[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 71 (Monday, May 23, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E923-E924]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 JOHN LOXAS, RECIPIENT OF THE ROBERT V. HEINZE VOCATIONAL SERVICE AWARD

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 23, 2011

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration 
that I stand before you today to honor Mr. John Loxas. John

[[Page E924]]

has been recognized by the Hammond Rotary Club as an outstanding 
citizen who has demonstrated entrepreneurial success and vision in the 
community of Hammond and throughout northwest Indiana. His devotion to 
professional and ethical business leadership is to be commended. For 
his outstanding efforts, John will be presented the Robert V. Heinze 
Vocational Service Award by the Hammond Rotary Club on Tuesday, May 24, 
2011.
  The Hammond Rotary Club was established in 1920 adhering to the 
principles of Rotary International: ``World Peace through 
Understanding'' and ``Service above Self.'' These values are vigorously 
upheld by the Hammond Rotary Club members who passionately serve their 
community. Each year, the club recognizes an organization or an 
individual who is a praiseworthy local business or community leader by 
honoring the recipient with the Robert V. Heinze Vocational Service 
Award, and this year's recipient is John Loxas.
  John Loxas was born on the island of Zakynthos, Greece. He immigrated 
to the United States in 1955 and settled in Hammond, Indiana. John 
found employment at Republic Steel in south Chicago and worked there 
for a few years. After being laid off from the mill, John found 
inspiration and opportunity at a small Hammond grocery store where he 
volunteered to work for no pay. During that time, he educated himself 
in the grocery business, and in 1958, he purchased the store that gave 
him his inspiration, which he ran for many years. In 1975, John's dream 
for a more modern grocery store came true, and he opened a second, 
larger location. In the years to follow, new locations would open under 
the name J&M Foods, and later, Reliable Supermarket. John's success and 
entrepreneurial spirit continued, and in 1985, he opened Olympia Lanes 
bowling center in Hammond, which included a high-tech scoring system, 
deli, lounge, and pro-shop. Olympia Lanes recently celebrated its 25th 
anniversary. Seeing the need for an elegant banquet hall in Hammond, 
John opened Dynasty Banquets in 1993. Capitalizing on his business, he 
opened the recently renovated Ramada Inn and Johnel's Restaurant, which 
are located in the same locale as Dynasty Banquets. For his remarkable 
business success and complete dedication to the community of Hammond, 
John Loxas is truly inspiring, and it is because of his efforts that he 
is the recipient of the 2011 Robert V. Heinze Vocational Service Award.
  John's commitment to the community and his career is exceeded only by 
his devotion to his amazing family. John and his wonderful wife, 
Margaret, have five beloved children and four grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in congratulating John Loxas on being honored with the Robert 
V. Heinze Vocational Service Award, and in honoring the Hammond Rotary 
for their outstanding contributions to the community of Hammond and all 
of northwest Indiana. Their constant commitment to improving the 
quality of life for countless individuals in northwest Indiana is truly 
encouraging, and they are worthy of the highest praise.

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