Brian Fitzpatrick

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I had the pleasure of meeting with advocates from the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance here in Washington, D.C., last week. It was great speaking with them to express my strong support for the continuation of funding for the Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Research Program in the fiscal year 2020 Department of Defense Appropriations Act. Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, or TSC, is a genetic disorder that can cause tumor growth in vital organs in the human body. It occurs in approximately 1 in 6,000 births. I am proud to share the story of the Miller family, constituents of mine from Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Nearly 5 years ago, Lindsey and her husband, Dave, welcomed their daughter, Ellie, into the world. While Ellie was born with TSC, she has not let it stop her from being just like every other kid. She is developmentally on track, she enjoys preschool with her friends, and she sees her doctors regularly at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. However, there is no way to currently gauge how TSC will affect Ellie in the years to come. That is why funding for the Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Research Program is so vitally important. This program has my full support, and I encourage all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support it as well. I thank my colleagues, Mr. Mullin from Oklahoma and Mr. Loebsack from Iowa, for their leadership on this issue. Again, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in this very worthy cause on behalf of all dealing with this across our Nation.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, I would like to thank my colleagues from New York, Lee Zeldin, Mr. Rose, Mr. King, Mrs. Maloney, and Mr. Nadler, for holding this Special Order tonight. I am proud to join my colleagues in this fight to reauthorize the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund to ensure that our 9/11 survivors and their families have the resources and the support to which they are owed. As my colleagues can attest, we lost some amazing human beings on that day: firefighters, police officers, EMTs, medics, mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters. Victor Saracini, a resident of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, a constituent in my district, was the captain and pilot of United Airlines Flight 175 which our entire country and the entire world witnessed fly into the south tower. While 9/11 shattered many preconceived notions we have had, it strengthened our collective American identity. Our Nation emerged from that day stronger because of the bravery and selflessness of the heroes who risked and, in many cases, lost their lives to save people they didn't know and had never met. Their sacrifice has come at a tremendous cost. In over 17 years since that fateful day, nearly 10,000 people have suffered from cancers induced by breathing in toxic dust at Ground Zero, dust that included thousands of contaminants, including lead and mercury. Madam Speaker, in just one statistic on how this problem is still prevalent, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial reported that 15 police officers died in 2018 from 9/11-related illnesses, 15 just last year alone. This problem is pervasive, and this problem is persistent. It is incumbent upon the Federal Government to stand up and defend those who defended us. The September 11 Victim Compensation Fund must be reauthorized immediately. It is a moral obligation of this body. It simply cannot wait. Again, I want to thank the members of the New York delegation for holding this Special Order and for giving me the opportunity to express my gratitude for the heroes and their families and the need to reauthorize this fund. I second my colleagues' sentiment tonight. This is a moral obligation of this House. We must get this done, and we must get it done immediately. I want to thank Mr. Zeldin for representing the Problem Solvers Caucus tonight. In recognizing Josh Gottheimer, I wanted to say to my colleague, Max Rose and I are going to be testing a new rule that we put into place, and we are going to get to 290 cosponsors come hell or high water. We will get there which will force that matter on to this floor. It will pass. It will pass overwhelmingly, and we will get this done for the 9/11 victims and their families.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a young citizen in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who recently was recognized in a national science competition. Walker Anderson, a Doylestown resident and a senior at Central Bucks West High School, recently won $2,000 as a semifinalist for the Regeneron Science Talent Search competition. This recognition was received by only 300 students nationwide and only four in the State of Pennsylvania. As impressive as this may be on its own, this is only one academic achievement of Walker's. Walker previously placed first in the under-18 category at the World Puzzle Championship in Prague, competing on the U.S. team, and was recently accepted into the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Mr. Speaker, I am sure we will hear of Walker well into the future, as his STEM research and grasp of complex mathematical and scientific concepts is truly remarkable. I wish Walker and his parents, Susan and Ken Anderson, all of the best. I also thank Mark Hayden, Walker's STEM Research Club adviser, for his guidance and his vision.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a family from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who is dedicated to making our world a better and safer world. Ashley and Chris Gasperi, ER nurses, were residents of Feasterville and worked at Temple University Hospital and St. Mary Medical Center. Despite dedicating their careers to caring for others, they both craved more and later decided to move to Kenya to establish a nonprofit organization that seeks to break the vicious cycle of poverty in rural communities. Together, they established Ekenywa. Ekenywa works to dig wells, sometimes hundreds of feet deep, to establish a reliable water source to communities and schools in rural Kenya. The creation of these wells allows for solar-powered irrigation systems, enabling communities to farm year-round, even in the presence of a drought. Mr. Speaker, I applaud the work of the Gasperi family and Ekenywa. They are truly making a difference in the lives of countless people across the world. I speak on behalf of our entire Bucks County community when we tell them how much we appreciate their service and their sacrifice. Recognizing Walker Anderson for His National Science Competition Achievements

