[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 9 (Wednesday, January 24, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E73-E74]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN HONOR OF LORI JEAN MACHARA

                                 ______


                          HON. GEORGE W. GEKAS

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 24, 1996

  Mr. GEKAS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I pay tribute 
to this year's recipient of the J. Robert Ladd Community Service Award, 
Lori Jean Machara of Mount Gretna. She is a shining example of the 
volunteer spirit that so exemplifies central Pennsylvania.
  In addition to her tireless efforts as the manager of the Cardiac 
Rehabilitation Department of the Good Samaritan Hospital, Lori has been 
active in the hospital auxiliary and been involved with the Cornwall 
Children's Center. She is a member of the board of directors of the 
American Heart Association and coordinates several activities for the 
Junior Women's Club.
  I congratulate Lori Jean Machara on a lifetime of success and 
accomplishment. The Lebanon area is profoundly richer because of her 
work.

  Announcing the 1995 Recipient of the Service to Mankind Award: Lori 
                              Jean Machara

       As the oldest of 4 children growing up in Natrona Heights, 
     PA, it seemed that Lori was born into a leadership role. In 
     the words of Lori's mother, ``she was and still is a perfect 
     child''. Lori's formative years reads very similar to her 
     present life and included activities such as class officer in 
     grade school, high school class vice president, active 
     participation in church youth group and Girl Scouts, and 
     president of junior achievement. She was also an intricate 
     part of a school newspaper and yearbook staff. Duquesne 
     University was Lori's home for the next 5 years, as she 
     received a B.A. degree in Nursing, a profession she chose to 
     pursue to a post graduate level through Penn State 
     University.
       Lori and her husband, Lou, were married shortly after she 
     received her undergraduate degree and at that time, the 
     Machara family as a result of Lou's job, established 
     residency 

[[Page E74]]
     at Mt. Hope Estates, where they lived for approximately 7 years. 
     Through her work as a nurse, Lori has lived her philosophy 
     that encompasses a strong work ethic and character, 
     contributing back to society that which she has been blessed 
     with throughout her life. Lori served The Good Samaritan 
     Hospital with her skills and talents as a medical/surgical 
     nurse prior to her association with the Cardiac 
     Rehabilitation department. Historically, the cardiac 
     rehabilitation program consisted of a patient room converted 
     to an exercise facility housing 3 pieces of equipment. 
     Presently, Lori is manager of Cardiac Rehab, and through her 
     leadership abilities, the department has grown to an extent 
     that it is now housed in the ground floor of the Cardiac Cath 
     Lab, serving over 1,000 community patients providing them 
     with 21 pieces of equipment plus a universal weight set, 
     nutrition education, and an exercise program to rehabilitate 
     those who have experienced cardiac disease. The center 
     benefits GSH employees as well, with fitness evaluations and 
     personalized exercise programming. At a recent Pennsylvania 
     worksite health promotion conference held in Harrisburg, PA, 
     which hosted 275 attendees, The Good Samaritan Hospital's 
     employee health program was rated among the top 4 in its 
     content which includes educational and incentive aspects. In 
     addition to her full time employment through The Good 
     Samaritan Hospital, Lori and Lou maintain a family business 
     at the Renaissance Faire.
       Branching out from her responsibilities through Hospital 
     employment, Lori also serves as secretary for the Hospital 
     auxiliary. Upon her initiative, the Fair has a Hearty Fare 
     Booth which provides low-fat and low-cholesterol foods. As 
     Lori strives to promote intellectual development as well as 
     physical development, she has been involved with the Cornwall 
     Children's Center since its conception, in capacities ranging 
     from a child's mom to a board member.
       Through Lori who is a member of the board of directors of 
     the American Heart Association, a Heart At Work program was 
     coordinated. She is chairperson for both the Lebanon County 
     Heart At Work task force and the Worksite task force for the 
     Pennsylvania affiliates. She was nominated for volunteer of 
     the year in 1994, and attained awards for The Good Samaritan 
     Hospital, including Most Creative Activity for the Lebanon 
     division and Heart At Work Company of the year. As the Heart 
     Association National Representative, Lori has provided 
     lectures in several states. Cornwall Lebanon School District 
     attributes the success of their smoke free program to Lori 
     Machara.
       Amazingly, Lori is as active with the Junior Women's Club 
     as she has been with every organization with which she 
     becomes involved. Annually, she volunteers at the Mt. Gretna 
     Art Show, chairs a kick-off buffet for over 80 people, 
     coordinates the children's Halloween and Christmas parties, 
     and instills family values and cohesiveness by organizing 
     monthly activities, including educational trips, ski outings, 
     Easter egg hunts, and Mother/Daughter banquets. Lori was 
     previously a board member for the Junior Women's Club. The 
     Albert A. Alley Developmental and Disability Services 
     facility recently benefitted by $15,000 due to the efforts of 
     Lori in chairing an annual American Girl fashion show, an 
     enormous project requiring a mailing list of 25,000 people.
       Most importantly, Lori contributes most of her energies to 
     creating family unity. She and Lou are very involved in their 
     daughter, Jessica's, activities both in her education and 
     gymnastic and dance studies. Lou has chosen one word to 
     describe Lori and that is ``stability''. Through her caring, 
     giving and enduring disposition, Lori has created a loving 
     home environment. Of all of the functions that Lori has 
     served, that which she does best is provide an excellent role 
     model for her daughter.
       Although Lebanon County may not be aware of her presence, 
     Lori has touched the lives of many individuals through her 
     active participation in her community. It is with great pride 
     that the Lebanon Valley Sertoma Club honors Lori Jean Machara 
     as the 1995 recipient of the J. Robert Ladd Community Service 
     Award for Service to Mankind. May her example of selflessness 
     emulate throughout the community and continue to touch the 
     lives of our fellow citizens.

                          ____________________