Nineteen Visually Impaired Students from Area County Schools Attend Bill Miles Beeping Easter Egg Hunt

The Bridgeport Lions Club with assistance from the Children’s Vision Rehabilitation Program (CVRP) and the General Federation of Woman’s Clubs in Bridgeport brought smiles to several youngsters’ faces on April 16 during the Lions Club’s annual Bill Miles Beeping Easter Egg Hunt held at The Bridge.

Nineteen blind and visually impaired students from Harrison, Taylor and Ritchie counties participated in the half day event which included mobility activities, the annual egg hunt and lunch. Special education coordinators, classroom aides and occupational and physical therapists also assisted with mobility activities and crafts. The Easter Bunny, courtesy of the Harrison County therapists, also paid the children a visit. Each child was presented with an Easter basket provided by Ruth Allen and members of the GFWC-Bridgeport.

The Bill Miles beeping Easter hunt has been a staple activity of the Bridgeport Lions since the mid-1980s and has seen a transformation over the years from being an egg hunt to being an educational activity for this group of children. According to Bridgeport Lion Trina Britcher, who coordinated the event, the children were able to meet and have fun with other and experience camaraderie, in addition to practicing auditory skills, mobility and orientation skills and fine and gross motor skills through a variety of activities. A second grader at Big Elm Elementary School said she loved the obstacle course and had a lot of fun. Another student who has previously attended this event was glad the Lions held the event again. “It’s a fun day and I love the obstacle course,” she said.

“Many thanks go out to the members of the Bridgeport Lions Club, the Women’s Club, CVRP, The Bridge, and the Harrison County Schools,” said Britcher, “for making this a successful day.” Britcher also thanked the Bridgeport and Grafton Lions Clubs for providing lunch for the students.

Editor’s Note: Top two photos show some of the youngsters enjoying a visit with the Easter Bunny. Bottom photo shows a look at those responsible for making this wonderful event take place each year.