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, I rise today on behalf of Americans affected by Marfan syndrome and related connective tissue conditions to recognize February as Marfan Awareness Month. Marfan syndrome is a rare genetic condition. About 1 in 5,000 Americans carries a mutation in gene called fibrillin which results in an overproduction of a protein called transforming growth factor beta or TGFB. The increased TGFB impacts connective tissue and since connective tissue is found throughout the body, Marfan syndrome features can manifest throughout the body. Patients often have disproportionately long limbs, a protruding or indented chest bone, curved spine, and loose joints. However, it is not the outward signs that concern Marfan syndrome patients, but the effects the condition has on internal systems. Most notably, in Marfan patients the large artery, known as the aorta, which carries blood away from the heart is weakened and prone to enlargement and rupture, which can be fatal. It is for this reason that increased awareness of Marfan syndrome can save lives. While there is currently no cure for Marfan syndrome, efforts are underway to enhance our understanding of the condition and improve patient care. I applaud the National Institutes of Health, particularly the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute and the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases for their research efforts in this regard. I encourage NIH to expand research efforts in this area. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are the keys to managing Marfan syndrome and living a full life. I encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting a Marfan education and awareness program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We can facilitate proper treatment by raising awareness leading to early diagnosis. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing February as Marfan Awareness Month.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a nonprofit organization in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, that is celebrating its 20th year of service helping immigrants settle in the United States. Welcoming the Stranger, based in Langhorne, was founded in 1999 by the late Reverend Sturgis Poorman. Welcoming the Stranger has provided countless opportunities for immigrants in southeastern Pennsylvania from over 100 countries. Welcoming the Stranger offers English language classes and courses in citizenship preparation and computer science. Their programs have been so popular that they often expand to 300 attendees, packing houses of worship and community centers across Bucks County. Madam Speaker, I applaud the work of Welcoming the Stranger, and I wish the organization all the best as it enters its 20th year of service to our community. I would also like to extend my appreciation to Meg Eubank, the executive director of Welcoming the Stranger, for her work and her vision. Honoring Friends of Five Mile Woods

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a resident of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who recently made us all proud from her successful appearance on ``Jeopardy.'' Meghan Schulz, a resident of Bristol and an environmental engineer for SEPTA, appeared on the hit television show last month. Going into the final round, Meghan was in second place with $14,000. She was able to clinch her victory, however, when she successfully answered that Mariah Carey was the New York native who, in the 1990s, had eight of her first 10 Billboard Top 40 hits reach number one. Her closest competitor, whom she trailed by $400 going into Final Jeopardy, incorrectly guessed Whitney Houston, putting Meghan over the top. Madam Speaker, I congratulate Meghan on this major accomplishment. It is a major feat to be selected to participate on this famous show to begin with, but to win against other highly intelligent competitors is something truly noteworthy. I wish Meghan and her family all the best, and we congratulate her on this achievement.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor a group of conscientious citizens in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who were recently recognized for their environmental stewardship. Earlier this month, the Lower Makefield Board of Supervisors and the Lower Makefield Environmental Advisory Council awarded Friends of Five Mile Woods with its annual Environmental Stewardship Award. Friends of Five Mile Woods, which has been a presence in Bucks County since the 1980s, seeks to protect the landscape of Five Mile Woods Preserve. One of the most successful programs the organization has implemented is its volunteer cleanup efforts on the second Saturday of the months of March through November. During these Saturdays, dedicated volunteers pick up trash, maintain trails, and repair infrastructure in the 285- acre preserve. Madam Speaker, Friends of Five Mile Woods helps provide amazing nature experiences and educational opportunities for our community in Bucks County. I congratulate them on this award and applaud the work of John Lloyd, chairman of the organization, and the Lower Makefield Board of Supervisors. Recognizing Meghan Schulz for Her Win on ``Jeopardy''

