[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 46 (Tuesday, April 23, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E599]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E599]]



    CONGRATULATIONS TO VOLUNTEERS OF LAKE COUNTY PURDUE UNIVERSITY 
                      COOPERATIVE EXTENSION OFFICE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 23, 2002

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great enthusiasm and respect 
that I wish to congratulate the multitude of volunteers who donate 
their time and effort to the Lake County Purdue University Cooperative 
Extension Office located in Crown Point, Indiana. The devoted 
assistance of these selfless individuals has brought a spirit of 
volunteerism to the Northwest Indiana community that embodies the 
culture of its people. The citizens of Northwest Indiana owe them a 
debt of gratitude, and they will be honored for their commitment, at a 
dinner reception celebrating National Volunteer Week on April 23, 2002.
  Mr. Speaker, National Volunteer Week has been celebrated since 1974, 
when President Nixon issued an executive order establishing the week as 
an annual celebration to honor those who volunteer at the local, state, 
and national levels, and also as an opportunity to impress upon others 
the benefits and sense of satisfaction that volunteerism provides. This 
year's theme, ``Celebrate the American Spirit--Volunteer!'', carries 
added significance after the tragic events of September 11, 2001. The 
outpouring of generosity was evident in the days and weeks following 
the attacks, as volunteers around the country helped initiate the 
healing process. Through the efforts to these courageous individuals, 
the Northwest Indiana community continues to unite.
  Through a variety of programs, the Lake County Purdue University 
Cooperative Extension Office assistance to those throughout Lake 
County. The local 4-H Club is committed to positive youth development 
by planning camps, workshops, and other activities in which the young 
citizens of Lake County can participate. Master Gardeners is a program 
that provides volunteers an opportunity to revitalize their communities 
through activities related to gardening. Members of this group answer 
questions related to gardening, conduct gardening schools, and work 
diligently on community beautification projects. The Extension 
Homemakers Association works to strengthen Lake County families and 
help them to develop their homes and communities. Volunteers in this 
group assist families to maintain physical and mental health and to use 
their human and economic resources in the most efficient manner. These 
programs, along with the many others that the Lake County Purdue 
University Cooperative Extension Office provide, serve as vital 
resources to the citizens of Lake County.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues in 
the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating 
the volunteers of the Lake County Purdue University Cooperative 
Extension Office for their loyalty and dedication to the Northwest 
Indiana community. The contributions these individuals make to their 
fellow citizens and the improvements they provide to their communities 
cannot be measured with numbers. They create a feeling of camaraderie 
that expands throughout their neighborhoods and helps to bring a sense 
of belonging to each of their follow citizens. Volunteers are a vital 
part of our community, and I am proud to represent these dedicated 
individuals in Congress.

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