Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise in very strong support of the bill I introduced, H.R. 5232, the Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge Study Act.

Located in the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania, Cherry Valley provides habitat to more than 75 species of national or regional concern, including several plants and animals listed as either endangered or threatened. These species include the bog turtle and the bald eagle. Monroe County, however, is also the fastest growing county in Pennsylvania, and this development now threatens and will soon encroach upon the habitat of these rare species.

As a result, grass-roots efforts to protect these sensitive habitats have gained momentum and now have widespread support within the local community. Rarely in my career in Congress have I experienced such overwhelming local support for a legislative endeavor as I have encountered for the designation of a national wildlife refuge in Cherry Valley.

Designation of a national wildlife refuge has bipartisan support from elected officials, including all three county commissioners, two State representatives, and a State senator. It also has the support of supervisors from all of the townships included and located in the Cherry Valley area. Moreover, my colleague from Pennsylvania (Mr. Dent) has joined me in sponsoring this legislation because he once represented parts of Cherry Valley when he served as a State senator.

Area business owners have also voiced their support for this effort. For example, the Pocono Builders Association, a building industry trade association in Monroe County, passed a resolution in support of designating Cherry Valley a national wildlife refuge.

Moreover, a number of local landowners have already put their land into easements and other conservation arrangements to facilitate the creation of a national wildlife refuge. Voters have also approved initiatives designed to provide the revenue needed for conservation purposes. Designation of a national wildlife refuge would, therefore, help to coordinate these efforts and provide Federal support for conservation of this important habitat.

In order to determine the appropriate land for inclusion in a potential refuge, I introduced H.R. 5232, the Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge Study Act, after consulting with my colleagues and determining the best course of action. The bill authorizes a study to be completed by the Fish and Wildlife Service to determine what specific lands are suitable for inclusion in a potential refuge.

The legislation does not authorize the creation of a national wildlife refuge at this time. The bill is intended merely to study areas for their potential for inclusion in a refuge, not to authorize the creation of another refuge. In addition, the study is designed to provide Congress with the information needed to determine if the designation of a wildlife refuge in Cherry Valley is appropriate.

Before closing, I would like to thank my colleague from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone) and my colleague from Maryland (Mr. Gilchrest) for holding a hearing on this legislation. I also would like to thank my colleague from California (Mr. Pombo) and my colleague from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall) for moving this legislation through the House Resources Committee. Their work on this bill is much appreciated.

In summation, I urge passage of this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Dr. Patricia Donohue, president of the Luzerne County Community College, in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, who was a recipient of the Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business and Industry's prestigious ``Athena Award.''

The Athena Award honors women who show excellence in business accomplishments, community service, personal achievements, and assisting the efforts of other women working toward their full leadership potential.

The concept started in 1980 when Martha Mayhood Mertz, then serving on the Board of Directors of the Lansing Michigan Regional Chamber of Commerce, realized that only one woman was recognized for excellence in her Chamber in 75 years. Since its inception in Michigan, thousands of ATHENA Awards have been presented throughout North America, Eastern Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

The Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber has honored local women for their achievements since 1985. MotorWorld Automotive Group has remained a sponsor of the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber's ATHENA Award during that tenure.

Dr. Donohue oversees a $36 million budget and remains active in the community volunteering her time with several organizations. She has spent countless hours providing guidance and mentorship to female professionals and young women.

Dr. Donohue is a member of the board of directors of the Luzerne Foundation, Osterhout Free Library, F.M. Kirby Center and the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber. She is a member of the Council of Presidents of Luzerne County and serves on the board and executive committee of the Joint Urban Studies Center.

Dr. Donohue has made a lifelong commitment to Girl Scouting and serves on the Executive Committee of the Girl Scouts of Penn's Woods Council. She served as the first chair of the NEPA Technology Institute and is a graduate of the Leadership Wilkes-Barre Executive Leadership program and the Lackawanna Leadership Executive Program.

