Brian Fitzpatrick

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Bucks County Community College men's golf team for their strong performance this season, their first year competing as a Division II athletic program. While golf season for most Americans is just underway, the Bucks County Community College men's golf team has been playing since March. Earlier this month, the team secured a bid to the 2019 NJCAA Division II Men's National Golf Championship after winning their regional golf championship at Cumberland Country Club in Maryland with a combined team score of 320. Mr. Speaker, I would like to particularly recognize golfer Chris Benvenuto and Coach Scott Bradshaw for their work in guiding this team to such success. We wish them and all Bucks County golfers all the best of luck as they move on to compete in Indiana and beyond. Our entire Bucks County community is incredibly proud of each and every one of these team members and Bucks County Community College. Teacher Appreciation Week

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, this week is Teacher Appreciation Week, and I rise today to recognize a dedicated educator from Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Andrea Mangold, a teacher at the Holland Elementary School, was recently named an Outstanding Earth Science Teacher for the State of Pennsylvania by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers. These awards are given to educators who contribute greatly to students' interest in earth science at the precollege level. In June, Andrea will be recognized by her peers at the National Association of Geoscience Teachers' Eastern Section Meeting. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for Andrea's work and appreciate her dedication for instilling a passion for science and learning in our community's youth. I would also like to recognize Holland Elementary School Principal Joe MacClay and the National Association of Geoscience Teachers for all they do to educate and inspire our next generation of leaders.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a nonprofit organization in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, that was recently named Pennsbury School District's 2018-2019 Nonprofit Partner of the Year. Artists of Yardley, founded in 2004, is an organization dedicated to enhancing creativity in our community through immersion in the arts. Located at the Janney House on Patterson Farm in Yardley, Artists of Yardley boasts over 250 members and offers classes, workshops, and summer camps for young people in Bucks County. These opportunities, taught by professional art instructors, seek to amplify the artistic talents and education of our community's youth. Notably, for the past 3 years, Artists of Yardley has organized an art competition for Pennsbury School District students at its headquarters. Mr. Speaker, I applaud Artists of Yardley for all of its amazing work with our community and for inspiring Bucks County students to pursue their dreams. I would also like to particularly thank Artists of Yardley's president, Alison Smith, and vice president, Jim Bongartz, for all of their work and service to our community.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize two outstanding citizens from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who are making our community extremely proud. Jacqueline and Victoria Schneider, twin sisters from Holland, Pennsylvania, will be graduating from Neumann University in Delaware County this weekend. Throughout their time in college, Jacqueline and Victoria have been defined by their drive, their dedication, and their work ethic. Both women are standout students and athletes, competing on the Neumann Knights softball team. Notably, Jacqueline and Victoria are dual valedictorians for the Neumann University class of 2019. This is the first time in the 54-year history of the school that two students will be receiving the valedictorian medal, and both will have the opportunity to address their peers at graduation. I congratulate Jacqueline, who is pursuing a career in law enforcement, and Victoria, who is pursuing a career in education, on this outstanding achievement. I would also like to recognize their parents, Gerry and Karen Schneider, for raising such amazing children and future leaders of our community. Recognizing Educator Josh Isaacsohn

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, this week is Teacher Appreciation Week, and I rise to recognize an educator in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who is teaching his students the value of good citizenship. Josh Isaacsohn, a fifth grade teacher at the Gayman Elementary School in Doylestown, was recently recognized by the Central Bucks school board for his work in the classroom. For the past 3 years, during each month of the school year, Josh has sent notes and drawings from his students to parents of members of our military who, in turn, would add them to care packages. Mr. Speaker, the men and women in our military deserve our full support and gratitude, and I thank Josh for teaching our community's kids about respecting and honoring our true American heroes. I would also like to thank Dr. John Kopicki, superintendent of the Central Bucks School District, and Glenn Schloeffel, president of the Bucks County school board, for all of their work as well. We thank them for their leadership in our community. Recognizing Artists of Yardley

