Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Roseland Fire Department, located in the Borough of Roseland, Essex County, New Jersey, which is celebrating its centennial anniversary.

On July 23, 1913, forty four men of Roseland gathered together in the ``Band Hall'' with the intent to form a group of citizens to protect the town from fires. They adopted the named ``Roseland Volunteer Fire Company,'' and elected William Chubbuck as the first Chief. The new members adopted a pledge that read, ``We the undersigned citizens of Roseland, pledge ourselves to form a volunteer fire company, without pay, for a period of one year, to protect life and property of the Borough against loss by fire.''

Helped along by the Newark Fire Department, located slightly over ten miles away, the committee was able to assess their needs and request funds from the town for equipment. The town council of Roseland enthusiastically endorsed the fire company, a ``Thomas Flyer'' engine and twenty helmets were purchased. Excited to display their new engine, the Roseland Volunteer Fire Company marched along it in the Caldwell parade that year, where it ironically caught fire. Though it was later repaired, then Chief stated, ``It took a long time to live that one down.''

Despite that initial setback, the Roseland Fire Department flourished, purchasing a second and third engine in the early 1920s. Engine 3 was in use for 31 years, and is still in possession of the department today. In 1922, the department wrote and adopted a Constitution and by-laws, reflecting the high standards by which the Roseland firefighters live. After moving from a privately owned garage, the department moved to a two bay house in May of 1939. In the1980s, the Roseland Fire Department moved to its present location at 300 Eagle Rock Avenue.

Throughout the ensuing years, the Roseland Fire Department acquired state of the art machinery to ensure the continued safety of the town, including the nine vehicles in operation today, as well as radios for each officer. Their force of 37 members and cadets serve the residents, businesses, and industrial sites around Roseland. Due to the major state highway, they also respond to a wide variety of incidents ranging from structure fires, car fires, motor vehicle accidents, rescues, fire alarms, medical service, electrical fires, and a great deal of mutual aid to other Essex and Morris County communities. After one hundred years, the Roseland Fire Department continues its proud tradition of service, while maintaining a high level of professionalism and readiness for any emergencies that may arise.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Roseland Fire Department as they celebrate their one hundredth anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the organization The Frank O'Hara Association, located in West Orange, New Jersey, which is celebrating its 80th Anniversary.

Frank O'Hara came from humble beginnings in the town of Boggaun in Ballinamore, County Leitrim, Ireland. He was born in 1900 as one of fifteen children. Typical of most young Irishmen of his day, Frank O'Hara fought as part of the Leitrim Brigade for a free Ireland after the 1916 Easter uprising. He was held prisoner in Athlone barracks until he escaped by scaling a wall.

Frank O'Hara immigrated to America in the 1920s with just a primary school education, but a drive to succeed. While working with the Hudson Tubes (now PATH) and Prudential Insurance Company, he opened a speak- easy on Bergen Street, Newark. After prohibition was repealed in 1933, Frank O'Hara opened a tavern on Central Avenue, Newark. Later, in 1932, he married Louise O'Kane, a fellow native of Ireland who shared his deep faith and devotion to family. They became parents to nine children, and thirty grandchildren. Today there are now fifty-five great-grandchildren as well as two great-great-grandchildren, and the family continues to grow.

In 1933, the Frank O'Hara Association was founded in Newark, organized by its first President, Raymond Mulhern, to act as an organization representing Irish culture and values. Frank O'Hara was one of the co-founders of the Newark Saint Patrick's Day Parade in 1936. He moved his family to West Orange in 1941, and opened a tavern and liquor store in the Pleasantdale section of town in 1948. Frank O'Hara pioneered the Irish movement in West Orange and co-founded the Irish American Society of West Orange, which became the present Irish American Society of the Oranges. He also co-founded the West Orange Saint Patrick's Day Parade. During the 1950's, Frank O'Hara aided numerous Irishmen, sponsoring their entry to the United States, which was a requirement at the time. He actively fundraised for many years on behalf of Salesian Missions, and as a result of his efforts and contributions, a Mission Church was built in the Philippines, dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes. He was a parishioner and benefactor of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in West Orange, as well as a benefactor for both Our Lady of the Lake Church in Verona and Queen of Angels Church in Newark.

Though Frank O'Hara passed away over 40 years ago, the products of his life, faith, principals, and labor continue to flourish. The Frank O'Hara Association remains one of the oldest active Irish organizations in New Jersey, cultivating the strong Irish heritage and family traditions that Frank O'Hara and his wife Louise stood for.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Frank O'Hara Association as they celebrate their 80th anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Garden Club of Morristown, located in Morristown, New Jersey, which is celebrating its Centennial Anniversary.

