Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Valentine Revue Successful; Public Told Of Services

The first annual Prescott Lions Club Valentine revue was a huge success. The evening featured over 15 area acts who donated their time and talent.

This special event on February 13 was organized to increase community awareness about diabetes mellitus and visual impairment. Interspersed between the acts representatives from various organizations who spoke about services available for the visually impaired.

Dr. Alan Fox, chairman of the Prescott Lions Club Diabetes Awareness Committee, opened the program by stating that diabetes is now the leading cause of blindness in Arkansas and that almost half of those with diabetes go undiagnosed, because they do not recognize the symptoms. Arkansas has the fourth highest population of visually impaired in the United States.

Guest speakers included Johnny Holmes and his leader dog, Sabre, who represented Lions World Services for the Blind. Holmes spoke of the services available through Lions World and how it had changed his life. After becoming totally blind he attended Lions World in Little Rock and was taught the skills he needed to lead a full, independent life.

Doyle Brewer, MD-7 past chairman of the council of governors, gave an overview of Lionism and how the Lions Club had affected his life. He shared a touching story about his father losing his sight at an early and how his family had been helped by the Lions Club.

The Lions Eye Bank and Laboratories was represented by Ernie Davis, who spoke about corneal transplant. He said that after your death you can give the gift of sight. You should mark your driver's license to consent to corneal donation in order to help the visually impaired, who are waiting for a transplant.

The independence and joy that can be provided to those visually impaired was demonstrated through Wanda Burton and her leader dog, Zoie. Mrs. Burton's enthusiasm for the leader dog program was evident as she shared her experiences with Zoie.

Brad Baker with Lions Mid-South Site and Hearing encouraged those in need to contact their local Lions Club for applications to benefit from the free services available. These services include vision and hearing examinations, hearing aides, glasses and surgery.

Johnny Sallis, vice district governor, represented the Lions Eye Health Program, which also includes diabetes mellitus, site conservation and hearing. He, too, encouraged those needing services to contact the local Lions Club.

These informative speakers were interspersed between talented acts that included soloists and groups featuring country/western, gospel, pop and rock tunes. Many popular tunes were performed along with some of the artists' original work.

Not only was community awareness raised about diabetes mellitus and visual impairment, but many were introduced to the wealth of talent here in our community.

The Prescott Lions Club expressed its appreciation to those who participated in the program and made it possible, and especially to all who attended and donated.

Lions World Services for the Blind in Little Rock was sent the $615 that was raised through donations at the door.