[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21924]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING AND RECOGNIZING THE DEDICATION OF THE MOHAMMAD ATAYA PARK

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 29, 2005

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of 
the Ataya family for their collective vision, generosity and concern 
for the people of Twinsburg, especially the children, for donating 
their personal property and transforming it into a public park for 
residents of all ages to enjoy. Dr. Khalid Ataya, his wife, Dr. Alfida 
Ataya, and their three children, Dana, Samy and Ramsey, have dedicated 
the park in honor of Dr. Ataya's father, Mohammad Ataya.
  Mohammad Ataya worked diligently to provide a safe and secure home 
for his family in America, and has also ensured that the cultural 
bridge connecting the Ataya family--from Cleveland to Lebanon--remains 
viable and strong. Mr. Ataya continues to be the center of his family, 
a living legacy defined by a steadfast dedication to his wife, nine 
children, and his many grandchildren.
  In a clearing surrounded by trees, playground equipment, park benches 
and picnic tables spring from the green grass at Mohammad Ataya Park, 
located on Cambridge Street in Twinsburg. Plans are already in place to 
expand the playground and picnic area at the park--preserving a natural 
space where a sense of renewal is possible and where family unity 
abounds.
  Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition 
of Dr. Khalid and Alfida Ataya, for their vision and generosity in 
entrusting their land to the Township of Twinsburg for use as a public 
park, in honor of Dr. Ataya's father, Mohammad Ataya. Mohammad Ataya 
Park will flourish as a vital preservation of green space and will 
exist as a peaceful and joyous haven, accessible to all citizens, today 
and for generations to come. As founding members of the Arab American 
Community Center for Economic and Social Services (AACESS), Dr. Khalid 
and Dr. Alfida Ataya continue to embrace an energetic spirit and a 
dedication focused on service to others, and their efforts and 
volunteerism continue to enhance our entire community.

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