Vice Governors at LWSB

Vice-Governors from MD-26 are (left - right): Tom Duke - 23G; Lisa Clinton - 26J; Jerry Nibarger - 26I(We); Doris Myers - 26C; Leo Bergeron - 26A2; Marshall Yost - 26A1; Joe Abrams - 26H; W. R. O'Riley - 26F; Marshall James - 26D; and George McCormick - 26E. Unable to attend because of a prior commitment was Diane Cutler - 26B.

Ten of the Vice-Governors of MD-26 spent the weekend of August 23rd at Lions World Services for the Blind in Little Rock, Arkansas. LWSB is celebrating its' 50th Anniversary (founded in 1947) and still maintains their original goal of "preparing the individual who is blind or visually impaired to function independently in our 'sighted' society".

LWSB has served more than 7,500 individuals from all 50 states and 55 other countries. Last year they served 30 trainees from the state of Missouri---the same number of trainees as the home state of Arkansas. The cost of training these individuals was $324,000. The state reimbursed $247,500 and the Lions from Missouri contributed $56,143.

The Vice-Governors spent the day touring various aspects of the training process, including technology, horticulture, personal care, counseling, and learning how to help a visually impaired person. The day ended with a barbecue, presentation of certificates, and a tremendous address from Past International President William "Bill" Biggs.

After the completion of the tour one of our Vice Governors expressed his opinion. "The Lions of Missouri are truly 'Knights of the Blind'. They help prevent blindness with contributions to the Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation and the Mid-South Lions Sight and Hearing Service. However, as life goes on, there are failures. They continue to help the visually impaired with the necessary training that is given through Lions World Services for the Blind and further assistance in living in public society with the Leader Dog Program. It's great to be a Lion!"