She is a member of the National Institute for Leadership Development and has sponsored/mentored more than 50 women for leadership training. Dr. Donohue serves on the Board of the American Association of Women in Community Colleges and on the United Way Campaign Cabinet.

Among her many awards are the Outstanding Leadership Award from the American Association of University Women, Harrisburg and the Central Penn Technology Council's Outstanding Service Award. She has been recognized by Who's Who in America and the Outstanding Young Women of America and is the recipient of the Outstanding Service Award from the American Cancer Society, the Merit Recognition Award from Harrisburg Area Community College, and was named Community Woman of the Year by the American Business Women's Association.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Dr. Donohue on this important occasion. Dr. Donohue's commitment to the advancement of women and her devotion to community service have enhanced the quality of life greatly in the Wyoming Valley. It is fitting, indeed, that she be selected for this unique honor.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to the Greater Hazleton CAN-DO organization on the occasion of its 50th anniversary.

In 1956, when the deep anthracite coal mines were closing and regional unemployment reached 30 percent, Dr. Edgar Dessen, a local radiologist, formed a new committee to investigate how best to go about economic development.

Realizing that they would need funds to pursue their objectives, they began collecting dimes solicited from the regional citizenry. The unusual fundraiser netted about $14,000, enough to buy more than 800 acres of land that became the Valmont Industrial Park. Eventually, it would grow into a 4,000-acre industrial corridor that would need major investment for infrastructure.

Dr. Dessen set a goal of $500,000 to be raised in three weeks. A local banker told him ``You can't do that!'' But, he replied, ``Yes, we can do.'' Thus was born the CAN-DO organization, an acronym that preceded the title which later was proclaimed to be the ``Community Area New Development Organization.''

Indeed, in that first major fundraiser, CAN-DO did not raise $500,000; it raised $740,000. Two more fund drives followed. One yielded $830,000, while the second raised $710,000.

The Valmont Industrial Park development was so successful that CAN-DO eventually acquired 1,150 more acres of land and created the Humboldt Industrial Park nearby.

Over the years, CAN-DO has been responsible for the development of over 3,500 acres for economic development, created 20,000 new jobs, increased the area's payroll by $240 million, leveraged private investment of more than $1.5 billion, and increased the local tax base by 20 percent.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the CAN-DO organization on this auspicious occasion. Those associated with CAN-DO over the past 50 years have made significant contributions to the quality of life in the greater Hazleton area and, for that, we should all be grateful.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my distinguished colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to James A. Magee, of Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, who was honored recently by the Bloomsburg Chapter of the American Red Cross at a testimonial dinner.

Born in Bloomsburg on August 20, 1928, to Harry L. and Alice Hartman Magee, he attended Bloomsburg public schools and went on to higher education at Gettysburg College and the Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science.

Mr. Magee served our Nation on active duty in the United States Army from 1952 to 1954 and in the Army Reserves from 1954 to 1956.

He married Audrey Rehm and had three children, Drue A. Magee and James R. Magee, both of Bloomsburg and Elizabeth Hausske, of Phoenix, Arizona. Mr. Magee also has a sister, Joanne Katerman, of Bloomsburg.

Mr. Magee started working in the family carpet business in 1950. He was elected president of the Magee Carpet Company in 1969. In 1967, Magee Industrial Enterprises, Inc. was created and, in 1976, was merged with and became the parent company of Magee Carpet Company. Mr. Magee continued as president of the parent corporation until his retirement in 1993.

Mr. Magee was involved in numerous service and community organizations. He was a director of the First Columbia Bank and Trust Company; Bloomsburg Area Industrial Development Association; Bloomsburg Water Company; Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, Ben Franklin Partnership and the Carpet and Rug Institute.

He served as a member of the executive committee of the Columbia- Montour Council of the Boy Scouts of America; was a trustee of Wesley United Methodist Church and was vice president of the Bloomsburg Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Magee also served as president of the Magee Christian Education Foundation, Bloomsburg Rotary Club and the Bloomsburg Hospital.

