E1340 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks June 27, 1997 community for many years. He is both a spir- man with a twinkle in his eye and a tendency them. Baccalaureate, a graduation ceremony, itual leader and a renowned composer, whose to break up a long day of work or travel with is performed by the parish, so that students works have been listened to and enjoyed a midday nap. With these anecdotes we catch have a spiritual blessing to continue to guide throughout the world of Jewish music. Indeed, a glimpse through the mists of history of a real them through adulthood. on July 6, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra person, not merely a symbol of an ideal. Mr. Speaker, St. Anthony's Church will will be giving a concert in celebration of Rabbi Mr. Speaker, we in northern Michigan look strive to provide an invaluable base for the Twerski's music. at Bishop Frederic Baraga as more than just community, so I urge you and your colleagues In addition to his musical accomplishments, our native son. A man of Europe, later a man to join me in celebrating St. Anthony of Rabbi Twerski has been a leader in his com- of the native American people of the Great Pauda's centennial anniversary which truly is munity throughout his lifetime. With the values Lakes area, he may finally become a man of a journey in faith. instilled by his parents, he has reached out to the world, whose humility, dedication, commit- his community to share the teachings of his ment to learning, and qualities of character are f faith. He led efforts to create an elementary a model for all of mankind, yesterday, today, school and Kollel audit learning program in and tomorrow. IN HONOR OF WMZQ Milwaukee, both of which have been signifi- The nation of Slovenia has honored Bishop cant to the Orthodox life in the city. Both he Baraga with a commemorative stamp. I have HON. THOMAS M. DAVIS and his wife, Rebbetzin Feige Twerski, asked the U.S. Postal Service to give new OF VIRGINIA present programs throughout the world to consideration to a similar honor. I know this IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES those who want to learn more about traditional review process takes time, but I and the sup- Jewish life and have become known inter- porters of the efforts to honor Bishop Baraga, Thursday, June 26, 1997 nationally as counselors on difficult personal look forward to the day when we can send our Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, it gives and religious matters. invitations to another birthday party for this me great pleasure to rise today to pay tribute Rabbi Twerski not only serves Milwaukee as very special individual with stamps bearing his to one of the top rated radio stations in the a religious leader but is a friend, counselor, visage. Washington area, WMZQ. June 22 marks their and teacher to his community and a leader to f 20th anniversary on the air as a country music the Milwaukee community as a whole. It gives PROVIDING HOPE BY FAITH station, serving the musical and community me great pleasure to congratulate Rabbi needs of our region. Twerski on his many accomplishments and On June 22, 1977, WMZQ 98.7 FM signed commend him on his service to Milwaukee HON. JAMES A. BARCIA on the air with the song ``Are You Ready for and people throughout the world. OF MICHIGAN the Country?'' Since that time, the Washington f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES metropolitan area has benefited from the tal- IN HONOR OF BISHOP FREDERIC Thursday, June 26, 1997 ent and commitment of their staff. The Country BARAGA Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Music Association [CMA] has honored pay tribute to St. Anthony's Church as they WMZQ's contribution to country music by HON. BART STUPAK celebrate their centennial anniversary. For the naming WMZQ the CMA Station of the Year in past 100 years the church has been the foun- 1989. The radio industry has also recognized OF MICHIGAN WMZQ's programming excellence with several IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES dation that has allowed the congregation to serve as a bridge to the community, relent- Achievement in Radio [AIR] Awards. Thursday, June 26, 1997 lessly providing their unselfish services not WMZQ's staff is intertwined with the Greater Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, I have the op- only in times of hardship but also in daily life. Washington community. WMZQ has supported portunity this weekend to attend an unusual St. Anthony's Church was founded in a many charitable organizations like the Amer- birthday party in my congressional district in farming community to bring together friends ican Heart Association, the March of Dimes, Michigan for a very special individual. This and neighbors. The church has helped the Children's Hospital, the American Red Cross month we celebrate the birth of Frederic community by creating programs that assist and Toys for Tots through event participation Baraga, born 200 years ago in a town called those in need. One of the most outstanding and public affairs programming. WMZQ's loyal Mala vas in what is now the independent na- programs created by the church is the Center listeners' generous response to the Annual St. tion of Slovenia. for Families. This center provides emotional or Jude Children's Research Hospital Radiothon Frederic Baraga was a pioneer who wan- marriage counseling, day care, and a play- has raised over $2 million in just 5 years. Lis- dered in the wilds of the Great Lakes area in ground for their children. Families supporting tener's contributions during the Coats for Kids the early 1800's, braving the snows and bitter one another is the key to a flourishing commu- campaigns has kept thousands of children winters, the swamps, and swarms of insects of nity, and St. Anthony's has provided the as- warm during the winter months. WMZQ's Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. sistance that continues to create strong fami- Christmas in April home renovation projects Frederic Baraga was a teacher; a learned lies, who provide an excellent example for the has provided many elderly, low-income and man who mastered Slovenian, English, Latin, community as they reach out to their fellow handicapped neighbors with safer living condi- German, French, and Italian, he went on to neighbors. tions. speak the native American Ojibwa language, Throughout the past 100 years the con- On June 22 of this month, the WMZQ staff eventually writing a grammar and an Ojibwa gregation has been committed to helping and 15,000 of their most loyal fans celebrated dictionary that is still in use today. those who have nowhere to turn. For over 20 the radio station's 20th anniversary at the Bull Frederic Baraga was a missionary, whose years, St. Anthony's members have organized Run Country Jamboree. This year they were work was God's work. He left a family that had a food pantry that gives the less fortunate in proud to host Paul Brantly, LeAnne Rimes, gained a title of nobility in Europe, taking the the community not only food but hope for the Neil McCoy, and Wynonna. Over the last 7 vow of poverty and accepting the dangers of future. Since the first plank of the church was years this annual event has raised over a new world to bring the Christian faith to the nailed, the congregation has been providing $600,000 for the Northern Virginia Park Au- New World, America. assistance through the Emergency Need Pro- thority. This year, WMZQ general manager, Frederic Baraga was a man, with the afflic- gram. This program provides the payment of Charlie Ochs, rededicated the efforts of the tions and failings of a man, but he was unique past due electricity bills, rent payments, and WMZQ staff to better serve the country music in his dedication to his mission and to his heating bills for families who have fallen on listener and to continue to work to make the faith. The dedication of this man, who stood 5 hard times. Washington area a better place to live. feet, 4 inches tall and referred to himself as The congregation of St. Anthony's Church Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues join me ``the little missionary,'' has earned the love pass along their strong Christian values to fu- in celebrating the special anniversary of and respect of the people of northern Michi- ture generations by maintaining a K±5 paro- WMZQ. Not only do they provide the region gan, who are supporting efforts to canonize chial school. The school is dedicated to teach- with good country music, but they have sup- him a saint in the Catholic Church. ing the Christian principles to students at an ported our community through many volunteer There are many details of his life which early age, so that they will have their faith to programs. They have enriched the lives of have been passed down to us, tales of his fall- guide them through life's many challenges. their listeners, have enhanced the quality of ing through thin ice in mid-winter on his reli- Once the youth in Fisherville move toward life in our region and have grown to be on the gious rounds, stories that paint a picture of a adulthood, St. Anthony's does not abandon of top rated country stations in the Nation.