Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Douglas Kapnick of Adrian, MI on the celebration of his retirement from Kapnick Insurance Group. For 43 years he has successfully operated the company and has contributed to various organizations within the area in an effort to give back to the community.

Upon graduating from the University of Michigan in 1965 with a Business Administration degree, Douglas Kapnick joined his father's insurance business, Kapnick and Company. From the beginning, he focused on expanding the agency beyond home and auto insurance and worked to extend its reach into Adrian's neighboring areas. In 1974 he bought the 15-person operation from his father, Elmer Kapnick, and in 1975, he was elected to serve as its president. As chairperson and chief executive officer, he succeeded in growing the business into one of the most respected insurance agencies in the Midwest.

In July 2001, the company doubled its benefits operation through the purchase of Harbors Benefits Services located in Ann Arbor, MI, and in 2005, it changed its name to Kapnick Insurance Group. The company has gained recognition as an innovative, well managed company with a reputation for providing quality service and creative solutions to its clients. The company's success can be traced to Douglas' inspiring leadership and ability to bring out the best in each employee. Carrying on the family tradition, Douglas Kapnick's two sons, Jim and Mike Kapnick, bought the company from him in 2006. On September 5, 2008, Douglas spent his last official day in the office.

In his personal and professional life, Douglas has devoted his time to giving back to the community. He has served as a member of the board of several community organizations such as YMCA, United Way, Lenawee Chamber of Commerce, and Croswell Opera House. Douglas has served several terms on the Adrian Public School's Board of Education, including 5 years as board president. He served 19 years as a trustee on Siena Heights University Board of Trustees, with 8 years as president, and continues as a chairperson. He has served as president for the Bank of Lenawee and Pavilion Bancorp. Douglas' life and service is a direct reflection of his longtime commitment to giving back to the community.

Douglas' contributions to the community have not gone unnoticed. He is one of only three recipients to receive the Lenawee Maple Leaf Award, the county's most prestigious award which is given in recognition of outstanding leadership, community service, and citizenship. In addition, he has been honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from Hanover Insurance Company.

Madam Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Douglas Kapnick for 43-years of service to Adrian, MI and its surrounding areas. His ability to expand his father's company from a six-person operation to a company of 135 employees demonstrates his business expertise and good judgment. Additionally, he has devoted himself to serving his community, an endeavor that he will continue to practice long into his retirement. May others know of my high regard for Douglas Kapnick as well as my best wishes for him in the future.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Jackson County Community Foundation of Jackson, Michigan on the celebration of its sixtieth anniversary. For years it has served the Jackson community and worked to improve the quality of each of its citizens' lives.

The Jackson County Community Foundation began in 1948 with the idea of assisting Jackson County residents in bettering their lives. In order to accomplish this goal the foundation is guided by several core beliefs including the realization that citizen involvement is essential for change, the idea that viable solutions are those which target the root cause of a problem, and the belief that diversity is key to community building efforts. The foundation focuses on using its own community's assets and strengths and strongly believes accountability is necessary to use community resources wisely. The foundation has a broad purpose which allows flexibility and enables it to serve needs quickly and efficiently.

The foundation has a permanent endowment that invests donations with the purpose of growing the principal and returning the earnings back to the community. This permanent endowment builds enduring community assets and allows donors to invest in the future of their own community. Donors can designate the funds to be used for specific items, such as scholarships or charities. Moreover, donors can assign the funds to an area of interest such as youth programs or education. In 2007, contributions to the foundation totaled more than $2 million and its endowment was over $24 million.

On September 6, 2008 a number of distinguished individuals gathered at the foundation Fall Gala to celebrate the Jackson County Community Foundation's success and its longtime contribution to the Jackson community. The theme of the evening was ``Looking Back--Moving Forward,'' and the foundation's long-standing influence on the community was celebrated. Several presentations were given as well as a short video to commemorate the past sixty years.

Madam Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Jackson County Community Foundation for its sixty years of service and leadership in Jackson County. The foundation excels at identifying and meeting the needs of its citizens and has made a lasting difference in Jackson County. May others know of my high regard for its esteemed service, as well as my best wishes for its future.

