[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12613]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  IN HONOR OF DR. JOSEPH AND MRS. BETTS SKRHA IN CELEBRATION OF THEIR 
                 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY--JUNE 5, 2004

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 16, 2004

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of 
Dr. Joseph and Betts Skrha, as they celebrate fifty years of devotion 
to each other, to their family, and to their extended family--the 
people of their beloved North Broadway community.
  The union of Dr. and Mrs. Skrha represents a shared love and 
commitment not only for each other, but for their family, and their 
community. Their unbreakable bond continues to embrace and elevate the 
lives of their children--Joseph Ray, Betsey and John. The memory of 
their beloved son, Paul, remains eternal within their hearts, and 
within the hearts of countless residents along Broadway Avenue and 
beyond.
  A united team, Dr. and Mrs. Skhra continue to serve as each other's 
confidant and advocate. A couple of doors down from the family home, 
where they continue to live today, Mrs. Betts Skrha supported and 
worked with Dr. Joseph Skrha throughout his medical practice. Their 
steadfast convictions and willingness to help others is reflected in 
the lives of hundreds of families and individuals, some of whom, like 
the Skhra's, still live in the old neighborhood. Moreover, they have 
inspired their children and many others--including myself--to reach out 
in service to others.
  Dr. Joseph Skhra, an ordained Roman Catholic Deacon, was the Director 
of the Family Medicine Department and Director of Pastoral Care for 
many years at the now-closed St. Michael's Hospital. Betts Skrha, a 
scholar and leader in her own right, holds two degrees in nursing, 
worked within the field for many years, and was the long-time 
chairperson of the St. Michael's Community Board. Moreover, Betts Skhra 
is a founding member of Broadway School of Music and the Arts.
  Their collective faith and deep sense of spirituality has healed, and 
continues to heal, the bodies, and more importantly, the heart and soul 
of the working class people of this neighborhood. They both continue to 
provide spiritual guidance to the elderly at Lourexis, Alexia Manor and 
Mead House. Additionally, the Skrha's continue their advocacy on behalf 
of University Settlement, The Broadway School of Music and the Arts, 
Our Lady of Lourdes Church and School, and the Cleveland Sight Center.
  The Skrha's community service and heart are an inextricable facet of 
the light that brings comfort, hope and possibility along the streets 
and within the homes of our North Broadway community. Their leadership 
and dedication has made a permanent, positive difference within the 
lives of countless individuals and families--including mine.
  Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition 
to Dr. Joseph and Mrs. Betts Skhra, for creating a symphony of love and 
strength that continues to resound within the hearts and minds of their 
children, grandchildren and the countless individuals whose lives 
they've touched along their journey. I offer to both of them my 
gratitude and admiration for being invaluable role models for many of 
us whose paths have crossed with theirs as they continue to inspire us 
all to reach for our dreams, to live in service to others, and to never 
forget where we came from.

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