[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 184 (Tuesday, December 9, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2344]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING JOHN EVANS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 9, 2008

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and sincerity 
that I take this time to honor one of Northwest Indiana's most 
accomplished citizens, Mr. John Evans of Miller Beach. On Sunday, 
November 2, 2008, John was honored by the Indiana Division of the 
Polish American Congress for his many years of service as a dedicated 
member of his community, as well as a proud representative of the 
Polish American heritage in Northwest Indiana. This extraordinary event 
took place at The Patio restaurant in Merrillville, Indiana.
  John Evans, a lifelong resident of Northwest Indiana and the son of 
Russell Glenn and Eleanor Evans of New Chicago, Indiana, has been 
recognized by the Polish American Congress, Indiana Division, as the 
recipient of the 2008 Distinguished Service Award. From his career in 
the insurance industry to his service with several of Northwest 
Indiana's churches to his commitment to preserving the Polish heritage, 
John is truly deserving of this prestigious accolade. Always one to try 
to improve the lives of his fellow citizens in any way possible, John 
has spent the last twenty-four years working with Blue Cross Blue 
Shield of Illinois. After spending many years building relationships 
between hospitals and providers as a Provider Network Consultant, John 
moved into a management position in 2000 and was recently promoted to 
Director of Provider Network Relations. In his current position, John 
is responsible for overseeing relations with all hospitals, physicians, 
and ancillary providers for the State of Illinois. As a member of the 
Blue Cross Blue Shield team, John has been active with the company's 
Diversity Workforce Committee, serving as Master of Ceremonies for 
their 2007 Polish Heritage Day.
  Mr. Evans, widely known as a truly gifted musician, has been a 
fixture in the Northwest Indiana for, in all sincerity, most of his 
life. As a child of only ten years of age, John began formally studying 
the organ with Mrs. Joanne Sparks of Gary, Indiana. Only a few short 
years later, John began playing dinner music at Wilson's Restaurant and 
Lounge in Miller Beach, entertaining diners every Friday and Saturday 
night. During this time, he also began playing at wedding receptions 
and other banquets, as well as serving as the organist at Sunday masses 
at Assumption B.V.M. Church in New Chicago. From there, at a mere 
fifteen years of age, John took over as the director of the church's 
choir in 1973. During the twenty-three years he spent at Assumption, 
John's leadership meant not only an increase in choir membership, but 
in popularity as well. During this time, the choir was asked to perform 
at many dances, ordinations, anniversaries, and other special 
occasions. In fact, they even recorded an album entitled ``Christmas in 
New Chicago'' which featured Polish and English Christmas carols.
  Fully committed to his faith and his heritage, John also has 
organized and choreographed dance selections for Polish Women's 
Alliance Saint Anne's Group 778, directed the choir at events for the 
Polish Women's Alliance Group 132, and directed the choir for the 
Polish mass at Saint Stanislaus in Michigan City, Indiana. In 1996, Mr. 
Evans took over as the organist and choir director for the Saint 
Cecilia Choir at Saint Stanislaus Parish in East Chicago, Indiana. 
Since taking over at Saint Stan's, the membership of the choir has 
nearly doubled, and John has been successful in bringing young people 
into the choir. Not to be outdone, the choir at Saint Stanislaus has 
also produced a professional CD of Polish and English hymns and 
religious selections entitled ``Spirit,'' which has sold over 500 
copies, profits from it contributing to various church renovations.
  Madam Speaker, at this time, I ask that you and my other 
distinguished colleagues join me in commending Mr. John Evans as he is 
honored for his lifetime of service and dedication to the Northwest 
Indiana community. His years of service have touched and improved the 
lives of all whom he has served. His unselfish and lifelong dedication 
is worthy of the highest commendation, and I am proud to represent him 
in Congress.

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