Madam Speaker, on the following rollcall votes I am not recorded due to a death in the family. Had I been present I would have voted the following way: rollcall No. 589, I would have voted ``aye;'' rollcall No. 590, I would have voted ``aye;'' rollcall No. 591, I would have voted ``aye;'' rollcall No. 592, I would have voted ``nay;'' rollcall No. 593, I would have voted ``nay;'' rollcall No. 594, I would have voted ``nay;'' rollcall No. 595, I would have voted ``nay;'' rollcall No. 596, I would have voted ``nay;'' rollcall No. 597, I would have voted ``nay;'' rollcall No. 598, I would have voted ``aye;'' rollcall No. 599, I would have voted ``nay.''

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Sand Creek Telephone Company of Adrian, Michigan on the celebration of its one hundredth anniversary. Despite its small start, this company has flourished and remains an independent telephone service provider faithfully serving the people of south central Michigan.

In 1908, the Sand Creek Telephone Company began doing business with one switchboard and operator in the back of the Tuttle family's grocery store. Started by local farmers and business owners, the telephone company was created to serve the rural areas south of the city of Adrian. The original stockholders needed telephone service to check the weather, market prices, train schedules, and to order or sell goods. Purchased in 1912, its first telephones were old-fashioned, rectangular, wall-mounted wooden box telephones with a side crank and a Bakelite receiver. These telephones were used up until 1957 when the company upgraded to an automatic dial system.

In 1912, the Sand Creek Telephone Company moved from the Tuttle grocery store to a house on a property called Lot Six, which provided a central location within the town. From here, the company continued to experience enormous growth. By 1928, 270 households were serviced by Sand Creek Telephone Company and its lines connected to areas as far away as Lyons, Ohio. The massive web of wires that draped above the town were evidence of the rapid expansion of the company during this time. As Sand Creek Telephone Company changed hands over the years, the Board of Directors continued to hire families to run the company. Many times the husband did the maintenance and business work while the wife ran the switchboard. Children of the operating family also helped out when needed.

With technological advances came changes for the Sand Creek Telephone Company. In 1957, the company upgraded its system to Automatic Dial Operation. Customers received a letter detailing how calling procedures would change. New equipment from Stromberg-Carlson was purchased to support the new direct dial technology. The old wooden telephones were collected and replaced with updated ones. Switchboard operators were no longer needed; however, business was still conducted at the Lot Six location until 1995.

The last twenty years brought more change for Sand Creek Telephone Company than throughout the previous eighty years. The company has prevailed in the struggle to keep up with ever-advancing technology. By 1990, it was able to provide cellular phone service to customers and in 1995 the company installed its first fiber-optic cable and was officially ready for the Internet age. By this time, the company had over nine hundred subscribers. In 1996, the company became Sand Creek Communications Company and expanded to its current location on the southeast corner of West Gorman Road and Sand Creek Highway.

Sand Creek Telephone Company, a valued communications provider, has long been a source of pride in the Adrian community. In the old days, customers often stopped in to pay their bills in person and catch up on town news or gossip. One couple even decided to get married while they were sitting on the wooden plank in the front office. Although the company has changed with technological advances, it continues to be a part of the community that gave it a start, never forgetting its original purpose--connecting neighbor with neighbor.

Madam Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Sand Creek Telephone Company for its one hundred years of service to the rural areas of south central Michigan. From one hundred subscribers in the beginning to over eleven hundred today, Sand Creek Telephone Company remains a treasured small-town success. May others know of my high regard for its esteemed service, as well as my best wishes for the future.

Madam Speaker, on Monday I had the opportunity to pump gas for some of my constituents in Battle Creek, Michigan. Experiences like these allow me to truly get a sense of what the good people of my district think about energy solutions.

The constituents I spoke with all wanted to know what Congress is doing to lower gas prices. Almost all of them want to see Congress work on an all-of-the-above energy policy.