In 1913, Mrs. Gustav Kissel, granddaughter of the Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt, gathered together a few women and established the Garden Club of Morristown. This club reflected a new type of organization where women ``sowed their own seeds'' not only for providing floral beauty, but also for civic action. They composed a constitution stating that the club's purpose was to ``promote garden

culture by the exchange of ideas on all matters pertaining to the garden.'' In these early years, the meetings were mainly social gatherings accompanied by a lecture and an elaborate tea. By 1917, the club became a chapter of the Garden Club of America, and its focus shifted from teas to civic projects, conservation, preservation of wild flowers, and bird life.

Throughout its history, the Garden Club of Morristown has been politically active, working with Washington and Trenton to advocate various causes. They aided the needy through the Great Depression, as well as planted Victory Gardens and provided acreage for planting during the World Wars. During World War II, the club sent small decorations to local veterans hospitals, which began an annual wreath- making tradition. The Garden Club of Morristown also strongly advocated against the placement of billboards on New Jersey highways that were built with federal funds and supported the efforts to begin the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in 1964.

The Garden Club of Morristown has also worked on several local projects throughout town, such as the beautification of Washington's Headquarters with plantings in 1926. They worked on the Neighborhood House in 1934, as well as Macculloch Hall's historic gardens in 1959, among many others. Within the club itself, overseen by the Horticulture Committee, members had two main projects; attending flower arrangement courses, and working at least three days in a greenhouse for practical lessons. This program saw members win awards for their irises and chrysanthemums, and by 1949, the club had grown to an impressive 77 members.

The achievements of the Garden Club of Morristown continued, and in 1985, by the leadership of Isabel Bartenstein, the club became a Founders Fund finalist for its work on the restoration of the Gardens at Morven in Princeton. In partnership with the Frelinghuysen Arboretum and Morris County Park System, the Garden Club of Morristown established ``Branching Out,'' an award-winning children's garden. Throughout the 1990's, the club held several fundraising events, including a Christmas house tour. From 1997-1999, the Garden Club of Morristown's own Chris Willemsen served as President of the Garden Club of America. They also hosted dinner parties and garden tours for the Garden Club of America's annual meeting in 1999, and held the Zone IV meeting.

In 2007, Congressman and honorary member Rodney Frelinghuysen was awarded the Garden Club of America's Frances K. Hutchison Medal for conservation, and since 2000, the Garden Club of Morristown has received the award for the most horticultural, flower show, and photography points at the Zone IV meeting five of seven times. The Garden Club of Morristown's annual plant sale continues to be their largest fundraiser, and they remain active in local projects and fundraising events today. The club is as vibrant and vigorous today as it was at its founding one hundred years ago.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Garden Club of Morristown, Morris County as they celebrate their 100th Anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, once again, I come to the floor to recognize the great success of strong local schools working with dedicated parents and teachers. I rise today to congratulate and honor a number of outstanding high school artists from the 11th Congressional District of New Jersey. Each of these talented students participated in the 2013 Congressional Arts Competition, ``An Artistic Discovery.'' Their works of art are exceptional.

Forty-nine young men and women participated. That is a wonderful response, and I would very much like to build on that participation for future competitions.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the three winners of our art competition. First place was awarded to Samantha Kutnik from Boonton High School for her pen, ink, and colored pencil entitled, ``Breathe.'' Second place was awarded to Antonia Chan from Chatham High School for her acrylic entitled, ``The Companion.'' Third place was awarded to James Quinn from Pequannock Township High School for his markers entitled, ``The Whale.''

Honorable Mentions were awarded to: Kayla Stammer from Boonton High School for her copper and mixed media entitled, ``Poseidon's Menagerie,'' John Lu from Hanover Park High School for his acrylic entitled, ``Power to the People,'' Austin Dimare from Morris Catholic High School for his charcoal entitled, ``The Coming Home'' and Amanda Green from Pequannock Township High School for her oil pastel entitled, ``Into the Woods.''

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize each artist for their participation by indicating their high school, their name and the title of their contest entries for the official record.

Boonton High School: Samantha Kutnik ``Breathe;'' Franchesca Lebrun ``Freedom;'' Diana Lin ``Humble Life;'' Kayla Stammer ``Poseidon's Menagerie.''

Chatham High School: Olivia Quinn Antao ``Hip;'' Antonia Chan ``The Companion;'' Megan Gesell ``Crochet Blankets;'' Nina Krill ``Reflection.''

Delbarton School: Austin Crann ``Rockefeller Plaza;'' Nicole Okomuro ``The Panda Family.''

Hanover Park High School: John Lu ``Power to the People;'' Abby Prokop ``Grandpa, My American Hero.''

James Caldwell High School: Tina Janulis ``Manhattan Moment.''

Livingston High School: Michelle Bao ``Forever Unchanged;'' Rebecca Popper ``A Diamond in a Rhinestone World;'' Emma Siegel ``Prague Guard Illusion;'' Christina Torrens ``Enigma.''

Madison High School: Teri Minogue ``What is Family?''

Montville High School: Caitlyn Corradino ``Alex;'' Halli Goldsmith ``Boonton Railroad;'' Danielle Margiotta ``Promiscuous;'' Kyuri Park ``Reflection.''

