[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E709]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING MR. GEORGE B. MELICK

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. THOMAS H. KEAN, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 20, 2026

  Mr. KEAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. George B. Melick 
of Tewksbury, New Jersey, for his 90th birthday. Mr. Melick was born to 
George B. Melick, Sr. and Florence Rinehart Melick on August 16, 1936 
at Somervile Hospital becoming the ninth generation of Melick farmers 
in Tewksbury.
  George grew up on the family farm where he still resides to this day. 
He learned from the strong example set by his parents about hard work, 
serving their faith, family, community and flag. George's father died 
in July 1954 when George, at 17 years old, making him head of the 
family and farm operation. That life-altering event resulted in 
George's hard work and resilience in the family business; he has worked 
tirelessly to find efficiencies to expand the farm. His efforts created 
the farm as it is today. Melick's farm cultivates over 700 acres of 
crops including the 120 acres of apple and peach trees that make 
Melick's Town Farm the largest apple grower in the state.
  George's upbringing led him to a lifetime of public service beginning 
with the Oldwick Fire Company in 1957 and as a volunteer on the 
Planning Board and Board of Adjustment in Tewksbury Township in 1960. 
In 1964 he went on to be successfully elected and later re-elected to 
the Township Committee for six consecutive terms over 18 years. In 1978 
he was elected to the Hunterdon County Board of Chosen Freeholders, 
serving 12 consecutive terms over 36 years before retiring in 2013 as 
the longest continuous serving Freeholder in the State of New Jersey at 
that time.
  Since his very first campaign in 1963, George Melick's message and 
creditability as a local public servant has never waned. He firmly 
believes that government should be efficient, accountable, constrained 
and that leaders must not be afraid to say ``no.''
  Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate George Melick's enduring impact and 
legacy; I invite my colleagues to join me in honoring him for his 
lifelong contributions to agriculture and public service.

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