[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 64 (Tuesday, April 22, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E675]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING LYDIA PORUBSKY AND PORUBSKY GROCERY AND MEATS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JERRY MORAN

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 22, 2008

  Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today in 
remembrance of the late Lydia Porubsky who passed away February 11th at 
the age of 83. Mrs. Porubsky was known across Topeka, Kansas, for a 
chili recipe and her 6-day-a-week presence at Porubsky's Grocery and 
Meats.
  Lydia, alongside her husband of 49 years, Charles, Sr., operated 
Porubsky's until Charles' death in 1998. Lydia, however, continued to 
be a fixture in the deli. She was the person every customer remembered 
thanks to her positions behind the counter and at the cash register. An 
amazing thing about Lydia is that she remembered you as well. The 
conversations and the small-talk she would engage in only enhanced the 
experience of eating at Porubsky's.
  Porubsky's is also known for their great food. Not the least of which 
is the chili. Porubsky's developed a reputation over the years as 
having some of the most delicious chili in the area. According The 
Topeka Capital-Journal, Porubsky's was featured in Gourmet Magazine. 
This publication's editors discovered what the people of Kansas had 
been enjoying for over 60 years. Gourmet Magazine summed it up as well 
as anyone when it stated, ``Porubsky's is not just a place to eat. It 
is a destination in itself.'' While the magazine was referring 
specifically to the food, people familiar with Porubsky's knew that 
Lydia was also a star attraction.
  My personal experience with the Porubskys dates back to my time in 
the Kansas legislature. Several of my fellow legislators and I would 
make the trip to Porubsky's during our breaks. Meeting from January 
through June meant that we had at least 3 full months to truly enjoy 
Porubsky's hot chili and spicy pickles. With meat and cheese trays 
displayed, the restaurant was a warm respite from the cold and a 
welcome break from our political and governmental dealings.
  But in a city with many dining options, it was Lydia's genuine 
interest in us that kept us coming back. Even today, as I travel 
Kansas, I will alter my plans so that I can have a ham salad sandwich 
at Porubsky's and enjoy this family's warm welcome and hospitality.
  While Porubsky's and many family-owned establishments like it lack 
the bells and whistles of nationwide chains, the underlying quality 
that truly matters is the collection of people it takes to make it 
work. Charles Sr. and Lydia provided us with a model of small business 
ownership. My home State of Kansas is no stranger to family-owned and -
operated undertakings. Our economy was built by people like the 
Porubskys, who knew that if they did not work for it, it was not going 
to be given to them. Their love of family and the city of Topeka will 
never be forgotten.

  This staple of Topeka enterprise will continue through the efforts of 
the Porubskys' sons, Matthew, Charlie, Jr., Mark, alongside the 
Porubsky's daughters Cecelia Pierson and Teresa Thomas who have all 
made their homes in Topeka. This restaurant, this way of life must be 
remembered and admired, Madam Speaker. We all know a ``Lydia Porubsky'' 
in our lives. Every one of us has someone who reminds us of what is 
really important as our lives and our jobs continue to speed up. I am 
sorry that my Lydia Porubsky has passed on. I am thankful for having 
had the chance to know her and her family. This woman, this business, 
will remain a part of our greater Kansas community and will enjoy a 
special place in my heart.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in celebrating the life of Lydia 
Porubsky, offering our sympathy to her family, and praying for the 
continued success of Porubsky's Grocery and Meats.

                          ____________________