[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 110 (Monday, September 18, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1506]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING CATHERINE CATCHINGS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 18, 2000

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to rise before you 
today to pay tribute to Ms. Catherine Catchings, the Illustrious 
Commandress of Oman Court No. 132. The Daughters of Isis, Ancient and 
Accepted Free Masons, based in Flint, Michigan, will honor Ms. 
Catchings at their 40th annual Commandress Ball on October 21.
  Catherine Catchings moved from Alabama to Flint, Michigan, in 1957. 
She joined Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church and has maintained an 
active membership, working with the choir, Young Matrons Auxiliary, and 
the Willing Workers Club.
  Because of Catherine's long standing dedication to enhance the 
quality of life for others, she began a long career with Hurley Medical 
Center, leading to her recent retirement. During this time, she also 
became President of AFSCME Local 825. Under Catherine's leadership, 
Local 825 made community service a key focus. Community Service became 
an established as a standing committee of the union, and members 
participated in various projects benefiting the needy. Catherine has 
worked with the United Way, Red Cross blood drives, and the Children's 
Miracle Network Run for Children. As a member of the American Legion 
Auxiliary, she works diligently on behalf of our area's veterans. She 
is involved with the Veterans Hospital Project, writes letters and 
purchases gifts for the veterans' families, and distributes information 
on such subjects as bone marrow research and donor registration.
  As Worthy Matron of Royal Star Chapter 27, Order of the Eastern Star, 
Prince Hall Affiliation, Catherine established a Scholarship Fund, 
organized donation drives on behalf of the Flint Shelter, Transition 
House, and Carriage Town Mission. As Youth Sponsor for the Crescent 
Moon Youth Fraternity, she helps create future community leaders 
through nursing homes visits and Christmas caroling. She is truly a 
tremendous role model, and many people in the Flint community have had 
their lives enriched by her unselfish acts.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my fellow Members of Congress to join me 
in honoring the Illustrious Commandress, Ms. Catherine Catchings. Her 
devotion to making this nation a better place to live should reinforce 
our strong commitment to our communities. We owe a debt of gratitude to 
Catherine, her husband, and their two sons.

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