Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Natalie Solfanelli, executive director of the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority in Lackawanna County, PA. Mrs. Solfanelli has been honored by the Lackawanna River Corridor Association for her exceptional performance in creating partnerships to preserve and develop the Lackawanna Valley's historic, cultural, natural and economic resources through preservation, education and promotion of the regional heritage.

The Lackawanna River Corridor Association is a nonprofit community organization created in 1987 to promote the restoration and protection of the Lackawanna River and its watershed resources. A major goal of the LRCA is to foster the development of a 40-mile long network of parks and trails along the Lackawanna River.

The Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority and the Lackawanna River Corridor Association have been collaborating to get the 40-mile trail and greenway system built. Known as the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, several sections were developed in the past few years. Other sections are in final engineering phases and will be under construction soon.

Mrs. Solfanelli's leadership and vision have contributed to making the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail project a strategic link in the work of the authority and its partners to promote the economic and environmental revitalization of communities along the river.

After being named LHVA executive director, Mrs. Solfanelli began to enhance the scope of the Downtown Riverfront Trail Project and position the trail as an economic development generator. She is leading a riverfront partnership effort to look ahead at the next steps that will enable private developers and local public agencies to further develop the riverfront area as a complement to the revitalization of downtown Scranton.

Mrs. Solfanelli has an impressive background in financial services, having served with Alpha Benefits Group, Consulting Group, Inc. and Omni Health Plan. She is an NASD licensed registered representative with MidSouth Capital, Inc. and has been president of Harbor Group, Inc., an insurance and investment planning firm since 1989. Mrs. Solfanelli is also a certified life underwriter and a long term care professional.

Mrs. Solfanelli serves on the board of Scranton Tomorrow, the Jewish Federation of

Northeastern Pennsylvania, the St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen, Temple Hesed, Presidents Advisory Council of Keystone College and the Economic Development Council of Lackawanna County.

Married to Attorney Joseph R. Solfanelli, the couple has three adult children.

On a personal note, let me express my appreciation to Natalie for welcoming me into the Greater Scranton community. Her boundless energy and enthusiasm are infectious; everyone who deals with Natalie is inspired to work even harder to make Lackawanna County a better place to live.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Natalie Solfanelli on the occasion of this honor. Mrs. Solfanelli epitomizes the finest level of selfless community service and the quality of life in the greater Scranton area is better because of her efforts.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to John Cosgrove, former executive director of the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania. Mr. Cosgrove has been honored by the Lackawanna River Corridor Association for his leadership in creating partnerships to preserve and develop the Lackawanna Valley's historic, cultural, natural and economic resources through preservation, education and promotion of the regional heritage.

The Lackawanna River Corridor Association is a non-profit community organization created in 1987 to promote the restoration and protection of the Lackawanna River and its watershed resources. A major goal of the LRCA is to foster the development of a 40 mile long network of parks and trails along the Lackawanna River.

The Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority and the Lackawanna River Corridor Association have been collaborating to get the 40 mile trail and greenway system built. Known as the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, several sections were developed in the past few years. Other sections are in final engineering phases and will be under construction soon.

Begun under Mr. Cosgrove's tenure, the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail project is a strategic link in the work of the authority and its partners to promote the economic and environmental revitalization of communities along the river.

Mr. Cosgrove was named to be the first executive director of the newly formed Association of National Heritage Areas in 2004. Prior to his 6 years with the LHVA, he served as executive director of Neighborhood Housing of Scranton and held several positions in the administration of the late Governor Robert P. Casey. He also chaired several initiatives for Scranton Tomorrow including City Pride and First Night Scranton.

Mr. Cosgrove resides in Scranton with his wife, the former Eileen Egan Cosgrove and their three daughters.

