CONGRATULATIONS EXTENDED TO ANTHONY WATROBINSKI ON BEING NAMED
"SPIRIT OF THE RIVER"
WHEREAS, Friends ofthe Chicago River has selected Anthony Watrobinski from the North Mayfair Community in the 39th Ward as their 2014 "Spirit of the River"; and
WHEREAS, The City Council has been informed of this occasion by the Honorable Margaret Laurino, Alderman ofthe 39th Ward; and
WHEREAS, The "Spirit of the River" award is given annually to a person who exhibits dedication and leadership in recognizing the value ofthe Chicago River and promoting its protection; and
WHEREAS, the Chicago River flows through over 50 Chicago neighborhoods and the heart ofthe downtown as a treasured waterfront and natural, recreational, and economic asset; and,
WHEREAS, the improvement of the Chicago River is vital to the life of the City as a place where school children can experience nature; where families can enjoy peace and quiet, play, ride bikes, fish, or paddle; and where wildlife can find shelter, food, and water; and,
WHEREAS, the Chicago River is a catalyst for urban revitalization through an emerging waterfront economy bringing enhanced quality of life; the Chicago Riverwalk; and increasing residential and business development, new businesses, more jobs, athletic opportunities, and an increased tax base; and,
WHEREAS, Anthony Watrobinski has served as a Chicago River Day site captain since 1997; and
WHEREAS, Anthony Watrobinski has worked with volunteers, corporate teams, community groups, school children, Friends ofthe Chicago River staff, and his own neighbors to promote and protect the Chicago River; and
WHEREAS, Anthony Watrobinski also led efforts to have pharmaceutical collection boxes placed in Chicago Police Stations in order to prevent water pollution that could impact people and wildlife in the Chicago River; and
WHEREAS, Through his volunteer work at Gompers Park, Anthony Watrobinski has consistently and persistently labored to transform the Chicago River into one of...
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