Western Pennsylvania Lions

Hearing Foundation

Western Pennsylvania Lions Hearing Foundation News

Bone Lab Tour

Pictures submitted Dr. Philip Perez, MD.

Pennsylvania Lions Participate
In Annual Temporal Bone Lab Tours

By PDG Don Gibala
|

Each year in October, Pennsylvania Lions and guests have an opportunity to attend our quarterly Board of Directors meeting, followed by an educational tour of the University of Pittsburgh Temporal Bone Lab, where medical students and future audiology health professional staff learn the details of their chosen professions. A group of Pennsylvania Lions including District Governors, Vice District Governors, Past District Governors and Board Directors take a moment to tour the facility with our Foundation's Co-Medical Directors, Barry Hirsch, M.D. (dark suit) and Phil Perez, M.D.(not pictured) who led the groups through our October 2023 tours.

Dr. Philip Perez

Dr. Philip Perez, MD.

Welcome to
Dr. Philip Perez

By PDG Don Gibala
|

Philip Perez, MD, specializes in otology and neurotology and is board certified in Neurotology by the American Board of Otolaryngology. He practices at University of Pittsburgh Physicians, Department of Otolaryngology and is affiliated with UPMC Presbyterian, UPMC Mercy, UPMC Shadyside, UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, and UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. He completed his fellowship at University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, residency at University of California at San Francisco, medical degree at Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, and undergraduate degree at Harvard University.

14B Team

Pictured from left: WPLHF Medical Director Dr. Barry Hirsch MD; WPLHF 14-B Board Director and Vice President Geoff Temple; and WPLHF Board President PDG Dr. Don Gibala.

District 14-B Demonstrates Ongoing Lions Club Support
For The Foundation's Programs and Services

By PDG Don Gibala
|

We are very pleased to have the ongoing support from numerous Lions Clubs of District 14-B. Recent contributions made this past quarter include: Tarentum Lions Club ($500), Monroeville Lions Club($500), and Pleasant Hills Lions Club ($600). We appreciate the ongoing support we receive from several local Lions Clubs in District 14-B. We thank you for your kind donations that make our programs and services possible for many in need.

14N Team

Pictured from left: WPLHF Medical Director Dr. Barry Hirsch MD; WPLHF 14-N Board Director and District 14-N Treasurer PDG Tom Toland; and WPLHF Board President PDG Dr. Don Gibala.

District 14-N Lions Clubs Show
Annual Support of WPALHF Programs

By PDG Don Gibala
|

WPALHF 14-N Board Director and 14-N District Treasurer PDG Tom Toland shares the District's annual donation of $2057.83. The funds collected are from individual 14-N club contributions made to the 14-N District Governor's Projects Fund. WPLHF is pleased to be an annual recipient of this donation. We thank the Lions and Clubs of District 14-N and the 14-N District Governor's Projects Fund who donate toward our sevice mission to provide hearing aids for persons in need. ( SPECIAL NOTE: WPLHF also acknowledges receipt of recent generous donations made by the Little Beaver Lions Club($1000) and Rochester-Beaver Lions Club ($1000). We thank these clubs for their additional generous personal club contributions toward our mission to serve.)

14G Team

Pictured from left: WPLHF 14-G Board Director Lion Susan Edwards: 14-G PDG Cheryl Wilbur; WPLHF 14-G Board Director PDG Jim Wilbur; and WPLHF Board President PDG Dr. Don Gibala.

District 14-G Shares Our Mission to Serve
Those with Hearing Loss

By PDG Don Gibala
|

We are very pleased to welcome our newest service area partners, the LIONS of northcentral Pennsylvania,District 14-G. WPALHF 14-G Board Director PDG Jim Wilbur offers the Foundation a generous District 14-G donation of $2850.00 toward our hearing aid assistance programs. We are excited to have 14-G Lions join us in service to provide those in need of hearing aid assistance in 14-G. We thank them for helping to make a difference by giving the gift of sound to many in need.

14L Team

Pictured from left: WPLHF Medical Director, Dr. Barry Hirsch MD; WPLHF 14-L Board Directors Lion Leo Calhoun and PDG Leanna Calhoun; and WPLHF Board President PDG Dr. Don Gibala.

District 14-L Lions Step Forward with Generous
Annual Program Support

By PDG Don Gibala
|

WPALHF 14-L Board Directors Lion Leo and PDG Leanna Calhoun share the generous District 14-L donations of $1262.30 toward our program efforts to provide hearing aids to individuals with hearing loss. Thank you to all 14-L Lions and clubs who provide continuous support toward our hearing aid assistance programs. We appreciate your kindness and generosity.

14J Team

Pictured from left: WPLHF Medical Director, Dr. Barry Hirsch MD; WPLHF 14-J Board Director PDG Earl Musselman; 14-J District Governor Galen George; and WPLHF Board President PDG Dr. Don Gibala.

District 14-J Lions Clubs Offer Local Donations
Throughout the Year

By PDG Don Gibala
|

WPALHF 14-J Board Director PDG Earl Musselman and District Governor Galen George offer recent collections from two of their district clubs in 14-J, Houtzdale Lions Club ($28.40) and Grampian Lions Club ($52.00). Several individual club donations from District 14-J are received throughout each year, and for that support we are most thankful and appreciative.

The Board

We are back to happily mixing our business with pleasure, as a few of our WPLHF Board Directors gather in conversation at the close of our recent July Board of Directors meeting.

Welcome Back
Everyone!

