Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, this August, I had the pleasure of attending Thomas Tran's Eagle Scout Court of Honor. Thomas has been actively involved in the Scouts since the third grade when he joined as a cub scout. He quickly climbed the ranks and became an active member of Troop 94, leading the group as their Patrol Leader. Since then, he has earned an impressive 28 merit badges for his hard work and dedication. The proudest moment of Thomas's Scouting journey was his Eagle Scout project where Thomas organized the removal and replacement of an old billboard welcome sign at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8098 in Egg Harbor Township. This massive undertaking demanded 130 hours of his time and the South Jersey community is thankful for his efforts. God Bless Thomas Tran and God Bless the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, today, I honor the 100th birthday of Dorothy Helen Dougherty, a woman of great character and dedication. Dorothy was born on October 7, 1923, and grew up in a loving, multi-generational household in Pennsylvania. After attending secretarial school in Philadelphia and working as a secretary for several years, she married her husband in January 1948. Together, they settled in Ocean City, South Jersey and built a successful residential construction and real estate business while raising three sons. Dorothy remained active in her church and community, and she volunteered in various charitable efforts, including helping the less fortunate through food and clothing donations. Tragically, she lost her husband at 58 but found solace in Lake Worth, Florida, where she became an active member of her church and excelled as a shuffleboard champion. Most importantly, Dorothy's legacy continues through her loving family, including three sons, eight grandchildren, and thirteen great- grandchildren who affectionately know her as ``GiGi.'' So, on Dorothy's 100th birthday, we honor her remarkable life and her enduring impact on her family and community. God Bless Dorothy Dougherty and God Bless the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, today I want to honor the accomplishments of Aiden Inman, Ethan Scattone, and William Will, students at Oakcrest High School who competed in the SIFMA Foundation Capitol Hill Challenge and placed tenth in the Nation. They participated as a part of their Stock Market and Investments class under the guidance of their teacher, Joe Cirigliano and their supervisor Nicole Gazia. This exemplary group of students participated in a 14-week competition where they managed a hypothetical $100,000 online portfolio of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ESG investments, and cash. Out of a student participation of over 6,500 students, Oakcrest placed in the top ten performing teams in the nation. I am incredibly proud of these students and all of their accomplishments, and I can't wait to see the big things they do in the future. God Bless these students and God Bless the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, today, I would like to honor Brian and Kevin Murphy for graduating high school and 8th grade. Brian has graduated from Rustin High School with honors and headed to Penn State University in the fall where he will study Business. Kevin has graduated 8th grade with honors from St. Simon and Jude School. Kevin will continue his journey at Rustin High School next year. Both Brian and Kevin have recently assisted their baseball teams in winning their Championship games. Two amazing young men with incredible futures ahead of them. I know their family is very proud of them, especially their Aunt Allie. God Bless Brian and Kevin and God Bless the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, in April, I had the pleasure of attending the 25th anniversary celebration of Big Sky Aviation in Millville, South Jersey. As a full-service, fixed-base operator, this aviation center provides a valuable and enriching experience to our South Jersey residents through its many services. These services include hangar leasing, aircraft cleaning, jet fueling, pre-purchased inspections, airframe repairs, tie downs, car services, catering, and much more. They also offer personalized flight school programs working directly with students to create a strategy that aligns with their individual needs and objectives. The experienced team of aviation professionals at Big Sky Aviation ensure that your visit to South Jersey is as convenient and enjoyable as possible. I thank all the staff at Big Sky Aviation for sharing their passion for aviation with our South Jersey community for the past 25 years. God Bless Big Sky Aviation, and God Bless our United States of America.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, today, I want to commend the achievements of Eustace Mita, a prominent figure in South Jersey's luxury real estate industry. Mr. Mita serves as Chairman and CEO of Icona Resorts, Chairman of Mita Management, and CEO of Achristavest, all of which have left a significant mark on South Jersey's luxury real estate sector. He founded ICONA Resorts in 2013, quickly establishing a highly regarded brand of luxury hotels in South Jersey, including the top ranked Icona Diamond Beach resort. Currently, ICONA operates seven hotels along the South Jersey shore in Avalon, Cape May, Wildwood Crest, and Spring Lake. Mr. Mita's business ventures extend to high-end luxury home development with Achristavest and strategic investments in local real estate and the automotive sectors through Mita Management. Outside of business, he is a devoted family man to his wife, Susie, and their five children and sixteen grandchildren. He is a respected leader in the Catholic Church's service initiatives and his contributions were recognized by Pope Francis during the 2015 World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia. He also serves as the first lay president of the Papal Foundation, a charity that funds Papal requests for charitable grants and scholarships. It is an honor to celebrate Eustace Mita's contributions to South Jersey's luxury real estate and commitment to community service. His entrepreneurial spirit and dedication have left a lasting impact on our South Jersey community. God Bless Eustice Mita and God Bless the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, today I celebrate the achievements of the Ideal Institute of Technology Class of 2023. Through hard work and dedication, these graduates have achieved an incredible milestone, and they should be incredibly proud of their accomplishments. By choosing the Ideal Institute of Technology, these students allowed themselves to gain real-world experience through the hands-on approach that the Institute is known for. The Institute has ensured their graduates have every tool they need to be successful in this next phase of life. As they take the next step, I know without a doubt these graduates will continue to make our South Jersey community proud.

