[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 164 (Wednesday, November 16, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1494]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     COMMEMORATING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE JAMAICAN SOCIAL CLUB

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 16, 2016

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 40th 
Anniversary of the Jamaican Social Club of Toledo, Ohio. I was pleased 
to join in the celebration of the milestone anniversary in our 
community.
  Since 1976, the Jamaican Social Club has served northwest Ohio and 
southern Michigan as an organization dedicated to charity, education, 
social and scientific purposes. Since its inception, the Jamaican 
Social Club has promoted a better understanding and cooperation among 
all cultures and citizens in the region.
  Almost one year after being founded as a non-profit, multicultural 
organization in the State of Ohio, the Hon. Harry Kessler, Mayor of the 
City of Toledo at the time, proclaimed the first week in August 
``Jamaican Independence Week'' and called upon citizens of Toledo to 
join the organization in celebration.
  The Jamaican Social Club has given consistently of its time and 
talents over the past 40 years and has donated hundreds of volunteer 
hours each year to assist those in need. For example, at the 
devastation of Hurricane Gilbert in Jamaica, the Jamaican Social Club, 
through its support from General Mills, donated one trailer load of 
cereals to hurricane victims in Jamaica. Two truck-loads of hospital 
beds and equipment, donations by Toledo area hospitals, were shipped to 
two hospitals in Jamaica.
  In addition, athletic uniforms and equipment, books and pencils have 
been donated to several schools in Jamaica, including four computers, 
which were donated to Trench Town School in Kingston and one to Harry 
Watch School in Manchester, Jamaica.
  Over the years, several scholarships have been awarded to high school 
students in the Toledo area for excellent achievement, and the 
organization sponsors a ``Dreams for Teens'' TV talent show designed to 
enhance students with exceptional ability to perform competitively. 
Winners of this talent competition are offered prizes and scholarships.
  Periodic donations are made to Toledo's homeless shelters as well.
  The Jamaican Social Club serves as a liaison between the Citizens of 
Toledo and its authorities and the people and Government of Jamaica, 
and offers assistance to newly arrived immigrants to get adjusted in 
their communities.
  The Jamaican Social Club has hosted several Jamaican diplomats as 
well as many other guests from Jamaica; Toronto, Canada; Baltimore, MD; 
New York, NY; and Indianapolis. IN; to the city of Toledo.
  We offer our heartiest congratulations to the Jamaican Social Club 
for its rich history and wonderful contributions to our region over the 
last 40 years.

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