[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 108 (Monday, July 21, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1544]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CONGRATULATING DOROTHY KONICHEK FOR DISTINGUISHED CIVIC SERVICE

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                             HON. RON KIND

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 21, 2003

  Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise before 
you today to honor Dorothy Konichek for her commendable service to the 
community of Prairie du Chien. Mrs. Konichek is celebrating her 80th 
birthday and has been a citizen of Prairie du Chien for 64 of those 
years. As we celebrate this special day, we must also honor Mrs. 
Konichek for her distinguished citizenship and service.
  She has an unbelievable dedication to serving her community and has 
extended her goodwill to many organizations. Mrs. Konichek has given 
countless hours to the seniors in her community by volunteering at the 
Care Center. She eagerly offers her generosity and kindness of heart to 
ensure that the well-being of the senior members of Prairie du Chien is 
met. She has tirelessly given her time at the Meadow Lane Group Home 
for the developmentally disabled and has eagerly taken on leadership 
positions in her church and community that have contributed to the 
welfare of Prairie du Chien's youth.
  I am proud to congratulate Dorothy Konichek on the celebration of her 
80th birthday. It is important that we all recognize and commend her 
for her remarkable character and distinguished citizenship. Her 
commitment to service has supported the community of Prairie du Chien 
for 64 years. Mrs. Konichek embodies a standard of service that can be 
appreciated by all who live in the State of Wisconsin.
                                   Alma Center, WI, June 22, 2003.
     Representative Ron Kind,
     House Office Bldg., Washington, DC.
       Dear Representative Kind: My mother, Dorothy Konichek, long 
     time resident of Prairie du Chien, will be celebrating her 
     80th birthday on July 28, 2003. She has been a valuable 
     citizen of Wisconsin for about 78 years and a resident 
     Prairie du Chien for 64 of those years.
       I am requesting from your office a Letter of Commendation 
     for her years of giving to the people of Prairie du Chien, 
     making it a better city in which to live. No, these are not 
     the types of things that will get you in the local paper but 
     people doing these types of things are what make for healthy 
     communities.
       Here are the reasons why I feel such. a commendation is in 
     order.
       Den mother with the Boy Scouts; Girl Scout leader; Sunday 
     School teacher in her local church; her many hours of service 
     to the developmentally disabled at the Meadow Lane group 
     home; volunteering at the Care Center; looking after many 
     elderly persons throughout the years, cleaning their homes 
     and providing meals; being there with a listening ear for 
     more people than I could count; and taking people for 
     groceries who do not drive.
       The list could go on and on. My mother is truly a person 
     who loves and cares for the people around her never asking 
     for anything in return. I'm sure you will agree that people 
     like this are what make for a strong community. I feel she 
     has helped to make Prairie du Chien a better place to live.
       Thank you for considering my request. Her five children are 
     hosting an open house for her on July 19th, at the Faith 
     Evangelical Free Church, in Prairie du Chien, from 1:30-4:30, 
     with a special program being held at 2 p.m. If you feel you 
     can honor my request, the letter would be presented at that 
     time. You may write me at the above address or e-mail me.
       Thank you for your response.
           Sincerely yours,
     Mary (Konichek) Mandigo.

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