Paul Kanjorski

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to the Greater Hazleton CAN-DO organization on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. In 1956, when the deep anthracite coal mines were closing and regional unemployment reached 30 percent, Dr. Edgar Dessen, a local radiologist, formed a new committee to investigate how best to go about economic development. Realizing that they would need funds to pursue their objectives, they began collecting dimes solicited from the regional citizenry. The unusual fundraiser netted about $14,000, enough to buy more than 800 acres of land that became the Valmont Industrial Park. Eventually, it would grow into a 4,000-acre industrial corridor that would need major investment for infrastructure. Dr. Dessen set a goal of $500,000 to be raised in three weeks. A local banker told him ``You can't do that!'' But, he replied, ``Yes, we can do.'' Thus was born the CAN-DO organization, an acronym that preceded the title which later was proclaimed to be the ``Community Area New Development Organization.'' Indeed, in that first major fundraiser, CAN-DO did not raise $500,000; it raised $740,000. Two more fund drives followed. One yielded $830,000, while the second raised $710,000. The Valmont Industrial Park development was so successful that CAN-DO eventually acquired 1,150 more acres of land and created the Humboldt Industrial Park nearby. Over the years, CAN-DO has been responsible for the development of over 3,500 acres for economic development, created 20,000 new jobs, increased the area's payroll by $240 million, leveraged private investment of more than $1.5 billion, and increased the local tax base by 20 percent. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the CAN-DO organization on this auspicious occasion. Those associated with CAN-DO over the past 50 years have made significant contributions to the quality of life in the greater Hazleton area and, for that, we should all be grateful.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my distinguished colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to James A. Magee, of Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, who was honored recently by the Bloomsburg Chapter of the American Red Cross at a testimonial dinner. Born in Bloomsburg on August 20, 1928, to Harry L. and Alice Hartman Magee, he attended Bloomsburg public schools and went on to higher education at Gettysburg College and the Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science. Mr. Magee served our Nation on active duty in the United States Army from 1952 to 1954 and in the Army Reserves from 1954 to 1956. He married Audrey Rehm and had three children, Drue A. Magee and James R. Magee, both of Bloomsburg and Elizabeth Hausske, of Phoenix, Arizona. Mr. Magee also has a sister, Joanne Katerman, of Bloomsburg. Mr. Magee started working in the family carpet business in 1950. He was elected president of the Magee Carpet Company in 1969. In 1967, Magee Industrial Enterprises, Inc. was created and, in 1976, was merged with and became the parent company of Magee Carpet Company. Mr. Magee continued as president of the parent corporation until his retirement in 1993. Mr. Magee was involved in numerous service and community organizations. He was a director of the First Columbia Bank and Trust Company; Bloomsburg Area Industrial Development Association; Bloomsburg Water Company; Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, Ben Franklin Partnership and the Carpet and Rug Institute. He served as a member of the executive committee of the Columbia- Montour Council of the Boy Scouts of America; was a trustee of Wesley United Methodist Church and was vice president of the Bloomsburg Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Magee also served as president of the Magee Christian Education Foundation, Bloomsburg Rotary Club and the Bloomsburg Hospital. One of Bloomsburg's first ``Men of the Year,'' Mr. Magee was awarded the Boy Scouts of America Silver Beaver Award in 1987 and the Bloomsburg University Medallion Award in 1989. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating James A. Magee on this auspicious occasion. His business acumen and devotion to community service has provided the greater Bloomsburg region with exceptional leadership for more than 40 years. Without a doubt, Mr. Magee has greatly improved the quality of life for thousands of people during his very fruitful career.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my distinguished colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in paying tribute to Mary Erwine, president of Erwine Home Health and Hospice, Inc., who is the 2006 recipient of Leadership Wilkes-Barre's Distinguished Alumni Award. Ms. Erwine will be honored at the 25th annual Leadership Wilkes-Barre dinner to be held on Thursday, June 8. She was chosen for this award because of her commitment and dedication to the community and her ongoing support of Leadership Wilkes-Barre and its programs. Ms. Erwine founded Erwine's Home Care in 1993 and expanded with the addition of Erwine's Private Health Care in 1995. Under her leadership and professional training, the company has grown from three employees to more than 100. Her company serves patients in five Pennsylvania counties. In 2005, she added a hospice division to afford patients continuity of care. Her community involvement includes participating in organizations such as the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, the greater Wilkes- Barre Association for the Blind, St. Vincent De Paul Kitchen, F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Osterhout Library, Circle 200, Pennsylvania Council on Aging, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Fundraising, Executive Women's Council, Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce, National Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau, National Association of Millennium Circle Fund of the Luzerne Foundation, College Misericordia Advisory Council, PNC Bank Northeast Region Advisory Board, Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania Corporate Board, Leadership Wilkes-Barre and the Greater Wyoming Valley Leadership Forum. Ms, Erwine has also been the recipient of several awards including the Athena Award from the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce; Quality of Life Advocacy Award from the Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter Arthritis Foundation; Benefactor Award from the Greater Wilkes-Barre Association for the Blind; Distinguished Career in Nursing Administration Alumni Award from College Misericordia; Community Leaders of the Year Spirit of Business and Industry Award from the Arthritis Foundation and the 25th Anniversary Star Award from Leadership Wilkes-Barre. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mary Erwine on this auspicious occasion. Her entrepreneurial spirit and her devotion to community service have helped to improve the quality of life in the entire region.