[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 53 (Thursday, April 22, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E612]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO ELYSE LEON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 22, 2004

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to pay tribute to Ms. Elyse Leon, a remarkable woman who has dedicated 
the past three years of her life to the restoration of the Bronx River, 
which is vital to my congressional district.
  Elyse began working for the restoration of the Bronx River on March 
21, 2001, while a student at New York University. After graduating with 
a double major in Spanish and Psychology, she became a full time Bronx 
River Outreach Coordinator for the New York City Department of Parks 
and Recreation and the Bronx River Alliance. Elyse has been an 
outstanding ambassador for the Bronx River. Working with residents, 
colleagues and more than 70 partner organizations of the Bronx River 
Alliance, as well as with the board, teams and staff of the Alliance, 
Elyse has found multiple ways to involve people in the Bronx River 
renaissance, whether by planting, cleaning, biking, paddling, walking, 
planning or dancing. In all of these activities and more, Elyse has a 
talent for making people feel welcome.
  For three years Elyse has successfully organized two very important 
annual events; the Bronx River Flotilla and the Golden Ball 
Celebration. These two events, which I have attended, draw a large 
number of supporters to the river to celebrate its restoration. In 
addition, Elyse could be found at innumerable community meetings, 
outdoor events, and Bronx River Alliance gatherings, encouraging people 
to get involved with the Bronx River and its greenway. She also 
produced a biweekly e-mail newsletter and other publications, such as 
the recent Safety Guide to River Park, which reached thousands of 
people.
  Mr. Speaker, the restoration of the Bronx River has been one my top 
priorities as a Member of both the New York Assembly and the U.S. House 
of Representatives. Rejuvenating its greenway and corridor will provide 
recreational, educational and economic resources for the communities 
through which the river flows. Such an important project could not have 
been undertaken without the participation of dedicated and resourceful 
individuals like Elyse Leon.
  I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Ms. Elyse Leon for her 
years of service as Outreach Coordinator for the Bronx River Alliance 
and in wishing her well in all her future endeavors.

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