IN RECOGNITION OF ART OWENS, RECIPIENT OF THE GREATER PITTSTON FRIENDLY SONS' SWINGLE AWARD; Congressional Record Vol. 166, No. 48
(Extensions of Remarks - March 12, 2020)
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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E306]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
IN RECOGNITION OF ART OWENS, RECIPIENT OF THE GREATER PITTSTON FRIENDLY
SONS' SWINGLE AWARD
______
HON. MATT CARTWRIGHT
of pennsylvania
in the house of representatives
Thursday, March 12, 2020
Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Art Owens, who
will receive the Francis Swingle Award from the Greater Pittston
Friendly Sons of St. Patrick. He will be honored at the group's 106th
annual gathering on Tuesday, March 17, 2020.
Art was born January 12, 1959 to Sheldon and Eleanor Owens in Wilkes-
Barre, Pennsylvania. He attended grade school in Wilkes-Barre and
graduated from E.L. Meyers High School in 1979. He earned an associate
degree in social science from Luzerne County Community College and a
bachelor's degree in liberal studies in social services, along with a
certificate in gerontology from College Misericordia.
Art's career serving others began in 1975 in the dietary department
at Mercy Hospital in Wilkes-Barre. As the volunteer director, Art was
integral to the management of the volunteer department, developing
therapies and projects like the Angel/Golden Tree Project. During his
20-year career at the hospital, he successfully built professional
relationships with area social service organizations, and served on the
Policy and Procedure Committee. Art was also vice president of the
Mercy Hospital Auxiliary. For his efforts, he received the Mercy
Leadership Award and the Mercy Community/Professional Involvement
Award.
In 1996, Art accepted a position with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of
Northeastern Pennsylvania as a wish granting director/volunteer
supervisor. He continued to make wishes come true for critically ill
children, advancing to the position of program services director and
then vice president of program services. He worked to secure over
$100,000 in donations by building relationships with local businesses
and organizations across Northeastern Pennsylvania. He recruited,
hired, trained, and coordinated volunteers in wish granting and
development during his time with the foundation.
In 2006, Art transitioned to the Luzerne Intermediate Unit No. 18,
assisting children in the Behavioral Health and Rehabilitative Services
Department. He currently provides services to children who attend the
Greater Nanticoke Area School District.
In addition to the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick,
Art is a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie 353, and
currently serves on the Scholarship Committee to help raise funds for
local students to assist with college expenses.
It is an honor to join the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons of St.
Patrick as they recognize Art Owens as the recipient of the Francis
Swingle Award. He has had a successful career in service to his
community, and I wish him all the best on this St. Patrick's Day.
____________________