Sight & Hearing Meeting/Tour November 2011

On the heels of a successful Lions Rose Day on October 29, Freeport Lions and guests had an opportunity to learn, first-hand, where Rose Day donations go.  The Center for Sight & Hearing, Rockford IL http://www.rockfordcenter.org/  hosted a dinner meeting and tour on November 8, 2011. CSH President, Diane Jones, said they employ a staff of 22 with doctorates, masters and bachelors degrees; all professionals with high desires and passions to improve lives of visually and hearing impaired people of all ages. She told of many heartwarming success stories, especially for children who may have heard their own footsteps, or saw shapes and faces clearly, for the very first time.

The CSH Computer Lab currently has 18 to 19 students from northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin, and communities as far East as Crystal Lake and West to Freeport and Carroll County . Lab goals:

• Provide instruction to people who have vision loss and who are seeking employment or are employed and needing additional technology skills
• Teach impaired people to use verbal-to-text and text-to-verbal computer software; verbal command program global positioning systems (GPS), and verbal command telephones.
• Train visually impaired persons to use a number of different software programs such as “OpenBook” scanning and reading software, “Jaws” screen reading software, and “Dragon Naturally Speaking” verbally-activated software for those who cannot use a keyboard.
• Help people learn how to use email, perform Internet searches, and use word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software products.
• Assist with converting Braille to voice for business and personal uses.
• Provide off-site training throughout northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin in public libraries and schools if no computer is available in a person’s home.

Assistive Technology Specialist, Hina Altaf, briefs Betty Tormohlen, Rick Eastman, Paul Tormohlen, Dennis Zimmerman, Darla VanBuskirk and other Freeport Lions in the CSH Computer Lab.

 

The Center also provides impaired people with Home Training Services using teleconferencing and sign language when necessary. The Center's “Simple Solutions Center” has a multitude of products available for visually and hearing impaired people such as amplification/listening devices and phones; writing products, check writing guides and letter templates; magnification screens, closed circuit TVs, and handheld magnifiers; talking products such as timepieces and alarm clocks; and large print calendars and playing cards.

CSH President Jones conducted a tour of the Kitchen Training Facility, illustrating how they match people with comfort areas so they can learn how to identify switches, control knobs, etc. Raised surfaces, audible notification, bright colors, and contrast between light/dark are some of the methods utilized. Floor and countertop surface variations between smooth and rough denote nearness to hazards such as a range top. Large print or even Braille labels can be used to fit the degree of the impaired person's needs.

The Center graciously receives donations and gifts from various organizations. A particular one they are proud of is a wood relief by Blackhawk Woodcarvers that took 2 years to complete. Each square was carved by individual artists, assembled by the group, and then donated to the Center.

The Freeport Lions Club thanks Diane Jones and The Center for Sight & Hearing for their dedication and perseverance in enriching the lives of those less fortunate.

L-R, Rich Montgomery, Rick Eastman, Nick Thomas, Dennis Zimmerman, Bert Kersten, Roland Caruso, Darla VanBuskirk, Joe Serafini, Andi Montgomery, Brian Burke, Paul Rampanthal, Betty Tormohlen, Paul Tormohlen, Diane Jones, Center for Sight & Hearing President, Anita Caruso, Nancy Serafini

November 2011 Lion Talk

LION TALK - A Newsletter for the Freeport, Illinois, Lions Club - November, 2011

Wind Energy Roars

Our speaker for our October 11th meeting was Dave Vrtol, Wind Turbine Technology Instructor, Highland Community College. Their program began with a $1,000,000 grant from the National Science Foundation is meant to serve as a model to start similar programs at other colleges. The HCC program is going well. Graduates are finding job opportunities in many states. Over the last 3 years, 34 of 44 graduates gained steady employment; 10 of them are local jobs in Northwestern Illinois.

(Dave Vrtol, Wind Tech Instructor and Club President Bert Kersten)

            There is great potential for wind energy-related industries and jobs in our area and throughout the world. The biggest challenge has been the struggling economy. For farmers who choose to have one or more towers on their property, however, Dave noted it is a like another cash crop, earning farmers up to $4,500 per turbine, per year, regardless of the weather.

            The turbines themselves are costly to install Therefore, they are programmed to shut themselves down if wind gets above 44 mph. Also, if one blade goes bad, they must replace all 3 blades which can cost upwards of $700,000.. Dave invited us out to see the facility at H.C.C. We should make the most of the opportunity. Thanks, Lion Brian Burke, for arranging a very interesting program and speaker.

Rose Day

Fourteen Lions met at Lion Paul Tormohlen's business early on Saturday, to get roses for delivery. At that time we had sold 560 dozen roses of the 600 dozen we had ordered. Lion Joe Serafini will give his final report soon. Thanks again to Lion Joe for all his work to manage our major fundraising project. Great job!

(L-R, Drivers Rampanthal, Snyders, Montgomery, Kryder, Zimmerman, Serafini, Anderson)

We also make special note of Lion Steve Kryder who comes back each year from Peoria to help, and also, former Lion Jeff Cowman helps deliver every year as well. We appreciate and need your help. Thanks to drivers Carter, Cowman, Thomas, Smith, Montgomery, Rampenthal, Grigsby, Kryder, Serafini, Anderson, Snyders, Burke, Zimmerman and Kersten.

November Outing

Our club will visit the Center for Sight and Hearing in Rockford IL November 8^th.. The plan is to meet at the Eagle's Club at 5:15 p.m. to carpool. A dinner will be served at 6:30 PM followed by a tour of the facility. The tour will last about 45 minutes. Spouses and quests are most welcome. We'll see you there.

Like Us On Facebook

Our club switched into 21st century technology by developing an Internet Facebook site for Freeport IL Lions Club over the past several months. Lions Clubs around the world are being encouraged to move in the direction of social media as another means of reaching out to more people. Many thanks, Lion Richard Montgomery,  for your efforts. If you have a Facebook account, you can read our Club’s pages at this web link: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Freeport-IL-Lions-Club/181458685261615  This site is updated periodically with local and worldwide Lions news and information.

Log into Our Blog

The general public can also check out a reproduction of our Club’s monthly “Lion Talk” at our new blog site: http://freeportlionsclub.blogspot.com/ This site is updated once a month and includes a summary of the previous month’s Club business.

Gift Received

We were pleased to receive a gift of $200 from Lion Lilian Osran last month to purchase eye glasses for those in need. The gift was in memory of her husband Lion Dr. Ed Osran. Lion Dr. Ed was a long time and very active member of our club and one of the top all time salesman for roses each year. We miss Lion Ed and miss his wit and high ideals that kept us focused to serve the less fortunate. Thanks Lion Lil for the memorial.

Upcoming Dates

• Nov 08 Center for Sight & Hearing tour/dinner meeting
• Nov 21 Zone Meeting- Pearl City
• Nov 22 6PM Board Meeting
• Nov 23 7:00 - Regular Meeting
• Dec 12 AII Service Club Luncheon
• Dec 13 Holiday Party
• Dec 25 Merry Christmas
• Dec27 NO MEETING - Have a safe and Happy New Year