[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 56 (Wednesday, April 18, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E575]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   BECKLEY, WEST VIRGINIA, ONE OF THE 20 BEST SMALL TOWNS IN AMERICA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. NICK J. RAHALL II

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 18, 2012

  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, our Nation's premiere collection of American 
culture, the Smithsonian Institution has spoken. My hometown of 
Beckley, West Virginia, is among the Smithsonian's list of ``The 20 
Best Small Towns in America.''
  The master curators of our national trends, tastes, tragedies and 
triumph scoured one of our broad Republic's basic foundations, our 
small towns, to identify those that best celebrate culture, often those 
that celebrate their own culture and share it with the world.
  The forthcoming article in the May 2012 edition of Smithsonian 
Magazine highlights a few of the Beckley area's many institutions, 
including the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, our Arts center, Tamarack, 
and the venerable Theater West Virginia. They reflect a hardworking, 
talented, inspiring, sharing, genuine people who would do anything and 
everything within their power to help their neighbor. The faith, hope 
and abundant charity within the hearts of the community is a hallmark 
we cherish. These cultural icons attract visitors across many cultures 
as well as our own school kids and families, all who are eager to learn 
and enjoy.
  The Smithsonian quest was prompted by the premise that our ``big 
cities'' and ``grand institutions'' do not have a monopoly on our 
Nation's creative juices. I wholeheartedly agree. I would only add to 
the authors' survey, that partnerships as well as individuals--can 
constitute a virtual wellspring of cultural opportunity.
  I know, firsthand, that partnerships on all levels of government and 
from all corners of the private sector have mixed and matched manpower, 
material and money to share the magic and majesty of our mountain 
heritage and living to all who pass our way.
  These public sector commitments to local arts, theater and culture 
are long term investments of precious taxpayer dollars. They are among 
the fundamental building blocks of a regional economy. They are among 
the pillars that support an elevated quality of life for everyone. I 
know that my hometown is not unique in this respect and hope that my 
colleagues will keep this in mind as we debate the great needs of our 
nation.
  I salute everyone involved in Beckley's, Raleigh County's and the 
great State of West Virginia's progress and in this most deserved 
distinction.
  I say to my colleagues, it's worth a visit real soon.
  I commend the Smithsonian, affectionately known at the nation's 
attic, for recognizing the best of our small cities, where the 
country's front porches have much to offer.

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