Rep. Gillen rose in the state House to pay tribute to a local man who lost his life while serving in the Pennsylvania National Guard in Afghanistan.
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In honor of the Wyomissing Public Library’s 100th Anniversary, Rep. Gillen was pleased to present a citation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to the staff. As a frequent patron of libraries with his family, Gillen said it was a joy to honor the work and the service that they provide to the community. Pictured with Gillen are Colleen Stamm, library director (left), and Laurie Waxler, president of the library’s board of directors (right). Rep. Gillen joined Gov. Tom Corbett at the opening of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency’s (PEMA) new eastern area office in Hamburg. While the new office is located in the same complex as before, the new facility will enable PEMA to respond to emergencies, such as Hurricane Sandy, Hurricane Irene and Topical Storm Lee, more effectively. Pictured here with Gillen is Glenn Cannon, PEMA director (left), and Gov. Corbett (center). April is National Donate Life Month. As a designated organ donor and a state-certified Emergency Medical Technician, Rep. Gillen encourages Pennsylvanians to be a part of The Gift of Life Donor Program. When residents visit a PennDOT Photo License Center to get their photo taken for a driver’s license or photo ID card, they may choose to have the “Organ Donor” designation printed on their card at no charge. They can also register as an organ donor at PennDOT’s online portal. For more information about organ and tissue donation, residents should contact the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 1-800-PA-HEALTH. Rep. Gillen attended the Twin Valley High School’s annual “Informance,” a chance for the school to display some of its remarkable programs to an elected official. Gillen was impressed by the performance by the band, headed by Music Director and Fine Arts Chairman Daniel Long (right). After the performance, Gillen toured the facility with Principal Janine Mathesz (middle). Rep. Gillen participated in a news conference in Harrisburg to unveil the Property Tax Independence Act, a proposal to completely replace school district property taxes. Rep. Gillen toured the Western Berks EMS station to look at its facility and discuss the legislative issues that relate to EMS providers. As a licensed EMT and the secretary of the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, Gillen is honored to support these local responders and the important work that they do for the community. Pictured here with Gillen is Station Chief Ed Moreland. As a member of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, Rep. Gillen had a chance to talk again with Maj. Gen. Wesley Craig, adjutant general for the Pennsylvania National Guard, at the Pennsylvania War Veterans Council Legislative Breakfast. At the Pennsylvania War Veterans Council Legislative Breakfast that Rep. Gillen attended as a member of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, he had the honor to meet and talk with Neil Appleby, secretary-treasurer and past national president of the Blinded Veterans Association of Pennsylvania. State Reps. Mark Gillen (R-Berks) and Tom Caltagirone (D-Berks) invited Wyomissing Area High School state champion athletes to join them today in Harrisburg so the state House could recognize their accomplishments. At the Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s 2013 Health Care Summit, Rep. Gillen had the privilege of talking with some of the leading health care providers in the area. Pictured here with Gillen (far left) and Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (far right) are the panel participants from the summit: Clint Matthews, president and CEO of the Reading Health System; Dr. Kristen Sandel, president-elect of the Berks County Medical Society and Emergency Medical Clerkship director at the Reading Hospital; and John Morahan, president and CEO of the St. Joseph Regional Health Network. Rep. Gillen met in Harrisburg on Tuesday with Wyomissing Area High School’s Audrey Ann Blakely, who won the tennis singles state championship. Rep. Gillen met on Tuesday in Harrisburg with the Wyomissing Area High School Spartans golf team and coaches prior to the approval of a House resolution recognizing their victory in the PIAA Class AA state championship. Rep. Gillen joined the Wyomissing Area High School Spartans football team, coaches and staff in Harrisburg on Tuesday, prior to the approval of a House resolution commending them for becoming the first Berks County school to win the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) Class AA state championship. The state House approved a resolution introduced by Rep. Gillen marking Saturday, Feb. 9, as “Battle of