Brian Fitzpatrick

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, there is nothing more important than character, and I rise today to recognize an educator from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who was recently honored as Character Builder of the Year by the Pennsbury LYFT. Blair Greiner, an art teacher at William Penn Middle School, received the award from Pennsbury LYFT leaders Vicky Allen and Gary Sanderson. The Character Builder of the Year Award is a unique distinction bestowed upon gifted teachers and faculty members who encourage their students to make upright decisions and conduct themselves in a positive manner. Blair was nominated by several of her colleagues, who described her as a kind and passionate person who is always passionate about her work. They cite a project she spearheaded designing a mural for a retiring colleague and creating a give one, take one initiative that gives students and teachers the ability to write uplifting messages for peers having a tough day. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Blair on this well-deserved award and would like to thank LYFT for honoring heroes in our community and for advocating for the youth in Bucks County. Recognizing the First Baptist Church of Perkasie

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a faith community in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, for its innovation in providing pastoral care to members of our community. The First Baptist Church of Perkasie recently unveiled a community center known as Revivals that serves as a soup kitchen, a counseling center, and a food pantry, among many other purposes. Throughout the summer, members of First Baptist Church of Perkasie will hit the road with the Revivals block party trailer mobile unit to offer services to our community throughout Bucks County. These family- friendly events, in addition to other faith services, have an array of food and games to serve to bring people together. Mr. Speaker, I applaud the faith community of First Baptist Church of Perkasie. I would like to especially thank Teaching Pastor Chris Heller, Family Care Pastor Doug Henning, and Ministries Pastor Jon Adams for all of their work that they do for our Bucks County community. Honoring Jessica Wilcox and Alex Goldsby

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize two student athletes in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, that were recently honored at the 21st annual Kiwanis-Herald Scholar-Athlete Awards Banquet in Langhorne. Jessica Wilcox and Alex Goldsby, seniors at Conwell-Egan Catholic High School, my alma mater, were recently selected as recipients of the Levittown-Bristol Kiwanis Club Dick Dougherty Scholarship. A 4-year starter on the Conwell-Egan girls volleyball team, a 4-year member of the softball team, and a two-time first-team all-Catholic selection in bowling, Jessica also served as a member of the student council for 2 years. As a 2-year starting quarterback for the Conwell-Egan football team, Alex was named the 2018 Philadelphia Catholic League Paul Bartolomeo Top Scholar-Athlete and was a member of the 2018 Archdiocese of Philadelphia Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll. As a starter, Alex threw for 1,972 yards and 21 touchdowns, and he also rushed for over 1,100 yards and 25 touchdowns. Mr. Speaker, I wish Jessica and Alex all the best as they continue their studies at Bucks County Community College and Ursinus College, respectively, and I congratulate both of them and my alma mater on this amazing distinction.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise today to recognize the life and memory of a law enforcement professional who served the people of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, for over two decades. Steven F. Hillias, chief of police to the Perkasie Borough Police Department, passed away on Sunday at the age of 49. Born in Allentown, Chief Hillias was a graduate of Allentown Central Catholic High School and went on to receive a degree in management from Penn State. Chief Hillias later attended the FBI National Academy and received a master's degree in criminal justice from DeSales University. Chief Hillias joined the Perkasie Borough Police Department in 1997 and was elevated to chief of police in 2014. Well-respected in the law enforcement community, Chief Hillias was a member of the Police Chiefs Association of Bucks County and the Fraternal Order of Police. Chief Hillias was known as an approachable, community-oriented chief who cared deeply about the Perkasie community. He worked tirelessly and with empathy to combat the opioid epidemic and advocated for young offenders in diversionary programs. He was a man admired for his fairness and his compassion. Madam Speaker, I send my deepest condolences to Chief Hillias' wife, Tracy, and his children, Michael and Lauren. We thank them for sharing him with our community. May Chief Hillias enjoy his eternal reward for a life he spent serving others.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding citizen from Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, who is working tirelessly to make our community a better place. Master Harry Pfister, a 7th Degree Black Belt who serves as Vice President of Villari's Pennsylvania and Owner and Chief Instructor at Villari's of Chalfont, has been using his karate expertise as a way to assist a nonprofit organization in Lansdale. Since the 1990s, Master Pfister has hosted a ``Kick-A-Thon,'' which to date has raised over $100,000 for Manna on Main Street. This year, $10,500 was raised. I applaud Master Pfister for his work, and appreciate the commitment of Manna on Main Street to ending food insecurity in the North Penn region.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding citizen from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who will be recognized for excellence in his field next month. Jayson Stark of Newtown was announced as the winner of the Baseball Writers' Association of America's J.G. Taylor Spink Award for his work as a baseball sports writer. In July, Jayson will travel to Cooperstown, New York, for ``meritorious contributions to baseball writing'' during the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum's induction weekend. A native of Philadelphia and a graduate of Syracuse University, Jayson began his career with the Providence Journal before joining the Philadelphia Inquirer in 1979. He later joined ESPN and now covers baseball for The Athletic. Jayson credits his love of writing to his mother, June Stark, who was also a writer. We congratulate him on this major achievement and his contributions to sports writing. I send my best wishes to Jayson, his wife, Lisa, and their three children as well. Recognizing Fatima Community Garden Project

