[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10494]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       IN HONOR OF THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CITY OF WESTLAKE

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                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 6, 2011

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the City of 
Westlake, Ohio, in recognition of its bicentennial celebration. Since 
1811, Westlake has been a shining community within Northeast Ohio.
  In 1811, 16-year-old Leverett Johnson became Westlake's first 
resident when he began clearing land for a log cabin. This cabin served 
as lifelong home for him, his wife Abigail, and their nine children. 
Johnson went on to have a distinguished career in government, serving 
as a justice of the peace, township treasurer, Cuyahoga County 
Commissioner, and Ohio State Legislator.
  Now, 200 years later, Westlake is a successful, vibrant community 
known for its unique appeal to both businesses and families. The City 
of Westlake is continuing to make improvements to the community; St. 
John Medical Center is being renovated, Cuyahoga Community College's 
new Westshore campus is near completion, and plans are underway for the 
construction of a new high school.
  The residents of Westlake have planned a series of events to 
celebrate their city's rich history and vibrant future. Several events, 
such as a fence dedication, historic cemetery tour, marker dedication 
and time capsule burial will take place at the historic Evergreen 
Cemetery. The Evergreen Cemetery was founded around 1820 by Leverett 
Johnson and several other early settlers. Today it serves as their 
final resting ground and one of Westlake's most historic locations. 
Other planned festivities include an art show, concert, Mayor's Ball, a 
4th of July parade and fireworks and a Bicentennial Ball Drop on New 
Year's Eve.
  Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor of the City of 
Westlake, Ohio as its residents celebrate the city's bicentennial. I 
extend my sincere congratulations to all members of the Westlake 
community.

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