[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 79 (Monday, June 2, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1094]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE ZACCAGNINO FAMILY, AMERICA'S FUNNIEST FAMILY, FROM 
                            ELMWOOD PARK, IL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RAHM EMANUEL

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, June 2, 2003

  Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Zaccagnino 
family, from Elmwood Park, in the 5th Congressional District of 
Illinois. The Zaccagnino family was chosen from hundreds of families 
who submitted videotapes in hopes of winning the ABC Family cable 
network ``My Life Is a Sitcom'' contest, replete with a chance of 
starring in a sitcom based on their life.
  According to a recent Chicago Tribune article, the Zaccagnino family 
is already famous--and their sitcom hasn't even aired yet! Evidently, 
the family--Diane, Karen, Camille and Danny--have been feted by 
everyone in Chicago; and now Capitol Hill! Horwath's restaurant threw 
them a party; their state representative filed a resolution in their 
honor; teachers are using the family's history as assignments; and the 
creme de la creme--the family recently taped ``The Oprah Show.''
  Finding humor in life is challenging, but the Zaccagnino family sets 
a great example. Karen is the owner of Karen's Hair'm, a beauty salon 
located on Belmont Avenue, where societal issues are viewed through 
changing hairstyles. And as Elmwood Park is known for its outstanding 
Italian food, it's understandable that a lot of the laughs take place 
in the kitchen. I am proud of Chicago's own Zaccagnino family, and I 
look forward to seeing their lives coming soon to a television near 
you.
  Chicagoans can see the funny family for themselves on the ABC Family 
website where visitors can view video submissions and vote for their 
choice for ``America's Funniest Family.''
  I urge my colleagues, indeed all of America, to keep an eye out for 
the Zaccagnino family. I have a feeling we'll all be wishing we were 
part of such a loving, funny and lively family.

                          ____________________