[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 6 (Wednesday, January 26, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E97]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO THE OLD FORT LIONS CLUB ON THE OCCASION OF THEIR 
                          SIXTIETH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. PAUL E. GILLMOR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 26, 2005

  Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to pay tribute to an 
outstanding service organization located in Ohio's Fifth Congressional 
District. On December 14, 2004, the Lion's Club of Old Fort, OH, 
celebrated its 60th anniversary.
  The village of Old Fort, my hometown, is a community renowned for its 
civic pride and commitment to service. In 1944, it was home to five 
active churches, an active Grange as well as school organizations 
dedicated to helping others. There was not, however, an agency which 
could coordinate these services to provide for the entire community.
  My father, P.M. Gillmor, who served as the first president of the Old 
Fort Lions Club, along with Ralph Blaney, were members of the nearby 
Tiffin Lions Club. Together, they proposed that Old Fort should form a 
club of their own. After enlisting 41 good citizens of Old Fort, they 
became charter members and joined Lions International.
  The Lions Club was a good fit for Old Fort and the members were 
active in the community from the very beginning. Throughout its history 
there has never been a lack of enthusiasm or volunteer labor for its 
many projects. In addition, the Old Fort Lions Club has been active 
throughout the years in zone, State and International Lions. Ralph 
Blaney served as an international director, David Biddle and Ralph 
Gillmor served as district governors, and the Club has had many zone 
officers.
  Anniversaries are a time to reflect upon a steadfast tradition of 
service. They are also a time to look toward new horizons. Lions have 
made it their responsibility to serve those in need by keeping pace 
with the ever increasing challenges facing mankind.
  Mr. Speaker, it is obvious that the community and the members of the 
club have greatly benefited from the effort that was started in 1944. I 
ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the achievements of 
the Old Fort Lions and encourage them to continue to uphold what has 
become the standard for service in Ohio.

                          ____________________