Leonard Lance

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of National Women's History Month and to congratulate Janet Malko of Garwood, New Jersey who will be honored on Friday, March 27, 2009 at the 17th Annual Women of Excellence Dinner held in Union County, New Jersey. This special annual event is held by the Union County Commission on the Status of Women in the Seventh Congressional District to highlight the amazing work of individuals who are making our communities better places to live. The Commission on the Status of Women organization seeks to recognize the contributions of women in the fields of education, health care, the arts, government, business, law, community service, technology, public service, women's advocacy and lifetime achievement. This year's Lifetime Achievement Award for Education will be given to Janet Malko. Janet Malko has been associated with St. Mary of the Assumption High School, located in Elizabeth, New Jersey for forty years. She first served as a teacher and is currently the school's principal. She has been involved in nearly every facet of the educational process. In addition to her duties as principal, she teaches two math classes, greets students each day and knows most of them by name. Ms. Malko is sensitive to the unique needs of each student, handling each with compassion, helps struggling students, and offers support and encouragement to students and their families. She sets a positive tone for the school, encouraging her faculty to provide the student body with a strong foundation of discipline, tolerance, respect, integrity, self-reliance and confidence, while stressing the importance of a solid education, civic responsibility, and community service. Under her leadership, the students at St. Mary's have succeeded academically, with over 87 percent of the 2008 graduating class attending four year colleges and universities on full academic scholarships, totally over 5 million dollars. Janet Malko has made a difference in the lives of her students and has been a positive role model instilling the qualities of resilience and perseverance. She made significant achievements in education. I am pleased to congratulate Janet Malko for her outstanding efforts and share her good work with my colleagues in the United States Congress and the American people.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of National Women's History Month and to congratulate Patricia Murphy of Springfield, New Jersey who will be honored on Friday, March 27, 2009 at the 17th Annual Women of Excellence Dinner held in Union County, New Jersey. This special annual event is hosted by the Union County Commission on the Status of Women in the Seventh Congressional District and highlights the amazing work of individuals who are making our communities better places to live. The Commission on the Status of Women recognizes the contributions of women in the fields of education, health care, the arts, government, business, law, community service, technology, public service and women's advocacy and lifetime achievement. This year's Lifetime Achievement Award will be given to Patricia Murphy because of her extensive lifetime achievements. Presently, Patricia is a professor at the Muhlenberg Snyder School of Nursing. She is also involved in various professional nursing organizations, social and civic groups, and church activities in Springfield. Patricia is certified as a teacher of practical nursing and a school nurse in the state of New Jersey. During her extensive career, Patricia Murphy has been an adjunct professor at Kean University and Felician College, staff nurse at Overlook Hospital, Obstetrics and Community Health Instructor, Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist, full time Medical/Surgical Nursing III Instructor and as such has been honored with a distinguished Nursing Alumni Award, American Cancer Society Certificate of Appreciation, outstanding alumna award of Seton Hall University School of Nursing, and New Jersey State Nurses Association Medical-Surgical Nurse of the Year. In addition to her nursing career, Patricia Murphy has written several articles for professional journals and presented a number of lectures and programs throughout Central New Jersey, focusing on the well-being of cancer patients, their families and the nursing care they receive. She has also developed, planned, and implemented the first on- line nursing course offered through Muhlenburg in conjunction with Union County College. Patricia is also the Parish Nurse Ministry coordinator at St. James Church in Springfield. She has also served as the past president of the Summit Area AARP. Patricia Murphy of Springfield, New Jersey has made significant contributions to her community and led a long distinguished career. I am pleased to congratulate her and share her good work with my colleagues in the United States Congress and the American people.