I extend my sincere congratulations to these graduates and wish them all the best in their future endeavors. God Bless the graduates of Ideal Institute of Technology, and God Bless our United States of America.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, this June, I had the honor of celebrating Gino Martignetti's achievement of the rank of Eagle Scout. Gino joined the Scouts at the age of eleven, beginning as a Tiger Cub Scout and quickly rising through the ranks. After transitioning to the Boy Scouts, Gino continued to thrive with the Scouts, and he has now achieved the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. He is an involved member of the Scouting community having held several leadership positions over the years, including Chaplin's Aide, Den Chief, Assistant Patrol Leader, and Quartermaster. For his Eagle Scout Service Project, Gino generously donated his time and his efforts to build a gaga ball pit for Guardian Angels Regional School in Gibbstown, South Jersey. Gino will be continuing his education at Rowan College of Gloucester County starting this fall where he will be participating in their Physical Therapy Assistant Program.

It is my privilege to recognize his achievements and I wish him the best in all his future endeavors. God Bless Gino Manignetti and God Bless the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, in April, I had the pleasure of attending the Quilt of Valor Ceremony honoring George Cappuccio, a World War II Veteran who served our country as an artilleryman. During the war, he was stationed in Germany, France, and Italy and for each he can recount many harrowing tales. After the war, he moved back to Hammonton to care for his aging parents and has lived there ever since. During the 1950's, George and his brother started a local business called Capp's Greenhouse which was loved by many in the area. Throughout his life, George had a passion for music, giving trumpet and guitar lessons for years as well as a stint as a member of a band. He shared this passion with his wife, Aggie, as the two of them taught dance lessons for members of their community. After celebrating his 102nd birthday this past February, George is now the oldest member of the American F.A. Funston Post 186.

I extend my utmost gratitude for George's service to this country and to his dedication to his South Jersey community. God Bless George Cappuccio, and God Bless our United States of America.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, this April, I had the opportunity to attend Dylan Branca's Eagle Scout Court of Honor. Dylan joined the Boy Scouts in the fifth grade and shortly after achieved the Arrow of Light, the highest honor in Cub Scouts. Once he crossed over into the Boy Scouts, he hit the ground running with his troop, embarking on many adventures such as hiking Mount Washington and Tuckerman's Ravine. One of his most memorable adventures was the twelve-day trip to Philmont Scout Reserve in New Mexico, where Dylan had the opportunity to serve as their ``Leave No Trace'' Guide. For Dylan's Eagle Scout project, he planted lavender in the fields at Reed's farm in Egg Harbor Township. This lavender is now being used to produce different products such as soaps and oils while the fields are simultaneously serving as the location for community yoga classes. Dylan currently studies environmental science at Cedar Creek High School in the Magnet Program while simultaneously earning college credit.

It was a pleasure to attend Dylan's Eagle Scout Court of honor and he should be proud of his scouting achievements. God Bless Dylan, and God Bless our United States of America.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I want to honor the achievements of the Dino-bots, a robotics team who developed a system nicknamed ``The Coolinator''. The Dino-bots recognized that thermo- electric plants require cooling to operate safely and efficiently, but the water used for cooling is returned to its source fifteen degrees warmer than before. They proposed an idea that nuclear power plants using a once-through cooling system build a pipe system that allows the water to journey twenty feet underground where a heat transfer will take place, resulting in a 7.5 degree Fahrenheit cooling on the water exiting the thermo-electric plants back to its source. After consulting with a scientist from NOAA, it was concluded that this proposal would improve biodiversity and result in a major positive impact. The Dino- bots developed this idea while participating in the annual robotics competition hosted by First Lego League and were selected to move on to the Mid Atlantic Innovation Project Competition. The Dino-bots are actively searching for energy solutions for our Nation, and I am very proud of them for all their accomplishments. God Bless the Dino-bots, and God Bless our United States of America.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, it is my pleasure to recognize and honor the illustrious career of Assemblywoman DiAnne Gove who has dedicated her life to serving our South Jersey community. DiAnne's journey began with a strong educational foundation. After graduating from Southern Regional High School, she pursued her passion for teaching, earning degrees in Social Science from Cabrini University and Monmouth University. For an impressive 32 years, she dedicated herself to educating and inspiring students, and her exceptional commitment earned her the well-deserved distinction of High School Teacher of the Year in 1992.

