[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 13990]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     CELEBRATING THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT 
                            DEMOCRATIC CLUB

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 12, 2012

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to 
congratulate the members of the Hammond, Indiana Franklin D. Roosevelt 
Democratic Club as they celebrate the organization's 80th anniversary. 
In honor of this momentous occasion, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Club 
will be hosting an anniversary banquet on September 15, 2012 at the 
Restaurant at Lost Marsh in Hammond, Indiana.
  The Franklin D. Roosevelt Club of Hammond, Indiana was founded by 
forty-two members of Polish ancestry on December 3, 1932. The Club has 
grown over the years, and currently consists of 110 members. The 
mission of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Club is to ``maintain high 
standards and secure the best possible candidate for the Democratic 
Party.'' Since its inception, club members have selflessly given their 
time and support to the community of Northwest Indiana. The residents 
of Northwest Indiana truly benefit from the Club's ``Candidates' 
Night,'' which is held the week before each primary and general 
election. This is an outstanding opportunity for voters to meet 
candidates and discuss with them the needs of their community. For 
their significant contributions to upholding the ideals of the 
democratic process in their communities and throughout Northwest 
Indiana, the members and leaders of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Club are 
to be highly commended.
  The dedication and generosity of the Club and its members has also 
been evidenced over the years by their innumerable charitable acts to 
those in need throughout the broader community, irrespective of their 
political beliefs. I also must acknowledge the sheer kindness the 
members of the Club show to all.
  I still fondly recall the first Franklin D. Roosevelt Club meeting I 
attended in March of 1983. I didn't know anyone in the Club when I 
entered St. Casimir Hall. But through the graciousness of the late 
President Ed Nawracaj and his wife, Sophie, as well as Wally and Paula 
Skibinski, Dorrie Kometz, and many others, I was welcomed as a lifelong 
friend and left the hall ``knowing everyone.''
  The warmth a ``total stranger'' enjoyed that evening, and many to 
follow, remain forever in this Member's heart.
  At this time, I would like to acknowledge the 2012 Franklin D. 
Roosevelt Club officers. They are: President Gregory J. Sanchez, First 
Vice President Kay Pucalik, Second Vice President Leslie Stanish, 
Secretary Barney Stodola, Treasurer Mary T. Hildebranski, Sergeant at 
Arms Brian Krupinski, Chaplain Reverend Stephen D. Kosinski, and 
Trustees Diana Beyer, Joe Scasny, and Rosemary Wojdyla.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in honoring and congratulating the members of the Hammond, 
Indiana Franklin D. Roosevelt Democratic Club on the 80th anniversary 
of their organization. The work of this truly admirable organization is 
a great asset to the people of Northwest Indiana, and for their 
selfless service, the leadership and members of the Club are worthy of 
the highest praise, and I am proud to serve as their representative in 
Washington, D.C.

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