[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 173 (Monday, November 7, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1113-E1114]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE HALPERN FAMILY AS RECIPIENTS OF THE 2022 DISTINGUISHED 
                             CITIZEN AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. FRANK J. MRVAN

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, November 7, 2022

  Mr. MRVAN. Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration 
that I take this time to recognize the recipients of the 2022 
Distinguished Citizen Award, presented annually by the Boy Scouts of 
America, Pathway to Adventure Council. To commemorate this special 
occasion, the organization is hosting a celebratory event on Wednesday, 
November 9, 2022, at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts in 
Munster, Indiana.
  Since 1992, the Boy Scouts of America has bestowed the Distinguished 
Citizen Award upon individuals whose efforts have made a significant 
positive impact on the community of Northwest Indiana and beyond. This 
year, the Boy Scouts of America, Pathway to Adventure Council is 
honoring the Halpern family.
  Fred, Donna, Joshua, and Ashley Halpern are the owners of Albert's 
Diamond Jewelers in Schererville, Indiana. Established in East Chicago, 
Indiana, in 1905, Fred Halpern acquired Albert's in 1960. Throughout 
the years, Fred and his wife, Donna, handled much of the business 
operations. In 2010, Joshua, Fred and Donna's son, was named president 
of the company, becoming the fourth generation in his family to run the 
business. That same year, Joshua wed Ashley, who had been part of the 
Albert's team since 2003. Throughout the years, the company has 
flourished, and Albert's Diamond Jewelers continues to be one of the 
largest independent and family-owned jewelry stores in the country.
  The Halpern family dedicates much of their time and support to 
charitable endeavors throughout the region including the Foodbank of 
Northwest Indiana, NWI Parkinson's, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the 
Humane Society, South Shore Arts, and TradeWinds, among many others. In 
addition, the family hosts an annual auction for Multiple Sclerosis, 
which has raised over $2.6 million. The Halpern family is to be 
commended for their passionate and lifelong commitment to philanthropic 
efforts.
  Madam Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to 
join me in recognizing the Boy Scouts of America, Pathway to Adventure 
Council and its 2022 Distinguished Citizen Award recipients, Fred, 
Donna, Joshua, and Ashley Halpern. For their compassionate devotion to 
numerous charitable organizations, the Halpern family is to be admired, 
and they are worthy of the highest praise.

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