[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 27281-27282]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                  TRIBUTE TO THE SLOVAK CATHOLIC SOKOL

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 15, 2000

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your 
attention the deeds of an important organization from my district that 
celebrated its 95th year of fraternal service on Sunday, November 12, 
2000 because of its many years of service and leadership. It is only 
fitting that this group is honored, for it has a long history of 
caring, generosity and commitment to others.
  This year marks the 95th anniversary of the establishment of the 
Slovak Catholic Sokol, a fraternal benefit organization with 
headquarters in Passaic, New Jersey. It was founded on July 4, 1905 by 
a group of 48 Slovak immigrants. The organization has grown over the 
past nine and a half decades and now includes nearly 35,000 members 
with assets of $52 million.
  As a well-known gymnastic and athletic organization of American 
Catholics of Slovak ancestry, the Sokol places great emphasis on the 
growth and development of its youth. Various athletic contests on the 
local, district and national levels are held. The Sokol hosts 
international tournaments in basketball, volleyball, bowling, softball 
and golf. In addition, a biennial international track and field 
competition known as ``Slet'' is held at various locations across the 
United States and Canada. Next year, the Sokol will host its 40th Slet 
at Kutztown University in Kutztown, Pennsylvania.
  Concern for higher education among its youth is another priority. To 
date, nearly $800,000 in scholarship grants have assisted members in 
the quest for higher education. This year, a total of 86 deserving 
members received grants on the grade school, high school, and 
university levels.
  In keeping with its emphasis on fraternal benevolence, the Sokol 
generously supports various religious institutions, churches and 
centers promoting a greater appreciation for the Slovak heritage as it 
enriches our American way of life. In keeping with its interest in 
promoting greater awareness of Slovak culture, it provides regular 
opportunity for its youth to participate in cultural festivals in 
Slovakia.
  Since 1905, the Sokol has maintained its national headquarters in 
downtown Passaic. Since 1911 it has published a weekly publication, the 
Slovak Catholic Falcon. This tabloid, 16-page, bi-lingual publication 
is mailed to more than 11,000 households throughout the United States, 
Canada and other nations. This means of communication among the 
membership provides an excellent opportunity for the members to keep 
abreast of activities sponsored by the Sokol and to gain a better 
knowledge of the rich cultural heritage the membership shares.
  At the present time, the Sokol has 155 local lodges in 14 states and 
the province of Ontario in Canada. The Sokol actively promotes various 
volunteer efforts. It gives strong support to the work of Habitat for 
Humanity and encourages its members to participate actively in various 
local community projects including blood drives, tutorial programs for 
youth, supporting food bands and service to home bound and institution-
bound individuals.
  Current national officers include the Rev. Msgr. Francis J. Beeda, 
Supreme Chaplain, Sue Ann M. Seich, Supreme President, Steven M. 
Pogorelec, Supreme Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, John D. 
Pogorelec, General Council, Daniel F. Tanzone, Editor, George We. 
Hizny, Supreme Treasurer, Michael J. Pjontek, Jr., Supreme First Vice 
President, Albert J. Suess, Supreme Second Vice President, Larry M. 
Glugosh, Supreme Director of Sports and Athletics, and Carol Ann 
Wallace, Chairperson on Supreme Officers.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues and me in recognizing 
the outstanding and invaluable service to the community of the Slovak 
Catholic Sokol. In addition, congratulations are due to the entire 
membership of the

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Slovak Catholic Sokol as it observes its nine and a half decades of 
service in the best traditions of the fraternal benefit system. This 
special organization will be celebrating its centennial and beyond. In 
the words of the Sokol, Zdar Boh!

                          ____________________