[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17384]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       CELEBRATING COTTAGE GROVE'S SECOND ALL AMERICAN CITY AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. PETER A. DeFAZIO

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 22, 2004

  Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate 
the City of Cottage Grove, Oregon. Located in my congressional district 
at the southern end of the beautiful Willamette Valley, Cottage Grove 
recently won its second All-American City award.
  The Kalapuya Indians first enjoyed the riches of the southern valley, 
and the Oregon Trail opened the territory to other settlers in 1848. In 
1863, gold was discovered in the mountains south of Cottage Grove, and 
mining activities continued into the 1920s, when the lumber industry 
became the economic engine. The City celebrates its exciting history 
every summer during Bohemia Mining Days. Today, this community of not 
quite 9,000 is blessed with a wealth of community spirit and ``can do'' 
attitude.
  Cottage Grove is a vital community dedicated to possibilities. This 
town is not afraid to take and share responsibility for creating a 
better future. In fact, in Cottage Grove there is a strong sense of 
obligation to making dreams come true. The 1968 and 2004 All-American 
City Awards honor the community's commitment to excellence, 
cooperation, and creativity.
  Only ten communities earn All-American City status each year 
nationwide. Cottage Grove is being saluted for a variety of 
accomplishments and three major projects--the new Cottage Grove 
Community Hospital, the formation of the Economic & Business 
Improvement District, and the recently completed Cottage Grove High 
School facility.
  American anthropologist Margaret Mead once said, ``Never doubt that a 
small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. 
Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.'' Cottage Grove embodies 
this great notion, with friends, neighbors, government, businesses, and 
service agencies working together to get things done, and done well.
  I am proud to represent Cottage Grove, and thank you for the 
opportunity to highlight ``the little city that could.''

                          ____________________