Lions Roar across Maine: 

In June1925, in Ohio, Helen Keller gave a powerful speech at the convention of Lions Clubs International. She asked all Lions to accept as their mission the challenge of providing worldwide support to people who are blind.

Helen Keller

“Will you not help me hasten the day when there shall be no … blind man or woman unaided?” Miss Keller asked. “I appeal to you, Lions, you who have your sight, your hearing, you who are strong and brave and kind. Will you not constitute yourselves Knights of the Blind in this crusade against darkness?”

Helen Keller’s words still echo for 1.3 million Lions, who today are known for creative, dedicated service to people who are blind or living with other disabilities, through eyeglass recycling, support for blindness prevention, and many other projects. Lions Clubs are a pillar of the community in Maine and have done a great deal to uphold the state’s tradition of service.

“We would not be where we are today without the Lions,” says Adam Zayan, president of the Iris Network. “We want to congratulate all Lions for their magnificent record of service, both worldwide and in Maine, and to thank them. We are particularly grateful to the clubs who work with us year after year. Their efforts and financial support enable us to develop new programs, thus providing more training, education and support for more people across the state.”

The Iris Network remains grateful to the Lions District 41-L for their generous contribution to the New Home, New Futures Campaign to furnish the Iris Park Apartments. The following Lions Clubs currently partner with the Iris Network: Bridgton, Bristol, Cape Elizabeth, Cumberland/North Yarmouth, Damariscotta/Newcastle, Denmark, Eliot, Falmouth, Freeport, Gorham, Gray/New Gloucester, Harrison, Kittery, Lyman/Dayton, Massabesic, Naples, Peaks Island, Portland, Raymond, Sanford, Scarborough, Sebago, South Portland, Thornton Heights, Windham, Yarmouth, and York.

The Iris Network greatly appreciates the special projects some Clubs conduct on behalf of our clients, such as the beloved annual holiday party that the Massabesic Lions host at the Iris Park Apartments.
 

Serving Blind, Adding New Members    

Portland Lions Club

The Iris Network has a strong partnership with the Portland Lions Club, the oldest club in Maine, chartered 1923. They organize parking for the Sea Dogs baseball games in the Iris Network parking lot, generously donating the revenues to the Iris Network. In addition, in 2006, the Portland Lions began co-hosting the Iris Network’s annual White Cane Awareness Walk. The Walk, which raises the visibility of  people who are visually impaired and supports their right to safe travel, will be held this year on Saturday October I3, 9AM, at Back Cove Bay, Portland. We warmly invite all in our community to participate. For more information, contact   Terri Tomchak or Alison Keegan at 774-6273.

 

Finally, special thanks to the Maine Lions Sight and Hearing Association, a unique group of Lions from around the state with the motto “Lions Can Change the World,” who are charged with ensuring that the needs of the visually impaired and others with disabilities in Maine are met.  Any Maine Lion may volunteer to serve as a member of this Association,  which is funded in part by the Maine Lions Clubs.

 

The Lions are growing, and members of all Maine communities interested in friendship, fun, and community service are invited to contact their local club. Please consider joining this active, worthwhile, and generous organization.

 

· For information on the mission, history, projects, and achievements of the Lions Clubs International, go to www.lionsclubs.org

 

· To find your local Maine Lions Club, contact Lesley Heiser at the Iris Network, 207-774-6273, lheiser@theiris.org

 

· If you are in the greater Portland area and want to apply for membership in a Lions Club, ask for an application at the front desk of the Iris Network.

 

 

Maine Authors Publish Stories of Defying Darkness
 

Would you like to read a powerful memoir about a girl with an open heart and great determination who met countless challenges and grew into a most impressive young woman? In Defying the Darkness, Rosalie Welch-Johnson, a Bangor-based author, tells the story of her girlhood and youth, her acceptance and mastery of blindness, her many adventures, and the development of her character and faith. This is a wonderful book.

Defying the Darkness is a great story to share with anyone with a disability—or anyone who wants to overcome obstacles. It may be purchased for $16.95 at www.pathwaybookstore.com or www.derekpress.com. Or call 1-800-553-8506.
 

Many Iris Network friends already know of Bert Silverman’s small classic, Bert’s Eye View: Coping with Macular Degeneration. This book remains highly recommended for its wonderful tone, personal point-of-view, and helpful information on managing the effects of macular degeneration. The large print, easy to read book can be purchased for $10.95. To place an order, call Terri Tomchak at the Iris Network, or visit www.theiris.org

 

Bert Silverman donates the net proceeds of his book to Vision Rehabilitation Services at the Iris Network. Thank You, Bert!

 

Remembering the Iris Network in your will  As a privately-funded nonprofit agency, bequests to The Iris Network are an important part of the public support we receive.  Gifts through bequests have  included cash, a percent of the residuary estate, real estate, shares of stock and life insurance.