[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 125 (Thursday, September 12, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1594]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HAZLETON KIWANIS 75TH ANNIVERSARY

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                         HON. PAUL E. KANJORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 12, 1996

  Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
Kiwanis Club of Hazleton, PA on the occasion of its 75th anniversary. I 
am pleased that they have asked me to participate in the recognition of 
this important milestone.
  In 1921, a small group of men gathered at the local Hazleton YMCA and 
voted to donate $10 to the local Fourth of July observance. The 
following week the men formed a formal Kiwanis Club and elected their 
first president, Edward M. Prisk.
  As the Nation enjoyed peacetime under President Warren G. Harding, 
the club began to prosper and grow with the town of Hazleton. Members 
of the club went on to serve the community and the country. One member, 
Victor C. Diehm Sr., was elected to the position of Governor of the 
Pennsylvania District of Kiwanis. This is the highest office held by a 
member of the Hazleton club.
  The leadership of the Hazleton Kiwanis includes some of Hazleton's 
finest business and community leaders. In its long history the club has 
made an invaluable contribution to the Hazleton community. The club is 
a substantial supporter of the United Way and also sponsors the annual 
Hazleton soap box derby.
  Kiwanis has worked in conjunction with the Rotary club of Hazleton to 
develop Camp Rotawanis. The club also supported Can Do of Greater 
Hazleton by providing seed money for the Hazleton Township Community 
Park.
  The Hazleton Kiwanis is a major supporter of Penn State University, 
Hazleton Public Library, Hazleton YMCA-YWCA, the Greater Hazleton 
Philharmonic, Catholic Social Service and the Salvation Army. As an 
extension of its philanthropic support, the club also sponsors health 
screening programs, educational and entertainment activities for its 
members. The Kiwanis also run local Circle K clubs for student mergers.
  Mr. Speaker, the list of the Hazleton Kiwanis's interests and 
achievements are a testament to its dedication and service to the 
community. I am extremely proud to bring the achievements of this group 
to the attention of my colleagues. I join with the people of Hazleton 
in thanking President Victor Baran, First Vice President Dr. Geraldine 
Shepperson, Second Vice President Catherine Seamon, Immediate Past 
President Vincent Bartkus, Treasurer Joseph Weber and Secretary Ray 
Saul for their leadership of this vital organization.

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