[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E613-E614]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE LIONS CLUB OF NEW HAVEN ON THEIR CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 14, 2022

  Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today 
to extend my very best wishes to the members of the New Haven Lions 
Club as they gather to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of this 
extraordinary community organization. Over the course of its history, 
the New Haven Lions Club has enabled its members to contribute to our 
community in a positive and meaningful way. Indeed, in the last 
century, members of the New Haven Lions Club have helped to shape the 
very character of our community.
  Founded in February of 1922, the New Haven Lions Club was only the 
second such club started in New England. From the very beginning, 
member's work in the community concentrated on assistance to local 
blind persons and underprivileged children. In its earliest years, 
Lions would repair radios for the blind and transport them to and from 
local meetings as well donate dinners and presents to needy families 
during the holidays. Over time, the Lions club has expanded both its 
membership and its activities on behalf of those in need.

[[Page E614]]

  Today, the New Haven Lions Club can be very proud of the invaluable 
contributions their members have made both through their efforts to not 
only assist the blind, the founding mission of the Lions, but in the 
many ways they make a difference in our community. From Camp 
Cedarcrest, a forty-two-acre facility located in Orange, Connecticut 
that began its operations in 1928 and provides a recreational space to 
thousands of young people and adults each summer season to their 
participation in Pediatric and Adult Screening events, Special Olympics 
``Opening Eyes'', Veterans Stand Down, and bell ringing on behalf of 
the Salvation Army, New Haven Lions are improving the quality of life 
for countless members of our community.
  Over the course of their one-hundred-year history, New Haven Lions 
have raised and distributed over $950,000 to assist the blind and have 
participated in service activities that have benefitted those with 
diabetes, the physically and mentally challenged, and the hearing 
impaired. Their members have focused their time and energies on working 
to address environmental issues, improve community welfare, and promote 
international understating. Organizations like the Fidelco Guide Dog 
Foundation, CT Radio Information System, the CT Food Bank, Columbus 
House, Clifford Beers, and the Ronald McDonald House are just a few of 
the local service organizations who have benefitted from their 
generosity and dedication.
  The New Haven Lions have had an extraordinary impact on our 
community, and we cannot thank them enough for all of their good work. 
As they celebrate their 100th anniversary, I am proud to stand to 
congratulate them on this remarkable milestone and to extend my deepest 
thanks and appreciation to members past and present for their 
outstanding efforts on behalf of our community. I have no doubt that 
they will continue to do so for many more years to come.

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