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of National Women's History Month and to congratulate Mildred Lewis of Berkeley Heights, New Jersey who will be honored on Friday, March 27, 2009 at the 17th Annual Women of Excellence Dinner held in Union County, New Jersey. This special annual event is hosted by the Union County Commission on the Status of Women in the Seventh Congressional District and highlights the amazing work of individuals who are making our communities better places to live. The Commission on the Status of Women recognizes the contributions of women in the fields of education, health care, the arts, government, business, law, community service, technology, public service and women's advocacy and lifetime achievement. This year's Civic Leadership Award will be given to Mildred Lewis because of her extensive commitment to making our community a better place. For 15 years, Mildred has served as the president of the Cranford Chapter of the League of Women Voters, coordinating candidates' forums at both the municipal and county levels. Mildred has conducted voter registration drives and prepared and distributed educational materials about voters' rights and ballot initiatives regarding education, women's issues, and natural resources. Mildred is also a member of the Roselle-Cranford Hadassah where she is active in many aspects, including the Bulletin, American Affairs, and fund-raising dinners. Ms. Lewis also worked as a full time volunteer at Alexian Brothers Hospital in Elizabeth, New Jersey where she manages volunteers. Mildred also volunteered at Temple Beth El Mekor Chayim as the kitchen coordinator, where she plans and creates meals for more than 100 people. Mildred has also been active in the Cranford Historical Society and is a member of several other Jewish organizations, including National Council of Jewish Women and the Sisterhood of Temple Beth El Mekor Chayim. Mrs. Lewis and her husband George have been married for more than 60 years. They have three children and four grandchildren. Mildred Lewis of Cranford, New Jersey has made significant contributions to so many in her community. I am pleased to congratulate Mildred Lewis for her outstanding efforts and share her good work with my colleagues in the United States Congress and the American people.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of National Women's History Month and to congratulate Baldeep Dua of Berkeley Heights, New Jersey who will be honored on Friday, March 27, 2009 at the 17th Annual Women of Excellence Dinner held in Union County, New Jersey. This special annual event is hosted by the Union County Commission on the Status of Women in the Seventh Congressional District and highlights the amazing work of individuals who are making our communities better places to live. The Commission on the Status of Women recognizes the contributions of women in the fields of education, health care, the arts, government, business, law, community service, technology, public service and women's advocacy and lifetime achievement. This year's Entrepreneurial Award will be given to Baldeep Dua because of her extensive leadership, management skills and efforts to benefit her community. Specifically, Baldeep utilizes her management skills in her position as the Chief Financial Officer of Kirusa Inc., an international communications Technology Company located in New Providence, New Jersey. Through her position as CFO, Baldeep has managed to steer her technologically oriented start-up company that is a leading developer of value added mobile services, towards its goal of profitability. Baldeep is active as an advisor to the New Jersey Technological Council, a group that connects companies, capital and government. Members are involved in research, development, manufacture, supply, and sales of high technology products, services, materials and components. Under her direction, the company is the proud recipient of the Business Employment Incentive Program, recognized as a high-growth company in the critical industry of technology. Baldeep is also a member of the Board for The Indus Entrepreneur, a group that fosters entrepreneurship globally through mentoring, networking and education. Dedicated to giving back to the community, this group is focused on cultivating and nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs. In 2008, Baldeep was recognized by the Executive Women of New Jersey for her professional distinction. Through this association she mentors other women, encouraging them to take charge and advance their own careers. Baldeep Dua of Berkely Heights, New Jersey has made significant achievements both in business and in her community. And I am very pleased to congratulate Baldeep for her outstanding efforts and share her good work with my colleagues in the United States Congress and the American people.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of National Women's History Month and to congratulate Ina Golub of Mountainside, New Jersey who will be honored on Friday, March 27, 2009 at the 17th Annual Women of Excellence Dinner held in Union County, New Jersey. This special annual event is hosted by the Union County Commission on the Status of Women in the Seventh Congressional District and highlights the amazing work of individuals who are making our communities better places to live. The Commission on the Status of Women recognizes the contributions of women in the fields of education, health care, the arts, government, business, law, community service, technology, public service and women's advocacy and lifetime achievement. This year's Fine Arts Award will be given to Ina Golub whose fiber and bead artwork is known nationally and internationally. She is currently the subject of a major exhibition at the Newark Museum. Working