[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 83 (Friday, May 28, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E981]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       PHYLLIS REEDER RETIREMENT

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                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 27, 2010

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I pay 
tribute to one of the most caring, dedicated, and selfless citizens of 
Indiana's First Congressional District, Ms. Phyllis Reeder, longtime 
employee of the Lake County Soil and Water Conservation District 
(LCSWCD), and current LCSWCD Administrative Treasurer. After serving 
the community of Lake County, Indiana in this capacity for the past 
twenty-five years, Phyllis will be retiring at the end of this month. 
In honor of Phyllis, a retirement open house will be held by the LCSWCD 
on Friday, May 28, 2010 at the Lake County Soil and Water Conservation 
District office in Crown Point, Indiana.
  Phyllis Reeder is a lifelong resident of Northwest Indiana who is 
extremely proud of her Hoosier heritage. In 1944, Phyllis was born in 
LaPorte County, Indiana. Her family later moved to Schererville where 
Phyllis attended Saint Michael's Elementary School. She went on to 
graduate from Dyer Central High School in 1963. She then attended and 
graduated from Keypunch School in Hammond. Phyllis then began to work 
in the data processing department at Simmons Mattress Company in 
Munster. Later that year, on November 22, 1963, Phyllis married her 
beloved husband, Charles ``Chuck'' Reeder. They started a family and 
raised four girls: Theresa, Debbie, Donna, and Diana, and one boy, 
Charles. Phyllis was an active parent and also continued to work at 
Simmons until July 1980 when the company closed its doors. In 1977, 
Phyllis and her family moved to a ten-acre mini-farm in Cedar Creek 
Township. It was during this time that Phyllis's passion for 
environmental conservation began to grow. On the farm, they have a 
large garden which, at the time, provided their large family with 
fruit, vegetables, and herbs. The farm also has a windbreak on the 
property, which helps to prevent wind erosion and also saves energy. In 
addition, Phyllis's five children participated in many 4-H projects, 
which included such topics as water conservation, wetlands, foods, 
basketry, and food preservation.
  In 1985, Phyllis's passion for conservation led to her career at the 
Lake County Soil and Water Conservation District. Phyllis currently 
serves as Administrative Treasurer for the LCSWCD, where she is known 
for her friendly demeanor and positive attitude. She consistently goes 
out of her way to assist co-workers and customers with their needs. 
Included in her many achievements at the LCSWCD, she expanded the 
LCSWCD's educational program and trained as a facilitator for Project 
Wild and Aquatic, Project Learning Tree, and Project WET. These 
workshops are offered throughout the county to local schools and are 
facilitated by Phyllis. Because of her strong belief in conservation, 
her efforts extend well beyond her working hours at the LCSWCD. Phyllis 
is actively involved in numerous volunteer organizations and has served 
on many boards throughout the community. For her unwavering commitment 
to environmental conservation efforts and to Northwest Indiana, she is 
worthy of the highest praise.
  Phyllis's dedication to the community and her career is exceeded only 
by her devotion to her wonderful family. Phyllis and Chuck have been 
married for 47 years and they enjoy spending much of their time with 
their beloved children and grandchildren.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in commending Phyllis Reeder for her lifetime of leadership, 
service and dedication to the community of Lake County, Indiana. She 
has touched the lives of numerous people through her efforts at the 
Lake County Soil and Water Conservation District and through her 
extensive volunteer work. While she will be missed by the people with 
whom she worked, Phyllis's service and selfless dedication will forever 
be remembered, and I ask that you join me in wishing her well in her 
retirement.

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