Morris Catholic High School: Kristen Cregg ``Papa's Flag;'' Austin Dimare ``The Coming Home;'' Michael Giostra ``M&M Restoration.''

Morris Knolls High School: Victoria Chebisev ``Searching for Alaska;'' Camille Chow ``Collarbones;'' Lianna Rubinaccio ``Chained.''

Morristown High School: Marissa Miyashiro ``Secrets;'' Laura Wills ``Rumors.''

Nutley High School: Alexandre Beaufort ``Journey through the Mind;'' Yuko Okabe ``Violinist;'' Olivia Russell ``Grunge Self Portrait'' Tyler Schoeber ``Robinson.''

Parsippany Christian School: Jessica Carducci ``Scarlet Fever;'' Nicholas McMillen ``Playtime;'' Theodore Stiles ``Table Set.''

Parsippany Hills High School: Yuchien ``Bettina'' Chou ``Light Market.''

Passaic Valley High School: Michele Lameiras ``Imagination Takes Flight;'' Taylor Panas ``Eye Can See It, Can You?;'' Challice Zaleski ``Confusions and Questions of a Teenage Girl.''

Pequannock High School: Amanda Green ``Into the Woods;'' Meghan Hallisey ``Soaring Bones;'' James Quinn ``The Whale;'' Angelika Stefanides ``Always and Forever.''

Randolph High School: Kyna Horten ``Reso;'' Madeline Klingeman ``Surrender Imagination;'' Josh Lane ``Urban Belief;'' Kelly Mulligan ``Conch.''

Each year the winner of the competition has their art work displayed with other winners from across the country in a special corridor here at the U.S. Capitol. Thousands of our fellow Americans walk through the exhibition and are reminded of the vast talents of our young men and women. Indeed, all of these young artists are winners, and we should be proud of their achievements so early in life.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating these talented young people from New Jersey's 11th Congressional District.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Saint Thomas More Parish in Fairfield, Essex County, New Jersey, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2013.

The St. Thomas More Parish has been a staple of religious excellence in the Township of Fairfield over the past half a century. Founded in 1962, the parish has grown steadily, and today is made up of different groups of people within its organization to assist its parishioners. This includes the Pastoral Council that was put in place to assess the needs of the church and decide its future paths. The council is made up of members of the community in addition to the pastor and two other members of the parish's staff. They pride themselves on always being available to hear concerns, ideas, and opinions of the parish members.

Furthermore, St. Thomas More provides consistent adult education to those looking to learn more about their religion. Often times, these educators are taken directly from the community or surrounding parishes. The adult program is coupled with the Baptismal Team which provides new, young parents with education on how to properly prepare one another for their children to be baptized and how to cope with bringing an infant into their lives. The team not only helps guide them, but participates in the baptism and follows up with the family in the forthcoming months in order to maintain a continued relationship.

St. Thomas More takes great responsibility in ensuring the proper religious education for children who partake in the CCD program. Available from the ages of kindergarten to ninth grade, there are individuals trained to demonstrate and teach the concepts of Catholicism to the children. The Parish has said that, ``The goal is to have the children realize that being a Catholic Christian is a way of life. It is a spiritual journey that one walks to grow in faith, to make a Christian difference in the world.'' These instructors work together to guarantee they are on the same page at all times.

The Parish also offers intense spiritual programs, such as Cornerstone, that enable men and women to take part in a 26 hour retreat, intended to bring to light a buried sense of faith and show these adults that they are not alone in their struggles. Sponsored by the lead Pastor, the church offers many social groups such as Bible study, prayer groups, adult, children, and bell choirs, high school music ensembles, senior clubs, and various committees. Specifically these committees include an Evangelization committee, a Stewardship committee, a Eucharist committee, and a music committee that oversees all music in the Church.

Lastly, St. Thomas More continually strives to give back to those who need assistance in the community. They do this through programs such as the Giving Tree during Christmas, a food pantry year round, soup kitchens, and a Homebound Ministry that provides elderly members of the community with volunteers to assist with their needs. Moreover, their Annual Carnival has become an important part of the season, allowing community members to celebrate the word of God with fellow parishioners.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating the St. Thomas More Parish as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor The Children's Institute, located in Verona, Essex County, New Jersey, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

The Children's Institute began as an orphanage in Newark, New Jersey in 1883. Eventually in the 1960s, after recognizing that there were other needs in the community, the board decided to convert the orphanage into a school for children with emotional and behavioral disabilities that were not currently being cared for by local schools. In 1963, The Children's Institute, located in Livingston, New Jersey, was formed as one of the first statewide, non-profit special education facilities. For the next forty-six years, TCI continued to help children until expansion was needed as a result of the growing needs of the community. In 1999, the Children's institute was able to move into a much larger, 47,000 square ft. facility, in Verona, New Jersey, donated by the Swiss global health-care pharmaceutical company, Hoffmann-LaRoche.