largely with Judaic themes, Ms. Golub has created artwork for synagogues, museums, and private collectors throughout the United States and Israel, including nine monumental ark curtains, more than 450 Torah mantles, wedding canopies, hand-woven tapestries, decorative wall hangings, and a major Holocaust memorial. She has also created many rabbinical garments and prayer shawls. Awarded the Philip and Sylvia Spertus Judaica Award in 1998, and 2005, Ina's works were included in a major exhibition at the Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco. Ms. Golub is particularly known for her beaded spice containers which have received national and international recognition. Her works have also been commissioned by synagogues and private collectors, creating custom designed fiber art of all descriptions and forms. Ina Golub of Mountainside, New Jersey has made significant achievements for her artistic talents. I am pleased to congratulate Ina Golub for her outstanding efforts and share her good work with my colleagues in the United States Congress and the American people.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Thank you very much, and thank you for taking the lead on this extremely important issue. Overspending and over-taxation are terrible factors in the American economy today, but from my perspective the worst factor is levels of debt, and I think that this is, in effect, generational theft. The Congressional Budget Office, in calculating the proposals of the Obama administration, indicate that spending will hit about 28.5 percent of GDP during fiscal year 2009, and this is a record amount. CBO also estimates that next year spending will be 25.5 percent and at 23 and 24 percent over the course of the next decade. As someone who tries to be a student of American history, over the last 40 years, the level of debt has been roughly 20 percent, and this is an historic average. And yet over the course of next several years we increase this dramatically. Let me repeat the figures: 28.5 percent in this fiscal year, and similar amounts in the next 2 fiscal years. I believe that this spending is too great, and I hope that the administration will review its budget and working in a bipartisan capacity to bring this amount down.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of National Women's History Month and to congratulate Kimberly Nesbitt-Good of Elizabeth, New Jersey who will be honored on Friday, March 27, 2009 at the 17th Annual Women of Excellence Dinner held in Union County, New Jersey. This special annual event is hosted by the Union County Commission on the Status of Women in the Seventh Congressional District and highlights the amazing work of individuals who are making our communities better places to live. The Commission on the Status of Women recognizes the contributions of women in the fields of education, health care, the arts, government, business, law, community service, technology, public service and women's advocacy and lifetime achievement. This year's Business Award will be given to Kimberly Nesbitt-Good because of her business efforts in Union County. Kimberly is the proprietor of Nesbitt Funeral Home, along with her husband Ted, which was established in 1931 by her adoptive parents, Bravell and Carrie Allen Nesbitt. Ms. Nesbitt-Good has received several awards and recognition for her work in the funeral profession. She is a member of the Garden State Funeral Directors Association, the New Jersey Funeral Directors Association, the National Funeral Directors Association, the National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association, and the Epsilon Nu Delta Fraternity. Kimberly is the cofounder of ``Friends,'' an organization of African American women that uplifts and supports women in African American communities. Listed in Who's Who Among Americans and Who's Who Among African American Funeral Directors, Kimberly has been recognized by many local, state and federal organizations for her varied and wide ranging work in the funeral profession. Kimberly Nesbitt-Good of Elizabeth, New Jersey has made significant achievements in her business efforts. I am pleased to congratulate Kimberly Nesbitt-Good for her outstanding efforts and share her good work with my colleagues in the United States Congress and the American people.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to Martin and Beth Aron of Springfield, New Jersey. For nearly two decades, Martin and Beth Aron have worked tirelessly to make a difference in their community by helping others. In fact, there are dozens of New Jersey civic, social welfare, educational, artistic and religious organizations that have benefited from the Arons' hard work, dedication and selfless sacrifices to help those in need. On March 31, 2009 Congregation Israel in Springfield, New Jersey will honor Martin and Beth at the synagogue's 34th Annual Tribute Dinner for their remarkable and enduring contribution to Congregation Israel and to communities throughout New Jersey. Over the years, the Arons have been involved in the Zamir Chorale and Zamire Chorale Foundation, both of which promote Jewish choral music as a vehicle to inspire Jewish life, culture and continuity. The Zamir Chorale performed at the White House this past year. The Arons have also been involved in the formation and development of Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy of Livingston, New Jersey, improving the education opportunities of children with unique learning challenges, as well as in the charitable, community outreach and children's programming activities at Congregation Israel. It gives me great pleasure to share the remarkable efforts of Martin and Beth Aron with my colleagues in the United States Congress and with the American people. I am also honored to join Congregation Israel in recognizing their outstanding service to their community.