[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 24]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 32631]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GARFIELD RIDGE CHAMBER OF 
                                COMMERCE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 16, 2009

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Garfield Ridge 
Chamber of Commerce as it celebrates 50 years of service to the 
community.
  Founded in 1959, the Garfield Ridge Chamber has grown to 100 members 
who work tirelessly to fully embody its motto, ``The Neighborhood that 
Cares and Shares.''
  The chamber takes great pride in being an active member of the 
community, participating each year in the Patriot Day Parade and Annual 
Pumpkin Parade, providing Christmas decorations along a major 
thoroughfare in the neighborhood, delivering a business directory to 
17,500 homes in the area, and recognizing a police officer, 
firefighter, and teacher of the year at its annual dinner dance.
  The chamber's largest event, in which it takes special pride, is the 
``Snack with Santa,'' at which children are provided with a gift from 
Santa, snacks, and a puppet show. This year marks the 26th anniversary 
of the event, which is extremely popular, attracting over 1,300 
attendees.
  Throughout the year, chamber members show their commitment to the 
organization and its role in the community at monthly gatherings 
featuring speakers who keep business owners informed of new 
developments and innovations.
  Through its dedication to service, the Garfield Ridge Chamber of 
Commerce has contributed immensely to the larger community. As a proud 
native of Garfield Ridge, I sincerely offer the chamber's many 
dedicated members my heartfelt congratulations on the occasion of its 
50th anniversary.

                          ____________________