Jim Gerlach

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the organizers and participants in the Pennsylvania Grand Review, which commemorates the United States Colored Troops Grand Review of 1865 and honors the legacy of the brave African-American patriots of the Civil War. When African-American soldiers returning home following the Civil War were not invited to take part in the national Civil War Grand Review, the women of the Garnett League organized the United States Colored Troops Grand Review on November 14, 1865. This year's Grand Review embodies the spirit of that original event and highlights the tremendous service and sacrifices of the 180,000 African-American soldiers who courageously fought during the Civil War. In addition, the Grand Review will keep alive the story of extraordinary leadership exhibited by the women of the Garnett League 145 years ago. The Grand Review Weekend takes place November 5-7 and features heritage and living history exhibits throughout Central Pennsylvania, together with a commemorative procession in downtown Harrisburg with regiments from several states, community groups and descendants of those who participated in the original event. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing the immeasurable contributions of all those involved with organizing and participating in the Pennsylvania Grand Review and their outstanding commitment to honoring the legacy of African-Americans who valiantly served in the Civil War.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the dedicated employees of Schramm Inc. of West Chester, Pennsylvania for playing a crucial role in the miraculous rescue of 33 Chilean miners trapped underground for 69 days. A Schramm drill rig bore through more than 2,200 feet of rock and created 26-inch holes that rescue teams used to communicate and provide food to the miners, who had spent more than two weeks in darkness and were feared dead. Rescuers also used a Schramm T-130XD drill rig to create the narrow escape shaft through which miners would eventually be hoisted and joyously reunited with their families. Everyone in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is extremely proud of the exceptional teamwork and ingenuity Schramm employees demonstrated under immense pressure and the extraordinary performance of the Company's equipment during the rescue operation. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me and Congressman Joe Sestak (PA-7th District) today in recognizing the employees of Schramm Inc. for their commitment to manufacturing world-class products and in honoring them for transforming tragedy into triumph by helping free 33 Chilean miners with most of the world watching in awe.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Amity Township Crime Watch as the organization celebrates its 25th anniversary. Since its founding in 1985, Amity Township Crime Watch has been a valuable crime-prevention resource for residents and businesses concerned for the protection of their homes and property. Known as the ``eyes and ears'' of Amity Township, Crime Watch has organized patrols, trained residents on how to recognize and report possible criminal activity and supported local law enforcement by providing supplemental funding for equipment and other items. Thanks to extremely dedicated and hard-working volunteers and the outstanding support of the Police Department and Board of Supervisors, Amity Township Crime Watch has demonstrated the positive impact engaged citizens can have in keeping their community safe and making Amity Township a great place to live, work and raise a family. Volunteers, residents, law enforcement and others will celebrate the 25th anniversary on Saturday, September 25, 2010 at Saint Paul's Lutheran Church in Douglassville, Berks County, Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in congratulating the volunteers and supporters of Amity Township Crime Watch as they commemorate this memorable milestone and in extending best wishes for continued success in preventing crime and serving the community.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, Lynn T. Greer started his career with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1975 working briefly as a Substitute Teacher and Youth Program Coordinator, and then for the Governor's Office of Budget and Administration in Philadelphia. His tenure with the Department of Transportation began in 1979 where he worked in the CETA Program and Equal Opportunity Development in the District, eventually moving on to an Assistant County Maintenance Manager Trainee position in the Delaware County Maintenance Organization. In 1983, Lynn transferred to the Montgomery County Maintenance Organization where he supervised night operations on the Schuylkill Expressway for several years as a Highway Foreman. In 1986, Lynn became an Assistant County Maintenance Manager with the Philadelphia County Maintenance Organization, where he served the Department for twenty years in that capacity, which included External Focus Manager for Agility. In 2006, Lynn became the County Maintenance Manager for Philadelphia, where he has served for the past four years. Lynn holds a Master's Degree in Sports Administration from Temple University, a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration from Virginia State University, where he was on the ``Dean's List,'' and an Associate Degree in Computer Programming from Camden County College, receiving the ``Secretary's Award for Excellence''. Lynn is looking forward to spending his well-earned retirement spending time with his family, being involved as an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, coaching basketball in the greater Philadelphia area, playing tennis as a member of the Philadelphia Tennis Team, for which he has competed nationally, and of course, traveling. Lynn's lovely family includes his wife of 33 years, Alma, son, Lynn II, daughter Kelli, and grandson, Lynn III.