File #: 14-1038    Version: 1 Name: canoeyear
Type: Resolution Status: Approved
File created: 12/10/2014 In control: Suffredin
On agenda: 12/16/2014 Final action: 12/16/2014
Title: PROPOSED RESOLUTION Celebrating the 30th Annual Forest Preserve District of Cook County's New Year's Day Canoe Paddle WHEREAS, on January 1, 2014 2015, the Forest Preserve District of Cook County will be conducting its 30th annual New Year's Day Canoe Paddle; and WHEREAS, each New Year's Day, hundreds of wonderfully crazy people jump into their canoes and kayaks to paddle an intimate reach of the Chicago River, long protected as part of the Forest Preserves; and WHEREAS, Ralph Friese began the tradition in 1985 and the tradition continues in his honor; and WHEREAS, in 2012, the annual tradition had its best attendance ever, with over 300 people braving the cold to partake in the festivities; and WHEREAS, due to extremely cold temperatures, the event was cancelled in 2013 and 2014, meaning this year's paddle is greatly anticipated; and WHEREAS, the brave paddlers begin at 9:00 am with the last launch at noon; and WHEREAS, the paddlers begin below the Skokie L...
Sponsors: LARRY SUFFREDIN, LUIS ARROYO JR., RICHARD R. BOYKIN, JERRY BUTLER, JOHN P. DALEY, JOHN A. FRITCHEY, BRIDGET GAINER, ELIZABETH "LIZ" DOODY GORMAN, GREGG GOSLIN, STANLEY MOORE, TONI PRECKWINKLE (President), TIMOTHY O. SCHNEIDER, PETER N. SILVESTRI, DEBORAH SIMS, ROBERT B. STEELE, JEFFREY R. TOBOLSKI
title
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
 
Celebrating the 30th Annual Forest Preserve District of Cook County's New Year's Day Canoe Paddle
 
 
WHEREAS, on January 1, 2014  2015, the Forest Preserve District of Cook County will be conducting its 30th annual New Year's Day Canoe Paddle; and
 
WHEREAS, each New Year's Day, hundreds of wonderfully crazy people jump into their canoes and kayaks to paddle an intimate reach of the Chicago River, long protected as part of the Forest Preserves; and
 
WHEREAS, Ralph Friese began the tradition in 1985 and the tradition continues in his honor; and
 
WHEREAS, in 2012, the annual tradition had its best attendance ever, with over 300 people braving the cold to partake in the festivities; and
 
WHEREAS, due to extremely cold temperatures, the event was cancelled in 2013 and 2014, meaning this year's paddle is greatly anticipated; and
 
WHEREAS, the brave paddlers begin at 9:00 am with the last launch at noon; and
 
WHEREAS, the paddlers begin below the Skokie Lagoons and finish in Linne Woods, passing deer, coyote birds and incredulous humans; and
 
WHEREAS, countless volunteers brave the cold weather to be Bridge Watchers, help on the Safety Boat and to act as Portage Sherpas and Chaos Preventers; and
 
WHEREAS, participants are able to view the wonder and beauty of the Cook County Forest Preserve District's flora and fauna; and
 
WHEREAS, the festivities do not end on the river, as participants extend their revelries at Hackney's on Lake Avenue in Glenview; and
 
WHEREAS, even those who accidentally take a swim, enjoy the day; and
 
WHEREAS, all who participate universally agree that there is no better way to ring in the New Year; and
 
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the President and Members of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board of Commissioners, on behalf of the people of Cook County, does hereby recognize and commend all participants and volunteers in the 30th Annual Forest Preserve District of Cook County New Year's Day Canoe Paddle; and
 
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body and that an official copy of the same be tendered to the organizers of the New Year's Day Paddle as a token of this Honorable Body's appreciation.
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