High gas prices demand action. We need to put all energy options on the table: more drilling, more alternatives, more conservation. This Congress needs to get serious and work on a comprehensive plan that includes all of the above and ends our dependence on Middle East oil.

Sadly, House leadership refuses to allow any votes increasing American energy production. Last Friday, the Washington Post chided House leadership for stifling floor debate on offshore drilling.

Madam Speaker, it is time to engage in a forthright debate that gives the American people a chance to have their voices heard and, most importantly, solves America's energy crisis, ending our dependence on Middle East oil. Let's get it done.

I thank the gentleman from California, and I thank him for his good words and bringing us really to perspective what is going on here.

I wish I could have joined you on the trip to ANWR as well as to Golden, Colorado and seen what you saw up close and personal. But, frankly, I felt it was more important at that time to look for the pictures you would bring back and hear the testimony that you and other good colleagues and friends of mine would bring back, but for me personally to stay back in Michigan, a State that at present is a one- State recession, that has the highest unemployment rate in the Nation, sadly, that was at one time the greatest manufacturing State, and, more importantly, was the motor capital not only of the United States but of the world, a place called Detroit, Motown, Motor City, all of the above, that established the pattern for what transportation was all about and, I contend, still is; and yet is frustrated by a government system, both in the State and here, with the leadership in Congress, Madam Speaker, that will not do what is necessary to allow us to continue to not only keep our faith to our people, not only keep our position as the greatest Nation on this earth in every area, including transportation, but rather at this point in time is willing to say that the process of saving this planet as our Speaker intends to do involves a Democrat energy plan which was stated very clearly.

And I bring this with some comedy as we look at the picture, and yet it is a stark, painful reality that this plan will not work. And that plan is what? Drive small cars and wait for the wind. If we do that, as the title of an old movie said, it will be Gone With the Wind.

We need to do something, Madam Speaker, now for the people of this great country, for my great State of Michigan, and all of those concerned to produce energy that deals with the reality of what this country needs.

I am tired of living in a State right now where our Governor says with great pride that she rides her bicycle to work to the State capitol from her Governor's residence every day with her escort of security people following her on their bicycles as well. The motor capital of the world with a Governor riding a bicycle. Now if that was for conservation purposes, fine, I support that. For purposes of austerity, I support that. But promoting this because of necessity? I can't accept that.

This morning I sat on the floor of the House and I looked up. And I looked up to the highest point of this Chamber directly above the Speaker's rostrum, Madam Speaker, and I see engraved there in a stone- carved monument to us this statement. It is a statement by Daniel Webster, and I read from the paper because I can see it better in front of me right now. But Daniel Webster said this many, many years ago: Let us develop the resources of our land.

How up-to-date is that? Let us develop the resources of our land, call forth its powers, build up its institutions, promote all its great interests, and see whether we also in our day, in our generation, fellow colleagues, freshmen, Republicans, standing here for the defense of our great country, Daniel Webster said, and see whether we also in our day and our generation may not perform something worthy to be remembered.

I submit to you that that is what we are doing, standing here tonight.

Under an adjournment resolution that will take place sometime in the next 24, 48 hours, sending us home, most likely as it appears without doing anything to give an opportunity for my Governor to get in her flex fuel hybrid Tahoe again, if she determines so, to go to her residence.

Well, we can jest about that. I could talk about a lot of statistics. But tonight, while you were in ANWR, I had the privilege of, on five occasions in my district, South Central Michigan, going to various gas stations and pumping gas into constituents' vehicles as they would allow me. I would simply say, ``Hi, I'm Congressman Tim Walberg. If you will share with me your ideas and concerns on energy and the price at the pump, I would be glad to pump your gas while you tell me your stories.'' I came away with plenty of stories. I came away with plenty of pictures.

Just Monday afternoon in Battle Creek, Michigan, a mother, single parent, one child, came to the pump with a small mini van. She left it running. And when I questioned her about that, she says, ``I'm afraid it won't start if I turn it off.'' She said, ``I'd be glad to talk to you.'' And I said, ``How much do you want me to fill it?'' And she said, ``$11.'' That's just a little over 2 gallons.