On a personal note, I wanted to mention how much I enjoy working with John and look forward to continuing to work with him on his expanded portfolio serving heritage areas around the country. John is yet another example of a talented Northeastern Pennsylvanian who is now sharing his skills to serve the entire Nation.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating John Cosgrove on the occasion of this honor. Mr. Cosgrove's leadership, dedication and commitment has enhanced the quality of life in the Greater Scranton region and all its citizens are better because of it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Michael Lombardo, mayor of the city of Pittston, in Luzerne County, PA, and senior vice president and chief operating officer of the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business and Industry as he is honored by his friends and colleagues at a testimonial dinner.

Mayor Lombardo is widely respected for epitomizing what an elected official should be: committed, decisive, dedicated, and visionary.

Under Mayor Lombardo's leadership, the city of Pittston has been improved in many ways to enhance the quality of life for its residents and visitors alike.

As a senior member of the management team at the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business and Industry, Mayor Lombardo has been able to apply the skills learned as a mayor of a single city in ways that touch the lives of citizens from many towns in a positive manner.

Mayor Lombardo is a former educator in the Pittston Area School District. In that capacity he encouraged many young men and women to aspire to great things and to always search for ways to contribute to the greater community.

Mayor Lombardo has been actively involved in the community for many years. He is a board member at the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, the Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Pittston YMCA and at College Misericordia's Insalaco Center. He is a member of the Council of Delegates at the NEPA Alliance, the Pennsylvania League of Cities Policy Council, the Knights of Columbus and the Wyoming Valley Watershed Coalition Steering Committee for the Riverfest Project.

He is co-chairperson of the American Cancer Society Relay for Life in the Pittston area and the Pittston Tomato Festival. He is also vice president of the Pittston City Festival Association.

Mayor Lombardo has received awards for his community service from the Pennsylvania Library Association and the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce Community Partnership. He was named Greater Pittston Person of the Year in 2000.

On a personal note, I would like to say that I have greatly enjoyed the opportunity to work with Mike over the years. Whenever I helped him obtain Federal money for the city of Pittston, I knew that it would be spent wisely and for the long-term benefit of the people of Pittston. I look forward to continuing to work with him as he serves in his new capacity.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mayor Michael Lombardo for setting a fine 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 Andrew J. Benyo Jr., a supervisor in Hazle Township, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, who has retired after completing 18 years of dedicated public service.

Mr. Benyo was educated at St. Gabriel's Elementary and High School in the city of Hazleton, Pennsylvania and at St. Bernard's College in Cullman, Alabama, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in education and English.

He is a veteran of the United States Air Force, having served during the Vietnam War at DaNang Air Base in the field of combat support.

During his years of service as an elected official in Hazle Township, Mr. Benyo held fast to a campaign promise to avoid raising property taxes. He was successful in accomplishing numerous construction projects, including Humboldt Fire Station No. 2, Community Park Soccer Fields, Babe Ruth Field, North Park Road and the Municipal Office Complex and Commons Building.

An environmental activist, Mr. Benyo also served on the Council of Governments.

Well known for his compassion and responsiveness to his constituents, he was a driving force in securing a resolution to water problems in the Beaver Brook area of the township.

He was also instrumental in bringing about the connector road between Route 93 and Route 309 in the area of 28th Street in the township.

Mr. Benyo never failed to make himself available, especially during winter months, and, in particular, during the severe winter storms of 1993, 1996 and the ice storm of 2005.

Mr. Benyo enjoys spending time with his wife, Judy, and their children, Karin and Sgt. Andrew J. Benyo 3d, who is serving with the U. S. Army Rangers, and his wife, Christine. He also intends to make time for salmon and deep sea fishing and his other hobbies that include boating, woodworking and cooking.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mr. Benyo for 18 years of devoted service and commitment to his community.

Because of individuals like Mr. Benyo, the quality of life in communities like West Hazleton is enhanced. And, for that, we can all be grateful.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I join my colleague in expressing a little disappointment in the failure of the other body to rise to the occasion.

A considerably better piece of legislation was drafted and passed here in the House and sent over to the other body, only to get to this 11th hour and get back some legislation that is less than a good product.

