[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 37 (Monday, February 27, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E153]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING BOB SAVAKINUS, ANTHRACITE CULTURAL PERSON OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MATT CARTWRIGHT

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 27, 2023

  Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Speaker, today I honor Bob Savakinus who was 
named the 2023 Anthracite Cultural Person of the Year by the 250th 
Anthracite Commemorative Board. This prestigious award recognizes 
individuals who have promoted Anthracite heritage for more than 20 
years through special projects. Bob will be honored on February 19, 
2023.
  An avid history buff, Bob had dedicated much of his time to uplifting 
Northeastern Pennsylvania's cultural contributions and bringing 
attention to the rich history of our region. With his film company, 
Cannon Fire Productions, he has produced many documentaries on the 
subject, including The Rocky Glen Movie, Return to Rocky Glen Movie, A 
Token. to the Past: The Story of the Electric City, Full Steam Ahead: 
Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Steamtown NHS, The Confederation of 
Union Generals, Hanson's Amusement Park, Agnes, and Scranton's 
Championship Season. Each of these films has been a thoughtful, well-
researched and dynamic look into institutions that have defined 
Northeastern Pennsylvania's history and identity.
  Following the success of these documentaries, Bob has turned his 
attention to full length feature films, and he has been advocating for 
bringing both national and international filmmakers to the Anthracite 
region.
  In addition to championing Northeastern Pennsylvania's past, he also 
volunteers his time to work for a brighter future by serving on the 
boards of many local organizations. He is a board member of the 
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Special Education Advisory Panel, United 
Nations Association of NEPA, Lackawanna Valley Conservation 
Association, the Lackawanna County Industrial Development Authority, 
among others.
  When not focusing on his filmmaking endeavors and board memberships, 
he works as a transition education specialist for the Luzerne 
Intermediate Unit #18 and produces and hosts In a Nutshell on Comcast 
Channel 19 to further explore Northeastern Pennsylvania history. Bob 
has also been a driving force behind the annual Santa Train stop in 
Scranton, and he is a founder of the Arts on Fire festival in Scranton.
  It is an honor to recognize Bob as a titan of historical preservation 
of the Anthracite region. I deeply admire his unwavering commitment to 
preserving and promoting our history and culture and wish him all the 
best for many productive years to come.

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