Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Lillian A. Gambone of Norristown, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania on her installation as President of the Women's Auxiliary to the Firemen's Association of the State of Pennsylvania.

A Norristown native, Ms. Gambone joined the Fairmount Engine Company No. 2 Ladies Auxiliary in 1983. She served as Secretary for eleven years and has held the office of Vice-President since 2009. Additionally, Ms. Gambone has served on numerous committees throughout the course of her membership and is especially noted for chairing the homemade cake and pie sale for many years. She is a hard worker and dedicated to all of her commitments, including her roles as mother and grandmother.

Ms. Gambone joined the Women's Auxiliary to the Firemen's Association of the State of Pennsylvania on September 28, 1989, served as Secretary for the Women's Auxiliary, and in 2008, was elected Vice-President and rose through the ranks to become President.

Mr. Speaker, in light of her years of service to the community and litany of outstanding accomplishments, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing Lillian A. Gambone on the occasion of her installation as President of the Women's Auxiliary to the Firemen's Association of the State of Pennsylvania.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ridge Fire Company on its 75th anniversary of selfless dedication and commitment to its community.

This is a great milestone and a considerable accomplishment and I take great pleasure in being able to honor the men and women of the Ridge Fire Company for their dedication and outstanding service.

For 75 years the officers, firefighters, and fire police of Ridge Fire Company have proudly and capably served and protected the thousands of citizens of northern Chester County, including the Townships of East Coventry, South Coventry, East Vincent, Warwick and West Vincent. They have always answered the call to help their neighbors in distress, whether it is putting out a fire, aiding those whose homes have flooded, or rescuing animals.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing Ridge Fire Company on its 75th anniversary and to honor this exemplary organization for its commitment, dedication, and outstanding history of service to its community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and the Franke Foundations of Halle, Germany and Muhlenberg College of Allentown, in commemorating the 300th anniversary of the birth of Henry Melchior Muhlenberg.

Henry Melchior Muhlenberg was born in Einbeck, Germany on September 6th, 1711. In 1742, the Franke Foundations of Halle (Germany) sent Muhlenberg to be pastor of congregations in Pennsylvania, located in Philadelphia, Trappe and New Hanover. In 1748, Muhlenberg organized the Pennsylvania Ministerium, the first Lutheran denomination in the New World. Through his writings and works, Muhlenberg became the most influential German-American Lutheran clergyman in colonial America, establishing or assisting congregations throughout the region. One of his sons, John Peter Gabriel, served as a Revolutionary War general and another, Frederick Augustus, as the first speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Today, Henry Melchior Muhlenberg's legacy continues through the nearly 4,000 persons The Lutheran Theological Seminary has trained for the public ministry throughout the United States and around the world. With a current enrollment of over 350 students from thirty Christian denominations, LTSP is a major educational institution in the Philadelphia region and continues to celebrate its ties to the Muhlenberg tradition.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in celebrating the life and accomplishments of Henry Melchior Muhlenberg on the occasion of the 300th anniversary of his birth and to extend best wishes to The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and the Franke Foundations of Halle, Germany and Muhlenberg College of Allentown on this celebratory occasion.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Michael J. Carroll, Chester County, Pennsylvania, on his retirement after his outstanding service and career in law enforcement, most recently as Chief of Police of West Goshen Township.

Chief Carroll served in the United States Air Force from 1961 to 1965, participating in the USAF Honor Guard in the funeral of President John F. Kennedy. After leaving the military, he served in the Tredyffrin Police Department, the Chester County Detective Bureau, and the West Whiteland Police Department before becoming Chief of the West Whiteland Police Department in October 1988.

Chief Carroll has served as staff instructor with the Delaware County Police Academy, has been a guest lecturer at institutions such as West Chester University and the United States Naval Academy, and is a graduate of the FBI Academy. In addition to serving on the Criminal Justice Advisory Committee of Wilmington University and Alvernia University, Chief Carroll is Past President of the Chester County Police Chiefs Association, Past President of the Police Chiefs Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Past President of the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association, and Past President of the International Chiefs of Police Association, and he has benefittingly been inducted into the International Police Association Hall of Fame.

Mr. Speaker, in light of his years of exemplary service to his community and litany of sterling accomplishments too long to record, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing Chief Michael J. Carroll for his invaluable contributions to the quality of life of the citizens of West Goshen Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania and our entire nation.

Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, on Monday, July 18, 2011, I missed two recorded votes on the House floor. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall 601 and ``aye'' on rollcall 602.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Borough of Elverson, Chester County, Pennsylvania on its 100th anniversary.

