[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 50 (Tuesday, March 27, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S2080]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING THE NEW HAVEN LIONS CLUB

  Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the New 
Haven Lions Club as they celebrate their 90th anniversary and nearly a 
century of community service, civic involvement, and charitable 
contributions to the city of New Haven, the State of Connecticut, and 
the increasingly interconnected international community.
  Lions Club members are connected to the heart and soul of their local 
cities and towns, following the proactive philosophy: ``community is 
what we make it.'' Through their extraordinary service and generosity 
including weekly meetings, annual volunteer events, and fundraising the 
46,000 Lions Clubs and their 1.35 million members change the world 
around them. Following their historic practice of activism and 
participation, they touch countless lives.
  Founded in 1922, the New Haven Lions Club is the second oldest Lions 
Club in Connecticut. The members--or Lions, as they aptly call 
themselves--come together four times a month at the New Haven Long 
Wharf to plan the community outings that have become well known and 
anticipated events. Their impact is felt when they hand out free hot 
cider at the New Haven tree lighting or deliver food donations to the 
Connecticut Food Bank. Since its start, the club has raised more than 
$717,000 in charitable contributions.
  Responding to a call to action by Helen Keller in 1925, one of the 
hallmark services offered by Lions Clubs around the world is assisting 
the often-marginalized blind and visually impaired communities. In 
1975, the One to One Program was created in New Haven, where 
partnerships are formed between a blind and a seeing person. Together, 
these pairs attend events together throughout the year. In addition, 
free eye screenings have been offered on the New Haven Green since 
1998, serving as a practical resource as well as symbolic gesture that 
the Lions Club of New Haven is dedicated to inspiring the vision of New 
Haven residents, helping them to see better lives for themselves.
  The Lions of New Haven also offer valuable opportunities for children 
and young adults in New Haven, understanding their specific needs and 
then aiming to fill the void, whether providing recreational fun, 
mentorship, or the teaching of life skills. They have partnered with 
local schools in New Haven throughout the years, most recently with 
Nathan Hale School, to sponsor Leo Clubs, which lead students to spend 
time volunteering and giving back to their communities. Last July, the 
Lions Club of New Haven offered $2,500 in scholarship funds for 
graduating Leos.
  The New Haven Lions Club is also known for Camp Cedarcrest, 42 acres 
of grounds in Orange, CT, enjoyed each summer by thousands of 
Connecticut residents. Together, the New Haven Lions, along with four 
other service organizations and the New Haven Department of Parks, 
Recreation and Trees, provide this spot for the community to enjoy.
  Even though the New Haven Lions Club has held and participated in 
many newsworthy events such as hosting a Benny Goodman concert in 1958 
and volunteering over 150 hours during the 1995 Special Olympics World 
Games held in New Haven--what makes this service club special is its 
members' dedication to each other, their community, and their legacy. 
Since its birth, then only the second of its kind in New England, the 
Lions Club of New Haven has evolved and adapted while always keeping 
the tradition of service, companionship, and civic duty as the 
foundation of every step together.
  I wish the Lions of New Haven all the best as they continue to listen 
to the pulse of the city of New Haven and represent Connecticut in the 
many Lions Club happenings around the world. I have the greatest 
confidence that steadfast progress, tender human connections, and far-
reaching impact will be made by this invaluable organization over the 
next 90 years and more.

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