[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 52 (Friday, March 21, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E235]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING A TRUE HOMETOWN HERO: DOUG TURNER

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                       HON. BRIAN K. FITZPATRICK

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 21, 2025

  Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Doug Turner, a 
remarkable constituent from our Bucks County community and this week's 
Hometown Hero.
  At 87 years old, Doug Turner has spent his life in service--to his 
country as a United States Army Veteran, to our land as a 30-year 
United States Forest Service worker, and to our community as an artist, 
storyteller, and neighbor. Along with his late wife Susan--who served 
as Newtown Borough Council President--Doug dedicated himself to the 
town they called home, whether teaching students at Goodnoe Elementary 
about the importance of trees or helping organize Newtown's annual 
Arbor Day celebration
  In 2022, when Doug lost Susan, he found a way to keep their shared 
spirit of giving alive--by bringing people together. He started hosting 
an annual winter party, a simple gathering meant to combat the 
isolation of winter and rekindle the warmth of true neighborly 
connection. No guest list, no expectations. Just an open door and one 
request: ``Bring only a smile.''
  This year, however, something remarkable happened. A simple act--an 
old-fashioned, handwritten, hand-delivered invitation--did not just 
bring together a neighborhood; it brought together the world. Doug's 
invitation scribbled on a paper snowflake with his signature humor, 
``From 4 p.m. to whenever the cops come,'' captured hearts from Alaska 
to Australia. Inspired by Doug, people everywhere started throwing 
their own neighborhood parties, making a conscious effort to reach out 
to those around them. What Doug started in his corner of Newtown 
rippled throughout the world, proving that one person can ignite a 
movement of kindness--one, in this case, that went viral.
  So today, we celebrate Doug--not for a viral party, but for showing 
us that in a world often divided, there is still more that unites us 
than separates us. For reminding us that we are not just individuals 
living side by side but neighbors--meant to share in life's joys, lift 
each other in hardship, and find strength in one another.
  I thank Doug for showing us that community is built through kindness, 
strengthened by connection, and made whole when we come together.

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