She began to tell me her story of how she is working two jobs, and the gas that she was putting into her vehicle that day would get her through 2 days of work and her transportation to each of those jobs and back. Those are stories that talk of reality.

Another story that I wrote down came from a lady who said, ``Because I'm a truck driver and the high price of fuel has damaged the economy so badly, my employer started limiting the miles given to older, higher paid drivers such as myself. My income last year dropped a full 30 percent. Then I was injured on the job and denied workers' comp. I finally began receiving my disability payments after 4 months. During those 4 months, however, I was scraping up every cent available to pay for LP gas to heat my trailer home. Because I spent every available cent on heating fuel, food, and electricity, I could not pay the taxes on my paid-for home. I am now in default, and my home will be forfeited in October for back taxes.''

This is reality that we are talking about here. It is not simply price at the

pump; it is lifestyle, it is living conditions. It is keeping a home that is paid for.

``I can't afford a cheaper vehicle,'' she said. ``I can't afford to repair the one vehicle here that would get a few more miles per gallon than the old F-150. I'm a careful shopper, but the rising price of groceries is also directly related to the energy crisis.''

Let me read one last story that was told to me. This was by a wife from Jackson, Michigan whose husband was in sales, which ultimately diminished and ultimately was lost because of the fuel prices.

She makes a number of points, but in the last point she says, ``At approximately $175 per week in gas costs, we can no longer afford to send our children to Catholic school. That was a choice, yes, but a choice made specifically for our children's interests. They cannot go to camp, they cannot have the braces which they need. The money I would have put aside for college is now being spent on gas. We cannot tithe to our church, nor can we donate to the myriad of other charities we routinely helped. Every decision is weighed based upon''--and get this again. ``Every decision is weighed based upon the extreme cost of leaving the driveway.''

Now those are life stories. Those are stories that make an impact upon me as a congressman representing South Central Michigan, the Seventh District of Michigan.

These are stories that go way beyond the political partisan haggling that goes on here, that goes beyond even making jokes about a plan that will not work, cannot work, and isn't going to be allowed to work to drive small cars and wait for the wind.

Daniel Webster said this, again: ``Let us develop the resources of our land, call forth its powers, build up its institutions, promote all its great interests, and see whether we also in our day and generation may not perform something worthy to be remembered.''

I submit to you, my colleagues tonight and, Madam Speaker, that that is what we are attempting to do here and now; not to produce something that we will be remembered about, but something worthy to be remembered, that we fought for, this great country, the resources that allowed us to be blessed, that allowed us to expand our capabilities and allowed us to bless other nations all over this globe because we used our resources, we built up our land and powers, and we have done something worthy to be remembered.

I thank you for the opportunity. I look forward to sharing in the banter back and forth about reality tonight. But I think that would be beyond the facts and figures that I could put forth, probably the most important thing I can start with tonight, and I yield back my time.

If the gentleman would yield, I'd love to hop on that point there.

We talk about those that we pay, and in some cases, even prop up their economy such as Venezuela with Hugo Chavez, who is a dictator who has said that he wants America to be defeated and off the face of the Earth as it were. But we send a check to him of $170 million per day that props up his failing regime, that allows him to continue, and we pay this to an enemy.

I would also submit to you, as I mentioned earlier, as I come from the former motor capital of the world, we have a Volt vehicle that GM is producing that has the ability to run 40 miles, whether standing in traffic, in a traffic jam, or going 40 miles straight on electric power. Most people in their commute would allow them to purchase that Volt vehicle and never have to use the gas portion of the propulsion.

Now, keeping that in mind, we're talking about drilling and we need to drill, but we're also talking about our plan, all-of-the-above, which includes nuclear power, wind power, solar power. I submit to you that, if we have an electric vehicle like that, it won't be any good if we don't do some of the infrastructure.

We need nuclear power to produce that electricity. We need an infrastructure to get it to the box where they have to plug in to recharge. Now, that would allow us the opportunity to expand.