Guadalcanal Remembrance Day” in Pennsylvania. Local resident Ed Taggert – a veteran of the battle – traveled to Harrisburg and was recognized by the speaker of the House. Taggert’s wife, Mary, made the trip with him. Rep. Gillen had the privilege of honoring District Judge Nicholas M. Bentz Jr. with a House of Representatives citation. Judge Bentz retired after 16 years of presiding over his Cumru Township courtroom. Gillen is pleased that Bentz will continue his long career of public service in his new capacity as a senior district judge. Rep. Gillen attended the 2013 Farm Show and interviewed Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture George Greig. They discussed the importance of agriculture to the Commonwealth and specifically to Berks County. Gillen’s daughter, Hannah, was able to join me during our visit. <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">While at the 2013 Farm Show, Rep. Gillen interviewed Twin Valley School District Future Farmers of America (FFA) Adviser Nicole Weaver and two former Twin Valley High School students and current FFA state officials. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=RXI9TMv-ZZE"><span style="color: #0000ff;">To watch the interview, click here.</span></a></p> Rep. Gillen had the opportunity to speak with several exhibitors about their animals at the 2013 Farm Show. Here, he learned about what is involved with raising and showing sheep. Rep. Mark Gillen was joined by two of his daughters, Glory (left) and Grace (front), and his wife, Kim, on swearing-in day in Harrisburg. Rep. Gillen visited Robeson Lutheran Preschool to read a Christmas story and talk about his job as a state legislator. He had a wonderful time talking to the children and staff and taking a tour of the facility. Rep. Gillen attended the dedication of the expansion of F.M. Brown’s, where the company marked the opening of 1,000 feet of rail siding to the existing Norfolk Southern line behind its James Street facility. Gillen was privileged to join other elected and company officials in their celebration. Joseph Delucia, who served in the Armed Forces at Pearl Harbor during the attack in 1941, recently passed away. Rep. Gillen had the privilege and honor of meeting Delucia when he and two other area Pearl Harbor survivors visited the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. The veterans traveled that day to Harrisburg to be present for the passage of Rep. Gillen's House Resolution 374 commemorating the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Rep. Gillen said his thoughts and prayers are with the veteran's family and loved ones. More information about Delucia is available <a href="http://www.quackit.com/html/html_help.cfm" target="_blank">here</a>. During the opening ceremony for the Traveling Vietnam Wall at Coatesville VA Medical Center, Rep. Gillen had the privilege of joining some of the veterans in a wreath-laying ceremony. Standing in the photo while presenting the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) wreath are (left to right), Buddy Rhoades, commander, MOPH Chapter No. 1777; Gillen; Michael Mescavage, MOPH Pennsylvania commander; and Dennis Kukulka, member, MOPH No. 1777. At the Celebrate Veterans Event, Rep. Gillen had the opportunity to speak to Dr. Carl Frey Constein, a World War II veteran. The program was a touching reminder of the sacrifice of America's veterans and a fitting way to honor them. Rep. Gillen was saddened to learn that Joseph Lockard (far left), a World War II veteran who survived the attack at Pearl Harbor, recently passed away. The legislator had the privilege of meeting Lockard at the state Capitol in Harrisburg. Rep. Gillen recently attended a presentation for families benefitting from Bridge Educational Foundation scholarships. Gillen said it’s encouraging to see children like this who will be able to take advantage of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program. Rep. Gillen was privileged to present a citation from the House of Representatives to Ted Wolicki, Berks County’s oldest veteran. Gillen was joined by volunteers who were helping Wolicki with maintenance on his house and roof. Rep. Gillen participated in a wreath laying as part of the opening ceremony of the Vietnam War Traveling Memorial, or the Wall that Heals. The Coatesville VA Medical Center is hosting the memorial, which has visited 350 cities and towns, until Nov. 12. Gillen was privileged to stand next to these Vietnam War veterans. For information on visiting the memorial, contact the Coatesville VA at 610-384-7711. Rep. Gillen participated in Columbia Cottage's Health Fair and talked with residents about programs and information available at the state level to help them live a healthy lifestyle. Because healthy living is important year-round, Gillen's office is always available to share these