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, for nearly two decades, the U.S. Department of State's Benjamin A. Gilman International Student Program has afforded qualified American students the ability to study abroad. To date, over 28,000 outstanding Americans representing 1,300 colleges and universities have studied in over 150 countries as part of this program. Students selected represent diverse backgrounds and engage in a unique educational experience that gives them skills related to national security and economic competitiveness. I rise today to recognize the prestigious accomplishment of my constituent, Taylor Boyer of Doylestown, who received a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to study abroad in Belize during the 2017-2018 academic year while a student at Delaware Valley University. On behalf of all residents of the First Congressional District, I congratulate Taylor on this outstanding achievement.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, as we approach Teacher Appreciation Week, I would like to recognize an extraordinary educator in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who is making a difference in the lives of our community's young people. George Daka, a U.S. history teacher at Bensalem High School, was recently selected as an honoree for the 13th annual Teacher as Hero Awards. Later this month, George will receive his award at the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia alongside 11 other outstanding educators from Pennsylvania and Delaware. George sees his job as more than just teaching his students about history, and he seeks to inspire them about our Nation's rich traditions. We applaud George on this well-deserved award, and we wish him and his family all the best. We would also like to thank Kathryn Hinshaw, an English teacher at Bensalem High School, for nominating George for this well-deserved honor. Celebrating the 100th Birthday of Marjorie Burtis

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a talented group of young musicians from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who were recently honored for their performances. Last month, the Bensalem High School Jazz Band traveled to perform in the Cavalcade of Bands Jazz Championships. Bensalem High School Jazz Band, well-known for their outstanding performances, was the only band given the superior rating at the event and was also named grand champion. This is the third time that Bensalem High School Jazz Band has been named grand champion over the past 11 years, a testament to the band's skills, dedication, and work ethic. Critical to the success of these young people is the director of the Bensalem High School Jazz Band, Michael Zimmerman. We extend our gratitude to him for working with our community's youth and students to sharpen their musical abilities, and we congratulate all performers in the Bensalem High School Jazz Band for their earned distinctions.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th birthday of a Bucks County resident who is sharing her talent and creativity with others. Last month, Langhorne resident Marjorie Burtis celebrated her incredible milestone with more than 100 family members and friends. This was no ordinary birthday celebration, however. It also served as the unveiling of Marjorie's new art exhibit at the Bucks County Visitor Center. Despite her many life experiences, Marjorie discovered her passion for watercolor painting merely 12 years ago after taking an art class. Since that time, she has sharpened her skills, with one fine arts professional saying Marjorie paints ``as a realist.'' Mr. Speaker, we wish Marjorie a very happy belated 100th birthday, and we congratulate her on her exhibit. We thank Marjorie and her family for all that they do in our community. Recognizing the Bensalem High School Jazz Band

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary family and community from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, that is working to make our community a better place. Earlier this month, Ciarlo Liples threw out the first pitch at the baseball game between Central Bucks West and Pennridge high schools. Ciarlo is the brother of Dominic Liples, an 8-year-old boy who tragically succumbed to brain cancer in 2016. Ciarlo and his family have since developed a close bond with the CB West team and our entire community. The Liples family has turned their tragedy and grief into strength. Working with this team, the family helped establish the Dominic Liples Scholarship Fund to award the senior baseball player who represents Dominic's positive attitude and ability. I applaud the Central Bucks High School West team. We wish them all continued success this season. I would also like to extend all our gratitude to the Liples family and give Ciarlo and his parents, Ken and Kira, our heartfelt thanks on behalf of everybody in our community. Recognizing Bowen's Barber Shop

