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2008 SESSION


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 561
Commending Paul Berger.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 5, 2008
Agreed to by the Senate, March 6, 2008

 

WHEREAS, Paul Berger of the Westlawn community of Fairfax County is an active volunteer for the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association and was chosen by these groups as the 2007 “Virginia Advocate of the Year”; and

WHEREAS, Paul Berger suffered a stroke in 1985 at the age of 36, but through determination, creativity, and positive thinking, he overcame his disabling condition to pursue and create opportunities for himself in his professional and personal life and has become a dynamic author, speaker, and businessman who serves as an advocate for and inspiration to all people with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, in 1998 Paul Berger founded Positive Power Publishing with his wife, Stephanie Mensh, so that he could more effectively disseminate his message of hope and encourage people with disabilities, through his books and presentations, to live a full life and show the world that having a disability does not mean giving up; and

WHEREAS, in addition to running Positive Power Publishing, Paul Berger has been active in various organizations advocating for disabled people; he is currently a member of the editorial review board of the American Stroke Association’s magazine, Stroke Connection, a member of the consumer board of the Stroke Comeback Center, and a member of Operation Stroke's Community Education Committee, which works to raise awareness of the warning signs and risk factors for stroke; and

WHEREAS, Paul Berger has been the subject of numerous television news segments and articles in newspapers, professional journals, and magazines, and the recipient of several awards, including the “Communication Award of Individual Achievement” which was presented at the 18th annual award ceremony of the National Council on Communicative Disorders at the Kennedy Center in September 1999; and

WHEREAS, Paul Berger is an active member of the Greater Merrifield Business Association, the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, Rotary International, Toastmasters International, and several stroke survivor support groups; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Paul Berger on his advocacy work on behalf of people with disabilities and congratulate him on being awarded “Virginia Advocate of the Year” for 2007 by the American Heart Association; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Paul Berger as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect and admiration for his commitment to inspiring people with disabilities to embrace their challenges and pursue their dreams.