[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 121 (Friday, August 5, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1499]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     IN HONOR OF MR. TONY PETKOVSEK

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 5, 2011

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Tony Petkovsek 
on the 50th anniversary of his Polka music radio show. Deemed 
``Cleveland's Polka Ambassador,'' he has worked tirelessly to advance 
Slovenian culture and Polka music both in Cleveland and around the 
world.
  Starting in August of 1961, Tony began broadcasting a polka music 
radio show fused with interviews and discussions on the Cleveland 
community. Tony was also instrumental in establishing the United 
Slovenian Society and Greater Cleveland and the USS Concert.
  In addition to his career, Tony uses polka as a vehicle to perform 
invaluable community service. Through his Cleveland Slovenian Radio 
Club's ``Radiothons,'' Tony has helped raise hundreds of thousands of 
dollars for the Slovene Home for the Aged which helps elderly members 
of Cleveland's Slovenian-American community receive various therapies 
as well as recreation activities and entertainment. He has also helped 
form many cultural organizations in Cleveland such as the United 
Slovenian Society of Greater Cleveland and the Cleveland-Slovenian 
Radio Club.
  Tony has received countless accolades and awards throughout his long 
and selfless career. He has served on the Ohio Arts Council and in 1991 
was inducted into the Broadcasters Hall of Fame in Akron. He has 
received the Slovenian Man of the Year Award from the Federation of 
Slovenian homes. This year he is being inducted into the Cleveland 
International Hall of Fame, Class of 2011.
  Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please rise to honor Mr. Tony Petkovsek 
on the 50th anniversary of his radio show and his recent induction into 
the Cleveland International Hall of Fame. He is a staple of Polka 
culture and is a vital member of the Slovenian-American community.

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