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a small business in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, for helping kids in our community. Bowen's Barber Shop in Newtown recently teamed up with the Bucks County Intermediate Unit to give five young men with special needs haircuts for their prom. In addition to their haircuts, these students got the ability to interact and independently communicate with their barber, giving them real-world experience and confidence. Bowen's has been a longstanding, respected business in Newtown, and I appreciate their contributions to our community. I thank the owner of Bowen's, Tracey Bowen, for her generosity. I would also like to extend my gratitude to Merri Kurman and the Bucks County Intermediate Unit transition program for their work in empowering individuals with special needs. Our community thanks each and every one of these individuals and organizations.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a veterinary clinic and dedicated doctor in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, both doing their part to protect the health of service dogs in our community. Service dogs greatly assist members of our community in innumerable ways, providing companionship, helping individuals with special needs, and serving as therapy dogs. Recognizing their importance, Dr. Martha Low of the Center for Animal Referral and Emergency Services, also known as CARES, is offering free eye exams to service dogs. These critical exams protect the eyesight of these animals and allow them to work in nursing homes, schools, and other facilities where their services are needed. I extend my sincerest appreciation to CARES and to Dr. Low. Organized by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists, Dr. Low is one of over 300 doctors who perform this work throughout the United States. We are so grateful for all their work and their service to our community. Recognizing the Dominic Liples Scholarship Fund

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Council Rock High School South Symphony Orchestra. Beginning April 10, 2019, the Council Rock High School South Symphony Orchestra will be traveling throughout Spain for a nine-day tour. Notably, the symphony orchestra will perform in three public concerts: at the Teatro Auditorio Riberas del Guadaira in Seville, the Auditorio Manuel de Falla in Granada, and the Plaza Ayuntamiento in Toledo. These performances not only give these young students the opportunity to perform in historic venues, but allow them to immerse themselves in Spanish music, culture, and history. I would like to applaud Mr. Christopher Simon, the Orchestra Director at Council Rock High School South, for his visionary leadership. I wish him and all the talented musicians under his direction an eye-opening and rewarding trip.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Chair, I rise today in strong support of legislation introduced by myself and Representative Karen Bass to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act. VAWA programs have provided educational tools and helped survivors and their families get the resources they need to protect themselves and to begin the healing process. This should not be a partisan issue. I would like to thank Congresswoman Bass for her leadership. She is a valued partner in this fight, and I am grateful that we can make this bill bipartisan. Across our country, Madam Chair, millions of women and children have been saved by the programs funded through VAWA. Shelters, counseling, training, and law enforcement are all key parts of a national strategy to end domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. In the district I represent, in Bucks and Montgomery Counties, in Pennsylvania, and in all of our districts, VAWA programs are saving lives. A Woman's Place in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, relies on VAWA funding to save lives. Unlike some larger women's organizations, their emergency housing only has room for seven families. Nonetheless, their shelter saved 150 women and children who were in imminent danger, often fleeing for their lives. Another Bucks County organization, Network of Victim Assistance, or NOVA, has helped more than 3,600 victims of sexual assault, human trafficking, stalking, and other serious crimes. NOVA's work to expand prevention programs, which is essential to preventing violence, is supported by VAWA. This bill also includes my Combat Online Predators Act, which will increase penalties for cyberstalking against children. My constituent, Madison Zezzo, was cyberstalked by a then 51-year-old predator, who was only sentenced to probation and counseling. Three years later, he made contact with Madison again and created a web of social media accounts to cyberstalk her. He was later sentenced to between 18 months and 7 years in prison. From domestic violence and sexual assault to cyberstalking, we must do more to prevent violence and, when it does happen, to support victims and bring perpetrators to justice. Madam Chair, the Violence Against Women Act will help us do all these things. I urge my colleagues, both Democrat and Republican alike, to support this legislation, which will save lives in all of our communities.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize an outstanding citizen from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who was recently honored with the 38th Annual Bucks County Women's History Month Award. Jane Grim, a resident of East Rockhill Township, has distinguished herself as a leader in our community. She was originally nominated for this distinction by the League of Women Voters of Bucks County, an organization she joined in 1970 to promote civic awareness and good citizenship. Jane's record of service is truly impressive. She has the unique distinction of being named the first female trustee of Grand View Hospital, has served as a member and chair of the Pennridge Youth Aid Panel, and has worked as a docent at the James A. Michener Art Museum. I cannot think of a worthier choice for the Bucks County Women's History Month Award than Jane Grim. I wish Jane and her family all of the best, and congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the retirement of a true professional and advocate in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, after his nearly 40 years of providing mental health counseling and recovery services to members of our community. Alan Hartl will be stepping down as the chief executive officer of the Lenape Valley Foundation after a long and distinguished career. A psychologist, Alan has, for decades, been a strong advocate for those with behavioral health needs. Widely respected throughout Bucks County and among his peers, Alan is a member of the board of directors of both the National Council for Behavioral Health and the Pennsylvania Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association. Alan's dedication to improving the lives of our neighbors and his delivering hope to those most in need are truly admirable. I wish him all the best in his new chapter, and I wish his successor, Sharon Curran, all of the best in her new role. Recognizing Carolann Begley for Her Work to Prevent Hunger