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Natural Resources Management Act. I am especially proud this bill will permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund. This vital piece of legislation will benefit millions of Americans in innumerable ways, from promoting recreational activity to contributing to our Nation's robust economy, along with furthering environmental protection and wildlife conservation. The Land and Water Conservation Fund benefits 98 percent of counties across the United States and contributes to an economy that encompasses 1 out of 15 American jobs. Since its establishment over 50 years ago, the Land and Water Conservation Fund has greatly benefited my home district in Bucks and Montgomery Counties in Pennsylvania. Treasured public lands, such as Nockamixon State Park and Tyler State Park, and cherished community venues, such as Hatfield Community Park, are all just a few of the examples of the beneficiaries of this valuable fund. Mr. Speaker, I am encouraged by the strong bipartisan support the Natural Resources Management Act has received, and I compliment my colleagues from both sides of the aisle for advancing this. It is long overdue, and I urge all of my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate North Penn High School swimming coach Jeff Faikish for being named Pennsylvania Coach of the Year for girls swimming and diving during the 2017-2018 school year. The National Federation of State High School Associations awards coaches who exemplify the high standards of sportsmanship, ethical and moral character, and have received the endorsement of their State high school association. Last fall, the North Penn High School swim team won the State championship and, under John's leadership, has competed in seven State championship meets. Mr. Speaker, we congratulate John for receiving this honor and all the athletes of the North Penn girls swim team for their outstanding achievements. We wish them all continued success in their future endeavors.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, is home to some of the most thoughtful and compassionate people in the Nation. This was on full display earlier this month when parents and students from the Howard Hersch Religious School at Congregation Brothers of Israel held a reception for first responders, called Hearts for Our Heroes. Held at the Newtown Township Building, first responders in attendance received letters of appreciation and cookies for their service and their sacrifice. Students also sang a song of gratitude to the heroes in our community. I would like to honor several people, Mr. Speaker, who played a pivotal role in ensuring that our community's first responders received the recognition they deserve: Joan Hersch, Congregation Brothers of Israel Religious School director; and Janet Barudin and Amy Stinson, who co-chair the congregation's Caring Committee; as well as Rabbi Aaron Gaber. I would also like to extend my gratitude to all first responders in Newtown Township and throughout Bucks County for all they do to keep us safe. Recognizing Judge Rea B. Boylan

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the remarkable career of a public servant in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who will be retiring at the end of her term. Judge Rea Boylan, a resident of Hilltown, has spent 20 years on the bench and is the most tenured member of the Bucks County court of common pleas. In her years of service, Judge Boylan has worked in the public defender's office, the office of the district attorney, and also was Bucks County controller before her judgeship. Throughout Judge Boylan's tenure, she has been known as a fair judge who is not afraid to hold people accountable and always seeks to rehabilitate those in need. Notably, her work with juveniles and those struggling with addiction truly embodies her dedication to both justice and fairness. I wish Judge Boylan all of the best in her retirement, and I speak on behalf of all of Bucks County when we thank her wholeheartedly for her service. Congratulating North Penn High School Swimming Coach Jeff Faikish

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize members of our law enforcement community who recently joined our Bucks County family as members of the Solebury Township Police Department. Earlier this month, Officers Megan Klosterman and Gina Ferzetti were sworn in by Magisterial District Judge Maggie Snow as the department's first full-time female officers. Officer Klosterman is a graduate of Upper Dublin High School and Pennsylvania State University. Officer Ferzetti is a graduate of Ridley High School and previously served with the Temple University Police Department. Both of these dedicated public servants served as part-time members of Solebury Township Police Department prior to their full instatement. Mr. Speaker, I applaud Officers Klosterman and Ferzetti on their promotions and their dedication to keeping all of our families safe in our community. Their hiring is truly an inspiring moment for Solebury Township and for Bucks County. I would also like to thank Police Chief Dominick Bellizzie and Township Manager Dennis Carney for their leadership. Recognizing Julie Uchitel

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a law enforcement official who was recently named Police Chief of Newtown Township in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Earlier this month, Newtown Township's Board of Supervisors unanimously supported Philadelphia Police Department Captain John Hearn to become the next police chief. John, a Northampton Township resident, is a 29-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department. He previously served as a lieutenant in that department's highway patrol, helping to escort dignitaries such as Pope Francis and former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush. Throughout his esteemed career, John distinguished himself as an innovative leader. He represented Philadelphia when five neighboring counties established protocol and a coordinated response to terrorist threats, and he served as a volunteer with fire companies in Montgomery County. Mr. Speaker, we congratulate John on his new role, and I look forward to working closely with him to keep our Bucks County families safe. Recognizing Officers Megan Klosterman and Gina Ferzetti

