[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 32 (Thursday, March 13, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E466]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN HONOR OF THE HERRIN ROTARY CLUB IN CELEBRATION OF THE DIAMOND 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GLENN POSHARD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 13, 1997

  Mr. POSHARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 75th 
anniversary of the Herrin Rotary Club, which was chartered on February 
27, 1922. This group of fine people have a history of community 
service. The first charter of Rotary clubs was started in 1905, and 
during World War I they were the first group to respond to the plight 
of war victims.
  The Herrin Rotary Club aggressively attacked their list of things to 
do in order to help improve their community, such as help get ``hard 
roads'' in Blairsville Township, build a bridge over Pond Creek on 
Freeman Road, help put an extension to Route 148 for the city of 
Ziegler, add a much-needed extension to the Herrin water system, and 
financially contribute to the Crippled Children's School.
  Many of the Herrin Rotary members rolled up their sleeves and went to 
work by supervising the public playgrounds, aided in the erection of a 
Scout cabin, worked on mosquito abatement, and provided student loans. 
And this was just the beginning. As they progressed in the 1950's, the 
new program continued to better serve the community. Being able to 
accomplish so many tasks left an indelible impression on the people of 
Herrin, IL. However, this is not the end, as this Rotary club strives 
for continued excellence in service.
  Early in 1950, the Rotary constructed a pavilion at the nearby city 
park, built two baseball dugouts, helped start a senior citizen 
program, gave financial support to the United Way, the Boy and Girl 
Scouts of America, purchased safety equipment for the school-crossing 
patrols, provided scholarships for Herrin High School, and sponsored an 
international family in their effort to get a new start in the United 
States.
  As the Herrin Rotary Club celebrates its Diamond Anniversary, I want 
to commend this wonderful group of people who have contributed in 
putting together this celebration: President Jeff Waddell, President 
Emeritus Carl Goodwin, and cabinet members Tom Cundiff, Greg Haub, Bill 
Harmon, Steve Walker, Carol Sluzevich, Dale Nofsinger, Gerald Bailey, 
and the hundreds of other gracious volunteers who have dedicated so 
much time, energy, and love. It is a true privilege for me to represent 
these fine citizens in the U.S. House of Representatives.

                          ____________________