Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall Nos. 941, 940 and 939, had I been present, I would have voted on rollcall 939, ``yea,'' rollcall 940, ``yea,'' and rollcall 941, ``nay.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Borough of Mohnton in Berks County, Pennsylvania which is celebrating its 100th Anniversary this year. Like many municipalities in the 6th District, the Borough of Mohnton has a rich and proud history that is the foundation for the strength and sense of community that its residents share today.

Mohnton officially became a borough in 1907 when it separated from Cumru Township. The community was previously known as Mohn's Store, or Mohnsville, in honor of founder Samuel K. Mohn, who opened a store and established a post office in 1857. Within the first year of the Borough's existence, the Mohnton Fire Co. No. 1 was organized, which consisted of a hand-drawn hose cart that was its only means of fighting fires. In 1909, the first Borough's high school graduating class had just four students. Today, the Borough is a part of the Governor Mifflin School District, which proudly boasts over 1400 students in high school alone. Over the years, the Borough has grown into a thriving community that epitomizes good neighbors and civic-mindedness.

As a part of the festivities, the Borough has brought back another proud tradition that dates back a half-century. Back in the 1950s, Mohnton was the local hub of soap-box racing, with fans watching the races along Walnut Street. This tradition was rekindled by the Mohnton Lions Club this past summer and it was a great event for young and old alike.

This weekend's celebrations will include a Centennial Parade around the Northridge section of the community, followed by string bands, fireworks and other great musical performances.

I congratulate Mayor Richard Trostle and all of the other dedicated organizing members and volunteers who worked tirelessly to make this celebration so successful. I know all my colleagues join me today in congratulating the Borough of Mohnton and all its residents for 100 years of family, faith and tradition and we wish them another 100 years of community energy, vitality and success.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Lieutenant Michael J. Spirito for his long-time service to the Tredyffrin Township Police Department and surrounding communities.

Lieutenant Spirito began his career in law enforcement as a police officer in West Bradford Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania in March 1972. On his way to the Tredyffrin Township Police Department, Lt. Spirito served four years with the West Chester Borough Police Department. Lt. Spirito joined the Tredyffrin Township Police in August 1977 and has been a proud member of that force from that day on.

Lt. Spirito is a graduate of Newman College and is also a graduate of the 253rd session of the National Academy of the FBI. Born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, giving back to the community has always been a priority with Lt. Spirito. In addition to his service as a police officer, Lt. Spirito volunteered his services to the Aston Fire Company. In his spare time, Lt. Spirito is an avid pilot and a technology expert.

His leadership will be missed at the Tredyffrin Township Police Department, however I expect the entire County of Chester to benefit by his recent appointment as Deputy Director of Computer Services with the Chester County Government Services Department.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in honoring Lieutenant Michael J. Spirito for his exemplary and dedicated service to the Tredyffrin Township Police Department and citizens it serves. His commitment and energy to make his community a better place is an example for all citizens to follow.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Valley Township Chief of Police Joe Friel, a dedicated law enforcement officer who epitomizes honor and valor. Chief Friel is a graduate of the Downingtown Area School District, who then went on to attend the Delaware Country Municipal Police Academy. He started his police career in Royersford Borough in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania as a part-time police officer, and then eventually moved to western Chester County. He has worked for the Caln Township Police Department, Parkesburg Borough Police Department and Sadsbury Township Police Department, before taking a part-time job with the Valley Township Bureau of Police in 1989. He was eventually hired full-time in 1990 and, in 2000, he obtained the rank of Sergeant. Following 17 years of service, the young officer, who ``was just happy to be a police officer,'' is now called Chief Friel and is in charge of nine other officers. He is married to Annette Friel and they have two children, Joe Jr. and Brittany.

In addition to Chief Friel's duties as a police officer, he was also a D.A.R.E. officer for six years, allowing him to work closely with students and schools in an effort to keep them safe. Chief Friel has received four outstanding service awards, two from the Valley Township Bureau of Police and two from the Coatesville Area School District for his service as a D.A.R.E. officer. Chief Friel is a certified field- training officer for the Bureau of Police and has extensive training in domestic violence investigation.

During his distinguished career, he was given a commendation for the apprehension of a subject that confronted police with two fully-loaded shotguns following a violent domestic dispute, as well as a commendation from the Westwood Fire Department for helping a man who was injured in an explosion.

Prior to becoming a police officer, Chief Friel worked for Hope Ambulance Service and was a member of the patient recovery operation team, which provided air transports for sick or injured persons. He was a firefighter with the East Brandywine Fire Company and was an Emergency Medical Technician.