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the efforts of high school students from the Seventh Congressional District who are volunteering their time to help those in need throughout the world. Specifically, I would like to commend hundreds of Hillsborough High School students who are volunteering for an annual fundraising event known as Shelter From The Storm 4. The event takes place on Saturday, March 28, 2009 and will raise funds to help students in Haiti and Honduras have access to pure, clean drinking water. The students have recognized that access to clean water is so basic-- yet so precious to disadvantaged communities around the world. The funds Hillsborough High School students raise will help purchase water filters, rain-water collection compartments and provide education on proper sanitation. Organized by students, Shelter From The Storm 4 will feature numerous educational guest speakers, a three-hour concert and a special festival. Several dozen student organizations at Hillsborough High School are playing important roles in the event's success, such as the Rotary Club and Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. I also commend the leadership of all the teachers involved, who provided guidance to the students throughout the planning stages and implementation of the fundraiser. Madam Speaker, I am proud to commend all of the Hillsborough High School students who are involved with this special fundraising event. These students are clearly working hard to make a difference and help those in need.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. On opening day, January 6, our leader, Mr. Boehner, indicated that we would provide better solutions to the issues confronting the American people. Obviously, on a bipartisan basis, Congress wishes to address this issue, and to address this issue as quickly as possible. House Republican Members on the Republican side--freshmen--have a better solution, we believe. Our solution--and I'm sorry it's not debated on the floor--the House Republican freshmen would demand that Treasury, notwithstanding any other provision of law, implement a plan within the next 2 weeks to recoup 100 percent of the payment of AIG bonuses. Also, the freshmen plan on our side says that any future bonus payments of any kind to TARP recipients must be approved in advance by the Department of the Treasury. Third, any future contractual obligations entered into by TARP fund recipients to make bonus payments of any kind must be approved in advance by the Treasury. We commend to our friends in the majority our freshman Republican proposal in the spirit of bipartisan cooperation.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of National Women's History Month, and I would like to congratulate a number of outstanding women who will be recognized at the Somerset County's Commission on the Status of Women awards in New Jersey's Seventh Congressional District. The Commission presents awards annually in celebration of National Women's History Month in March. This year there are 17 women being honored, including entrepreneurs, educators and hometown heroes whose community service is considered extraordinary. This year's Public Service Award winner is Pamela Ely of Bridgewater. She is a founding member of the Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity. Pamela served on the organization's board of trustees for three years and as president for three years. She has been the organization's executive director for the past decade, and has made substantial contributions to the organization's growth and success. I am pleased to congratulate Pamela Ely for her outstanding efforts and share her good work with my colleagues in the United States Congress and the American people.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of National Women's History Month, and I would like to congratulate a number of outstanding women who will be recognized at the Somerset County's Commission on the Status of Women awards in New Jersey's Seventh Congressional District. The Commission presents awards annually in celebration of National Women's History Month in March. This year there are 17 women being honored, including entrepreneurs, educators and hometown heroes whose community service is considered extraordinary. This year's Education Award winner is Elizabeth Stitley of Somerville. She currently serves as a supervisor of Allied Health Programs at Somerset County Technology Institute since 2003. In this capacity, Elizabeth has spearheaded the growth of the program, which now offers two full-time, day practical nursing programs and an evening program. She was instrumental in adding a new skills laboratory with a task-training center that will soon be equipped with cameras. Elizabeth has served as president of the Practical Nurse Educators Council and of the New Jersey League for Nursing, and received the league's 2004 President's Award. She also is a member of Sigma Theta Tau, the international nursing honor society. I am pleased to congratulate Elizabeth Stitley for her outstanding efforts and share her good work with my colleagues in the United States Congress and the American people.