[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 69 (Tuesday, May 15, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E788-E789]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING MR. JOSEPH FALBO

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. C.A. DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 15, 2012

  Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to honor Mr. 
Joseph Falbo, who was recently named the ``2012 Dundalk Citizen of the 
Year'' by the Optimist Club of Dundalk. Mr. Falbo was chosen to receive 
this prestigious award for his remarkable efforts to improve the 
quality of life in his community.
  Mr. Falbo has volunteered with the Dundalk Heritage Association since 
1980, when he answered an ad in the Dundalk Eagle seeking volunteers to 
help erect a fence for Dundalk's signature event, the Heritage Fair. 
Working his way through the ranks, Mr. Falbo stepped up to serve as the 
organization's president in 2007 when its then-president fell ill.
  From booking bands to ensuring the event runs on schedule, the fair 
requires year-round planning. Though unprepared and inexperienced, Mr. 
Falbo's first fair at the helm went off without a hitch. The event has 
grown since, with last year's shattering attendance records. He 
continues to make improvements to each year's fair. addition to being 
named the ``Citizen of the Year,'' Mr. Falbo recently received a 
``Milestone Award'' from the Dundalk Renaissance Corp., which honors 
residents who help revitalize the community. The organization said Mr. 
Falbo's ``leadership and heavylifting'' ensure the annual fairs ``grow 
and evolve with our community.''
  Despite his many awards and acclamations, Mr. Falbo remains humble 
and appreciative. When told he was receiving his most recent

[[Page E789]]

award, Mr. Falbo said he couldn't accept it unless his whole 
organization was also recognized.
  Mr. Falbo also spent years coaching tee ball, baseball, and soccer 
teams for the Dundalk-Eastfield Recreational Council. Furthermore, Mr. 
Falbo helps with the group's annual Dundalk Christmas Parade.
  In addition to his volunteer efforts, Mr. Falbo is a fixture in 
Dundalk's business community, having owned and operated his auto-repair 
shop since he took it over from his father in the 1990s. He is a 
graduate of Dundalk High School.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor Mr. Joseph 
Falbo. His genuine love for his community and neighbors are an 
inspiration to us all, and are deserving of the utmost gratitude. It is 
with great pride that I congratulate Mr. Falbo on his exemplary 
contributions to the Dundalk community.

                          ____________________