One of Bloomsburg's first ``Men of the Year,'' Mr. Magee was awarded the Boy Scouts of America Silver Beaver Award in 1987 and the Bloomsburg University Medallion Award in 1989.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating James A. Magee on this auspicious occasion. His business acumen and devotion to community service has provided the greater Bloomsburg region with exceptional leadership for more than 40 years. Without a doubt, Mr. Magee has greatly improved the quality of life for thousands of people during his very fruitful career.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my distinguished colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in paying tribute to Mary Erwine, president of Erwine Home Health and Hospice, Inc., who is the 2006 recipient of Leadership Wilkes-Barre's Distinguished Alumni Award.

Ms. Erwine will be honored at the 25th annual Leadership Wilkes-Barre dinner to be held on Thursday, June 8. She was chosen for this award because of her commitment and dedication to the community and her ongoing support of Leadership Wilkes-Barre and its programs.

Ms. Erwine founded Erwine's Home Care in 1993 and expanded with the addition of Erwine's Private Health Care in 1995.

Under her leadership and professional training, the company has grown from three employees to more than 100. Her company serves patients in five Pennsylvania counties.

In 2005, she added a hospice division to afford patients continuity of care.

Her community involvement includes participating in organizations such as the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, the greater Wilkes- Barre Association for the Blind, St. Vincent De Paul Kitchen, F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Osterhout Library, Circle 200, Pennsylvania Council on Aging, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Fundraising, Executive Women's Council, Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce, National Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau, National Association of Millennium Circle Fund of the Luzerne Foundation, College Misericordia Advisory Council, PNC Bank Northeast Region Advisory Board, Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania Corporate Board, Leadership Wilkes-Barre and the Greater Wyoming Valley Leadership Forum.

Ms, Erwine has also been the recipient of several awards including the Athena Award from the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce; Quality of Life Advocacy Award from the Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter Arthritis Foundation; Benefactor Award from the Greater Wilkes-Barre Association for the Blind; Distinguished Career in Nursing Administration Alumni Award from College Misericordia; Community Leaders of the Year Spirit of Business and Industry Award from the Arthritis Foundation and the 25th Anniversary Star Award from Leadership Wilkes-Barre.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mary Erwine on this auspicious occasion. Her entrepreneurial spirit and her devotion to community service have helped to improve the quality of life in the entire region.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Richard B. Cosgrove, of Pittston, Pennsylvania, who was recently presented with an honorary doctorate degree from King's College.

Mr. Cosgrove enjoys a reputation as the dean of local journalists in Northeastern Pennsylvania. After graduating from St. John the Evangelist High School in Pittston in 1941, he joined the staff of the Wilkes-Barre Times Leader in January, 1943. He later joined he staff of the Pittston Dispatch in 1947 in time for the publication of their very first edition on February 9.

Mr. Cosgrove continued his newspaper career with the Pittston Dispatch until the summer of 2000 when he joined the staff of the Wilkes-Barre Citizens' Voice as a correspondent, a position he continues to hold. He also served for several years as a local correspondent for the Scranton Tribune.

Richard is a son of the late George and Elizabeth Healy Cosgrove. Mr. Cosgrove's wife, the former Mary Neary, died in April, 1981. Their union was blessed with two sons, George B. Cosgrove, principal of the Pittston Area Middle School and Joseph M. Cosgrove, a practicing attorney in Luzerne County. His family also includes two granddaughters, Jill, a nurse at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Hospital and Mary Ann, a drug and alcohol counselor in Scranton.

Mr. Cosgrove has a long history of community service. He is a member and past president of the Wyoming Valley Sierra Club of Wilkes-Barre and he is a past district governor of District 80, Sierra International.

Mr. Cosgrove is also a member and past grand knight of President John F. Kennedy Council 372 of the Knights of Columbus in Pittston and a member of the council's Fourth Degree Assembly.

