[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 88 (Tuesday, June 28, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1381]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO THE VALLEY CULTURAL CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 28, 2005

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, as we approach July 4, 2005, the 229th 
celebration of America's independence, I rise to commemorate and 
commend the Valley Cultural Center. The Center is celebrating 30 
successful years of promoting arts awareness across the San Fernando 
Valley of California. By fostering creativity and culture, the Valley 
Cultural Center has inspired the type of artistic individuality and 
cultural understanding that has contributed to the excellence, 
camaraderie, and ingenuity of our Nation.
  Since its was established in 1975, the Valley Cultural Center has 
stood at the forefront of arts and culture in the San Fernando Valley, 
assisting the Los Angeles City Department of Recreation and Parks in 
bringing arts awareness to the community. The Center reaches out and 
engages the community through its awards and programs, including its 
annual Concerts in the Park, and performances at the Madrid Theater.
  The Valley Cultural Center's awards and programs encompass the unique 
cultural and artistic dynamics of the San Fernando Valley. It inspires 
our youth to pursue a future of arts appreciation and cultural 
awareness by granting annually $10,000 awards in performing and visual 
arts scholarships to outstanding students. The Valley Cultural Center 
also organizes arts, entertainment, and culinary celebrations 
throughout the year, including the Golden Horn Awards, and the Food, 
Wine and Micro-brew Festival.
  Featuring rock, classical jazz, R&B, Latino pop, country, cowboy, 
Dixieland, and folk music, The Valley Cultural Center's Concerts in the 
Park series has established a tradition of family entertainment and a 
sense of community and culture for over 140,000 residents and visitors 
each summer. Free to the public, the Concerts in the Park are a central 
gathering point for residents to experience and share the diverse 
culture of the San Fernando Valley.
  The Valley Cultural Center's annual July 4th Extravaganza is one of 
the best attended events in the Valley. It includes big-bands such as 
Don Sweeney and the SRO Band. Each year I take pleasure in joining 
thousands of Valley residents in the festivities that feature music, 
food, and fireworks as we celebrate America's independence. It is a 
wonderful opportunity for everyone in the Valley to honor our Nation 
and to celebrate with our families and friends.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating the 30th Anniversary of 
the Valley Cultural Center in the San Fernando Valley. The Center's 
contributions have been invaluable in bringing enjoyment, cultural 
understanding, and individualism to our community. I commend its 
leadership and service to the San Fernando Valley.

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