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Richard B. Cosgrove, of Pittston, Pennsylvania, who was recently presented with an honorary doctorate degree from King's College. Mr. Cosgrove enjoys a reputation as the dean of local journalists in Northeastern Pennsylvania. After graduating from St. John the Evangelist High School in Pittston in 1941, he joined the staff of the Wilkes-Barre Times Leader in January, 1943. He later joined he staff of the Pittston Dispatch in 1947 in time for the publication of their very first edition on February 9. Mr. Cosgrove continued his newspaper career with the Pittston Dispatch until the summer of 2000 when he joined the staff of the Wilkes-Barre Citizens' Voice as a correspondent, a position he continues to hold. He also served for several years as a local correspondent for the Scranton Tribune. Richard is a son of the late George and Elizabeth Healy Cosgrove. Mr. Cosgrove's wife, the former Mary Neary, died in April, 1981. Their union was blessed with two sons, George B. Cosgrove, principal of the Pittston Area Middle School and Joseph M. Cosgrove, a practicing attorney in Luzerne County. His family also includes two granddaughters, Jill, a nurse at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Hospital and Mary Ann, a drug and alcohol counselor in Scranton. Mr. Cosgrove has a long history of community service. He is a member and past president of the Wyoming Valley Sierra Club of Wilkes-Barre and he is a past district governor of District 80, Sierra International. Mr. Cosgrove is also a member and past grand knight of President John F. Kennedy Council 372 of the Knights of Columbus in Pittston and a member of the council's Fourth Degree Assembly. He is a member of the parish community of St. Casimir, St. John the Evangelist and St. Joseph Churches in Pittston where he serves as a Eucharistic Minister, an altar server and a member of the parish liturgy committee. He also performs bereavement counseling with those who have lost loved ones. He is also a past president of the parish's Holy Name society. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mr. Cosgrove on this auspicious occasion. His love for his community, his devotion to the pursuit of truth and his faithful service to his church have endeared him to many, many people and has earned him widespread respect. Mr. Cosgrove's contributions to his community have clearly improved the quality of life in the greater Wyoming Valley.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Temple Beth Israel in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, on the occasion of its 100th anniversary. In 1895, the Jews living in Hazleton organized an orthodox congregation. But, even at that time there was a desire among some of the members to establish a congregation that favored reform practices. In the fall, of 1906, a small group was able to engage the services of Rabbi Block who conducted High Holiday services which they believed were more in keeping with the modem American conditions of the time. Late in September 1906, 23 men met to organize a reform congregation that would be called Beth Israel, or ``House of Israel.'' Soon, Temple Beth Israel joined the Union of American Hebrew Congregations. Over the years, the congregation has followed the path of the city of Hazleton with a combination of good times and hard times. Throughout its history, Temple Beth Israel has contributed to the city's business and civic leaders, distinguished doctors and lawyers. Temple Beth Israel has been a good neighbor and a helpful ally. The congregation has survived for 100 years and stands ready for the next 100 years. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Temple Beth Israel and all its members on the happy occasion of their 100th anniversary. Congregations like Temple Beth Israel form the solid foundations every community needs for moral guidance and human development. It is a proud day for Temple Beth Israel and we share in the congregation's exuberance.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to the San Cataldo Society of Dunmore, Pennsylvania, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this month. In 1904, a group of Dunmore residents, recently emigrated from the island of Sicily, associated themselves for the purpose of promoting goodwill, civic betterment and for the benefit of its members in cases of sickness, accident or death from funds collected. The early history reveals that these pioneers, bearing the customs which they inherited from their native land, but handicapped by a language barrier, overcame many difficulties and obstacles in the formation of the Societa San Cataldese Cooperativa Di Mutua Saccorso in Dunmore. In March 1905, a group of 48 men held their first meeting at Washington Hall, Chestnut and Comer Streets, and they elected the late Rosario Bentivenge as the first president. The society continued to progress since its incorporation under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on May 15, 1906. Meetings were conducted at various Dunmore landmarks, including DeAndrea's Hall on Willow Street; Lalli's Hall on Willow Street; Naro's Hall on Elm Street, and Luzio's Hall on Mortimer Street. In 1927, after many years of sacrifices and perseverance by the members, the society began construction of a building at 316 Elizabeth Street. The same building is still in use today. The Italian immigrants who made up the San Cataldo Society contributed much to their community, working in various occupations including coal miners, construction workers and skilled laborers. They served in public office and their descendants served and fought honorably in defense of this Nation. Their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren have served the community and the nation becoming doctors, lawyers, engineers, judges, construction contractors, business owners, nurses, pharmacists and public servants. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the San Cataldo Society and its members past and present. Their devotion to their community has improved the quality of life and serves as a positive example for others to emulate.