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a project in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, that is promoting sustainability for members of our community. Over the past year, 44 immigrant communities worked tirelessly to create the Fatima Community Garden Project located behind Our Lady of Fatima in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. The garden serves as a collaborative effort between the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and Catholic Social Services. For many immigrants who arrive in our community, the Fatima Community Garden Project gives newcomers the ability to use horticultural skills cultivated in their homelands while offering them the opportunity to converse with local residents. One neighbor referred to the Fatima Community Garden Project as a sanctuary. Mr. Speaker, the Fatima Community Garden Project officially opens on Saturday, and I would like to thank several people who have worked over the past year to make this unique collaboration successful: J. Mizael Chavez, a community leader who helped families establish their presence in Bensalem; Matt Rader, president of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society; and Estela Bugg of Catholic Social Services for all of their work. Honoring PDC Machines

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a second- generation, family-owned business in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, that was recognized last month for the outstanding work that they do to support our local economy. PDC Machines, Inc., an equipment manufacturer based in Warminster, Pennsylvania, was honored at the 2019 President's E Award ceremony. They were presented with an award by Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross for their work supporting the expansion of U.S. exports. Founded in 1977, PDC has been exporting products since the early 1980s. Today, approximately 50 percent of PDC's revenues come from international business. PDC Machines takes great pride in the quality of their products and the services they provide to their customers. I am proud to have such a dynamic and innovative company in our community in Bucks County. We congratulate the Afzal family for this well-deserved recognition.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory of a resident of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who passed away last month at the age of 96. Malcolm Crooks, a lifelong resident of Solebury Township, was a noted environmental and conservation leader. He was the founding member of the Honey Hollow and Aquetong Watershed Associations and was a member of the first Solebury Township Planning Commission. He also served on numerous boards that promoted environmental protection, including those of the Bucks County Audubon Society and the Bucks County Planning Commission. A man of devout faith, Malcolm was a member of Solebury Friends Meeting, and in the 1960s, he moved to Algeria and led a team of Quakers to assist local residents. Throughout his life, Malcolm and his wife, Elaine, continued to travel the globe and immerse themselves in world cultures. Mr. Speaker, Malcolm made our community a better place. Generations will continue to experience the beauty of our home because of his selfless work. I send my prayers and condolences to Malcolm's wife and his children--Sylvia, Malcolm, and Catherine--along with his entire family. In Memory of Pete Rossetti

