[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 103 (Thursday, July 22, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1461-E1462]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CONGRATULATING THE WRIGHTWOOD NEIGHBORS ASSOCIATION OF CHICAGO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RAHM EMANUEL

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 22, 2004

  Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Wrightwood 
Neighbors Association (WNA), and its President Michael Lufrano, on 
their ongoing commitment to enriching the lives of members of the 
Wrightwood community, on the occasion of the 21st annual ``Taste of 
Lincoln Avenue.''
  The Wrightwood neighborhood--part of the Lincoln Park community--is 
located on Chicago's North side, bounded by Diversey Parkway on the 
north, Halsted Street on the east, Fullerton Avenue on the south, and 
Lakewood Avenue on the west.
  Since 1962, the work of the WNA has been essential to the ongoing 
success of the Wrightwood community. The WNA strives to maintain a 
vibrant urban community for people to live, shop, play, and raise 
families. The Association has helped Wrightwood preserve its historic 
and cultural treasures, while also encouraging architectural 
development to add beauty and rejuvenation to the neighborhood. With 
this combination, lifelong Wrightwood residents are able to remain, as 
new generations bring their own flavor to the area.
  The vision of the WNA has given Wrightwood the ability to 
continuously emerge as an area with a strong sense of community, 
diversity, and heritage. The WNA's committees have enhanced the 
schools, maintained and improved local parks, and reviewed land 
development to guarantee the character of the community.
  Known as the ``Granddaddy of Chicago street festivals,'' the ``Taste 
of Lincoln Avenue'' provides Wrightwood neighbors the opportunity to 
enjoy the summer and spend time with friends. With food, craft vendors, 
live music, and other entertainment, it is an occasion for Chicagoans 
to sample the diversity of this great neighborhood.
  Since its beginnings in 1984, the ``The Taste of Lincoln Avenue'' has 
raised over $1 million, and last year alone, over $135,000, in order to 
improve schools and parks, aid non-profit organizations, and increase 
the beauty of the community. The WNA's ``Taste of Lincoln Avenue'' 
celebrates the history of Wrightwood and ensures the community's 
continuous improvement in the future.
  It goes without saying that the enthusiasm, hard work, and leadership 
of Michael Lufrano, organization officers Jeff Kwiat, Stacey Hawk, Anne 
Durkin, and Chris Connors, and the other members of the WNA have 
brought a secure and lasting vision to Chicago's North side. I thank 
them for the enthusiasm in making the Wrightwood neighborhood one of 
the jewels of Chicago.

[[Page E1462]]

  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of the Fifth Congressional 
District of Illinois, and indeed all of Chicago, I am privileged to 
congratulate the Wrightwood Neighbors Association on continuing to 
enhance the quality of life in Chicago, and wish them tremendous 
success with the upcoming ``Taste of Lincoln Avenue.''

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