[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 48 (Thursday, March 12, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E306]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF ART OWENS, RECIPIENT OF THE GREATER PITTSTON FRIENDLY 
                          SONS' SWINGLE AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MATT CARTWRIGHT

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 12, 2020

  Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Art Owens, who 
will receive the Francis Swingle Award from the Greater Pittston 
Friendly Sons of St. Patrick. He will be honored at the group's 106th 
annual gathering on Tuesday, March 17, 2020.
  Art was born January 12, 1959 to Sheldon and Eleanor Owens in Wilkes-
Barre, Pennsylvania. He attended grade school in Wilkes-Barre and 
graduated from E.L. Meyers High School in 1979. He earned an associate 
degree in social science from Luzerne County Community College and a 
bachelor's degree in liberal studies in social services, along with a 
certificate in gerontology from College Misericordia.
  Art's career serving others began in 1975 in the dietary department 
at Mercy Hospital in Wilkes-Barre. As the volunteer director, Art was 
integral to the management of the volunteer department, developing 
therapies and projects like the Angel/Golden Tree Project. During his 
20-year career at the hospital, he successfully built professional 
relationships with area social service organizations, and served on the 
Policy and Procedure Committee. Art was also vice president of the 
Mercy Hospital Auxiliary. For his efforts, he received the Mercy 
Leadership Award and the Mercy Community/Professional Involvement 
Award.
  In 1996, Art accepted a position with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of 
Northeastern Pennsylvania as a wish granting director/volunteer 
supervisor. He continued to make wishes come true for critically ill 
children, advancing to the position of program services director and 
then vice president of program services. He worked to secure over 
$100,000 in donations by building relationships with local businesses 
and organizations across Northeastern Pennsylvania. He recruited, 
hired, trained, and coordinated volunteers in wish granting and 
development during his time with the foundation.
  In 2006, Art transitioned to the Luzerne Intermediate Unit No. 18, 
assisting children in the Behavioral Health and Rehabilitative Services 
Department. He currently provides services to children who attend the 
Greater Nanticoke Area School District.
  In addition to the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick, 
Art is a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie 353, and 
currently serves on the Scholarship Committee to help raise funds for 
local students to assist with college expenses.
  It is an honor to join the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons of St. 
Patrick as they recognize Art Owens as the recipient of the Francis 
Swingle Award. He has had a successful career in service to his 
community, and I wish him all the best on this St. Patrick's Day.

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