[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 57 (Thursday, April 10, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E577]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  COVENTRY LIONS CLUB 50TH ANNIVERSARY

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                            HON. JIM GERLACH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 10, 2008

  Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to and 
congratulate the Coventry Lions Club for its 50th anniversary this 
year. The Coventry Lions Club held its first meeting on April 15, 1958 
and was chartered by the International Lions Club to serve the area 
that is now known as the Owen J. Roberts School District, which 
includes seven townships in its community of service. Of the charter 
members, only two are known by the Club to still be living in the 
area--Dr. Robert Barr and Mr. Stauffer Kutz--who have agreed to be a 
part of the Club's celebration.
  Over the years, the Coventry Lions Club has boasted a membership that 
includes business and community leaders willing to work under the 
International Lions slogan of ``We Serve.'' That history has continued 
into the present time with a membership that seeks to serve the local 
community, as well as participate in international programs that serve 
the less fortunate of the world. There are numerous examples of the 
great work they do in our community and abroad, including: providing 
eye examinations and glasses for children whose families are unable to 
meet the necessary financial requirements; delivering food boxes to 
needy families at Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter; providing 
financial assistance to families who have experienced hardship due to 
injury and natural disasters; cleaning up and maintaining stretches of 
local roads; giving financial scholarships to deserving high school 
graduates; and participation in many other projects within its Lions 
District, the Delaware Valley and the Tri-State area.
  One example of an international project the Coventry Lions Club is 
working on is the Campaign Sight First II conducted by Lions Club 
International Foundation. This project is hoping to provide 
$200,000,000 to attack preventable blindness throughout the world and 
contribute toward other humanitarian causes. The Coventry Lions Club 
has contributed financial resources to numerous noteworthy projects 
such as this over the years.
  Madam Speaker, the Coventry Club has a long and wonderful history of 
helping its community, and all those throughout the world who may need 
help. I know my colleagues join me as I congratulate its members for 
their inspirational work and exceptional public service.

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