In late October of 2012, TCI opened up a brand new 42,000 sq foot second facility in Livingston. This facility will focus on autism in adolescents, aged 14 to 18, and a program for young adults, 21 and over, focusing on independence.

For nearly half a century, The Children's Institute has been helping young adults and adolescents battling autism and related diseases overcome these obstacles to achieve success. Specifically, TCI has been helping children with their development of communication, social, behavioral, life, academic, and career skills. The Institute has done extensive research and gathered evidence to determine which strategies work best in helping their children. These strategies include Applied Behavioral Analysis, Differentiated Instruction, and Universal Design. With the high rate of autism in New Jersey, The Children's Institute hopes that, through these strategies, they can have a major impact on the children's lives and provide them with the same life opportunities they would have if they were not inflicted with an unfortunate disability.

The Institute takes pride in the fact that their children have the same learning experiences and activities that are given to students at local schools, emphasizing the installation of 21st century technology and accommodations needed to succeed. TCI's curriculum is designed to teach so that the student can find and enhance their own, individual talents and capabilities. Moreover, TCI gives its students the chance for integration into community activities with a focus on interaction with non-disabled children so as to eliminate barriers obstructing social growth. Will tuition being paid by local school districts, this comprehensive education is provided at no cost to the families. This generosity is essential to help these children with their struggles. Promoting determination in every student to instill independence and productivity has been the mail goal of The Children's Institute since its inception in 1963.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating The Children's Institute, its trustees and wonderful, professional staff, as they celebrates their 50th anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Township of Denville in Morris County, New Jersey, which is celebrating its Centennial on April 14, 2013.

The area that has come to be known as Denville originated as travelling route and camping grounds for local Lenape Native Americans. As early as 1664, however, Dutch and English settlers began arriving on the shores of the Eastern Coast of the United States. Daniel Denton, a wealthy landowner, is believed to have led an expedition into the interior of Northern New Jersey, specifically the region of Morris County. His discoveries and descriptions of the area, along with its bountiful land and resources led people to populate the area as early as 1690. It is believed that The Great Daniel Denton's influence on the area gave Denville its name.

Denville's earliest settlers contained a diverse group of individuals stemming from many different surrounding areas and cultures. These groups of people included the original Dutch and English settlers from Long Island, and Quakers from Philadelphia, and Germans who had recently arrived from Europe. Many businesses began to emerge over the next half a century as the population of the area began to grow. Between 1730 and 1760, many forges, mills, and ice-harvesting businesses had formed along the Rockaway River, making the town an economic focal point. Soon, neighboring communities such as Ninkey and Franklin, which had already established schools and businesses, were incorporated into the growing settlement of Denville.

Through the establishment of the Morris Canal and the railroad systems in the 19th Century, Denville was able to create the well-known commercial core intersection of Main Street, Broadway, and Diamond Spring Road that has come to be the hub of the town. Yet, the area has not lost its historical charm through the years and continues to represent the vibrant history of Denville.

With its popularity though the centuries, Denville has attracted the presence of four Presidents. This includes George Washington, Grover Cleveland, who stayed as a guest at the current Wayside Inn, Warren G. Harding, and George Bush Sr. in 1994, who visited St. Clare's Hospital.

Additionally, in the early 20th Century, Denville became a tourism destination for those looking to relax and unwind. Most tourists came to the extremely popular lakes such as Indian Lake, Lake Arrowhead, and Cedar Lake or places like the St. Francis Health Resort and the Diamond Spring Inn. Based on its ever-growing popularity, Denville was formed as an official township by an Act of the New Jersey Legislature on April 14, 1913.

Today, Denville boasts a population of over 16,500 people, a successful business district, and a top-tier school system producing over an 84 percent graduation rate. Moreover, the town is home to many attractions such as the Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms, the Wick House Herb Garden and the Rockaway River Country Club. Denville has continued to embody excellence and admiration, from residents and visitors alike as it continues to grow each year.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and your colleagues to join me in congratulating the Township of Denville as it celebrates its Centennial.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Nutley Volunteer Emergency and Rescue Squad, located in the Township of Nutley, Essex County, New Jersey, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary.

The Nutley Volunteer Emergency and Rescue Squad has served the Township of Nutley since 1953, providing a high quality of emergency medical and rescue services. Before its inception, emergency care in Nutley was only available through the Police Department. It was in 1953 that Jess Booth, Wally Eckhardt, and Dave Marshall, all members of the Police Reserves, set out to form a First Aid Squad. After attending District meetings of the New Jersey State First Aid Council, plans for the potential Nutley squad were formulated and presented to Mayor Harry W. Chenoweth. The Mayor then took the idea before the Town Commission, where it won approval. On March 3, 1953, the Nutley First Aid and Rescue Squad was officially created to provide Nutley with immediate care by well-trained women and men in any emergency.