It does several things; and I dare say, I have to rise to support it because it is the only thing flying in town tonight. And since terrorism reinsurance will expire in 2 weeks to an incredible disadvantage of American business and American jobs, I think we have no alternative but to support this piece of legislation tonight.

What it does not do, however, is it does not pass on and consider legislation taking care of nuclear, chemical, biological, radioactive terrorism incidents. What it does not include is allowing for a commission that would sit down and analyze and develop a mechanism so that we can pass the responsibility for the public back to the private sector in a smart and reasonable way.

And it does not extend it nearly for long enough or provide for the continuation of this type of coverage into the future, because as the chairman well said, 2 years is entirely too short. The only thing we are certain of is we will be back in this Chamber within the 2 years to do something over again, having lost 2 years of work product and probably again 2 years of involvement.

Finally, the last thing the bill does not include today that is a great disappointment to me is comprehensive health coverage insurance. It seems that we are willing to insure the buildings, but not the people. Group life was included in the House side of the bill, but has fallen out as the bill has come back from the Senate.

I guess the last sport I would complain about with the Senate is, if I recall, several days ago or maybe a week has gone by, we had the appointment of a conference committee in the House. And our coach was lined up and ready to go. We all went out and bought uniforms and prepared to do battle, and somebody forget to give the referee a whistle. As I understand, the conference never started or ended. This is merely a product sent over as a last-ditch effort, take it or leave it. That is what we are faced with.

But with all of that said, I think it is another example that, at least here on the House side, the Financial Services Committee has had and has displayed a great deal of capacity to work together in trying times.

I wanted to thank and recognize all the folks on the Republican side of the aisle that were so bipartisan in working on this. And I think we were of common mind to get it done, and we got a good product done.

On my side of the aisle, many of the participants in this legislation will have an opportunity to speak, and they can critique the legislation and their own role as they do speak.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank).

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Israel) for 3 minutes.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Crowley).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Capuano).

Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation because of its necessity to America's working men and women and the business community of America.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Israel).

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 3 minutes.

(Mr. KANJORSKI asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Revision Act.

The terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon altered how we each assess risk. This adjustment was especially apparent in the insurance industry.

Terrorism insurance is critical to protecting jobs and promoting America's economic security. Unfortunately, the supply of terrorism reinsurance after the September 11 attacks significantly decreased.

Eventually, we approved the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act to address this problem. At recent hearings, we have learned that this law has worked to increase the availability of terrorism risk insurance, lowered the cost of such insurance, contributed significantly to stabilizing the overall insurance marketplace, and advanced delayed economic development projects.

We also wisely designed this program as a temporary backstop to get our Nation through a period of economic uncertainty until the private sector could develop the models to price for terrorism reinsurance. Unlike hurricanes and fires, acts of terrorism in the American experience currently remain inherently unpredictable in frequency and scale. As a result, the private sector has not yet returned to the terrorism reinsurance marketplace.

Many studies support this finding. The Government Accountability Office, for example, has determined that the industry has made little progress to date in providing terrorism insurance without government involvement. A report by the Rand Corporation also found that TRIA is needed, but because of its gaps, it is not robust enough to protect against evolving threats like those posed by nuclear, biological, chemical and radioactive events.

Many have, therefore, called upon us to modify and extend the life of the terrorism risk insurance program in order to prevent short-term market disruptions and better protect the economy. The consensus bill before us today wisely extends the program up to 3 years and adopts other prudent reforms.

I am especially pleased that the bill includes group life insurance as a covered line. The original TRIA omitted such coverage. This bill fixes that oversight. We need, after all, to insure the people inside the buildings, not just the buildings themselves.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, this is not a Democratic issue or a Republican issue. It is an American issue, a business issue and an economic security issue.

With less than 4 weeks remaining before the current program expires, we need to expeditiously pass this important economic stabilization legislation and move forward with a conference. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Capuano).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the charming gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney).

