The Newtown Quaker Meeting

Floor Speech

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Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding group of young citizens from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who are actively living out their faith and making our community a better place.

Earlier this year, members of the Newtown Quaker Meeting helped raise $1,665 for the Mercer Street Friends' Community Schools through a lasagna dinner held at the Newtown Friends Meetinghouse. The youth collected voluntary donations, served the meal, and cleaned up after dinner.

This exemplary act of community service is the norm, not the exception, for young members of Newtown Quaker Meeting.

Previously held lasagna dinners have raised funds for Penndel Food Pantry, Heifer International, Haiti Relief, and Save Darfur, among other organizations. By serving simple meals twice a year, they have now raised over $28,000 for charity over a 10-year period.

Mr. Speaker, I applaud the work of these children, their parents, and congregants of the Newtown Quaker Meeting. I would like to particularly thank members of the Children's Religious Education Committee of Newtown Meeting, including Sarah Buxton, Eileen Grant, and Kelly Lake for all of their work. In Memory of Malcolm Crooks

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Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory of a resident of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who passed away last month at the age of 96.

Malcolm Crooks, a lifelong resident of Solebury Township, was a noted environmental and conservation leader. He was the founding member of the Honey Hollow and Aquetong Watershed Associations and was a member of the first Solebury Township Planning Commission. He also served on numerous boards that promoted environmental protection, including those of the Bucks County Audubon Society and the Bucks County Planning Commission.

A man of devout faith, Malcolm was a member of Solebury Friends Meeting, and in the 1960s, he moved to Algeria and led a team of Quakers to assist local residents. Throughout his life, Malcolm and his wife, Elaine, continued to travel the globe and immerse themselves in world cultures.

Mr. Speaker, Malcolm made our community a better place. Generations will continue to experience the beauty of our home because of his selfless work.

I send my prayers and condolences to Malcolm's wife and his children--Sylvia, Malcolm, and Catherine--along with his entire family. In Memory of Pete Rossetti

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Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to honor the life and memory of an American patriot from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who passed away on June 5 at the age of 96. Pete Rossetti, a resident of Southampton, lived a life in service to our country and our community.

Born in Philadelphia, Pete served honorably in the United States Navy during World War II. He earned the American Theater, European Theater Combat Medal and was also a Purple Heart recipient. In January, Pete was awarded the French Legion of Honor Medal, the highest French military distinction, for his service. Pete served in several campaigns during the war, including the invasion of Sicily, Salerno, Angelo, and Normandy.

A graduate of Temple University, Pete earned a degree in business administration from Temple University, and he later worked as an employee benefit consultant.

Mr. Speaker, I send my deepest condolences to Pete's children--Donna, Sandra, Carla, Joseph, and Mary Ellen--along with the entire Rossetti family. May they take comfort that he is now reunited with Annette and enjoying his eternal reward.

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