Chief Friel continues to believe that community policing is the foundation for a successful police team. He promotes teamwork as the key to maintaining a strong police force and believes that being respectful and fair is what has made him such a successful police officer.

In recognition for all of Chief Friel's accomplishments and leadership, the Pennsylvania American Legion recently named him Pennsylvania Law Officer of the Year. This award is a testament to the example Chief Friel presents to other brave men and women of law enforcement, as well as a reflection of the great people he has worked with over the years. I know all my colleagues join me today in commending Chief Friel for his exemplary service and reward of accomplishment and we honor him for his ongoing commitment to the safety and well-being of the residents of Valley Township and Chester County, Pennsylvania.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Wagontown Volunteer Fire Company in Chester County, PA which will dedicate its new facility and celebrate its 60th anniversary on Saturday, September 22, 2007. This fire company traces its history back to 1947 when it was housed in a single-bay fire station located on Wagontown Road and Route 340.

The original fire station was replaced in 1954 with a larger building located at 416 West Kings Highway with direct access to Route 340. It was designed and built with room for additional equipment that would be needed as the community grew. It was not only used to house the fire apparatus, but also as a meeting, banquet and fundraising facility.

In 1995, the Company decided that in order to keep up with the continuing growth in West Caln and West Brandywine Townships, an additional facility was needed. The small, single-station fire company that started in 1947 had grown into a fully operational fire and rescue company. The fleet at that time consisted of five vehicles. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on July 23, 2005, with site preparation and building construction beginning shortly thereafter. The building of five bays, offices and a three-hundred seat community banquet facility was then completed and the Company was able to occupy and begin working out of the new facility in September of 2006.

Over the past sixty years, the Wagontown fleet has grown to seven apparatus and the Company is led by the tireless work of Chief Jeff Benach. The Company is 100% volunteer and has been supported by donations from the community and with numerous fundraisers. The Wagontown Volunteer Fire Company has thrived due to the countless sacrifices and endless dedication of the many men and women who volunteer to support this local

treasure and to preserve and protect the lives and property of their fellow citizens.

I know all my colleagues join me today in congratulating the Wagontown Volunteer Fire Company for all the work they do in their community. We wish them another 60 years of heroic lifesaving and honorable stewardship as they continue to keep West Caln and West Brandywine Townships safe.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor one of the leaders of the arts in my district, and someone who has dedicated his life to bringing the gift of music to countless others. Vincent Suppan was born in 1920 and grew up in West Catasauqua, Pennsylvania. He is a part of a proud family who has tirelessly led the Catasauqua Band for 100 years. Vincent's cousins conducted the band from 1907 to 1947, when he took over as conductor. This ``passing of the baton'' has ensured that a dedicated conductor has led the Catasauqua Band for 100 years, a feat that reflects on the Suppan family's passion for music and love of their community.

Today, Vince is a retired associate professor of speech pathology at West Chester University. He still resides near the University, faithfully commuting over 100 miles on Wednesdays to lead rehearsals in Catasauqua. He has never lost his love of leading the Band in ``run- throughs'' of music from the Band's extensive library. He often regales the Band with fascinating stories from his long career. The combination of challenging sight-reading and great tales makes rehearsals a delight for all the Band members. Among the many local musicians who played with the Catasauqua Band is Ronald Demkee, now conductor of the Allentown Band. Mr. Demkee still recalls the first time he was paid to play tuba under Vince, receiving the going rate of $2, which was good money for a high school student at the time. Vince provided Mr. Demkee with his first opportunity to play a solo with a professional band, which is just one example of the numerous lives Mr. Suppan has touched.

The Catasauqua Band continues to this day due to the passion of one man: Vincent Suppan. Leading this band for 60 years is a testament to the dedication and hard work of Vincent, and a reflection of the passion he brings to every performance. I know all my colleagues join me today in congratulating Vincent Suppan for his tireless leadership of the treasured Catasauqua Band, and for all the great work he has and continues to do for all those who love music.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Lower Alsace Fire Company on the occasion of its 80th anniversary.

On September 24, 1927, local citizens met at the Pleasant View Hotel to form the Community Volunteer Fire Company of Lower Alsace Township. In April 1928, the Company broke ground for the original building and, in September 1928, the building was dedicated. Soon after, the Company created the Ladies' Auxiliary, which faithfully served the community until 2001. The Company and the Auxiliary worked together to raise funds for the needed start-up firefighting equipment and continue to work hard to raise funds to maintain and acquire equipment necessary to protect the public.