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Congregation of Great Valley Presbyterian Church in Tredyffrin Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania as they celebrate the Church's 300th anniversary. Recognized as the second-oldest Presbyterian church in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, services originally were held in homes of various members. Rev. Malachi Jones delivered the first sermon in 1714 from a wooden pulpit inside the rough log cabin held together by iron nails forged on site and with windows made from imported glass. Organized more than 65 years before our nation declared its independence from Great Britain, Great Valley aided America's Revolutionary War effort by providing supplies to help troops encamped at nearby Valley Forge survive the brutal winter of 1777-1778. While the Church and the area surrounding it has evolved immeasurably since the days when farmers and their families worshiped in a ``little country church,'' the tremendous commitment to nurturing the spiritual growth of members and strengthening the bonds between neighbors and families has remained constant. A worship service to give thanks for 300 years of faith and service will conclude the Church's tercentennial celebration on Sunday, September 19, 2010. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in congratulating the Congregation of Great Valley Presbyterian Church as they commemorate this memorable milestone and in extending best wishes for continued success and growth.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a dedicated public servant who is retiring after a 40-year career as a rural carrier with the Glenmoore Post Office in Chester County, Pennsylvania. G. Irene Snyder started her career as a part-time carrier, serving residents in the Ludwig's Corner and Nantmeal Township areas. In a testament to her tireless work ethic, Irene held jobs as a bus driver and attendant at Ludwig's Gas Station in addition to her part-time mail delivery duties. She started delivering mail full-time in 1981 and earned a reputation among her co-workers as loyal, dedicated and committed to the U.S. Postal Service and the residents on her route. Irene was always willing to lend a helping hand at work and at her church, Nantmeal Methodist, where she served as an organist, and still found time for farming on her property in Honey Brook. Colleagues and friends will celebrate Irene's four decades of service and wish her well in retirement during a reception on July 1, 2010. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in praising the outstanding service of G. Irene Snyder and all public servants who go beyond what is expected to serve their communities.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 200th anniversary of the oldest, continuously operating steel mill in the United States located in Coatesville, Chester County, Pennsylvania. During the last two centuries, men and women of great character, tremendous ingenuity and bold leadership have contributed to the longevity and success of Coatesville's iron and steel industry, which helped sustain a community and fueled America's growth and prosperity. The steel mill that Isaac Pennock established on the banks of the Brandywine River in the early 19th Century developed into an industrial complex that housed the world's largest plate mill thanks to the efforts of Dr. Charles Lukens, Rebecca Lukens and several generations of leaders. Today, the world's largest steel producer, ArcelorMittal, operates the facility and employs 820 men and women there. The plant is responsible for several historically significant achievements. Rebecca Lukens is recognized as America's first female chief executive officer. In addition, the rolling plates for the Cordorus, the first iron-hulled vessel, and the Nautilus, the first nuclear submarine, were manufactured at the facility. More recently, the ``steel trees'' from the World Trade Center, which stood tall after the September 11, 2001 attack, returned home to Coatesville where they were manufactured. Dedicated employees with work ethics as strong as the steel plates they forge also have been integral to the success of the plant. These highly-skilled and extremely motivated workers have helped the industry adapt from an era of steam locomotives and iron-hulled vessels to an era of nuclear submarines and specialty steel products. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in honoring the 200th anniversary of the iron and steel industry in the City of Coatesville and recognizing the exemplary effort of employees, past and present, to produce world-class products and an enduring legacy for the City.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 200th anniversary of the iron and steel industry in the City of Coatesville, Chester County, Pennsylvania. During the last two centuries, men and women of great character, tremendous ingenuity and bold leadership have contributed to the longevity and success of an industry, which helped sustain a community and fueled America's growth and prosperity. The steel mill that Isaac Pennock established on the banks of the Brandywine River in the early 19th Century developed into an industrial complex that housed the world's largest plate mill thanks to the efforts of Dr. Charles Lukens, Rebecca Lukens and several generations of Lukens descendants. Dedicated employees, all with a work ethic as strong as the steel plates they forge, also have been integral to the industry's success. These highly-skilled and extremely motivated workers have helped the industry adapt from an era of steam locomotives and iron-hulled vessels to an era of nuclear submarines and specialty steel. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in honoring the 200th anniversary of the iron and steel industry in the City of Coatesville and recognizing the exemplary work of The Graystone Society, which has meticulously chronicled and preserved the iron and steel industry's rich history in the City.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Boy Scout Troop 1 of Paoli, Chester County as they celebrate their 99th anniversary. Generation after generation, the Scouts of Troop 1 have developed and exhibited exemplary character, values and leadership skills and have volunteered thousands of hours to clean up streams, build parks and take on countless other projects aimed at improving the quality of life throughout the Paoli area. As a result, the Troop has established itself as one of the premiere Scouting programs in the Nation. A major reason the tradition of Scouting has thrived in Paoli and throughout the Nation is due to dedicated volunteers and Troop alumni, who graciously commit countless hours and endless effort to mentoring young men in their communities. