[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 160 (Thursday, November 6, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2252]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      CONGRATULATING WALLACE RILEY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 6, 2003

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I 
congratulate and honor one of Northwest Indiana's most caring and 
dedicated citizens, Mr. Wallace Riley. Wally has served on the Lake 
Station City Council for 24 years and his many contributions to 
Northwest Indiana will be recognized on November 30, 2003, during a 
celebratory event at the Lake Station Veterans of Foreign Wars 
Facility.
  Wally began contributing to his community at a young age. In 1947, 
not long after graduating from Hobart High School in 1944 and working 
at his mother's grocery store, he began building the Liverpool Paint 
and Hardware building. Within a year and a half he opened the building 
for business with his wife, Betty Lou Ele and ran the company for 43 
years. Wally also served in Civil Defense for two years, and then was 
named Civic Defense Director for another two years. In 1948, he joined 
the Liverpool Volunteer Fire Department as a director, and was then 
made an honorary fireman of the East Gary (now Lake Station) Fire 
Department in 1974, and still serves as an active member today. He also 
donated his garage building to the East Gary Fire Department Battalion 
for 15 months.
  Wally has selflessly contributed to Northwest Indiana in many ways 
including serving as a Democratic Precinct Committeeman for a total of 
13 years, as well as directing and sponsoring the building of a new 
sidewalk in front of Evans School in Lake Station. He also worked with 
various Lake County Councilmen to pave many local streets, to widen 
35th Avenue, and he has participated in many local projects in Lake 
Station as a volunteer. He joined the East Gary Chamber of Commerce and 
served as Director, Vice President, and President during his tenure 
with the organization.
  Although Wally has served on numerous committees and has donated his 
time throughout his entire life to his Northwest Indiana Community, he 
has never neglected to provide support and love for his family. Wally 
and his wife Betty Lou, have four children, six grandchildren, and 
three great-grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, Wally Riley has given his time and efforts selflessly to 
his community and has provided leadership and dedication to all of 
Northwest Indiana. I respectfully ask that you and my other 
distinguished colleagues join me in honoring and congratulating Mr. 
Wallace Riley on his outstanding accomplishments throughout his life. 
His career of service to his community is worthy of the highest 
commendation.

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