This fire company serves an area of six square miles with over 2,500 residents. Currently, there are over 30 active firemen and five well- maintained pieces of equipment that protect and serve the local community. This Company is equipped and trained to fight fires, respond to hazardous material incidents, provide advanced life support emergency medical services, participate in vehicle rescues, and partake in search and rescue missions.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in honoring the members of the Community Volunteer Fire Company of Lower Alsace Township, Pennsylvania as they celebrate their 80th anniversary. We all extend our best wishes and heartfelt congratulations for the Company's years of exemplary community service and outstanding dedication to protecting the lives and property of area citizens.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Michael L. Pulte for his years of service to community and country.

That exemplary record began when he served as a member of the armed services from 1955 to 1957, with particular duties in Fort Knox and in Germany.

After his military service, he joined Hudson's Department Store and opened the second department store branch in the country. Following, his time at Hudson's, Mr. Pulte was employed by O'Neill's in Akron, Ohio and then Horne's Department Store. Rising through the ranks at Horne's, he eventually was appointed Director of Stores in 1977, Vice President of Operations in 1980, and, in January of 1991, President, Chairman, and CEO of Joseph Horne Company.

During his presidency, Mr. Pulte served as member and president of the Golden Triangle Association, a member of the Board of Directors of the Civic Light Opera, and a member of the Board of Directors of the Cultural District. He is also a member of the Duquesne Club. In June of 1994, Mr. Pulte retired.

During his retirement, he became active in local politics and was appointed Vice Chair of the Pine Township Planning Commission, Vice Chair of the Township Police Board, and was elected to the Township Board of Supervisors.

In addition to this community involvement, he served on the Board of Directors of the U.S. Leather Co. in Milwaukee and taught classes at IUP Business School.

Mr. Pulte currently resides in Naples, FL and continues to remain active in the community of Island Walk, where he has served on a number of committees and is past chairman of finance for the Homeowner's Association.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in honoring Mr. Michael L. Pulte for his many years of success within the business community and for his outstanding contributions to the quality of life of the communities in which he has lived and worked.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a local Mason's Lodge, the Warren Lodge No. 310 located in Collegeville, PA, for its 150th anniversary this Saturday, June 23, 2007. Dr. J. Warren Royer, a well-respected doctor who was educated at the University of Pennsylvania, founded the Warren Lodge in 1857. Since its inception, the Warren Lodge has held a position of distinction in American Freemasonry. Most recently, one of Warren Lodge's officers, Mr. Marvin A. Cunningham, Sr., was elected to the highest position in Freemasonry, that of Right Worshipful Grand Master of Pennsylvania from 2002-2003. Throughout his term, he helped fellow Masonic Villages improve their organizations and uphold the traditions and customs of the Freemasons, including those located in Elizabethtown, Lafayette Hill and Sewickley, PA. He also supervised the restoration of the historic Memorial Arch located at Valley Forge National Park.

The Warren Lodge continues to maintain an impressive facility called the R.W.G.M. Marvin A. Cunningham, Sr. Museum. One of the many treasures on display is an exact replica of the 1752 Philip Syng Inkstand, the original of which is currently on display at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Philip Syng was the R.W.G.M. of Pennsylvania in 1743, and it was his inkstand that was used by the signers of the Declaration of Independence. In addition, George Washington called for its use once again when the U.S. Constitution was signed in Philadelphia.

At this year's anniversary celebration, the Warren Lodge's special guest of honor will be the current Right Worshipful Grand Master of Pennsylvania, Mr. Ronald A. Aungst, Sr. The members and officers of Warren Lodge will present to Mr. Aungst, Sr. an exact replica of the Syng Inkstand, honoring his exemplary service and dedication to upholding the ancient tradition of Masons helping Masons daily.

Madam Speaker, I am sure my fellow Members join me today in congratulating the Warren Lodge, No. 310 for this historic milestone and wish them 150 more years of honorable service to their lodge and community. Thank you.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Louis Mincarelli for his long-time service to the Norriton Fire Engine Company and surrounding communities.

Mr. Mincarelli has been a member of the Norriton Fire Engine Company since 1976. He has served tirelessly on the banquet, by-laws, and legislative committees and was instrumental in raising the funding necessary to simultaneously purchase two new fire trucks. In 1995, he was awarded Life Membership for his service and sacrifice to the Company. Additionally, Mr. Mincarelli held the position of president of the Norriton Fire Engine Company for 15 years from 1979 to 1994.

For 34 years, Mr. Mincarelli also served his country as a First Sergeant in the United States Army. As an honored veteran, he takes pride in continuing to serve the citizens of East Norriton Township and surrounding communities.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in honoring Mr. Louis Mincarelli for his exemplary and dedicated service to the Norriton Fire Engine Company and the East Norriton Township area. His commitment and energy to make his community a better place is an example for all citizens to follow.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the French and Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust on its 40th Anniversary of preserving open spaces and historic treasures throughout Chester County, Pennsylvania.