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize an outstanding school administrator in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, who was recently recognized by a national nonprofit organization for her work to prevent hunger amongst our community students. Carolann Begley, nutrition services area supervisor at North Penn High School, was named a Breakfast Hero by the organization, No Kid Hungry. Carolann's work has been instrumental in making breakfast more accessible to students, notably through her work to implement a breakfast cart for the 2018-2019 school year. Mr. Speaker, our community school administrators and educators work tirelessly to give our students the resources they need to pursue their goals. I applaud Carolann for her service, and I would also like to thank North Penn High School Principal Pete Nicholson and the No Kid Hungry network, an organization, for all of the work that they do for our community.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a faith community in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, that truly embodies the virtues of kindness and charity. Grace Bible Church in Souderton, will be hosting its sixth annual Easter dinner, where all members of our community are welcome. Like last year, Grace Bible Church will be offering transportation to residents of Grundy Manor in Telford and Valley Vista in Souderton so that they are able to participate in an evening of food and fellowship. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to all of the congregants of Grace Bible Church for opening their doors to our neighbors and for living out their Christian faith in their actions. I would like to particularly thank and recognize one of the event's organizers, Carol Doyle, for her work, along with Pastor Dave Dunbar for his vision and for his leadership. Recognizing Alan Hartl in His Retirement

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, our local businesses in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, help make our community vibrant and prosperous. Today, I am proud to recognize one such business, McCaffrey's Food Markets, which was recently named Business of the Year by the Newtown Business Association. Each year, the Newtown Business Association recognizes a business that contributes to our regional economy and contributes substantially to the community at large. The McCaffreys opened their first supermarket in 1986 in Lower Makefield and over the past three decades has expanded throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey while maintaining its headquarters in Middletown Township. McCaffrey's Food Markets and the McCaffrey family are both noted for their generosity to our community and are noted supporters of the American Red Cross, St. Mary's Medical Center, the American Cancer Society, and the 9/11 Garden of Reflection, among many other organizations and memorials. Mr. Speaker, I applaud McCaffrey's Food Markets, the McCaffrey family, and all their amazing employees for their investment in our community and their entrepreneurship. I also thank Bill Sheffer and Beverly Dimler of the Newtown Business Association for all their leadership in our community. Recognizing Bucks County Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to honor the life and memory of a very, very special member of the Bucks County community, John Poprik, whom we recently lost. Born in Philadelphia, John attended Father Judge High School and Drexel University, where he graduated in 1970 with a degree in accounting. He was a respected business executive, having served as the CFO of Better Material Corp. before becoming the CFO of Sommer Maid Creamery. John was truly dedicated to making our community a better place through public service. He served on the Northampton Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority, the Bucks County Drug and Alcohol Commission, and Pennsylvania's Office of Unemployment Compensation Board of Review. More than anything, John was a dedicated family man. He spent some of his most treasured moments with his five grandchildren, his wife, Pat, and his children. I extend my deepest condolences to his beloved wife of 50 years, my dear friend Pat Poprik, and their sons, Brad and Matt. May John, a good and decent and honorable man, enjoy his eternal reward for a life well- lived.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a nonprofit organization in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, that is seeking to assist college students as they enter the workforce. The Bucks County Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, based in Newtown, recently teamed up with Bucks County Community College to collect attire for college students. Mr. Speaker, a critical component to ensuring the success of recent college graduates, and those who will be graduating in the future, is making sure that they are equipped with the resources they need to succeed. I applaud the work of the Bucks County Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, especially the organization's executive director, Anne Marie Hyer, for her service. I also thank Bucks County Community College for its collaboration with this dynamic organization and so many others in our community. Honoring John Poprik