And the gentleman from Nevada, you bring up a good point about those that offer alternatives. We have, at present, the founder of Greenpeace on our side about alternative fuels and the specific nature of nuclear power who says nuclear power is the greenest energy that we can have and we ought to be producing more nuclear power, we ought to be putting nuclear plants up.

So with drilling, with nuclear power, with wind, with solar, with all of the above, natural gas and others, we can make this country independent from any other country on this Earth and put ourselves back in a competitive position that not only allows us to continue our lifestyle and expand it the world around, but also make ourselves secure.

Madam Speaker, earlier this week I had the opportunity to meet with patients at the Jackson Dialysis Center in Jackson, Michigan, and discuss transportation issues. I heard from patient after patient about how high gas prices are negatively affecting their lives and their health.

I also visited the American Red Cross branch in Jackson and learned that service volunteers, men and women who help fire and accident victims, are now using their own money to pay for gasoline because the Red Cross cannot afford to reimburse.

I heard about situations in my district and across the Nation like this, yet Congress continues to do nothing. High gas prices demand action from Congress and we need to put all energy options on the table. Just as with the Manhattan Project and the race to the Moon, breaking our dependence on foreign oil should be a national priority. Americans are being stretched to the max, and it is time their elected representatives act on their behalf.

I urge my colleagues to sign on to my discharge petition to bring the No More Excuses Energy Act to a vote. So I say to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, Madam Speaker, let's join together and vote to immediately increase American energy production, bring down the price of gas and make American energy independent.

I thank the gentlelady from Minnesota for hosting this hour and leading us in it. And you're absolutely right. Michigan is hurting. People are angry. They are fearful. They're worried about things that they seem to feel they have no control over. And this is an issue that is number one on their mind. The bottom line is, they do not agree with the Democratic majority that says that their strategy right now on lowering gas prices is ``to drive small cars and wait for the wind.''

That very week that that statement was made, I was spending some time back in the district, and I had the opportunity to pump gas. I would walk up to a car in a gas station and say, hi, I'm Congressman Tim Walberg, and if you'll allow me to pump your gas for you, I would like to hear what you have to say about energy, your ideas, your comments, your concerns.

And the talking points came right from my playbook without even indicating to them where I was standing on the issue. The people of Michigan in my district that I talked to, one after another, these were just general random picks at the gas station, said, we need to drill now. We need to drill the Outer Continental Shelf. We need to drill ANWR. We need to use nuclear power. We need to conserve. We need to use biofuels. We need to use wind, solar energy. Across the board, they get it.

And so our agenda as Republicans has been, and I think it needs to continue to be until we get relief and get the answer, agree to, that is to hold a vote to increase the production of American-made energy before we go home for our break. It's the only thing that we ought to do. The people are asking for it. And the leadership, Mr. Speaker, needs, needs to let us have these votes that will allow it.

I talked to a lady at the gas station that I was pumping. And she first said, do you really want to hear my concern? I said absolutely. And she said, I work at the University of Michigan Hospital. I drive from Adrian, Michigan, to Ann Arbor. And I have had to choose now, and it has worked out with the hospital that I go only 2 days a week. I work two 8-hour shifts back to back each of those days so I don't have to drive as much and I can spend the time at home with my family. Then she turned and she said, my daughter here is 13 years old. She was in the car with her. She said, when I was 16 years of age and got my driver's license, on Friday nights generally I had a battle royal with my father arguing why I should be allowed to have the keys to the car to go out with my friends. And then her face saddened as she said to me, my daughter won't have that opportunity to argue with me, because when she asks for those keys, the only answer is, we don't have the fuel to do that. And she said that is a part of childhood, that is a part of the teenage years. That is just traditional. And we are giving that away, along with many other things we have talked about tonight.

