[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 27 (Tuesday, February 13, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E339]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CONGRATULATIONS TO MOUNT VERNON RECREATION CENTER

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                          HON. JAMES P. MORAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 13, 2007

  Mr. MORAN of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 
staff of the Mount Vernon Recreation Center in Alexandria, Virginia on 
receiving the Heart of Potomac West Award.
  The Mount Vernon Recreation Center has been a key partner in the Del 
Ray Potomac West community of Alexandria for decades. The Center's 
staff has built long-lasting relationships with the community, 
including neighbors, businesses, and visitors, by ensuring that the 
Center's doors are open and that every community member is welcome.
  Each year, the Center staff helps to organize and assist with 
numerous events for the residents and businesses of Del Ray. These 
include the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting, the Annual Halloween Parade, 
Art on the Avenue, Cinema Del Ray, First Night on New Year's Eve, and 
countless programs for seniors and youth.
  Without the support of these dedicated, hardworking, and caring staff 
members, such events could never take place.
  The staff of the Mount Vernon Recreation Center has stood side by 
side with the community during times of crisis. When Del Ray lost two 
of its citizens, Kevin Shifflet and Nancy Dunning, the Center staff 
acted as a support beacon for a community in mourning, providing a home 
where citizens turned for comfort and support. These devoted and 
committed staffers have always gone far above and beyond the call of 
duty.
  The Mount Vernon Recreation Center is a marvelous asset of the City 
of Alexandria, and this has occurred through the hard work and 
dedication of the Center staff. I ask my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating the Center staff on being awarded this great honor.

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