[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 34 (Wednesday, March 17, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E402]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E402]]
           HONORING MR. LENNY MARTINELLI OF BOULDER, COLORADO

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MARK UDALL

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 17, 2004

  Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. 
Lenny Martinelli of Boulder, Colorado for his exemplary service to the 
Colorado community.
  In 1987, two cities on opposite sides of the world, in countries on 
opposite sides of the political spectrum, collaborated to bring their 
respective traditions, culture, and history to one another in a 
peaceful manner. During a time of great conflict and tension, the 
cities of Boulder, Colorado, and Dushanbe, Tajikistan, united as the 
Sister Cities. Over the next three years, dozens of Tajikistani 
painters, woodcarvers, and ceramicists worked on completing Dushanbe's 
gift to Boulder, the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse. The result was a 
magnificent structure and a wonderful restaurant that offers exquisite 
cuisine and atmosphere.
  The success and beauty of the Teahouse would not have been possible 
without the leadership and management of Lenny Martinelli. For six 
years, Lenny has provided the direction, character, and culinary 
expertise for one of Colorado's most impressive restaurants. As 
proprietor of the Teahouse, Lenny has been responsible for maintaining 
the impressive reputation and quality of the Soviet Union's largest 
gift to the United States.
  But Mr. Martinelli's dedication to the Sister Cities reaches beyond 
the walls of his restaurant. Every year he organizes a community 
cultural celebration on the Persian New Year of Navrus. He holds annual 
fundraisers to help finance Dushanbe's Cyber-Cafe, which is Boulder's 
gift to its sister city. A very positive and talented man, Lenny also 
is a constant advocate for worldwide unity and global awareness.
  Mr. Speaker, the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse is a world-class facility. 
Its lovely architecture and artwork make it the largest example of 
ancient Persian art in the country. Its food is an awesome assimilation 
of the greatest tastes from across the East. As the name indicates, it 
has one of the most impressive collections of teas in the world. Adding 
to the overall excellence of the Teahouse is Mr. Martinelli's great 
proprietorship which has kept the Teahouse as one of the premiere 
dining facilities in the Rocky Mountain region.
  Through his role in the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse, Lenny Martinelli 
has demonstrated the greatest attributes of a global community. I urge 
my colleague to join me today in honoring him for his accomplishments.

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