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to honor the life and memory of an American patriot from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who passed away on June 5 at the age of 96. Pete Rossetti, a resident of Southampton, lived a life in service to our country and our community. Born in Philadelphia, Pete served honorably in the United States Navy during World War II. He earned the American Theater, European Theater Combat Medal and was also a Purple Heart recipient. In January, Pete was awarded the French Legion of Honor Medal, the highest French military distinction, for his service. Pete served in several campaigns during the war, including the invasion of Sicily, Salerno, Angelo, and Normandy. A graduate of Temple University, Pete earned a degree in business administration from Temple University, and he later worked as an employee benefit consultant. Mr. Speaker, I send my deepest condolences to Pete's children--Donna, Sandra, Carla, Joseph, and Mary Ellen--along with the entire Rossetti family. May they take comfort that he is now reunited with Annette and enjoying his eternal reward.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding group of young citizens from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who are actively living out their faith and making our community a better place. Earlier this year, members of the Newtown Quaker Meeting helped raise $1,665 for the Mercer Street Friends' Community Schools through a lasagna dinner held at the Newtown Friends Meetinghouse. The youth collected voluntary donations, served the meal, and cleaned up after dinner. This exemplary act of community service is the norm, not the exception, for young members of Newtown Quaker Meeting. Previously held lasagna dinners have raised funds for Penndel Food Pantry, Heifer International, Haiti Relief, and Save Darfur, among other organizations. By serving simple meals twice a year, they have now raised over $28,000 for charity over a 10-year period. Mr. Speaker, I applaud the work of these children, their parents, and congregants of the Newtown Quaker Meeting. I would like to particularly thank members of the Children's Religious Education Committee of Newtown Meeting, including Sarah Buxton, Eileen Grant, and Kelly Lake for all of their work. In Memory of Malcolm Crooks

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize an outstanding resident from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who is teaching us all about strength and perseverance. Ben Harder, a resident of Levittown, recently participated in the Kiwanis-Herald Sesame Place Classic, which I was honored to attend. This was Ben's 21st consecutive year participating in the 5K race, an event cherished by our local community. His presence this year was made remarkable, however, due to the fact that Ben is currently undergoing chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer. Mr. Speaker, Ben is no stranger to athletic feats. While a student at The University of Southern Mississippi, he was also a top-ranked power lifter for his weight class. I would like to honor Ben for his strength and his spirit in the face of adversity, and our entire community is praying for him as he undergoes treatment. I would also like to extend our best wishes to Ben's family, including his siblings, Arthur, Chloebelle, Rosen, and Eleanor.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a citizen of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, for his steadfast commitment to community service. Walter Wydro, a resident of Upper Makefield, has been a constant presence in local initiatives for 50 years. Walter has been a champion for land preservation and played a significant role in open space efforts in Upper Makefield Township. Since 1972, Walter has served on the Upper Makefield Planning Commission. He was also a founding member of the Newtown Area Zoning Jointure, the first of its kind in the State of Pennsylvania. In 2004, Walter was named Upper Makefield's Volunteer of the Year and, in 2005, he joined the Bucks County Planning Commission. His work has been so impactful and his reach and expertise so great that the Bucks County Commissioners declared May 7, 2019, Walter Wydro Day. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have the privilege to represent such a thoughtful and compassionate constituent as Walter, and I thank Walter for his innumerable contributions to our community. Recognizing Ben Harder for His Strength and Perseverance

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding group of citizens in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who are actively engaged in academic achievement. Last year, New Hope-Solebury Middle School established its robotics club, and it did not take long for that club to grow and find success. They quickly grew to 20 students strong, with 5 students recently awarded the Judges Award at the competitive VEX Robotics Competition. The robotics club at New Hope-Solebury Middle School is looking to build off of its accomplishments. With the help of librarian Craig Smith and school board member Mark Cowell, members are looking to become more active in competitions to demonstrate their skills. Recently, the Lambertville-New Hope Rotary Club, of which Mark is a member, held a fundraiser to assist these kids in reaching their goals. I would like to congratulate members of the New Hope-Solebury Middle School robotics club on their achievements. I would like to thank Mark and Craig and members of the Lambertville-New Hope Rotary Club for their vision. Recognizing Walter Wydro for His Steadfast Commitment to Community Service

