[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 76 (Tuesday, May 25, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1088]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1088]]
    CROATIAN SONS LODGE NUMBER 170 OF THE CROATIAN FRATERNAL UNION 
                    CELEBRATES ITS 92ND ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 25, 1999

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to congratulate 
the Croatian Sons Lodge Number 170 of the Croatian Fraternal Union on 
the festive occasion of its 92nd Anniversary and Golden Member banquet 
on Sunday, June 6, 1999.
  This year, the Croatian Fraternal Union will hold this gala event at 
the Croatian Center in Merrillville, Indiana. Traditionally, the 
anniversary celebration entails a formal recognition of the Union's 
Golden Members, those who have achieved fifty years of membership. This 
year's honorees who have attained fifty years of membership include: 
Frances Joan Banchy, Willard A. Conway, Thomas Fadlevic, Marie Flynn, 
Edward W. Fritz, Frank Grishka, Steve Massack, Violet Mae Mikulich, 
John Mlacak, Mary Patterson, Marian P. Ritter, and Mike Svaco.
  These loyal and dedicated individuals share this prestigious honor 
with approximately 300 additional Lodge members who have previously 
attained this status.
  This memorable day will begin with a morning mass at Saint Joseph the 
Worker Catholic Church in Gary, Indiana, with the Reverend Father 
Benedict Benakovich officiating. In the afternoon, there will be a 
program featuring a guest speaker, Mr. John Buncich, Sheriff of Lake 
County, Indiana. The festivities will be culturally enriched by the 
performance of several Croatian musical groups. The Croatian Glee Club, 
``Preradovic,'' directed by Brother Dennis Barunica, and the Hoosier 
Hrvarti Adult Tamburitza Orchestra, directed by Edo Sindicich, will 
both perform at this gala event. The Croatian Strings Tamburitzans and 
Junior Dancers directed by Dennis Barunica, and the Adult Kolo group, 
under the direction of Elizabeth Kyriakides, will provide additional 
entertainment for those in attendance. A formal dinner banquet at 4 
o'clock in the afternoon will end the day's festivities.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge you and my other distinguished colleagues to join 
me in commending Lodge president Betty Morgavan, and all the other 
members of the Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge Number 170, for their 
loyalty and radiant display of passion for their ethnicity. The 
Croatian community has played a key role in enriching the quality of 
life and culture of Northwest Indiana. It is my hope that this year 
will bring renewed hope and prosperity for all members of the Croatian 
community and their families.

                          ____________________