[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5845]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



 HONORING THE CROATIAN SONS LODGE NUMBER 170 OF THE CROATIAN FRATERNAL 
                                 UNION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 13, 2000

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to congratulate 
the Croatian Sons Lodge Number 170 of the Croatian Fraternal Union on 
the festive occasion of its 93rd Anniversary and Golden Member banquet 
on Sunday, April 30, 2000.
  This year, the Croatian Fraternal Union will hold their gala event at 
the Croatian Center in Merrillville, Indiana. Traditionally, the 
anniversary celebration entails a formal recognition of the Union's 
Golden Members, those who have achieved fifty years of membership. This 
year's honorees who have attained fifty years of membership include: 
Helen Marie Benich, Norma Jean Gibson, Rose Marie Gobbie, Matilda 
Kardos, Edward A. Pishkur, Joan Skonie, Katherine Vild, Stanley 
Warshol, and Sylvia T. Wilk.
  These loyal and dedicated individuals share this prestigious honor 
with approximately 300 additional Lodge members who have previously 
attained this important designation.
  This memorable day will begin with the Reverend Father Benedict 
Benakovich officiating a morning mass at Saint Joseph the Worker 
Catholic Church in Gary, Indiana. The festivities will be culturally 
enriched by the performance of several Croatian musical groups. The 
Croatian Glee Club, ``Preradovic,'' directed by Brother Dennis 
Barunica, and the Hoosier Hrvarti Adult Tamburitza Orchestra, directed 
by Jerry Banina, will both perform at this gala event. The Croatian 
Strings Tamburitzans and Junior Dancers directed by Dennis Barunica, 
and the Adult Kolo group, under the direction of Elizabeth Kyriakides, 
will provide additional entertainment for those in attendance. A formal 
dinner banquet will conclude the day's festivities at 3:30 in the 
afternoon.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge you and my other distinguished colleagues to join 
me in commending Lodge President Betty Morgavan, and all the other 
members of the Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge Number 170, for their 
loyalty and radiant display of passion for their ethnicity. The 
Croatian community has played a key role in enriching the quality of 
life and culture of Northwest Indiana. It is my hope that this year 
will bring renewed prosperity for all members of the Croatian community 
and their families.




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