[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 154 (Thursday, October 22, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2601-E2602]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE 90TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MARQUETTE LIONS CLUB

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                            HON. BART STUPAK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 22, 2009

  Mr. STUPAK. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the Lions Club of 
Marquette, Michigan as it celebrates its 90th anniversary in the

[[Page E2602]]

community. Throughout its history the Lions Club has worked with city, 
county and state government to improve the lives of residents in 
Marquette and its surrounding areas. During its 90 years, the Club has 
made the needs of children and the health of residents across the Upper 
Peninsula top priorities, and has worked with the community on a wide 
range of projects.
  In 1919, the Marquette Lions Club was the first Lions Club in 
Michigan to receive its charter. The club wasted no time in getting to 
work. In its first year the Club passed a resolution to establish a 
tourist camping ground, requested the city install street cobblestones 
to prevent the injury of horses and worked with members of the 
Marquette Rotary Club to support the Boy Scout movement.
  Over the years the Marquette Lions Club has made the health and well 
being of children in Marquette and across the world a primary concern. 
Whether purchasing eye glasses for needy children in 1937, supporting 
Camp Sunnyside for mentally challenged youth in 1980 or holding 
fundraisers to allow a local family to be with their young child under 
going cardiac surgery in 2008, the Marquette Lions Club has given 
children throughout Northern Michigan a chance at a better life.
  When Helen Keller proposed that Lions become Knights of the Blind at 
the National Convention of Lions in 1925, the Marquette Club began to 
recycle and purchase glasses for those in need. To date the club has 
recycled more than 150,000 eye glasses. The Club has continued this 
tradition championing causes such as Campaign SightFirst II to battle 
preventable blindness across the world. In 2007, the Club became the 
only model club in Single District 10 donating more than $14,000 to 
this campaign. The Club has also participated in joint state projects 
including Leader Dogs for the Blind and the Michigan Eye Bank.
  Over the years the Club has worked with Operation Lollypop to 
inoculate children in the area with the polio vaccine and with the 
March of Dimes to fight polio and work with victims of the disease. The 
Club has also worked with the Upper Peninsula Diabetes Outreach Network 
to eradicate complications, including blindness, from diabetes as well 
as provided equipment and funding to support those with diabetes.
  The Marquette Lions Club has supported the Salvation Army for over 50 
years by ringing red kettle bells and donating to the food bank, has 
made financial donations to agencies providing services to the disabled 
and financially challenged, and has supported district projects 
including Northwoods Airlifeline, Teaching Family Homes and Bay Cliff 
Health Camp.
  Madam Speaker, the Marquette Lions Club has been a leader in 
community and humanitarian service since receiving its charter in 1919. 
It has worked tirelessly to provide support and resources to those in 
need by embodying the Lions motto: We Serve! I ask Madam Speaker, that 
you and the entire U.S. House of Representatives join me in thanking 
the members of the Marquette Lions Club for their generous service and 
recognizing the Club on its 90th anniversary.

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