Recognition of Ann and Lydia Endrejatis

RECOGNITION OF ANN AND LYDIA ENDREJATIS -- (Extensions of Remarks - July 07, 2004)

SPEECH OF
HON. JOHN SHIMKUS
OF ILLINOIS
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 2004

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to recognize Ann and Lydia Endrejatis of Collinsville, Illinois.

Ann and Lydia are recipients of this year's "Spirit of Excellence" award annually awarded by the Collinsville Chamber of Commerce. Ann and Lydia are being recognized for their lifelong commitment to making Collinsville a better place for all of us.

In nominating them, Diane Meyer wrote the following:

Diakonia. If you think diakonia is Greek to you, well you're correct. Diakonia is Greek for service, an ancient art still being practiced today in Collinsville. The number of people volunteering their time and talent for the good of the community is unrivaled. These "servants" exemplify the ancient meaning of the word mercy-concrete acts of kindness. Although most neither seek nor desire the spotlight, they certainly deserve our sincere thanks.

Ann and Lydia Endrejatis.

While many who volunteer specialize in one or two things, Ann and Lydia do about everything and through their many specific acts of kindness, truly define the word "volunteer." Since retiring, one or the other or both have worked for the following entities:

Anderson Hospital Auxiliary, Miner's Theater, Collinsville office of the American Cancer Society, Downtown Collinsville, Inc., Collinsville Senior Citizens, Cahokia Mounds Visitor's Center, City of Collinsville Shuttle Bus Dispatchers, senior citizen income tax preparations, Fox Theater usher, Holy Cross Lutheran Church Altar Guild and senior citizen worship meal, city historic researchers for Lucille Stehman's newspaper series, Meals on Wheels, schools library aid. The amazing thing about this extraordinary list is that it is a partial list.

The story of Ann and Lydia does not end with the work that they do. It continues with their encouragement and support of others who volunteer for the community. If someone is receiving an award, they are there. If something is being dedicated, they are there. If someone puts on a parade, they are there. If there is a civic ceremony, yes, they are there. With encouragement comes hope and with hope comes the wherewithal a city needs to tackle its future. Ann and Lydia Endrejatis provide Collinsville with concrete acts of kindness and to them we give our heartfelt thanks. Diakonia.

I offer my personal congratulations to my friends Ann and Lydia as well as my thanks to the Collinsville Chamber of Commerce for being as moved by Diane's nomination as I was.