Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ashli Yoder on receiving the Rising Star Award from the Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce.

Ashli began working for Norland Avenue Pharmacy at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, she and her team have been crucial to the growth of their in-house medication synchronization program. Ashli has been charged with the vaccine distribution at the hospital. Under her leadership, they provided more than 750 vaccine doses in March. Her work has been invaluable to the Chambersburg community.

Ashli exhibits true dedication, compassion, and professionalism to the clients at Norland Avenue Pharmacy. On behalf of Pennsylvania's 13th District, I congratulate Ashli on this award and thank her for her service to our community.

Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Kellie Goodman Shaffer of Osterburg, Pennsylvania, for receiving Pittsburgh Professional Women's 2021 Influential Leadership Award.

In her capacity as President and CEO of the Bedford County Chamber of Commerce, Kellie has worked tirelessly to make Bedford County a better place to live and work. Since she assumed her position in 2010, she has consistently advocated for Bedford's small business community and helped to grow our economy.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Kellie has been a tireless advocate for Bedford County's businesses, ensuring that they are able to utilize programs and opportunities designed to support small businesses during this challenging time.

Kellie is an outstanding Pennsylvanian and leader. It is my privilege to work alongside her to serve the people of Bedford County, and I wish her every continued success as she advocates for our community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Jill Sellers on her new role as the Executive Director of Main Street Gettysburg, a non-profit organization committed to the preservation and revitalization of historic Gettysburg.

In this new role, Jill will collaborate with community leaders and volunteers to steward the mission of Main Street Gettysburg. Since first visiting Gettysburg two decades ago, Jill has been a passionate advocate for this town and community.

Jill has extensive leadership and management experience. Prior to moving to Adams County, Jill founded a public relations firm and served as the President of the Weston County Hospital in Wyoming. Earlier in her career, she served as an intelligence officer with the Defense Intelligence Agency as a program manager for Northrop Grumman. Jill is a graduate of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, where she earned a master's degree in international policy.

Jill Sellers will be an incredible partner to small businesses and the tourism community in Adams County. I congratulate Jill on this new chapter, and I look forward to working alongside her to serve the Gettysburg community.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Mom's House, a community organization assisting women and families, for its service to Johnstown, Pennsylvania and surrounding communities.

In 1983, Mom's House was established in Johnstown to offer support to victims of abuse and women in need. By providing childcare services, Mom's House helps mothers to complete their education at the high school or post-secondary level while raising a family. Mom's House also offers parents counseling and other vital resources.

The success of Mom's House in Johnstown has led to the establishment of seven other Mom's House organizations in four states and plans for additional centers arc currently in development.

Mom's House works to serve families while protecting each person's unalienable right to life. On behalf of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, it is my honor to recognize this outstanding organization and thank the leaders and volunteers at Mom's House for their service to the Johnstown community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Jessica Pedro-Pascual on winning two Silver Keys and two Honorable Mention Awards at the 2021 Central PA Scholastic Art and Writing Competition.

Jessica is attends Bermudian Springs High School and is passionate about studying art. Her drawings and illustrations have garnered her the Silver Key and Honorable Mention Awards at the 2021 Central PA Scholastic Art and Writing Competition, which first was established in 1923 to support teenage artists and writers.

Congratulations to Jessica on this remarkable achievement, and I wish her continued success as she pursues her love of art.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Emma Osborne on winning the Gold Key award at the 2021 Central PA Scholastic Art and Writing Competition.

Emma currently attends Bermudian Springs High School near York Springs, Pennsylvania and is passionate about art. Her painting, Rage Quilt, garnered her the top award at the

2021 Central PA Scholastic Art and Writing Competition, which was first established in 1923 to support teenage artists and writers.

Congratulations to Emma on this remarkable achievement, and I wish her continued success as she pursues her love of art.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Karl Pietrzak on his new role as President and Chief Executive Officer of Destination Gettysburg.

Mr. Pietrzak was raised in Adams County and is returning to the region to assume this new position. Before joining Destination Gettysburg, he served as Vice President of Visit Pittsburgh. In that role, he helped Pittsburgh to generate over one $1 billion in direct spending revenue. Mr. Pietrzak has immense experience in the tourism and hospitality industries, and he will be a great addition to the Adams County community.

