Late-Breaking: OSSB Marching Band to Lead Lions Parade

RantWoman apologizes to her readers for lax attention to her email. RantWoman just this morning read a great item, included below about the Ohio State School for the Blind marching band participating in the Lions Club International Convention parade this morning!

Go see it if you can! Word!


From an unidentified press release excerpted in RantWoman's email:

A special treat is in store for everyone when the Ohio State School for the Blind Marching Band leads the 2011 Lions Clubs International Parade of Nations on Tuesday, July 5. The Ohio State School for the Blind Marching Band is the only blind marching band in the country, and possibly the world. They achieved world acclaim when, on January 1, 2010, they marched in the 121st Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, USA.

Band members march guided by volunteers from all walks of life. Director Dan Kelley, blind since birth, inspires with charisma and exceptional skill.

The band's mission is to demonstrate the abilities of those with disabilities, as well as provide a model for other schools and band directors so all students with visual impairments may participate in marching bands.


And more info about the parade...

We are planning a spectacular Parade of Nations, beginning 10:00 on Tuesday, July 5. An estimated 10,000 Lions from over 100 countries, many in native dress, will march along with floats and bands. The parade will assemble in Seattle Center, at the corner of Thomas Street and 2nd Avenue. The parade begins at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Denny Avenue and disperses at the Washington State Convention Center.

(RantWoman feels obliged to one of her customary tirades: what the heck do they mean by"native dress?" RantWoman is HOPING this is some kind of Lions Club in-joke because otherwise RantWoman might have to go off about National Geographic and exoticizing native cultures and other sludge the RantWoman brain can dredge up with frightening alacrity.)


And one aspect of the Lions Clubs mission...

We want everyone to see a better tomorrow. That's why we support sight programs and services including vision screenings, eye banks and eyeglass recycling. Provide eye care services to those at risk of losing their sight. And raise donations through campaigns like SightFirst and Campaign SightFirst II.



RantWoman is delighted to exhort all her readers prone to grumbling about traffic and bus disruptions due to the Lions Club international parade through downtown Seattle to get over it. Go see the parade. Enjoy it!

And if you want a great charity activity, consider joining because according to the radio, numbers are down.

RantWoman cred on this last point:

Last night in a conversation about impending traffic disruptions downtown, RantMom let it slip that RantDad, like every other man in the tiny MT town where she and RantDad met, was a proud member of his local Lion's club.

RantWoman also has a friend and graduate school colleague, Blind Russian History Professor who has been president of her local Lion's club. Blind History Professor is getting married soon, and RantWoman GUESSES that is a good excuse to miss the festivities in Seattle, but...