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a student from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who was recently awarded a coveted scholarship to study in the United Kingdom. Julie Uchitel, a resident of Upper Southampton, was selected to receive a Marshall Scholarship, one of only 40 recipients out of over 1,000 applicants. Julie is a senior at Duke University where she is a neuroscience and French double major. She is the president of the Neuroscience Majors' Union at Duke and has conducted clinical and basic pediatric research at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Duke Children's Hospital. She is the author of two published articles and has volunteered in Paris and in Honduras to offer medical assistance to those in need. Mr. Speaker, Julie's resume is too voluminous to summarize. We are so proud to have her as part of our community, and we wish her all the best as she pursues her studies at Cambridge and King's College in London. I look forward to seeing all of her accomplishments in the years to come.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a faith community in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, that is going the extra mile to minimize the negative impact felt by Federal workers and their families during this prolonged government shutdown. Last Friday, an estimated 800,000 Federal employees missed their paychecks. Understanding the undue hardship these Federal employees are facing, the Food Center at the Morrisville Presbyterian Church stepped up to the plate, opening their door to furloughed Federal workers and their families with the opportunity to receive food. Mr. Speaker, I am truly blessed to represent such thoughtful and compassionate constituents. As I did in this same exact spot yesterday, I urge my colleagues to put aside their differences and reopen our government. Our inaction is putting Federal workers in an untenable position. We would like to extend our heartfelt thank you to the Reverend Rachel Rhodes and all the staff and volunteers at the Food Center at Morrisville Presbyterian Church for their work. Each and every one of them makes our community a special place. Stalking Awareness Month

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, January is Stalking Awareness Month, and I rise today to bring attention to the critical need for action to empower survivors and protect victims of this crime. Yesterday, I proudly joined my friend and colleague Representative Stephanie Murphy from Florida along with Pennsylvania Senators Pat Toomey and Bob Casey to reintroduce the Combat Online Predators Act. This bill would increase criminal penalties for the stalking of children and help ensure law enforcement officials evaluate and update practices to combat online stalking of children. Mr. Speaker, there are few things more sinister than preying on innocent children. Millions of Americans, including the most vulnerable among us, are harmed each year by stalkers. Here in Congress, we must work in a bipartisan manner to eliminate the digital footprint of predators to protect the kids in our communities and in our Nation. I am deeply grateful for the support and advocacy of the Zezzo family of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who serve as an inspiration for this piece of legislation, the Combat Online Predators Act, and for survivors everywhere. Mr. Speaker, I pledge to work with all of my colleagues, Democrat and Republican alike, to advance this legislation and other solutions to stop stalking in all of its forms.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, on Monday we recognize Martin Luther King Day and we celebrate his legacy of civil rights and his promotion of opportunity for all. Today, I am proud to recognize an individual from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who has spent his life and career dedicated to the advancement of equality. Norval Reece of Yardley remembers witnessing Dr. King's ``I Have a Dream'' speech and marching with him on the third march from Selma to Montgomery. He worked closely with Dr. King to enact change and in 1967 spent several hours with Dr. King in Philadelphia. Norval credits his devotion to civil rights activism to his Quaker faith. He served in India with the American Friends Service Committee, and later continued to work on their behalf upon his return home. He later became a successful businessman, building his own media company that helped bring cable television to then-Communist Poland. Mr. Speaker, Norval's life and dedication to the service of others is truly inspiring, and we thank him, his wife, and their sons, Tim and Stockton, for their service to their community and our country. Recognizing the Food Center at the Morrisville Presbyterian Church

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a small business in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, that has gone out of their way to help Federal employees who are not being paid due to this prolonged government shutdown. For the duration of the government shutdown, Pineville Tavern has offered furloughed workers and their immediate family their popular pickle-brined chicken at no cost. At this time of so much unneeded uncertainty for our Federal workers, the charity of Pineville Tavern is deeply appreciated by our community. Pineville Tavern chef Drew Abruzzese says it best when he calls the current impasse ``a political game of chicken.'' Mr. Speaker, I call on my colleagues to put aside our differences, fund our government, and get our Federal employees back to work. I am grateful for Drew's generosity and leadership, along with his father and the owner of Pineville Tavern, Andrew Abruzzese. Their dedication to our community is deeply appreciated. Honoring Ed Burns