He is a member of the parish community of St. Casimir, St. John the Evangelist and St. Joseph Churches in Pittston where he serves as a Eucharistic Minister, an altar server and a member of the parish liturgy committee. He also performs bereavement counseling with those who have lost loved ones. He is also a past president of the parish's Holy Name society.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mr. Cosgrove on this auspicious occasion. His love for his community, his devotion to the pursuit of truth and his faithful service to his church have endeared him to many, many people and has earned him widespread respect. Mr. Cosgrove's contributions to his community have clearly improved the quality of life in the greater Wyoming Valley.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Temple Beth Israel in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, on the occasion of its 100th anniversary.

In 1895, the Jews living in Hazleton organized an orthodox congregation. But, even at that time there was a desire among some of the members to establish a congregation that favored reform practices.

In the fall, of 1906, a small group was able to engage the services of Rabbi Block who conducted High Holiday services which they believed were more in keeping with the modem American conditions of the time.

Late in September 1906, 23 men met to organize a reform congregation that would be called Beth Israel, or ``House of Israel.'' Soon, Temple Beth Israel joined the Union of American Hebrew Congregations.

Over the years, the congregation has followed the path of the city of Hazleton with a combination of good times and hard times. Throughout its history, Temple Beth Israel has contributed to the city's business and civic leaders, distinguished doctors and lawyers.

Temple Beth Israel has been a good neighbor and a helpful ally. The congregation has survived for 100 years and stands ready for the next 100 years.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Temple Beth Israel and all its members on the happy occasion of their 100th anniversary. Congregations like Temple Beth Israel form the solid foundations every community needs for moral guidance and human development. It is a proud day for Temple Beth Israel and we share in the congregation's exuberance.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to the San Cataldo Society of Dunmore, Pennsylvania, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this month.

In 1904, a group of Dunmore residents, recently emigrated from the island of Sicily, associated themselves for the purpose of promoting goodwill, civic betterment and for the benefit of its members in cases of sickness, accident or death from funds collected.

The early history reveals that these pioneers, bearing the customs which they inherited from their native land, but handicapped by a language barrier, overcame many difficulties and obstacles in the formation of the Societa San Cataldese Cooperativa Di Mutua Saccorso in Dunmore.

In March 1905, a group of 48 men held their first meeting at Washington Hall, Chestnut and Comer Streets, and they elected the late Rosario Bentivenge as the first president.

The society continued to progress since its incorporation under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on May 15, 1906. Meetings were conducted at various Dunmore landmarks, including DeAndrea's Hall on Willow Street; Lalli's Hall on Willow Street; Naro's Hall on Elm Street, and Luzio's Hall on Mortimer Street.

In 1927, after many years of sacrifices and perseverance by the members, the society began construction of a building at 316 Elizabeth Street. The same building is still in use today.

The Italian immigrants who made up the San Cataldo Society contributed much to their community, working in various occupations including coal miners, construction workers and skilled laborers. They served in public office and their descendants served and fought honorably in defense of this Nation. Their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren have served the community and the nation becoming doctors, lawyers, engineers, judges, construction contractors, business owners, nurses, pharmacists and public servants.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the San Cataldo Society and its members past and present. Their devotion to their community has improved the quality of life and serves as a positive example for others to emulate.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Pennsylvania Sen. Charles Lemmond, who is observing 50 years of membership in the Wilkes-Barre Law and Library Association.

A lifelong resident of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, Senator Lemmond received a bachelor's degree from Harvard University, a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania and an honorary doctor of humane letters degree from Wilkes University.

Prior to his election to the Senate of Pennsylvania in 1985, he served as an assistant and first assistant district attorney in Luzerne County and as a judge of the Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas.

Long active in community and civic organizations, Senator Lemmond is a past potentate of Irem Temple and a 33rd degree Mason, a trustee of the Wyoming Conference of the United Methodist Church, a life member of the board of trustees of Wyoming Seminary and a

member of the advisory boards of Penn State's Wilkes-Barre campus and the Salvation Army.

The Wilkes-Barre Law and Library Association was located in the county Court House located on Wilkes-Barre's Public Square from 1859 to 1909 when it was moved to the second floor of the current county Court House at 200 N. River Street in Wilkes-Barre.

