Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church of New Bedford, Massachusetts, as it celebrates its 200th anniversary.

In 1822, at the request of Bishop Richard Allen, founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Brother Charles Spicer was sent to establish the Bethel AME Church in New Bedford, Massachusetts. There, 22 free African American men inspired by the Free African Society of Philadelphia sought to create a place of worship in the community. Under the leadership of Bishop Daniel E. Payne and Reverend Eli Hall, these men led the construction of Bethel AME at 318 Kempton Street.

As the founding church of New England Annual Conference of the First Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the New Bedford Bethel AME Church quickly became a spiritual and civic cornerstone of the Northeast. The church welcomed some of the most prominent voices of the abolitionist movement to its pulpit, including Frederick Douglass, William Lloyd Garrison, Charles Remond, Frances Ellen Watkins, Samual Penneton, and Harriet Tubman.

Over the years, Bethel AME's congregation included important community leaders such as Elizabeth Carter Brooks and Dr. Herbert R. Waters, Jr., both of whom made lasting contributions to the City of New Bedford's educational and civic life, as well as Sister Elnora Williams, Brother William Kydd, Reverend Birdilyn Watson, and Reverend Delphina Harrison, who played a key role in supporting the church. Additionally, three of Bethel AME's pastors--William S. Brooks, Reverdy C. Ransom, and Dougal D. Walker--became bishops of the AME Church.

As one of the 47 founding congregations of the Inter-Church Council of Greater New Bedford, Bethel AME has played a leading role in regional collaboration. Today, located at 532 County Street and under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Sandra Whitley and Reverand Kenneth Whitley, the church remains committed to advancing public health, social services, and housing access through initiatives and partnerships with the Massachusetts Council of Churches, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and the Massachusetts Alliance for Supportive Housing.

After postponing celebrations in 2022 due to the pandemic, the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church will commemorate its 200th anniversary on July 27, 2025, bringing together community leaders and welcoming the Presiding Prelate of the First Episcopal District of Philadelphia, Bishop Samuel L. Green Sr., to honor of this historic milestone.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church of New Bedford, and I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the church and its congregation's dedication to spiritual leadership, civic engagement, and advocacy over the last two centuries.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Bourne Fire Department, as it celebrated its 100th anniversary on July 5, 2025.

While the Bourne Fire Department was officially established on July 5, 1925, the Town of Bourne has a long history of advancing public safety dating back to the 1890s, when the town appointed a fire and forest warden following several brush fires. In the event of a fire, the warden was able to recruit volunteers and pay them 50 cents an hour to assist in firefighting efforts.

The roots of the Bourne Fire Department can be traced back to 1904, when a group named the Buzzards Bay Progressive Society organized the first local bucket brigade in response to the growing threat of fires. At a time when each village was tasked with providing its own firefighting services, the Progressive Society took a leading role. Members purchased the first fire apparatus stored at Cohasset Hall on Main Street, which would later serve as the Bourne Fire Department's first station. Sadly, the original headquarters burned down in September 1931. While the department was fighting a fire 700 feet away at a barn behind the Buzzards Bay Hotel, a spark ignited the roof of Cohasset Hall. The Buzzards Bay Fire Station was rebuilt the following year on Main Street and served as the headquarters until 2017, when the department moved its headquarters to the Sagamore Fire Station.

Throughout the early 1900s, the need for a more formalized fire department became apparent, and the town began laying the necessary groundwork. It established a Board of Fire Engineers, with Ralph Johnson serving as the Chief Engineer. Johnson would go on to become the town's first Fire Chief.

In 1924, the Maxim Fire Truck Company conducted a study to determine fire safety needs across the Bourne villages. Using the findings of that survey, articles to establish the Bourne Fire Department were drafted and brought to the 1925 Annual Town Meeting, where residents voted in favor of the measure. Bourne residents recognized the benefit of a townwide fire department to improve property protection, expand the tax base, and lower insurance rates. With an initial budget of $3,800, the new fire department paid $1 for the first hour of service responding to a fire, followed by 50 cents for each additional hour.