The Trust was founded by Samuel and Eleanor Morris as a vehicle for saving and protecting the valuable lands and natural resources in the watersheds of northern Chester County that they cherished so much. Spanning nearly 110 square miles, these watersheds contain some of the most beautiful and amazing open spaces, forests, streams and rivers in all of Pennsylvania.

Through the hard work and dedication of countless people, the Trust has successfully partnered with individuals, other organizations and government entities to preserve nearly 8,100 acres of valuable open space, build trails and promote greenways along the French and Pickering Creeks, and place more than 60 sites on the National Register of Historic Places.

So I ask, Madam Speaker, that my colleagues join me today in congratulating the founders, members, supporters and staff of the French and Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust for 40 years of preserving and protecting

the unparalleled natural resources and outstanding quality of life in Chester County. This wonderful nonprofit organization should be applauded for their hard-work and dedication to this most worthy cause.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Borough of Kenhorst, Berks County and the Kenhorst Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1 upon their 75th Anniversary.

It was a rally against an excessive streetlight tax that moved the residents of 6 neighborhoods in Cumru Township, Berks County to leave and form their own borough. Incorporated in August 1931, Kenhorst Borough was so named by combining two of the largest land parcels included in the new municipality--the Kendall Park and the Horst Family tract. With nearly 3,000 residents, Kenhorst is the 12th largest borough in Berks County and is situated outside of the City of Reading. It provides an excellent quality of life for its residents and is one of the outstanding municipalities of the County.

The Fire Company has been serving the Borough and protecting the community since the late 1930s. Through these years, hundreds of community volunteers have provided exemplary firefighting and emergency services to their fellow citizens and this anniversary reminds present residents of their heroic service. The joint anniversary celebration taking place on Saturday, May 5 will involve a parade through town and fun and merriment for everyone.

So I ask, Madam Speaker, that my colleagues join me today in congratulating the Borough of Kenhorst, Berks County and the Kenhorst Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1 upon their 75th Anniversary.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Montgomery County Community College on its 10th anniversary of providing higher education opportunities at its West Campus in Pottstown.

Since opening its doors, the West Campus has become the hub of higher education in the greater Pottstown area. It has brought new and innovative programs and learning opportunities to the community, including degrees in chef apprenticeship, fine arts radiography and surgical technology; an art gallery to showcase local and regional works of art; and the University Center, which expands access to bachelor's and master's degree programs in Pottstown by working in partnership with area universities and colleges.

In the 10 years it has called Pottstown, PA home, the West Campus has undergone a significant transformation. Last January, the college opened a new addition that enabled it to expand its service to students, businesses and the community. During the 10th anniversary ceremony, the college will finally open the pedestrian bridge connecting the two facilities to form one, unified campus.

So I ask, Madam Speaker, that my colleagues join me in congratulating the Montgomery County College for 10 successful years of providing quality higher education options at its West Campus in Pottstown, PA.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Goodwill Fire Co. No. 1 Hyde Park in Muhlenberg Township, Pennsylvania on its 100th anniversary.

From 1907 to today, the Fire Company has devoted itself to keeping the community safe. The Company's volunteers have been familiar faces in the Muhlenberg area, participating in every holiday parade, working with schools on fire prevention education and seeking to make Berks County a great place to live.

Without the dedication of its members, the Fire Company would never have been this successful. For 100 years, the Goodwill Fire Co. No. 1 Hyde Park has had tremendous volunteers. These brave men and women have been providing a service to the community every hour of the day for the last century. This service is provided regardless of the weather, the time of day, and many times their own family commitments.

So I ask, Madam Speaker, that my colleagues join me in congratulating the Goodwill Fire Co. No. 1 Hyde Park, its current crew and the many men and women who have worn the uniform over the years for serving the community and helping to keep Berks County safe for the last 100 years.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the people of East Vincent Township, Chester County, for celebrating its 175th anniversary on May 4th, 2007.

East Vincent Township is a rural community situated on the banks of the Schuylkill River in Chester County. During the Revolutionary War, GEN George Washington and the Continental Army traversed and lived in the area during their Valley Forge encampment. Today, more than 6,500 people call East Vincent home. As the Township grows and develops, significant efforts are being made to preserve its beautiful open spaces for future generations.

On Saturday, May 5, 2007, the East Vincent Township community will gather and celebrate this auspicious occasion with a parade, ceremony and evening concert.

So I ask, Madam Speaker, that my colleagues join me in congratulating the people of East Vincent Township for celebrating their 175th anniversary and for contributing to the wonderful quality of life of Chester County, PA.