CLAREMORE, Okla. – People with vision loss and their families are invited to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Claremore Support Group for the Blind and Visually Impaired on Wednesday, September 20.

The event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Claremore community Center, 2301 N. Sioux.

Visual Services, a division of the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services, sponsors the support group, which is believed to be the largest of its kind in the state.

Nearly 50 participants come from Catoosa, Chelsea, Collinsville, Verdigris, Oologah, Pryor and other neighboring towns, as well as Claremore to attend the monthly meetings on the third Wednesday of each month at the same time and location.

The September program will feature entertainment by a country music band starring Visual Services Program Manager Charley Tips on keyboards, Terry Canada on steel guitar and Lita Canada on bass.

There is no charge to attend. A free lunch of pizza and salad will be served with coffee and soft drinks. Participants may win door prizes.

“We have the biggest support group in Oklahoma because our meetings are very informal and fun as well as informative,” Tipps said. “We have a different program every month with speakers or entertainment, and sometimes we have roundtable discussions with participants in the support group.”

For more information, contact Charley Tipps, Visual Services programs manager, at 918-551-4909 or 918-704-1813.

Visual Services helps people who are blind or visually impaired reach their employment or personal independence goals. Clients may receive career counseling, education and training, medical services required to become employable and assistive technology focused on their employment goals. VS’ Older Blind Independent Living Services helps Oklahomans, ages 55 and older, remain independent after becoming visually impaired. Visuals Services is a division of the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services.