resources with constituents. At the Reading Fair, Rep. Gillen stopped by the VFW tent and met with Kenneth Stoudt, a Navy veteran of World War II, who still looks sharp in his Navy dress whites. Rep. Gillen and his daughter, Grace, joined Plow Farms' owner Gregg Eshelman and his son Preston - along with their Newfoundland Lillie Bell - for a look at the work that goes into a Christmas tree farm. Keep a lookout later this fall for Gillen's Legislative Report program on what they learned. Rep. Mark Gillen’s Tour De District Bicycle Ride stopped at the Allegheny Aqueduct Historical Park and Beidler House during a ride along the Thun Trail in Robeson Township. Sue Miller-Speros (center, blue shirt), a historian from the Berks County Parks and Recreation Department, gave a tour of the Beidler House. Prior to the naming ceremony for the Kyle D. Pagerly Memorial Highway, Rep. Gillen had the privilege of performing the ceremonial first kick to Savannah Kylie Pagerly during the Hometown Heroes soccer game. Here, Savannah and her mother, Alecia, join Gillen in remembering law enforcement officers who paid the ultimate price keeping Pennsylvanians safe. Gillen thanked the Reading United A.C. and all the other individuals and organizations who participated and made this event a special time to memorialize those who have fallen. During a recent House session, Rep. Gillen joined other legislators in welcoming New York Giants player Henry Hynoski to the House floor. Rep. Gillen invites residents to consider joining him for the “Tour De District,” a group bicycle ride through the 128th Legislative District that will include brief stops at historic points along the Thun Trail. Rep. Gillen will be available to discuss state legislative issues. Rep. Gillen had the honor of spending time with Pearl Harbor survivor Dan Schroeder of Berks County. The two men met and Schroeder shared with Gillen some of his remembrances about his World War II service. Rep. Gillen had the opportunity to join in the celebration of Maple Grove Speedway’s 50th anniversary. During the opening ceremony, he presented a citation from the House of Representatives to owner Mark Stauffer. On June 4, Rep. Gillen was honored to participate in the Navy Depot’s Battle of Midway Commemorative Wreath Laying Ceremony. Prior to the wreath laying pictured here, Gillen read his House Resolution 688, which memorializes the 70th anniversary of this important event and was unanimously passed by the House of Representatives. At the Navy Depot’s Battle of Midway Commemorative Wreath Laying Ceremony, Rep. Gillen met Battle of Midway survivor John Balint. It was one of the highlights of Gillen’s time in office to meet Balint and honor his sacrifice. Rep. Gillen watched as students of area music teacher Chris Chandler of the Suzuki School of Violin give a concert in the East Wing Capitol Rotunda. Rep. Gillen hosted a federal casework day at his district office. Marta Gabriel, regional manager for Senator Pat Toomey, held open office hours and met with constituents to assist with federal issues. Gillen also was pleased to show her the Veterans Wall in the office, which honors those who have served. Rep. Mark Gillen recently toured the Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU) Education Centre to meet the staff and join the children in some of their activities. Rep. Gillen held an Open House at his district office, where he talked with constituents and listened to their comments and thoughts. Rep. Gillen participated in the Property Tax Independence rally in the Main Rotunda of the state Capitol, where Rep. Jim Cox (at podium) spoke about House Bill 1776 and property taxpayers from across the Commonwealth shared personal stories and urged for the complete replacement of school property taxes. Rep. Gillen participated in the Property Tax Independence rally in the Main Rotunda of the state Capitol, where Rep. Jim Cox (at podium) spoke about House Bill 1776 and property taxpayers from across the Commonwealth shared personal stories and urged for the complete replacement of school property taxes. Rep. Mark Gillen attended the Berks Visiting Nurses 2012 Health Care Champion Breakfast, where he joined the group in honoring Dr. Michael Baxter for his service to the community. Rep. Gillen spoke at the news conference unveiling House Bill 1776, the Property Tax Independence Act. Rep. Gillen congratulated some of the fine men and women who were honored at the 11th Annual Exeter Township Volunteer Fire Department's Recognition and Scholarship Banquet. Following the banquet Rep. Gillen had a chance to talk with Exeter Fire Department Chief Robert Jordan. The House approved a bill Rep. Gillen co-sponsored that would rename a portion of state Route 422 in honor of Berks County Sheriff Department Deputy Kyle Pagerly, a resident of Cumru Township, who was killed