[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 11]
[House]
[Pages 15496-15497]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE SERVICE OF JOHN DOLAN

  (Mr. WELCH asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WELCH. Mr. Speaker, often people overlook the treasures in their 
own backyards; and in Vermont, one of our treasures is the Vermont 
Institute of Natural Science, an institution that has provided 
environmental education for young Vermonters since the early 1970s. It 
has provided help through education, research, avian wildlife, and 
rehabilitation programs.
  Thousands of children in New England have grown up with VINS and 
taken the lessons they've learned about environmental responsibility 
and sustainability with them into their adult lives.
  Sustaining such a mission over the long term requires persistent work 
and agile leadership. Dolan has succeeded. He served as VINS president 
for 8 years and retired on October 1.
  John led VINS through a transformation that made it more resilient.

[[Page 15497]]

He brought renewed focus to the environmental mission of VINS by 
enhancing the visitors center, expanding the nature camps, and hosting 
regional events focused on the environment. He created new 
partnerships, including an expansive research and education program 
with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
  Dolan's leadership helped VINS sustain its inspiring mission, and he 
leaves the institute stronger than when he came. On behalf of all who 
have benefited from VINS and who continue to enjoy it, I offer John my 
thanks and best wishes for his future.
  Vermonters are proud of this backyard treasure and heartened that 
VINS is here to stay.

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