CELEBRATING SPARKY'S DINER

On 2026-02-09, Representative Michael Lawler (R-NY-17) delivered a floor speech titled "CELEBRATING SPARKY'S DINER" in the House. The speech addressed housing.

CELEBRATING SPARKY'S DINER

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 27 (Monday, February 9, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 27 (Monday, February 9, 2026)] [House] [Pages H2084-H2085] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] {time} 1920 CELEBRATING SPARKY'S DINER (Mr. LAWLER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a true Hudson Valley institution, Sparky's in Garnerville, New York, as it marks its 50th anniversary on February 13, 2026. Since 1976, Sparky's has become more than a place to grab breakfast or lunch. It is a gathering place for generations of families, friends, and neighbors across Haverstraw and Rockland County. Opened by Louie and Jeannie Nicolakis, Sparky's was built on hard, long hours, and a simple but powerful idea: to create a place where everyone feels welcome. Louie and Jeannie invested everything they had into this vision, and the community has been better for it ever since. After Louie's passing, Jeannie carried that legacy forward, devoting her life to serving her customers and giving back to the community, eventually being recognized with New York State's Empire Award in 2019 for her community contributions, one of the highest honors for a small business. For 50 years, Sparky's has been a place where everyone is treated like family, where stories are shared over coffee, and kindness is always on the menu. I congratulate Jeannie and everyone at Sparky's Diner on this incredible milestone and wish them many more years of success serving the Hudson Valley, and I look forward to coming [[Page H2085]] back for another coffee, eggs, bacon, and toast. ____________________