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in congratulating Boy Scout Troop 1 on reaching this very special milestone and offering best wishes for continued success in mentoring generations of local youth and building a stronger community and Nation.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, unfortunately, on Monday, June 14, 2010, I missed three recorded votes on the House floor. I ask that the Record reflect that had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on Rollcall 355, ``yea'' on Rollcall 356 and ``yea'' on Rollcall 357.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Boy Scout Troop 58 of Phoenixville, Chester County as they celebrate their 75th anniversary. Chartered by the Knights of Columbus #1374, Troop 58 is the oldest Scouting organization serving the youth of Phoenixville. The Troop has enriched the lives of several generations of boys and young men through activities geared toward building character, developing leadership skills and instilling a commitment to serving others. In 1955, the Troop established a Dive and Rescue Unit with the help of Friendship Fire Company in the Borough and Scouts have received training from members of the Philadelphia Police Harbor Patrol. The success of the Troop can be attributed to the dedicated volunteers and Troop alumni who graciously commit countless hours to area youth and the organization. The outstanding effort has resulted in 37 scouts earning their Eagle Scout Badges. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in congratulating Boy Scout Troop 58 on reaching this very special milestone and offering best wishes for continued success in mentoring generations of local youth and building a stronger community and nation.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, unfortunately, on Tuesday, June 8, 2010, I missed two recorded votes on the House floor. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on Rollcall 337 and ``yea'' on Rollcall 338.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the patrons, staff and Board of Trustees of the Spring City Library in Chester County as they celebrate the Library's 100th anniversary. During the last century, the Library has remained true to the core mission of encouraging and fostering the spirit of self-improvement envisioned by its forefathers in the Spring City Literary and Library Association. While the Library has changed locations and the collection and services offered have increased tremendously, the commitment to serving the public remains just as strong today as when the doors first opened. Whether you want to read a best-seller, rent a movie, use the Internet or send your child to a Story Time program, the Spring City Library is a tremendous asset to the community and has played an important role in making Spring City a great place to live, work and raise a family. Friends and supporters of the Spring City Library will celebrate the 100th anniversary on Wednesday, June 2, 2010. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in congratulating the Spring City Library as it commemorates this memorable milestone and in offering the patrons, staff and Board of Trustees best wishes for continued success.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Oleh Shamshur for his distinguished service as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the United States. Since his appointment in December 2005, Ambassador Shamshur has worked tirelessly and effectively to strengthen the strategic partnership between Ukraine and the United States. As Co-Chairman of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus, I have had the honor of partnering with him on issues affecting Ukraine as well as the Ukrainian American community in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Specifically, Ambassador Shamshur played an important role in the lifting the Jackson-Vanick trade restrictions, which has benefitted the U.S. and Ukraine by opening new markets and expanded opportunities for entrepreneurs and job creators in both nations. This month, Ambassador Shamshur will be leaving his post to pursue new opportunities of his own. Friends and colleagues will honor his accomplishments during a dinner on May 26, 2010 at the Metropolitan Club of the City of Washington. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing Ambassador Oleh Shamshur for his exemplary service and valuable contributions to strengthening the ties between the United States and Ukraine and in extending best wishes for continued success in his future endeavors.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the owners and employees of James Spring & Wire Company of Frazer, Chester County as they celebrate the Company's 50th anniversary. Company founder Richard James may be best known for turning a simple, high-tension spring into ``a wonderful toy'' that, as the jingle said, was ``fun for a girl or a boy.'' The toy James created is the Slinky. In 1960, the current owners of James Spring & Wire bought the Company and built it into a leading manufacturer of custom springs, wire and strip forms and stampings. The Company's success over the last half- century is no doubt the result of exemplary leadership and entrepreneurial vision combined with highly-skilled and hard-working employees. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in congratulating the owners and employees of James Spring & Wire Company on reaching this memorable milestone and recognizing the important role small businesses such as this one play in making Chester County and all of Southeastern Pennsylvania a great place to live, work and raise a family.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, unfortunately, on Tuesday, May 18, 2010, I missed three recorded votes on the House floor. I ask that the Record reflect that had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall 273, ``yea'' on rollcall 274 and ``yea'' on rollcall 275.