Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the upcoming 100th Year Anniversary of the founding of the Delaware River Yachtsmen's League (DRYL). Founded in 1914, the DRYL is committed to promoting true Yachtsmanship on the Delaware River, its tributaries and surrounding territory.

The DRYL started with a mere five founding clubs, and now contains 35 clubs along with six boating organizations. Over 5,000 boating members support one another in their commitments of successful club activities, working for cleaner waterways, and staying abreast of developing issues and laws.

I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending the Delaware River Yachtsmen's League for this distinguished milestone in its already impressive history. May we all seek to emulate the League's culture of dedication and hard work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mark Allan Segal, one of the founding fathers of the gay rights movement and possibly the person most responsible for bringing national attention to that group's quest for acceptance and respectability.

By the age of eighteen Mark was an activist and founded Gay Youth, the nation's first organization to deal with the issues of gay teens and endangered LGBT youth. Then, realizing the gay community needed to be brought out into the open, Mark created the Gay Raiders and took his fight national by breaking into television newscasts and nationally broadcast live programs, always espousing gay rights. These break-ins were known as ``zaps'' and succeeded in making people aware of a part of our society that did not have equal rights under the law. The last known ``zap'' was one that took place on the CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite, and strange as it seems, Mark Segal and Walter Cronkite became and remained friends until Mr. Cronkite's passing in July of 2009.

Mark founded the Pride of Philadelphia Election in 1989 to build a coalition of gay activists and allies. He raised over $30,000 during the primary, waging a television ad campaign to defeat then City Councilman Francis Rafferty in order to elect allies to Philadelphia City Council, including then candidate for Mayor, Ed Rendell. Mark was also instrumental in obtaining funding from the late Congressman Thomas Foglietta in order to purchase a permanent home for the William Way LGBT Community Center, located in the heart of Philadelphia's ``Gayborhood''.

Mark is the founder of the Philadelphia Gay News and has become a respected journalist with his newspaper winning numerous awards. He is a tireless champion for his community making it his duty to make people understand

and respond to the issues at hand, never quitting the fight. And now, his latest project of bringing affordable housing to an aging gay population has reached fruition. The John C. Anderson Apartments, named for a Philadelphia City Councilman who died of AIDS in 1983, is now open. It is the first senior citizen housing project built by and for the LGBT community in Pennsylvania and only the third of its type in the United States. This is housing where gay tenants will feel comfortable living in a community that will not discriminate against them. But also, like the senior complexes built by Christian, Jewish and Chinese groups, this housing will be open to any eligible senior in need.

I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in commending Mark Segal for being at the forefront of a fight still taking place today. He is an outstanding example of unwavering commitment to equal rights, and we should all be thankful for his tireless dedication and determination.

Mr. Speaker, rise to honor the memory of Nicole Michele Hines, a woman who lived more life in her 38 years than most will live in a lifetime, and is remembered for stating, ``My PASSION is greater than your power!''

Her advocacy for women's rights, fatherhood, community uplift and the foundation of family were just a few of the areas she fought for. Her association with organizations such as Holy Redeemer Health System's Project Rainbow/Drueding Center and the Women's Community Revitalization Project landed her prestigious spots on their boards and various committees. She lived and fought for the educational rights of her own children, Naim and Aminah, and for a village of others.

Nicole was a tireless champion for her community, always willing to serve in whatever capacity was needed, devoting endless hours to politics at both the city and state levels. She was elected Committee Woman for the 49th Ward, 5th Division, and worked diligently to help further the community's improvement and redevelopment. She was a strong supporter of the Logan CDC, serving as an active member of their Neighborhood Advisory Committee, and was actively involved in many organizations, among them but not limited to, the

Philadelphia Center for Art and Technology, Philadelphia Assisting Communities, the Community Women's Education Project and the Northwest Community Coalition for Youth. Her final project was advocating for the rights of fatherhood and the family as a united front, helping in the creation of the Father's Heart and Legacy Empowerment Center.

I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in remembering this extraordinary woman who has touched the lives of so many and has left behind a wealth of knowledge and a glowing legacy. She made it her duty to make people understand and respond to the issues at hand and would want all of us to continue her fight.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Tasty Baking Company, better known as TASTYKAKE, as it celebrates its 100th Birthday today. Since TASTYKAKE was formed, it has been an integral ingredient to the great city of Philadelphia, as well as surrounding areas along the East Coast.

TASTYKAKE was founded in 1914 by baker Philip J. Baur and egg salesman Herbert T. Morris. The brand name was originally conceptualized by Morris' wife commenting on how she found the duo's baked goods to be ``tasty.'' Starting in a small bakery in Philadelphia, and only using the finest and freshest of ingredients, the company quickly became a phenomenon.

