[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 48 (Wednesday, April 4, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E535]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO ESTHER KRISTOFF

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 4, 2001

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor and esteem that I 
congratulate Esther Kristoff on her retirement from the Girl Scouts of 
the Calumet Council after 32 years of service as the executive 
director. Esther has dedicated her career to providing the guidance 
that our children need, a service that is far too rare in today's 
society. She will be honored at a retirement celebration to be held on 
April 30, 2001.
  Esther Kristoff has enjoyed an outstanding career with the Girl 
Scouts of the Calumet Council. When she became the executive director 
in 1969, she had already devoted over 16 years to the organization. She 
has held a myriad of positions, from troop leader and troop organizer 
to member of the Board of Directors. Esther has given innumerable hours 
of service to the Girl Scouts, but it is the quality of her work that 
is most impressive. She has received every one of the local Girl Scout 
Council awards that were available to her, including the Appreciation 
and Honor Pins and Thanks Badges I and II for outstanding service to 
both the Council and the surrounding community. In 1998, she received 
the Girl Scout service pin for 45 years of devoted service.
  A graduate of Purdue University Calumet in Hammond, Indiana, Esther 
has undergone extensive training in the field of management. She has 
trained at such highly regarded institutions as Columbia University and 
Harvard University. She has also learned tremendously from her 
instruction experiences at Case Western Reserve University and the 
GSUSA Training Center in New York. The knowledge she gained from these 
programs has enabled her to become a true leader within the Council and 
the community.
  Esther's history of volunteerism is impressive and praiseworthy. She 
has held a variety of positions and enjoys sharing her experiences with 
others. She served as president of the Hammond Woodmar Kiwanis from 
1993-1995 and was recognized for her outstanding work and loyal 
service. She is an active member and secretary of the executive 
committee at the Lake Area United Way. Esther has also volunteered her 
time to work with local political leaders for the improvement of her 
community. She has worked with the Hammond mayor's office on several 
committees, the latest being the Hammond Marketing Committee. While on 
this committee she helped to organize the Keep Hammond Beautiful 
program and the Hammond Pride Week celebration. Esther has also served 
as a guest speaker for the Hammond Historical Society and as a 
volunteer speaker for the Lake Area United Way speaker's bureau.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my distinguished colleagues to join me in 
congratulating Esther Kristoff as she celebrates her retirement from 
the Girl Scouts of the Calumet Council after 48 years of service and 32 
years of service as the executive director. Her commitment to the youth 
of Northwest Indiana should be recognized and must be commended. She 
has dedicated her life and her career to helping others, and her 
efforts will surely be missed.

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