[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 79 (Friday, May 12, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1028]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


              DANVILLE ROTARY HONORED ON 75TH ANNIVERSARY

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                         HON. PAUL E. KANJORKSI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 12, 1995
  Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Rotary 
Club of Danville, PA which is celebrating the 75th anniversary of its 
founding. I am pleased to have been invited to participate in the 
anniversary dinner on May 13 and to have this opportunity to bring the 
history of the club to the attention of my colleagues.
  Founded in 1905, by Paul Harris in Chicago, the Rotary has been an 
institution in America ever since. The first Rotary meeting consisted 
of Paul Harris and three other businessmen. Out of that meeting came 
the idea to form a men's club representing local business and the 
professions. Weekly meetings were held, in turn, at each member's place 
of business. This is how the organization came to be called Rotary.
  The purpose as defined by its founder was to undertake civic 
functions of value to the community. Mr. Harris was successful in his 
endeavor. Now known as Rotary International, the organization has grown 
to more than 25,000 clubs, in 172 countries, with membership well over 
a million and a quarter. In 1988, Rotary opened its membership to 
women.
  Fifteen years after Paul Harris founded Rotary, the Danville Rotary 
Club was organized and given its charter, No. 651. This club has served 
the community with dedication ever since. The club boasts three 
District Governors from its ranks from 1938 to 1993. The club joined 
with Bloomsburg and Berwick to found the Columbia-Montour Boy Scout 
Council in 1924. Boy Scout Camp Lavigne was named in honor of Jack 
Lavigne, a charter member of the Danville Rotary.
  Over the years, the club has sponsored a children's clinic, the 
student exchange program, Cub Pack 36, Crop Walk, Danville Community 
Center, Thomas Beaver Library, Edith Buckley Brown A.L.S. Foundation at 
Geisinger Medical Center, to name just a few of the club's 
beneficiaries. ``Service Above Self'', the motto of Rotary 
International, is the tradition of the Danville Club.
  Mr. Speaker, I am extremely proud of the strong and active influence 
of the Danville Rotary throughout my District. I am especially pleased 
to join with the Danville community in congratulating Danville Rotary 
on its 75th anniversary. We thank you for your dedication to your 
community, and for helping make Rotary synonymous with service.


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