[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 97 (Wednesday, July 14, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1368]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE JOHN MERLO SPORTS PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RAHM EMANUEL

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 13, 2004

  Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege today to recognize the 
contributions of the John Merlo Sports Program for its tireless efforts 
in providing sports programs and other activities for children and 
senior citizens in the Lakeview Neighborhood of Chicago, on the 
occasion of its 23rd Annual Awards Dinner
  The annual Sports Program Dinner, hosted again at Chicago's own 
Wrigley Field, is an opportunity to recognize both the great work the 
Sports Program has accomplished in the past year, as well as the 
achievements of so many members of our community who help make Lakeview 
one of the best neighborhoods in the City of Chicago. This year, I am 
pleased to congratulate Senator Emil Jones, Andy McPhail, and Paula and 
Peter Fasseas on being recognized for their unwavering commitment to 
Chicago.
  The John Merlo Sports Program has consistently demonstrated its 
commitment to providing the Lakeview community with a variety of 
excellent athletic programs as well as funding for the renovations of 
Chicago Park District Playlots. Its fundraisers, programs, and 
honorees, are an integral part of the success of the program, and I 
thank everyone in attendance for their assistance and dedication to 
this outstanding program.
  Founded in 1981, the John Merlo Sports Program is a charitable 
organization named after the late John Merlo, a beloved former 
Alderman, State Representative, State Senator and Democratic 
Committeeman, who represented the Lakeview community for nearly 30 
years. Mr. Merlo, a staunch advocate for the benefits of participating 
in sports, felt good sportsmanship, and the ability to interact with 
others were important skills that everyone should possess.
  This year's awards are led by the Civic Leader of the Year, Senate 
President Emil Jones, Jr. Senator Jones has been serving the people of 
Illinois as a state legislator for more than 30 years. Throughout his 
career, he has been a dedicated supporter of education and the 
disadvantaged. A life long resident of Chicago, Senator Jones has 
provided a passionate voice for Chicagoans as the leader of the 
Illinois State Senate.
  President and Chief Executive Officer of the Chicago Cubs, Andy 
MacPhail has a long connection with the Lakeview Neighborhood, first 
working for the Cubs in 1977. As one of the most successful executives 
in Major League Baseball, Mr. McPhail has also worked for the Houston 
Astros and the Minnesota Twins, a team that won two World Championships 
while he was at the helm. Under Mr. McPhail's management, the Cubs were 
the National League Central Division Champions last year, and are again 
fighting for the pennant. Accordingly, I applaud the selection of Mr. 
McPhail as Business Leader of the year.
  Last, but not least, I congratulate Paula and Peter Fasseas on being 
selected as the Business Leaders of the Year. Metropolitan Bank Group 
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Peter Fasseas and Vice Chairman 
Paula Fasseas have been involved in all facets of the Lakeview 
community since purchasing North Community Bank in 1978. The number of 
civic organizations that have been touched by the Fasseas is too 
numerous to mention, but I am particularly proud of their work with 
Pets Are Worth Saving (PAWS), the non-profit organization founded by 
Mr. and Mrs. Fasseas in 1998 dedicated to encouraging pet adoption.
  Mr. Speaker, I applaud the leadership of The John Merlo Sports 
Program, its founder Bernie Hansen, and current President Mike Quigley 
on the incredible work they are doing for Chicago's youth and seniors. 
I would also like to commend the tremendous leaders being honored this 
year, and wish the program continued success in the future.

                          ____________________