Barker Lions were 'Dining in the Dark'

Representatives from the Olmsted Center for Sight in Buffalo recently visited the Barker Lions to present “Dining in the Dark.” This program allows each guest to experience eating dinner as someone who is blind or visually impaired would.

Ray Zylinski opened the program explaining his journey as a blind person. He described the joy he felt when he mastered his white cane and could find his desk in his elementary school classroom, the independence that blossomed when he went to the local store, and bought pizza on his own for the first time.

Sheri Shaw ran the dinner portion of the program. After having everyone put on a blindfold, the dinner plate was set down. She explained which foods were located where on the plate using a clock metaphor. The meat was at 6 o’clock, lasagna at 9 o’clock, bread at 12 o’clock and vegetable at 3 o’clock. She gave tips on how to use utensils and how to pour a glass of water.

Since 1927, Lions International has been Helen Keller’s Knights of the Blind.

Event organizers said, “This dinner reinforced the message that we help those with sight and hearing challenges cope and find ways to say, ‘Yes I can.’ ”

The Barker Lions Club meets the first Wednesday of each month at the Barker Lions building on Main Street.

“We have various speakers throughout the year, have community service projects, and are known for (our) main fundraiser: chicken barbecue dinners,” a press release noted.

For more information about the Lions, its services, or to become involved, call 716-778-7001 or email [email protected].