[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 132 (Wednesday, October 9, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1801]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E1801]]



              PAYING TRIBUTE TO MAPLE GROVE COLUMBINE CLUB

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 9, 2002

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
organization with a long history in Colorado. The Maple Grove Columbine 
Club in Montrose, Colorado has served as a social network for its 
members as they have come together to support each other, their 
community, and their country for nearly a century now. It is with is 
with great pride that I honor them today and share their heritage with 
my colleagues.
  Since its inception as a women's social organization in 1911, the 
Columbine Club's activities have reflected the values that are at the 
heart of every American community. Established in an era when the horse 
was still the way to get around, the club traditionally has not held 
meetings during the summer months so the women could concentrate on 
preparing their children for school and canning their gardens' harvest 
for winter. Socially, the club held annual husband's banquets and 
Christmas parties to help bring people together, as well as regular 
meetings in members' homes. Their activities created lasting 
friendships as some members have contributed to the club for over 50 
years.
  The Columbine Club's activities reach beyond just social gatherings, 
as members met to discuss and undertake blood plasma donation during 
World War II and gathering goods to distribute to those in need. The 
club is indeed full of commitment and perspective with some members in 
their 80s still participating and supporting their community. It is 
good to see that the club is as full of vitality today as when it was 
first founded 91 years ago.
  Mr. Speaker, I stand today to honor this organization before this 
body of Congress and our nation. The strong values and social causes 
championed by the ladies of the Maple Grove Columbine Club reflect 
their commitment to their community, their state, and their country. I 
am glad to bring this group's history and accomplishments to the 
attention of this body.

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