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Pennsylvania Sen. Charles Lemmond, who is observing 50 years of membership in the Wilkes-Barre Law and Library Association. A lifelong resident of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, Senator Lemmond received a bachelor's degree from Harvard University, a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania and an honorary doctor of humane letters degree from Wilkes University. Prior to his election to the Senate of Pennsylvania in 1985, he served as an assistant and first assistant district attorney in Luzerne County and as a judge of the Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas. Long active in community and civic organizations, Senator Lemmond is a past potentate of Irem Temple and a 33rd degree Mason, a trustee of the Wyoming Conference of the United Methodist Church, a life member of the board of trustees of Wyoming Seminary and a member of the advisory boards of Penn State's Wilkes-Barre campus and the Salvation Army. The Wilkes-Barre Law and Library Association was located in the county Court House located on Wilkes-Barre's Public Square from 1859 to 1909 when it was moved to the second floor of the current county Court House at 200 N. River Street in Wilkes-Barre. The Law Library contains over 20,000 volumes of law books, reports and journals. The Law Library also operates the Luzerne Legal Register, the law journal of Luzerne County and the official reporter of the decisions of the Court of Common Pleas of Luzerne County. A lawyer referral service is also operated out of the law library for people who need a lawyer but do not know whom to contact. The Law and Library Association also operates a charitable foundation that supports charitable and humanitarian projects throughout Luzerne County. It is intended to enhance the public's understanding and appreciation of the legal system in Luzerne County, ensure access to legal information and representation to all members of the Luzerne County community and foster good relations between members of the Bar, Judiciary and the public. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Senator Lemmond for a half century of membership in the Wilkes-Barre Law and Library Association. His devoted service and the service of other distinguished legal practitioners have enabled the Association to grow and thrive and be a continuous source of support to its members.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Attorney Charles Bufalino, of West Pittston, Pennsylvania, on the occasion of his 50th anniversary of membership in the Wilkes-Barre Law and Library Association. A graduate of Wyoming Seminary Preparatory School, Villanova University and the University of Pennsylvania Law School, Attorney Bufalino was admitted to the practice of law in 1956 and he continues to be an active practitioner before the Luzerne County Court, all of the appellate courts of Pennsylvania and the United States Courts for the Third Circuit and the Middle District of Pennsylvania. He is admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States and is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association. Attorney Bufalino has been involved in precedent-setting litigation involving both First Amendment rights and freedom of the press as well as workers' compensation law. A First Amendment landmark case was considered by the United States Supreme Court and a workers' compensation case was decided earlier this year by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Attorney Bufalino served as special assistant attorney general, Luzerne County solicitor, law clerk to the late Judge Harold Flannery and as solicitor to many municipalities. The Wilkes-Barre Law and Library Association was located in the county Court House located on Wilkes-Barre's Public Square from 1859 to 1909 when it was moved to the second floor of the current county Court House at 200 N. River Street in Wilkes-Barre. The Law Library contains over 20,000 volumes of law books, reports and journals. The Law Library also operates the Luzerne Legal Register, the law journal of Luzerne County and the official reporter of the decisions of the Court of Common Pleas of Luzerne County. A lawyer referral service is also operated out of the law library for people who need a lawyer but do not know whom to contact. The Law and Library Association also operates a charitable foundation that supports charitable and humanitarian projects throughout Luzerne County. It is intended to enhance the public's understanding and appreciation of the legal system in Luzerne County, ensure access to legal information and representation to all members of the Luzerne County community and foster good relations between members of the Bar, Judiciary and the public. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Attorney Bufalino for a half century of membership in the Wilkes-Barre Law and Library Association. His devoted service and the service of other distinguished legal practitioners have enabled the Association to grow and thrive and be a continuous source of support to its members.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Attorney Michael Butera, immediate past president of the Wilkes-Barre Law and Library Association in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. Attorney Butera performed in an exemplary manner by providing leadership and direction to a proud and prestigious organization founded 156 years ago on June 18, 1850. A graduate of the University of Scranton and Temple University School of Law, Attorney Butera has been in the private practice of law since 1976 in Pittston, Pennsylvania. He is also active with the Pennsylvania Bar Association, the American Bar Association, Northeastern Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association and the Pennsylvania Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. Attorney Butera served on the Wyoming Area School Board for six years. He also served as president of the board of Luzerne Intermediate Unit 18, president of the board of the Greater Pittston YMCA and was vice president of the Third Legislative District for the Luzerne County Democrat Party. He is also a charter member of the St. Martin Society. The Wilkes-Barre Law and Library Association was located in the county Court House located on Wilkes-Barre's Public Square from 1859 to 1909 when it was moved to the second floor of the current county Court House at 200 N. River Street in Wilkes-Barre. The Law Library contains over 20,000 volumes of law books, reports and journals. The Law Library also operates the Luzerne Legal Register, the law journal of Luzerne County and the official reporter of the decisions of the Court of Common Pleas of Luzerne County. A lawyer referral service is also operated out of the law library for people who need a lawyer but do not know whom to contact. The Law and Library Association also operates a charitable foundation that supports charitable and humanitarian projects throughout Luzerne County. It is intended to enhance the public's understanding and appreciation of the legal system in Luzerne County, ensure access to legal information and representation to all members of the Luzerne County community and foster good relations between members of the Bar, Judiciary and the public. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Attorney Butera on a job well done. His devotion to community service is reflected in his tireless pursuit of excellence on behalf of the Wilkes-Barre Law and Library Association.