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, I rise today with enthusiasm and gratitude that exactly 100 years to the day this very body passed the 19th Amendment which guaranteed women the right to vote. This decision was a critical step forward, a major development in a representative government to empower millions of Americans and allow them access to the fundamental freedoms enshrined in our Constitution. The passage of the 19th Amendment was an important turning point, and the culmination of decades of fervent activism by members of the women's suffrage movement and their allies. Their vision and their tenacity paved the way for generations of leaders who would follow. And in their honor, I am proud to be the co-lead of H.R. 1980, the Smithsonian Women's History Museum Act, along with my friend and colleague, Carolyn Maloney from New York, to give these pioneers proper recognition by constructing a National Women's History Museum on the National Mall. Madam Speaker, I am privileged today to be a Member of this House at such a monumental time where there are more women serving in the House of Representatives than ever before. I am proud to serve with them and to honor this centennial anniversary by their side.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a native of Perkasie in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who is promoting animal welfare through the nonprofit organization he established 4 years ago. Paul Steklenski, an Army veteran and a network engineer, founded Flying Fur Animal Rescue in 2015. Flying his 1970 Beechcraft single- engine airplane, Paul transports shelter animals, mostly dogs, at risk of being euthanized to rescue groups along the East Coast. To date, Paul estimates he has saved the lives of over 1,300 animals in need. Paul credits Rick Witt, who helps manage the operations at Doylestown Airport, for the success of this organization. Rick allows Paul to use the original aircraft he used to transport the animals. Madam Speaker, I applaud the work of Flying Fur Animal Rescue and thank Paul for his work. I encourage all of us to follow his lead of being a voice for the voiceless.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to honor the life and memory of Trooper Donald C. Brackett, a dedicated law enforcement professional with the Pennsylvania State Police. Trooper Brackett passed away while on duty Saturday morning at the age of 58. Our Nation just recognized National Police Week, a time to reflect upon and honor the sacrifices made by the men and women in law enforcement. Trooper Brackett was no exception. A resident of Bensalem, Trooper Brackett served nearly 18 years in the United States Marine Corps and enlisted in the Pennsylvania State Police in October of 2001. He was most recently assigned to the patrol section of Troop T, King of Prussia, and was previously assigned to Troop K, Media, and Troop M in Trevose throughout his distinguished career. Madam Speaker, Trooper Brackett lived his life in service to our Nation and to our community. He is truly an American hero, and I send my deepest condolences to his wife, Marta, and his children, Gabriella and Brianna. Trooper Brackett lived his entire life in service to our community. He set the example for our entire Nation to follow. In Recognition of Paul Steklenski

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize an outstanding nonprofit organization in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, that is serving individuals in need in our community. Brush With the law, based in Montgomeryville, was founded as a visual arts program at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility in 2013. The program quickly grew popular and was transitioned into one that helps marginalized individuals trying to reenter society. Brush With the Law works with municipalities and small businesses in their endeavors, which involves creation of conceptual art installations to beautify our community. These installations seek to raise awareness for issues important to local residents, such as drug addiction, homelessness, and climate change. The principal goal of Brush With the Law is to bring people together, a vision which we all should applaud. I would like to recognize the founder and director, Maria Maneos of North Wales, for her leadership and for her work in empowering our community.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a faith community in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, that recently celebrated a very special milestone. St. Michael's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sellersville commemorates its 150th anniversary this year. First commissioned in 1869, St. Michael's was to be a union church between Reformed and Lutheran Christians. Nearly 2,000 people attended one of St. Michael's consecration ceremonies. The church is rich with tradition and history. Early sermons were spoken in German, and in 1904, the church became the first building in Sellersville to have electricity. Today, the St. Michael's community is as active as ever, participating in community meals, working on community gardens, and providing food for Pennridge FISH and Keystone Opportunity Center, and offering numerous educational programs. Madam Speaker, we congratulate the St. Michael's faith community on their 150th anniversary of such an amazing and special place. I would also like to thank Pastor Julie Bergdahl for her pastoral care and leadership.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize two impressive student athletes from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who are making their school and our entire community very proud. Justin Massielo and Emelie Curtis, students at Pennsbury High School in Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania, both recently hit impressive milestones in their respective sports. Justin, a senior, recently recorded his 100th hit as a 4-year starter for the Falcons' varsity baseball team, and Emelie, a junior, just notched her 100th career goal as a 3-year starter for the Falcons' varsity girls lacrosse team. What makes their achievements even more special, Madam Speaker, is that Justin and Emelie also are cousins. On behalf of our entire community, I would like to congratulate Justin and Emelie on their notable athletic achievements. We wish them, and their families continued success. Recognizing Lieutenant Terry Hughes