The Law Library contains over 20,000 volumes of law books, reports and journals. The Law Library also operates the Luzerne Legal Register, the law journal of Luzerne County and the official reporter of the decisions of the Court of Common Pleas of Luzerne County. A lawyer referral service is also operated out of the law library for people who need a lawyer but do not know whom to contact.

The Law and Library Association also operates a charitable foundation that supports charitable and humanitarian projects throughout Luzerne County. It is intended to enhance the public's understanding and appreciation of the legal system in Luzerne County, ensure access to legal information and representation to all members of the Luzerne County community and foster good relations between members of the Bar, Judiciary and the public.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Senator Lemmond for a half century of membership in the Wilkes-Barre Law and Library Association. His devoted service and the service of other distinguished legal practitioners have enabled the Association to grow and thrive and be a continuous source of support to its members.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Attorney Charles Bufalino, of West Pittston, Pennsylvania, on the occasion of his 50th anniversary of membership in the Wilkes-Barre Law and Library Association.

A graduate of Wyoming Seminary Preparatory School, Villanova University and the University of Pennsylvania Law School, Attorney Bufalino was admitted to the practice of law in 1956 and he continues to be an active practitioner before the Luzerne County Court, all of the appellate courts of Pennsylvania and the United States Courts for the Third Circuit and the Middle District of Pennsylvania. He is admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States and is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association.

Attorney Bufalino has been involved in precedent-setting litigation involving both First Amendment rights and freedom of the press as well as workers' compensation law.

A First Amendment landmark case was considered by the United States Supreme Court and a workers' compensation case was decided earlier this year by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

Attorney Bufalino served as special assistant attorney general, Luzerne County solicitor, law clerk to the late Judge Harold Flannery and as solicitor to many municipalities.

The Wilkes-Barre Law and Library Association was located in the county Court House located on Wilkes-Barre's Public Square from 1859 to 1909 when it was moved to the second floor of the current county Court House at 200 N. River Street in Wilkes-Barre.

The Law Library contains over 20,000 volumes of law books, reports and journals. The Law Library also operates the Luzerne Legal Register, the law journal of Luzerne County and the official reporter of the decisions of the Court of Common Pleas of Luzerne County. A lawyer referral service is also operated out of the law library for people who need a lawyer but do not know whom to contact.

The Law and Library Association also operates a charitable foundation that supports charitable and humanitarian projects throughout Luzerne County. It is intended to enhance the public's understanding and appreciation of the legal system in Luzerne County, ensure access to legal information and representation to all members of the Luzerne County community and foster good relations between members of the Bar, Judiciary and the public.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Attorney Bufalino for a half century of membership in the Wilkes-Barre Law and Library Association. His devoted service and the service of other distinguished legal practitioners have enabled the Association to grow and thrive and be a continuous source of support to its members.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Attorney Michael Butera, immediate past president of the Wilkes-Barre Law and Library Association in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.

Attorney Butera performed in an exemplary manner by providing leadership and direction to a proud and prestigious organization founded 156 years ago on June 18, 1850.

A graduate of the University of Scranton and Temple University School of Law, Attorney Butera has been in the private practice of law since 1976 in Pittston, Pennsylvania.

He is also active with the Pennsylvania Bar Association, the American Bar Association, Northeastern Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association and the Pennsylvania Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. Attorney Butera served on the Wyoming Area School Board for six years. He also served as president of the board of Luzerne Intermediate Unit 18, president of the board of the Greater Pittston YMCA and was vice president of the Third Legislative District for the Luzerne County Democrat Party. He is also a charter member of the St. Martin Society.

The Wilkes-Barre Law and Library Association was located in the county Court House located on Wilkes-Barre's Public Square from 1859 to 1909 when it was moved to the second floor of the current county Court House at 200 N. River Street in Wilkes-Barre.

The Law Library contains over 20,000 volumes of law books, reports and journals. The Law Library also operates the Luzerne Legal Register, the law journal of Luzerne County and the official reporter of the decisions of the Court of Common Pleas of Luzerne County. A lawyer referral service is also operated out of the law library for people who need a lawyer but do not know whom to contact.

