[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 29 (Wednesday, March 3, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E289]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CELEBRATING THE RETIREMENT OF DEDE LONG

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                        HON. ALLYSON Y. SCHWARTZ

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 3, 2010

  Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate 
Dede Long on her retirement after 31 years of exemplary, devoted 
service to Briar Bush Nature Center, a non-profit organization 
dedicated to environmental education in Abington, PA. I am honored to 
represent Ms. Long and the people of Abington in Congress.
   Founded in 1908 as a wildlife refuge Briar Bush was acquired by 
Abington Township in 1962 upon the passing of its founders. In 1964 the 
Friends of Briar Bush was created as a non-profit organization 
dedicated to providing environmental education to individuals and 
groups of all ages through on-site and outreach experiences, protecting 
and nurturing a natural wildlife habitat, and promoting conservation of 
natural resources by increasing awareness and understanding of the 
environment.
   Dede Long was selected as Executive Director of Briar Bush in 1979. 
She brought with her her experience with the USO in Athens, Greece, as 
a junior high school science teacher in Japan, and her work at outdoor-
education schools in California. Through her stewardship Ms. Long has 
worked to establish many effective relationships with local 
organizations and the nationally recognized partnership between Briar 
Bush Nature Center, the Friends of Briar Bush, Abington Township and 
the Abington School District. During her tenure at Briar Bush, she has 
increased the number of staff members, completed a full renovation of 
all exhibits, and added facilities such as The Treetops classroom and 
Butterfly House.
   The Briar Bush Nature Center has received numerous awards, including 
``Nonprofit of the Year,'' and ``Nickelodeon Parents' Pick'' for the 
variety of family oriented programs and events offered yearly. Ms. Long 
has been acknowledged personally for her valuable work, receiving the 
2008 Keystone Award from the Pennsylvania Alliance of Environmental 
Educators. She is an active member of her community and is involved in 
the Rotary Club of Jenkintown, the Abington Community Taskforce, and 
the Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce. She also supports 
many special events sponsored by other community organizations 
including the Jenkintown Day Nursery, Abington Education Foundation, 
Police Athletic League and Old York Road Historical Society.
   Madam Speaker, once again I applaud Dede Long for her dedication, 
service, and accomplishment as Executive Director of Briar Bush Nature 
Center and environmental leader for over three decades. I offer my 
heartfelt congratulations to her on the momentous occasion of her 
retirement.

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