[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 49 (Friday, April 12, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E451]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


IN RECOGNITION OF DANIEL J. NAVARRE'S EXCEPTIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE 
            RESIDENTS OF WEST BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, MICHIGAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GARY C. PETERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 12, 2013

  Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my 
friend, Daniel J. Navarre of West Bloomfield, Michigan, as he is 
honored by the West Bloomfield Optimist Club as its 2013 honoree. Each 
year, the West Bloomfield Optimist Club recognizes one of its members 
for their exceptional contributions to the community in fulfillment of 
the Optimist Creed.
  The Optimist Creed states that one will think of only the best, work 
for only the best and expect only the best. Known as Dan to his 
friends, Daniel Navarre has made this creed a central tenet of his 
work, both in the West Bloomfield community and beyond. His commitment 
to giving the best of himself to his work is a principle that he 
executed every day in his twenty years of work at Wayne County Parks 
and Recreation.
  After retiring from Wayne County as Deputy Director of Parks and 
Recreation in 1997, Dan brought the same level of passion and 
commitment to his friends and neighbors when he joined West Bloomfield 
Parks and Recreation in 1999. During his tenure, Dan has used his 
leadership position to advocate for and develop many projects that have 
improved the quality-of-life for Township residents. These projects 
include the development of Drake Sports Park, which has supported many 
local sports teams for youth and adults alike; and the redevelopment of 
Marshbank Park on Cass Lake, which has became a premier facility for 
the active lifestyle of Lakes Area residents. As part of his work on 
the Marshbank Park project, Dan was instrumental in acquiring the 
resources that allowed the Township to fully realize its vision of a 
space that could promote healthy living for local residents. These 
funds were also utilized by the Township to support the development of 
over six-and-a-half miles of multipurpose trails created from old rail 
lines.
  In addition to his work for the people of West Bloomfield Township, 
Dan has been an active member of the West Bloomfield Optimist Club for 
many years and served as its President from 2005 to 2006. While serving 
as President, Dan worked with other Lakes Area residents to found the 
Lakes Area Optimist Club, which serves the youth and residents of 
several surrounding communities. Under his leadership and participation 
the Club has continued its robust support of local youth through its 
Youth Appreciation Breakfast, Essay Contest, Oratorical Contest, 
College Scholarship Program and many other programs it plans year-
round.
  Mr. Speaker, the strength and vibrancy of the communities we serve 
depend on the zeal and devotion of its residents to their friends, 
neighbors and our youth. Dan's service to the people of Southeast 
Michigan and his volunteer endeavors are a perfect example of this 
truth and it is fitting that he is being recognized by the West 
Bloomfield Optimist Club for his contributions that have encouraged the 
development of our youth and made the West Bloomfield community a 
better place to live. I wish Dan and the West Bloomfield Optimists many 
years of future success and look forward to continuing to work together 
in pursuit of our common goal to build a vibrant community that fosters 
a successful future for our youth.

                          ____________________