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to the Kawneer Company which is celebrating its 100th anniversary on May 5 at its facility in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. Founded by Francis J. Plym, an architect, in 1906 in Kansas City, Missouri, the Kawneer Company distinguished itself in the field of architectural products, earning more than 400 patents in the past century. Between 1910 and 1920, Kawneer developed the first metal air frame sections used in American aircraft, an achievement that earned the company a commendation from the U.S. War Department. Between 1920 and 1930, Kawneer became the first manufacturer to incorporate lightweight, strong, economical aluminum in architectural products including ornate grills and soffits. From 1930 to 1940, nearly 75 percent of Kawneer's business centered on aluminum, and Kawneer became the largest American user of aluminum for architectural purposes. Months after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, every inch of the Kawneer plant was devoted to making airplane parts. American soldiers flew into battle supported by Kawneer rib assemblies, fuel tank supports, flap controls and many other aviation components. For the past half century, Kawneer has been in the vanguard of architectural innovation, especially with regard to large commercial window applications. In the future, Kawneer intends to commit itself to developing sustainable environmental solutions, such as the Kawneer Power Wall, the first proven integrated photovoltaic curtain wall system designed to control the sun in large commercial buildings. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the Kawneer Company, which employs 400 people in its Bloomsburg facility. Its impressive sales performance over the past 2 years saw gross sales double from $51 to $100 million. Clearly, Kawneer is an important part of northeastern Pennsylvania's economy and we wish them every success in the future.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Raymond S. Angeli, of Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, who will be the recipient of the B'nai B'rith's annual ``Americanism Award'' on May 7. The honoree of this prestigious accolade is traditionally selected by past award recipients and the presidents of various service organizations. Mr. Angeli, who serves as president of Lackawanna College, was previously a member of the late Pennsylvania Gov. Robert P. Casey's cabinet. He served as secretary of the Department of Community Affairs after having served as Deputy Secretary for Programs at the agency and as Director of its Northeast Regional office. A veteran of the United States Army, Mr. Angeli retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel. He served two combat tours in Southeast Asia, one as commander of a helicopter company. He also served as a Department of Defense inspector general and as foreign area officer in the U.S. Embassy in Paris, France. While in military service, Mr. Angeli was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, The Air Medal and the Pennsylvania Meritorious Service Medal. Active in state, regional and community affairs, Mr. Angeli served as chairman of the board of the National Institute for Environmental Renewal, the state's Interagency Task Force on affordable housing and the Pennsylvania Housing and Finance Agency. Mr. Angeli serves on the boards of the Great Valley Technology Alliance, St. Joseph's Center, Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority and the Delaware and Lehigh Corridor Authority. Mr. Angeli is a past recipient of the Boy Scouts of America's Outstanding Citizen Award in Northeastern Pennsylvania, UNICO's Man of the Year Award and the University of Scranton's Distinguished Alumnus Award. A native of Blakely, Pennsylvania, Mr. Angeli earned a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Nebraska and a master's degree in education from Scranton University. Mr. Angeli and his late wife, Nancy, are the parents of two daughters, Ms. Emy Angeli and Mrs. Tracy Barone. On a personal note, I want to express my own appreciation for the commitment Ray has made to his community. Although I met him during his tenure in Governor Casey's Cabinet, it has only been since my Congressional district expanded to include Scranton that I have had the opportunity to work closely with Ray on several projects. I know that I can count on him to have thought carefully about every project he undertakes and to have determined that it is in the best interest of the Northeastern Pennsylvania. We are indeed fortunate to have him in our community. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mr. Angeli on this auspicious occasion. Mr. Angeli's commitment to service and excellence has earned him the respect and admiration of the greater Scranton community. It is fitting that such an award would be presented to him.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to the Rev. John S. Krafchak, pastor of St. Mary of Czestochowa Church, Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, who is celebrating his 50th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood on May 26, 2006. Father Krafchak was born in Old Forge, Pennsylvania, in 1931, a son of Ann Marie Potempa and John Krafchak. He graduated from St. Ann's Monastery High School in West Scranton. He attended St. Mary's College, Orchard Lake, Michigan; St. Mary's Seminary and University, Baltimore, Maryland. He was ordained on May 26, 1956, in St. Peter's Cathedral, Scranton, by then Bishop Jerome D. Hannon. Father Krafchak was first assigned as assistant pastor at Holy Name of Jesus Church, Swoyersville, Pennsylvania. He was later transferred to St. Mary's Church, Nanticoke and then to St. Hedwig's Church, Kingston. Following that assignment, he was transferred to St. Mary's Church of the Maternity in Wilkes-Barre. In 1974, he was named administrator at Ss. Peter and Paul Church, Sugar Notch and, in 1983, was named pastor at St. Mary's Church in Nanticoke, where he is presently. Over the years, he taught at Marymount High School in Wilkes-Barre and West Side Central Catholic High School in Kingston. Father Krafchak is well known as a ``people's priest'' because of how intensely he has worked with his parishioners on a myriad of projects and issues. Over the years, Father Krafchak was especially interested in building his parish's religious education programs as well as the marriage preparation and family life programs. He was also very concerned about parish restoration and expansion projects as well as stabilizing parish finances. At his present parish, he oversaw the construction of a new rectory in 1986. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Father Krafchak on a remarkable priestly career. His devotion to his chosen vocation and his commitment to the people he served is an inspiration for others in the value of selfless service. Father Krafchak has left an indelible mark on the lives of thousands in northeastern Pennsylvania and, in the process, has earned their eternal love and respect.