Over the years, the Bourne Fire Department continued to expand and improve fire safety in the community, installing radios in 1938 to enhance communication and coordination during emergency responses and steadily increasing its personnel. Growing from a small professional fire department in 1925, the department now consists of nearly 40 full- time firefighters, several call personnel, and an inventory of 20 emergency response apparatus. With the Town of Bourne divided by the Cape Cod Canal, the fire department faces a unique challenge in ensuring the safety of residents and summertime visitors on both sides of the canal. This requires the department to have the capacity to respond to emergencies not only on land, but also on the water.

On July 12th, the Bourne Fire Department held a centennial celebration at Buzzards Bay Park to honor the brave men and women who have served the Bourne community throughout the years and recognize the fire department's legacy of service, bravery, and community engagement that has defined the department since its inception on July 5, 1925.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor the Bourne Fire Department, and I ask that my colleagues join me in thanking the dedicated firefighters who have tirelessly protected the Bourne community over the last century.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Scott Acone, as he retires from the United States Army Corps of Engineers.

Scott first began what would be an extensive career with the New England DistrIct of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) as an intern in 1988. Following the internship, Scott took on a full-time role as a hydraulic engineer with the Water Control Branch, where he performed critical hydrologic and hydraulic analyses for project planning and design, while also taking on the responsibility of managing the New England District's Periodic Inspection Program for dams and hurricane barriers. During this time, Scott became the New England District's expert on ice engineering, responding to numerous ice jam events throughout the 1990s.

In 1999, Scott transitioned to a project management role, where his leadership skills quickly proved to be an asset. As a project manager, and later as Chief of the Military and Environmental Project Management Branch starting in 2010, Scott oversaw several projects that received significant recognition, including the Eastland Woolen Mill Superfund Site, which was awarded both the 2003 National Honor Award for Engineering Excellence from the American Council of Engineering Companies and the 2004 Build America Award for Environmental Remediation from the Associated General Contractors of America.

In 2013, Scott was promoted to Chief of the Engineering and Planning Division, where he led 140 technical and administrative professionals in planning water resource, environmental, and military projects across New England. Scott was later named Chief of the Programs and Project Management Division in 2016. In this role, Scott oversaw an annual budget of $500 million in projects across USACE's business lines.

Throughout his career, Scott contributed to many notable projects, including the Elizabeth Mine Superfund Site in Vermont and the Central Artery and Tunnel Stem to Stern Safety Review of the Big Dig Project. Scott's efforts also extended beyond U.S. borders when he provided engineering oversight and review to the Millennium Challenge Corporation for the rehabilitation and raising of the Nacala Dam, an earthen dam in Mozambique, to provide additional clean drinking water to the region.

An engineering professional committed to improving infrastructure throughout New England, Scott is a graduate of the USACE North Atlantic Division's Executive Leadership Development Program and is a member of the US ACE North Atlantic Division Regional Management Board and the Society of American Military Engineers. Scott has been awarded several awards recognizing his efforts, including the Joint Civilian Service Achievement Award and the Superior Civilian Service Award.

In addition to Scott's assigned duties and responsibilities with the New England District, Scott volunteered and lent his knowledge and expertise to the USCAE's emergency management office to help those devastated in the aftermath of disasters. Scott was deployed many times, including as part of the urban search and rescue team that responded to the 2010 earthquake in Haiti and the urban search and rescue team that responded to Hurricane Katrina. Additionally, Scott assisted the US ACE's response team following the attacks on 9/11 and the COVID-19 pandemic.

After three and a half decades of service, Scott will retire from the New England District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at the end of June. Scott has diligently served the people of New England, and I wish him many years of well-deserved happiness in retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Scott Acone, and I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing Scott's career and thanking him for his years of service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Cape Verdean Independence Bike Ride as community members from across Southeastern Massachusetts and the country gather in New Bedford to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Cape Verde's independence.

This deeply meaningful and historic ride not only commemorates Cape Verde's independence from Portugal on July 5, 1975, but also celebrates the enduring strength, pride, and unity of the Cape Verdean-American community in New Bedford and beyond. The annual ride is a powerful intergenerational tradition, bringing families and neighbors together on a shared journey of remembrance, cultural pride, and collective joy.

