[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23647]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF VERN AND NORMA BATES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 30, 1999

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Vern 
and Norma Bates on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary 
celebration. The Bateses were married in my home town of Bay City, 
Michigan, on June 3, 1950, thus beginning the marriage which would see 
them to the close of this century, and into the next millennium. During 
this half century together they have developed a marriage which remains 
one that all of us in the Fifth Congressional District aspire to and 
admire.
  In July 1950, Vern and Norma Bates began their married life together 
in Caro, Michigan, where Vern established his own barber business, and 
together, the couple began their many civic contributions. During these 
early years, they were blessed with a kind and loving family, with the 
arrival of their three children, Annette, Timothy, and James. Today, 
the Bateses are proud grandparents of Chad, Eric, Jodi, and Scott.
  In 1962, Vern Bates accepted a position with the Michigan Department 
of Licensing and Regulation, first as a barber, and later as a hearing 
officer. He remained there until his retirement in April 1992. For 12 
years, Mr. Bates was a member of the Caro School Board, where he served 
as President.
  In 1988, Norma Bates was elected County Commissioner for the Village 
of Caro, Indian Fields and Wells Townships. Previously, she had served 
as Board Chairperson as well as on numerous other boards and committees 
in the community. She is currently serving in her fifth term in office.
  Vern and Norma Bates have contributed greatly to the Caro community. 
They are active members of the St. Paul Lutheran Church of Caro, where 
both have held numerous offices and positions. They are leaders in the 
local Little League. Their civic contributions to the community and 
public service are exemplary. Indeed, Vern and Norma Bates are beloved 
by their family, honored by their neighbors, and venerated by the Caro 
community.
  Mr. Speaker, I am sure that you will agree that both Vern and Norma's 
many life accomplishments can be attributed to their great commitment 
to each other, to their commitment to a marriage which weathers any 
storm and upholds all sacred vows. Mr. Speaker, I urge you and our 
colleagues to join with me in honoring Mr. and Mrs. Vern and Norma 
Bates, on this celebration of their 50 years of marriage.

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