[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 130 (Monday, October 7, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1770]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HUGH CLARK: CARVING OUT A MODEL FOR HARBOR BEACH

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                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 7, 2002

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Hugh Clark of 
Harbor Beach, Michigan, upon the occasion of his being honored by the 
Harbor Beach Historical Society and Friends of the Frank Murphy Museum 
for his significant and inspiring contributions to his community. Hugh 
Clark has spent a lifetime volunteering his time and talents to benefit 
others and his exemplary efforts stand as a model for others to follow.
  In 1957, Hugh moved to Harbor Beach with his wife, Joleen, to teach 
science at Harbor Beach Community School. It wasn't long before both 
Hugh and Joleen joined the Jaycees, beginning a pattern of volunteerism 
and community service that would last to this day. A naturalist by 
training, Hugh also writes an informative column for the Harbor Beach 
Times.
  A popular science teacher for many years, Hugh devoted his life to 
educating young people in and out of the classroom. He spent 30 years 
in various roles with the Boy Scouts of America, serving as cub master, 
scout master and Round Table Commissioner for the Thumb District until 
retiring from scouting in 1995. Today, many adults in Harbor Beach and 
beyond still have found boyhood memories of scouting trips and nature 
excursions led by Hugh Clark.
  More than 20 years ago, Hugh had a little down-time while on a canoe 
trip. He took out a carving knife and began sculpting a block of wood. 
Hugh's chiseling soon led to a new hobby, wood carving. He started out 
making wooden neckerchiefs for Boy Scouts, which he donated for sale. 
The Boy Scouts raised more than $10,000 from the sale of Hugh's wood 
carvings. He also crafts pieces for the Wooden Canoe Heritage 
Association and items to be sold to benefit the Harbor Beach Lighthouse 
and Breakwall Preservation Society and for the Friends of the Frank 
Murphy Museum.
  Naturally, Hugh acknowledges that he could not possibly have given so 
freely and generously of his time and talents without the enthusiastic 
support of his loving wife, Joleen, and his three children, Don, Kathy 
and Valerie. They deserve our commendation and gratitude as well.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Hugh Clark 
for giving so much back to his community and for his praiseworthy 
devotion to our young people. Hugh Clark has touched an untold number 
of lives and I am confident he will continue to reach out to his 
community for many years to come.

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