The Cape Verdean Independence Bike Ride was established by the Cape Verdean Universal Development Association (CUDA), a grassroots organization dedicated to promoting and preserving Cape Verdean culture. Under the leadership of Carleen Cordwell, then-President of CUDA, along with support from early advocates David Andrade and Benjamin ``Flip'' Rose and local organizations such as ``The Bomb,'' the ride first began as a fundraiser and community event in 1979.

Together, the group envisioned the event being more than a bike ride. They imagined a celebration of identity and resilience; an act of cultural preservation rooted in community involvement. That vision took shape with the help of the ride's dedicated founding members, including Carleen Cordwell, Diana Duarte, Jeanne Depina, Corday Faith Rivera, Buddy Andrade, Penny Santos, Susan Costa, Carol Pimental, Marilyn Halter, Liz DiCarlo, Jim Ryan, Lolly Pina, June Pina, Marie Monteiro, Debbie Santos Hudson, Jeanne Costa, Jackie Centeio, Bobby Grace, and Kenny Riberio. Their leadership and dedication laid the foundation for a tradition that continues to flourish today.

The bike route guides participants throughout New Bedford's historic West End and South End neighborhoods. These neighborhoods, with deep Cape Verdean roots, stand as testaments to the perseverance, contributions, and cultural richness of Cape Verdean-Americans. Riders of all ages choose between a 13-mile journey through the city or a three-mile route beginning at Monte's Park, named in honor of Private First-Class Joseph J. Monte, the first Cape Verdean-American to receive the Purple Heart Medal.

The annual bike ride fosters reflection on the struggles and triumphs of Cape Verdean independence, while recognizing the community's ongoing contributions to the cultural fabric of New Bedford and the nation. The ride ends at Hazelwood Park with a celebration of Cape Verdean culture, featuring traditional food, music, games, and art. From the soulful sounds of morna and lively coladeira music to the sharing of culinary traditions passed down by generations, the event is a proud expression of Cape Verdean heritage. Through movement, storytelling, and music, the Cape Verdean Independence Bike Ride preserves cultural memory, honors historical milestones, and promotes social connections across generations.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the 50th anniversary of Cape Verde's independence and commending all who have participated in and organized the Cape Verdean Independence Bike Ride for their enduring contributions to preserving cultural heritage and improving community life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Kathy Quigley as she retires from the South Shore YMCA. Kathy is a true community leader, who has tirelessly advocated for disadvantaged communities in Quincy and the South Shore throughout her remarkable 30-year career. Whether during her time with the South Shore YMCA, Quincy Community Action, or DOVE, she has dedicated her career to working for the betterment of her community.

In 2007, Kathy oversaw the old St. Boniface Church's transition into the new Germantown Neighborhood Center in Quincy. Kathy then went on to lead the center, which serves over 2,000 people annually, including hundreds of young people.

Under Kathy's leadership, the Neighborhood Center became a beacon of hope for the Germantown community. Today, the center is home to a food pantry, music studio, countless youth activities, and women's empowerment programs.

Throughout her career, Kathy relentlessly pursued funding to support her community, including working with private industry to secure college scholarships for Germantown High School seniors.

Kathy's list of accomplishments range from grand gestures--like in 2011, when she raised the necessary funds to allow the annual Quincy MLK breakfast to continue--to what may be seen as more minor acts of kindness--such as helping an elderly neighbor keep their lights on or a family receive groceries for the week. Kathy has always made sure that no one goes without during the holidays, ensuring that thousands of families in Quincy and the South Shore receive gifts and food during the season.

On March 30, 2025, Kathy will retire from the YMCA. Over the last 30 years, Kathy has dedicated her life to the betterment of others. We are deeply grateful for her service. The world could use a few more Kathy Quigleys.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Kathy Quigley, and I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing her extraordinary career and thanking her for her years of service to the Quincy and South Shore community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Eleanor ``Eldie'' Acheson, who retired from Amtrak on February 1, 2025, after 18 years of service to our country's passenger rail system.

Coming from a long line of public servants, Eldie's family instilled in her the value of public service and an appreciation for her country from a young age. Eldie's father, David Campion Acheson, worked as an attorney for the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission and later as a U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia. Her grandfather, Dean Acheson, served as Secretary of State under President Truman. Her great- grandfather, Louis Stanley, was a railroad attorney. Eldie's family history also includes painters, such as her grandmother, Alice Acheson, and great-great-grandfather, John Mix Stanley, the renowned painter of Native American life in the West.