So what are we going to do about it? Well, we don't just talk about it. There are at present bills in committee that would do all of the above that we have talked about. There are five discharge petitions on the floor of the House at this point in time, one that I have offered that would bring out of committee for a vote the No More Excuses Energy Act that simply says get it done, use anything that we can here in this country to be totally independent. That has not been agreed to yet. We have another discharge on expanding American refinery capacity using closed military installations. It makes all good sense to get on with refinery. The third one that is on the floor is to repeal the ban on acquiring alternative fuels like shale oil, tar sands and coal-to- liquid technology. It's amazing we won't bring that bill to the floor to vote on. The people want it.

A fourth that is on the floor is the Coal-to-Liquid Fuel Act which makes all good sense because that also can be used in our fighter planes.

And a final one that came on this week was the Fuel Mandate Reduction Act of 2007 which says let's suspend the boutique fuels, the special blends that add additional costs when they come to the pump.

People in my district, which is the largest ag district in the State of Michigan, are frustrated with the costs that go into food and its production, and all of the above, and they are saying the time is now, not drive small cars and wait for the wind.

I know my good friend, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. McCotter) has a different district than I have, but I bet that your people are saying basically the same thing.

Madam Speaker, this past weekend I met a single mother in my South Central Michigan district who drives an hour each way to the hospital where she works. Because of high gas prices, this woman recently requested and received permission to begin working back-to- back 8-hour shifts 2 days per week so she doesn't have to make the hour-long commute each day. Unfortunately, situations like these are becoming more and more common as gas prices continue to rise and congressional leadership continues to resist action.

High gas prices demand action from Congress, and we need to put all energy options on the table. We need more production of American energy, more energy from alternative fuel sources, and increases in innovative solutions like coal-to-liquids technology. Just as with the Manhattan Project or the race to the Moon, breaking our dependence on foreign oil should be a national priority. Unfortunately, House leadership will not even let this House vote on an energy plan that increases American energy production. Important bills like the No More Executions Energy Act are ready to help American families. And my constituents, Madam Speaker, call for a vote on these bills now.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chester Gospel Church in Charlotte, Michigan on the celebration of its sixtieth anniversary. It is with great admiration and pride that I congratulate Chester Gospel Church on behalf of all of those in south-central Michigan who have benefited from its steadfast commitment to faith, service and prayer.

Chester Gospel Church began to serve the Charlotte community in 1958 under the leadership of Pastor Merritt Johnson, and the church occupied a one room schoolhouse at that time. Over the years, Chester Gospel has undergone numerous renovations to its original building in order to accommodate its flourishing membership. Chester Gospel now serves over one hundred members with its sister church, Bright Hope Bible Church, in Potterville, Michigan.

A spirit of humility and service has always been a mark of Chester Gospel Church as its congregation constantly seeks ways to reach out to the Michigan community. Roughly five years ago, Chester Gospel sent out six families to found the Bright Hope Bible Church in Potterville. In addition, each month Chester Gospel volunteers at the City Rescue Mission in Lansing, serving women and children at the Family Center. Chester Gospel has dedicated the entire month of August to Missions, and during the month, speakers come from all corners of the world to share the challenge of spreading the love of the Lord Jesus. Additionally, the church hosts Vacation Bible School each summer to encourage children's faith and promote the fellowship and love that is found throughout the halls of Chester Gospel Church.

In celebration of its sixtieth anniversary, Chester Gospel Church will be hosting a homecoming celebration. Four previous pastors of the church will be in attendance, including Pastors Merritt Johnson (1958- 63), Elwood Norton (1966-70), Larry Pike (1971-82), and Barry Smith (1982-93). Currently, Pastor Marc S. Livingston faithfully leads Chester Gospel Church. The anniversary celebration includes a time for prayer, fellowship and sharing memories of the church's long and devoted history to service.

Madam Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Chester Gospel Church on the celebration of its sixtieth anniversary. May others know of my high regard for the inspiring faith of this vibrant church, as well as my best wishes for Chester Gospel Church and its congregation in the future.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the one hundredth anniversary of the Eye Center of Lenawee. It is with great admiration and pride that I congratulate the optometrists, both present and past, who have served the eye care needs of the Lenawee community over the past one hundred years. From its founding optometrist, Dr. J Berris, to today's practice that boasts three doctors and nine staff members, the Eye Center of Lenawee has long been a familiar and trusted business in Lenawee County, Michigan.

