[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 7]
[Senate]
[Pages 9127-9128]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                      RECOGNIZING ST. PIUS VEREIN

 Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I am pleased to honor St. Pius 
Verein, a social and fraternal organization in North Dakota that will 
soon celebrate its 100th anniversary. On June 23 and 24 of this year, 
the community of Schefield will host a celebration to recognize St. 
Pius Verein's history and founding.
  The town of Schefield started with the establishment of the St. Pius 
Catholic Church, which was built in 1910. The town's name is said to be 
derived from ``schoenfeld,'' the German word for beautiful field. In 
1912, St.

[[Page 9128]]

Pius Verein was founded by German settlers from Russia. The 
organization was first started as a way to unite the community. Members 
especially enjoyed singing and playing instruments together. Today, St. 
Pius Verein has 440 members. All members pay dues and contribute to a 
survivor benefit program that pays a benefit to families that 
experience a loss. St. Pius Verein holds monthly meetings, in addition 
to an annual picnic held on St. Pius Day. Schefield takes great pride 
in the history of St. Pius Verein, and the community is expecting an 
enjoyable gathering.
  To celebrate the 100-year anniversary of St. Pius Verein, Schefield 
residents and visitors will participate in many fun-filled activities. 
Over the span of 2 days, the celebrants will enjoy children's games, a 
town dance, a citywide mass at St. Pius Verein Hall, a parade, an 
antique tractor pull, and an old-time jam session. DVDs will also be 
sold that describe the proud history of the town. Although many St. 
Pius Verein members no longer live in Schefield, the town is expecting 
big numbers for the celebration.
  Mr. President, I ask the Senate to join me in congratulating St. Pius 
Verein and the Schefield residents on the organization's 100th 
anniversary and in wishing them a bright future.

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