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Alma Berlot of Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, who was chosen as Woman of the Year by the Wyoming Valley Woman's Club for the year 2006. Mrs. Berlot is affectionately known as the coal miner's daughter because of the dedicated work she did to spearhead the drive to place a statue of a coal miner at the intersection of East Main Street and Kosciuszko Street in Nanticoke. Mrs. Berlot did that to immortalize the sacrifices made by her father and thousands of other mine workers who labored deep underground in often dangerous conditions to support their families and to invigorate the regional economy. Mrs. Berlot is now working to get a postage stamp that will honor the coal miners for their courage and bravery. Mrs. Berlot's father, Ed Salvadore, lost his life in the mines. Her mother, Elizabeth Tulli, was killed in a car crash by a drunken driver. In tribute to her parents, Mrs. Berlot subsequently organized a talented group of children and young adults who entertain at nursing homes, veteran's gatherings, etc. The group is called ``Make Someone Happy.'' Over the years, Mrs. Berlot has received many awards from two State hospitals for her work with the mentally challenged and also the Special Olympics. Mrs. Berlot is married to Alvin Berlot and the couple has four children: Dr. Alvin Berlot, Attorney Melissa McCafferty, Gina Bunchalk, RNBSRN and Madonna Trombetta, RN. The Wyoming Valley Woman's Club gives its ``Woman of the Year'' award annually to a worthy woman for her outstanding contributions to the Wyoming Valley. The selection committee is composed of past award winners including Doris J. Merrill, chairperson, Nanticoke; Anna Cervenak, Kingston; Rose Marie Panzitta, Wilkes-Barre; Judith Ellis, College Misericordia; Rose Mary Sigmund, Luzeme; Martha Elko, Kingston and Ann MacFarland, president, Wilkes-Barre. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mrs. Berlot on the occasion of this outstanding achievement. Mrs. Berlot's devotion to community service is well known and it is fitting that she should receive this award.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Ascension Church in Mocanaqua, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, as parishioners prepare to celebrate the 100th anniversary of their church's founding on June 11. In May of 1906, a group of Slovak men formulated plans to raise funds and build a church to accommodate the needs of their families and neighbors. Land was purchased and the cornerstone was laid in October, 1906. The church was formally dedicated in October, 1907, by the Most Rev. Michael J. Hoban, then bishop of the Scranton Catholic Diocese. He was assisted by Right Rev. John S. Sobota, Rev. Matthew Jankola and Rev. Joseph Murgas. The church cemetery was purchased and blessed in 1915. Monsignor Sobota, then pastor at St. Joseph's Church, Nanticoke, served the Church of the Ascension from 1907 to 1926 when Rev. Daniel Gregga was named the first resident pastor. Parishioners bought a lot and built a rectory which was replaced by a new rectory in 1930. Other pastors who served the Church of the Ascension include Rev. Andrew Sporinsky, Rev. Andrew Liktor, Rev. Joseph Gavenda, Rev. Aloysius Baloga, Rev. Michael Krupar, Rev. Joseph Podskoc, Rev. Cyril Frankovich, Rev. Stephen Yaneka, Rev. John Zipay, Rev. John Fabian, Rev. Edward Liptock, Rev. Stephen Medwick, Rev. Louis Garbacik, Rev. Francis Skitzki, Msgr. John Balberchak, Rev. Carl Prushinski, Rev. Gerald McGlone, Rev. Thomas Skotek, Rev. Michael Zipay, Rev. Anthony Generose and Rev. Joseph Kakareka. Over the years, the parish properties have seen many improvements and expansions. In 1999, the church underwent major renovation. Central air conditioning was installed, the sanctuary was disassembled and rebuilt, new carpeting was laid, the church was rewired, pews were renovated, the church interior was repainted and handicapped access was made available. In the latest restructuring in 2005, the Church of the Ascension now shares its pastor, Rev. Kakareka, with two other nearby parishes. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the parishioners of the Church of the Ascension, both past and present, for their fortitude and devotion that has resulted in the continuous existence of a proud parish for the past century. It is the faith, integrity and dedication of people like those who belong to the Church of the Ascension that has contributed to making this Nation great. And we are thankful to them for that wonderful gift.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to the Commission on Economic Opportunity, located in the City of Wilkes- Barre, Pennsylvania, for 40 years of exemplary community service. Created on November 3, 1966, pursuant to the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, CEO was designated by the Luzerne County Board of Commissioners which included Edmund C. Wideman Jr., James Post and William Goss. The mission of the agency has always been to empower the less fortunate in our community by providing the resources needed to improve the quality of their lives. Over the years, CEO has developed an array of services to assist people. The weatherization program has had great success helping people with older housing stock insulate their homes in order to save money on heating fuel. The Chore program has given older citizens and low-income individuals the opportunity to repair essential elements of their homes at affordable prices. CEO came to the aid of senior citizens in the wake of the devastating Flood of 1972 by developing Washington Square Towers, an apartment complex for the elderly. For nearly 20 years, CEO operated a successful senior citizens market that enabled the elderly to save significant sums on basic food items. Today, CEO's Weinberg Food Bank provides staple food items to those who meet income guidelines. Indeed, over the years, CEO has fostered several community services that eventually became independent entities. These include Legal Services, Rural Health Corporation, Maternal and Family Health Services, Child Development Council, Luzerne County Human Resources Development Department and Head Start. The original incorporators of CEO included Gottfried Csala, Mrs. Horace Kramer, George Troy, Carlo Poerio and Raymond Batow. Today, CEO's board of directors officers include Monsignor Andrew J. McGowan, president; Attorney David Aikens, vice president; John Namey, vice president; Gary F. Lamont, treasurer; and Marie McCormick, secretary. The board also includes Peter D. Aula, Jollene Bradford, Attorney Joseph Cannody; William Cherkes, Attorney David Glassberg, Judge Hugh F. Mundy, George Nicholson, Michael Pasonick Jr., Rev. Wallace Smith and Estelle Stryjewski. CEO's professional staff operates under the continued leadership of Gene Brady, who was appointed executive director of CEO in 1978. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating CEO on 40 years of remarkable achievements that have touched the lives of tens of thousands of residents in northeastern Pennsylvania.