[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 149 (Thursday, October 6, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1797]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SLOVENE NATIONAL BENEFIT 
                   SOCIETY, LODGE #158 ``LOYALTIES''

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                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 6, 2011

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the 100th 
anniversary of the Slovene National Benefit Society, Lodge #158 
Loyalties.
  The Slovene National Benefit Society (SNPJ) was founded on April 6, 
1904 by 12 Slovenian immigrants with the intent of offering life 
insurance and sick and disability benefits. Today, with more than 125 
lodges nationwide, SNPJ is the largest Slovenian fraternal organization 
in the United States. In addition to its fraternal benefits, SNPJ also 
offers its members access to a scholarship program, activities for 
members of all ages and use of its summer campsite, the SNPJ Recreation 
Center in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania.
  Organized in 1911, Lodge #158 was originally called the Pioneers. In 
1954, Lodge #158 merged with Lodge #590 and became the Loyalties. 
Today, with 1,223 adult members and 328 youth members, Lodge #158 is 
the largest SNPJ lodge in the State of Ohio and the 3rd largest in the 
United States. Loyalties members are active throughout the Greater 
Cleveland community and can be found volunteering at Cleveland 
Federation of SNPJ Lodges, SNPJ ``Farm,'' Cleveland Athletic League, 
Slovenian Society Home ``Recher,'' Slovenian Workmen's Home, and 
Slovenian Society Home ``Holmes,'' among others.
  Lodge #158's centennial celebration will occur on October 8th at 
their home hall, Slovenian Society Home, and feature a dinner and music 
by the Don Wojtila Band. Special honors will be paid to members 
celebrating their 50th, 60th, 70th and 80th year's anniversaries of 
membership.
  Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in recognizing the 100th 
anniversary of the Loyalties Lodge and those who are celebrating their 
50th, 60th, 70th and 80th years of membership with the Slovene National 
Benefit Society, Loyalties Lodge #158.

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