Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a dedicated public servant from Chester County, Pennsylvania has retired after a 35-year career with the West Whiteland Township Police Department.

Lieutenant Claude A. ``Friz'' Frisbie was among the first police officers hired when West Whiteland established its department in 1974. After courageously serving his country during two tours in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division, Lieutenant Frisbie was eager to play a leading role in the newly-formed West Whiteland department.

He supervised the Patrol Division and directed operations, coordinated training, and provided scheduling for four patrol teams. One of Lieutenant Frisbie's first initiatives was creating a Traffic Unit to address the substantial traffic issues in the Township and to better serve its citizens.

Lieutenant Frisbie's valor and professionalism in the line of duty have earned him several Commendations of Merit, Heroism and Bravery. He also has earned the respect of his peers and served as mentor and source of inspiration to younger officers.

Lieutenant Frisbie's remarkable career and accomplishments will be celebrated on Friday, July 17, 2009 during a dinner at the Downingtown Country Club.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in praising the outstanding service of Lieutenant Claude A. Frisbie, and all those who take an oath to serve and protect their communities.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding the earmark I received as part of H.R. 2997, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2010.

Rodale Institute, Kutztown PA--$349,000 for crop-rotation research to improve air, soil and water quality.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an outstanding southeastern Pennsylvania manufacturer celebrating its 100th anniversary.

Johnson Matthey Inc. was officially incorporated on June 30, 1909 and has grown from a platinum works shop in Philadelphia to a thriving business that employs approximately 8,700 workers at operations in more than 30 countries. The company's North America headquarters is in Wayne, Pennsylvania and several plants operate throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Johnson Matthey focuses on catalysis, precious metals, fine chemicals and process technology. While the company's roots extend back to the 19th Century, Johnson Matthey has continued to develop its technology, demonstrating the company's ability to maintain world leadership by adapting constantly to rapidly changing customer needs. While adhering to rigorous environmental standards itself, Johnson Matthey products have contributed greatly to a cleaner environment and have enhanced the quality of life for millions of people around the world.

Throughout the week of June 30, 2009, Johnson Matthey management, employees, affiliate companies, parent company, and communities will commemorate the company's centennial.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in congratulating everyone at Johnson Matthey for reaching this memorable milestone and in wishing the company continued success in creating jobs and improving the quality of life across the globe.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 2996, Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2010.

City of Reading Wastewater Treatment Plant, Reading PA--$500,000 for upgrades to address environmental issues as required by Department of Justice Consent Decree.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Rita S. Jones who is retiring as superintendent of Great Valley School District in Chester County, Pennsylvania after faithfully serving more than 39 years as a dedicated teacher and outstanding administrator.

Dr. Jones started her distinguished career in a third-grade classroom in Johnstown, Ohio in 1971. She came to Pennsylvania in 1978 as assistant superintendent/director of special projects in the Downingtown School District and then became superintendent in the Daniel Boone School District in 1986. For the last 16 years, Dr. Jones has served as superintendent at Great Valley.

Dr. Jones has earned the respect of parents, teachers and staff for her excellent leadership and contagious optimism while challenging teachers and students to work hard and maximize their potential. Fellow educators throughout the state recognized Dr. Jones' commitment to a high standard of educational excellence in 1998 when she was named Pennsylvania Superintendent of the Year.

After the school day ended, Dr. Jones continued serving her community by giving her time and talents to the Brandywine Branch of the American Red Cross, The March of Dimes, Chester County Futures and several other professional and civic organizations.

Colleagues and friends will celebrate her wonderful career on Monday, June 22, 2009 during a dinner at The Desmond Hotel and Conference Center in Malvern.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in honoring Dr. Rita S. Jones for her 39 years of distinguished service as a teacher and administrator and recognizing her unwavering commitment to educational excellence.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 2847, the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2010.

Alvernia University, Reading PA--$470,000 to form a partnership with the Reading Police Academy, and create a high-tech laboratory, which will be used by the Academy to train police officers and criminal justice students in investigation techniques for white collar, internet and cyber crime.

Berks County Emergency Response Team, Exeter Township, PA--$350,000 to buy armored vehicle and other equipment to provide safe approach to dangerous scenes.

Cabrini College, Radnor PA--$100,000 for a project that will focus on the impact of domestic violence on children and ways that school personnel can help provide support to students affected by domestic abuse.

Police Athletic League of Norristown, Norristown PA--$90,000 to support the continued delivery of programs to youth ages 5-18 through the Norristown PAL Center.

St. Joseph's University, Philadelphia, PA--$200,000 requested to support and develop an interdisciplinary approach to dealing with crisis violence and create a state-of-the-art strategy for violence prevention in the communities of Pennsylvania.

Spring Township Police, Reading PA--$90,000 for video cameras for each of the department's patrol vehicles.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a pioneer of private education who has provided 25 years of faithful service to the students, families and staff at Coventry Christian Schools in Pottstown, Pennsylvania.

Mark E. Neihls started planning a preschool and registered Christian school in 1983, pouring amazing amounts of energy into fulfilling his vision of providing a world-class education to students in Montgomery, Chester and Berks Counties.

Coventry Christian was incorporated in 1984 and opened with seven preschool students taught by two volunteer teachers. Thanks to Mr. Neihls' outstanding leadership as superintendent, the School has grown to more than 400 students in preschool through 12th grade and has more than 50 employees on two campuses.

