“HONORING VIRGINIA DENT AND AURORA GAREISS” published by the Congressional Record on May 29, 1996

Volume 142, No. 76 covering the 2nd Session of the 104th Congress (1995 - 1996) was published by the Congressional Record.

The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.

“HONORING VIRGINIA DENT AND AURORA GAREISS” mentioning the Environmental Protection Agency was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E934 on May 29, 1996.

The publication is reproduced in full below:

HONORING VIRGINIA DENT AND AURORA GAREISS

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HON. GARY L. ACKERMAN

of new york

in the house of representatives

Wednesday, May 29, 1996

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with my colleagues and members of the Environmental Law Institute and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, as they gather on Thursday, May 30, to present Virginia Dent and Aurora Gareiss with the 1996 National Wetlands Award for volunteer leadership.

For the past 30 years, Virginia and Aurora have initiated programs to save the considerable salt marsh and freshwater estuaries surrounding Little Neck Bay in Little Neck, NY. Their heroic efforts have led to the acquisition of a series of wetland complexes throughout Queens, including, but not limited to, the 135-acre Udalls Cove Park Preserve, now protected by the New York City and State park systems.

However, Mr. Speaker, Virginia and Aurora's good work extends far beyond this valuable project. They have tirelessly strived to put an end to illegal dumping--a highly detrimental practice with far-reaching effects. Additionally, they have long tried to promote understanding of the causal link between environmental and physical health. In this vein, Virginia has served as the executive director of the New York State Northeast Queens Nature and Historical Preserve Commission, while Aurora has served as its commissioner. Furthermore, Virginia has spent the past 15 years on the Queens Borough president's Flushing Bay task force.

Mr. Speaker, Virginia and Aurora have come to symbolize the American spirit of voluntarism and generosity. I ask all my colleagues to rise with the grateful people of the Fifth Congressional District in extending to Virginia Dent and Aurora Gareiss the highest accolades of appreciation and admiration.

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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 142, No. 76