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of National Women's History Month, and I would like to congratulate a number of outstanding women who will be recognized at the Somerset County's Commission on the Status of Women awards in New Jersey's Seventh Congressional District. The Commission presents awards annually in celebration of National Women's History Month in March. This year there are 17 women being honored, including entrepreneurs, educators and hometown heroes whose community service is considered extraordinary. This year's Business Award winner is Ann Minzner Conley, the vice president of Loss Control Services for Chubb Commercial Insurance. Ann is the company's executive-liability specialist. She mentors young adults considering careers in science and engineering, and also coaches youth soccer and plays on the Basking Ridge Mavericks women's soccer team. I am pleased to congratulate Ann Minzner Conley on her outstanding efforts and share her good work with my colleagues in the United States Congress and the American people.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of National Women's History Month, and I would like to congratulate a number of outstanding women who will be recognized at the Somerset County's Commission on the Status of Women awards in New Jersey's Seventh Congressional District. The Commission presents awards annually in celebration of National Women's History Month in March. This year there are 17 women being honored, including entrepreneurs, educators and hometown heroes whose community service is considered extraordinary. This year's Journalism Award winner is Alice Steinbacher of Bernardsville, where she is an accomplished writer. Alice began her career in marketing, radio, advertising, public relations and publishing in 1970 as marketing assistant at John Blair and Co. in New York City. In 1979, she opened her own agency, Steinbacher Advertising. She published Renaissance Morristown. Alice edits and publishes Chapter II for the seniors of the Somerset Hills. I am pleased to congratulate Alice Steinbacher for her outstanding efforts and share her good work with my colleagues in the United States Congress and the American people.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of National Women's History Month, and I would like to congratulate a number of outstanding women who will be recognized at the Somerset County's Commission on the Status of Women awards in New Jersey's Seventh Congressional District. The Commission presents awards annually in celebration of National Women's History Month in March. This year there are 17 women being honored, including entrepreneurs, educators and hometown heroes whose community service is considered extraordinary. This year's Health Services Award winner is Barbara Tofani of Hillsborough, where she currently works as a registered nurse. Since 2005, Barbara has been the director of the Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center in Raritan Township. As director of The Center for Nursing and Health Careers from 2001- 05, she was responsible for developing and implementing a strategic plan to address the health care work-force shortage in New Jersey. I am pleased to congratulate Barbara Tofani for her outstanding efforts and share her good work with my colleagues in the United States Congress and the American people.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of National Women's History Month, and I would like to congratulate a number of outstanding women who will be recognized at the Somerset County's Commission on the Status of Women awards in New Jersey's Seventh Congressional District. The Commission presents awards annually in celebration of National Women's History Month in March. This year there are 17 women being honored, including entrepreneurs, educators and hometown heroes whose community service is considered extraordinary. This year's Social Services Award winner is Barbara Schlichting of Stockton. She has worked for Somerset Treatment Services in Somerville for 32 years, first as a counselor, then as a supervisor, and now as executive director. Barbara has worked with countless staff and clients to provide quality and meaningful services in the field of drug and alcohol counseling and psychiatric services. She works tirelessly to secure grants for those with tremendous hardships and runs a successful agency that provides sometimes- difficult-to-find services. The agency's many counselors over the years also have benefited from Barbara's knowledge and dedication. I am pleased to congratulate Barbara Schlichting for her outstanding efforts and share her good work with my colleagues in the United States Congress and the American people.