[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 13 (Wednesday, January 31, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E84]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E84]]
                         IN HONOR OF LARRY BERG

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PHIL ENGLISH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 31, 2001

  Mr. ENGLISH. Mr. Speaker, every community has a voice. It's that one 
person whose voice resonates through the neighborhoods, asking 
questions and expressing aloud the thoughts of all.
  I rise today to pay tribute to one such voice in Butler County, Mr. 
Larry Berg. He has left an indelible mark on this area of western 
Pennsylvania, not only as a radio host, but as an active and vital 
member of the community. Upon his retirement, he deserves to be honored 
for his outstanding contributions.
  As a 16-year-old freshman at New York University, Larry chose his 
radio broadcasting major simply because it sounded interesting. But 
during the span of the next 53 years, he found himself working in 
places such as Baltimore, Des Moines, St. Louis, New Orleans, El Paso 
and New York. Tired of the gypsy's life, he and his wife decided in 
1964 to buy a radio station in Butler, Pa.--a town neither of them had 
heard of before.
  And for 36 years, he ably served this community. On air, he satisfied 
his listeners by asking probing questions, whether he interviewed the 
star of the high school musical, a member of Congress, The Beatles' 
Paul McCartney or even the King himself, Elvis Presley. Larry became a 
local icon through his daily radio talk show. He brought the world to 
our cars and living rooms with his unique gift.
  His hard work and dedication to the people of Butler County went well 
beyond what could be heard over the airwaves. Off the air, he served as 
president of many fine organizations such as the Butler Rotary Club, 
the Butler County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, and the B'Nai 
Abraham Synagogue.
  Determined to give back to the community that welcomed him with open 
arms, he also served as a board member of Butler Memorial Hospital, 
Visiting Nurses Association of Western PA, Boy Scouts, Salvation Army, 
Lifesteps, Cancer Society, Butler County Music and Art Festival, and 
Butler County Jaycees.
  And his efforts have not gone unnoticed. He's been honored by various 
groups including receiving awards such as Junior Man of the Year, 
Pennsylvania's Most Outstanding Radio Program About Cancer and the City 
of Butler's True Citizen Award.
  Larry is a genuine individual whose openness, honesty and 
friendliness on and off the air paints a clear picture of his love for 
the human species. Those who know him describe him not only as an 
exceptional human being but a wonderful friend, husband to his wife, 
Judy, father to his three children and grandfather of 10. Now as he 
retires, I wish to thank Larry for his years of extraordinary service 
to our community.
  Knowing Larry, I am positive that he is entering retirement in name 
only. He will continue to be a positive influence in Butler County and 
beyond. I wish him the best in the coming years. This may mark the end 
of his radio program, but it is simply life moving on to a different 
frequency.

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