Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, last week, I had the pleasure of attending the 2022 Cape May County Fair, which is a major fundraising effort for the 4-H Foundation, the largest youth development program in America. The 4-H Foundation in South Jersey supports young people from elementary school through high school by providing programs that are designed to shape leadership and innovation skills. This foundation collects donations and contributions, as well as operates and supervises various fundraising and business enterprises. The 4-H Foundation truly creates wonderful opportunities and community-wide benefits for our nation's youth. Everyone involved in this organization should be proud of their contributions to South Jersey, and it was my honor to attend the Cape May County 4-H Fair. God Bless the 4-H Foundation, and God Bless our America.

Madam Speaker, I would like to honor the many accomplishments of Joseph ``Buddy'' Matise, a lifelong Hammonton, South Jersey resident. Buddy married his wife, Josephine, over 60 years ago and raised 2 children with her in South Jersey. In addition to being a family man, he is a World War II Navy veteran. Buddy fought in the Pacific Theater on the USS Norman Scott from 1943 to 1945 and fought for his country in many World War II battles. Buddy should be proud of his brave service to our great nation, and it is an honor to be able to recognize him for his sacrifices and courage. God Bless Buddy, and God Bless our United States of America.

Madam Speaker, last month, I had the pleasure of attending Ryan Cybulski's (Si-bull-ski) Eagle Scout Court of Honor. In September of 2010, Ryan joined Mantua Pack 45 Cub Scouts and worked his way up the ranks to eventually earn the rank of Eagle Scout. For his Eagle Scout project, Ryan approached the Mantua Township Fire Chief and formulated a plan to build a hose bed training aid for the fire station. His project benefits the fire department by allowing the firefighters to practice using a fire hose without having to take the hose off one of the fire trucks. Ryan should be proud of his contribution to the Mantua Township Fire Department, and it was my honor to attend his Eagle Scout ceremony. God Bless Ryan, and God Bless our United States of America.

Madam Speaker, last week, I had the pleasure of attending Thomas Fisher's Eagle Scout Court of Honor. To achieve this prestigious rank, Thomas has been an active member of the Scouting program in South Jersey for many years. He earned 21 Merit badges and served his troop in various leadership positions. For his Eagle Scout project, Thomas designed and constructed a foot bridge at the Egg Harbor Township Nature Reserve. This bridge is a fantastic addition to the Reserve and Thomas should be proud of his service to the Egg Harbor Township community. God Bless Thomas, and God Bless our America.

Madam Speaker, last week, I had the pleasure of attending Nicholas Luciano's (Lu-see-ah-no) Eagle Scout Court of Honor. Nicholas achieved the Eagle Scout rank as a part of Troop 26. Throughout his scouting career, he earned 21 Merit Badges and served his troop in a variety of leadership roles. For his Eagle Scout project, Nicholas built and rehabilitated planters at the Estell Manor Park in Atlantic County, which is home to a large diversity of plants and animals. This young man should be proud of his accomplishments, and it was my honor to have had the opportunity to recognize him for his service to South Jersey. God Bless Nicholas, and God Bless our United States of America.

Madam Speaker, last week, I had the pleasure of attending Nathan Mangold's Eagle Scout Court of Honor. Nathan is a recent graduate of Cedar Creek High School Class of 2022 and has plans to continue his education at a University in the fall. During his time as a scout, he earned 21 Merit

Badges and held numerous leadership positions. For his Eagle Scout project, Nathan constructed osprey nests at the Atlantic City Yacht Club In Pleasantville, South Jersey. These nests will provide ospreys with a place to nest upon and help to boost the endangered species' population. Nathan should be proud of his efforts to conserve the wildlife of South Jersey. God Bless Nathan, and God Bless our United States of America.

Madam Speaker, last month, I had the pleasure of attending Jack Notarfrancesco's (No-tar-fran-sis-co) Eagle Scout Court of Honor. Jack is a scout in Troop 55 in Somers Point, South Jersey. For his Eagle Scout project, he built and constructed a chicken coop for the Funny Farm Animal Rescue in Mays Landing, South Jersey. This chicken coop will create a home for unwanted chickens, who may have otherwise been euthanized. Jack should be proud of his project and donation to the Funny Farm Animal Rescue, and it was my pleasure to attend his Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony. God Bless Jack, and God Bless our America.

Madam Speaker, this month, I had the honor of attending Matthew Markee's Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony. Matthew graduated from Cape May County Technical High School and obtained his Eagle Scout ranking as a part of Troop 65 in Cape May Court House. For his Eagle Scout project, Matthew restored the Cape May County Park South pavilion in Villas, South Jersey. Before Matthew's project, the pavilion had paint peeling off and a leaking roof. To remedy the issue, Matthew removed the old tar paper and roof shingles from the pavilion and replaced them himself. He also painted and cleaned up the pavilion, restoring it to original condition. Matthew completed the repairs, gained the funding for the project, and recruited volunteers for the project on his own. He should be very proud of his service to South Jersey and Park South, and I wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors. God Bless Matthew, and God Bless our United States of America.