The principles of service and advocacy are values that Eldie has carried with her over the years. Throughout her career, Eldie strove to create greater opportunities for women and other underrepresented groups, dating back to her time as an undergraduate student at Wellesley College. Prior to 1969, Wellesley College never had a student commencement speaker. Although Wellesley's commencements included remarks by college administrators and special guests, students were not granted the opportunity to address their peers during graduation. Eldie spearheaded efforts to have a student commencement speaker. Despite facing opposition from administrators, Eldie's efforts ultimately proved successful, and her class was the first in Wellesley College's history to have a student commencement speaker. That speaker was then student-

body president and future Secretary of State, U.S. Senator, and First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Eldie's remarkable career was one of many firsts as she continuously broke down barriers. After graduating from George Washington University Law School, Eldie became the first female Associate, and later Partner, at the Boston-based law firm Ropes & Gray and served as the founding Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs at the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the nation's first LGBTQ civil rights advocacy organization. In 1993, President Clinton appointed Eldie as Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Policy Development at the U.S. Department of Justice, where she helped expand the number of female federal judges by over 80 percent. For her work, Eldie was awarded the American Bar Association's Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award.

In 2007, Eldie began her tenure as General Counsel at Amtrak, where she sought to improve passenger experience, rail accessibility, and workplace inclusiveness. She played a key role in the creation of the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act (PRIIA) of 2008, which directed Amtrak and the Federal Railroad Administration to develop minimum standards for passenger train on-time performance. Eldie also championed a company-wide effort to ensure Amtrak stations complied with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Her work led to new training for front-line employees and clear guidelines for Amtrak's ADA Stations Program. Additionally, Eldie sat on Amtrak's Executive Diversity Council, setting the strategic direction for diversity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives, and served as an executive sponsor of Express Pride, Amtrak's Employee Resource Group for LGBTQ+ employees and allies.

On February 1, 2025, Eldie retired from Amtrak, leaving behind a legacy and career highlighted by her commitment to expanding opportunities for underrepresented groups, improving passenger rail, and continuing her family's legacy of public service. I wish Eldie many years of well-deserved happiness in retirement to spend hiking, playing tennis, and sailing on Cape Cod with her family and her wife, Emily.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Eldie Acheson, and I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing Eldie's career and thanking her for her years of service.

Mr. Speaker, I was unable to cast my vote for H.R. 82, Social Security Fairness Act of 2023, due to air travel cancellations. As both a co-sponsor and a signer of the discharge petition that brought this bill to the floor, I am a strong supporter of eliminating the windfall elimination provision (WEP) and the government pension offset (GPO) that denies some retirees from receiving their full Social Security benefits.

Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 456.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the life of Fred Walsh. Born on February 4, 1949, to parents Helen and John Walsh, Fred was raised in Arlington, Massachusetts, alongside his sisters, Susan and Judith, and his twin brother, John. After graduating from Arlington High School in 1967. Fred went on to receive his bachelor's degree in history from the University of New Hampshire and his master's degree in school counseling from Suffolk University. Following in his father's footsteps, Fred taught and coached

football at a local high for several years, before joining a midsized construction company.

Unfortunately, Fred's health forced him to leave construction after he and his twin were diagnosed with Alpha-1 in 1989. Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency is a genetic condition that increases a person's risk of developing lung and liver disease. Although there is currently no cure for Alpha-1, Fred always remained a vocal advocate for advancing research on the condition and supporting those also impacted by Alpha-1.

Over the years, Fred was deeply involved in both the Alpha-1 Foundation and AlphaNet, sister organizations co-founded in 1995 by Fred's twin, John. AlphaNet provides educational resources and health management services to members of the Alpha-1 community by connecting them with trained AlphaNet coordinators who also have Alpha-1. The Alpha-1 Foundation is a nonprofit focused on advocacy and advancing research on the condition. For many years, Fred served on the Executive Board of the Alpha-1 Foundation, including in the role of Vice Chair, and worked as an AlphaNet coordinator for nearly three decades.

