[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 46 (Thursday, April 17, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E696]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN HONOR OF REGINA RUTKOWSKI: CHOSEN TO BE MARSHALL OF BAYONNE'S 
             CONTINGENT IN THE TRI-STATE PULASKI DAY PARADE

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                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 17, 1997

  Mr. MENENDEZ.  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
exceptional woman, Regina Rutkowski, who was chosen as marshall of 
Bayonne's contingent to the Tri-State Pulaski Day Parade which will 
march along Fifth Avenue in New York City on October 20, 1997. Mrs. 
Rutkowski will be invested with the marshall's sash at a brunch held in 
her honor on Sunday, April 20 at the Hi-Hat Caterers in Bayonne.
  The journey which has led Mrs. Rutkowski to be recognized with this 
honor began in Poland where she was born to Franciszka and Teodor 
Razin. Along with her family, the future Mrs. Rutkowski suffered the 
ravages of World War II. Her father, a noncommissioned officer in the 
Polish Cavalry, was captured by the Nazis and placed in a concentration 
camp for 3 years. The family was later relocated to a German labor farm 
from which Mrs. Rutkowski still can clearly recall the bombardments in 
this strange country. After the war, her family moved to England where 
Mrs. Rutkowski's father joined the British Army, becoming a member of 
the military band. Mrs. Rutkowski acquired a passion for music from her 
father, an accomplished musician and composer. In her own right, Mrs. 
Rutkowski is an accomplished artist with numerous works of art to her 
credit.
  Upon her family's arrival in the United States, Mrs. Rutkowski 
continued her education which culminated with her graduation from 
Jersey City State College magna cum laude with a perfect 4.0 grade 
point average. Subsequently, the former Regina Razin met and married 
Richard a Rutkowski who went on to become mayor of Bayonne from 1990 to 
1994. This joyful union produced three children: Richard, Jr. who 
manages the Hi-Hat Caterers along with his wife Bonnie; Stephen, a 
chiropractor in Connecticut who is married to Dr. Teresa Rutkowski; and 
Robert, a graduate of Widener University Law School. Mrs. Rutkowski's 
family circle is completed by her brother and sister-in-law Thomas and 
Helen Razin and their two sons Thomas and Richard.
  Mrs. Rutkowski has long been an active community member. This 
extraordinary woman has been a valued member of many Polish-American 
organizations, including the Pro Arte League of the Kosciuszko 
Foundation, AMERPOL Club of New Jersey, the Polish-American Heritage 
Committee of Bayonne, and Bayonne's Third of May Polish Constitution 
observances. Additionally, Mrs. Rutkowski serves on the Parish Council 
of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Bayonne and is a member of the 
parish's centennial committee and the Mt. Carmen Guild.
  Regina Rutkowski is a vivid example of community spirit. It is an 
honor to have such a caring and dedicated individual in my district 
working on behalf of her fellow residents of Bayonne.

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