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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E318]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING SYLVIA LASK
______
HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL
of new york
in the house of representatives
Monday, March 18, 2019
Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, it is my great and distinct privilege to
honor one of my dearest friends, the incomparable Sylvia Lask, as she
celebrated her 85th birthday this year on February 25th.
Born in 1934 to Vera Lask and Max Lask, Sylvia was one of three
children in the family, which included her brothers Ronald and Robert.
She grew up in Detroit, Michigan and later moved to New York City,
where she became certified as a dietician. Sylvia and I first met when
we were both living in Co-op City. I had knocked on her door while
gathering petition signatures, and she began asking me all kinds of
questions pertinent to both our community and the political world.
After we had a long chat, I asked if she was a member of the local
political club, and suggested she join us at the next meeting. She did,
and we became fast friends.
Sylvia and I were both heavily involved in the club's work from there
on out. She went on to serve as Democratic State Committee Person, was
also a delegate at two democratic conventions, for Ted Kennedy and Bill
Clinton.
Sylvia is a fierce advocate for her community and always a strong
voice on the issue of mental health. Her lobbying trips to Albany have
become the stuff of legend. Among other things, her efforts led to the
passage of the Mental Health in Education Act, which requires Mental
Health to be taught in all public schools in New York State. Even at
85, Sylvia still makes those weekly trips to Albany and continues her
advocacy work on behalf of the Mental Health Association in New York
State (MHANYS).
When not saving the world, Sylvia enjoys listening to folk music--
specifically The Weavers, Pete Seeger and Peter Paul and Mary--and
taking long strolls. Her spirit is indomitable; she never sits down,
never spends too much time celebrating a victory, and is always
planning the next steps needed to advance patient rights. Sylvia's
drive has always been fueled in large part by her family and friends.
She was married to Sam Hershkowitz and has two beautiful children,
Vicki and Marc, and one grandchild, Ron. They are the light in Sylvia's
life.
Madam Speaker, I count myself fortunate every day to know Sylvia
Lask, and I'm not alone in feeling that way about such a special
individual. Her list of friends, from elected officials to community
activists and everyone in between, is too long to list. She has done
incredible work to help the people of New York over many decades, and
her contributions cannot be overstated.
Sylvia is like a family member to me and my entire family. I am so
honored to recognize her achievements, and I am so thankful to have her
in my life.
____________________