in the line of duty in the summer of 2011 while serving a warrant. During Rep. Gillen’s visit to the 911 dispatch station in Steelton, he had an opportunity to meet with and talk to some of the men and women who help keep Pennsylvania communities safe. Rep. Gillen recently visited the 911 dispatch station in Steelton during a tour scheduled with the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee. Rep. Gillen and Gov. Tom Corbett toured Viwinco, a Caernarvon Township window maker. After touring the Caernarvon Township-based Viwinco window maker company with Gov. Tom Corbett, Rep. Gillen met with constituent workers employed at the facility. Rep. Gillen testified before the House Appropriations Committee about the governor's budget proposal. Gillen forcefully argued that properly addressing the school property tax problem must be a top priority because all other issues pale in comparison when a homeowner has lost his or her house due to an inability to pay this burdensome levy. Rep. Gillen and his family enjoyed attending the Exeter Winter Carnival, a festival to raise money for Exeter athletics. Gillen and his daughter, Liberty, had their picture taken with some Exeter students. Rep. Gillen participated in a ceremonial bill signing event with other co-sponsors where Gov. Tom Corbett penned his name on legislation providing for pipeline safety standards. Rep. Gillen met and interviewed Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture George Greig at the Farm Show in January. At the Department of Agriculture’s Public Officials Day Luncheon, Rep. Gillen spoke with Casey Hall, 2011-2012 president of Pennsylvania’s Future Farmers of America. Rep. Gillen spoke with residents of The Heritage at Green Hills and answered questions during a recent town hall meeting. Rep. Gillen and his daughter, Liberty, met with Secretary of Agriculture George Greig and Twin Valley High School Future Farmers of America (FFA) members and advisers at the Pennsylvania Farm Show. Pictured from left to right are: Patricia Meyers, a Twin Valley biology teacher; Amber Wolnomiejski; James McGinnis III; Nicole Marinos, a FFA adviser; Secretary of Agriculture Greig; Gillen and daughter; Kaysi LaFollette; and Miranda Kane. Rep. Gillen greeted and introduced on the floor of the House three American patriots who survived the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 and served in the Armed Forces during World War II. From left to right are Joseph Lockard, Joseph DeLucia, Gillen and Lyle Koenig. The veterans were in Harrisburg on Dec. 7 in recognition of the 70th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Rep. Gillen met with Young-mok Kim, the consul general of the Republic of Korea, who spoke before the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Rep. Gillen met with Royal Canadian Mounted Policeman Hugues Dionne, who was part of a delegation that met with the speaker of the House, the governor and other various state agencies to discuss ways the United States and Canada can work together to build a better common future. A group of fourth-grade students and staff from Robeson Elementary School visited the state Capitol. Rep. Gillen and the students had a chance to have their picture taken on the staircase in the Main Capitol Rotunda. Rep. Gillen was pleased to meet with a group of fourth-grade students and staff from Robeson Elementary School during the students’ recent trip to Harrisburg. Rep. Gillen talked with some of the soldiers during a Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee tour of Fort Indiantown Gap. In addition to viewing the facility and learning about the training site, Gillen and the other committee members were briefed about the challenges facing veterans and the upcoming missions of the Pennsylvania National Guard. Rep. Gillen and other members of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee visited the Red Cross House in Philadelphia to learn about the facility's role in emergency situations. Rep. Gillen attended a meeting with Pennsylvania Secretary of Transportation Barry Schoch and other local leaders where they discussed the need for improvements to Route 222 north. Rep. Gillen and members of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee learned about the Southeastern Veterans’ Center during a recent visit to the facility. Rep. Gillen and his staff - (from left) Lois Theisinger, Anne Timpe, Jule Morris and Michelle Clabaugh - are here to serve. Rep. Mark Gillen (R-Berks) was in Harrisburg on Monday for a ceremonial bill-signing event where Gov. Tom Corbett penned his signature on the local lawmaker’s farmland preservation bill. Rep. Gillen met with Major General Wesley Craig, Adjutant General of the Pennsylvania National Guard, as part of Pennsylvania's celebration of National Guard Day. Rep. Gillen hosted the Mobile Vet Center