Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Amity Township Crime Watch as the organization celebrates its 25th anniversary.

Since its founding in 1985, Amity Township Crime Watch has been a valuable crime-prevention resource for residents and businesses concerned for the protection of their homes and property. Known as the ``eyes and ears'' of Amity Township, Crime Watch has organized patrols, trained residents on how to recognize and report possible criminal activity and supported local law enforcement by providing supplemental funding for equipment and other items.

Thanks to extremely dedicated and hard-working volunteers and the outstanding support of the Police Department and Board of Supervisors, Amity Township Crime Watch has demonstrated the positive impact engaged citizens can have in keeping their community safe and making Amity Township a great place to live, work and raise a family.

Volunteers, residents, law enforcement and others will celebrate the 25th anniversary on Saturday, September 25, 2010 at Saint Paul's Lutheran Church in Douglassville, Berks County, Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in congratulating the volunteers and supporters of Amity Township Crime Watch as they commemorate this memorable milestone and in extending best wishes for continued success in preventing crime and serving the community.

Madam Speaker, Lynn T. Greer started his career with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1975 working briefly as a Substitute Teacher and Youth Program Coordinator, and then for the Governor's Office of Budget and Administration in Philadelphia. His tenure with the Department of Transportation began in 1979 where he worked in the CETA Program and Equal Opportunity Development in the District, eventually moving on to an Assistant County Maintenance Manager Trainee position in the Delaware County Maintenance Organization.

In 1983, Lynn transferred to the Montgomery County Maintenance Organization where he supervised night operations on the Schuylkill Expressway for several years as a Highway Foreman.

In 1986, Lynn became an Assistant County Maintenance Manager with the Philadelphia County Maintenance Organization, where he served the Department for twenty years in that capacity, which included External Focus Manager for Agility. In 2006, Lynn became the County Maintenance Manager for Philadelphia, where he has served for the past four years.

Lynn holds a Master's Degree in Sports Administration from Temple University, a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration from Virginia State University, where he was on the ``Dean's List,'' and an Associate Degree in Computer Programming from Camden County College, receiving the ``Secretary's Award for Excellence''.

Lynn is looking forward to spending his well-earned retirement spending time with his family, being involved as an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, coaching basketball in the greater Philadelphia area, playing tennis as a member of the Philadelphia Tennis Team, for which he has competed nationally, and of course, traveling.

Lynn's lovely family includes his wife of 33 years, Alma, son, Lynn II, daughter Kelli, and grandson, Lynn III.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Congregation of Great Valley Presbyterian Church in Tredyffrin Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania as they celebrate the Church's 300th anniversary.

Recognized as the second-oldest Presbyterian church in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, services originally were held in homes of various members. Rev. Malachi Jones delivered the first sermon in 1714 from a wooden pulpit inside the rough log cabin held together by iron nails forged on site and with windows made from imported glass.

Organized more than 65 years before our nation declared its independence from Great

Britain, Great Valley aided America's Revolutionary War effort by providing supplies to help troops encamped at nearby Valley Forge survive the brutal winter of 1777-1778.

While the Church and the area surrounding it has evolved immeasurably since the days when farmers and their families worshiped in a ``little country church,'' the tremendous commitment to nurturing the spiritual growth of members and strengthening the bonds between neighbors and families has remained constant.

A worship service to give thanks for 300 years of faith and service will conclude the Church's tercentennial celebration on Sunday, September 19, 2010.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in congratulating the Congregation of Great Valley Presbyterian Church as they commemorate this memorable milestone and in extending best wishes for continued success and growth.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a dedicated public servant who is retiring after a 40-year career as a rural carrier with the Glenmoore Post Office in Chester County, Pennsylvania.

G. Irene Snyder started her career as a part-time carrier, serving residents in the Ludwig's Corner and Nantmeal Township areas. In a testament to her tireless work ethic, Irene held jobs as a bus driver and attendant at Ludwig's Gas Station in addition to her part-time mail delivery duties.

She started delivering mail full-time in 1981 and earned a reputation among her co-workers as loyal, dedicated and committed to the U.S. Postal Service and the residents on her route. Irene was always willing to lend a helping hand at work and at her church, Nantmeal Methodist, where she served as an organist, and still found time for farming on her property in Honey Brook.

