[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10802]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     CELEBRATING ABINGTON TOWNSHIP

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ALLYSON Y. SCHWARTZ

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 27, 2009

  Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate 
Abington Township, a community in my district that has been recognized 
with three distinct national honors. Abington Township is a three-time 
winner of America's Promise ``100 Best Communities for Young People'' 
in the United States, and in fact, the township is the only three-time 
winner in Pennsylvania. Money Magazine named Abington Township as one 
of the ``100 Best Places to Live in America'' and most recently, US 
News & World Report awarded Abington Senior High School a bronze medal 
as one of America's best high schools.
  I have had the privilege of representing Abington in the Pennsylvania 
State Senate and now as a member of Congress. I am also proud to be an 
Abington resident. Over the years, I have seen first-hand Abington's 
demonstrated commitment to building a strong community dedicated to the 
advancement of the lives of its young people.
  Abington Township's ``Triple Crown Awards'' are the result of a 
concerted collaborative effort among the school district, police 
department, community organizations, businesses, and residents who have 
worked tirelessly to create a responsible, caring, and safe community. 
They've established the Abington Community Taskforce, comprised of 
parents, police, religious and civic leaders and over thirty civic 
groups, dedicated to the mission of teaching tolerance, promoting 
neighborhood safety, and building strong families.
  The Abington Police Department has established strong community 
partnerships with innovative programs like D.A.R.E, the Police Athletic 
League, Citizens and Police Together, Kids in Safety Seats, and Town 
Watch. Abington Township adopted the state-sponsored Communities That 
Care Initiative to advance their collaborative efforts based on an 
annual needs assessment to best direct their long-term community 
building initiatives. They've established joint initiatives between the 
school district and police department, including an anti-drug program 
and the Community Partnership of Youth and Adults to encourage 
community spirit and participation.
  Abington Township is the recipient of repeated national recognition 
because, as a community, the people of Abington represent values that 
are at the very core of the American spirit--duty, respect, selfless 
service, honor, and integrity.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating the 
incredible accomplishments of Abington Township and wishing the 
residents of the township success in their endeavors to better their 
community. Abington Township sets an example for all of us to follow. I 
couldn't be prouder of Abington for its outstanding efforts.

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