[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 64 (Thursday, May 1, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E839]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CONGRATULATIONS TO CROATION SONS LODGE NUMBER 170

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                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 1, 2003

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to congratulate 
the Croatian Sons Lodge Number 170 of the Croatian Fraternal Union of 
America on the festive occasion of its 96th Anniversary and Golden 
Member banquet on Sunday, April 27, 2003. In addition to honoring 
thirty new 50-year members, the Lodge will also honor Martha J. Woss 
with the Woman of the Year Award, and Valentine-Walter Bahun with the 
Man of the Year Award.
  This year, the Croatian Fraternal Union will hold this gala event at 
the Croatian Center in Merrillville, Indiana. Traditionally, the 
anniversary celebration entails a formal recognition of the Union's 
Golden Members, those who have achieved fifty years of membership. This 
year's honorees include: Richard D. Bekelya, Josephine Blaschke, Violet 
Marie Boatman, Josephine Bobinac, Tom Bobinac, Nettie Brooks, 
Bernadette Chelich, Catherine Child, Yvonne Drysdale, Alice Erbesti, 
Matthew Erdelac, Sandra C. Giorgi, Marija Jugovic, Pauline Muraida, 
George Nosich, Carol Jean Pettit, John L. Ramuscak, Rudolph J. 
Ramuscak, Mary C. Rozmanich, Joanna Russ, Annie Jane Seral, Bartol 
Sikich, Jr., Rosemary Smith, Gertrude Studanich, Jean O. Surig, Dolores 
Teel, Jo Ann Tull, Irene Weger, Josephine Williamson, and Mary Yurkas.
  These loyal and dedicated individuals share this prestigious honor 
with over 300 additional Lodge members who have previously attained 
this important designation.
  Mr. Speaker, Martha Woss has been a fixture with the Croatian 
Fraternal Union for 78 years. She has served as president, vice 
president, recording secretary, and scribe, as well as serving as the 
chair for numerous committees. Martha also wrote a weekly column 
reporting the events of her Lodge, as well as other area Lodges. She 
was the first woman to bowl in the Joe Rady Tourney, and she was 
awarded a plaque from the national president for this honor. Martha has 
been a dedicated member of the Lodge since 1925, and because of her 
commitment and hard work, she has achieved the honor of being 
designated as Woman of the Year.
  On January 17, 2003, Valentine-Walter ``Wally'' Bahun celebrated not 
only his 83rd birthday, but also 65 years of service for Lodge 170 of 
the Croatian Fraternal Union of America. Wally has served in various 
positions throughout his time with the Lodge, including president, vice 
president, and trustee. He was also elected as a delegate to the 
Toronto 15th Convention in 1979, and has been elected as a delegate 
each year since for his dedication to Lodge 170. His commitment to the 
Croatian community of Northwest Indiana serves as an example of the 
dedication we all must show to keep our nation great.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge you and my other distinguished colleagues to join 
me in commending Lodge President Betty Morgavan, and all the other 
members of the Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge Number 170, for their 
loyalty and ongoing display of passion for their ethnicity. The 
Croatian community has played a key role in enriching the quality of 
life and culture of Northwest Indiana. It is my hope that this year 
will bring renewed hope and prosperity for all members of the Croatian 
community and their families. I am proud to represent these gifted 
residents of the First Congressional District of Indiana.

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