In 2010; the Farmville Lions Club formed a wonderful partnership with Longwood University, Speech, Hearing and Learning Services (SHLS) for all activities relating to Hearing Conservation. Since that time the partnership has increasingly become more successful in introducing Hearing Conservation to Prince Edward County and Cumberland County fourth-grade students and helping qualified persons to receive Hearing Aids.

Dr. Mani Aguilar, Longwood University Clinical audiologist, in 2017 challenged her SHLS audiology students to undertake a project on Hearing Conservation. The challenge was seriously taken by Meredith Puryear, who decided she wanted to save Prince Edward County Public School band members from losing their hearing. Meredith’s idea and plan was the start of an enormous and rewarding project for all involved.

On Aug. 29, Dr. Lissa Power-deFur, professor and Director of SHLS, acting on Meredith’s request, asked the Farmville Lions Club to help in obtaining earplugs to protect the band members in preventing hearing loss from the high decibel level of their instruments.

The Farmville Lions Club immediately started research to find the correct type of ear protection and found Musician’s Earplugs would allow the band members to hear the music, but at a safer level. Meetings were held with the Prince Edward County High School (PECHS) Band Director, Tiarrah Crouch, and Meredith to decide which Musician Earplug would be best.

All members desired the Earplugs as soon as possible, but it was decided that more research was needed to find the correct company that could furnish quality earplugs at a reasonable price. The research discovered one company that not only furnished a sample earplug for trial, but supplied a multitude of hearing documents, training materials and truly appeared concerned and committed in helping.

After a trial period, the PECHS Band Director, Tiarrah Crouch, confirmed that the earplug was everything the company said it was and she desired to have them for her students. The Farmville Lions Club decided to buy earplugs for each of the 100 PECHS and Prince Edward County Middle School bands members. A totaled of 154 earplugs were bought giving them extras to ensure the students would always be protected.

The company supplied the requested quantity. They also furnished free of charge more training material, one Personal Noise Dosimeter, and one Music-Pro Electric Earplug for each Band Director. The free items were valued at over $500. The company stated they will continue to support the schools in the future. Great Company.

On Nov. 2, a Presentation Ceremony was hosted by PECPS Superintendent Dr. Barbara A. Johnson, who also was lead speaker. Guest speakers were: Dr. Lissa Power-deFur, Meredith Puryear, and Greg Cole the Lions President, presenting the Earplugs to both band directors. After the presentation Tiarrah Crouch gave the final inspiring speech and directed the band in a beautiful and superb musical performance.

The Farmville Lions Club is furnishing exactly the same for Cumberland County Schools, which has 115 Band Members. The company is supplying the same quantity and all freebies. Delivery of the Musician’s Earplugs is scheduled during a Presentation Ceremony Dec. 5 at the Cumberland County Public School.

The Lions have made contact with Farmville Fuqua School for possibly supplying the Musician’s Earplugs to their Band Members. The Lions are unsure of the number of Fuqua Band Members, but may be upward to 100. The Lions look forward to assisting Fuqua School in saving their Band Students hearing in the near future.

This vital program may conceivably save more than 300 kids hearing and certainly may be the best Hearing Preservation and Protection Program known to have been undertaken in this area and perhaps in all of Virginia. The Farmville Lions Club is grateful to Meredith Puryear who started this great endeavor and to Longwood University, SHLS for our partnership allowing us to live up to our Motto: WE Serve.

THOMAS E. MCBRIDE is the Hearing Chairman for the Farmville Lions Club. His email address is tmcbride@embarqmail.com.