Elverson celebrates March 14, 1911 as the day it was incorporated as a borough. It was on that day that the arguments for and against incorporation were presented to Judge Hemphill at the Chester County Courthouse. The arguments in favor of incorporation were principally: (1) the need by the residents to govern themselves and to use their own taxes for improvements such as a public water supply and street lighting; (2) the need for their own polling place; and (3) the need for an independent school system. The main arguments against incorporation were: (1) the town had not grown sufficiently, and (2) the new responsibilities would create an undue tax burden.

In weighing these issues, Judge Hemphill felt that the democratic process would help ensure that the new responsibilities would not necessarily result in taxes that were either ``burdensome'' or ``ruinous'' and stated:

``. . . if men of good judgment, careful, economical, and

cautious, were placed in charge of the Borough's business and

development such would not necessarily be the result. The

outcome, must of necessity, be dependent upon the action of

the electors themselves, as in the case in every elective

municipality.''

Over the years, the citizens of Elverson have seen the wisdom of Judge Hemphill's words borne out, as their Borough has grown from meeting the needs of pre-World War I America to the present day.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in congratulating the Borough of Elverson and its storied history on the occasion of its 100th anniversary and to extend best wishes to all its citizens--past, present and future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Paoli Troop 1, Boy Scouts of America, Chester County, Pennsylvania on its 100th anniversary.

The history of Paoli Troop 1 is a long and storied one, starting with its founding as the area's first Scout Troop in 1911 at the Good Samaritan Church in Paoli, Pennsylvania. Troop 1 survived some lean early years and diminished activity during World War I, but proudly endured such challenges and, in 1924, relocated to nearby Wayne. In these early years, the Scout Law and Scout Oath were discussed in detail at the end of Troop meetings, a tradition that has been passed down to the present day.

Travel has also been a long-standing tradition of Troop 1. In 1927 and 1929, the Troop took trips to Europe, which included hiking through Scotland and parts of Brittany. On one of these trips, the Scouts met Baden Powell, founder of the Scout movement. The Troop had three mountain climbing expeditions in the Swiss Alps during 1966, 1970 and 1974, with the Troop flag having flown at the top of the Matterhorn.

Today, the Troop functions under the leadership of Scoutmaster Mike Magnotta, his assistants, and the general supervision of the Troop Committee. Its purpose, as set out in its constitution, is to promote, maintain and carry out the principles of the Boy Scouts of America and to work for the best interests of its members. The institutions and traditions of Paoli Troop 1 are many and deserve to be perpetuated for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in congratulating Paoli Troop 1 and its storied history on the occasion of its 100th anniversary and to extend best wishes for the Troop's bright future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Vera M. Andryczyk on her tireless efforts on behalf of the Ukraine-American community and her recognition by the Board of Directors of the Ukrainian Federation of America.

Vera's outstanding record of service and accomplishments makes her most worthy of this honor. She is a founding member of the Ukrainian Human Rights Committee and the Ukrainian Federation of America, and she serves on the Board of Directors and as Vice President of Public Relations for the Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Center. In addition, she serves on the Board of Directors of the Ukrainian American Relief Committee.

All of these positions have allowed Vera to serve her fellow Ukrainian-Americans, strengthen U.S.-Ukrainian relations and assist Ukraine in its effort to become a strong and vibrant democracy. As part of her ongoing commitment, she also earned participation on President George W. Bush's official delegation to the inauguration of President Viktor Yuschenko. Always looking for additional opportunities, she has also served as a member of Ukrainian Women's League of America and she was one of the first to organize help to the victims of the Chernobyl disaster.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in congratulating Vera M. Andryczyk on the occasion of the recognition she is being accorded by the Board of Directors of the Ukrainian Federation of America and for her indefatigable efforts to support, assist and serve the Ukrainian-American community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to salute the career and many contributions of David Yost, the Chief Executive Officer of AmerisourceBergen, one of the world's largest pharmaceutical distribution and services companies headquartered in my district in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.

Mr. Yost will retire this July. Following his graduation from the U.S. Air Force Academy and military service, Dave spent most of his professional career with Amerisource Health Corporation and, after the 2001 merger with Bergen Brunswig Corporation in 2001, AmerisourceBergen Corporation. In a career spanning 37 years, he has served as CEO for 14 years and has guided the company successfully through a rapidly changing business environment. The company has experienced astonishing growth from $40 billion in revenues in 2002 to nearly $80 billion this year and it continues to handle many challenges presented by our evolving health care system.