The Squad began with a 1947 Buick ambulance, which they refurbished and equipped for use. At its conception, the Nutley Volunteer Emergency and Rescue Squad only had eleven members, providing service from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., and were supplemented by the Nutley Police Department. The courtroom above the Chestnut Street Fire House served as a meeting area for business and training, while the ambulance was parked at the Warren Street entrance of the Fire House. Duty crews stood by in the Police Headquarters, and the records were housed at the homes of the first officers.

Within the following two years, the Nutley Volunteer Emergency and Rescue Squad was permitted to utilize the Red Cross building for meetings and conducted their first fund drive with the help of the Ladies Auxiliary. The proceeds enabled the replacement of the old Buick with a new 1955 Meads-Miller Cadillac ambulance. The success of the drive prompted the formation of an Ambulance Association, and the fundraiser became an annual event. By 1958, the Nutley Volunteer Emergency and Rescue Squad had outgrown the spaces allotted to them, and refurbished the old town garage under Police Headquarters to suit their needs. This provided a bay for two rigs, meeting rooms, and an area for the crew to stand-by. The following year, the Police ambulance was replaced with a new Eurika Cadillac ambulance. The ever-increasing amount of calls for aid led to the beginning of 24-hour coverage for the Township of Nutley in 1961.

Since 1973, the Squad has been a live-in Squad, with members required to remain at headquarters for the entire length of their shifts. That same year, bunkrooms were constructed to accommodate the late-night crews between calls. The dedicated members, having all qualified as New Jersey State Emergency Medical Technicians, changed the name from Nutley First Aid and Rescue Squad to the Nutley Volunteer Emergency and Rescue Squad, Inc. in 1976 to reflect their training, and the advanced care they provide. The equipment and volunteer members are kept current. The member training includes Standard and Advanced First Aid Courses, ambulance procedures, rig driving lessons, emergency childbirth, and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation training. More recently, the Squac also has a Scuba Team, Water Recovery and Rescue, and a Bike Team. A shortage in volunteers led to the hiring of two paid EMTs in 1988, and again in 1999. The Nutley Volunteer Emergency and Rescue Squad maintains these employees solely through fundraising and donations.

Though 60 years have passed, the Nutley Volunteer Emergency and Rescue Squad has maintained the two original goals: dedication of members to service to the Township of Nutley with the highest quality of care, and services rendered free of charge to those in need.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Nutley Volunteer Emergency and Rescue Squad as they celebrate their 60th anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Rotary Club of Madison, located in Madison, New Jersey, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary.

The Rotary Club of Madison is a branch of the worldwide network of Rotaries, which inspire individuals to transform their passions into relevant social causes to improve lives in communities. The first Rotary Club in the world was organized in Chicago, Illinois in 1905 by Paul P. Harris, a young lawyer. He gathered together a group of men, each from a different sphere of public service, to form the first club. The club would rotate their meeting place between the places of business of the members, which suggested the name ``Rotary.'' These men met with the goal of developing fellowship and understanding among businesses and professionals in the community, promoting improvement of the community through high ethical standards in occupational practice, and the advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace. These ideals of thoughtfulness and helpfulness to others are the same that are held fast by the nearly 33 thousand Rotary Clubs, with over 1.2 million members, that exist today.

The Madison Rotary is among these clubs that carry on the proud tradition. In the early

1920s, citizens of Madison began to take note of the vibrant qualities of Rotary as demonstrated elsewhere. The ideals of ``Service above Self,'' ``He profits most who serves best,'' and the fellowship and joy that comes from going beyond the daily routine of life to help others, greatly appealed to them. The testimonies of members of other Rotary Clubs, as well as Madison residents who witnessed other Rotaries in action, encouraged W. Kelton ``Kelly'' Evens to write to Same Clarke of the Morristown Club asking for sponsorship. Morristown agreed, and commissioned Wilber Day of Day's Restaurant, a Morristown landmark, to arrange the sponsorship. Day worked with Preston Borroughs, who, in January 1923, gathered interested business and professional men at the Ridgedale Inn for discussion. After further followup meetings, Borroughs confirmed to Day in March that the group was prepared. With Day as the liaison for the charter arrangements with the Governor of the 36th District, the Rotary Club of Madison held its Charter Night on May 24, 1923 in the Refectory of Drew University. Wilbur F. Day presided and read the names of the new charter members, while the District Governor Lion L. Woodward presented the charter to Joseph F. Ruzicka, the first President of the Rotary Club of Madison.

Throughout its 90 years, the club has assisted people in need in the community and internationally. Currently, the club donates approximately $50,000 annually to non-profit organizations and local initiatives. The Madison Rotary is active in the community, working on local projects, including maintaining gardens for seniors and the library grounds, participating in Bottle Hill Day, distributing dictionaries to grade school children, and sponsoring the annual Taste of Madison and the Rotary Family Festival. They have also supported Rotary projects worldwide. The Madison Club boasts 86 talented and accomplished men and women dedicated to the core values of Rotary: Service, Fellowship, Diversity, Integrity, and Leadership.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Rotary Club of Madison as they celebrate their 90th anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center, located in the Township of Chatham, Morris County, New Jersey, which is celebrating its 50th Anniversary.

