[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 3 (Thursday, January 8, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E31]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE WORK OF BERT ISACKSON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SUZAN K. DelBENE

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 8, 2015

  Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Bert Isackson, who 
was recently nominated for the President's Lifetime Achievement Award, 
celebrating Americans who volunteer 4000 or more hours of their time. 
Mr. Isackson was honored for his extraordinary work at the Blaine Food 
Bank in Blaine, Washington. Additionally, he received plaques from the 
City of Blaine and the Volunteer Center of Whatcom County, honoring his 
decades of work.
   Mr. Isackson worked as a commercial fisherman until his retirement, 
but has continued volunteering at the food bank that he and his wife 
founded more than 40 years ago. Even though Mr. Isackson recently 
celebrated his 100th birthday on December 8, 2014, he still dedicates 
four days each week to preparing coffee for volunteers and organizing 
materials for pick-up and distribution.
   The Blaine Food Bank serves between 375 and 400 families weekly, 
distributing 75,000 pounds of food each month. Mr. Isackson's 
commitment is an inspiration to the food bank's 25 volunteers and the 
community alike. At the time of the food bank's founding, Mr. Isackson 
was one of few community members who recognized the need for a food 
bank in the Blaine community. This award recognizes Mr. Isackson's 
invaluable contributions to the Blaine area, and I am grateful that he 
plans to continue his valuable work.
   I want to congratulate Bert Isackson on his well-deserved 
recognition, and I thank him for his tremendous commitment to the 
entire community of Whatcom County.

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