[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 168 (Tuesday, November 10, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S11343]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                 AUBURN LIONS CLUB COMMEMORATES CHARTER

 Ms. SNOWE. Madam President, today I pay tribute to the Auburn 
Lions Club which will commemorate the receipt of their charter on 
November 13th during their magnificent ``Charter Night.'' Although I 
deeply regret that I am unable to attend in person, I will be there 
very much in spirit!
  I cannot tell this Chamber how inspired and impressed I am by the 
phenomenal history of the Lions Club and all it has accomplished and 
exemplifies to this day. For 92 years, the men and women of the Lions 
Club have been on the front lines of compassion and good will for 
countless individuals throughout America and the world with their 
extraordinary commitment to community and humanitarian service that has 
been the cornerstone of the Lions Club's exceptional mission as well as 
the impetus behind its founding by Melvin Jones in 1917.
  Speaking of the enormous legacy of the legendary Melvin Jones, I want 
to take a moment to express the profound distinction I felt this past 
May when I was honored as a Melvin Jones fellow, the most prestigious 
form of recognition conferred by the Lions Club International 
Foundation. And I can tell you, receiving that accolade from the Lions 
Club which I hold in such high esteem as well as from my cousin, Duke 
Goranites, 1st Vice District Governor of Maine and District Governor-
Elect of the Lions Club--who is like a brother to me and is the brother 
of my wonderful cousin, Georgia Chomas, was truly one of the most 
gratifying experiences of my life!
  And let me just say, Duke has really outdone himself this year! 
Believe me, we are all well aware of how busy he is these days. His 
schedule could not be more rigorous as he's traveling around the State, 
and so I am even more grateful to Duke who not only will emcee the 
Charter Night event, but has been vital in helping Auburn bring this 
charter to fruition.
  What a truly landmark accomplishment this charter represents--one 
that is emblematic of the initiative, generosity, and resolve of my 
hometown of Auburn, ME, where my roots run deep, as well as the 
enduring purpose of the Lions Club which has a longstanding legacy of 
contribution on behalf of others in Maine, America, and the world. And 
let me say, how pleased I was to send an American flag to the Auburn 
Lions Club that was flown over the U.S. Capitol in honor of this 
marvelous occasion.
  The Auburn Lions Club will be joining the ranks of the largest 
international service organization in the world which has a presence in 
more than 200 countries and with 1.3 million members and 45,000 clubs 
worldwide. They will be committed in word and deed to advancing the 
Lions Club motto ``we serve.'' And Melvin Jones' time-honored precept 
that ``you can't get very far until you start doing something for 
somebody else'' will be in good hands in Auburn.
  The Auburn Lions Club will not only celebrate their newly acquired 
charter status but will also install the respective officers, whose 
leadership throughout the process has been instrumental. In that light, 
I commend Adam Smith, Auburn chapter president; and Georgia Chomas, 
vice-president, who coordinated the Charter Night event with Sandy 
Tassinari. I also commend Celeste Yakawonis, second vice-president, 
Nicole Andree, treasurer, and Sherry Bonawitz, secretary.
  I also convey my immense appreciation for the stewardship and support 
of Glen Aho, Auburn city manager and charter member of the Auburn Lions 
Club, as well as to Ron Johnson, international director of the Lions 
Club, Lewis B. Small, Sr., past international director, and Roger 
Blackstone, district governor. I also recognize the Gray/New Gloucester 
Lions Club for their sponsorship of the Auburn Lions Club.
  In keeping with the high caliber of individuals who have dedicated 
their enormous time and talent to this sterling endeavor, I am proud to 
say, the Auburn Lions Club can already point to community projects its 
members will be tackling, from addressing challenges confronting Auburn 
school students with a focus on homeless teens to working with the 
Lions' statewide effort to raise funds to purchase and install a 
standby generator for the Good Shepherd Food Bank. The Auburn Lions 
Club has established a goal of raising $76,000 to match the Lions Club 
international grant of $75,000. To say they will be hitting the ground 
running is an understatement!
  The achievement of this charter is a memorable moment for the Auburn 
Lions Club, and I have no doubt what is said of Lions Clubs throughout 
Maine and around the world will be said of the Auburn Lions Club many 
times over--``whenever we get together, problems get smaller. And 
communities get better.''

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