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to the Hickory Street Presbyterian Church in Scranton Pennsylvania, which was founded Jan. 28, 1856, and is now celebrating its 150th anniversary. At the time of its founding, the church was known as the German Presbyterian Church. It was renamed the Hickory Street Presbyterian Church in 1931. The church has been served by 11 pastors, four of whom have served tenures in excess of 20 years. In 1993, Hickory Street Presbyterian Church and Petersburg Presbyterian Church merged. Hickory Street Presbyterian Church has been a community leader in many ways over the years. It has been a passionate supporter of many charitable agencies including Bread Basket of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Safety Net, Exodus Prison Ministries, St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen and the Bethel AME Homeless Shelter. Hickory Street Presbyterian Church is the largest Presbyterian Church in Scranton and one of the largest Presbyterian Churches in the region. Many of the church's members are active in the community and have served as judges, physicians, councilmen, teachers, neighborhood leaders, bankers, lawyers, firemen and police officers. Eight Hickory Street church members have been called into the professional ministry. Hickory Street Presbyterian Church has a rich history of youth ministry that has carried out mission trips to Maine, Virginia, Tennessee, Washington, DC and Montana. The church structure is a landmark in Scranton that has received awards from the Architectural Heritage Society. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the Hickory Street Presbyterian Church on this auspicious occasion. More than anything, Hickory Street Presbyterian Church has spread the love of Jesus Christ through its mission and ministry, through its local, national and world outreach and through the devotion and love of its people.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Frances Kovaleski of Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, who has been named ``Woman of the Year'' by the Lackawanna County Federation of Democratic Women. Mrs. Kovaleski is a daughter of Marguerite Schmidt Roland and Francis Roland, of West Scranton. Her parents were active in Democratic Party politics and they impressed upon their daughter the political values they shared. Even in high school, Frances volunteered to work in a Scranton mayoral campaign for former Democratic Mayor James J. Walsh. Frances graduated from St. Patrick's High School in Scranton and went on to cosmetology school, after which she and a friend opened their own beauty salon. Frances married Kenneth Kovaleski in 1971 and the couple had three sons. Several years ago, Mrs. Kovaleski worked on the campaign of Linda Munley, who was running for register of wills in Lackawanna County. Mrs. Munley won and appointed Mrs. Kovaleski to serve as her deputy. Mrs. Kovaleski is also active in other civic endeavors. Besides serving as a member and treasurer in the Lackawanna County Federation of Democratic Women, Mrs. Kovaleski also works tirelessly for St. Joseph's Center, serving as president in 2005 and presidential advisor this year. She also served on its board of directors and many of the committees. Mrs. Kovaleski served as president of the Society of Irish Women in 2004. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mrs. Kovaleski. Her devotion to Democratic causes and her commitment to family and community have touched the lives of many people in a positive manner and have improved the quality of life in Lackawanna County.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Clifford and Ruth Melberger, of West Pittston, PA. This year, the Anti Defamation League of Eastern Pennsylvania has selected them to be the recipients of the Distinguished Community Service Award. Both Ruth and Clifford have been long time champions of the greater Wyoming Valley, the community in which they were both born and raised. They have consistently committed themselves to their family, educational programs and the growth of the region for current and future generations. Since her days as an art teacher in West Pittston and East Pennsboro High Schools, Ruth has worked with many community associations. She is presently on the board of directors of the Scranton Cultural Center, the West Pittston Cemetery Association, the West Pittston Historical Society and she has been a volunteer for the Meals on Wheels program for 14 years. She is also an elder in her church. Ruth also served on the President's Council of Wilkes University, the boards of directors of the Pittston YMCA and the Scranton Council for Literacy Advance. She also headed the West Pittston Shade Tree Commission for 15 years. Ruth and Clifford founded Diversified Information Technologies, an information management company of which Clifford serves as president and chief executive officer. Clifford is currently on the board of trustees of Wilkes University, the steering committee of the Great Valley Technology Alliance, board of directors of the State of PA Business Roundtable and he is an elder in his church. Clifford was a member of the board of trustees of Bucknell University as president of their National Alumni Association. He was also a member of the board of Team Pennsylvania, the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, Scranton Tomorrow, the Downtown Wilkes-Barre Touchdown Club and the Bison Athletic Club of Bucknell University. Clifford received the Arthritis Foundation's 1998 Community Leader of the Year Award for Northeastern Pennsylvania, the Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce National/International Business of the Year Award, the Ben Franklin Partnership Award for Excellence of Innovation, Bucknell University's Bison Club Award for outstanding contributions to the University's athletic program and a member of the Wyoming Area High School and Bucknell University Athletic Halls of Fame. Clifford is also the namesake for the ``Melberger Award,'' an annual award presented to the most valuable Division III college football player in the nation. Ruth and Clifford are committed to educational causes as both attended college on scholarships. They have established the Ruth Boorom Melberger scholarship at Wilkes University, a Player of the Game scholarship at Wilkes University and Bucknell University for each home football game and named scholarships in honor and memory of family members at Bucknell University. Ruth earned a bachelor's degree in art education with minors in English and social studies from Wilkes University and Clifford earned a bachelors degree in business administration and a masters degree in education from Bucknell University. They have two children and six grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the Melbergers. Their commitment to community service is exemplary and it is fitting that the Anti Defamation League should honor them in this way. Clearly, the Melbergers have improved the quality of life in the greater Wyoming Valley.