[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 189 (Wednesday, November 29, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2257-E2258]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    ERV WITUCKI: SPUD EXTRAORDINARE

                                 ______


                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 29, 1995

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, many of our communities have special matters 
that define their heritage and economic well-being. And many of these 
communities have developed such a heritage through the efforts of 
devoted individuals. Munger, MI, is known for its annual Potato 
Festival that has been held each year since 1954. One man who deserves 
unqualified recognition for his efforts over the 

[[Page E 2258]]
years is Erv Witucki, who has been a member of the sponsoring 
organization, the Munger Volunteer Firemen Corps, for the entire 41 
years.
  Not only has Erv been a member of the sponsoring organization since 
the festival's inception, he has also served as the festival's chairman 
for 20 years, from 1960 to 1981, and its co-chairman or honorary 
chairman for the remaining 21 years. He nurtured the festival's growth 
from a small, two day local event, to one which attracted over 30,000 
people each year as a major regional 4 day event.
  I can personally remember going to this event as a small child, and 
thinking how grand it was. As I grew, so did this festival, so that the 
image I had of this wonderful event as a child only grew with me. This 
is because of the hard work of Erv Witucki during those formative 
years. The impact this festival has had on other young people has been 
phenomenal because it isn't just for a 4-day celebration of the 
importance of the production of a key commodity, potatoes, to this 
town, but an opportunity to raise funds that have an impact on youth 
throughout the year. Recreation projects such as softball programs, 
tennis courts, playground equipment and picnic areas, a pavilion and 
volleyball courts, and an annual Halloween party for children are all 
the direct result of this festival.
  Erv has given to his community. He and his wife Marie have been 
blessed with 4 children and now 11 grandchildren. He has served as 
Merritt Township treasurer for 28 years, and has been extremely active 
with St. Norbert Church in Munger.
  Mr. Speaker, the people of Munger are very grateful to Erv Witucki 
and the others who have volunteered their time and effort to make their 
community a better place. I urge you and all of our colleagues in 
joining me in offering thanks to Erv Witucki.

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