[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16751]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  A TRIBUTE TO DOUGLAS McARTHUR NELSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 20, 2007

  Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and honor to 
the work and achievements of Douglas McArthur Nelson. Douglas, a 
Brooklyn transplant, is a native of Eau Gallie, FL. Upon his arrival to 
Brooklyn, he attended Junior High School in East New York, Brooklyn, 
and was later recruited by New York City Public School's legendary 
football coach Moe Finkelstein at Thomas Jefferson High. Douglas was 
the star running back on the varsity team that won the P.S.A.L. He was 
later a starting fullback for 3 years at the University of Iowa.
  Douglas McArthur Nelson began his career in law enforcement for the 
Iowa Department of Corrections and Parole. He transferred those skills 
to Crisis Intervention, Addiction Counseling, and Juvenile 
Habilitation. He was able to enhance his talent for leadership during 
his 20 years of active involvement in church and community services in 
both Cedar Rapids and Iowa City.
  Douglas McArthur Nelson returned to Brooklyn 16 years ago and has 
continued to fulfill his mission for human services in Crisis 
Intervention, Addiction and Substance Abuse Counseling, Employee 
Mentoring, Coaching and Leadership Development for a large treatment 
facility.
  Douglas McArthur Nelson currently serves as the Program Director for 
the Berean Community Family Life Center, BCFLC, which was created as a 
non-profit community development corporation by the historic Berean 
Baptist Church in Brooklyn.
  Douglas McArthur Nelson left the private sector in July of 2006 to 
work for the Berean Baptist Church's First Lady Angela Farr Griffin, 
the Executive Director of the BCFLC and Dr. Arlee Griffin, Jr., who is 
the President of American Baptist Churches, Pastor of Berean and 
President of the BCFLC's Board of Directors. Douglas is the Chairman of 
the Deacon Ministry of Berean Baptist Church and is active with the 
Men's Caucus for the Unity Democratic Club.
  Douglas McArthur Nelson is strong, gentle and devoted husband to Lynn 
and father of Ruperta, Denise, and Adrian. His 5-year-old granddaughter 
has lovingly dubbed him ``the weakest link.'' He is an avid gardener, 
poet, and artist.
  Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize Douglas McArthur Nelson for 
his contributions to our community and for his years of service at 
Berean Baptist Church.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to 
Douglas McArthur Nelson.

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