[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 140 (Thursday, October 9, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2007]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE LIONS CLUB INTERNATIONAL OF PICO RIVERA FOR 60 YEARS OF 
          OUTSTANDING AND INVALUABLE SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. ESTEBAN EDWARD TORRES

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 9, 1997

  Mr. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the men and women 
of the Lions Club International of Pico Rivera on the occasion of its 
60th anniversary. I am proud to be an honorary member of the Lions Club 
International of Pico Rivera and commend my fellow Lions for 60 years 
of outstanding leadership and dedicated community service. On October 
11, 1997, my fellow Lions will join to celebrate this milestone.
  The Lions Club International began in June 1917, founded by Chicago 
Insurance agent Melvin Jones. He presented to a group of small business 
clubs his proposal of consolidating their clubs into a strong, 
influential club. Its goal would be to serve the community and 
humanity. At the first annual convention in October 1917, 23 clubs 
participated. Today, there are over 40,000 Lions Clubs around the 
world.
  Recognized as the oldest continuous service club in Pico Rivera, the 
Lions Club of Pico Rivera was chartered on September 24, 1937. It is a 
part of the International Association of Lions Clubs, known worldwide 
for its contributions to goodwill, fellowship, and humanitarian 
service. The primary focus of this fine organization is service to all 
of mankind, in the local community and throughout the world. For 60 
years, the Pico Rivera Lions Club has shared in this vision and 
commitment.
  The men and women of the Lions Club of Pico Rivera have played major 
roles in the advancement of the city of Pico Rivera, working diligently 
to establish a positive spirit of cooperation among the citizens of our 
community. They provide assistance for persons who are visually 
impaired and who lack the resources needed for specialized eye surgery. 
The Lions Club of Pico Rivera works with merchants, local government, 
and other service clubs to build a strong community.
  The Lions Club of Pico Rivera is under the leadership of my dear 
friend, Lion Hilda Lopez, president, an outstanding community activist 
who follows in the tradition of her late husband, Lion Laree, in 
assuming the helm of this valued community organization. She is 
assisted by Vincent Chavez, vice president; Jess Benavidez, co-vice 
president; Mary Kambourian, secretary; John Diaz, treasurer; Mario 
Diaz, tail twister; Jack Thomas, lion tamer, Dr. Fred Winnen, director; 
Carlos Garcia, director; Lupe Quintana, director; and Phillip Barnecut, 
central region chairman.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with pride that I ask my colleagues to join me in 
paying tribute to the men and women of the Lions Club of Pico Rivera on 
the occasion of its 60th anniversary and in the recognition of its 
outstanding and selfless service to our community.

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