WHEREAS, James C. Mazenis, an outstanding community activist and well-regarded member of his community, is retiring as president of the West Elsdon Civic Association after serving for 30 years; and
WHEREAS, this body has been apprised of this event by the Honorable Michael Zalewski, 23rd Ward Alderman; and
WHEREAS, the West Elsdon Civic Association was chartered in 1942 and was active throughout World War II as a Civil Defense organization monitoring Midway Airport, and has since been a positive force in unifying the community; and
WHEREAS, James and Pat Mazenis married in 1972 made their home in the West Elsdon neighborhood in 1976, where they still reside and are also active members of the Darius Girenas American Legion Post 271 and tirelessly advocate for our nation's veterans; and
WHEREAS, James Mazenis joined the West Elsdon Civic Association in 1982 and became president in 1985, and contributed to making life better and safer for the community by keeping the neighbors of changes, zoning decisions, and services offered by the city. He also acted as a liaison between the people of the community and city departments, and brought people face-to-face with the Fire Department, Police Department, and other service agencies and city departments; and
WHEREAS, firmly believing that democracy and participation are vital to the health and well-being of a neighborhood, James also invited all candidates running for city, county and state-wide office to speak and meet with people at election time, and connected people with one another through a newsletter; and
WHEREAS, James was also quick to adapt the roles of the Civic Association to fit the needs of the community, and in response to the foreclosure crisis of 2008, James kept the community informed as the economy suffered, and then slowly recovered, understanding the importance of keeping a community strong and together despite challenges; and
WHEREAS, James was always in tune with the needs of the community and held forums, made phone calls for other people, and organized a strong, vibrant community. Although he is moving on to other duties in his life, the legacy he has left behind will continue to be felt in the community; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, gathered here this twenty-fourth day of September, do hereby extend our heartiest congratulations to James Mazenis upon the occasion of his retirement and express our gratitude for his contributions and service.
B,EJT FURTHER RESOVLED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to James Mazenis and the West Elsdon Civic Associationrx
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_T -Michael Zalewski
— Alderman, 23rd Ward
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