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory of a Bucks County icon who passed away on January 10 at the age of 87. Ed Burns embodied public service throughout his entire life and his storied career. A Navy veteran, Ed became a teacher after graduating from La Salle College and Temple University. He later served as the head of the Bensalem Recreation Department and served on the school board. In 1972, Ed entered State government, serving as a State representative for the 18th District for nearly 20 years. Notably, Ed later became the first mayor of Bensalem, serving honorably from 1990 to 1994. We would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Ed's wife, Joan; his son, Joseph F. Burns; and his two beautiful grandchildren. Ed's legacy of public service to Bensalem and to Bucks County has left an indelible mark on our community, one that will last for generations.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, this weekend, I was proud to stand with our community and join Homes For Our Troops as a new house for an American hero was unveiled. On Saturday morning, Kevin McCloskey and his wife, Bridget, received the keys to their new home in Upper South Hampton in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. On June 8, 2008, Corporal McCloskey was severely injured in Afghanistan after his vehicle struck an IED. He suffered critical injuries to both his legs and vision in his right eye, and he suffered severe burns and traumatic brain injury. While Kevin has made significant progress in his recovery, everyday activities can still be challenging. The McCloskeys' new home is retrofitted to make these tasks easier and more accessible for Kevin and Bridget. Mr. Speaker, Kevin is a true patriot and an American hero. We thank him for his service, and we wish him and Bridget all the best in their new home. We are so proud to have them join our Bucks County family. I would also like to thank Homes For Our Troops and their entire board for honoring those who sacrifice for our freedom. Recognizing Pineville Tavern

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an individual in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, who recently accomplished a major feat in his industry. Vincent Kabaso of Ambler has become the first Professional Golf Association member from his home nation of Zambia, a country of 17 million people. Vinny currently works as a golf professional at Talamore Country Club in Ambler. Vinny's love of golf came at a very young age. After graduating from high school in 2004, he studied in England and Scotland before becoming a coach on the Zambia national golf team. He later came to the United States where he served as a golf professional in Connecticut before moving to Pennsylvania. In addition to his golf talent, Vinny has also founded a nonprofit organization and he is also an author. He established the Raised by the World Foundation, which assists students at the University of Zambia and provides used equipment for young golfers. Mr. Speaker, we applaud this major professional achievement of Vincent Kabaso, and wish his wife, Hannah, and daughter, JoAnna, all the best. Our community appreciates their service and their accomplishments.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding young citizen in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who at only 8 years old is already making a substantial impact in the lives of the underserved in our community. Caleb Byelich, a student at Neidig Elementary School in Quakertown, held a hot cocoa stand last month with the goal of raising $100 for the Upper Bucks Code Blue Shelter, a program that advocates for the homeless in upper Bucks County. To say that Caleb's stand was a success, Mr. Speaker, would be an understatement. Through selling hot cocoa and with the help of additional donations that came in days later, Caleb was able to raise $1,715 for the Upper Bucks Code Blue Shelter. We applaud Caleb for his remarkable work, and I look forward to seeing his accomplishments in the years to come. We would also like to thank his parents, Loren and Alicia, for instilling in him the values of service and compassion. We would also like to extend our gratitude to Pastor David Heckler of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church for his coordination of the Upper Bucks Code Blue Shelter. Recognizing Vincent Kabaso

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, yesterday our Nation recognized National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, and I am proud to stand here today with my colleagues to express our gratitude to the brave women and men who sacrifice for our safety each and every day. I would like to recognize the memory and legacy of one law enforcement officer who left an indelible mark on families in Bucks County and beyond. Bill Sample, a Chalfont resident who passed away in 2014, was a Philadelphia police officer who founded the Sunshine Foundation in 1976. Based in Southampton, the Sunshine Foundation, which seeks to help chronically ill, physically challenged, and abused children from underserved families, was inspired by Bill working protective duty at St. Christopher's Children's Hospital. To date, the Sunshine Foundation has answered over 40,000 dreams of deserving children. Mr. Speaker, I speak on behalf of our entire community when I say that I am thankful and we are all thankful for our law enforcement community and for officers like Bill Sample. We want to thank him and all law enforcement officers for their service and applaud the work of the Sunshine Foundation. Recognizing Caleb Byelich

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory of a woman who lived a life defined by service, faith, and compassion. Grace Godshalk passed away on December 15 at the age of 81. Born in Queens, New York, Grace moved to Bucks County in 1965, settling in Lower Makefield Township. Grace soon became a beloved member of our community and began devoting her time and her energy to local causes. Later, in 1977, Grace became the first woman elected to the Lower Makefield Township Board of Supervisors. She served honorably for 30 years, retiring in 2008, and, during her tenure, developed a reputation as a staunch supporter of open space initiatives, actively involved in the preservation of the Five Mile Woods Nature Preserve and the Patterson Farm. Grace never lost her strength or her composure. After her son, Bill, passed away in the terror attacks of 9/11, Grace played a pivotal role in the dedication of the Garden of Reflection to memorialize 9/11 victims. Madam Speaker, our entire community sends our love to her daughter, Jane, and to her grandchildren. Grace is now reunited with her husband, James, and her legacy in our community will endure forever. Recognizing Jay Smith