[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 40 (Monday, March 3, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H926-H927]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE LIFE OF ALAN HOLMES STAHL

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Georgia (Mr. Carter) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of 
Mr. Alan Holmes Stahl, a man of service, dedication, and unwavering 
love for his family.
  Born in 1926 in Winthrop, Massachusetts, he enlisted in the Navy at 
the age of 17, serving aboard the USS LST-875 and USS LST-900 during 
World War II.
  After his honorable discharge in 1946, he attended Oklahoma State 
University and married the love of his life, Barbara Jane Todd.
  Together, they raised two children in Savannah, Georgia, and welcomed 
three cherished grandchildren.
  Alan built a successful career with AT&T, retiring at 55 to dedicate 
his time to community service. He was deeply involved in volunteer 
work, serving his church, local organizations, and the Bradford Public 
Library.
  A man of strong values and undeniable sense of humor, he brought joy 
to all who knew him. Known for his kindness, wit, and love for bourbon 
and chocolate, he left an unforgettable mark on his family and his 
community. His legacy of generosity, humor, and service will live on in 
those he inspired.


             Celebrating 25th Anniversary of Woodbine Opry

  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 
Woodbine Opry on its 25th anniversary and to celebrate its legacy of 
old-time music and community gatherings.
  The Woodbine Opry is located in Woodbine, Georgia, and is one of the 
longest running, free live music venues in the State of Georgia. The 
Woodbine Opry has provided bluegrass, gospel, and classic country music 
to southeast Georgia for the last 25 years, ever since it renovated the 
Old Woodbine School to house the venue.
  Even though the auditorium in the Old Woodbine School seats less than 
200 patrons, the Opry's live streams and social media pages have 15,000 
to 20,000 viewers each month from music lovers all over the Nation and 
the world.

[[Page H927]]

  This month, the Opry celebrated its anniversary by showcasing songs 
and stories reminiscent of the days when the Opry first began. The week 
of festivities included a bluegrass-gospel jam session, an electric 
country music night, and a live band that had the old school auditorium 
floor packed full of dancers.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Woodbine Opry, the staff, and 
musicians for achieving this accomplishment and for bringing so much 
joy and good music to Georgia's First Congressional District.


              Congratulating Wexford, Savannah's Irish Pub

  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
remarkable achievement of Wexford, an authentic Irish pub in Savannah, 
Georgia, which recently has been named one of USA Today's 2025 
Restaurants of the Year.
  Established by siblings Tim and Jennifer Strickland, along with Chris 
Swanson, Wexford has become a beloved gathering spot for both locals 
and visitors since its opening.
  Designed by Darren Fagan of the Irish Pub Company, the two-story, 
150-year-old space reflects Savannah's rich Hibernian heritage, 
seamlessly blending industrial brick exteriors with burnished mahogany 
interiors and stained-glass accents.
  Collaborating with Georgia Southern University's Center for Irish 
Research and Teaching, led by Howard Keeley, Wexford offers a revolving 
experience that tells the unique story of Irish immigrants in Savannah. 
The restaurant effectively serves as a living museum where patrons can 
enjoy both culture and cuisine.
  The menu, crafted by Executive Chef Jason Cummings and Chef Dustin 
Hambrick, features traditional Irish dishes with a modern twist, 
including favorites like fish and chips, corned beef Reuben, and 
Guinness pot roast sandwiches. The food, culture, and atmosphere make 
it a cherished spot for business lunches, for family dinners, and for 
social gatherings.


          Recognizing the Achievements of the Port of Savannah

  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
achievements of the Port of Savannah, which was the fastest-growing 
port on the U.S. East Coast in 2024.
  The impacts of Georgia's ports are felt across the State and all 
throughout the Nation. Georgia's ports and inland terminals support 
more than 609,000 jobs throughout the State annually, contributing $40 
billion in income, $171 billion in revenue, and $5.3 billion in State 
and local taxes to Georgia's economy.
  The Port of Savannah also led the Nation in port-to-rail speed last 
year. The great State of Georgia has been ranked number one for 
business for 11 years now, and Georgia ports have played an integral 
role in maintaining this achievement.
  The ports of Savannah and Brunswick are set apart from the 
competition by their commitment to building strong partnerships, 
ensuring ample capacity ahead of demand, and maintaining a responsible 
approach with communities.
  We are so thankful for the hardworking Georgians employed by Georgia 
ports and their commitment to strategic investment and growth.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Georgia Port Authority and the Port 
of Savannah for being recognized for their continued outstanding 
performances.

                          ____________________