SALUTING WHITE PLAINS BEAUTIFICATION FOUNDATION

On 2026-09-02, Representative George Latimer (D-NY-16) delivered a floor speech titled "SALUTING WHITE PLAINS BEAUTIFICATION FOUNDATION" in the House.

SALUTING WHITE PLAINS BEAUTIFICATION FOUNDATION

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 139 (Wednesday, September 2, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 139 (Wednesday, September 2, 2026)] [House] [Pages H5427-H5428] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] SALUTING WHITE PLAINS BEAUTIFICATION FOUNDATION (Mr. Latimer of New York was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I would like to salute the work of the men and women volunteers and leaders of the White Plains Beautification Foundation. They have amassed an army of committed citizens under President Terry Hanson to get their hands dirty, and sometimes a little back and leg cramps, with sweat equity that enhances the visual improvements to the many city parks and open spaces across White Plains. This adds to the city's appeal to new residents and longtime neighbors alike. The Adopt-a-Park program, the extensive tree-planting efforts, and the improvements on Mamaroneck Avenue and North Street as travelers enter White Plains are very real achievements by this group and their generous base of donors. In addition to their president, let me recognize former presidents who serve as current directors: Mary Merenda, Deborah Donahoe, Beth Wallach, Marie Silverman Marich, Jean Bello, and Barbara Ramsdell; and former Westchester County Commissioner P. Lynn Oliva, [[Page H5428]] who heads up the Adopt-a-Park program. Mr. Speaker, from the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, we praise the work of the White Plains Beautification Foundation for all they have accomplished. recognizing co-op city leaders Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I would like to continue to recognize the men and women who are leaders in their respective buildings in Co-op City in the Bronx, the largest housing cooperative in the world. These leaders organize community events, holiday celebrations, and fundraisers and help advocate for building improvements and upgrades. We salute the following individuals for their tireless commitment to their community and their neighbors: Douglas Handler, Building 3; Dawn Mitchell, Building 4; Debbie Lowden, Building 5; KaTrina Dinham, Building 12; Josie Ferguson, Building 14; Dorothea Castle, Building 15A; Sandy Krasnov, Building 15B; Jacqueline Salmon, Building 16; Francine Jones, Building 20; Toran Smith, Sr., Building 21; Joan June, Building 22; Denise Gerrald, Building 25; Michael Adolphus, Building 29; Susan Lecoq, Building 30; Kim Toulson, Building 31; and Melanie Clunie, Building 34. There are clearly a lot of these folks. There are also townhouse associations: Kenneth Graham, Adler Place; Eva Lazaar, Broun Place; Anika Green-Watson, Cooper Place; Jacqueline Mason, Debs Place; and Ida Clark, Earhart Lane. Mr. Speaker, from the floor of the House of Representatives, we commend all of these Co-op building association presidents for their dedication in improving the community around them. ____________________