[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 17 (Tuesday, February 11, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E217]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO IRENE KETCHUM

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 11, 1997

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to commend to you and my 
other distinguished colleagues, Ms. Irene Ketchum, an outstanding 
citizen of Indiana's First Congressional District. Irene is a shining 
example of commendable dedication to voluntarism. At the end of 1996, 
in recognition of her unselfish commitment to the community of 
northwest Indiana, Indiana State Representative Dan Stevenson of 
Hammond, IN, presented Irene with Indiana's highest honor designated by 
Governor Evan Bayh, the Sagamore of the Wabash. This distinguished 
award was bestowed upon her at a Democratic precinct open house at the 
Wicker Park Social Center.
  Irene's distinguished career includes being managing editor of the 
Herald Newspapers in Gary, IN, from 1950-55. From 1956 to 1979, Irene 
served as clerk treasurer for the town of Highland, and in 1980, she 
became a trustee and board secretary of the Lake County Public Library.
  Over the years, Irene has devoted her time to many community service 
organizations. She has served as treasurer of the Highland Community 
Events Council, president of the Highland Women's Democratic Club, and 
auditor of the Highland Democratic Club. Moreover, Irene has served as 
treasurer, secretary, vice president, and president of the Indiana 
League of Municipal Clerks and Treasurers, and she is a lifetime member 
of the Girl Scouts of America USA. In 1995, the Girl Scouts Calumet 
Council honored Irene with its Woman of Distinction Award.
  Irene unselfishly spends 1 day a week at an east Chicago, Indiana 
church rectory, doing office work, and 1 day a week at Our Lady of 
Grace school library. Irene also aids the Hammond Public Library with 
the program for seniors once a month. Currently, Irene is treasurer for 
the St. John Deanery Council of Catholic Women, and she is president of 
the Our lady of Grace Court 80, National Catholic Society of Foresters.
  In a country that benefits immensely from voluntarism, Irene has 
proven that unselfishness has unlimited rewards that do not go 
unrecognized. Irene can be proud of her efforts to enrich the caliber 
of life in Indiana's First Congressional District. Mr. Speaker, I ask 
you to join me in commending Irene for her lifetime devotion to 
community service.

                          ____________________