Madam Speaker, last Sunday, I had the honor of attending the Olympiad at Beth Israel congregation in remembrance of the 50-year anniversary of the Munich massacre. Jacob Lewis was nominated to receive the Olympiad Student Athlete Award at the event. Jacob is the Valedictorian of Millville High School's Class of 2022, which has a total of 378 students. As well as excelling in academics, he is also involved in many extra-curricular activities. Jacob is a student-athlete who earned eight varsity letters on both the boys' soccer and tennis teams. In the fall, he will continue his academic and athletic careers at the University of Pennsylvania. Jacob should be very proud of all his accomplishments, and I wish him the best of luck in all his future endeavors. God Bless Jacob, and God Bless our United States of America.

Madam Speaker, last month, I had the pleasure of attending Irene Jacobson's 105th birthday celebration. Irene was born in April of 1917 in Boston, Massachusetts. After completing secretarial courses at Boston schools, she began her career as a secretary. Then, in 1937, Irene was set up on a blind date where she met her husband, Simon. In June of 1939, Irene and Simon got married and eventually had three children. During her time as a stay-at-home mom, Irene began her first volunteer effort where she worked on John F. Kennedy's first political campaign. In 1961, Irene and Simon moved their family to Vineland, South Jersey, where they made many friends, were actively involved in their synagogue, and generously contributed to the South Jersey community. In 2010, Irene won the Nutrition Award through my Joint Legislative Commendation efforts during my time in the New Jersey State Senate. Additionally, in 2017, she was recognized by the Cumberland County Freeholders for her service. Currently, Irene is a member of The Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Vineland and the Alliance Synagogue in Norma. She also enjoys spending time with family, reading, watching movies, and word puzzles. Irene should be proud of her service to the South Jersey community, and it was my honor to have had the opportunity to attend her birthday celebration. God Bless Irene, and God Bless our United States of America.

Madam Speaker, this month, I had the honor of attending Dawson Moore's Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony. Dawson graduated from Middle Township High School last year and is a part of Cape May Court House's Troop 65. For his Eagle Scout project, he refurbished the Goshen Therapeutic riding ring at the Cape May County equestrian facility, which allows participants to experience the benefits of horseback riding while working on their own personal challenges. Dawson replaced the fencing around the riding ring, which was in desperate need of repair. He should be proud of his project, and it was my honor to recognize him for his service to the South Jersey community. I wish Dawson the best of luck on his future endeavors. God Bless Dawson, and God Bless our United States of America.

Madam Speaker, last Sunday, I had the honor of attending the Olympiad at Beth Israel congregation in remembrance of the 50-year anniversary of the Munich massacre. Gianna Trexler was nominated to receive an Olympiad Award at the event. Gianna is an early college high school student who recently graduated from Rowan College with an associate degree in Liberal Arts. In addition to her liberal arts studies, she is also a biomedical sciences academy student. Gianna is a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and the Science National Honor Society. While at Cumberland Regional High School, she was a member of multiple clubs and also was a ``senior mentor,'' who helped underclassmen with the transition from middle school into high school. Additionally, Gianna was a part of the field hockey and tennis teams and earned varsity letters in softball and swimming. She was awarded with a Presidential Merit Scholarship from Delaware Valley University, where she will continue her studies in Large Animal Science and Pre-Veterinary medicine, as well as play softball. Gianna should be proud of her many accomplishments, and I wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors. God Bless Gianna, and God Bless our America.

Madam Speaker, last Sunday, I had the honor of attending the Olympiad at Beth Israel congregation in remembrance of the 50-year anniversary of the Munich massacre. Angel Smith of Bridgeton High School was nominated to receive the Olympiad Student Athlete Award at the event. Angel is a committed student-athlete, who earned varsity letters in basketball, cross country, and football. Additionally, he was named First Team All-Conference in basketball for both his junior and senior year seasons. As well as his athletic achievements, Angel excelled in academics. He will continue both his academic and athletic career in the fall at Rowan College where he will study engineering technology and play basketball. Angel truly led by example at Bridgeton High School, and I wish

him the best of luck at Rowan College. God Bless Angel, and God Bless our United States of America.

Madam Speaker, this month, I had the honor of attending Ryan Mathis' Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony. Ryan graduated from Cape May County Technical High School last year and was a part of their welding program, where he became a certified welder. He achieved his Eagle Scout rank as a part of Cape May Court House Troop 65. For his Eagle Scout project, Ryan built a flag box for retired American flags. He designed the box himself and created it from a sheet of steel, utilizing his welding skills. Ryan placed the retired flag box at the American Legion in Cape May Court House. Ryan should be proud of his project and his service to Cape May Court House and the entire South Jersey community. I wish him the best of luck in all of his future endeavors. God Bless Ryan, and God Bless our United States of America.

Madam Speaker, last Sunday, l had the honor of attending the Olympiad at Beth Israel congregation in remembrance of the 50-year anniversary of the Munich massacre. Ryan Russo was nominated to receive the Olympiad Student Athlete Award at the event. Ryan is an impressive student-athlete who excelled in the classroom, in the pool, and on the track at Vineland High School. During his senior year season, he suffered an injury that restricted him from playing. However, Ryan remained positive and committed to his teams. He is a true leader and an ambassador for his community, school, and his teams, serving as a role model for many underclassmen. Ryan should be very proud of his contributions to the Vineland High School community, and I am glad that I was able to meet him at the event last weekend. God Bless Ryan, and God Bless our America.