[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 76 (Monday, May 18, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1190]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


          IN RECOGNITION OF PEARL ROAD AUTO PARTS AND WRECKING

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 18, 2009

  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of 
Pearl Road Auto Parts and Wrecking of the Old Brooklyn neighborhood of 
Cleveland, Ohio, as they become the first business ever in the City of 
Cleveland to implement wind technology by constructing a wind turbine 
at their place of business. Pearl Road Auto Parts and Wrecking, owned 
by the Kaplan family for four generations, will generate nearly 100% of 
the electricity needed to run their business from a wind turbine. I 
also rise in honor of Susan Spear and the entire staff of EcoWatch 
Ohio, who collaborated with the Kaplans to make this project become a 
reality.
  The wind turbine will be set upon a 140-foot tower, capturing the 
north coast drafts high above Pearl Road near Interstate 480. For 
years, current owners Myron Kaplan, and his sons, Jon and Kevin, worked 
toward realizing their vision of constructing a wind turbine on the 
property. Their innovative ideas are part of the legacy of the Kaplan 
business and for nearly eighty years, the owners of Pearl Road Auto 
Parts and Wrecking have been leaders in implementing environmentally 
progressive practices, including solid waste reduction, fuel reduction 
and other recycling programs.
  Moreover, the Kaplan family of Pearl Road Auto Parts and Wrecking is 
active in community programs and events, and has reflected an 
unwavering commitment to the betterment of the Old Brooklyn 
neighborhood. As leaders in community arts as well, from 1980 to 1990, 
residents gathered free of charge at the Auto Parts lot as Kaplan 
family hosted live theater, musical and poetry performances.
  Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition 
of the Kaplan family, the entire staff of Pearl Road Auto Parts and 
Wrecking, and EcoWatch Ohio, for their collective vision and 
persistence in being the first ever to construct a wind turbine to run 
a business, inspiring others to follow in their path. Whether catching 
gentle breezes or gale force winds rushing south across Lake Erie, the 
wind turbine holds the promise of clean power, renewable resources and 
endless possibilities in alternative energy programs and job 
development throughout our community and our nation.

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