[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 121 (Friday, September 5, 2003)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1710] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] CONGRATULATING THE CITY OF PEABODY, MA, ON THE CELEBRATION OF THEIR 20TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL ______ HON. JOHN F. TIERNEY of massachusetts in the house of representatives Thursday, September 4, 2003 Mr. TIERNEY. Mr. Speaker, on September 14, the City of Peabody, Massachusetts, will celebrate its Twentieth Annual International Festival, and I will be among the more than 65,000 people who will stroll around Peabody Square enjoying the vibrant array of arts, entertainment and foods of the diverse ethnic groups that enliven civic life in Peabody today. The International Festival was envisioned by former Mayor Peter Torigian, who initiated and continued the event as a way to celebrate the ethnic and cultural diversity of the city known historically for its important role in the leather tanning industry that was so much a part of the 19th and early 20th century economic history of our region. Under Mayor Torigian's hands-on leadership, the Festival grew exponentially over the years and has now been warmly embraced and fostered by current Mayor Michael Bonfanti, who serves as the International Festival's Honorary Chairman. Throughout these two decades of growth and change in Peabody, there has been one very constant presence involved in the International Festival--City Councilor Judy Selesnick, who has served with great skill and enthusiasm as Chairwoman and number one volunteer for the International Festival since its beginning. This Twentieth Anniversary year will be Judy's last at the helm; she has decided to retire from the chairmanship, though few doubt that she will continue to cheer from the sidelines as each year's festivities unfold. To Judy Selesnick, Mayor Bonfanti and Mayor Torigian, and to all of the citizens of Peabody who celebrate their diversity on this day and every day, my congratulations and best wishes for a most successful International Festival this year and my thanks to you all for your dedication to Peabody's rich heritage and hopeful future. ____________________