[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 58 (Tuesday, May 3, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E794]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF THE FIRST ANNUAL ROOSEVELT ISLAND CHERRY BLOSSOM 
                                FESTIVAL

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 3, 2011

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the First Annual Roosevelt 
Island Cherry Blossom Festival, which took place last month on 
Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City. This ``Celebration of 
Hope'' featured the dedication of a beautiful grove of cherry trees 
along the Island's west promenade, which offers breathtaking views of 
the Manhattan skyline, as well as numerous cross-cultural offerings.
  Proceeds from the Festival are being donated to the Roosevelt Island 
Japanese Association relief drive to aid those affected by the recent 
devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan, which is also being 
supported by the Japan Society in New York City and designated 
charities.
  The Roosevelt Island Cherry Blossom Festival featured performances by 
four different traditional music groups and by Roosevelt Island's own 
``Karate Kids''. It also featured numerous gastronomic exhibits and 
tastings, including a continuous tea ceremony, a sushi and sake tasting 
offered by Roosevelt Island's Fuji East Restaurant, and a beer tasting 
put on by the Roosevelt Island Bar & Grill. In addition, the Festival 
included many offerings in the visual arts, including origami folding 
lessons, a photography contest, and an art auction hosted by the 
Roosevelt Island Visual Art Association (RIVAA) Gallery.
  The Roosevelt Island Cherry Blossom Festival truly offered something 
for everyone: It was free and open to the public, but the proceeds from 
all sales will be donated toward Japanese earthquake and tsunami 
relief.
  Roosevelt Island holds a unique place in the history of our nation's 
greatest metropolis. It began to be developed into a largely 
residential community by the State of New York in 1969 with a master 
plan designed by the world-renowned architects Philip Johnson and John 
Burgee as its guideline. This design envisioned a diverse mixed-income 
community in a largely traffic-free environment, a plan that has been 
successfully implemented.
  The first residential housing complex on Roosevelt Island opened in 
1975, followed a year later by three additional developments. Today, 
Roosevelt Island is famous for its parks, historic landmarks, first-
rate health care facilities, and its scenic Tramway, the only commuter 
tram in the United States. It also offers a warm and comfortable 
environment to a thriving population of active and involved New Yorkers 
who call it their home.
  Mr. Speaker, I request that my colleagues join me in paying tribute 
to the first annual Roosevelt Island Cherry Blossom Festival and all 
its organizers and volunteers. The Festival's mission of serving others 
offers inspiration to us all.

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