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of National Women's History Month, and I would like to congratulate a number of outstanding women who will be recognized at the Somerset County's Commission on the Status of Women awards in New Jersey's Seventh Congressional District. The Commission presents awards annually in celebration of National Women's History Month in March. This year there are 17 women being honored, including entrepreneurs, educators and hometown heroes whose community service is considered extraordinary. This year's Management Award winner is Nandita Kamdar of Branchburg. She is currently vice president at Paulus, Sokolowski & Sartor in Warren and in charge of the mechanical-engineering department. Nandita earned her MBA in management from Rutgers. She holds multiple engineering licenses in New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania and California. I am pleased to congratulate Nandita Kamdar for her outstanding efforts and share her good work with my colleagues in the United States Congress and the American people.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of National Women's History Month, and I would like to congratulate a number of outstanding women who will be recognized at the Somerset County's Commission on the Status of Women awards in New Jersey's Seventh Congressional District. The Commission presents awards annually in celebration of National Women's History Month in March. This year there are 17 women being honored, including entrepreneurs, educators and hometown heroes whose community service is considered extraordinary. This year's Volunteerism Award winner is Nicolette Ash of Bridgewater. She is a 17-year-old founder of MADE or Making A Difference Everywhere. The organization provides volunteer opportunities to teens in the Bridgewater area and allows them to gain community-service hours required for school, scholarships and religious groups. Projects have included cleaning trash along the Raritan River, raking leaves for senior citizens, preparing food bundles for needy families and many more. I am pleased to congratulate Nicolette Ash for her outstanding efforts and share her good work with my colleagues in the United States Congress and the American people.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of National Women's History Month, and I would like to congratulate a number of outstanding women who will be recognized at the Somerset County's Commission on the Status of Women awards in New Jersey's Seventh Congressional District. The Commission presents awards annually in celebration of National Women's History Month in March. This year there are 17 women being honored, including entrepreneurs, educators and hometown heroes whose community service is considered extraordinary. This year's Hometown Hero Award winner is Edith Lit of Manville. For the past seven years, Edith has organized a ``Wish List'' campaign to make the holidays brighter for clients of Alternatives Inc. by encouraging her fellow Somerset County Library System employees to adopt a person or family. For the past three years, she has included the Somerset Regional Animal Shelter in the libraries' ``Wish List'' drive. Edith also participates in the ``point in time'' survey conducted by the county Department of Human Services to identify homeless individuals and families, and actively organizes coworkers and friends to help too. I am pleased to congratulate Edith Lit for her outstanding efforts and share her good work with my colleagues in the United States Congress and the American people.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of National Women's History Month, and I would like to congratulate a number of outstanding women who will be recognized at the Somerset County's Commission on the Status of Women awards in New Jersey's Seventh Congressional District. The Commission presents awards annually in celebration of National Women's History Month in March. This year there are 17 women being honored, including entrepreneurs, educators and hometown heroes whose community service is considered extraordinary. This year's Entrepreneur Award winner is Lisa Kent of Hillsborough. She is the founder and president of the Luminations Group, a strategy and innovation firm. The company began as a nonprofit enterprise that helped Hillsborough retailers and businesses develop marketing plans and materials. Today, the company includes eight female principals with more than 100 years of combined marketing and general-management experience, and serves large brands and entrepreneurial endeavors. Lisa's company takes on pro-bono projects through Luminations' ``Charity of Choice'' program. She co-chairs the Hebrew Education Committee at Congregation Kehilat Shalom in Hillsborough and volunteers with the Central Jersey MS Society. I am pleased to congratulate Lisa Kent for her outstanding efforts and share her good work with my colleagues in the United States Congress and the American people.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of National Women's History Month, and I would like to congratulate a number of outstanding women who will be recognized at the Somerset County's Commission on the Status of Women awards in New Jersey's Seventh Congressional District. The Commission presents awards annually in celebration of National Women's History Month in March. This year there are 17 women being honored, including entrepreneurs, educators and hometown heroes whose community service is considered extraordinary. This year's Education Award winner is Karyn Malinowski of Manville. Karyn is the director of the Rutgers Equine Science Center at the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station in New Brunswick. Karyn has been a faculty member at Rutgers University since 1978. She is believed to be the first female equine-extension specialist in the nation. I am pleased to congratulate Karyn Malinowski for her outstanding efforts and share her good work with my colleagues in the United States Congress and the American people.