[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 129 (Thursday, September 26, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1384]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING THE SLOVAK CLUB OF MERRILLVILLE, INDIANA ON ITS 100TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 26, 2013

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I 
congratulate the Slovak Club of Merrillville, Indiana, as the 
organization celebrates its 100th anniversary. In honor of this 
momentous occasion, the Slovak Club is hosting a celebratory event on 
Saturday, September 28, 2013, at the club hall in Merrillville, 
Indiana.
   The Slovak Club of Merrillville was first established in 1913 when a 
group of Slovak men joined together with the goal of preserving Slovak 
heritage and tradition at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Gary. The 
group initially called themselves the Slovak Political and Educational 
Club. After World War II, members of the club wanted a permanent home 
and purchased property at 11th Avenue and Harrison Boulevard in Gary. 
The Ladies Auxiliary was established in 1950, and once the new building 
was complete, the auxiliary began hosting dinners featuring shrimp, 
fish, and traditional Slovak fare, which were tremendously successful. 
The organization continued to grow over the next twenty years with 
membership exceeding more than 450 members. By 1979, the organization's 
Board of Directors sold the Slovak Club building in Gary, and members 
began meeting at the Slovak American Legion Post #367. The current home 
for the Slovak Club in Merrillville, at 69th Avenue and Broadway, was 
completed in 1986. For the past 100 years, Slovak Club members have 
dedicated their time and efforts to many charitable organizations 
throughout the community, and for this they are to be commended.
   I would like to take this time to recognize the Slovak Club officers 
and Board of Directors. The officers are President Ronald Mayersky, 
Vice President Randall Mayersky, Treasurer John Dienes, Financial 
Secretary Kenneth Dienes, and Recording Secretary John Brezik. The 
Board of Directors include Robert Deliget, Peter Guip, George Murray, 
Donald Engel, Paul Rogers, Joseph Koveck, John Stofko, William Mindas, 
and Ed Mayersky.
   I would also note with pride that my 97-year-old father, former Gary 
Mayor John Visclosky, continues his membership in this noteworthy 
fraternal organization, as do I.
   Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask you and my other distinguished 
colleagues to join me in recognizing the 100th anniversary of the 
Slovak Club of Merrillville, Indiana. The Slovak community has played 
an important role in enriching the quality of life and culture of 
Northwest Indiana. For their commitment to civic endeavors and to 
preserving Slovak traditions, the Slovak Club's leaders and membership 
are worthy of our highest praise.

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