[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 29, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S10137]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                    TRIBUTE TO THE NASHUA LIONS CLUB

 Mr. SUNUNU. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
Nashua Lions Club in recognition of their 80th anniversary.
  Eighty-six years ago, insurance executive Melvin Jones and his fellow 
Chicago business associates gathered and formed Lions International.
  Originally, their objectives were humanitarian service to their 
community. It wasn't until Helen Keller spoke at their 1925 convention 
and challenged them to become her ``Knights of the Blind'' that they 
began a service that today has become the largest service organization 
in the world.
  In mid-1923, a similar group of Nashua business leaders began meeting 
at the old YMCA on Temple Street. A few months later they were 
chartered as the Nashua Lions Club, becoming the second oldest club in 
the State. Since that time, the men and women of the Nashua Lions have 
answered the challenge of Helen Keller and have lived by the Lions 
motto ``We Serve.''
  In their 80 years of service, the Nashua Lions have raised over $1 
million that has gone to pay for eye examinations, eye glasses, eye 
surgery, and hearing aid for needy children and adults. Last year, 
Nashua Lions tested more children between the ages of 3 months and 4 
years than any club in the entire State using the revolutionary 
``KIDSIGHT'' camera that enables doctors to read a laster photo of a 
young child's eye and determine whether or not they have any problems 
at an early age.
  In the early 1950's, the Nashua Lions led by former Major Mario Vagge 
built the friendship club--a place for handicapped Nashua residents to 
go and socialize--which is still in use today. In 1995, the club was 
approached by a Nashua family with a severely handicapped child at 
home. ``Melanie's Room'' became a reality and for several years Melanie 
and her family shared in her being with them at home.
  Besides the usual groups and charities supported by the Lions, many 
club members throughout the years have given not only their own money, 
but they have devoted countless hours to the city through service as 
mayors, alderman, fire commissioners, judges, educators, police, and 
firefighters.
  Local groups have benefited from having Lions serve on their 
organizations board of directors. Lions are involved with programs such 
as Big Brothers/Big Sister in-school mentors, Juvenile Diabetes 
Education efforts, Special Olympics, and Lions Club Camp Pride.
  In addition to their numerous community and charity efforts, the 
Nashua Lions have also provided leadership to the entire Lions 
International Organization. During their 80-year history, Nashua has 
had three district governors: Clifford Sloan, 1960-1961, Joseph 
Bielawski, 1983-1984, and Edward Lecius, 1998-1999.
  The Nashua Lions are a true example of the volunteer spirit that 
President Bush has asked all Americans to undertake. Their leadership, 
caring, compassion, and hard work have helped make Nashua a great place 
to live.
  The countless lives they have touched through their many programs may 
never be known, however, just think what might have been if there were 
no Nashua Lions Club the past 80 years.
  I offer my thanks and congratulations to the men and women of the 
Nashua Lions Club for their 80 years of dedicated service to the 
residents of the Gate City.

                          ____________________