A Tribute to Norma Cirino

A TRIBUTE TO NORMA CIRINO -- (Extensions of Remarks - July 15, 2004)

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Norma Cirino in recognition of her public service and volunteer efforts to strengthen the community.

Norma has worked for the New York City Department of Probation for five years. In this short time, she has made an unforgettable mark on the Department and the East New York community. She was born and raised in East New York.

Norma is well known in her "home neighborhood" of East New York. She attends all of the 75th Precinct Council, Community Board #5, and Cabinet meetings. She serves on several boards of community organizations. In 2000, she created the annual Department of Probation "East New York Family Day." This event gathers law enforcement, elected officials and community residents at Thomas Jefferson Field for a great day of family fun. This event has drawn over 1,000 participants each year. More than 150 sponsors and many community organizations have made this event possible at no cost to the public. Norma has also developed "Afternoon with Santa." This event is held during the Christmas season and involves probation officers reading stories and distributing toys to the children of the Cypress Hills Housing Development.

Norma consistently conducts community outreach and develops affiliations with community organizations and residents. Hundreds of East New Yorkers have been employed, received health services or educational opportunities through referrals received from Norma.

Norma has linked community-based organizations to community service work, crews. The work performed by these crews has improved the quality of life in East New York. She has also increased the community's voice in the criminal justice system by helping people report crimes and connecting them with criminal justice services. Finally, she has helped change the community's perception of law enforcement through her affiliation with the U.S. Department of Justice's Weed and Seed program.

Norma graduated from Maxwell High School. She takes pride in the East New York community where she lives with her daughter Stephanie, who is the light of her eyes. Her sisters, Lydia and Rosa, her brother, Anthony, all of her nieces and nephews, and her mother live in the community as well.

Mr. Speaker, Norma Cirino has dedicated her time to improving the community through both her professional and volunteer efforts. As such, she is more than worthy of receiving our recognition today and I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this truly remarkable person.