The Law and Library Association also operates a charitable foundation that supports charitable and humanitarian projects throughout Luzerne County. It is intended to enhance the public's understanding and appreciation of the legal system in Luzerne County, ensure access to legal information and representation to all members of the Luzerne County community and foster good relations between members of the Bar, Judiciary and the public.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Attorney Butera on a job well done. His devotion to community service is reflected in his tireless pursuit of excellence on behalf of the Wilkes-Barre Law and Library Association.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to the

Kawneer Company which is celebrating its 100th anniversary on May 5 at its facility in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania.

Founded by Francis J. Plym, an architect, in 1906 in Kansas City, Missouri, the Kawneer Company distinguished itself in the field of architectural products, earning more than 400 patents in the past century.

Between 1910 and 1920, Kawneer developed the first metal air frame sections used in American aircraft, an achievement that earned the company a commendation from the U.S. War Department.

Between 1920 and 1930, Kawneer became the first manufacturer to incorporate lightweight, strong, economical aluminum in architectural products including ornate grills and soffits.

From 1930 to 1940, nearly 75 percent of Kawneer's business centered on aluminum, and Kawneer became the largest American user of aluminum for architectural purposes.

Months after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, every inch of the Kawneer plant was devoted to making airplane parts. American soldiers flew into battle supported by Kawneer rib assemblies, fuel tank supports, flap controls and many other aviation components.

For the past half century, Kawneer has been in the vanguard of architectural innovation, especially with regard to large commercial window applications.

In the future, Kawneer intends to commit itself to developing sustainable environmental solutions, such as the Kawneer Power Wall, the first proven integrated photovoltaic curtain wall system designed to control the sun in large commercial buildings.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the Kawneer Company, which employs 400 people in its Bloomsburg facility. Its impressive sales performance over the past 2 years saw gross sales double from $51 to $100 million. Clearly, Kawneer is an important part of northeastern Pennsylvania's economy and we wish them every success in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to the Rev. John S. Krafchak, pastor of St. Mary of Czestochowa Church, Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, who is celebrating his 50th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood on May 26, 2006.

Father Krafchak was born in Old Forge, Pennsylvania, in 1931, a son of Ann Marie Potempa and John Krafchak. He graduated from St. Ann's Monastery High School in West Scranton. He attended St. Mary's College, Orchard Lake, Michigan; St. Mary's Seminary and University, Baltimore, Maryland. He was ordained on May 26, 1956, in St. Peter's Cathedral, Scranton, by then Bishop Jerome D. Hannon.

Father Krafchak was first assigned as assistant pastor at Holy Name of Jesus Church, Swoyersville, Pennsylvania. He was later transferred to St. Mary's Church, Nanticoke and then to St. Hedwig's Church, Kingston. Following that assignment, he was transferred to St. Mary's Church of the Maternity in Wilkes-Barre. In 1974, he was named administrator at Ss. Peter and Paul Church, Sugar Notch and, in 1983, was named pastor at St. Mary's Church in Nanticoke, where he is presently.

Over the years, he taught at Marymount High School in Wilkes-Barre and West Side Central Catholic High School in Kingston.

Father Krafchak is well known as a ``people's priest'' because of how intensely he has worked with his parishioners on a myriad of projects and issues.

Over the years, Father Krafchak was especially interested in building his parish's religious education programs as well as the marriage preparation and family life programs. He was also very concerned about parish restoration and expansion projects as well as stabilizing parish finances. At his present parish, he oversaw the construction of a new rectory in 1986.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Father Krafchak on a remarkable priestly career. His devotion to his chosen vocation and his commitment to the people he served is an inspiration for others in the value of selfless service. Father Krafchak has left an indelible mark on the lives of thousands in northeastern Pennsylvania and, in the process, has earned their eternal love and respect.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Raymond S. Angeli, of Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, who will be the recipient of the B'nai B'rith's annual ``Americanism Award'' on May 7.

The honoree of this prestigious accolade is traditionally selected by past award recipients and the presidents of various service organizations.

