[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5946]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




BROOKLYN CENTER LIONS CELEBRATE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF SERVING MINNESOTANS

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                            HON. JIM RAMSTAD

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 6, 2005

  Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Brooklyn 
Center, Minnesota, Lions Club, which has served the great City of 
Brooklyn Center and all of Minnesota for 50 years with extraordinary 
excellence.
  The Brooklyn Center Lions Club rose from humble beginnings a half 
century ago, with early membership in the single digits, scrap drive 
projects and the purchase of a single pair of eyeglasses for a needy 
child. The Lions Club has now grown to over 70 members, who organize 
projects that shape the community and better the lives of thousands of 
people.
  Membership has been strong and growing over the past 50 years, but 
only Lion Larry Roen remains as an original charter member. 
Congratulations Lion Roen!
  Mr. Speaker, the Brooklyn Center Lions Club also has the distinction 
of producing five District 5M5 Governors over the last 50 years: Frank 
Erwin, Bill Legler, Richard Risley, Thomas Shinnick and Orlander 
``Ole'' Nelson, each of whom represented the finest Lions Club 
tradition of public service to help those in need.
  The Lions gave generously 36 years ago when they built beautiful 
Lions Park in Brooklyn Center. Their generosity didn't stop there, as 
they later added a fantastic picnic shelter to the park.
  Through the Quest Youth Outreach program, which emphasizes drug abuse 
prevention, community service, education, environment, health, 
recreation and service-learning, the Brooklyn Center Lions have reached 
out to three school districts with their important public service.
  Mr. Speaker, the Brooklyn Center Lions serve people through many 
important programs like Campaign Sight First, Hearing Dog and Leader 
Dog. The Brooklyn Center Lions are also active in the Minnesota Lions 
Eye Bank and the Children's Eye Clinic and Hearing Foundation. 
Additionally, the Lions sponsor the Earle Brown Days Parade, one of the 
largest parades in Minnesota, as well as numerous Halloween parties. 
The Brooklyn Center Lions are also active in Boy and Girl Scouts.
  Deeply involved in diabetes research, the Brooklyn Center Lions, with 
the help of other 5M5 District Clubs, have raised $20,000 for this 
important cause.
  Mr. Speaker, in keeping with the true spirit of the Lions' motto, 
``We Serve,'' the Brooklyn Center Lions have served the people of 
Brooklyn Center very well for 50 years. We thank them for their 
service, which they have performed with pride and distinction. 
Congratulations, Brooklyn Center Lions, on your 50 years of service!

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