In 1925, Helen Keller addressed the Lions at their annual International Convention, challenging them to become "knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness." John Persich, a member of the East Meadow Lions Club, took this challenge personally.

This Salisbury resident's crusade to provide "recreation, acceptance and employment of visually impaired and blind persons" began in 1982, when he first saw the Babylon Beepers, led by Charlie Meisenheimer, play beep baseball. Beep baseball enables the blind and visually impaired to be more than just spectators of softball games. Using a baseball implanted with a small beeping module, blind batters and fielders play together with a sighted pitcher and other sighted volunteers who guide those who can't see.

Persich arranged for Meisenheimer's team to play three games in Clarke High School gym in October and November of 1982, and in March of 1983 against Clarke students, with the goal of promoting awareness of the blind among young people. Additionally, Persich had five opportunities to participate in the National Beep Baseball Association's World Series, held each year in August. "Probably the greatest result of beep baseball has been the self-esteem that visually challenged players have received. It has encouraged them to lead fuller lives," stated Persich.

From there, Persich went on to form the VIP Wonders bowling league in 1985. The league, which includes blind, visually impaired and sighted bowlers, meets every two weeks on Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. at East Meadow Bowl. Each two-man team on the league includes one blind or visually impaired person, and one sighted person to aid him or her. Five frames are played blindfolded, five sighted. Persich has plans to use this activity as a fundraiser in schools. Money raised would be used to provide devices which aid the blind, such as talking computers and reading machines (which convert written material to voice).

Persich's goals for 2000 include sighted/blindfolded bowling tournaments, the creation of more beep baseball teams, and greater involvement between Lions and local schools. "Since I retired in 1982," said Persich, "I have spent the best years of my life raising awareness for the blind."

For more information about beep baseball, the VIP Wonders bowling league, or to schedule club or school appearances, call Persich at 334-3730.