The Great Swamp was created approximately 15,000 years ago, when the melting waters of the retreating Wisconsin Glacier poured into the natural basin known as the Passaic Valley. The area of the Great Swamp is not entirely swampland, but a unique mixture of marshes, meadows, dry woods, and brush colored swamps. The intermingling of these four habitats is what gives the Great Swamp its distinctive character, and allows it to support a wide variety of plant and animal life. In 1959, plans were being formed to pave over large amounts of the area to create an international airport. Area residents objected to these ideas, and formed the Great Swamp Committee to save the ecosystem. As a part of this effort, the Morris County Park Commission purchased approximately 44 acres on the eastern end of the swamp in 1963, and allowed the staff from the New Jersey Audubon Society to give tours, and raise awareness to better protect the area. The Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center is located adjacent to the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, on 44 of the 7,600 acres it spans.

The Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center offers a variety of activities for people of all ages. There are two classrooms for formal learning, a large auditorium, a natural history library, natural history displays, and nearly two miles of natural trails for hiking. The center offers programs for families, classes of all grades, scouts, or any other groups interested in learning about the environment of the swamp. Visitors can partake in such programs as Lenape Day, the Maple Sugar Festival, Baby & Me Hikes, summer camp programs, bird watching, and much more. They have four different short trails for hiking, as well as an observation blind and a pond observation deck for visitors to enjoy the diverse wildlife. The Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center is dedicated to the preservation of the Great Swamp, as well as fun, informative, and accessible education on the habitat and its wildlife.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center, the professional staff of the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, and their many dedicated organizations and volunteers as they celebrate their 50th Anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor NewBridge Services in Pompton Plains, Morris County, New Jersey, which is celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2013.

In the latter portion of 1962, local ministers were taken aback by the exponential increase in counseling requests within the Pequannock Valley area. This prompted a group of concerned citizens to meet and discuss mental health needs of the people in their surrounding areas. From this meeting the Northeast Morris County Guidance Center was founded under Reverend Donner B. Atwood of the First Reformed Church of Pompton Plains. The name of the facility was soon changed to the Pequannock Valley Mental Health Center, which began serving on December 23rd, 1963. This center was initially intended to carry out mental health services for adults and children in Butler, Kinnelon, Lincoln Park, Montville, Pequannock, and Riverdale. Rapid growth over the next decade extended the programs to the areas of Boonton, Boonton Township, East Hanover, and Mountain Lakes.

In 1977, due to the addition of several new programs, the Health Center nearly tripled in size. These new programs included the Transitional Care Program, which was able to provide the Day Treatment Center with full time help for psychiatric emergencies, boarding home services, and counseling for at-risk clients. The Youth Services Bureau was also created to meet the ever-growing mental health needs of adolescents in the servicing towns.

In 1980, the Outreach Program, designed to help additional at-risk clients, was established alongside Project 70001, and the Youth Employment Program, intended to help troubled children and adults obtain jobs. Moreover, in 1986 the center expanded further by adding the Project Families Youth-In-Touch program and the Adolescent Partial Care program in 1987, aimed at helping troubled members of young society become more aware of their problems in order to overcome them. Finally, in June of 1998 the name of center was changed to NewBridge, effectively becoming responsible for almost all public mental health service in the upper portion of Passaic County.

NewBridge's goal has always been to provide children, individuals and families with substance abuse treatment and outpatient counseling. They also seek to empower the children, parents, teachers, and communities they serve to coordinate their own efforts in assisting those who are struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues. NewBridge is able to continually be effective through its 175 trained professionals that serve throughout the 16 municipalities in Morris and Passaic Counties. These professionals include adolescent and clinical nurse specialists, addiction and domestic violence professionals, care managers, and therapists concentrated in marriage and family problems. NewBridge also employs highly trained nutritionists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers.

By means of services, facilities, and employees dedicated to consistently helping members of the community, NewBridge has impacted the Morris and Passaic areas through state-of-the-art constructive methods of support and personal education. Children and adults can now receive the proper care and advice they deserve. This assistance has made these 16 municipalities happier and healthier places to live.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and your colleagues to join me in congratulating NewBridge Services as it celebrates its 50th Anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Grover Cleveland Memorial Birthplace Association, located in Caldwell, New Jersey, as they celebrate their Centennial this year.

