[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 15222-15223]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE EFFORTS OF THE LAKESHORE AREAS REGIONAL RECOVERY OF 
                                INDIANA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 11, 2011

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I stand 
before you today to

[[Page 15223]]

recognize the efforts of the Lakeshore Areas Regional Recovery of 
Indiana, or LARRI for short, and to recognize its esteemed partners for 
their dedication as this organization reaches the end of its third, and 
final, year of operation. Although LARRI has served the Region 
admirably since the widespread flooding of Northwest Indiana in 
September of 2008, its work has come to an end, and the organization 
ceased operations on September 30, 2011.
  LARRI was formed by a coalition of dedicated non-profit organizations 
in response the heavy flooding of Northwest Indiana in September of 
2008. As the Little Calumet overflowed its banks, LARRI went into 
immediate action for its neighbors in need, and by the time it closed 
its doors, LARRI had coordinated more than 6,000 volunteers in removing 
15,920 pounds of debris, building 5 homes, restoring another 600 more, 
and relocating 26 displaced families to new homes throughout the area. 
In short, LARRI has have helped to get a struggling region back on its 
feet with nothing more than volunteer time and donations. They are true 
examples of a civic spirit to which we can all aspire. Notable 
contributors to LARRI's philanthropic mission include: the Lake Area 
United Way, United Way of Porter County, Ridge United Methodist Church, 
Northwest Indiana Community Action Corporation, American Red Cross of 
Northwest Indiana, the Salvation Army, Dyer United Methodist Church, 
Gary Neighborhood, the Geminus Corporation, Continuum of Care Northwest 
Indiana, Lutheran Church Charities, Catholic Charities, McShane's 
Business Products and Solutions, and the Gary 411 newspaper, as well as 
individuals John Beebe and Ted Prettyman.
  Mr. Speaker, Northwest Indiana is fortunate to have such an 
impressive array of willing humanitarians, and I ask that you and my 
other distinguished colleagues join me in recognizing this outstanding 
organization on its campaign. Although LARRI's efforts lasted a mere 
three years, this should only add to the profound impact the 
organization had on Northwest Indiana. I ask that you join me in 
honoring its individual members who freely gave so much of their time 
in service to their community.

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