[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5195]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING MARTINA ``TEENA'' BOREK

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 25, 2010

  Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
honor Martina ``Teena'' Borek, one of South Dade's best known farmers, 
and a dedicated mother.
  Teena grew up in a small fishing village in Newfoundland and would 
visit her aunt's farm in South Dade during summer breaks. It is there 
where she met her late husband, Steven Borek, who came from one of 
Homestead's oldest farming families. The two married and started their 
own farm, Steven Borek Farms. They also had two children, Steven Jr. 
and Michael. Unfortunately, Steven lost his life shortly thereafter in 
an accident on the family property and Teena was left to raise the 
children and run the farm. Despite the loss of her husband, and a lack 
of knowledge in farming, Teena managed to successfully continue the 
family business, which continues to thrive today. She has proven to be 
one of South Dade's most innovative farmers, being Homestead's first to 
use a linear irrigation system and a computer for her work. She does 
not shy away from using new technologies and products, has engaged in 
research efforts and has learned to follow the changing market, 
responding to demand and adapting her crop. Teena has also surpassed 
devastating freezes and the hit of Hurricane Andrew, which forced her 
to basically start from scratch.
  Despite facing adversity on several occasions, Teena has not given 
up. Her hard work and passion coupled with her desire to succeed, have 
allowed her to be both a loving mother and savvy businesswomen. She is 
a leader in the agriculture industry and never fails to give back to 
our community. She has been involved with the Dade County Farm Bureau, 
the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, the Florida Tomato Growers 
Exchange, the Florida Heartland Heritage Foundation, the Florida Farm 
Bureau Labor Advisory Committee, South Dade High School Agricultural 
Advisory Council, Dade County Women in Agriculture and the Everglades 
Community Association, to name a few.
  As we celebrate Women's History Month, I ask you to join me in 
honoring Martina ``Teena'' Borek, a successful businesswoman, community 
leader and mother, who vowed to continue her husband's legacy. Her 
story and accomplishments should serve as inspiration to others.

                          ____________________