After John passed in 2017, Fred worked to have legislation introduced in his brother's honor. The John W. Walsh Alpha-1 Home Infusion Act would allow for Medicare coverage of at-home augmentation therapy for Alpha-1 patients. For over three decades, Fred was a tireless champion of the Alpha-1 community, helping recently diagnosed members navigate the condition and continuously fighting to find a cure and improve treatment options.

Sadly, we lost Fred too soon on September 29, 2024, at the age of 75. Above all, Fred was a devoted husband to his wife, Pamela, and father to their daughters, Chase and Kailey. Fred's commitment to helping the Alpha-1 community throughout his time with the Alpha-1 Foundation and AlphaNet serves as an example to all, and his legacy will carry on through all those who had the great fortune of knowing and working alongside him.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Fred Walsh, and I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing his lifetime of advocacy and dedication to supporting others with Alpha-1.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the life of Mary Richards.

Born on August 16, 1943, to parents Gus and Helen Sesia, Mary was a lifelong resident

of Clinton, Massachusetts. Growing up, Mary's parents always emphasized the importance of community advocacy and standing up for underrepresented groups. This was a sentiment that Mary would carry with her throughout her life and career. After graduating from Sacred Heart Academy, Mary went on to receive her bachelor's degree in biology and chemistry from the College of Our Lady of the Elms, followed by a certificate in environmental law from Tufts University-Lincoln Filene Center.

For several decades, Mary worked for the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection in a variety of roles, including that of environmental analyst, section chief, and project manager. Throughout her career, Mary was a tireless advocate for increasing environmental protections, as well as women's, workers', and civil rights. Mary served as an executive board member. Vice President, and was the first woman to be elected President of the Massachusetts Organization of State Engineers and Scientists (MOSES). Additionally, she was a founding member of the National Association of State Highway Transportation Unions (NASHTU). During Mary's time with both these organizations, she strove to improve the collective bargaining rights, wages, pension plans, and working conditions of all union members.

Over the years, Mary always remained an advocate for the issues that mattered most to her. She held the Labor Seat on the Massachusetts Democratic State Committee, served as Chair of the Clinton Democratic Committee, was appointed to the Electoral College in 1996, and served as a Massachusetts delegate at the Democratic National Convention this past August. Mary was also active on several local and state boards and committees, including the League of Women Voters, Environmental League of Massachusetts, Nashua River Watershed Association, ACLU, and the Massachusetts Women's Political Caucus.

Sadly, we lost Mary too soon on September 2, 2024, at the age of 81. Above all, she cherished spending time with her family and friends. Mary was a dedicated wife to her husband, James, and mother to their sons, Kevin and Dennis, and her legacy will carry on through all those who had the great fortune of knowing and working alongside her.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Mary Richards, and I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing her commitment to advocacy and bettering the lives of those around her.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Housing Assistance as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.

Housing Assistance was originally founded in 1974 by Rick Presbrey in a small office converted from a garage in West Yarmouth. At first, the organization's sole program was administering State Chapter 707 Rental Assistance, but in 1975, Housing Assistance also began administering HUD Section Rental Assistance, followed by weatherization services. Over the past five decades the Cape Cod and Islands region has grown and evolved and so has the organization. What began as a rental voucher agency with only a few employees has grown into a regional housing agency and one of the largest developers of affordable housing in the region.

Now with 120 employees and led by CEO Alisa Magnotta and Board Chairman Bill Bogdanovich, Housing Assistance strives to elevate the Cape and Islands economy and community, empower residents of all ages and income levels, and address the root causes of housing shortages and affordability. In addition to its original rental subsidy and voucher program services, Housing Assistance offers homelessness prevention and outreach services, shelter services, and permanent and transitional supportive housing. Further, Housing Assistance offers first time home buyer courses, and as the only HUD-approved housing counseling agency serving the Cape and Islands, the organization provides housing counseling on issues such as foreclosure prevention, reverse mortgages, and other housing related matters.

Through its many services and programs, Housing Assistance works to bridge the gap between homelessness and homeownership to support the vision of a year-round Cape Cod community where everyone has access to housing and a stable place to call home. Over the last 50 years, the organization has assisted more than 200,000 residents, provided shelter to over 20,000 people, and built

over 585 affordable housing units across the Cape and Islands. Housing Assistance has established itself as a leader in the community by creating housing solutions for families at a variety of income levels and working to address some of the greatest challenges in access to housing.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Housing Assistance, and I ask that my colleagues join me in thanking the organization for its unwavering commitment to supporting the residents of the Cape and Islands and improving access to affordable housing.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the life of Peter Carnes.