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Father Paul McDonnell, pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Pittston, Luzerne County, PA. Father McDonnell was recently selected by the Pittston Sunday Dispatch newspaper to receive the title of Person of the Year for 2005. The honor is due to Father McDonnell's success in building a new parish community center to serve all citizens in the Pittston area. Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish consists of 2,300 members and is showing signs of growth. Father McDonnell recognized in 2002 that the church basement, which hosted community events, was no longer adequate. He subsequently launched a capital campaign to raise the funds needed for the construction project. The design called for the center to be physically tied into the church so they looked like one building. The plan called for the new center to be supported by the church. But, engineers discovered that a large part of the church's foundation had collapsed during an earlier mine cave-in and it was remarkable that the church over the void was even supporting itself, let alone a new structure. The void was filled with concrete and steel and new steel supports were designed to enable the church to support the weight of the new center. The Sunday Dispatch newspaper, in reporting on the opening of the new center last year, commented, ``The dedication of the parish center . . . was more than just the opening of a building--it was a moving testament to faith, an astonishing display of generosity and an amazing feat of engineering.'' Father McDonnell is an exceedingly popular church leader in the city of Pittston, PA. Many people believe it is his personality and exuberance that has his parish growing while others decline. He is especially liked by the elderly. ``In his interaction with the elderly, you can see the love they have for him by how they look at him. He touches them, he speaks to them, he listens to them and he laughs with them,'' the Dispatch wrote. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Father McDonnell for a job well done. His selection as Pittston Person of the Year is a fitting honor for a priest who has captured the admiration of an entire community due to his love of fellow man, his warmth and his enthusiasm. Truly, Father McDonnell has improved the quality of life in greater Pittston.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Warren Pollard, of West Pittston, PA, the recipient of the Pittston Sunday Dispatch newspaper's Joseph Saporito Lifetime of Service Award for 2005. Mr. Pollard has spent decades cooking food for good causes including the Greater Pittston Meals on Wheels for area shut-ins. He often helps deliver the meals as well. Mr. Pollard grew up in Avoca, PA. He attended Wharton School of Finance in Philadelphia and Wilkes College in Wilkes-Barre. He served 2 years with the U.S. Army including a tour of duty in Korea. He returned home to become a bank examiner. Mr. Pollard first started volunteering as a community cook more than 30 years ago when he started cooking spaghetti dinners for the Boy Scouts from the kitchen at the First United Methodist Church in West Pittston. He has done dinner fund raisers for the local fire company and an annual pork dinner for the church. His church fund raisers also extend to selling pastry pockets stuffed with meat and vegetables and fruit pies. Twice a year he cooks for the area's homeless when they stay at his church. And he also does a Thanksgiving dinner which is open to anyone in the community needing food. Mr. Speaker, please join me in paying tribute to Mr. Pollard. His selflessness and devotion to service and community are truly commendable. It is fitting that he should receive this honor from his home town because Mr. Pollard's work has improved the quality of life in the greater Pittston area.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Robert P. Collins, of Wyoming, Pennsylvania, who is being honored by the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Greater Pittston as their ``Man of the Year'' for 2006. Raised in the city of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, he attended St. Mary's High School in Wilkes-Barre. He also attended St. Joseph's Seminary in Callicoon, New York. He is a member of the Third Order of St. Francis. Mr. Collins served with the United States Army during the Korean War and has been the president of the United States Army 306th Field Hospital Association for the past 20 years. He is a life member of the Disabled American Veterans, Kingston Post 102, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Wyoming Post 396. He is a past commander of American Legion Post 670 and the Korean Veterans Association of the Wyoming Valley. Mr. Collins is a member of St. Joseph's Church in Wyoming where he has served as a lector and altar server. He is a life member of the Knights of Columbus Council 302, Wilkes-Barre, and Bishop Hafey Assembly Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus. Mr. Collins is a life member of the Wyoming Hose Company, No. 1, and is a former school board member of the Wyoming Area School District. Mr. Collins is a past president of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Avoca Division, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Emerald Society and the Donegal Society of Wilkes-Barre. Mr. Collins was a member of the Governor's Committee on the Handicapped, having served three Pennsylvania Governors. He was also a member of the White House Committee on the Handicapped, having served three Presidents. Mr. Collins was assistant to the President of Nelson Manufacturing Company for seven years and has been affiliated with the Metcalf and Shaver Funeral Home for 36 years. Married to the late Mary Eicke Collins of Wyoming, they had three children. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mr. Collins on the occasion of this honor. Mr. Collins epitomizes what it means to be a community servant. The countless hours he has spent supporting worthy causes and projects has improved the quality of life in the greater Wyoming Valley immensely.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to the Slovak League of America which is celebrating its 54th Congress on March 31 in Scranton, Pennsylvania, an event hosted by the Ladies Pennsylvania Slovak Catholic Union. The Slovak League of America is a civic and cultural federation of Americans of Slovak ancestry that was founded in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1907. The Slovak League was founded in response to the need to bring the sad political and social plight of the Slovak nation to the attention of all Americans. Since Slovakia's independence from the Czech Republic in 1993, the Slovak League actively promotes close American-Slovak ties through various cultural and educational exchanges and projects. As an umbrella organization, it represents the overwhelming majority of organized Americans of Slovak ancestry. The Slovak League remains a positive bridge uniting the old world and the new so that Slovak culture and traditions are better appreciated. Slovak Americans can be very proud of their many contributions to the cultural, educational, business and religious traditions which form the fabric of American life. