http://www.aberdeennews.com/mld/aberdeennews/news/local/15653504.htm
Lions offer world vision Aberdeen club focused on assisting blind, celebrating 85th birthday By Gretchen Mayer American News Writer In 1925, Helen Keller threw down the gauntlet. And a Lion picked it up. Keller challenged the International Lions Clubs to become "Knights of the Blind." And for more than 80 years, the "Knights" have served their mission well. The local Lions Club is no different. Club members can be spotted at events all over Brown County. They host pancake feeds, luncheons and picnics. They plant trees and ring bells. They clean ditches, join walk-a-thons and collect used eyeglasses. And they raise funds. "All the money raised where the public contributes has to be spent on visual programs, not administrative costs," said Ted Fowler. And those visual programs are numerous: They run a mobile screening unit and recycle used eyeglasses. In the past year they purchased about 100 new glasses for people in need. They provide leader dogs for the blind, pay for eye exams and help build clinics in impoverished areas. Restorative eye surgery would be only a dream for most of the world's poor. The Lions make those dreams come true. Pet project The South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired is one of the local club's pet projects. It began a number of years ago when the Lions spearheaded the project to move the school to Aberdeen. Now they hold parties and dances, plant trees and built a playground for the students. The club was also behind the move to set up a State Library for the Blind in Pierre. The goal of the International Lions Club's current campaign, SightFirst II, is to raise $150 million to build clinics worldwide. The local club has challenged itself to raise $24,000 in members-only donations. The international club also donates to many other causes. "After Hurricane Katrina, money was sent to the Louisiana Lions when their town of Cameron got obliterated," said Eugene Otto. "We sent money to Rapid City after the big flood and to Sioux City, Iowa, after the plane crash many years ago. When Redfield had the bad fire on Main Street, the International Club sent money there." The Aberdeen Lions Club, some 60 members strong, will be 85 years old on Oct. 8. The celebration will take place on Oct. 13 with a social hour, jazz music and banquet. International director Russell Sarver of Illinois, past international director Bruce Schwartz of Bismarck, N.D., and Lions district governor Dennis Kaus of Mitchell will all be in attendance. Good age spread The club meets weekly at noon Wednesday at the Ramada Inn. "We have a good age spread in the club," stated Ka Squire. The 2-year-old Northern State University Lions Club has about 25 members. Pudge Ellwood is president of the Aberdeen Lions. The first vice president is Jody Bymers, the second vice president is Terry Gilbertson, the secretary is Marje Kaiser and the treasurer is Janet Schatz. Members are recruited by invitation only. Like any service club, the organization wants new members. So, why should someone want to join the Lions Club? "Because we have a lot of fun," said Ka Squire. And he should know. He's been in the club the longest - 53 years. To unsubscribe send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in