The Grover Cleveland Birthplace Memorial Association was incorporated in 1913 as a non-profit organization ``to honor and perpetuate the memory of Grover Cleveland''. Stephen Grover Cleveland rose from humble beginnings as the fifth of nine children to a Presbyterian minister in Caldwell, New Jersey. After serving several years as an apprentice clerk in a local law firm, Grover Cleveland passed the bar and opened his own firm in 1859. He soon became a rather prominent lawyer and Democratic politician, and in 1881, was elected mayor of Buffalo, New York. Grover Cleveland's career continued to ascend, and during his gubernatorial term in New York from 1883 to 1884, interest in preserving his birth site kindled. He then served a presidential term beginning 1885, and again beginning 1892, becoming the only president to serve two non-consecutive terms. The political prestige fueled the interest in the preservation of his Caldwell birthplace.

The site was originally erected as a manse by the First Presbyterian Church at Caldwell on the north side of Newark Turnpike. It housed Reverend Richard Falley Cleveland, his wife, Ann Neal Cleveland, and their ever-expanding family, when their fifth child was born on March 18, 1837. He was named for the church's first minister, Stephen Grover. During the ensuing years, the house and barn were enlarged and ``modernized'' to accommodate the family. In 1902, the Church began negotiations for the sale of the property at $18,000, to only be used as a CFO COI memorial to Grover Cleveland, and in 1907, a committee of friends installed a bronze tablet in the room where he was born. The then 70-year-old Grover Cleveland wrote that he was profoundly moved by this event. Finally, in 1913, the Grover Cleveland Birthplace Memorial Association was incorporated with four officers and thirty-nine trustees, all prominent citizens throughout the country. The Association purchased the house and lot, as well as the lot along Arlington Avenue. However, they faced financial difficulties during the depression, and the State of New Jersey assumed ownership. Governor Moore appointed twenty trustees to oversee the property. Fortunately, in 1936 the house was restored to its 1870 appearance under a government Works Progress Administration program, and was placed under the Bureau of Historical Monuments (subsequently under the Department of Environmental Protection and Energy, Division of Parks and Forestry). The house is listed on both the National and New Jersey Register of Historic Places.

The Grover Cleveland Birthplace Memorial Association was reactivated in 1986 for the Sesquicentennial of Grover Cleveland's Birth (1987), and still functions today as a voluntary auxiliary working in full cooperation with the state. It is an officially recognized Friends Organization. In 1990, the Mayor of Caldwell appointed a liaison with the birthplace, a GCBMA trustee, establishing direct contact with the Borough. The Association continues to promote greater interest and use of this national historic site, which hosts several period exhibits and activities from the lifetime of Grover Cleveland. Throughout their long history, they have worked to bring awareness to the site and the great history surrounding Grover Cleveland.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Grover Cleveland Memorial Birthplace Association as they celebrate their Centennial.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Township of Bloomfield, located in Essex County, New Jersey, which is celebrating its Bicentennial Anniversary.

Bloomfield has a rich history that dates back to pre-revolutionary days. The land that would become Bloomfield was bought by English settlers from the Yantecaw Indians, a tribe of the Lenni Lenape, in the 1600s. In 1812, the town which was part of Newark, broke off and was incorporated as the Township of Bloomfield, taking its name from the historic Presbyterian parish in town named for Joseph Bloomfield. At that time it covered a vast 20.52 square miles, though many of the outlying towns soon would become their own municipalities. That same year, a Justice of the Peace and four constables were elected, as well as a Township Committee formed. By 1816, Bloomfield had opened a post office. In the following years the township government became further formalized.

As Bloomfield developed, so did its system of education; a characteristic that it takes great pride in today. The first school was set up in 1758, and more followed. In addition to this, by 1810, a notable private school named Bloomfield Academy was established. Later, in 1868, the building was taken over by the German Theological School of Newark, the forerunner of Bloomfield College. A special school law was passed for the Township of Bloomfield in 1849, establishing the public school system. Though rejected by social circles for its ``proletarian atmosphere'' at first, the school system grew in popularity and educational facilities. Today it comprises 11 schools, including Bloomfield High School, with over 6,000 students.

A very important facet of Bloomfield's history is the congregation of Old First Church. Formed in 1796, it was named to honor the Revolutionary War general Joseph Bloomfield. This building is still standing, now called the Bloomfield Presbyterian Church on the Green, and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. Another aspect of Bloomfield's history is the first newspaper, the Bloomfield Gazette, published in 1872. Later, in 1883, this became the Independent Press, which is still published in Bloomfield to this day.

By the 19th Century, many changes had taken place. The Newark and Pompton Turnpike (now Bloomfield Ave), allowed Bloomfield to become a commercial center, housing many industrious mills and factories. Additionally, with the opening of the Morris Canal in 1831, commerce increased and provided recreation for the inhabitants. By the end of the century, many other amenities had reached Bloomfield; a railroad, streetcars, banks, telephone service, mail service, and lastly, electricity and sewage lines.