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the Slovak League of America on this auspicious occasion. The determination and commitment of a proud people to celebrate their ethnic heritage and pass on their cultural traditions to new generations enriches the quality of life in this nation for all and should be applauded.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Attorney Murray Ufberg, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, who is being honored by the Friends of Scouting of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Council, Boy Scouts of America. Mr. Ufberg was chosen by the Friends of Scouting for this honor due to his years of community service and civic leadership. Mr. Ufberg is the managing partner of the law firm of Rosenn, Jenkins and Greenwald, L.L.P. He currently serves on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Independent Regulatory Review Commission. He is a member of the board of trustees of College Misericordia, the board of directors of WVIA-TV/FM and he serves as the chairman of the Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Wilkes- Barre. Mr. Ufberg also serves on the boards of directors of the Jewish Federation, the Jewish Community Center of Wyoming Valley and Penn's Northeast, Inc. He is a member of the Luzerne County Advisory Committee to the Pennsylvania Economy League and of the Keystone College President's Advisory Council. Mr. Ufberg has served as chairman of the United Way of Wyoming Valley's General Campaign in 1990 and he served on and chaired the board of directors of the United Way. He is a past chairman of the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business and Industry and he chaired the Luzerne County Business Roundtable. He is past president of Congregation Ohav Zedek, the Jewish Community Center and the Jewish Federation of Greater Wilkes-Barre. He also served as president of the Seligman J. Strauss Lodge and he was past president of the Duquesne University School of Law Alumni Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Mr. Ufberg has been a practicing attorney in the Wyoming Valley for 37 years. He is admitted to practice law before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, the Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas and various federal courts. He is a member of the Wilkes-Barre Law and Library Association and the Pennsylvania and American Bar Associations. He graduated from Wyoming Seminary and received degrees from Bucknell University and the Duquesne University School of Law. Mr. Ufberg resides in Kingston, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Margery Ann. They are the parents of three children. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mr. Ufberg on this auspicious occasion. His commitment to community service has helped improve the quality of life in the greater Wyoming Valley and it is fitting that the Northeastern Pennsylvania Council, Boy Scouts of America, recognizes his contributions.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Mr. Thomas F. Karam, of Waverly, Pennsylvania, who is being honored by the Friends of Scouting of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Council, Boy Scouts of America. Mr. Karam was chosen for this accolade due to his business accomplishments and his community service. Mr. Karam is recently retired from Southern Union Company, where he served from 2001 to 2005 as president and chief operating officer. He previously served as executive vice president of corporate development for the company and president and CEO of its PG Energy Division. Mr. Karam had also been president and CEO of Pennsylvania Enterprises, Inc., from 1996 until 1999, when it was acquired by Southern Union. From September, 1995, to August, 1996, he served as executive vice president of Pennsylvania Enterprises. Before joining Pennsylvania Enterprises and then Southern Union, from 1986 to 1995, Mr. Karam developed a strong background in finance and investment banking as vice president of investment banking at Legg Mason, Inc., Baltimore. From 1984 to 1986, he served as vice president of investment banking for Thomson McKinnon, New York City. Mr. Karam earned bachelor of science degrees in political science and accounting from the University of Scranton. He serves on the board of trustees of the University of Scranton. He also serves on the executive committee of the board of directors of Team Pennsylvania and on the board of directors of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Northeast Pennsylvania. Mr. Karam and his wife, Flora Keating Karam, reside in Waverly, Pennsylvania. They are the parents of two children. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mr. Karam on the occasion of this honor. His leadership and commitment to service is an inspiration to the entire community and his recognition by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Council, Boy Scouts of America is well deserved.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my good friend Attorney William Anzalone of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, who is being honored by the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Greater Pittston as the recipient of their annual Swingle Award. Mr. Anzalone owns and operates Anzalone Law Offices, a personal injury trial practice with offices in Wilkes-Barre, Scranton and Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. A past president of the Luzerne County Bar Association, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association and the Luzerne County Bar Charitable Foundation, he has received certification by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and the American Board of Trial Advocates. Attorney Anzalone has been chosen by his peers for the title of ``Super Lawyer'' for the past three years, a distinction that places him in the top five percent of practicing lawyers in Pennsylvania. Bill has served numerous civic organizations. He is a past president of the Wilkes-Barre Chapter of UNICO, having chaired its annual football game for several years. He currently serves as chairman of UNICO's gift committee. He is a past member of the board of directors of the St. Vincent DePaul Soup Kitchen, the Lackawanna Junior College, the Greater Wilkes- Barre Chamber of Business and Industry and Leadership Wilkes-Barre. In 2005, he was inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame due to his performance as a defensive back on Temple University's football team. Bill is married to the former Tina Medico and they are the parents of three beautiful children. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Attorney Anzalone on this auspicious occasion. Attorney Anzalone's contributions to his community speak for themselves. His commitment to service is an inspiration to all.