With a passion for public service from a young age, Peter first began his extensive career in law enforcement in 1973 as a patrolman with the Wenham Police Department after receiving his associate's degree in law enforcement. Over the next two decades, Peter rose through the ranks, being promoted to sergeant in 1981 and Chief of Police in 1984. Peter continued to serve his home community as Wenham Police Chief for the next 11 years.

In 1995, Peter took on the role of Chief of Police of the Yarmouth Police Department. Throughout his 13-year tenure as Yarmouth Police Chief, Peter helped to implement greater community policing initiatives and grow the department into a technologically advanced public safety organization. After retiring from the Yarmouth Police Department in 2008, Peter continued his career as Chief of Police and Director of Campus Safety at Stonehill College.

Seeing the challenges that many police departments on Cape Cod faced when having to send recruits to distant academies, Peter took the steps to petition the Municipal Police Training Committee to establish a police academy on the Cape and was appointed Director of the Cape Cod Regional Municipal Police Academy at Joint Base Cape Cod in 2019. The academy was a great success and was eventually replaced by a state- funded police training academy in Falmouth, MA, which Peter played a key role in developing to meet the region's need for law enforcement training.

With a commitment to expanding his knowledge on law enforcement and public safety, Peter continuously sought opportunities to further his education. Peter received his bachelor's degree from Northeastern University and master's degree from Anna Maria College in law enforcement. Additionally, Peter completed programs at Babson College's Command Training Institute, Boston University's Law Enforcement Trainers Institute, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Law Enforcement Executive Development Program.

Throughout his career, Peter was a mentor to many and a leader in the law enforcement community. Over the years, he served as President of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, Municipal Police Institute, Essex County Chiefs of Police Association, Massachusetts Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators, and Cape Cod Chiefs Council. Further, Peter was active in the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Rotary Club International, as well as the Service Academy Nomination Committee for Southeastern Massachusetts.

Sadly, we lost Peter too soon on September 4, 2024, at the age of 71. Above all, Peter was a devoted husband to his wife, Karen, and father to his son, Brendan. From his decades of service in law enforcement to his unwavering dedication to supporting and advocating for the safety and well-being of his fellow officers, Peter's efforts to better the lives of those around him serves as an example to all.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor the life of Peter Carnes and ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing his lifelong commitment to public safety and serving his community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Joe Castiglione as he receives the Ford C. Frick Award for broadcasting excellence.

Born on March 2, 1947, to parents Pamela and Frank, Castiglione was raised in Hamden, Connecticut, alongside his seven siblings. With a passion for sports broadcasting from a young age, Castiglione grew up listening to longtime Yankees announcer and inaugural Ford C. Frick Award recipient, Mel Allen. Castiglione followed his passion for broadcasting at Colgate University, where he received his Bachelor of Arts and worked for the school's radio station broadcasting Colgate football and basketball games.

After receiving his master's degree from Syracuse University, Castiglione began his career as a television sports anchor at WFMJ-TV in Youngstown, Ohio. It was in Youngstown where Castiglione also met the love of his life, Janice Lowry, a third-grade teacher. 364 days after their first date, Joe and Janice were married and will celebrate their 53rd anniversary this November. Over their past five decades of marriage, Castiglione and Janice have raised their three children, Duke, Tom, and Kate, and now have six grandchildren.

In 1979, Castiglione continued his broadcasting career and first began reporting on baseball at WKYC-TV, calling games for the Cleveland Indians. He later called games for the Milwaukee Brewers in 1981, before returning to Cleveland in 1982. In 1983 he was hired on a one- year agreement with the Red Sox. 42 seasons later, Castiglione is now the longest tenured announcer in Red Sox history.

