[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 137 (Monday, September 12, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1246-E1247]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING MATTHEW A. TAYLOR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 12, 2016

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a wonderful young man 
in my district, Matthew A. Taylor, who was recently conferred the rank 
of Eagle Scout, the highest achievement or rank attainable, by the Boy 
Scouts of America on May 31st, 2016.
  Matthew's hard work and dedication has been evident throughout his 
Boy Scout career, culminating with an Eagle Scout project that was 
exceptional in its scope and accomplishments. Matthew focused on 
helping to improve the Thomas Paine Cottage Museum, the last

[[Page E1247]]

structure in North America that the Founding Father owned as his home 
and is open to the public as a historic house museum, in New Rochelle. 
Matthew's efforts to help update and restore key elements of the 
cottage included scraping, sanding, and repainting the wooden porch at 
the cottage's front entrance as well as the entrance door and railing 
at the rear of the cottage; repairing loose stone and broken mortar 
joints on the property's stone pedestrian bridge; power-washing the 
bridge; and cleaning up debris from the creek. His work was 
instrumental in maintaining and preserving the property, which in turn 
helps to perpetuate and promote the rich history of the City of New 
Rochelle.
  But Matthew's project was only one facet of his work and ambition. He 
has committed his life to making a positive impact on his community and 
the people around him, and his attaining the rank of Eagle Scout is 
proof of that dedication and commitment.
  On September 10, 2016 Matthew and his family celebrated his Court of 
Honor with a wonderful award ceremony. I want to congratulate Matthew 
on this tremendous honor and personally thank him for all he has done 
to better his community.

                          ____________________