[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 42 (Thursday, March 13, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E375]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MAPLEWOOD NORTH LIONS CLUB

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                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 13, 2014

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the members of 
the Maplewood North Lions Club, past and present, on the occasion of 
its 50th anniversary. Since it was founded and chartered on March 23, 
1964 in Maplewood, Minnesota, members have focused on serving 
individuals and organizations throughout the Maplewood community and 
beyond.
  Within seven years after the Village of Maplewood was incorporated, 
the Maplewood North Lions Club was chartered by dedicated members, 
including Lion Dick Dean who remains a member today. The Lions and 
Lionesses originally met at Maplewood Bowl before constructing their 
own hall in Maplewood, which served as the location for meetings, 
fundraising events and community gatherings.
  Both the Maplewood North Lions and Lionesses have established a 
legacy of service to local organizations throughout the community. 
Numerous local organizations have benefitted from the Maplewood North 
Lions Club's direct volunteer efforts as well as donations, including: 
schools, food shelves, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Special Olympics, Youth 
Service Bureau, Salvation Army, Union Gospel Mission, Ramsey County 
Care Center, Wakefield Park, and the East County Line Fire Department. 
The Maplewood North Lions Club may be best known for its commitment to 
the ``gift of sight.'' The club has generously donated to the 
University of Minnesota Lions Eye Bank and currently provides thousands 
of pairs of eyeglasses each year to people in need around the world.
  Mr. Speaker, the valuable contributions of time, talents and generous 
donations by members of the Maplewood North Lions Club made during the 
past five decades are commendable and deserve to be celebrated. In 
honor of the 50th anniversary of the Maplewood North Lions Club, it is 
a privilege to submit this statement to the Congressional Record.

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