David Yost is an exceptional leader with impeccable commitment to the highest ethical standards. He has led a company that is a shining example of how our health care marketplace should operate today--a company that delivers savings, efficiency, security and integrity of product for patients who need these medicines. In addition, he has a history of giving, including as a Founding Director of the U.S. Air Force Academy Endowment Fund which provides cadets with facilities and programs for their professional development. He has generously initiated employee-company match contributions for those affected by disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and the recent Japanese earthquake disaster.

David Yost has provided a long-term vision for the industry, reforming the entire enterprise by reducing inventory size and its associated costs, and stressing the importance of technology and strategic partnerships in moving the company forward. AmerisourceBergen was the first national distributor to announce that it would only purchase pharmaceuticals directly from the manufacturer to ensure the integrity of products to patients. He also instilled pride in the company's workforce for the important work they do. There is a sign over the door of every AmerisourceBergen distribution center that reads ``Thank you for what you do. People's lives depend on it.''

Through it all, David Yost has been a devoted husband and father and active in his community. He now prepares for a well-deserved retirement to spend more time with family and pursue other interests.

Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to represent many of the fine employees of AmerisourceBergen and I join them in saluting David Yost for his vision, leadership and outstanding service during a long and exemplary career.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ridge Fire Company on its 75th anniversary of selfless dedication and commitment to its community.

This is a great milestone and a considerable accomplishment and I take great pleasure in being able to honor the men and women of the Ridge Fire Company for their dedication and outstanding service.

For 75 years the officers, firefighters, and fire police of Ridge Fire Company have proudly and capably served and protected the thousands of citizens of northern Chester County, including the Townships of East Coventry, South Coventry, East Vincent, Warwick and West Vincent. They have always answered the call to help their neighbors in distress, whether it is putting out a fire, aiding those whose homes have flooded, or rescuing animals.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing Ridge Fire Company on its 75th anniversary and to honor this exemplary organization for its commitment, dedication, and outstanding history of service to its community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Lionville Fire Company on its 100th anniversary of selfless dedication and commitment to the community.

This is a great milestone and a momentous accomplishment and I take great pleasure in being able to honor the men and women of the Lionville Fire Company for their dedication and outstanding service.

For 100 years, the officers, firefighters, and fire police of Lionville Fire Company have proudly and capably served and protected the thousands of citizens of Chester County, including the Townships of Upper Uwchlan, Uwchlan, and West Pikeland. They have always answered the call to help their neighbors in distress, whether it is putting out a fire, aiding those whose homes have flooded, or rescuing animals. During these years of service, the Company has also lost the lives of fallen firefighters as they have answered the call. Special tribute needs to be paid to these brave servants: Charles Martin, Jonathan Windle and David Good.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing Lionville Fire Company on its 100th anniversary and to honor this exemplary organization for its commitment, dedication, and outstanding history of service to the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the seven new members of the Berks County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame and to honor them on their outstanding athletic careers.

Charlie Engle has been an outstanding softball pitcher for 60 years and he famously pitched a no-hitter in 2010 at the age of 79. For his career, he has pitched 13 perfect games and 18 no-hitters. In addition to pitching in more than 2,000 games and receiving 31 MVP awards, Charlie led the Honey Brook Comets to county, district, state, regional and national American Softball Association titles in 1968 and 1969.

Doreen Kase Larson, one of the top swimmers in Berks County history, won seven District 3 gold medals, setting records in the 100-yard and 200-yard freestyles. She also won five PIAA golds, three in the 100- yard and two in the 200-yard freestyles, setting marks in both events. She was inducted into the Berks County Aquatic Hall of Fame in 2000.

Mike Reedy was a basketball and baseball standout, helping to lead the 1977 Wilson Bulldogs to the Berks County basketball title. He is fourth on the school's career scoring list. Mike also batted .531 in baseball and went on to standout careers in both sports at Albright College. He has been inducted into the Wilson and Albright Sports Halls of Fame.

Mike Reitz was an All-State football player for the Wilson Bulldogs, leading them to its first undefeated season in 1967 when he rushed for 1,274 yards to set the school career record of 2,257 yards. He was also the Berks heavyweight champion in wrestling. Mike went on to play college football at Penn State and Maryland. He has been inducted into the Wilson Sports and Berks Football Halls of Fame.

Joe Stallone, an outstanding gymnast, won 48 gold, silver and bronze medals in PIAA competition and was the national high school champion in rings and vaulting. After graduating from Holy Name in 1976, Joe went on to an All-American career at Penn State. He has coached at many levels, including the USA Olympic Festival team three times, and he directed the U.S. Junior National team to four world titles.