Mr. Speaker, this has been a difficult time, because so many of us over the last year have desired to move this legislation along. But I would be remiss if I did not take this occasion to perhaps illuminate an example for this entire Congress as represented by the financial services industry.

I would have to say, without doing an in-depth study, that the Financial Services Committee of the House of Representatives has proven that even in the 109th Congress we can have bipartisan activity of an extraordinary amount, and that to a large extent is due to the incredibly good leadership of our gentleman friend, the chairman from Ohio, and the ranking member, the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank). I also would be remiss if I did not suggest a strong and hard effort by our friend, the subcommittee chairman, Mr. Baker of Louisiana.

Perhaps the full House could take note that in pressing times of need for legislation that can be contentious and has philosophical differences of great order, both sides of the aisle on this piece of legislation, and so many more in this session of Congress, have come together to perform the people's work; and I think the congratulations to a large extent for that effort go to the gentleman from Ohio, the chairman, Mr. Oxley.

With those remarks, Mr. Speaker, and urging all my colleagues in the House to vote ``yes'' on this legislation, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Objection.

Objection.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to my very good friend Mr. Francis Bonner, of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, on the occasion of his 70th birthday celebration.

Mr. Bonner has enjoyed an exceptional career in public service and in the advancement of the anthracite coal industry. He has been married to Marie (Clatch) Bonner for more than 40 years. They are the parents of Mary Pat Bonner, whose career in Democratic politics was inspired by her father's lifelong dedication to the Democratic party.

Born in Hazleton, Mr. Bonner was a son of Miles and Mary Hannigan Bonner. He graduated from St. Gabriel's High school in Hazleton and Villanova University where he also pursued graduate studies. He also attended Clarion State College Coal Institute, the University of Pittsburgh Coal Gasification Liquefaction and Conversion to Electricity Conference and the Penn State University Coal Combustion Technology Seminar.

From 1954 to 1960, he served as International Representative for District 50, United Mine Workers of America.

He later served as a field investigator for the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.

In the early to mid 1960s, he served as Eastern Regional Administrator for the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission. In that position, he conducted investigations and educational functions to insure compliance with legislation guaranteeing equal opportunity in employment, housing, education and public accommodations.

He then worked for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as an administrator for federal equal opportunity executive orders.

From 1971 to 1979, he served as special personal assistant to Pennsylvania Governor Milton Shapp. In that capacity, he was directly responsible for the administration's energy and fuel development programs; industrial development programs; liaison for labor management relations; liaison to the state House and Senate on matters concerning energy and labor relations; disaster control and relief and industrial development.

He later worked for the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission as a fossil fuels coordinator, developing programs to encourage the use of coal in the generation of electric power.

From 1982 to the present, he has been president of Bonner Associates of Pennsylvania, a firm that serves as a consultant on governmental affairs with special emphasis on energy, particularly coal use and development, health care, labor management relations and waste disposal and recovery.

Honored by the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce and the economic development group, CAN-DO, as ``Hazletonian of the Year,'' Mr. Bonner has served his community in numerous ways, including as assistant director of the Villanova Urban Studies Program, Deputy state chairman of the Pennsylvania Democratic State Committee, member of the Hazleton City Planning and Zoning Board of Adjustment, member of the Philadelphia Fellowship Commission, member of the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority, Governor's Energy Council, United States Department of Energy Anthracite Task Force, Governor's Coal Conference, White House ad hoc Anthracite Task Force, chairman and member of the board of directors of St. Joseph's Hospital, Hazleton; chairman of the Anthracite Health and Welfare Fund and member of the Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation Board of Review.

On a personal level, Fran has been an astute political observer and a trusted advisor to me during my tenure in Congress. I have always valued his insight into the political atmosphere of Northeastern Pennsylvania and I treasure his friendship.