The history of the Eye Center of Lenawee is full of quality care and dedication to the Lenawee County community. The eye care center was established in 1908 by a Canadian immigrant, Dr. J Berris, in Adrian, Michigan next to the Croswell Opera House. Over the years, the practice passed through generations of highly qualified optometrists. In 1939, Dr. Robert Birmingham bought the practice and hired an associate, Dr. Robert Davis. In the late 1940s, Dr. Davis moved the eye care center to Maple Avenue. Upon Dr. Birmingham's retirement in 1979, Dr. Edward Schenkel, former Air Force optometrist, entered the practice and eventually became a partner with Dr. Davis. The center was moved to larger quarters when the Adrian Optometrists merged with Dr. Rick Allan Snow's practice in 1986. Shortly after the merge the name was changed to Eye Center of Lenawee, P.C. Today, the Eye Center of Lenawee has three resident optometrists, partners Dr. Rick Allan Snow and Dr. Jodi Kordyzon, and associate Dr. Kelli Lambert.

The Eye Center of Lenawee offers extensive and state-of-the-art eye care services for both adults and children. Services range from routine eye examinations and contact lenses, to treatment of eye injuries and laser vision correction. In addition to the numerous treatment options, the Eye Center of Lenawee is renowned for its knowledgeable and friendly staff that readily assists patients with scheduling appointments, arranging insurance coverage and the proper fitting of their eyewear. Over the past one hundred years, the Eye Center of Lenawee has never swerved from its firm commitment to first-rate patient service.

Madam Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Eye Center of Lenawee for one hundred years of respected business and outstanding service to Lenawee County. May others know of my high regard for the exceptional quality of this business, as well as my best wishes for the Eye Center of Lenawee in the future.

Madam Speaker, it is my special privilege to recognize the one hundredth anniversary of the first Walker Tavern Farmer's Picnic held in Brooklyn, Michigan in 1908. It is with great enthusiasm that I honor the Farmer's Picnic on behalf of the many Michigan families who have experienced the joy of this unique event.

Started by a group of business owners in 1907, the first Walker Tavern Farmer's Picnic was celebrated in the Irish Hills and quickly became a highly anticipated annual event. This day-long picnic, originally called the Businessmen's Picnic, brought families, friends, and visitors together to share food, partake in games, and exchange stories. The picnic offered over 25 summers of community entertainment from 1908 to 1935 until halted by the Depression.

This historic event is known for the bringing together workers of many trades, such as businessmen and farmers. A 1922 account reveals that the picnic drew a crowd of about 1,500 and featured a baseball game between the farmers and the businessmen. Friendly games among locals is part of what made this picnic the highlight of the summer for over a quarter century.

This year the community spirit that inspired the picnic will be rekindled. In honor of its one hundredth anniversary, families and friends will gather once again at Walker Tavern to celebrate the traditions of the past. Folks will enjoy free family fun by sharing a potluck lunch and engaging in old time games including tug-of-war and a watermelon seed spitting contest. In addition, a vintage baseball game will be played according to Civil War era rules where the ball is only allowed to bounce once before it is counted as out and participants wear no mitts, just as those who participated before them did.

Madam Speaker, today I honor the one hundredth anniversary of Walker Tavern Farmer's Picnic for its ability to draw this community together to celebrate a rich heritage all Michiganders can be proud of. May others know of my high regard for this celebrated event as well as my highest recognition for its storied past.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor E. James (Jim) Barrett who is retiring after 32 years as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Barrett holds the distinction of being the longest-serving President and CEO of any state chamber nationwide. It is with great admiration and pride that I congratulate Mr. Barrett on behalf of all of those who have benefited from his proven ability to cultivate economic growth in the state of Michigan.

