[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 171 (Saturday, November 22, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2397]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN HONOR OF FATHER MARINO FRASCATI

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 21, 2003

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of and recognition 
of Father Marino Frascati, founding member of the Detroit Shoreway 
Community Development Organization--and spiritual guide, healer, and 
beloved mentor and friend to many in this Westside community for more 
than fifty years. Father Frascati, parish priest of Our Lady of Mount 
Caramel Church, continues to serve the Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood 
with integrity, compassion, and grace, and was bestowed the honorary 
appointment of President for Life with the Detroit Shoreway Community 
Development Organization. Father Frascati has been a steady and focused 
instrument of healing, preservation, growth and hope along the streets 
of this neighborhood.
  When others lost hope and turned away, Father Frascati dug in, 
continuing his quest to improve the lives of the families, seniors and 
individuals who live and work within this Westside community. His rare 
ability to connect with others and bring people and groups together for 
the common good has significantly improved all aspects of this 
neighborhood.
  Father Frascati was instrumental in renovating and developing 
countless commercial and residential structures along Cleveland's 
Westside. Due to his persistence and personal meetings with Monsignor 
Barone, then Undersecretary for the U.S. Department of Housing and 
Urban Development, the Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood was the first 
community in Cuyahoga County to be awarded the Urban Development Action 
Grant for a neighborhood project. This grant resulted in the 
construction of Father Caruso Boulevard and restoration of the 
historical Gordon Square Arcade. Despite opposition and adversity, 
Father Frascati remains a tireless and unwavering champion of this 
neighborhood. Father Frascati established Nolasco Corporation which 
resulted in new housing for senior citizens and low income families. 
Additionally, Father Frascati has created strong and enduring bonds 
with local business owners, bringing businesses and jobs--like Bank One 
at the Gordon Square Arcade--back into the neighborhood.
  Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor, recognition and 
gratitude of Father Marino Frascati, whose compassion, commitment and 
energy continues to create a haven of assistance, hope and renewal 
along the streets of Detroit-Shoreway and beyond. His presence, vision, 
leadership, and unwavering faith in the people and possibilities of 
this community have restored and uplifted the very foundation of this 
neighborhood--reclaiming the heart and soul of this community one 
brick, one senior citizen, one family at a time.

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