[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5872]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF PINE FORGE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

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                            HON. JIM GERLACH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 20, 2010

  Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Pine Forge 
Athletic Association as it celebrates 40 years of providing and 
promoting baseball and softball for the youth in the Boyertown Area 
School District and neighboring communities.
  The Association formed as a result of the vision and leadership of 
Merle Harner and Robert ``Skip'' Trainer, who wanted to create more 
opportunities for participating in youth sports. The Association has 
thrived since its first team began practicing and playing on a single, 
small field at Pine Forge Elementary School four decades ago. Today, 
more than 400 boys and girls play on more than 30 teams that have 
access to as many as 15 fields faithfully maintained by the 
Association.
  While many things have changed since 1970, the Association remains 
committed to the core principles of teaching the fundamentals of the 
game, promoting good sportsmanship and helping youth learn the 
importance of team work, perseverance and hard work. The Association's 
tremendous success was made possible thanks to dedicated volunteers who 
generously give countless hours each year to serve as coaches, umpires, 
league officials and in various other roles.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in 
congratulating the Pine Forge Athletic Association as it commemorates 
this very special milestone and offering best wishes for continued 
success in enriching the lives of our youth and strengthening the bonds 
within our community.

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