TASTYKAKE, a wholly owned subsidiary of Flowers Foods, Inc., is a success story not only for Philadelphia, but for our nation as a whole. The company employs thousands, has multiple production locations in Philadelphia and Chester County, and contributes everyday to the success of America. From honey buns to chocolate bells, cupcakes to donuts, thousands of citizens are enriched by these tasty baked goods. TASTYKAKE is memorializing this special event by serving their goods to those who serve the citizens of Philadelphia, including local charities, police and fire departments, and customers. This act conceptualizes the American dream: that through hard work and dedication, everybody has a chance to make their dream succeed.

I invite you and all of my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Tasty Baking Company and offering our thanks to the company that has made many of our lives much sweeter.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the Port Richmond On Patrol, better known as ``PROP,'' as it celebrates 25 years as a town watch and civic organization in the City of Philadelphia.

In 1988, in the wake of the Sean Daily murder that rocked the close knit blue collar neighborhood of Port Richmond when a 17 year old local teenager was beaten and killed by another group of teens, a handful of neighbors sprung into action to keep their neighborhood safe.

Three women were instrumental in the birth of PROP: Phyllis Hackimer, Helene LaBenz, and Jackie Saier. These women were involved from the very beginning, working to keep their neighborhood and their kids safe and secure the streets of Port Richmond. PROP Townwatch started out at Phyllis' kitchen table with coffee and pound cake. The first meeting drew hundreds of people wanting to be the eyes and ears of Port Richmond in the 24th Police District.

Through the years, PROP patrolled the streets of Port Richmond every Friday and Saturday night, both in personal vehicles and even on foot patrol, and then initiated the ``Eyes and Ears on Your Block'' program that invited neighbors to look around and hear what's happening on their block and street and encouraged them to report suspicious behavior.

Hackimer and LaBenz have shared a stoop on Port Richmond's 3600 Gaul Street for decades and raised their kids alongside one another as next door neighbors and friends. Saier, who lives at Almond and Westmoreland Streets, is a walking encyclopedia of Port Richmond history and family ancestry and can usually be found on her porch watching over A&W playground.

PROP has always put the betterment, safety, and security of Port Richmond as their goal and mission statement and have consistently worked hand and hand with the Captain and Police Officers of the 24th Police District.

PROP was also one of the first town watches in the City of Philadelphia to embrace and participate in the National Night Out Program, which they still help organize every August in a citywide event. Furthermore, PROP is a proud ally of Operation Town Watch, an organization dedicated to the development and promotion of organized law enforcement-affiliated crime and drug prevention programs. Members include: Neighborhood, Crime, Community, Town and Block Watch Groups; law enforcement agencies; state and regional crime prevention associations; and a variety of businesses, civic groups and concerned individuals working to make their communities safer places in which to live and work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the accomplishments of Ms. Joan Williams. A lifelong community leader, Ms. Williams is being honored with the Martin Luther King Community Service Award on January 23rd for her unending service to our city and its people.

Since her graduation from Lincoln University in 1971, Ms. Williams has been a force for change. Professionally, Ms. Williams worked in the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights from 1972 to 2006, eventually becoming a Senior Equal Opportunity Specialist, investigating discrimination complaints regarding elementary, secondary, and postsecondary education programs. She now serves as the First Vice President & Director of Programs & Projects for the West Philadelphia Coalition of Neighborhoods and Businesses. In this role, Ms. Williams acts as a liaison between businesses and corporations and community members seeking employment, working to help all of her neighbors achieve better circumstances.

Ms. Williams was also instrumental in establishing the Community Advisory Committee, which serves as an oversight committee for the Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Service Center, making the Center safe and of assistance to the community. For her personal and professional work, Ms. Williams has received many awards, including, but not limited to, the 190th Legislative District Image Award from State Representative Vanessa Lowery Brown and the Community Service Award from the Henry Hill Post 385 American Legion. On reflecting on Ms. Williams's long history of working for social justice, I cannot think of someone more deserving of this year's Martin Luther King Community Service Award.

It is a privilege to recognize a person whose leadership and commitment to our city has enriched the lives of countless individuals. I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending Ms. Williams for her lifetime of service and dedication to Pennsylvania's First Congressional District.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Upper Darby High School, the winner of Varsity Brands' National School Spirit Day. National School Spirit Day is an annual celebration throughout the month of October to recognize the impact that cheerleaders and dancers have in their local communities--as mentors, community service leaders, spirit raisers, and positive examples to all.

