[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 142 (Tuesday, October 4, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 4, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
  HONORING THE LION'S CLUB OF OLD FORT ON THE OCCASION OF THEIR 50TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______


                          HON. PAUL E. GILLMOR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 4, 1994

  Mr. GILLMORE. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today 
and pay tribute to an outstanding service organization located in 
Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. On December 14, the Lion's Club of 
Old Fort, OH will celebrate their 50th anniversary.
  The Village of Old Fort, my hometown, is a community renowned for its 
civic pride and commitment to service. In 1944, it was home to five 
active churches, an active Grange as well as school organizations 
dedicated to helping others. There was not, however, an agency which 
could coordinate these services to provide for the entire community. My 
father, P.M., who served as the club's first president, along with 
Ralph Blaney, were members of the nearby Tiffin Lions Club. Together, 
they proposed Old Fort should form a club of their own. After enlisting 
41 good citizens of Old Fort, they became charter members and joined 
Lions International.
  It was a good start and the club was active in the community from the 
very beginning. Throughout its history there has never been a lack of 
enthusiasm or volunteer labor for its many projects. In addition, the 
Old Fort Lions Club has been active throughout the years in zone, State 
and International Lions. Ralph Blaney served as an international 
director, David Biddle and Ralph Gillmor served as district governors, 
and the Club has had many zone officers.
  Anniversaries are a time to reflect upon a steadfast tradition of 
service. They are also a time to look toward new horizons. Lions have 
made it their responsibility to serve those in need by keeping pace 
with the ever increasing challenges facing mankind.
  Mr. Speaker, it is obvious that the community and the members of the 
club have greatly benefited from the effort that was started in 1944. I 
ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the achievements of 
the Old Fort Lions and encourage them to continue to uphold what has 
become the standard for service in Ohio.

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