[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 42 (Monday, March 12, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E521]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING THE COMMUNITY OF COLLYER, KANSAS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JERRY MORAN

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 12, 2007

  Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
citizens of Collyer, Kansas for continuing efforts to sustain and 
revitalize their community.
  On September 26, 2004 that effort was formalized through creation of 
the Collyer Community Alliance. Donna Malsom, president of the 
alliance, said the organization was formed because residents want to 
see their hometown raise another generation of Kansans. ``Our community 
is made up of hard working individuals who pull together to support 
businesses, projects and each other, Malsom said. ``Through our 
combined efforts, we made a conscious decision to `save' our 
community.''
  Despite its small size--133 people--Collyer is making a large 
commitment to its future. In the nearly 30 months since it was formed, 
the alliance has grown from zero to more than 200 paid memberships.
  In order to obtain financing for community initiatives, the alliance 
has conducted a number of fundraising activities--the most famous of 
which are fish fries that are held every Friday evening during the 
Lenten season. In 2006, more than 1,000 plates were served. Having 
personally attended a fish fry, I can affirm that the food is delicious 
and the community spirit is inspiring.
  Funds have also been raised by organizing Hunter's Burgers and Brats 
and Ground Hog Celebration Soup suppers, the Walsh Auction Lunch, 
Quinter School Forensics Tournament Lunch, WaKeeney Trash and Treasure 
Flea Market, Quinter May Day Celebration, Switchback Benefit Barn Dance 
and alumni celebrations. Money raised from these activities is 
supplemented by generous financial support from individuals, families, 
businesses and local units of government. Since its inception, 
approximately 75 entities have achieved ``sponsor'' status through the 
alliance.
  This fundraising effort translates into impressive promotion of and 
support for the community. Last year, the Collyer Cafe opened in the 
refurbished Saint Michael's Convent. The alliance purchased the convent 
and the community donated well over 1,000 volunteer hours to this 
restoration project.
  In July, the community hosts an After Harvest Music Festival which 
brings approximately 500 people to town. In October, the Fall Street 
Festival attracts more than 1,000 visitors to Collyer.
  The alliance further promotes Collyer by maintaining an extensive 
website at www.collyerks.com. The site includes a history of the 
community, ongoing development projects, fundraising activities and 
community events.
  An effort is being made to preserve the legacy of Collyer by 
obtaining historical designations on 14 community buildings. The Saint 
Michael's Buildings, Zeman Dance Hall, the old mercantile/grocery store 
and the Collyer Depot are just a few of these historically significant 
structures. With persistent effort, the alliance has achieved 501(C)3 
nonprofit status retroactive to May of 2005. This approval is allowing 
the community to aggressively pursue restoration efforts.
  An additional boost to preserve Collyer's legacy occurred in May of 
2006 when the community was awarded a grant from the Kansas Humanities 
Council in support of an initiative to gather and record stories of 
immigrant families that settled in Collyer. Alliance members supplied 
the volunteer hours needed to complete this and several other grant 
applications.
  Sandra Stenzel, community volunteer, acknowledges that the work 
required to create a future for Collyer is not easy. However, she 
believes the effort is worth it. ``Our community was founded on the 
principles of faith, freedom, education, progress and agriculture,'' 
Stenzel said. ``We are proud of our past, but we are even prouder of 
the vision we have for the future and the plan we have to get there.''
  For rural communities to survive and prosper, citizens must be 
willing to create their own opportunities for success. Ongoing efforts 
to revitalize Collyer are an example of how hard work, vision and 
involvement support can create just such an opportunity. Citizens 
throughout Kansas are working together to enhance the quality of life 
in their communities. Collyer is a developing success story that 
demonstrates how teamwork and creative thinking can make a positive 
difference in rural America.

                          ____________________