[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 127 (Monday, September 8, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1334-E1335]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE VILLAGE OF CHICAGO RIDGE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 8, 2014

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Village of 
Chicago Ridge, Illinois, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary 
this month.
   The history of Chicago Ridge is indeed unique as its beginnings 
coincide with The Chicago World's Fair, which in 1893 commemorated the 
400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's arrival in the new world. 
Trainloads of dirt, brought out by way of the Wabash railroad for the 
construction of the fair, formed the ridges from which Chicago Ridge 
takes its name.
   Settlement increased with the establishment of rail yards in Chicago 
Ridge and in 1914 the village was incorporated. The newly incorporated 
government moved quickly to make investments to improve infrastructure 
and transportation, paving the way for economic growth.
   The village and its residents also host RidgeFest--an annual summer 
celebration that draws thousands from the Chicago metropolitan area to 
enjoy live music, fireworks, and time with family and friends.
   Today's Chicago Ridge owes much to the steady leadership provided 
for almost four decades by Eugene ``Gene'' Siegel who served as mayor 
from 1975 until his retirement in 2013. Mayor Siegel guided the town 
through a revitalization and population boom. He established a full-
time fire department and led the development of a public works facility 
and municipal complex. Gene Siegel's accomplishments during his tenure 
as Mayor provided the foundation for Chicago Ridge to flourish for 
years to come. Chicago Ridge now prospers under the leadership of Mayor 
Charles Tokar who previously served 24 years as Village Clerk and 14 
years as a trustee.
   I am proud to represent the Village of Chicago Ridge. I ask my 
colleagues to join me in honoring all of the citizens of the village as 
they celebrate the 100th anniversary. May they enjoy this centennial 
celebration and I look forward to many more years of growth and 
prosperity.

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