Ken Thomason, Reading High Class of 1958, was a football and wrestling standout. He was an All-Central Penn League and Big 33 selection in football and went on to play for the semi-pro Reading Keystones. Ken was also a District 3 champion in wrestling and has been inducted into the Berks Wrestling Coaches and Berks Football Halls of Fame.

Ross Tucker, Wyomissing Class of 1997, was an All-Berks selection in football and basketball for the Spartans. He went on to start in football for four years at Princeton where he earned All-Ivy League and Academic All American honors. Ross then played for seven seasons as an offensive lineman in the NFL with the Redskins, Bills, Cowboys and Patriots.

Mr. Speaker, in light of the outstanding athletic careers of these seven individuals, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing their outstanding achievements on the occasion of their induction to the Berks County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate The Baptist Church in the Great Valley, Chester County, Pennsylvania on its 300th anniversary.

The history of The Baptist Church in the Great Valley is a long and storied one, extending back in time to before the American Revolution. This third oldest Baptist church in Pennsylvania was founded in 1711 by Welsh Baptists who came to the country to find freedom of worship. When the Continental Congress called for a day of prayer and fasting on July 20, 1775, David Jones, then pastor of Great Valley, was invited to preach to a gathering of troops. On that occasion, more than 3,000 men gathered at the church along with members of the congregation to hear Pastor Jones' sermon entitled, ``Defensive War in a Just Cause Sinless.''

In 1820, The Baptist Church in the Great Valley adopted a resolution ``that in the future the women shall be entitled to vote on all questions that arise in the church,'' thus becoming one of the very first churches in the area to break from the then-current custom of not permitting women to be involved in church matters. In the 1830's, then pastor Leonard Fletcher and several other members of the church were instrumental in supporting the Wilberforce Anti-Slavery Society in the area.

The Baptist Church in the Great Valley has long been open to the participation of African-Americans within its membership. The first African-American joined the church in 1762, which by that time included persons of Welsh, English, German, and other European backgrounds. Over the years, the membership has

grown to include persons of Hispanic and Asian ancestry.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in congratulating The Baptist Church in the Great Valley and its storied history on the occasion of its 300th anniversary and to extend best wishes for the Church's continuing work to meet the pastoral and spiritual needs of its congregation and the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Sara Steinhauer of Douglassville, Berks County, Pennsylvania in recognition of her 105th birthday.

Born near Skippack, Montgomery County on March 25th, 1906, Sara grew up on a farm in Skippack Township and attended public school through 10th grade in a one-room schoolhouse. When she turned 19, Sara moved to Perkasie, Pennsylvania to begin her career as a seamstress with Wemen's Apparel, developing skills in ladies' fashion. She was later promoted to the position of floor lady which she maintained until her retirement in 1968.

The eighth of thirteen children, Sara was blessed with twelve brothers and sisters. Her husband, George D. Steinhauer, passed in 1984 after 57 happy years of marriage. Before moving to the distinctive retirement community of Villa at Morlatton, Sara lived in Telford, Pennsylvania for many of her retirement years and then an apartment in Pottstown, Pennsylvania near her nephew Leroy Fitzgerald.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in congratulating Sara Steinhauer on the occasion of her 105th birthday and extending her best wishes for continued health and happiness.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Jack M. Hines, Jr. of Marshallton, Chester County, Pennsylvania on his retirement after 33 years of service as Municipal Manager of West Bradford Township and to honor him on his outstanding career of accomplishment.

In addition to his service as Municipal Manager of West Bradford Township, Jack has served on various committees of the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Officials. He has been an instructor for both the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors and the Governor's Center for Local Government Services. Jack has served as Chairman of the Legislative Committee, Chester County Association of Township Officials, and has been a member of the Advisory Board for Connect Care3, which serves members of the Pennsylvania Municipal Health Insurance Cooperative.

Further, Jack is a former Fire Chief and President of the West Bradford Fire Company, as well as being a former Fire Service Instructor and Director of the Chester County Fire School. He is a former Board Member and President of the Chester County Crime Victims Center, Chairman of the Environmental Management Center, Executive Committee Member of the Brandywine Conservancy, and Trustee of the Chester County Historical Society.

Mr. Speaker, in light of his incredible years of service to his community and litany of outstanding accomplishments almost too long to record, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing Jack M. Hines, Jr. for his invaluable contributions to the quality of life of the citizens of West Bradford Township and Chester County.