Mr. Angeli, who serves as president of Lackawanna College, was previously a member of the late Pennsylvania Gov. Robert P. Casey's cabinet. He served as secretary of the Department of Community Affairs after having served as Deputy Secretary for Programs at the agency and as Director of its Northeast Regional office.

A veteran of the United States Army, Mr. Angeli retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel. He served two combat tours in Southeast Asia, one as commander of a helicopter company. He also served as a Department of Defense inspector general and as foreign area officer in the U.S. Embassy in Paris, France.

While in military service, Mr. Angeli was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, The Air Medal and the Pennsylvania Meritorious Service Medal.

Active in state, regional and community affairs, Mr. Angeli served as chairman of the board of the National Institute for Environmental Renewal, the state's Interagency Task Force on affordable housing and the Pennsylvania Housing and Finance Agency.

Mr. Angeli serves on the boards of the Great Valley Technology Alliance, St. Joseph's Center, Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority and the Delaware and Lehigh Corridor Authority.

Mr. Angeli is a past recipient of the Boy Scouts of America's Outstanding Citizen Award in Northeastern Pennsylvania, UNICO's Man of the Year Award and the University of Scranton's Distinguished Alumnus Award.

A native of Blakely, Pennsylvania, Mr. Angeli earned a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Nebraska and a master's degree in education from Scranton University.

Mr. Angeli and his late wife, Nancy, are the parents of two daughters, Ms. Emy Angeli and Mrs. Tracy Barone.

On a personal note, I want to express my own appreciation for the commitment Ray has made to his community. Although I met him during his tenure in Governor Casey's Cabinet, it has only been since my Congressional district expanded to include Scranton that I have had the opportunity to work closely with Ray on several projects. I know that I can count on him to have thought carefully about every project he undertakes and to have determined that it is in the best interest of the Northeastern Pennsylvania. We are indeed fortunate to have him in our community.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mr. Angeli on this auspicious occasion. Mr. Angeli's commitment to service and excellence has earned him the respect and admiration of the greater Scranton community. It is fitting that such an award would be presented to him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Alma Berlot of Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, who was chosen as Woman of the Year by the Wyoming Valley Woman's Club for the year 2006.

Mrs. Berlot is affectionately known as the coal miner's daughter because of the dedicated work she did to spearhead the drive to place a statue of a coal miner at the intersection of East Main Street and Kosciuszko Street in Nanticoke. Mrs. Berlot did that to immortalize the sacrifices made by her father and thousands of other mine workers who labored deep underground in often dangerous conditions to support their families and to invigorate the regional economy.

Mrs. Berlot is now working to get a postage stamp that will honor the coal miners for their courage and bravery.

Mrs. Berlot's father, Ed Salvadore, lost his life in the mines. Her mother, Elizabeth Tulli, was killed in a car crash by a drunken driver. In tribute to her parents, Mrs. Berlot subsequently organized a talented group of children and young adults who entertain at nursing homes, veteran's gatherings, etc. The group is called ``Make Someone Happy.''

Over the years, Mrs. Berlot has received many awards from two State hospitals for her work with the mentally challenged and also the Special Olympics.

Mrs. Berlot is married to Alvin Berlot and the couple has four children: Dr. Alvin Berlot, Attorney Melissa McCafferty, Gina Bunchalk, RNBSRN and Madonna Trombetta, RN.

The Wyoming Valley Woman's Club gives its ``Woman of the Year'' award annually to a worthy woman for her outstanding contributions to the Wyoming Valley. The selection committee is composed of past award winners including Doris J. Merrill, chairperson, Nanticoke; Anna Cervenak, Kingston; Rose Marie Panzitta, Wilkes-Barre; Judith Ellis, College Misericordia; Rose Mary Sigmund, Luzeme; Martha Elko, Kingston and Ann MacFarland, president, Wilkes-Barre.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mrs. Berlot on the occasion of this outstanding achievement. Mrs. Berlot's devotion to community service is well known and it is fitting that she should receive this award.