[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 89 (Tuesday, June 7, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E836]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE ROTARY CLUB OF ALBUQUERQUE

                                  _____
                                 

                      HON. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 7, 2016

  Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today 
to acknowledge the 100th Anniversary of the Rotary Club of Albuquerque, 
which was chartered on July 1, 1916, with 31 charter members embracing 
the Rotary International motto of Service Above Self.
  Community service projects have been a central theme throughout the 
club's history. Among the first efforts of the Albuquerque Club was 
``boosting'' the climate and health facilities of the city, at a time 
when tuberculosis sanatoriums were a leading industry. Rotarians 
promoted and supported good roads for Albuquerque when it became 
apparent that the automobile was imperative to future growth. The Club 
helped direct attention to the recurring problem of flooding from the 
Rio Grande, and generated local support for the institution of the 
Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District, which continues to deal with a 
variety of critical water issues today.
  Over the years, the Club has played an important role in the 
expansion of cultural life in Albuquerque. Members launched the 
Symphony Orchestra in 1932, which is now the New Mexico Philharmonic 
that has delighted and inspired audiences for over half a century. The 
Club also helped sustain the Albuquerque Little Theater for nearly as 
long.
  In more recent years, the Rotary Club cosponsored the Grand Opening 
of the New Mexico Natural History Museum and provided major sponsorship 
for the ``Children's Fantasy Garden'' at the Albuquerque Biological 
Park. Members are currently leading a Signature Centennial Project to 
provide $500,000 to the Explora! Museum for the ``Working Together to 
Build a Village'' project, which will lead participants to experiment 
with science, engineering, architecture and the daily application of 
the construction process, encouraging an appreciation for STEM.
  As it completes its first century of service in our city, the Rotary 
Club of Albuquerque will continue to play a leading role in helping 
solve problems and improve the community. The moral and ethical 
foundation of Rotary is timeless, and will continue to inspire members 
with a sense of civic pride and service for many years to come.

                          ____________________