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, this week is National Police Week, and I rise today to recognize a dedicated law enforcement professional from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who recently retired after a very distinguished career in public service. Lieutenant Terry Hughes of the Bristol Township Police Department retired after over 30 years in local law enforcement. A resident of Bristol Township throughout his entire life, Lieutenant Hughes previously worked at the police departments in Hulmeville, Newtown Township, Northampton, and Middletown before joining his hometown's police force in 1990. Throughout his entire tenure in Bristol Township, Terry became a senior member of the department, leading detectives, running special investigations, and he was a driving force in public outreach. Madam Speaker, I had the opportunity to personally work with Lieutenant Hughes on the Department of Justice's Weed and Seed program. We thank our friend, Terry, for his years of public service and for protecting our community. Terry has law enforcement in his blood, and I have no doubt whatsoever that his service in protecting our community will carry on. St. Michael's Evangelical Lutheran Church Celebrates 150th Anniversary

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an individual and organization in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, working to make our community a better place. Earlier this month, Zane Moore, the president and CEO of the YMCA of Bucks County, walked across the entire county to raise awareness of the positive impact the YMCA has on our neighbors and funding for its programs. Last Thursday, Zane began his trek at the YMCA in Quakertown, wrapping up at the YMCA in Doylestown. He picked up on Friday where he left off, completing his journey that same day, all the way to the YMCA in Lower Bucks County in Fairless Hills. Madam Speaker, I applaud Zane and all the local leaders who joined him along the way on his journey. We appreciate the work of the YMCA and all of its efforts to promote education, physical well-being, and recovery programs for those in our community. Recognizing Rotarian of the Year Max Rose

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize a resident of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who was recently honored as Rotarian of the Year by the Rotary Club of Doylestown. Last month, 24-year Rotary Club member Max Rose received this distinction at the 10th annual Four-Way Test Awards Fundraiser. During his distinguished tenure, he twice served as president of the Rotary Club of Doylestown, has been an instrumental force in the organization's youth exchange program, and has assisted greatly in local events such as the Borough Dam cleanup and the Doylestown at Dusk Car Show. Madam Speaker, I congratulate Max on this well-deserved recognition. I also thank Rotary Club president Gail Linenberg, along with all the members of the Rotary Club of Doylestown, for their dedication and their service to our community. Recognizing Students and Faculty of St. Andrew School, Newtown, Pennsylvania

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding group of students in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who recently partnered with a local organization to comfort children who have experienced traumatic events. At St. Andrew School in Newtown, a group of third-grade students participated in a service project in collaboration with the Newtown Quilters' Guild. Using lighthearted drawings by the students, the guild will create colorful quilts and distribute them to the Newtown Township Police Department and emergency services personnel to give to young children who have been through difficult situations. Madam Speaker, I applaud these students and the faculty of St. Andrew School in Newtown, especially Principal Nancy Matteo and third-grade teachers Ashlyn Kalicki and Lynn Dixon. I also thank all the members of the Newtown Quilters' Guild for their thoughtfulness, along with all the officers of the Newtown Township Police Department on this National Police Week. We appreciate all the work they do for our community.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, this week is Teacher Appreciation Week, and I rise to recognize an outstanding school faculty member from Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Jeff Klein, a guidance counselor at Tamanend Middle School in Warrington, was recently named the winner of the Unsung Heroes Award, sponsored by the Pennsylvania State Education Association and the Council for the Advancement of Public Schools. In addition to his work counseling students, Jeff serves as a coach and works to give students additional learning opportunities both inside and outside of the traditional classroom. With this prestigious honor comes a $2,000 grant, which Jeff says will be put toward the painting of a mural in the Tamanend gym that honors the basketball tournament he conducts to fundraise for the Kelly Anne Dolan Memorial Fund, a nonprofit organization in Montgomery County that assists families raising children with disabilities. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Jeff, and I thank him for his service to our community. I would also like to thank the Kelly Anne Dolan Memorial Fund, PSEA, and Tamanend Middle School and their principal, Dr. Brian Caughie, for all they do to educate our youth and to serve all those in need in our community. Teacher Appreciation Week