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to honor the life and the memory of a very special member of our Bucks County community, John Poprik, who our community recently lost. Born in Philadelphia, John attended Father Judge High School and Drexel University, where he graduated in 1970 with a degree in accounting. He was a respected business executive, having served as the CFO of Better Material Corp. before becoming the CFO of Sommer Maid Creamery. John was truly a dedicated man, dedicated to making our community a better place through public service. He served on the Water and Sewer Authority, the Bucks County Drug and Alcohol Commission, and the Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation Board of Review. More than anything, however, John was a dedicated family man. He spent some of his most treasured moments with his five grandchildren. Madam Speaker, I extend my deepest condolences to his beloved wife of 50 years, my dear friend, Pat Poprik, and their sons, Brad and Matt. May John, a good, decent, and honorable man, enjoy the eternal reward for a life he spent serving others.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to recognize several outstanding young citizens in Bucks and Montgomery counties on their attainment of the rank of the Girl Scout Gold Award: Jessica E. Aniloff, Langhorne; India C. Bickley, Lansdale; Aurora J. Budson, Doylestown; Maia J. Costanzo, Quakertown; Audrey M. Dansberry, Morrisville; Nicole DeCicco, Quakertown; Nicole L. Didenko, Perkasie; Natalie S. Douglass, Doylestown; Evelyn P. Howarth, Doylestown; Jacqueline Johnson, Langhorne; Stephanie M. Krauss, Holland; Marie U. Larounis, Newtown. Katherine M. Loftus, Churchville; Nicole A. Middleton, Yardley; Laura L. Nagg, Doylestown; Kareena Rogers, Yardley; Danielle E. Samalonis, Quakertown; Kelly A. Sassaman, Levittown; Jasmine L. Scavo-Treiber, Yardley; Alaina G. Tarallo, Yardley; Alesandra Temerte, Jamison; Katharine Trojak, Churchville; Hope E. Walsh, Yardley; Lauren E. Wolfe, Lansdale. As we celebrate the 107th anniversary of the Girl Scouts, let us honor the thoughtful young women who contribute immensely to our country. I appreciate their service to the community and wish them all of the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to honor the life and memory of an amazing Bucks County resident, Maura Duggan, whom we recently lost after a courageous battle with cancer. Maura was a longtime resident of Newtown, in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. She married her husband, Thomas Duggan, in 1991, and, together, they raised three amazing children: Patrick, Collin, and Carlie. Maura was beloved by her family and her friends and was known for her adventurous spirit, her unwavering kindness, and her ability to appreciate the small things and to find joy in everyday life. Mr. Speaker, we, as a House, send our deepest condolences to the Duggan family. I am grateful to them for sharing Maura's life with all of us in Bucks County. Maura touched so many lives and helped so many people. She is now enjoying her eternal reward for living her life serving others. Honoring Marion Slack

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, just under 1 year ago, I stood in this very spot to recognize the outstanding work of Mary's Cupboard, a food pantry in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. It is with a heavy heart that I rise today to mourn the passing of one of the founders of Mary's Cupboard, Marion Slack, who passed away at the age of 96. Marion, a longtime resident of Middletown Township in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, lived a life of devotion to her family, to her community, and to her Catholic faith. Marion truly embodied what it meant to live out one's faith each and every day. Inspired after meeting Mother Teresa, she established Mary's Cupboard more than 40 years ago in Levittown, an emergency food center. A parishioner at Queen of the Universe Parish, Marion was previously recognized as Catholic Woman of the Year by the Knights of Columbus. Mr. Speaker, our entire community stands by her children: Mary Ellen, Maureen, Eileen, and Ann Marie, along with the entire Mary's Cupboard family. Marion is now enjoying her eternal reward for a life of service, and her legacy of service to Bucks County will last for generations. Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance