John Shimkus

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the outstanding work of Thomas S. Hough and his son Thomas W. Hough of Carrollton, IL for their role as longtime pillars of their community. The father and son team have worked together for years to create both a prosperous present and future for Carrollton Bank and the community it serves. When asked about his favorite part of his job the father stated, ``The customers become your friends, that's one of the best things about the business.'' The father son team has always found time to be involved in the community. The father has served on the Carrollton Park Board, the Presbyterian church in Carrollton and the Thomas H. Boyd Memorial Hospital board, among others. The son is also actively involved with the community serving on the board for the District 1 Foundation which provides scholarships for local students as well as many other educational and civic groups. The residents of Carrollton and other communities throughout Illinois look forward to their continual dedication to community banking and the neighborhoods they serve.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to commend the Eden United Church of Christ in Edwardsville, IL for their unparalleled contributions to the community. The church has joined hands with Habitat For Humanity to form the Vacation Bible school who's mission is to build a better foundation for life by learning the lessons of the Bible. Children join together to build toolboxes, picnic tables and other odds and ends to grace homes built by Habitat For Humanity. Cory Luttrell, a 7-year-old participant in the school, is having a great time. ``It gives people a place to put their tools after they build houses. They worked hard, so we should be helping them,'' Cory said. There are currently 1,700 Habitat For Humanity affiliates in 62 countries and they are responsible for the construction of more than 100,000 homes. The cooperation of Eden United Church of Christ and Habitat For Humanity is a great example of how organizations can come together so that they can better serve the community.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to congratulate Steve Bauer on his acceptance into the prestigious Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy in Aurora. Steve is a 15 year- old freshman at Southwestern High School. When the principal of Southwestern, Lynne Chism, was asked abut his acceptance she replied, ``It's a great honor for Steve and our school.'' When Steve was asked about his acceptance he said, ``It's a great opportunity in my life to study at one of the best math and science schools in the country.'' Steve's parents, Pamela and David Bauer of Brighton are proud of their son but they are going to miss him. ``We'll be baking a lot of cookies to send to Steve at school,'' said his grandmother Betty Wright. Bauer wishes to maybe study engineering or medicine, but whatever he chooses to do in life I'm sure he will be successful.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, since the bipartisan Medicare Commission met, the Medicare debate has come front and center. Republicans want to improve the access of seniors to prescription drugs. No senior should have to worry about whether they can afford the medicines they need to stay healthy. We need to work in a bipartisan manner to solve this problem, putting politics aside. This issue is too important. The President has recently entered this debate, and we are awaiting bill language, but it brings up some interesting questions. What does the President's plan do? Does it target those most in need? Does it threaten the solvency of Medicare? Does it take money out of the Social Security Trust Fund? Who pays? Will seniors pay higher premiums? Will the Government set price controls? Will all Americans face higher taxes? Will payments to hospitals, doctors and other health care providers be cut? Does the plan address holistic medicine and Medicare fraud, waste and abuse? Will Medicare innovation be threatened? Will seniors be able to participate based upon their choice? What we need to focus on is providing drug coverage, solvency and choice to our seniors. That is what we will be working for.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the residents of Brighton, IL as well as the Brighton Heritage Museum for the great strides they have taken to educate children about the past. ``Maybe if people knew what happened before it would help them to decide some things in the future,'' June Wilderman, curator of the museum said. The museum displays numerous artifacts and stories from American history that have been donated by residents. There is even a piece of stone taken from the site of the Washington Monument when it was being built. I am pleased to see the community coming together to help educate its young people and trying to create a deep sense of patriotism in their children and grandchildren. Educating our youth about the past is an essential part of creating a positive future.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, ask a liberal what he would do to get rid of the budget deficit, and he or she will say: Raise taxes. Ask a conservative the same question, and he or she will say: Cut spending. That in a nutshell is how we got from a huge budget deficit to the current budget surplus we now enjoy. President Clinton choose the liberal way when he raised taxes in 1993, the largest tax increase in history. Republicans took over the majority in Congress in 1995 and have tried to cut spending and limit the amount of new big government spending programs proposed by the liberals. Two different visions, two different paths to achieve the common goal of a balanced budget. Republicans forced the President to submit a balanced budget after his first two budgets contained $200 billion deficits as far as the eye can see. We are grateful that the President finally agreed to work with Republicans to put our financial house in order. Lower mortgage interest rates, lower credit card payments and more job creation have resulted from the change from budget deficits to budget surplus. Good fiscal discipline will help save Social Security and Medicare.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to congratulate Father Albert Jerome of St. Ann's church in Nashville, Illinois who celebrated his 40th Anniversary of ordination. When speaking of how he maintains his positive outlook on the world today, Father Jerome said, ``. . . the answer to stop becoming a pessimist is to have a sense of humor. It has really been the mark of the greatest men . . .'' Father Jerome has given and received a great deal of love to and from the dedicated members he has ministered for in his numerous stops over the past forty years. It would serve us all if he could minister for another forty years. However long his service is, it will be a service to the people of his ministry and the rest of the community.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to congratulate Geraldine ``Gerry'' Schneider on completing her general educational development certificate at Lewis and Clark Community College on June 10, 1999, at age 58. Ms. Schneider was born with cerebral palsy. Despite this disability, Ms. Schneider diligently worked to learn the three R's. Her work at Lewis and Clark Community College that began in 1994, has allowed her to become actively engaged in issues on disabilities as a resident of Godfrey, Illinois. She was appointed to the Illinois Planning Council on Development by former Governor Jim Edgar, and has moved out of nursing and group homes to live with a companion Raymond Boyle since her educational progress. Her success can also be attributed to Support Systems Services; a nonprofit organization that provided the funds allowing Gerry to pay for her classes. I believe this is an excellent example of local service organizations caring about people, and helping dreams become realities. I commend both Geraldine Schneider and Support Systems Inc. for their efforts. I want to congratulate Gerry, in particular, for receiving her hard- earned and much deserved GED. Her personal efforts to persevere and overcome adversity are an inspiration to us all.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take one moment to recognize Crossroads Community Hospital in Mount Vernon and Hillsboro Area Hospital in Hillsboro for being mentioned in HCIA's ``100 Top Hospitals: Benchmark for Success--1998.'' It is comforting for me and the citizens of the 20th district of Illinois to know that we are receiving some of the best health care treatment provided in the Nation today. Health Care in America today is a vital issue. The successes of these Hospitals show that Illinois has given the issue the attention it deserves. I am proud of the quality of medical care that these hospitals have provided to my district. The excellent service provided by Crossroads Community and Hillsboro Area Hospitals are symbols of the excellence in aiding and saving the beloved residents of the 20th district.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I take this time to congratulate Theresa Sutton from Brighton, Illinois for the National Association of Postmasters of the United States naming her Postmaster of the Year for the state of Illinois. The small community postmaster responded to the award, ``I have some dedicated employees that really work hard. That makes my job a lot easier.'' Theresa Sutton will meet in Washington, D.C. along with award recipients from other states in order to meet with Representatives and Senators about postal issues. I commend her dedication and service to the United States Postal Service. With the necessity for efficient postal services, I am comforted that the 20th District has quality postmasters like Theresa Sutton.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, the Superfund law was created in 1980 to clean up hazardous waste sites and hold polluters responsible. Unfortunately, small businesses have suffered the most as a result. Last February, hundreds of innocent small businesses in Quincy, Illinois, received a notice from the U.S. EPA that they were required to pay $3 million to clean up waste they had legally dumped in a landfill for years. In a process close to extortion, the $3 million payoff is to safeguard small businesses against suits by the major polluters. Saving small businesses by breaking them makes no sense to me. I am introducing the Small Business Superfund Fairness Act of 1999 to ensure that a situation like we had in Quincy will not repeat itself in other communities across this country.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to join the community of Alhambra, Illinois in celebrating its 150th birthday. A celebration of the sesquicentennial is being held June 18 through 20. The history of the community will come to life with the festivities. Co-chairpersons Deb Reckman and Joe Dauderman invite the public to join in on the weekend of activities to celebrate the long, colorful history of the town. I commend the citizens of Alhambra for celebrating their rich history and ancestor heritage during this celebration. It is important to remember pioneer families such as those of James Farris, Robert Aldrich, William Hoxsey and Wiliam Pitman whom first rode across Illinois to settle along Silver Creek. These festivities will help the citizens of today gain a greater understanding and respect for their city's past. The Alhambra banners say ``Moving Forward Into the Next Century.'' I as well as community of Alhambra are looking forward to that to seeing Alhambra continue on its path into the next century and wish them the best of luck in achieving great things.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to enter the following transcript of Speaker Hastert's speech to the parliament of Lithuania into the House Record. I believe that it sends a great message of the commonalties between America and Lithuania. It also demonstrates why we must show concern for the events that occur outside the United States. Washington, D.C.--House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) today released the following text of his speech to the Lithuania Parliament on March 30, 1999: Mr. Chairman, Members of the Seimas, distinguished guests: Let me thank you for this great honor of addressing this assembly. I have traveled far to be here today--but not nearly as far as you have traveled over the last ten years. Outside this building I was shown the barricades manned by those who stood their ground and defended this very Parliament. We in the United States Congress try to do our duty each day--to protect freedom and promote democracy. But for almost 200 years, we have not had to defend our Capitol Building from attack. Of course, we know the stories of our founders who met in Philadelphia and swore their lives and property to defend our new democracy. That is why the pictures of your courageous stand for freedom--flashed across the world--reminded us in the Congress of our own beginnings. It drove home the fact that freedom at times must be defended with our very lives. Professor Landsbergis, your courageous stand for liberty served as an inspiration to all Americans. The American people continue to be inspired by your successful efforts to create a stable democracy in order to provide a better way of life for Lithuania's children. As you may know, I am from the state of Illinois, which is the home of the great city of Chicago. I think you all have heard of the city of Chicago. We are pleased President Adamkus was able to spend some of his life in Chicago. He contributed much to our country, and we are grateful for those contributions. But his heart was always here in Lithuania, with your struggle for freedom. Illinois is also the home of two of my political heroes: Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan. Abraham Lincoln is best known to history for ending the barbaric practice of slavery in the United States. It was Abraham Lincoln who said: ``Government of the people, by the people and for the people shall not perish from the earth.'' By working hard to create a stable and secure democracy, the Lithuanian people prove that truth. History will record that Ronald Reagan challenged the 20th century version of slavery. It was Ronald Reagan who said: ``Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.'' That eloquent statement, coupled by the hard work of Eastern Europeans yearning to be free, helped end Soviet aggression and created a new and bigger Europe. It is this new Europe that I want to talk to you about today. The new Europe has a profound relationship with the United States. Part of that relationship comes from our cultural ties. In no small measure, Europe helped build America with the contributions of its people, whether they be Irish or Polish or German or Italian, or Lithuanian. An American ambassador once said to the Soviet premier: ``When we talk about human rights behind the Iron Curtain, we are not interfering in your internal affairs. We are talking about family matters.'' Practically every family here has family in America. In fact, close to one million Americans identify themselves as Lithuanian Americans. One of those Lithuanian Americans is Illinois Congressman John Shimkus, Chairman of the House Baltic Caucus, and a member of our delegation here today. The American people stood by Lithuania in its times of trouble. They will stand by Lithuania in its times of prosperity. The new Europe is built on mutual trust, not mutual hatred. It is build on democracy, not totalitarianism. It is built on trade, not protectionism. It is build on the free exchange of ideas, not the narrow bounds of nationalism. It appeals to the better nature of mankind, not to the darker side of evil. America's special relationship with the new Europe also comes from strategic considerations. This strategic relationship can partly be seen though the prism of NATO. NATO was founded as an organization dedicated to protecting its members from attack. It must not lose sight of its important mission: to defend its members. Lithuania is a strongly ally in the Partnership for Peace program. I support its membership--full membership--in NATO. I want to congratulate you on your defense budget, soon to reach two percent of Gross Domestic Product. Your commitment to building a strong defense can only help your case as you seek to become a full strategic partner. As a legislator who is working on his nation's budget, I know how difficult those choices can be. But you have made the right choice to fund the military and to improve the living conditions of its personnel. A great threat to the new Europe is the current instability in the Balkans. The Milosevic regime is evil and free nations should confront evil wherever it occurs. We have a duty to say no to ruthless dictators, to draw the lines where evil knows no bounds. We had a debate in the House of Representatives about the virtues of America's involvement in the Balkans conflict. Many of my colleagues in the House had reservations about American involvement in that region. But now that the United States is involved--let there be no mistake--no one should doubt the resolve of the American people as we work to bring justice to the Kosovo region. The reports we have from Kosovo are deeply disturbing. If it is true that Serbia is attempting to wipe out Kosovar Albanians, those Serbs will be brought to justice. The democratic nations of Europe, and the United States as their partners in NATO, should not sit idly by when genocide is carried out in Europe. Defending freedom means defending defenseless people. The new Europe must be on the front lines when it comes to fighting injustice. One way to achieve this goal is to become bigger. A bigger European Union is a better European Union. I believe it should stretch eastward to include the emerging democracies of Eastern Europe. It is better for the United States for trade and security reasons. And it is better for the people of Europe who want to move to a more secure and prosperous future. We in the Congress support Lithuania's bid to become a full member of the European Union. By becoming a full member, Lithuania has a better opportunity to develop its export capabilities and its free market system. I want to congratulate Lithuania for becoming a model of regional stability. You have excellent relations with Poland, and your cooperation with your Nordic and Baltic neighbors is vitally important. We also appreciate your efforts to find common ground with Russia and with your help in Kaliningrad. And we know how hard you are working to develop a positive relationship with Belarus. Let me conclude by saluting you, the people of Lithuania. You have given much to the United States. You have given us athletes who star in basketball and hockey. You have given us politicians who help us in the United States Congress. And you have given us hundreds of thousands of unheralded, hardworking citizens who help make up the intricate tapestry that is America. Someone once asked President Reagan whether he thought we were living in a time without heroes. He replied by saying that those who fear we have no heroes: ``just don't know where to look. You can see heroes every day going in and out of factory gates. Others, a handful in number, produce enough food to feed all of us and then the world beyond. You meet heroes across a counter--and they are on both sides of that counter. They are entrepreneurs--with faith in themselves and faith in an idea--who create new jobs, new wealth and opportunity. They are individuals and families whose taxes support the government, and whose voluntary gifts support church, charity, culture, art and education. Their patriotism is quite but deep. Their values sustain our national life.'' Many of these every day American heroes call Lithuania their ancestral homeland. Let me say a final word about Lithuania's heroes. Later today, our delegation will visit the KGB museum. We will go there to pay our respects to those who suffered and died in the hands of an evil and brutal occupation. President Lincoln, when he dedicated the cemetery at Gettysburg, said that mere words could not dedicate nor consecrate the sacrifices of brave men who defend liberty. Likewise, there is nothing that we--who have not experienced such a place, can do to honor it. Those who suffered in that building in defense of freedom have already made it hallowed ground. But we can remember--and we can educate future generations, and by so doing ensure that such a place will never be build again. America is a better place because of Lithuania. And I hope that Lithuania is a freer and a stronger democracy because of the efforts of the American people. May God bless the people of Lithuania like He has blessed the people of the United States.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to congratulate the 1999 Nokomis High School Girls Basketball team for winning the Illinois Class ``A'' State Title for the second straight year. The team members are Jessica Aherin, Dee Eck, Bernadette Marty, Ashlee Keller, Va'Nicia Waterman, Lora Ruppert, Lyndsay Stauder, Heather Swanson Hayes, Janice Spears, Bonnie Meiners, Carrie Eisenbarth, Rochelle Detmers, Kassie Engelhart, Emily Heck, Jessie Hough, manager Tisha Morris and Head Coach Maury Hough. I congratulate these young athletes and the people who were there to support them throughout this memorable season. The teamwork needed for this victory was not only seen on the court, but through the support and love of families and friends of the Nokomis High Girls Basketball team.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to congratulate WCXO in Clinton County which will begin broadcasting in mid-June from a state-of-the-art FM facility. This station will not only provide music entertainment: it will also give a valuable resource to local residents by its commitment to the community through its broadcasting of boys' and girls' high school sporting events, local and headline news reports, and farm reports. Owned by Joy Publishing, the station will be headed by General Manager Annette Bevel. Under her guidance and their dedicated staff composed mostly of Clinton County's own, I am confident that the station will be a great asset to Clinton County. I applaud these efforts to improve communication, entertainment, and information within Clinton County and wish them well.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to applaud the efforts of the Mt. Moriah Christian Church in Centralia, Illinois for their strength and dedication in rebuilding after vandals set a fire that destroyed the church in August of 1997. Mount Moriah believed to be the first church in Marion County was built in 1829. The May 16 rededication ceremony with county historian George Ross as the guest speaker told of the great history behind this community asset. Credit should go to the dedicated members, Dale Nollman, and Carpenter's for Christ for their assistance in the rebuilding process. They not only restored the church, but also brought the building up to standards including making it wheelchair accessible. I am truly pleased to se that the Mt. Moriah Christian Church's efforts will keep this part of community history living with new chapters to come well in to the future.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to recognize the volunteer corps who make up the ``backbone'' for St. Mary's/Good Samaritan Hospital's Centralia and Mt. Vernon campuses. Volunteers such as founding member Pat Bunchman, Mercedes Campbell, Barbara Francois, and Pauline Raines, represent some of the longest- serving members of the volunteer group. These hospital auxiliary groups provide volunteer service and funding thus far of $1 million for patient and hospital equipment since they began their efforts. Pauline Raines said the volunteering needs ``patience,'' ``commitment,'' and being a ``people-person.'' The ability for these tasks to be put to use and the initiative to implement these programs are a tribute to what the United States stands for. It is a wonderful thing to see American values exhibited in such a benevolent and rewarding program such as the hospital auxiliary groups of St. Mary's/ Good Samaritan Hospital. I applaud their volunteer service, and site it as a testament of volunteerism aiding our communities and enriching our lives.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the LeClaire Christian Church of Edwardsville, Illinois which is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Throughout the years, the church has seen great change as it has moved from Odd Fellows' Hall to Garfield Street to its present location on Esic. The church has also seen their membership grow by four times throughout the years. Through this growth the church has expanded construction in order to provide greater facilities for congregation and community use. The Anniversary Committee, chaired by Twila Ellsworth said the celebration has brought back former members as well as ministers from the past. I am happy to see the steps the anniversary committee has made to celebrate their past as well as continuing their steps to offer quality programs and services to the community.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to honor an individual who served our great Nation in war time, and served our children in peace. William H. Walker not only served our Nation as one of the famed Tuskegee Airmen, but also served as an educator at Lincoln Elementary School in Centralia, Illinois. The Illinois native from Carbondale passed away at age 83. During his life, he was a patriot and an inspiration to the civil rights movement, City of Centralia, and children of Lincoln Elementary School. Mr. Walker is also an inductee in the Centralia Historical Hall of Fame. Dan Griffin, Superintendent of the Centralia City School District in which William Walker served said of Mr. Walker, ``He was well-respected by the black community and white community alike, and by all educators. . . . The best way I can sum up Bill Walker is that he was a gentleman's gentleman.'' I commend him on his life-time service to the nation. His life should be a reminder to us all about what service to the Nation means.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to honor Mary Ann Meyer of Collinsville, Illinois who turned 100 on March 22, 1999. On March 20th, her family and friends honored her at a special birthday party at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Collinsville. For most of her adult life, she has been and avid pinochle and bridge player. In fact she was on the high score board for six months running at the Collinsville Senior Center when she was a mere 99 years young. She attended SS. Peter and Paul Catholic School and Collinsville Township High School where she graduated in 1917. During her remarkable life, she has visited all 50 states and has traveled twice to Europe. She has been an active member of her church and had a career in banking at a time when many women weren't yet allowed let alone encouraged to do so. She once said that her secret to a long life includes family, friends, music, traveling and plenty of hard work. Yet the most telling component of her secret was the most basic once when she said ``Have faith in God. I still do.'' Congratulations on 100 years of making a difference in our lives. Here's to the next 100.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Connie Loudermilk and the Golden, Illinois Historical Society for their efforts to preserve Prairie Mills in Golden. Prairie Mills was built by Henry R. Emminga in 1872. It operated for 60 years and served as a key component of Golden and the surrounding area. Today, it serves perhaps an even more important role as a reminder of the way things used to be. Connie Loudermilk, Randy Kurfman and other members of the Golden Historical Society are working very hard to raise funds and awareness to help preserve the mill and enhance its prospects for the future. I want to commend Connie and Randy as well as Jim Simpson, Dave Weese, Bob Teel, Ben Booth and all the other volunteers involved in this worthwhile effort. I also want to thank the Illinois Country Living magazine for featuring Prairie Mills and the Society's efforts in its January 1999 edition. The efforts they are making will last for generations to come.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Betty Lipps upon being named Citizen of the Year by the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce in recognition of her efforts to create ``Angels on Assignment.'' ``Angels'' is affiliated with the First Methodist Church in Mount Vernon, Illinois and began in 1991. Since then the ``Angels,'' which is devoted to helping the needy and homeless in our country, have made a significant contribution to Mount Vernon and the surrounding Jefferson County area. However, we cannot overlook the significance of Betty Lipps' efforts in creating this program in the first place. Had she not given of her personal time and vision, this program never would have begun and the ``Angels'' who have come to mean so much to the Mount Vernon area might never have been found. It takes a lot of people and a lot of hard work to make a program like this flourish the way that ``Angels'' continues to do. Most importunately, it takes one courageous and determined soul like Betty Lipps to get the whole thing started. To Betty and her husband of 50 years, Bob, I say thank you. Thank you for all you do to make our lives a little better. In your honor, I am wearing the ``Angels'' yellow ribbon on the House Floor today as a reminder that with a little bit of love and understanding there truly are angels among us. Thanks Betty.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to honor the Wesley Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church of Edwardsville, Illinois upon its 134th anniversary. On May 6th, the Wesley Chapel held special services to celebrate its 134th anniversary, specifically video taping the proceedings for those members of the church who were unable to participate due to age or other reasons. The celebation featured reflections of the church and its members and featured statements about the church and its impact from the oldest member, 98 year-old Alma Jackson to 12 year-old Terry Bradshaw who represented the youngest members of the church. Wesley Chapel was founded on the banks of Cahokia Creek at the end of the Civil War. It has been at its current location at 418 Aldrup since 1881 and is currently preparing for the possibility of a new church. My congratulations go out to Pastor Dwight Bell and Joyce Hariston and Jessie Brown who served as co-chairs of the anniversary committee as well as the entire congregation at the Wesley Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church. The commitment to and love of faith will make a difference for generations to come.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to alert my colleagues to perhaps one of the most monumental events to take place this year. On June 13, 1999, my hometown of Collinsville, Illinois will have a happy 50th birthday party for the Brooks Catsup Bottle that sits 170 feet above the community. The bottle was originally used as a water tower built by the G.S. Suppiger Bottling Company which produced the Brooks Old Original Catsup. Built in 1949, the bottle holds up to 100,000 gallons of water. After the bottling plant shut down, the bottle itself fell into disrepair. In 1993 a group of local preservationists began to raise funds with the purpose of refurbishing and preserving the bottle for its 50th anniversary as well as for future generations. More than 6,000 tee-shirts were sold to help raise money and thousands of volunteer hours were devoted to preserving an essential element of my community's heritage. Now there are hopes that we can get the bottle placed on the National Register of Historic Places and that effort has my wholehearted support. I commend the Catsup Bottle Preservation Group and Judy DeMoisy who manages Downtown Collinsville for their work in preserving a unique piece of Americana.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to honor Duane Rohmaller of Christ Lutheran Church and School in Costa Mesa, California upon the announcement of his retirement following forty-one years as a valued Lutheran educator, administrator and friend. Mr. Rohmaller's friends and admirers are planning a weekend celebration to honor his many contributions to our children, our communities, our faith and our future. I know Mr. Rohmaller best from his service as my eighth grade teacher at Holy Cross Lutheran School in Collinsville, Illinois. When I reflect on all that he taught me, I am reminded of Proverbs 22:6 ``Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.'' Thank you Mr. Rohmaller for your teachings, your values, your commitment and your love of our faith. Your life's work will continue to make a difference for generations to come.