[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 193 (Wednesday, December 6, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2301]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         JOHN STANKOVIC HONORED

                                 ______


                         HON. PAUL E. KANJORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 6, 1995

  Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring to the attention of 
my colleagues the 50th anniversary of a musical institution in my 
District in Pennsylvania. This year a musician and longtime family 
friend from my hometown, Mr. John Stankovic will celebrate a half-
century of bringing polka music to Northeastern Pennsylvania and to the 
world.
  John Stankovic, known as Stanky to all who love his music, began with 
accordion lessons as a young boy. Even then he performed at small 
gatherings in the Nanticoke area. Stanky's first band was known as the 
TIp-Toppers and traveled the area playing at weddings and private 
parties. Several years later the band officially became Stanky and the 
Coalminers to pay tribute to the area's coalminer heritage. As a young 
man, Stanky thought he would pursue a career in sports and even tried 
out for the Cleveland Indians. He tells the story that when considering 
his career, he followed the advice of his father, Joe Stankovic, who 
told him, ``Son, you are a pretty good basketball player and a pretty 
good baseball player, but if you learn eight good songs, you'll never 
starve.''
  Although his mother also encouraged his music and taught him to sing, 
success did not come quickly or easily to Stanky. For 17 years he 
worked as a ``ragman''. He drove up and down the streets of town 
collecting anything he could resell to support himself. At night, he 
played polkas.
  Mr. Speaker, although John Stankovic had a humble beginning, he and 
the Coalminers have risen to international fame. They have played in 
Japan, England, France, Holland, Germany, Spain, Australia, and Canada. 
The Coalminers were the first polka band to entertain the Chinese. The 
Band has also traveled its share of sea miles. The Coalminers just 
completed their 71st cruise to Alaska and received awards from Holland 
America Cruise Lines for hundreds of thousands of miles logged as 
performers at sea. For 11 years, the group has had its own show on our 
public television station and regularly showcases other local polka 
bands. Even with their grueling schedule, every Sunday night that the 
band is in the area, they can be found at a local supper club for polka 
night.
   Mr. Speaker, John and his wonderful wife, Dottie are close personal 
friends of my family. I remember so well the night of my first election 
victory in the primary race that would eventually take me to Congress.
  In a room crowded with well wishers and supporters, Stanky played 
``Happy Days Are Here Again'' as I arrived on the platform with my 
family to claim our victory. John's rendition of that old favorite will 
always be a part of the memory of that wonderful night.
   Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to be among his many friends, fans and 
admirers who wish Stanky well on this momentous occasion. We in 
Northeastern Pennsylvania hope to hear the music of Stanky and his 
Coalminers for many years to come. I send my very best wishes to my 
very good friends, Stanky, Dottie, and the Coalminers on 50 years of 
wonderful polka music.

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