Mr. Neihls earned the respect of students, teachers and their families by refusing a paycheck for 19 years while, at the same time, often working six days a week and being available to students well beyond regular school hours

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in honoring Mark E. Neihls for his 25 years of humble service as founder and superintendent of Coventry Christian Schools and recognizing his unwavering commitment to a high standard of educational excellence in a Christian setting.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Helmuth J.H. Baerwald who is retiring after faithfully serving the residents, businesses and elected officials of East Norriton Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania for 32 years.

Mr. Baerwald's distinguished career of public service to East Norriton started in May 1977 when he became the Township's Finance Officer and Assistant Manager. A little more than three years later, he was appointed Township Manager and Secretary/Treasurer.

Evidence of Mr. Baerwald's outstanding leadership during the last four decades abounds. He was instrumental in the building of a Veterans Memorial at Old Stanbridge Street and Germantown Pike. He was a driving force in establishing a sister city program between East Norriton and Treptow-Kopenick, Germany. And his prudent investment and management practices helped the Township acquire a 35-acre municipal complex, including the Township offices, storage facility and highway department garage.

Mr. Baerwald earned the respect of his peers and elected officials with his sharp administrative skills, which have been invaluable as the Township has grown. In addition to serving the Township, Mr. Baerwald selflessly gave his time to several organizations, including the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors and the Montgomery County Association of Township Officials.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing the outstanding service and extraordinary career of Helmuth J. H. Baerwald and all who dedicate their careers to serving the public.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Knights of Columbus, Light of Christ Council 8726, for its 25 years of outstanding charitable work and dedicated service to three parishes in western Berks County, Pennsylvania.

Since its founding in June 1984 at the St. Ignatius Loyola Parish, Council 8726 has grown to more than 200 members committed to nurturing spiritual growth and a tremendous desire to help anyone in need.

The members' selfless service has included financial backing and volunteer work in support of St. Mary's Shelter for single mothers, a Veterans Memorial monument in Whitfield, a Special Olympics basketball tournament, and weekend soup kitchens that feed hundreds who would otherwise go hungry in the Reading area.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in congratulating the Knights of Columbus, Light of Christ Council 8726, upon its 25th Anniversary and recognizing the exemplary efforts of the Council's members in serving and supporting Berks County churches, communities and charities.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to be removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 1346. My name was added in error.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a tremendous friend of the people of Ukraine and the Ukrainian-American community, who is to be honored this coming Sunday, May 17, 2009.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Downingtown Area Senior Center as it celebrates 35 years of outstanding service to senior citizens in Chester County, Pennsylvania.

The extremely hard-working and exceptionally dedicated staff at the Center provides an array of positive and informative programs that allow seniors to make new friends, enrich their lives and remain engaged in the community.

Madam Speaker, the Downingtown Area Senior Center will celebrate its 35th anniversary on Friday, May 15th, 2009, and I ask that my colleagues join me today in honoring the Center for reaching this special milestone and recognizing the valuable contributions the Center provides in improving the quality of life for the Downingtown area's senior citizens.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a proud southeastern Pennsylvania community celebrating its 150th anniversary.

The Borough of Downingtown was incorporated 1859 thanks to the foresight and leadership of 54 citizens and landowners residing on approximately 1,500 acres, which were part of a land grant from King Charles II of England to Pennsylvania's namesake, William Penn.

Originally known as Milltown prior to the formal establishment of the Borough, the village was an important stop for merchants and others traveling between Philadelphia and Lancaster on our nation's first turnpike. Due to its proximity to Philadelphia, the Borough played a prominent role in our young nation's fight for independence by serving as a storage depot for General George Washington's Continental Army. Water from the East Branch of the Brandywine Creek powered paper mills and fueled industrial growth in the Borough well into the 20th Century. Although the mills have long since closed and might be considered relics of the past, the sturdy stone structures are being rehabilitated and viewed by elected officials and business leaders as an important part of the Borough's future.

Residents, businesses and community leaders will commemorate the 150th Anniversary on Saturday, May 16, 2009 with a celebration parade through the Borough.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in honoring the Borough of Downingtown on reaching this amazing milestone and congratulating all of those whose tremendous community spirit that have made the Borough a special place to live, work and raise a family.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Chester County Council of the Boy Scouts of America as the organization celebrates the Centennial Anniversary of the founding of the Boy Scouts of America. The Chester County Council has 17,200 Scouts and volunteers, and more than 111 million young people throughout the country have participated in the 100 years since the Boy Scouts of America was established. Generation after generation of Scouts 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 Chester County and our great nation. In addition to providing a helping hand, Scouting instills critical leadership skills and timeless values such as patriotism, courage and self-reliance. A major reason the tradition of scouting has thrived during the past

century is due to dedicated volunteers and troop alumni, who graciously commit countless hours and endless effort to mentoring youth in their communities.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in honoring The Chester County Council as they commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the founding of the Boy Scouts and in recognizing the organization's vital role in building future generations of leaders.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Daniel Torres Hispanic Center of Reading and Berks County on its 40th Anniversary and to honor the non-profit organization for its commitment to serving the region's growing Latino population.

Thanks to an extremely dedicated and hard-working staff, the Center serves more than 15,000 people in the community each year and offers about 20 diverse, high-quality programs.

These programs range from providing hot meals for students after school in the Kid's Cafe to cultivating future community leaders through the Leadership Institute to a thriving Senior Center where older members of the community socialize, share a meal and receive other important services. All of the programs strengthen the character of the participants as well as the fabric of the community.

The Club will celebrate its 40th Anniversary on Friday, May 8th, 2009 during a dinner at the Reading Crowne Plaza Hotel in Wyomissing.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing the Daniel Torres Hispanic Center of Reading and Berks County

for reaching this special milestone and in recognizing the valuable contributions of the Center's staff to improving the quality of life for the region's Latino community.