In 2009, Varsity Brands began National School Spirit Day as a way to spotlight the efforts of cheerleaders and dancers throughout the country who make a difference in their schools and communities. Over the past five years, cheerleaders and dancers have pledged more than 500,000 community service hours as part of National School Spirit Day.

This year, the Upper Darby High School Royals were selected as the national team winner of the 2013 National School Spirit Day. The Upper Darby Cheerleaders collected hats, scarves, gloves, blankets, gift cards, and other warm clothing items for women and children of domestic violence and abuse throughout the month of October. By the end of the month, the cheer squad was able to turn over thousands of items in support of victims of domestic abuse.

In conjunction with National School Spirit Day on October 11, 2013, Varsity Brands also launched Cheer for a Healthier America. This program aims to enlist high school student cheerleaders, dancers, and athletes as student ambassadors of their communities by getting local elementary school kids more involved in physical activities, and teach them about making healthy lifestyle choices. Just this summer, at over 1,000 Varsity camps across America, over 400,000 enrolled campers learned about the program and are preparing to initiate it this Fall, while students from over 800 schools have signed up to participate.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to please join me in recognizing Upper Darby High School and commending the work done by youth across the country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the accomplishments of Ms. Sara Lomax-Reese. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, Ms. Lomax-Reese is the President and General Manager of WURD Radio LLC, Pennsylvania's only African-American owned talk radio station.

Ms. Lomax-Reese is an accomplished journalist who has been widely published in The Miami Herald, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Essence Magazine, American Visions Magazine, and Modern Maturity. Additionally, she co-founded HealthQuest: Total Wellness for Body, Mind, and Spirit, the first nationally circulated African-American consumer health magazine in the country. Due to her outstanding leadership abilities, the magazine quickly grew from a small 25,000 quarterly to a bi-monthly publication with a distribution of 500,000. She has received many awards for her dedication to her community, including the Woman of Substance Award, the Tree of Life award, the Beacon of Light award, the Woman of Distinction award, and most recently the PECO Power to the Community Award. Ms. Lomax-Reese stands committed to continuing her work of empowering the community and building a powerful voice for the African-American community at WURD radio.

It is a privilege to recognize a person whose leadership and commitment to our city has enriched the lives of countless individuals. I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending Ms. Lomax-Reese for her lifetime of service and dedication to Pennsylvania's First Congressional District.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the accomplishments of Ms. Virginia Davenport. At a young age Ms. Davenport, along with her five siblings, was put up for adoption due to unfortunate circumstances following the family's move to Philadelphia. In and out of foster homes during these early years, Ms. Davenport faced the myriad of challenges children can experience within the foster care system. Despite these difficult times, Ms. Davenport pressed on with faith in a God above and the determination to improve her situation.

Ms. Davenport went on to attend the Power Sewing School, Simon Gratz High School, Government Nurses Aid Training School, and various other educational institutions. She recently graduated from the first level of the Deliverance Bible Institute (DEBI) with outstanding marks and will continue with the next level of DEBI this upcoming semester. Throughout all of this, she has made every effort to reach out and support young people at every opportunity she is afforded. She is active in Intercessory Prayer, the Home Care Department, and Helping Hand Ministries. Ms. Davenport intends to continue to dedicate her time to bettering herself and her community and hopes to be an inspiration to those around her.

It is a privilege to recognize a person whose leadership and commitment to community has enriched the lives of countless individuals. I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending Ms. Davenport for her lifetime of service and dedication to Pennsylvania's First Congressional District.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the upcoming 90th birthday of Fraulein Lamar. Born on December 30th, 1923, Ms. Lamar has lived a life of service and dedication to Pennsylvania's First Congressional District.

Unlike many women of her generation, Ms. Lamar carved out a career for herself at two of our city's landmark institutions. Working for U.S. Customs and Border Protection for twelve years, Ms. Lamar safeguarded our borders and made citizenship to the United States a reality for countless individuals around the globe. She went on to work for the Philadelphia Quartermaster Depot for thirteen years. What's more, Ms. Lamar balanced her busy career with a robust family life and is devoted mother and grandmother.

I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating Ms. Lamar on this most important of birthdays. May we all learn from her legacy of hard work, commitment, and passion.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the memory of Dr. Walter Lomax. The phrase, ``he lived a full life,'' is often over used these days. But, it is certainly appropriate to say just that about Dr. Lomax.

