[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 41 (Thursday, March 7, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E267-E268]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF BERNARD McGURL, ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS DIVISION 
             4 PAUL ``HOOK'' O'MALLEY MAN OF THE YEAR AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MATT CARTWRIGHT

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 7, 2019

  Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Bernard 
McGurl, who will receive the Paul ``Hook'' O'Malley Man of the Year 
Award from the Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 4 on Thursday, 
March 7, 2019. .
  Bernie grew up in Dunmore and is a graduate of Dunmore Central 
Catholic High School. He received degrees in political science and 
history from the University of Scranton and a degree in humanities from 
Keystone College. Bernie went on to attend Johnson College to study 
cabinetmaking and building construction. Early in his career, he worked 
jobs in construction, forestry, and rail.

[[Page E268]]

  Bernie is best known for his passion for preserving the environment. 
He has made extraordinary efforts to clean and maintain the Lackawanna 
River watershed, an area that encompasses 350 square miles across four 
counties in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Bernie was also instrumental in 
establishing the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority. Under his 
direction, the Lackawanna River Conservation Association acquired 
sections of railbed that are now incorporated into the Lackawanna 
Heritage Trail. As Vice President of the Rail Trail Council, his work 
resulted in the acquisition of 40 miles of D&H railbed. As Executive 
Director for Lackawanna Valley Conservancy, he was successful in 
protecting 18 properties totaling 200 acres.
  He is also a great supporter of the arts. Bernie is an active member 
of the Mulberry Poets and Writers Association. A lifelong learner, 
Bernie satisfies his intellectual curiosity and takes it upon himself 
to study different disciplines, including geology, history, ecology, 
and various aspects of engineering.
  It is an honor to recognize a fellow environmentalist and public 
servant for all the great work he has done. May he continue to work for 
the good of the natural world and our community. I wish Bernard the 
best as he accepts the Paul ``Hook'' O'Malley Man of the Year the 
Award.

                          ____________________