[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 46 (Thursday, April 17, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E695]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE OAK LANE COMMUNITY ACTION ASSOCIATION

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT A. BORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 17, 1997

  Mr. BORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the Oak Lane 
Community Action Association [OLCAA] as they celebrate their 25th 
anniversary. In 1972 a group of citizens formed in organization based 
on the ideas of community action and involvement. As the group 
approaches their silver anniversary, they have upheld the ideals of the 
original founders.
  OLCAA began their activism with a series of block meetings regarding 
quality of life issues in the neighborhood. They soon began expanding 
these meetings into all inclusive East Oak Lane town meetings. As the 
organization stands now, it not only has a positive impact on the 
neighborhood, but on the city of Philadelphia as well.
  OLCAA has been able to take a diverse community and package its 
differences into a unified body of energy and strength. By working as a 
team, they have experienced successful community improvements in many 
different arenas. The group has sponsored initiatives such as 
integration in real estate, citizen safety programs, and educational 
and recreational projects at Ellwood School and the Oak Lane Library. 
With the 35th Police District as their partners, OLCAA developed the 
first Police Bike Patrol program in residential Philadelphia.
  I wish to honor the members of this organization and community for 
diligent hard work and passion that should serve as a model to all 
communities in this Nation. They have focused their energy on creating 
a better community for themselves and their neighbors. Unselfishly, 
they have extended this focus to the city of Philadelphia and its 
residents. OLCAA has overcome obstacles to create a neighborhood that 
fosters close relationships between citizens, and is a place of unity.
  On their 25th anniversary, I would like to wish the Oak Lane 
Community Action Association continued success in their efforts, and I 
congratulate them on achievements already made.

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