by Jim & Phyllis Wilkins
Located in Little Rock, AR. the World Services for the Blind was founded in 1947 by fellow Arkansan Roy Kumpe, with the desire to “serve people who are blind and visually impaired who needed to learn independent living skills or job training skills that considered the special requirements of their individual visual impairments.” Closely involved from the beginning, “Lions Clubs from Arkansas and surrounding states contribute generously to LWSB.” Lions Clubs contribute approximately 12% of the $4,600 per month for tuition, room and board for the training costs for one client at LWSB. The goal of the center in 1947 “and today, is to prepare the individual who is blind or visually impaired to function independently in our “sighted” society.” Since 1947, LWSB has served over 13,000 clients from all 50 states and 58 countries world wide. LWSB offers “life skills training, from learning Braille to mastering home management skills, which give our clients independence.” Also offered is “access for people 55 or older who are losing their sight to regain their independence through the Older Blind Program.” (www.lwsb.org).
There are new games to go along with a new night for Lions Club BINGO. A $1,000 Black-Out Jackpot will be the feature of our Saturday Night BINGO, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and the first game called at 6 p.m. Snacks and beverages are available. The Fairfield Bay Lions meet the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month. Dinner is served at 5:30 p.m. followed by a short meeting and our guest speaker at 6 p.m. Visiting Lions and the general public are always welcome. Dinner reservations can be made by contacting Lion Mary Meadows @ 884-6388 no later than the Sunday preceding a Thursday meeting.