He was a medical doctor, an astute businessman and a philanthropist. In short, he saved lives in many ways. Dr. Lomax' sterling medical career alone would have been enough of a legacy for most people. But he also blazed new trails in medicine, extending his healing to the most disadvantaged--the poor and the imprisoned. In business he was a titan, creating a diversified network of enterprises that are forward looking and soundly managed. He was a creator of jobs and a boon to the local economy. And, he is remembered as one of our most generous philanthropists. He helped individuals, with power and without power, and causes too numerous to list, although that list certainly includes the Kimmel Center, Philadelphia's premier fine arts performance hall.

His generosity also broadened our understanding of our national history, as was the case in his support for the study of the slaughter of African Americans in the Tulsa Race Riot.

All told, his support of community, cultural and educational causes made this nation and the world a better place.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the scholarship and dedication of historian Charles L. Blockson, upon the occasion of the publication of his latest book--The President's House Revisited Behind The Scenes: The Samuel Fraunces Story. For most of his life Mr. Blockson has collected and preserved African and African American historical tomes, art and artifacts. In 2001 I was privileged to have sponsored an appropriation to fund the digitalization of the Collection.

Housed at Temple University, the Collection is one of the nation's leading research facilities for the study of the history and culture of Africans of the Diaspora with special emphasis on the lives and experiences of African Americans in Philadelphia and the surrounding Delaware Valley.

I am proud to know this much esteemed and dedicated man who has provided us with a window into the lives of the African and African Americans who too often have been written out of history. I salute Charles L. Blockson, a distinguished scholar.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the upcoming wedding of Ashley Shillingsburg and Michael Alderfer. Having worked in my D.C. office for the last five years, Ashley is someone I have come to greatly respect and rely on. She is tirelessly committed to her job and commands a wide range of policy expertise. Ashley is an invaluable asset and a cornerstone of my D.C. operation.

This is why I am happy to stand here today in recognition of her upcoming wedding to Michael Alderfer on October 5, 2013 at Willow Creek Winery in our neighboring West Cape May, NJ. Michael Alderfer, while not a Philadelphian, is an accomplished young man with a bright future and, as of equal importance, an avid Eagles fan. Being married to an incredibly bright woman, one who challenges me every day in the best of ways for over 16 years, I am confident that Michael and Ashley will treat each other with the love, dignity, and respect that guarantee a long-lasting marriage.

It is a privilege to recognize a person who has become such an integral part of my office. I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating Ashley and Michael on their upcoming nuptials and wishing them a bright and happy future together.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the accomplishments of Mr. Herman J. ``Pete'' Matthews, Jr. Mr. Matthews will be receiving the Labor Man of the Year Award at this year's Friend of Labor Committee of Laborers' Local 332 Annual Black Tie Charity Dinner.

Mr. Matthews has served as President of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) for District Council 33 since 1996 and has brought true union democracy to its membership. Before this position, Mr. Matthews served as the Business Agent of Local 394 for thirteen years. Building upon his education from Temple University, Mr. Matthews completed the Harvard University Trade Union Leaders Institute and regularly attends continuing education courses on labor and health care at Harvard University. Mr. Matthews is an active member of many boards, including the Executive Board of the Philadelphia AFL-CIO and the AFSCME International Judicial Panel. He is committed to his position as President of District Council 33 and is a force for stability and positive change in all communities of the City of Philadelphia.

It is a privilege to recognize a person whose leadership and commitment to community has enriched the lives of countless individuals. I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending Mr. Matthews for his lifetime of service and dedication to Pennsylvania's First Congressional District.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the accomplishments of Mr. W. Cody Anderson. Mr. Anderson will be receiving the Outstanding Community Leader Award at this year's Friend of Labor Committee of Laborers' Local 332 Annual Black Tie Charity Dinner.

Mr. Anderson has committed himself to the field of broadcast radio for more than 35 years, beginning in the Sales Department of WDAS Radio and working his way to become the President and General Manager of the station. He is widely considered a leading communicator to African- American and urban-based communities and has long-standing relationships with leaders and organizations throughout the region. His expertise in community and grassroots based marketing has allowed him to build one of Philadelphia's most influential talk radio stations, 900AM WURD. He is consistently listed as one of Philadelphia's Top Ten Influential African-Americans and remains concerned with and accessible to community members and the issues they face. Throughout his very busy and successful career he has served as a member and advisor for several community organizations such as Action AIDS and the African-American Interdenominational Ministries, Inc., and is an Ambassador in the Team Pennsylvania Outreach Program.

It is a privilege to recognize a person whose leadership and commitment to community has enriched the lives of countless individuals. I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending Mr. Anderson for his lifetime of service and dedication to Pennsylvania's First Congressional District.