As visitors travel to Gettysburg and the Adams County region, Mr. Pietrzak will be an incredible partner to small businesses and the tourism community. I congratulate Karl Pietrzak on his new role and look forward to working alongside him to serve Adams County.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Houstontown Area Volunteer Fire Company for its dedication and service to our community.

Dating back to its establishment in 1966, the Houstontown Area Volunteer Fire Company has a long history of serving the community. As an act of kindness amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the department assembled and distributed 648 boxes of food, including fresh produce, milk, dairy, and cooked meats, to the Houstontown community. Firefighters generously delivered boxes to Houstontown residents who are homebound and could not participate in drive-through opportunities.

This vital food drive was made possible through the USDA Farmers to Families program, which was established as part of the CARES Act. The fire company humbly noted the food distribution was a small thank you to the community who has continued to offer their support throughout this past year.

During these trying times, I am grateful for the work of the Houstontown Area Volunteer Fire Company and pray for their continued safety and success.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Kayla Ostriche on receiving an Honorable Mention Award at the 2021 Central PA Scholastic Art and Writing Competition.

Kayla attends Bermudian Springs High School near York Springs, Pennsylvania and is passionate about art. Her mixed media art

piece garnered her the Honorable Mention Award at the 2021 Central PA Scholastic Art and Writing Competition, which was first established in 1923 to support teenage artists and writers.

Congratulations to Kayla on this remarkable achievement, and I wish her continued success as she pursues her love of art.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Steven Gautsch on winning the Silver Key and an Honorable Mention Award at the 2021 Central PA Scholastic Art and Writing Competition.

Steven attends Bermudian Springs High School near York Springs, Pennsylvania and is passionate about art. His photography has garnered him two awards at the 2021 Central PA Scholastic Art and Writing Competition, which was first established in 1923 to support teenage artists and writers.

Congratulations to Steven on this remarkable achievement, and I wish him continued success as he pursues his love of art.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ella Bloom on winning the Gold Key Award at the 2021 Central PA Scholastic Art and Writing Competition.

Ella attends Bermudian Springs High School near York Springs, Pennsylvania and is passionate about art. Her drawing and illustration of a French Horn garnered her the top award at the 2021 Central PA Scholastic Art and Writing Competition, which was first established in 1923 to support teenage artists and writers.

Congratulations to Ella on this remarkable achievement, and I wish her continued success as she pursues her love of art.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Briella Riley on receiving an Honorable Mention Award at the 2021 Central PA Scholastic Art and Writing Competition.

Briella attends Bermudian Springs High School near York Springs, Pennsylvania and is passionate about art. Her mixed media arts piece garnered her the Honorable Mention Award at the 2021 Central PA Scholastic Art and Writing Competition, which first was established in 1923 to support teenage artists and writers.

Congratulations to Briella on this remarkable achievement, and I wish her continued success as she pursues her love of art.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Service Paws of Central Pennsylvania for its service to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The volunteers at Service Paws of Central Pennsylvania have stepped up to alleviate burdens for individuals and families in the process of purchasing a service dog. Service Paws helps to offset this expense, which can range from between $4,000 to $35,000.

Service Paws of Central Pennsylvania, which is operated entirely by volunteers, now serves Pennsylvanians in 14 counties.

The Service Paws of Central Pennsylvania volunteers are incredible community leaders in Blair County and across our Commonwealth. On behalf of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I thank them for their work to improve the lives of Pennsylvanians and wish them continued success in this mission.

Madam Speaker, I rise to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Bedford County, Pennsylvania on March 9, 2021. In 1771, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed a law forming Bedford County. Since then, it has been an integral part of Pennsylvania.

The first settlement in the colony was established in 1758 around Fort Bedford, which was constructed during the French and Indian War. At the time of the County's formation, 221 families lived in the region. Over the course of 250 years, the County grown in both population and economic success. In addition to being a wonderful place to work and live, Bedford County is an important center of railroads and interstate highways, among other national priorities.

Bedford County is home to hardworking Pennsylvanians who build, sustain, and serve our commonwealth and our nation. It is an honor to recognize the Bedford County Sestercentennial and celebrate the County's remarkable history. I look forward to continued partnership with the people of Bedford County to continue this incredible legacy for the next 250 years and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 88.