The industrious town of Bloomfield played a part in American history, most notably during the Civil War, as well as World War I and II, providing many vital materials and aid. Set up in 1830, the Oakes Mills provided the town with yarn and cloth, but after being rebuilt due to a fire, the mill then specialized in flannels. During a period of financial crisis, the people of Bloomfield kept the Mill alive, and in turn, the Oakes Mills again flourished, producing tweeds and wools. During the Civil War, Oakes Mills provided a great deal of the indigo blue cloth for the Union uniforms. Later, they provided most of the material used in making fire and police uniforms. In addition to the contributions of the Oakes Mills, during the World Wars, the Township of Bloomfield held many drives to collect essential materials needed by the troops, such as metals, bandage linens, and other commodities. Despite its closure in 1945, the Oakes Mills remain an important facet of Bloomfield's history.

Today, Bloomfield boosts a rich history, alongside its diverse population and culture. Its close-knit community atmosphere is a defining feature of the town, as has been maintained since the early years. Bloomfield is home to a middle and working class population, and also boasts many organizations, such as those in the cultural arts, and civic and neighborhood associations, with which many residents are involved. The Township of Bloomfield is proud to celebrate its history and looks forward to its future.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Township of Bloomfield and its residents as they celebrate their Bicentennial Anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, at the outset I would like to commend the Chairman of the full Appropriations Committee, Mr. Rogers, and the Chairman of the Defense Subcommittee, Mr. Young of Florida, for their determination and perseverance in bringing the completed Defense and Military Construction/VA bills to the floor for our consideration. Since before the end of the last fiscal year, they have been committed to completing our FY '13 bills and move them onto the President's desk for his signature.

Why? Because they understood the damage that would be done to our national security if DoD was forced to operate under the funding levels and restrictions placed on them by our FY '12 bill.

By passing this package today, we will be giving our military leadership additional flexibility to protect their mission and capabilities in this constrained fiscal environment.

I would also add that passage of these measures today reinforces Congress' authority to set policy for the Department of Defense in important areas such as Air Force force structure, the retirement of Navy ships, increasing the pace of Navy shipbuilding, etc. and not cede it to the Executive Branch solely.

I am also pleased that the package also allows additional funding for nuclear weapons modernization, to ensure the safety, security, and reliability of the nation's nuclear stockpile.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

I rise in support of the resolution and urge its adoption.

I would like to commend the chairman of the full Appropriations Committee, Mr. Rogers, and the chairman of the Defense Subcommittee, Mr. Young, for their determination and perseverance in bringing the completed Defense and Military Construction/VA bills to the floor for our consideration this afternoon and this morning.

Since before the end of last fiscal year, they have been committed to completing the fiscal year 2013 bills in committee and to bringing them to the floor and on to the President's desk for his signature.

Why?

Because they understand the damage that would be done to our national security if the Department of Defense was forced to operate under the funding levels and restrictions placed on them by the fiscal year 2012 bill.

By passing this package today, we'll be giving our military leadership additional flexibility to protect their mission and capabilities in this constrained fiscal environment.

I would also add that the passage of these measures today reinforces Congress' authority to set policy for the Department of Defense in important areas such as the Air Force realignment, the retirement of Navy ships, etc. And also it makes sure that we don't cede these sort of decisions only to the executive branch.

I'm pleased that the package also allows additional funds for nuclear weapons modernization, to ensure the safety, security, and reliability of our Nation's nuclear stockpile. This is an important aspect of our energy and water appropriations bill.

Finally, I'd remind our colleagues that this legislative package does nothing to alter the sequestration that took effect last Friday. Simply put, that is a problem, a major problem.

Five members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff presented their chilling testimony before our subcommittee last week, as the chairman referred to earlier, describing how national security would be put at risk if they were forced to make deep reductions in spending for personnel and equipment modernization programs.

Maintenance will suffer. Training for non-deploying soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen, and Guardsmen will virtually stop. Hardworking civilians will face unnecessary furloughs.

The Army Chief of Staff testified before our full committee. General Ray Odierno told us of his worry, and I quote:

If we do not have the resources to train and equip the

force, our young men and women will pay the price,

potentially with their lives.

Marine Commandant General Jim Amos reminded us that America's allies and enemies are watching to determine whether our country remains able to meet its commitments overseas. He said, and I quote:

Sequestration viewed solely as a budget issue would be a

grave mistake.

So while this measure before us helps our men and women in uniform, the meat ax of across-the-board sequestration hangs in the air over the defense and domestic programs alike.

It has now been over 300 days since this House passed its first sequestration replacement bill, and that was last year. Still, the President and the Senate Democrats haven't budged. And their only solution is to raise taxes for the second time in 8 weeks.

It's time for real balance. More tax increases won't help working families, create jobs and protect our troops.

By allowing sequestration to continue, it will hurt many working families, terminate hundreds of thousands of jobs, both public and private, and put our men in uniform at risk.

This resolution takes us forward. I support it. It's important for national security, and I urge its adoption.

I yield to the chairman.

That is correct, Mr. Chairman. Let's keep the government open for business.