[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 145 (Monday, September 26, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1363]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SPRINGFIELD BOYS & GIRLS 
                                  CLUB

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 26, 2016

  Mr. NEAL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
recognize the Boys & Girls Club of Springfield, Massachusetts as they 
celebrate their 125th anniversary.
  The Boys & Girls Clubs of America is an outstanding organization 
founded to provide after school programs to children, especially in 
areas most in need. The Springfield Boys & Girls Club opened its doors 
in 1891 with a mission to provide a safe environment and the resources 
for the children of Springfield. Their ultimate goal has always been to 
ensure that these children become respectful members of society. 
Springfield has changed a great deal since the Boys & Girls Club 
opened. Through all of the changes and challenges in the community, the 
Boys & Girls Club has remained a place where kids can gain confidence 
and make friends where otherwise they couldn't. Today, the Boys & Girls 
Club offers a wide variety of opportunities such as swim lessons, math-
and-literacy tutoring, digital art lessons, and many more. They provide 
all of these services with the lowest membership rates in Massachusetts 
for after school programs. They have even started to have programs and 
events on Saturdays.
  Mr. Speaker, throughout my tenure as Springfield's mayor and 
representing Springfield in Congress for the past 28 years, I have seen 
firsthand what the Boys & Girls Club has accomplished for the 
community. With the continued support of its many benefactors as well 
as the support of the federal and state governments, I am sure that 
they will continue to contribute to children's lives for generations to 
come. Congratulations to the Springfield Boys & Girls Club on reaching 
this momentous milestone and I wish them all the best with their future 
endeavors.

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