[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 54 (Tuesday, March 28, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E402]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF NATALIE GELB, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE LACKAWANNA 
                       HERITAGE VALLEY AUTHORITY

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. MATT CARTWRIGHT

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 28, 2017

  Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Natalie Gelb, 
Executive Director of the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority. The 
Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority works to preserve, conserve, and 
educate the public about the historical, cultural, economic, and 
natural resources of Lackawanna County. On March 30, Natalie will 
officially retire from her ED position after twelve years of 
outstanding service.
  A native of Scranton, Pennsylvania, Natalie attended Scranton Central 
High School and then the University of Maryland, where she graduated 
magna cum laude with degrees in English and history. Natalie joined the 
Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority in 2004.
  As Executive Director of the Authority, Natalie rehabilitated the 
Lackawanna River Heritage Trail and worked to foster closer 
relationships with other area organizations and institutions. The 
Lackawanna River Heritage Trail is part of a unique, seventy-mile, 
multi-purpose trail system. The trail begins at the confluence of the 
Lackawanna and Susquehanna Rivers in Pittston and continues north where 
it connects with the Delaware & Hudson Rail Trail. When Natalie began 
her work in 2004, the trail system was underdeveloped. But under her 
leadership, it was transformed into a highly utilized attraction in 
Lackawanna County, now drawing over 300,000 visits a year.
  In addition to serving as Heritage Valley Authority's Executive 
Director, Natalie has compiled an impressive personal record of service 
to others and her community. She currently serves on the boards of the 
Jewish Family Service, the Alliance of National Heritage Areas, and the 
NEPA Health Care Foundation. She is a member of the President's 
Advisory Council of Keystone College, Living Independently for Elders 
(LIFE), the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, and the Steering 
Committee for Women in Philanthropy.
  It is an honor to recognize Natalie for all that she has done while 
leading the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority. I wish her the best 
in retirement.

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