at his Berks County district office. The event allowed military veterans and their families from the area to ask questions and receive information about programs and services tailored specifically for them. Rep. Gillen talked with two veterans outside the Mobile Vet Center at his Berks County district office. As the son of a World War II veteran, Gillen holds a special place in his heart for all United States military veterans. The Mobile Vet Center event provided an opportunity for local military veterans and their families to learn about programs and services tailored specifically for them. Many people picked up informational pamphlets and were able to ask questions and receive answers. Local businesses generously donated the food for the Mobile Vet Center event at Rep. Gillen’s district office. Rep. Gillen recently met with the Pennsylvania Zoological Council and learned about various species of animals and their endangered status. Rep. Gillen congratulated the West Chester Henderson School District academic team, which took first place in the annual Pennsylvania Academic Competition in Harrisburg. Gillen (back row, far left) had his photo taken with the team on the floor of the House of Representatives following the win. Students from Wilson School District recently participated in the 20th annual Pennsylvania Academic Competition at the state Capitol in Harrisburg. As host of the 20th annual Pennsylvania Academic Competition, Rep. Gillen had the opportunity to welcome students from across the Commonwealth who came to the State Capitol on May 5 to compete in the academic competition. Rep. Mark Gillen had his picture taken with Luigi Scotto, the Consul General of Italy, who was in Harrisburg to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy. Rep. Gillen visited The Highlands, a local retirement community to answer questions on a variety of subjects including property taxes, the upcoming budget, and what resources his office can provide for seniors. Pictured is Gillen speaking with a couple of the residents. Rep. Gillen had a packed house for his recent event at the district office. Gillen invited people to join him for an Open House to talk about issues facing the district and the Commonwealth. More than 200 people showed up at Rep. Gillen's district office Open House, making the event a huge success. Rep. Gillen provided information about what is going on in the state Capitol during the Open House. Always looking out for taxpayers (both their wallets and their stomachs), Rep. Gillen's district office staff made and brought some of the food for the Open House. On April 5, the House unanimously approved legislation authored by Rep. Karen Boback and supported by Rep. Gillen to recognize the Honor and Remember Flag as a symbol of the service and sacrifice of all fallen U.S. Armed Forces personnel since the nation’s founding. Boback and Gillen displayed the flag in the House chamber. If the legislation is approved by the Senate and signed into law by Gov. Tom Corbett, the flag will be displayed in Soldiers Grove at the state Capitol. Rep. Gillen met with Pat Haplin-Murphy, president and founder of the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition. Rep. Gillen attended a Great Reading Chamber of Commerce lunch featuring House Transportation Committee Chairman Rick Geist, where they discussed transportation issues concerning Berks County. Rep. Gillen visited the Daniel Boone Homestead for its Charter Day on March 13. Rep. Gillen recently sat down with House Appropriations Committee Chairman Bill Adolph (R-Delaware) to review and discuss Gov. Tom Corbett's budget proposal. Rep. Gillen visited Robeson Elementary School to tour the library and hear students present some of the projects they were working on. During a recent visit to Robeson Elementary School, Rep. Gillen read a book to the children. During his visit to Robeson Elementary School, Rep. Gillen watched students like these two make presentations while dressed up in costumes. Rep. Gillen presented a House citation to Brandon Butterbaugh at his Eagle Scout ceremony. Never too busy to get his hands dirty, Rep. Mark Gillen hangs the sign outside of the district office. Residents are encouraged to stop by for help with state government-related issues. Rep. Gillen met with students from the Berks Career & Technology Center during their recent visit to the state Capitol. Rep. Gillen was joined by his wife, Kim; his mother, Concetta; and his four daughters on swearing-in day. Here, the group stops to have its picture taken in the House chamber. Rep. Mark Gillen (R-Berks) on Tuesday, Jan. 4, was sworn into office as his wife, Kim, held the Bible. Twenty-one new Republican legislators will join the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 2011-2012 session.
 
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