[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 51 (Thursday, April 30, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E728-E729]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO THE FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP LIONS CLUB ON THEIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MICHAEL PAPPAS

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 30, 1998

  Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Franklin 
Township Lions Club which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this 
year.
  Having served as a Lion myself since 1982 in this very club, I am 
well aware of the important role and contribution that the Lions Club 
makes in so many communities around our country especially in the 
Township of Franklin, New Jersey. As the former Mayor of the Township, 
I can personally attest to the numerous activities and the community 
involvement of the Lions.
  In particular, the Franklin Lions helped to found the Township's 
Little League, funded the scoreboard at the High School, hosted a 
Halloween parade, and raised money for the High School seniors to go on 
to college through scholarships. They have also provided eye glasses, 
eye exams, hearing tests and a host of other health related screenings 
to all the members of the community. And it was the Lions who raised 
the funds for a sensory garden for the handicapped and blind. Their 
fund raising efforts have also served members of the community in need. 
In one such instance, the Lions worked tirelessly to help raise the 
necessary funds to help a young man in the community who was in need of 
a liver transplant.

[[Page E729]]

  I would like to congratulate the Club's current officers, Joseph 
Bocklage, President and Treasurer, Julius Schwartz, First Vice 
President, Upendra Chivukula, Second Vice President, John Dutkowski, 
Secretary, Mario Zanon, Tail Twister/Lion Tamer, Lou Agg and Harold 
Rosenzweig who act as first year directors, Kevin Hrabinski and Bernie 
Rubin who serve as second year directors and Brendan Nihill the 
Membership Chairman. Each of these men and all of the other men and 
women of the club have selflessly given of their time and resources to 
serve their community.
  As this Congress continues to emphasize the need for service 
organizations and volunteers to assume a greater role in one Society, 
it will be organizations like the Lions that year after year continue 
to bring about positive change. On Saturday night, the Franklin 
Township Lions Club will hold the 50th anniversary dinner and I would 
like to extend my best wishes. The people of your community, the people 
of New Jersey and the people of America thank you for your service.
  As America looks toward the 21st century, Lion's Clubs around the 
nation stand ready and committed, full of energy, creativity and 
solutions to help us become a better society and solve the problems 
that face our nation. The Lion's motto, ``We serve'' is an inspiration 
to us all because it epitomizes this organization's commitment to their 
fellow man.

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