In 1971, a young Jim Barrett joined the Michigan Chamber of Commerce staff after receiving a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Financial Administration from Michigan State University. Five short years later, at age 32, he was selected to be President and CEO of the Michigan Chamber, making him one of the youngest individuals ever to head a state chamber. Under Jim Barrett's leadership, membership in the Michigan Chamber of Commerce increased from 3,900 member firms to over 7,100 statewide.

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce, established in 1959, is comprised of over 7,000 business employers, local chambers of commerce, and trade and professional associations. The chamber advocates for pro-business policies to secure economic growth and promote job creation in Michigan. As head of Michigan's Chamber, Mr. Barrett has worked tirelessly to lower the cost of doing business and make Michigan a more attractive place for commerce. Through highly effective communication, Mr. Barrett has been able to mobilize businesses from each of the state's 83 counties, creating a force to promote pro-growth policies statewide.

Jim Barrett, a valued community leader, has received many appointments and has served on countless boards of directors. As Treasurer of Taxpayers United for Tax Limitation, he implemented successful petition drives in 1976 and 1978 to place a constitutional amendment to limit taxes on a statewide ballot, which passed in 1978. The Governor appointed Mr. Barrett to serve on the Civil Service Task Force in 1979 and the Michigan Economic Development Authority from 1984 to 1985. Among many others, he currently serves as Chairman of the Ingham Regional Medical Center Board of Trustees, Treasurer of the Michigan Chamber Political Action Committee, and is a member of the Steering Committee for the Michigan Prayer Breakfast.

Jim Barrett, known as a man of integrity, candor and goodwill, has been the deserving recipient of many awards throughout his long, respected career. He was inducted into the Michigan Society of Association Executives Hall of Fame in 2002. A year later, the Michigan Political History Society selected Mr. Barrett as the top Association Leader in Michigan over the last 50 years. Under his solid leadership, the Michigan Chamber was rated the number one lobbyist organization in Michigan.

Madam Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing E. James Barrett for his esteemed service to the State of Michigan as long-time President and CEO of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. May others know of my high regard for his outstanding leadership and career of excellence, as well as my best wishes for Mr. Barrett in the future.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Saint Gerard Parish in Lansing, Michigan on the celebration of its fiftieth anniversary. It is with great admiration and pride that I congratulate St. Gerard on behalf of all of those in south-central Michigan who have benefited from its steadfast commitment to faith, education, outreach and prayer.

St. Gerard Parish, named after St. Gerard Majella, Patron of Mothers, was established in June of 1958. Lacking a permanent meeting place, its first Sunday services were held in the gymnasium of Bretton Woods School. Each parishioner was asked to give an hour's salary a week to build a temporary church and less than a year later, in April of 1959, ground was broken. The first liturgy in the packed 800-seat church occurred during Christmas Midnight Mass in 1959, and in the fall of 1960, Saint Gerard School opened its doors for its first class.

In October of 1974, a fund drive was announced for a permanent church building. Within three short months, the $350,000 goal was surpassed by $180,000. Bishop James S. Sullivan dedicated the present church on June 15, 1975. St. Gerard Parish continues to grow, requiring an expansion of its facilities beginning in 2000. Mirroring the impressive growth- rate of the church, St. Gerard School is now filled to capacity with 350 students enrolled.

St. Gerard Parish stands out for its deep involvement in the Lansing community, and it constantly seeks out ways to serve those in need. The church sponsors countless outreach programs, including Senior Citizen potlucks and Bingo nights, Couple to Couple League and the Lansing Regional Council of Catholic Women. St. Gerard has also been extremely instrumental in reaching out to the sick and homebound through its Befriender Ministry and Respite Care. It is impossible to measure the enormous impact these ministries have had on lives throughout Lansing. They merely reflect the loving hearts of the St. Gerard community and testify to the unwavering faith that has flourished at St. Gerard for the past fifty years.

Madam Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Saint Gerard Parish on the celebration of its fiftieth anniversary since first coming together to follow the Lord Jesus. May others know of my high regard for the St. Gerard community's inspiring faith and eagerness to serve, as well as my best wishes for Saint Gerard Parish in the future.