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Alfred P. Gerhardt, Jr., as his one-year term as Eastern Vice Commander of the Pennsylvania Department of the American Legion draws to a close. Vice Commander Gerhardt has served with honor and demonstrated tremendous leadership for the approximately 50,000 veterans residing in the Legion's Eastern District. He exemplified the Legion's core principle of continued devotion to fellow service members and veterans with his efforts in coordinating the distribution of Christmas gifts to veterans in the Coatesville and Philadelphia Veterans Administration Hospitals. Friends, supporters and fellow Legionnaires will thank Commander Gerhardt for his service during a testimonial dinner on Saturday May 15, 2010 at the Honey Brook Fire Company. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing the outstanding service and exemplary leadership that Alfred P. Gerhardt, Jr., has provided to veterans and service members as Eastern Vice Commander of the Pennsylvania Department of the American Legion and in offering our heartiest congratulations on the successful completion of his one-year term.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the students, parents, teachers, administrators and staff of Spring City Elementary School in Chester County, Pennsylvania as they celebrate the school's 50th anniversary. During the last half century, Spring City Elementary has been a cornerstone in the community and the starting point for students' educational journeys. Spring City Elementary was built on the former site of the Spring City Race Track on South Wall Street just a few years after the formal establishment of the Spring-Ford School District. When the school opened in the spring of 1960, 305 students were enrolled. Spring City Elementary is tremendously proud of the supportive, caring environment for learning and working. That nurturing atmosphere creates a sense of community that is as sturdy as the bricks and steel used to build the school. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in congratulating the Spring City Elementary School community as it commemorates this memorable milestone and in offering the students, parents, teachers, administrators and staff best wishes for continued success.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor James E. McErlane, who has earned the 2010 Distinguished Citizen Award from the Chester County Council of Boy Scouts of America. Scouting has been a part of Mr. McErlane's life since he joined Troop 7 in Malvern, Pennsylvania as a youth. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and earned his Parvuli Dei Catholic Scouting Award. A man of tremendous character, Mr. McErlane epitomizes the principles of leadership, self-discipline, hard work and a duty to serve his country and community that Scouting instilled in him. Mr. McErlane has worked to promote the traditions and enhance the experience of Scouting for area youth, serving on the Chester County Council's Executive Board of Directors and as a member on several Distinguished Citizen Award Dinner committees. He also chaired the Eagle Scout Alumni Committee. In addition to being a Senior Partner at Lamb McErlane Law Offices, Mr. McErlane continues serving as an active member of the Chester County Library Trust and the Chester County Food Bank. His extremely successful legal career and tireless work in the community have earned Mr. McErlane the respect and admiration of his peers and all who know him. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing James E. McErlane for his valuable contributions to improving the quality of life in his community and his exemplary commitment to the values of Scouting.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues and to thank my colleagues--Congressman Bachus, Congressman Reichert, Congressman Pitts, Congressman Smith, Congressman Doyle, Congressman Towns. Thank you for joining in support of this resolution to recognize April 2010 as National Autism Awareness Month. As you may know, last December the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a report on the prevalence of autism. This report concluded that autism affects an estimated one out of every 110 children in the United States, including one in 70 boys. This means that autism is more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes, and pediatric AIDS combined. In addition to being one of the most common disorders that affect our children, autism is believed to cost more than $90 billion a year to treat. Earlier this month, the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare released its Pennsylvania Autism Census, which conducted a county-by- county census on the number of individuals suffering from autism. The total number of individuals with autism in the Commonwealth is estimated to be over 25,000, including 3,500 adults with the disorder. Despite the prevalence of autism and its impact on individuals, families, and our Nation's health care system, there is still much to be learned about how best to diagnose and treat this disorder. That's why our resolution supports devoting resources toward researching the root causes of autism and identifying the best treatments and programs to help individuals with the disorder. Because autism affects the entire family, not just the child with the disorder, our resolution also commends the parents and relatives of children with autism for their dedication in providing for their special needs. While there's no single cause known for autism, I believe we should focus our attention on increased awareness and funding for autism research. Our resolution is an important step in achieving our goal of searching for better treatments and hopefully, one day, a cure. Please join me and my colleagues in supporting this resolution.