Mr. Chairman, please join me in congratulating Mr. Bonner on this special occasion. His achievements reflect a devotion to his community in northeastern Pennsylvania where he has contributed to enriching the quality of life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Mr. Wes Freedman, recipient of the ``Man of the Year'' award from B'nai B'rith Amos Lodge No. 136.

A highly respected and talented businessman and community leader, Mr. Freedman earned a reputation for personal integrity. His community service over the years has benefited both young and old alike.

For more than 30 years, Mr. Freedman owned and operated several catalog showrooms in northeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Mr. Freedman served on the boards of directors at Johnson Technical School, PNC Bank and Marywood College. He currently serves on the boards at Mercy Hospital, the Jewish Home of Eastern Pennsylvania, Elan Gardens, an assisted living facility, and the Foundation for the Jewish Elderly of Eastern Pennsylvania. He is currently president of the board of Webster Towers, a high rise apartment complex for the independent aging.

Mr. Freedman is a life member of the Jewish Community Center in Scranton and has been a member of B'nai B'rith and Temple Israel for many years.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mr. Freedman on this honor. His commitment to his community reflects a genuine selflessness and devotion to others in need. Mr. Freedman's record of service is exemplary and has helped improve the quality of life for many in northeastern Pennsylvania.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Dr. Robert J. Dillman, president of East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, on the occasion of his being named ``Businessperson of the Year'' by the Pocono Mountains Chamber of Commerce.

Dr. Dillman is the 12th president of East Stroudsburg University and has served in that capacity since July, 1996.

Since then, he has initiated ambitious and innovative academic and economic development projects that have made a profound impact on the university and on the quality of life and economic revitalization of the region.

During Dr. Dillman's tenure, ESU has become the first university in the United States to offer an undergraduate degree in computer security.

At his direction, the university established an award-winning ``Business Accelerator'' that focuses on encouraging economic development and entrepreneurial endeavors in the region and has been successful in generating nearly 100 highly skilled jobs in Monroe County.

Dr. Dillman initiated and is leading the planning for the creation of a world class Science and Technology Center on campus.

Dr. Dillman has also partnered with the Pocono Record newspaper to develop a Jazzmasters and Broadway Series which was held for 4 consecutive years.

Under Dr. Dillman's direction, ESU has added a new graduate degree program, ``Masters in Management and Leadership.'' He also oversaw the creation of the Center for Research and Economic Development in 1999.

In recognition of his efforts in community development, workforce training, entrepreneurship and innovation, Dr. Dillman received the Ben Franklin Technology Partners Special Recognition Award in 2004.

Under his leadership, university enrollment has steadily increased. Undergraduate enrollment has risen 20 percent while graduate enrollment climbed 33 percent since 1996. And, just this year, Dr. Dillman oversaw the opening of University Ridge Apartments, a new complex that houses 541 students. Dr. Dillman also guided work that produced a new Admissions Welcome Center, Student Recreation Center, Alumni Center and an Enrollment Services Center.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Dr. Dillman on this occasion. His work at East Stroudsburg University demonstrates that he is more than deserving of the ``Businessperson of the Year Award.'' The entire Pocono Mountain community has been enriched by his efforts and it is fitting that he is honored in this way.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Chuck Niclaus, president of Niclaus Engineering Corporation in Stroudsburg, PA, on the occasion of being named ``Citizen of the Year''

by the Pocono Mountains Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Niclaus has been engaged in the engineering field for more than 28 years. His expertise includes civil engineering, land development, environmental sciences and surveying.

Extremely active in his community, Mr. Niclaus served as United Way Campaign Chairman in 2004 and has served as a member of the United Way's board of directors. He is a past president of the Rotary Club of Stroudsburg and he served on the board of directors of the Pocono Mountain Chamber of Commerce.

He is a past president and member of the board of directors of the Slate Belt Chamber of Commerce and is a past vice president of the Bangor Lions Club.

Mr. Niclaus received the United Way President's and Clifford E. Gilliam Awards in 2004 and the Paul Harris Fellow Award from Rotary International in 2003. He was named Rotarian of the Year in 1999.

