[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 85 (Tuesday, June 14, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1087]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN HONOR OF MR. MICHAEL CATANZARITE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 14, 2011

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mr. Michael 
Catanzarite, a prominent businessman, community leader, and a proud 
father. Mr. Catanzarite is being honored as a 2011 Father of the Year 
nominee by the Father's Day Council of Northeastern Ohio and the 
American Diabetes Association.
  Mike Catan is a successful businessman, born and raised in northeast 
Ohio. His father, Pat Catan, was an entrepreneur who began both the 
Darice craft products company and a chain of Pat Catan's craft stores. 
Mike has followed in his father's footsteps and serves as Co-Chief 
Executive Officer of Darice Inc.
  Mr. Catan has also been an active community leader. In 2002, when he 
found out that Strongsville High School's athletic field had fallen 
into disrepair, he spearheaded efforts to raise money to build a brand 
new stadium. Pat Catan Stadium opened only 83 days after ground was 
broken, and the facility is a boon to the community. Mr. Catan has also 
been known for his volunteer work; in 2009, he led a team including 
family and friends in building a new home for a Strongsville family 
whose two young daughters had been diagnosed with a very rare genetic 
condition. Mike Catan, along with many other volunteers and donors, 
worked to create a home that would meet the life-long needs of the two 
young girls. These are only a few examples of Mr. Catan's commitment to 
improving the community.
  Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in recognizing Mr. Michael 
Catan, whose children nominated him 2011 Father of the Year. His 
dedication to improving the community for his children and all citizens 
of northeast Ohio is awe-inspiring. I wish Mike Catan the best in all 
of his future endeavors.

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