What did you
do before you retired? When you ask that to a Lion and are prepared to listen
to the answer, an interesting and wonderfully layered story just might unfold.
A few
decades back it seems that Lion Al Harper and a friend were providing services
for blind people out of a small house in the Kennewick area. A lady named Edith
admired their work and left them some property in her will. In 1988 Lion Al’s
service to the blind became The Edith
Bishel Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. It officially incorporated
in 1994 and is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
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| Kennewick Lions President Larry Weiss |
Kennewick
Lion President Larry Weiss, the teller of this story and a Lion since 1979, recently
retired after 19 years as the Executive Director of Edith Bishel Center. Kennewick
Lion Secretary Steve Watt is on the Edith Bishel Board of Directors. The Kennewick Lions Club
is a major sponsor of the Edith Bishel Center. The Pasco Lions join Kennewick
in support of the Center and host a Dinner in the Dark for them. The Chiawana High School DECA Club volunteers at the
fundraiser.
One simple question. A heartwarming story.
You Guys are Great!
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| Steve Watt is in the light blue shirt at the far end of the table. |
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| Kennewick Lion Bill Hoage is on the bottom right in the pale green shirt. |