Mr. Niclaus is a member of many professional associations including the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Environmental Assessment Association and the National Association of Environmental Professionals.

He has also been an active youth baseball and soccer coach.

Having graduated from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, Mr. Niclaus received his professional engineering licenses in New Jersey and Pennsylvania and possesses operator certificates for wastewater and water systems from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

Mr. Niclaus resides with his wife, Maureen, their three daughters, Erin, Mary and Elizabeth and their son, Tim.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mr. Niclaus at this time. His professional and community commitment speaks well of his desire to make the Stroudsburg area and the region surrounding it a better place to live and raise families. The recognition associated with being named ``Citizen of the Year'' by the Pocono Mountains Chamber of Commerce is well deserved.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the

House of Representatives to pay tribute to Mr. Damian A. Braga, president of Sanofi Pasteur US, located in Swiftwater, Monroe County,

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Elizabeth Koster, of Smithfield Township, Monroe County, PA, who was chosen by the Pocono Mountain Chamber of Commerce to receive its 2005 Athena Award.

Mrs. Koster is president and chief executive officer of Fitzmaurice Community Services, Inc., which has been serving the needs of special populations in the Pocono area for 30 years.

Founded by Mrs. Koster's mother, Johanna Fitzmaurice, in 1966, the business strives to crate environments for persons with disabilities that support independence, productivity and

inclusion through customized services provided by highly qualified staff personnel.

Mrs. Fitzmaurice died in 1978 but the organization she founded has grown over the years under the leadership and vision of her daughter, Mrs. Koster.

Mrs. Koster graduated from East Stroudsburg University after which she began her career as a teacher and then as an associate at her mother's company, rising to president and CEO following her mother's death.

Today, her company assists hundreds of persons with special needs so they can lead meaningful and productive lives by providing housing, education, recreation and medical services.

Mrs. Koster serves on the boards of directors of the Pocono Mountains Chamber of Commerce, Friends of Eastern Monroe Public Library, Leadership Pocono and the ESU Rehabilitation Services Advisory Council. She is a member of the Kiwanis Club of the Stoudsburgs, advisor for the Kiwanis AKTION Club of Stroudsburg and is past president of the Northeast Providers Association, the Pocono Providers Association and past vice chair of the Mental Retardation Committee for Pennsylvania Community providers Association.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mrs. Koster on this occasion. Athena award winners are chosen on the basis of their professional excellence and service to community. Clearly, Mrs. Koster demonstrates those qualities.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Johanna Weaver, of Monroe County, PA, on the occasion of her being named ``Humanitarian of the Year'' by the Pocono Mountains Chamber of Commerce.

Mrs. Weaver served as executive director of Pocono Services for Families and Children for more than 33 years before her retirement last August.

Over the years, she has distinguished herself as a community leader, volunteer and mentor to children.

She has served the Monroe County Children and Youth Advisory Board, Habitat for Humanity Advisory Board, Drug and Alcohol Prevention Juvenile Task Force, Monroe County Job Center Task Force, League of Women Voters, United Way, Monroe County Association for the Education of Young Children, Welfare Reform Task Force, WNEP-TV Advisory Board, Kiwanis Clubs of the Stroudsburgs, Chamber of Commerce Executive Women's Council and the East Stroudsburg University Women's Center Advisory Board.

On a State and national level, she has served the Head Start program, the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the Pennsylvania Association of Child Care Administrators.

She has also served the East Stroudsburg School District's reading program and was a member of the district's Band, Football and Wrestling Parents Associations.

Mrs. Weaver is married to Michael Weaver, a retired professor from East Stroudsburg University. The couple has two children and three grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mrs. Weaver on the occasion of this honor. Her selfless commitment to family and community and, especially, to the welfare of children has enriched the greater Pocono Mountain region. Mrs. Weaver deserves our gratitude and appreciation.