Colleagues and friends will celebrate Irene's four decades of service and wish her well in retirement during a reception on July 1, 2010.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in praising the outstanding service of G. Irene Snyder and all public servants who go beyond what is expected to serve their communities.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 200th anniversary of the oldest, continuously operating steel mill in the United States located in Coatesville, Chester County, Pennsylvania.

During the last two centuries, men and women of great character, tremendous ingenuity and bold leadership have contributed to the longevity and success of Coatesville's iron and steel industry, which helped sustain a community and fueled America's growth and prosperity.

The steel mill that Isaac Pennock established on the banks of the Brandywine River in the early 19th Century developed into an industrial complex that housed the world's largest plate mill thanks to the efforts of Dr. Charles Lukens, Rebecca Lukens and several generations of leaders. Today, the world's largest steel producer, ArcelorMittal, operates the facility and employs 820 men and women there.

The plant is responsible for several historically significant achievements. Rebecca Lukens is recognized as America's first female chief executive officer. In addition, the rolling plates for the Cordorus, the first iron-hulled vessel, and the Nautilus, the first nuclear submarine, were manufactured at the facility. More recently, the ``steel trees'' from the World Trade Center, which stood tall after the September 11, 2001 attack, returned home to Coatesville where they were manufactured.

Dedicated employees with work ethics as strong as the steel plates they forge also have been integral to the success of the plant. These highly-skilled and extremely motivated workers have helped the industry adapt from an era of steam locomotives and iron-hulled vessels to an era of nuclear submarines and specialty steel products.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in honoring the 200th anniversary of the iron and steel industry in the City of Coatesville and recognizing the exemplary effort of employees, past and present, to produce world-class products and an enduring legacy for the City.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 200th anniversary of the iron and steel industry in the City of Coatesville, Chester County, Pennsylvania.

During the last two centuries, men and women of great character, tremendous ingenuity and bold leadership have contributed to the longevity and success of an industry, which helped sustain a community and fueled America's growth and prosperity.

The steel mill that Isaac Pennock established on the banks of the Brandywine River in the early 19th Century developed into an industrial complex that housed the world's largest plate mill thanks to the efforts of Dr. Charles Lukens, Rebecca Lukens and several generations of Lukens descendants. Dedicated employees, all with a work ethic as strong as the steel plates they forge, also have been integral to the industry's success. These highly-skilled and extremely motivated workers have helped the industry adapt from an era of steam locomotives and iron-hulled vessels to an era of nuclear submarines and specialty steel.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in honoring the 200th anniversary of the iron and steel industry in the City of Coatesville and recognizing the exemplary work of The Graystone Society, which has meticulously chronicled and preserved the iron and steel industry's rich history in the City.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Boy Scout Troop 1 of Paoli, Chester County as they celebrate their 99th anniversary.

Generation after generation, the Scouts of Troop 1 have developed and exhibited exemplary character, values and leadership skills and have volunteered thousands of hours to clean up streams, build parks and take on countless other projects aimed at improving the quality of life throughout the Paoli area. As a result, the Troop has established itself as one of the premiere Scouting programs in the Nation.

A major reason the tradition of Scouting has thrived in Paoli and throughout the Nation is due to dedicated volunteers and Troop alumni, who graciously commit countless hours and endless effort to mentoring young men in their communities.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in congratulating Boy Scout Troop 1 on reaching this very special milestone and offering best wishes for continued success in mentoring generations of local youth and building a stronger community and Nation.

Madam Speaker, unfortunately, on Monday, June 14, 2010, I missed three recorded votes on the House floor. I ask that the Record reflect that had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on Rollcall 355, ``yea'' on Rollcall 356 and ``yea'' on Rollcall 357.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Boy Scout Troop 58 of Phoenixville, Chester County as they celebrate their 75th anniversary.

Chartered by the Knights of Columbus #1374, Troop 58 is the oldest Scouting organization serving the youth of Phoenixville.

The Troop has enriched the lives of several generations of boys and young men through activities geared toward building character, developing leadership skills and instilling a commitment to serving others.

In 1955, the Troop established a Dive and Rescue Unit with the help of Friendship Fire Company in the Borough and Scouts have received training from members of the Philadelphia Police Harbor Patrol.

