[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 144 (Thursday, October 21, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2155]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO THE O'TUCKS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN A. BOEHNER

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 21, 1999

  Mr. BOEHNER. Mr. Speaker, for four decades, the members of an 
organization known as the O'Tucks have dedicated themselves to serving 
our community and preserving the unique culture and traditions of 
Kentucky's Appalachian highlands.
  If you're even remotely familiar with the rich and vibrant culture of 
Appalachian Kentucky, it shouldn't surprise you to learn that groups 
like the O'Tucks exist. But it might surprise you to find such a group 
thriving outside of Kentucky--in Butler County, Ohio.
  The O'Tucks (as in ``Ohioans from Kentucky'') were founded 40 years 
ago by Mr. Stanley Dezarn, who was born in 1922 near the Goose Creek 
River in the Bluegrass State's Clay County. A lifelong educator and 
community leader, Stanley Dezarn founded the O'Tucks with a set of 
specific goals, which Ercel Eaton of the Hamilton Journal-News detailed 
last year: ``to provide a common ground for exchange of ideas and 
experiences for people with common cultural and environmental 
backgrounds; to strive to preserve the rich qualities of folklore and 
music of the Appalachian highlands; [and] to work for the continuous 
improvement of the community by cooperating with and assisting civic 
leaders, organizations, and public officials in Butler County.''
  For years the O'Tucks have fulfilled these goals repeatedly and 
successfully in our community. They've enriched the lives of countless 
Butler County residents through their music and cultural events. But 
they've also contributed to our community through their service and 
spirit of volunteerism, which has helped more than a few of their 
fellow citizens realize the dream of getting a college education or 
pursuing a career in art, teaching, nursing and other fields.
   Mr. Speaker, even after four decades of good times and good service, 
the O'Tucks have never strayed from the original goals of Stanley 
Dezarn. Fittingly, the O'Tucks will honor their founder late this month 
at their 40th anniversary banquet, and give thanks to Stanley Dezarn 
for his lifetime of dedication and service to the O'Tucks and the 
Butler County community.
  Stanley Dezarn and the O'Tucks are an inspiration for all Americans. 
They're proof that what makes America a great society is not her strong 
government, or her time-tested institutions, or her mighty industries; 
what makes America great is the spirit and enthusiasm of her people. I 
urge my colleagues to join me today in recognizing Stanley Dezarn and 
the O'Tucks organization for 40 years of distinguished service to the 
Butler County community and the United States of America.

                          ____________________