[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 38 (Thursday, March 6, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E328]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING DR. GARLAND FORBES

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 6, 2008

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Garland 
Forbes. A graduate of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New 
Jersey, with an Endodontic Certificate from the Graduate Dental School 
of Ohio State University, Dr. Forbes has been providing quality care 
and comfort to patients in Pasco, Pinellas, and Hernando Counties with 
exemplary endodontic services.
  However, his devotion to his community does not rest solely within 
his trained profession. He also organizes and executes his annual Plant 
1,000 Trees Before You Die observance. In December of 2005, Dr. Forbes, 
with the help of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America, distributed 
1,000 trees to area dental office personnel and their staff.
  In 2006, the event doubled with the distribution of 2,000 as Dr. 
Forbes partnered with the United Way and a local bank. The event 
reached further into the community as the public was invited to pick up 
trees to plant.
  In 2007, Dr. Forbes again decided to increase the number of trees by 
one hundred percent, distributing 4,000 trees. Because of Dr. Forbes's 
efforts, more than 7,000 trees have now been planted in the Florida 
counties of Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Hernando, and Polk.
  Madam Speaker, Dr. Forbes is a terrific example of how just one 
person can make a difference both locally and environmentally. His 
service to the community, through his endodontic services as well as 
his Plant 1,000 Trees Before You Die initiative truly serve as an 
inspiration to others. I am delighted today to acknowledge such an 
influential member of my community, and I hope that the example by 
which Dr. Forbes leads will serve as an incentive for others to 
contemplate how they too can serve their communities.

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