[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 39 (Thursday, April 7, 2005)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E587] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] BROOKLYN CENTER LIONS CELEBRATE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF SERVING MINNESOTANS ______ 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! ____________________