CLARA COUNTY HUMAN RELATIONS AWARD RECIPIENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ZOE LOFGREN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 3, 1999

  Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor to congratulate the 
exceptional people and groups in Santa Clara County who have earned the 
Human Relations Award. The award, presented last week by the Santa 
Clara County Human Relations Commission, recognizes their exceptional 
service to the community in the area of human and civil rights.
  The honorees are a diverse group--people of different ages, 
nationalities, languages, colors, and cultures--united by their efforts 
to improve the lives of those in need. They make an important 
difference in the community and are an inspiration to us all.
  The Human Relations Award recipients are:
  Mary Bernier, a full-time volunteer who works to make the community 
aware of major social and economic issues.
  Cathy Bouchard, who assists people with developmental disabilities 
reach their potential and realize their dreams.
  Meg Bowman, a true community activist, educator, and untiring 
advocate on behalf of women.
  Don Burt, M.D., a doctor who volunteers regularly at the Rota Care 
Clinic in Morgan Hill and works to promote better relationships between 
various cultural and ethnic groups.
  Rita and Larry Demkowsky, who serve the poor and needy through Loaves 
and Fishes.
  Dzung C. Do, an attorney at Asian Law Alliance who has helped over 16 
different language groups work toward citizenship.
  Barbara Emerich, who advocates for children and quality public 
education as an active member of the 6th District PTA, League of Women 
Voters, and Violence Prevention Council.
  Cliff M. Eppard, who works to assure that basic food, safety, and 
financial needs are offered to seniors and others.
  Nancy Flanagan, who has united the board and staff of Alliance for 
Community Care, a consolidation of three major mental health agencies.
  Experanza Garcia-Walters, who has made significant contributions 
through her years of community involvement with the Latino Nurses 
Association, Planned Parenthood, and the Hispanic Foundation.
  Victor Garza, who has long shown true dedication to the community in 
a number of roles. He is a former member and Chair of the Human 
Relations Commission; founder and Chair of La Raza Roundtable; Vice 
Chair of the Mexican Heritage Corporation; and volunteer with the 
American GI Forum, America Heart Association, and E.O.P. Advisory Board 
of the Evergreen Valley-San Jose Community College District. Victor is 
always ready to work towards building a community of respect and 
concern for all.
  Andrew Gonzales, the past president of La Raza Lawyers Association, 
has established a scholarship banquet for incoming law students

[[Page 3589]]

at SCU, works closely with new law students, participates in career 
days, and works with community organizations.
  Sparky Harlan, Executive Director of the Bill Wilson Center, has 
worked on behalf of homeless youth for over 25 years.
  Dr. Robert Hersch has served on the board and worked with every 
aspect of Live Oak Adult Day Services.
  Delia U. Jurado is a leader of Filipino community volunteers who 
works on behalf of seniors, new immigrants, and community groups.
  Lor Layso, a leader in the local Cambodian community, has helped 
hundreds of Cambodian refugees adjust to life in America and eventually 
apply for citizenship.
  Alette Lundeberg has helped Santa Clara County and the community 
assist welfare recipients from welfare to work.
  Elizabeth Menkin, M.D., serves the community over and above her 
professional duties by volunteering with the Mother's Milk Bank, MADD, 
and child-care and hospice programs.
  Ann Holland McCowan and John Holland McCowan. Six-year-old John 
worked with his mother, Ann, to found Kids Cheering Kids, an 
organization to better the lives of children with special needs in 
Santa Clara County.
  Judy Nakano volunteers with the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin and 
Girl Scouts, bringing the two groups together.
  Dr. T.J. Owens, Dean of Students at Gavilan Community College in 
Gilroy, has devoted most of his life to education and community 
services. He is a former member of the Human Relations Commission and 
is the past president of the Friends of the Human Relations Commission.
  Rolanda Pierre-Dixon, a Santa Clara County Deputy District Attorney, 
promotes a ``no excuse for domestic violence'' theme at court, 
community meetings, conferences, and task forces.
  Robert Riordan plays the role of ``grandpa'' in the lives of many 
young people who do not have grandparents nearby.
  Jerry Rosenblum, a senior partner in a San Jose law firm, uses his 
legal expertise to serve the community at places like Live Oak Adult 
Day Services.
  Father Mateo Sheedy, Pastor of Sacred Heart Church in San Jose, is an 
inspiration to us all. In the words of Santa Clara County Supervisor 
Blanca Alvarado, ``Everybody loves him; he is one of the best human 
beings.''
  Lillian Silberstein, Executive Director of the National Conference 
for Community and Justice, has initiated many civil rights programs and 
promotes understanding and respect among all races, cultures, 
nationalities, and religious affiliation.
  Vicci Smith, a student at San Jose State University, volunteers as 
co-director of the university's Women's Resource Center.
  George Soto, interim Director of Employment Benefit Services of the 
Santa Clara County Social Services Agency, brings honesty, integrity, 
fairness, and commitment to the human concerns of all.
  Deborah Stinchfield has been a volunteer at the Mid-Peninsula 
Hospital Foundation for 21 years, where she promotes awareness of end-
of-life issues and hospice care.
  Colette and Frank Swaringen have developed the ``Script for Safe 
Kids,'' a video used across the county to alert to the common lures 
used by child abductors.
  Joseph R. Tembrock is a founder of Sacred Heart Community Services, 
the Rotating Shelter in Cupertino, and the Interfairth Hospitality 
Network.
  Florence Trimble, known as the Mother Teresa of Gilroy, has dedicated 
her time and love to recruiting volunteers to address the needs of the 
homeless.
  Forrest W. Williams provides valuable service to programs for young 
people. He has been a mentor for many years and serves on the San Jose 
Planning Commission and the United Negro College Fund Executive 
Advisory Board.
  In addition, I would like to congratulate the six community groups 
who received the Human Relations Award. The groups are: AAUW Committee 
on Homeless Women and Children--Los Gatos/Saratoga Branch; Adelante 
Mujer Hispana of Santa Clara County; Almaden Council Pacific Bell 
Pioneers; Dispute Resolution Program Services Volunteers, Office of 
Human Relations; Filipino Youth Coalition; and Mountain View Diversity 
Forum.

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