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the citizens of Israel and all Jewish-Americans as they celebrate Israel's 62nd Independence Day. Israel and its citizens have demonstrated tremendous resilience in the face of constant threats to their personal and national security. The United States has no stronger ally in the Middle East than Israel. The special relationship between the U.S. and Israel is rooted in our common commitment to democratic values and shared vision of establishing and maintaining a lasting peace in the region. Israel's Independence Day should serve as an occasion to renew our commitment to the long-term security of our cherished ally and reaffirm that a strong Israel is vital to our national interest and the stability of the Middle East. Daniel Kutner, Consul General of Israel to the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States, will welcome supporters of Israel to the annual Independence Day Ceremony on April 26, 2010 at the Museum of Archeology and Anthropology in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing the citizens of Israel and all Jewish-Americans as they commemorate this extremely special milestone and expressing unwavering support for the security and stability of this shining beacon of democracy in a turbulent Middle East.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Pine Forge Athletic Association as it celebrates 40 years of providing and promoting baseball and softball for the youth in the Boyertown Area School District and neighboring communities. The Association formed as a result of the vision and leadership of Merle Harner and Robert ``Skip'' Trainer, who wanted to create more opportunities for participating in youth sports. The Association has thrived since its first team began practicing and playing on a single, small field at Pine Forge Elementary School four decades ago. Today, more than 400 boys and girls play on more than 30 teams that have access to as many as 15 fields faithfully maintained by the Association. While many things have changed since 1970, the Association remains committed to the core principles of teaching the fundamentals of the game, promoting good sportsmanship and helping youth learn the importance of team work, perseverance and hard work. The Association's tremendous success was made possible thanks to dedicated volunteers who generously give countless hours each year to serve as coaches, umpires, league officials and in various other roles. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in congratulating the Pine Forge Athletic Association as it commemorates this very special milestone and offering best wishes for continued success in enriching the lives of our youth and strengthening the bonds within our community.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Lionville Youth Association as it celebrates 40 years of providing excellent recreational opportunities and sports programs to boys and girls in Chester County, Pennsylvania. The Association has come a long way since its inception in 1970 when it developed playing fields on two, pie-shaped parcels along Devon Drive in an era when backstops were made of chicken wire and the snow fences served as outfield walls. Last year, more than 1,600 children participated in sports leagues organized by the Association and competed on well-groomed playing fields with dugouts, electronic scoreboards and press boxes. Countless youth teams have celebrated championships earned while playing on one of the athletic fields faithfully maintained by the Association. More importantly, the Association has afforded boys and girls a chance to learn valuable lessons in team work, hard work and perseverance that will benefit them long after they leave the playing field. The Association's tremendous success and increased participation in youth sports can be attributed to the 550 volunteers who generously give 180,000 hours each year to serve as coaches, umpires, referees, concession stand workers, league officials and in various other roles. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in congratulating the Lionville Youth Association as it commemorates this very special milestone and offering best wishes for continued success in enriching the lives of our youth and strengthening the bonds within our community.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, as I stand here today, congressional Democrat leadership has yet to finalize or publish the so-called fix-it bill that will ultimately be the basis to gather the 216 votes necessary to pass health care reform, and they certainly haven't said how much it is going to cost; yet Democrat after Democrat has gotten up here today saying that they are for this legislation. So think about it. How can you be for a bill that is not yet written, not yet finalized, not yet published, and for which no one knows how much it is going to cost? The answer is simple. It is really not about how much it costs or how many people it will cover; it is about control, government control over who is going to make health care decisions in this country. And that is exactly what the American people are rejecting. Madam Speaker, the swamp isn't being drained through this process; it apparently is just getting deeper and wider.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Gladys Flamer, a Coatesville, Pennsylvania resident whose tremendous dedication to her community and church and participation in local politics have earned her the Fourth Annual Rebecca Lukens Award. At 103 years old, Gladys maintains an incredible work ethic that she developed at her father's side helping with farm chores and polishing silver with other employees at the estate of Lukens Steel President Robert Wolcott. After holding jobs as a licensed practical nurse and owning her own beauty salon, Gladys retired from her jobs as a sales associate at Strawbridge and Clothier at age 90. She still bakes homemade pies and serves lunch to the Thursday Retired Men's Club in Coatesville. Gladys has worked equally hard to help improve the Coatesville community. She is a member of the Coatesville Historical Commission, The Eastern Stars, The Better Community Group, and the Coatesville Senior Center. She also served as a Judge of Elections in Coatesville's Fifth Ward and as President and Treasurer of the Hyacinth Federated Club. As a member of the Historical Hutchinson Memorial UAME Church, Gladys has been a member of the Senior Usher Board for more than 84 years, serving 17 years as President. The Graystone Society, located in the Lukens National Historic District of Coatesville, will present the Rebeca Lukens award during a reception March 18, 2010 in the Lukens Executive Office Building. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Gladys Flamer for her long-standing civic involvement and tireless work in helping others. She is an inspiration to all.