[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 144 (Thursday, November 3, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2251]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING DR. JOSEPH AND DR. ROSE MATTIOLI AS THEY ARE AWARDED THE FRANK 
 SCHOELCH COMMUNITY COMMITMENT AWARD FROM THE POCONO MOUNTAINS CHAMBER 
                              OF COMMERCE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. PAUL E. KANJORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 2, 2005

  Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed 
colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to my very 
good friends Dr. Joseph and Dr. Rose Mattioli, of Monroe County, 
Pennsylvania, who have been honored by the Pocono Mountains Chamber of 
Commerce as recipients of the Frank Schoelch Community Commitment 
Award.
  Both Mattiolis are graduates of Temple University, which is where 
they met. Dr. Joseph Mattioli practiced dentistry while Dr. Rose 
Mattioli pursued a professional career as a podiatrist. Both practiced 
in Philadelphia for about 10 years before they decided to embark on a 
complete change of careers.
  The Mattiolis were determined to pursue a dream of bringing 
automobile racing to the New York and Philadelphia regions.
  That dream became a reality in 1968 when they opened the Pocono 
International Raceway at Long Pond in Monroe County. They endured 
numerous obstacles and hardships during the early days of NASCAR, but 
they persevered.
  Since then, the Mattiolis have developed the track into one of the 
best in the Nation. Today, that track hosts two NASCAR NEXTEL Cup 
series events each year. In 2002 they were inducted into the Stock Car 
Racing Hall of Fame.
  Known as the driving force behind the growth of Pocono Raceway, Joe 
is credited by his peers for his incomparable knowledge of racing, 
drivers and, above all, people.
  Rose is well-known as a gracious lady with an infectious smile. Rose 
is the ``heart'' of the Pocono Raceway. She was instrumental in 
providing an area at Pocono Raceway for religious services for race 
teams and their families.
  Joe is also a strong supporter of countless charitable groups 
throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. A veteran of World War II, Dr. 
Mattioli has been honored for helping the Veterans Coalition and 
Veterans of the Vietnam War.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Drs. Joseph and Rose 
Mattioli on this happy occasion. It is, indeed, fitting that this 
couple should be recognized for their community commitment since they 
have contributed so much to the greater Pocono Mountain community for 
so long. I am proud to consider them my friends. Pocono Raceway has 
hosted hundreds of thousands of guests over the years and has been 
responsible for generating significant amounts of revenue and jobs that 
have greatly improved the quality of life throughout the region.

                          ____________________