The success of the Troop can be attributed to the dedicated volunteers and Troop alumni who graciously commit countless hours to area youth and the organization. The outstanding effort has resulted in 37 scouts earning their Eagle Scout Badges.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in congratulating Boy Scout Troop 58 on reaching this very special milestone and offering best wishes for continued success in mentoring generations of local youth and building a stronger community and nation.

Madam Speaker, unfortunately, on Tuesday, June 8, 2010, I missed two recorded votes on the House floor. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on Rollcall 337 and ``yea'' on Rollcall 338.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the patrons, staff and Board of Trustees of the Spring City Library in Chester County as they celebrate the Library's 100th anniversary.

During the last century, the Library has remained true to the core mission of encouraging and fostering the spirit of self-improvement envisioned by its forefathers in the Spring City Literary and Library Association.

While the Library has changed locations and the collection and services offered have increased tremendously, the commitment to serving the public remains just as strong today as when the doors first opened. Whether you want to read a best-seller, rent a movie, use the Internet or send your child to a Story Time program, the Spring City Library is a tremendous asset to the community and has played an important role in making Spring City a great place to live, work and raise a family.

Friends and supporters of the Spring City Library will celebrate the 100th anniversary on Wednesday, June 2, 2010.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in congratulating the Spring City Library as it commemorates this memorable milestone and in offering the patrons, staff and Board of Trustees best wishes for continued success.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Oleh Shamshur for his distinguished service as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the United States.

Since his appointment in December 2005, Ambassador Shamshur has worked tirelessly and effectively to strengthen the strategic partnership between Ukraine and the United States. As Co-Chairman of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus, I have had the honor of partnering with him on issues affecting Ukraine as well as the Ukrainian American community in Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Specifically, Ambassador Shamshur played an important role in the lifting the Jackson-Vanick trade restrictions, which has benefitted the U.S. and Ukraine by opening new markets and expanded opportunities for entrepreneurs and job creators in both nations.

This month, Ambassador Shamshur will be leaving his post to pursue new opportunities of his own. Friends and colleagues will honor his accomplishments during a dinner on May 26, 2010 at the Metropolitan Club of the City of Washington.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing Ambassador Oleh Shamshur for his exemplary service and valuable contributions to strengthening the ties between the United States and Ukraine and in extending best wishes for continued success in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the owners and employees of James Spring & Wire Company of Frazer, Chester County as they celebrate the Company's 50th anniversary.

Company founder Richard James may be best known for turning a simple, high-tension spring into ``a wonderful toy'' that, as the jingle said, was ``fun for a girl or a boy.'' The toy James created is the Slinky.

In 1960, the current owners of James Spring & Wire bought the Company and built it into a leading manufacturer of custom springs, wire and strip forms and stampings. The Company's success over the last half- century is no doubt the result of exemplary leadership and entrepreneurial vision combined with highly-skilled and hard-working employees.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in congratulating the owners and employees of James Spring & Wire Company on reaching this memorable milestone and recognizing the important role small businesses such as this one play in making Chester County and all of Southeastern Pennsylvania a great place to live, work and raise a family.

Madam Speaker, unfortunately, on Tuesday, May 18, 2010, I missed three recorded votes on the House floor. I ask that the Record reflect that had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall 273, ``yea'' on rollcall 274 and ``yea'' on rollcall 275.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Alfred P. Gerhardt, Jr., as his one-year term as Eastern Vice Commander of the Pennsylvania Department of the American Legion draws to a close.

Vice Commander Gerhardt has served with honor and demonstrated tremendous leadership for the approximately 50,000 veterans residing in the Legion's Eastern District. He exemplified the Legion's core principle of continued devotion to fellow service members and veterans with his efforts in coordinating the distribution of Christmas gifts to veterans in the Coatesville and Philadelphia Veterans Administration Hospitals.

Friends, supporters and fellow Legionnaires will thank Commander Gerhardt for his service during a testimonial dinner on Saturday May 15, 2010 at the Honey Brook Fire Company.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing the outstanding service and exemplary leadership that Alfred P. Gerhardt, Jr., has provided to veterans and service members as Eastern Vice Commander of the Pennsylvania Department of the American Legion and in offering our heartiest congratulations on the successful completion of his one-year term.