Throughout his career, Castiglione has called over 6,000 games, including four no-hitters and two 20-strikeout games. Additionally, Castiglione was the first Red Sox broadcaster to call the final out of a Red Sox World Championship, ending the team's 86-year drought in 2004. He would later deliver the final out call for the Red Sox's World Series wins in 2007, 2013, and 2018. Outside of his work as a Red Sox radio announcer, Castiglione taught broadcast journalism at Northeastern University for 29 years and Franklin Pierce University for 12 years and has been a long-time supporter of the Jimmy Fund.

Over the last four decades, Castiglione has established himself as a pillar of the baseball community. In 2014, Castiglione was inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame, and on July 20, 2024, Castiglione was awarded the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum's Ford C. Frick Award. This award deservedly celebrates Castiglione's passion for baseball and commitment to quality broadcasting throughout his career.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Joe Castiglione and ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing his years of hard work and impact on sports broadcasting.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Chief Mike Winn as he retires from the Centerville-Osterville-Marstons Mills Fire Department.

With a passion for public safety, Winn first began his career as a call firefighter with the Greenfield Fire Department in 1991 while attending Greenfield Community College. After graduating in 1993 and receiving his EMT-I certificate, Winn took on a full-time position with the Greenfield Fire Department and continued to move through the ranks, first as a career firefighter, then a captain, before being named Acting Chief in 2008, and later Chief in 2010.

Over the years, Winn had always enjoyed spending time on Cape Cod. In June 2013, Winn made the move to live on Cape Cod full-time when he was brought on as Fire Chief of the Centerville-Osterville-Marstons Mills Fire Department, after his predecessor, Chief John Farrington, retired after 40 years in the position. Over the next 11 years, Winn diligently served the Barnstable villages of Centerville, Osterville, and Marstons Mills, responding to countless emergencies and helping to guide the community through uncertain times during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Winn not only mentored and shared his expertise with those working alongside him in the Greenfield and Centerville-Osterville-Marstons Mills Fire Departments, but also with firefighters across the Commonwealth. Throughout his career, Winn served on the Massachusetts Hazardous Materials Response Division, the Southeastern Region Homeland Security Advisory Council, and served as President of the Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts.

On June 28, 2024, during a change of command ceremony, Chief Winn officially retired from the Centerville-Osterville-Marstons Mills Fire Department and passed the torch to Chief Bryon Eldridge. Over the last 33 years, Winn has dedicated his career to serving the people of Massachusetts, and I wish him many years of well-deserved happiness in retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Chief Michael Winn, and I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing his career and thanking him for his years of service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the Town of Rockland as it celebrates its 150th anniversary.

Originally part of the neighboring Town of Abington, Rockland was first settled by the Europeans in 1673. Before the settlers came to Massachusetts, the region that would later be known as Old Abington was first named Manamooskeagin by Native Americans local to Southeastern Massachusetts.

The Town of Rockland was incorporated on March 9, 1874, after separating from the Town of Abington. Rockland got its name from the area's rocky geography that would later be critical to the town's growing industry and economy. Rockland's topography made it less conducive for farming but ideal for mills and manufacturing. Early in the town's history, Rockland was a major lumber producer for local shipyards along the North River. Later, during the Civil War, Rockland saw an economic boom due to the town's growing shoe industry. Rockland's shoe production reached its peak in 1865, when 2,800 men and women were working to produce millions of dollars' worth of shoes. It is believed that Rockland's factories provided shoes for half of the Union Army during the Civil War.

Known for its strong manufacturing history as well as its extensive involvement in lumber and sawmills, Rockland continued to experience industrial development through the 1900s, but production declined during the Great Depression. However, Rockland saw significant growth following World War II, and the town's population nearly doubled throughout the 1950s.

Today, Rockland is home to nearly 18,000 residents as well as the Rockland Trust Company, one of the 100 largest banks in the U.S. Although the former mills and industrial buildings are no longer used for manufacturing, they have found a new purpose. The vacant buildings have been revitalized by a growing community of artists in Rockland and the buildings now serve as a meeting place and creative space for local artists to come together.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Town of Rockland, and I ask my colleagues to join me in acknowledging the important role that the Town of Rockland has played in our country's history and wishing the town and its residents the best of luck in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I was unable to cast my vote for H.R. 8812, the Water Resources and Development Act due to air travel delays. I have long supported this bipartisan bill that continues to provide better resources for America's waterways, ports and coastal resiliency.

Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 358.