[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 30 (Tuesday, February 25, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E282-E283]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       TRIBUTE TO MR. DONALD S. POWERS AND MAYOR ROBERT PASTRICK

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 25, 2003

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor and enthusiasm 
that I wish to commend two distinguished members of the Northwest 
Indiana community for their dedicated service and compassion for their 
fellow citizens. St. Catherine Hospital honored Mr. Donald S. Powers 
and Mayor Robert Pastrick with the Pillar of the Community Award on 
Saturday, February 22, 2003 for their outstanding service on behalf of 
the hospital and the surrounding community.
  Donald Powers has demonstrated tremendous vision and leadership in 
his on-going relationship with Community Health Care System and its 
affiliates, Community Hospital, St. Catherine Hospital, and St. Mary 
Medical Center. As President of the Board, Mr. Powers oversaw the 
creation and construction of Community Hospital, and assisted the staff 
and administration in developing the first freestanding hospital in 
Lake County that is ranked in the top two percent of hospitals surveyed 
nationally for standard of care.
  Mr. Power's planning and foresight with respect to the hospital's 
investment program led to the construction of the Center for Visual and 
Performing Arts in Munster, Indiana. This center has served as a 
cultural epicenter, as it is the home for the Northwest Indiana 
Symphony Society and the Northern Indiana Arts Association.
  Mr. Powers has donated much of his time and expertise to his 
community. He has served on many boards, including the American Red 
Cross, Calumet Council of Boy Scouts, and the YMCA. Additionally, Mr. 
Powers was appointed to the Board of Trustees of Purdue University by 
former Governor Otis Bowen, and was elected President of the Board in 
1981.
  Mayor Robert Pastrick has been a fixture of the East Chicago 
community since his election to the City Council in 1955. He has served 
the citizens of East Chicago as their mayor since 1973. During that 
time, he has shown a commitment to ensuring effective health care for 
his constituents by initiating a joint venture between the City of East 
Chicago and St. Catherine Hospital. Through this program, East Chicago 
residents have an opportunity to obtain affordable, quality health care 
for themselves and their children.
  Mayor Pastrick has also shown a commitment to his community through 
his volunteer work, serving on the Indiana Association of Cities and 
Towns, the United States Conference of Mayors, the Northwest Indiana 
Regional Planning Commission, and the Northwest Indiana Forum 
Foundation. Through his

[[Page E283]]

service in these organizations, Mayor Pastrick has worked to improve 
the lives of the residents of East Chicago, as well as the lives of all 
Northwest Indiana residents.
  Mr. Speaker, at this time I ask that you and my other distinguished 
colleagues join me in congratulating Mr. Donald S. Powers and Mayor 
Robert Pastrick as they receive the Pillar of the Community Award for 
their work on behalf of St. Catherine Hospital. Through their 
dedication and hard work, the citizens of Northwest Indiana have access 
to the best medical facilities and services possible. I am proud to 
represent them in Congress.

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