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of National Women's History Month, and I would like to congratulate a number of outstanding women who will be recognized at the Somerset County's Commission on the Status of Women awards in New Jersey's Seventh Congressional District. The Commission presents awards annually in celebration of National Women's History Month in March. This year there are 17 women being honored, including entrepreneurs, educators and hometown heroes whose community service is considered extraordinary. This year's Education Award winner is Helen ``Chickie'' Haines of Hillsborough. Chickie has helped educate thousands of students in her 38 years with the Bound Brook School District. She started as an elementary school teacher, and in 2004 became principal of the Lafayette and LaMonte elementary schools, earning the ``Who's Who Among America's Teachers'' award in 2002. Chickie has served on Hillsborough's Township Committee, Zoning Board, environmental commission and open space committee. I am pleased to congratulate Helen Haines on her outstanding efforts and share her good work with my colleagues in the United States Congress and the American people.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of National Women's History Month, and I would like to congratulate a number of outstanding women who will be recognized at the Somerset County's Commission on the Status of Women awards in New Jersey's Seventh Congressional District. The Commission presents awards annually in celebration of National Women's History Month in March. This year there are 17 women being honored, including entrepreneurs, educators and hometown heroes whose community service is considered extraordinary. This year's Education Award winner is Elizabeth Stitley of Somerville. She currently serves as a supervisor of Allied Health Programs at Somerset County Technology Institute since 2003. In this capacity, Elizabeth has spearheaded the growth of the program, which now offers two full-time, day practical nursing programs and an evening program. She was instrumental in adding a new skills laboratory with a task-training center that will soon be equipped with cameras. Elizabeth has served as president of the Practical Nurse Educators Council and of the New Jersey League for Nursing, and received the league's 2004 President's Award. She also is a member of Sigma Theta Tau, the international nursing honor society. I am pleased to congratulate Elizabeth Stitley for her outstanding efforts and share her good work with my colleagues in the United States Congress and the American people.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of National Women's History Month, and I would like to congratulate a number of outstanding women who will be recognized at the Somerset County's Commission on the Status of Women awards in New Jersey's Seventh Congressional District. The Commission presents awards annually in celebration of National Women's History Month in March. This year there are 17 women being honored, including entrepreneurs, educators and hometown heroes whose community service is considered extraordinary. This year's Distinguished Honoree is Raritan Borough Mayor Jo-Ann Liptak, who is being honored for her decades as a teacher, volunteer work at Somerset Medical Center in Somerville, and her service on the Somerset County Planning Board. She also created the borough's annual John Basilone Memorial parade. Jo-Ann is the third generation in her family to hold office in Raritan Borough, became the municipality's first female mayor in 2007. I am pleased to congratulate Raritan Borough Mayor Jo-Ann Liptak for her outstanding efforts and share her good work with my colleagues in the United States Congress and the American people.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of National Women's History Month, and I would like to congratulate a number of outstanding women who will be recognized at the Somerset County's Commission on the Status of Women awards in New Jersey's Seventh Congressional District. The Commission presents awards annually in celebration of National Women's History Month in March. This year there are 17 women being honored, including entrepreneurs, educators and hometown heroes whose community service is considered extraordinary. This year's Volunteerism Award winner is Tina Rear of Hillsborough. She is the founder of Care to Share Support Network. Tina founded the organization after her son was diagnosed with autism. It now serves special-needs children and their families. She also established a grant program to offset the financial hardships related to the therapy and medical care needed by children with disabilities. Tina has worked with police to create an Emergency Data Sheet to help such children in case of an emergency. I am pleased to congratulate Tina Rear for her outstanding efforts and share her good work with my colleagues in the United States Congress and the American people.