In 1984, DiAnne was appointed to complete the term of a former Commissioner in Long Beach Township. Her dedication and leadership were evident, as she was elected to a full term the following year. DiAnne has also served in various community roles, including as an Eucharistic Minister and Lector at St. Francis parish and as a board member of the Southern Ocean County Hospital and the Ocean County Advisory Committee on the Status of Women. In 2003, DiAnne was called upon once again to serve her community, filling a vacancy as Mayor and Commissioner. She was subsequently elected to a fall term and served as President of the Ocean County Mayor's Association. In 2009, DiAnne's commitment to public service led her to the General Assembly, where she was selected to fill a vacant seat, and was reelected many times since. She is a champion of veteran's issues and she authored the ``Veterans' Business Assistance Act,'', a bill that supports veteran-owned businesses that was signed into law in 2011. Because of her dedication, she has been recognized with awards such as a the Southern Ocean County Women of Achievement award and the VFW Legislator of the Year.

I thank her for her lifelong commitment and service to her community and to the people of South Jersey. God Bless Assemblywoman DiAnne Gove, and God Bless our United States of America.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, today is my honor to bring attention to the courage and strength of Danielle Hong, a woman who fights to bring awareness to Tracheal Bronchial Malacia. At the age of 18, she was diagnosed with asthma after she noticed her lung capacity was quickly deteriorating. After a series of tests and treatment, her condition only seemed to get worse. It wasn't until she visited the professionals at South Jersey Chest Diseases in Hammonton, South Jersey did they discover that she was misdiagnosed. Her illness, Tracheal Bronchial Malacia is commonly mistaken for asthma and because of this, often goes untreated. Following proper treatment, Danielle now has zero airway collapse. Danielle fights every day to bring attention to this pressing medical condition, so others don't have to suffer as she did. Now, she works at a local hospital in South Jersey and continues to educate and bring awareness to our South Jersey community.

I thank her for her public service and dedication to this important issue. God Bless Danielle Hong, and God Bless our United States of America.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, this April, I had the pleasure of attending Cooper Kane's Eagle Scout Court of Honor. Cooper entered scouting at the age of six and immediately felt at home with his troop. He participated in the National Youth Leadership Training through the Scouts which ignited his passion for leadership. He soon after became a staff member and participated in the National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience in New Mexico. For his final step in completing his rank of Eagle Scout, Cooper built a gaga pit, which is an outdoor group ball game, for the Ventnor Middle School students to enjoy. Cooper will be attending the University of Alabama in the fall and will be pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Cooper should be proud of his achievements with the Boy Scouts, and it was my honor to attend his Eagle Scout Court of Honor. God Bless Cooper, and God Bless our United States of America.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, today, I honor the unwavering dedication and remarkable milestones of State Senator Chris Connors throughout his career. His commitment to public service began with his election to the Lacey Township Committee in 1984, followed by his role as Mayor from 1986 to 1990. Senator Connors has also served as Director of the New Jersey Commission on Capital Budgeting and Planning, overseeing the state's capital budget and expenditure plans. Elected to the General Assembly in 1989, Senator Connors has been a champion for his constituents. He was subsequently elected to the Senate in 2007, and his contributions have been recognized through various honors and awards.

During my time as a state legislator, I had collaborated with Senator Chris Connors on several practical initiatives, such as establishing the Coastal New Jersey Evacuation Task Force to enhance the preparedness of coastal communities for natural disasters. Additionally, we fought diligently to secure South Jersey representation on the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, the governing body responsible for overseeing the Garden State Parkway.

In addition to his political career, Senator Connors is an accomplished attorney, and he

remains a dedicated family man, married to his wife Deborah since 1979, and together they have two children. Senator Christopher J. Connors' unwavering dedication, notable achievements, and commitment to serving his community make him a true role model. Let us express our utmost respect and appreciation for his remarkable public service. God Bless Senator Chris Connors, and God Bless our United States of America.