Local Group Help The Hearing Impaired Enjoy Stanley Shows

Utica, NY (WIBX) - New listening equipments are slated for installation at The Stanley Theatre of the Arts in downtown Utica, to make it easier for the hearing impaired audience to take in the performances. Officials say a local non-profit group, The Utica Lions Club, stepped in to help the theater purchase the equipment.

Club President, Timothy J. Brown Sr., said the decision to help the Stanley was an easy one for board members. "Simply put, you know, The Lions support the vision and hearing and that was right up our ally for what we like to do in the community," he said. The group raised $2,700 for the project. Brown said The Lions raised majority of the money during a recent fundraiser, and donated the balance out of its general fund.

Brown said, "We have never, ever had a situation where we were not able to contribute to the blind, the visually impaired and the hearing disabled and it's because of the support we get from the community."

The group is planning another event--Nicholas A. Poccia Student Recognition Dinner-- set to take place on May 16th at the Radisson hotel in Utica, to honor the top three students from each grade at Proctor and Notre Dame High Schools. Also, Brown said the top three graduating seniors from both schools will be awarded $500 scholarships to further their studies. He says it's all part of the groups overall goal to support and answer the needs in the community. Officials say the new hearing equipments will be installed before the next show at The Stanley Theatre of the Arts.