Recognizing Jenny Mearkle

Floor Speech

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Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, it is with gratitude and respect that I rise to recognize Jenny Mearkle, a valued colleague and friend, who will be retiring at the end of June after more than 21 years of service to constituents throughout Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District.

Jenny's work in constituent services has been characterized by efficiency and empathy. The foundation of Jenny's success as manager of the Altoona district office is her heartfelt desire to help people. When it comes to resolving an issue for a constituent, Jenny is never confined by space or by the time that is needed.

Wherever she might be--during or outside the boundaries of a traditional workday--Jenny makes every effort to respond to constituent casework inquiries, not only because it is the professional thing to do, but because Jenny genuinely cares.

As a builder of relationships throughout the 13th Congressional District, Jenny has achieved unparalleled success while earning the admiration of her constituents.

I thank Jenny Mearkle. I thank her for her distinguished legacy of dedicated service to the constituents of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, and I wish her much happiness in all the years to come. Recognizing Sam Worley

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Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Sam Worley as the recipient of the Franklin County Conservation District's Lifetime Achievement Award.

Sam, who will be celebrating his 105th birthday on June 13, is a proud U.S. Army Air Corps veteran of World War II. Notably, he has lived a life in distinguished service to his community and to his country.

The award presented to Sam by the Franklin County Conservation District pays tribute to his decades of leadership and enduring impact on the conservation of natural resources in Franklin County.

Sam accepted the appointment as the director with the Franklin County Conservation District in 1992. Now, more than three decades later, Sam continues to serve the district in his role as associate director.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Sam on this prestigious award. He truly embodies what it means to a member of the Greatest Generation. Recognizing Cheryl Johns

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Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a dedicated public servant, Cheryl Johns, who is retiring as the executive director of the Altoona Housing Authority with over 26 years of service.

Cheryl is admired and respected for her commitment to maintaining the highest standard of administrative excellence. She has been a trusted and dependable public servant. She works for families and individuals who seek affordable and reliable housing in the city of Altoona.

As a housing administrator for the last 33 years, Cheryl has created a legacy of service based on the belief that a healthy and productive society is founded on safe and stable housing.

On behalf of the constituents throughout Altoona and the entire 13th Congressional District, I personally thank Cheryl Johns for her commitment to her profession and extend best wishes for a wonderful retirement. Celebrating 50th Anniversary of Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art

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Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 50th anniversary of the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art, known in Pennsylvania as SAMA.

Incorporated in 1975, SAMA opened its first gallery in June 1976 in Altoona. Galleries were subsequently opened in Johnstown, Ligonier, and Bedford.

Today, SAMA successfully operates the Nation's longest-running museum satellite program. The museum maintains a permanent collection of more than 7,500 works.

SAMA is a dynamic cultural leader, enriching lives through exhibitions and programs that advance the appreciation of art. The museum itself serves as a vibrant hub of education and community engagement.

As the celebration of SAMA's golden anniversary continues throughout this year, I personally express my gratitude to the museum's president, Barry Newborn; to the vice president, Ehrin Ward; the board of trustees; and the entire staff of SAMA for their commitment to sharing the absolute beauty of art.

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