[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 128 (Wednesday, September 17, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1837]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO STARS BICYCLE REPAIR PROGRAM

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                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 17, 2003

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before this body of Congress today 
to honor an outstanding community program. The Grand Junction Parks and 
Recreation STARS Bicycle Repair Program collects old, used bicycles, 
repairs them, and places them in the hands of children who would not 
otherwise know the joy of owning their own bicycle. In the process, the 
program teaches the children of our community both responsibility and 
community service. It is for these notable accomplishments that I 
recognize the STARS Program here today.
  The idea for STARS originated in the Central High School El Pomar 
Youth in Community Service Club. This club helped to found the STARS 
Bicycle Repair Program and enabled the program to collect bikes, repair 
them and distribute them to needy individuals and families. There is 
simply no substitute for the joy in a young child's eyes when he is the 
recipient of one of STARS' refurbished bikes.
  The STARS program allows the children to learn, hands-on, how to 
repair and maintain bicycles. More than that, they learn that there are 
many ways that everyone, even children, can help the community.
  Mr. Speaker, I join with my colleagues in honoring the Grand Junction 
Parks and Recreation STARS Bicycle Repair Program. Through STARS, the 
children of our community learn responsibility and the excitement of 
being a positive force in the community. Recognition for this program 
is long overdue, and I am privileged to honor the STARS Bicycle Repair 
Program here today.

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