HONORING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DOCHIKI CIVIC AND SOCIAL CLUB, INC.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 75th anniversary of the Dochiki Civic and Social Club in Newport News, Virginia.

Originally known as ``Los Amigas,'' the club was founded on March 15, 1940 by eleven businessmen gathered at the Odessa Barber Shop located at 29th Street and Chestnut Avenue in Newport News. Two years later, the name of the club was changed to ``Dochiki,'' a word of Chinese origin meaning love and friendship. The founders of the club were Homer Hines, Ward Bridgeforth, Virgil Evans, B. C. Anthony, Oliver Hawkins, James Hawkins, Harold Heath, James Jones, Irving Thomas, Robert Whitney, and Howard Ovelest.

The club initially met in members' homes, and in 1948 they relocated to a room above a club member's garage which they nicknamed ``Alley Inn.'' As membership increased, the club leased larger space to accommodate its growing membership, and, on August 7, 1952, the club purchased property at 2705 Chestnut Avenue in Newport News, where it still meets today. In addition to this property, the club has acquired additional property along Chestnut Avenue through donations of club members, including Cornelius Glover, which allowed the club to significantly expand its facilities. Today, the club occupies much of the 2700 block of Chestnut Avenue and includes numerous amenities, such as a 300-seat ballroom, a commercial kitchen, restroom suites, office space, recreational and storage areas, lounges, a 24-seat bar with adjacent kitchen, a locker room, and ample parking, all of which are accessible for individuals with disabilities. The club offers its facilities for use free of charge to many community groups and has also served as the Chestnut Avenue voting precinct for many years.

While Dochiki remains a place for men to socialize, debate politics, and enjoy sports, women have also played an active role in the club for much of its history. In 1960, the Dochiki Wives Auxiliary, Inc. was established to compliment the men's club and support its educational, social, health and civic projects targeted at aiding charities, youth programs, and senior citizens.

Since its founding 75 years ago, the Dochiki Civic and Social Club has been actively involved in the Newport News community providing outstanding civic, social and philanthropic leadership to their fellow citizens. The club has raised tens of thousands of dollars for local charities, youth programs, and senior citizen projects. It has also strongly encouraged all of its members and fellow citizens in the community to be actively engaged in the electoral process.

Today, the club's membership includes businessmen, educators, elected officials, members of the military and other professionals throughout the community, all of whom are devoted to supporting and improving the Newport News community through active civic engagement.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Dochiki Civic and Social Club on their 75th anniversary and I thank them for all that they have done to make Newport News a better place to live, work, and raise a family.