[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 20 (Tuesday, February 13, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E154]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   TRIBUTE TO THE INDEPENDENT ORDER OF FORESTERS, HIGH COURT OF THE 
                     CALIFORNIA NORTH/NEVADA NORTH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GEORGE MILLER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 13, 2001

  Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, today I invite my 
colleagues to join me in recognizing The Independent Order of 
Foresters, High Court of the California North/Nevada North, on the 
occasion of their 43rd Quadrennial Session, for their commitment to 
providing fraternal and community services to their members and the 
northern California and Nevada communities.
  The concept of Forestry originated hundreds of years ago when people 
formed groups called Friendly Societies to provide help for one another 
in times of distress. Based on the spirit of brotherhood and the desire 
to help in times of need, each family contributed to a fund from which 
they could draw when emergencies arose. In 1874 in Newark, NJ, a group 
of people carrying on these early traditions of mutual aid and 
fraternity started the Independent Order of Foresters.
  Today, the 35,000 members of the California North/Nevada North IOF 
play a variety of roles in our neighborhoods and communities. IOF 
members are involved in youth scouting and athletic activities, fund-
raising for nonprofit organizations, and confronting child abuse 
through community education and direct service to children and families 
in crisis. These are people who care about and are engaged in their 
communities. This past year, the IOF has sponsored numerous 
organizations, including the Solano and Contra Costa Food Bank, the 
Make A Wish Foundation, the Atkinson Youth Center, the Young Life 
Capernium, Meals on Wheels, the Boys and Girls Club Shelter for 
Battered Women and Samaritan House, Young Life, the Yellow Brick House, 
Silver Dollar Court, and the Children's Crisis Center.
  The California North/Nevada North IOF meets February 24, 2001, to 
celebrate their years of commitment to their families and communities. 
I know I speak for all Members when I thank the IOF for their positive 
contributions to our communities and wish them continued success in 
their endeavors.

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