Bill Pascrell

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like for you to join me in honoring Frank A. Orechio, of Nutley, NJ, who is retiring from his position as director of Facilities Planning and Water Resources Development for the North Jersey District Water Supply Commission. As a lifelong resident of Nutley, Frank has always been an active member of the community. As a teenager, Frank was involved in helping his neighbors become naturalized citizens and then registering them to vote. As a young activist, Frank rose rapidly through the ranks of the Essex County Republican Party, becoming chairman of the Essex County Young Republican Party and then eventually being elected chairman of the New Jersey's State Young Republicans in 1948. In the late 1950's, Frank turned to newspaper publishing as a career, and purchased his hometown newspaper, the Nutley Sun. Eventually he acquired several other newspapers and these served as the nucleus for what has since become known as Orechio Communications Co. Although now a newspaper publisher, Frank never abandoned the political field, serving in the capacity as either campaign director or confidential aide to such prominent national figures as Nelson Rockefeller and Richard Nixon. Eventually Frank's dual commitment to politics and community led him to be appointed as a commissioner to the North Jersey District Water Supply Commission in 1966. In his capacity as commissioner, in which he served 16 years, Frank was able to depoliticize the commission and provide leadership for the commission's operations at Wanaque. After serving 11 years as project coordinator for Wanaque South, Frank was appointed director of facilities planning and water resources development in 1993, and served in this position until his retirement in January 1997. Upon his retirement, Frank can proudly claim accomplishment for the North Jersey District Water Supply Commission being recognized not only as the motivating force for water resource development in New Jersey, but also as an innovator when it comes to overcoming obstacles associated with similar large-scale public works projects throughout the Nation. Also, Frank deserves praise for the computerization of filtration plants, which although were built in the 1970's, are still hailed as the most modern and effective in the world. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, our colleagues, Frank's wife, Edith and the citizens of Nutley in recognizing the accomplishments of Frank A. Orechio and his dedication to the public.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your attention the 40th anniversary of St. Joseph's School of West Orange, NJ. I am very proud to have a school of this caliber in my district, and I am thrilled to play a part in honoring this institution. St. Joseph's Church was established in 1931, with it's first pastor being Monsignor Thomas Glover. In 1955, due to the very popular and well-attended CCD and Catholic Youth Organization programs, the decision was made to construct a school. In the fall of 1956, St. Joseph's School opened with a nine-room building for eight grades and a Kindergarten. The initial enrollment of 165 students doubled by November 1959. St. Joseph's School became an important part of the community, with nearly 95 percent of the parents belonging to the parents-teacher guild. The school also did not believe in overloading classes just for the sake of having a large enrollment. In contrast to the other schools, St. Joseph's maintained a limited enrollment in order to facilitate the development of each individual student. St. Joseph's has been blessed with tremendous leadership since its inception. The school's founder, Monsignor Glover led the congregation for 35 years until his death in 1966, upon which Monsignor Lang succeeded him, serving with distinction until 1976. Father McCloskey, who runs the school to this day, has additionally served this church and school admirably. He has weathered financial difficulties, dealt with staffing problems by recruiting the sisters of charity to perform teaching duties, and maintained unparalleled standards of excellence. Throughout the years, the school developed a highly-respected sports program, with many of its students going on to become high-school stars. In 1981, the school's baseball program won the Essex County CYO championship. The school also developed other extra-curricular programs, such as the school choir which has since become a highly respected aspect of the school. When the Metropolitan Opera Company of New York appeared at Newark's Symphony Hall, members of the St. Joseph's school choir were given the honor of joining them. In the 1990's, the school began renovations to accommodate the growing academic programs. Glover Hall was renovated to house the seventh and eighth grades, the library, and the computer room. A science and technology lab was completed in 1996. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, our colleagues, the students of St. Joseph's past, present, and future, in recognizing the accomplishments of this fine academic institution, and wishing them even greater success for the next 40 years.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your attention the selfless and steadfast dedication and outstanding public service of Matthew Capano, to the community of West Paterson, NJ. As Mayor of the Borough of West Paterson from 1994 to 1997, Matt has demonstrated time and again effective responsibility and leadership. Before becoming mayor, Matt served the people of West Paterson as a member on the Borough Council, from 1987 to 1992. Matt has made significant contributions, politically, to West Paterson through his involvement as a member of the West Paterson Democratic Club, of which he at one time served as the club president. Matt's involvement both politically and civically, has instilled pride amongst the people of West Paterson. There is a renewed sense of commitment to making the Borough an even greater community for its present and future generations. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, our colleagues, Matt's wife, Donna, and their family, as well as the people of West Paterson, in recognizing the outstanding achievements and commitment to public service of Matthew Capano.