By PDG Don Gibala
|

Western Pennsylvania Lions Hearing Foundation board members held their quarterly Board of Directors business meeting "live again" on July 25, 2021. Some of our members happily remained behind at adjournment to catch up on some long, overdue friendly conversations. After numerous ZOOM meetings over this past year during the COVID lock downs, it was nice once again to meet in-person, see old and new faces, and enjoy some quality time together. Welcome back everyone!

Check Presentation

Pictured from left: WPLHF Medical Director Dr. Barry Hirsch,MD, WPLHF Board Director and District 14-N Treasurer PDG Tom Toland presenting the District 14-N donation, and WPLHF Board President PDG Dr. Don Gibala.

PA Lions District 14-N Makes Its
Annual Donation

By PDG Don Gibala
|

PDG Tom Toland, pictured center, is both the District 14-N Treasurer and a WPLHF Board Member representing District 14-N. On behalf of District 14-N, he offers the Foundation a generous donation of $1683.96 designated from the District accounts. The funds collected are from individual clubs and members district-wide who participated in and donated to the District 14-N Annual District Governor's Projects Fund, of which WPLHF has been a grateful recipient throughout the years. On behalf of WPLHF we extend our thanks to all District 14-N Lions and clubs for your kind and generous annual donations that make it possible for many to receive the gift of hearing through our services.

Check Presentation

Pictured from left: WPLHF Board Directors representing District 14-L, PDG Leanna Calhoun and Lion Susan Edwards present their District's donation to WPLHF Board President PDG Dr. Don Gibala

PA Lions District 14-L
Contributes To Our Mission

By PDG Don Gibala
|

The Lions of Pennsylvania District 14-L show their support of our mission to serve the many needy individuals with hearing difficulties throughout our service area of western and central Pennsylvania. Board Directors Leanna and Susan presented to the Foundation a substantial donation of $812,25 from their District accounts. Thank you Lions of District 14-L for your generous donation, your kindness, and your ongoing willingness to serve this humanitarian need in our local communities.

Fellowship Presentation

Pictured from left: WPLHF Medical Director Dr. Barry Hirsch,MD, Fellowship Recipient Dr. David Keppel, WPLHF Board Member PDG Tom Toland representing our Fellowship Program, and WPLHF Board President PDG Dr. Don Gibala.

Our Special Thanks to
Dr. David P. Keppel

By PDG Don Gibala
|

Dr. David Keppel is awarded a WPLHF Fellowship for his dedicated service to our organization. We are most appreciative of the long hours Dr. Keppel has given to us in the ongoing development and maintenance of our website. We are very fortunate to have him at our side over the years to help us communicate with our public and stay well-connected to our service-area stakeholders. Thank you Dr. Keppel for all you have done and continue to do to keep us virtually connected and on the cutting edge of communications technology.

The Board

Western Pennsylvania Lions Hearing Foundation Board of Directors at quarterly board meeting held on October 27,2019.

Western Pennsylvania Lions Hearing Foundation
Board of Directors

By PDG Don Gibala
|

The WPLHF Board of Directors is a 15-member voluntary non-profit structure , representing seven Pennsylvania Lions Districts, covering a service area including all of western Pennsylvania and much of central Pennsylvania. Our Foundation is based out of the University of Pittsburgh Eye and Ear Institute and our programs and services are accessed through numerous audiology satellite centers throughout our service area.

The Board

WPLHF Board of Directors meet and share our mission with several LIONS and guests at our annual meeting invitation and tour of the Temporal Bone Lab on October 27,2019.

An Annual Visit to the
WPLHF Boardroom

By PDG Don Gibala
|

Our Foundation board meetings are held quarterly throughout the year in July, October, January and April. Our board members represent the communities of western and central Pennsylvania and serve our mission in a voluntary capacity to provide hearing assistance to individuals within our multiple-district service area. Each year in October , we open our doors to Pennsylvania LIONS District Governors, Vice District Governors and guests to attend our quarterly meeting, tour the Temporal Bone Lab, and learn more about our organization and the services we provide.

Tour of Bone Lab

Dr. Barry Hirsch, WPLHF Medical Director, guides our Pennsylvania Lions District Governors, Vice District Governors and welcomed guests through the University of Pittsburgh Temporal Bone Lab at our meeting of October 27,2019.

An Annual Visit to the
Temporal Bone Lab

By PDG Don Gibala
|

The Temporal Bone Lab is a critical University educational classroom setting for medical students and audiology professionals who master their high quality skills in the field of Otolaryngology. WPLHF is blessed to be affiliated with Dr. Hirsch and his professional team who graciously give their valued time and energy to our programs and services.

14L Donation

Lions of District 14-L offer a generous donation to WPLHF: (From left) Vice President PDG Geoff Temple, Medical Director Dr. Barry Hirsch, District 14-L Board Directors PDG Dee Hite and Lion Susan Edwards,and President PDG Dr. Don Gibala

District 14-L Offers Assistance To
Hearing Impaired

By PDG Don Gibala
|

District 14-L Lions donated a gift of $1790.25 to the Western Pennsylvania Lions Hearing Foundation to help us fulfill our mission to provide hearing aids to those in need.We are very appreciative of the generosity of Lions throughout the district for their kindness to help others through service.

Eaton Corp Donation

Eaton Corporation makes a gift to WPLHF: (From left) Vice President PDG Geoff Temple,Medical Director Dr. Barry Hirsch, District 14-E Board Director PDG Lance Remic,and President PDG Dr. Don Gibala

Eaton Corporation Offers Their
Generous Support

By PDG Don Gibala
|

We are most grateful to Eaton Corporation with the assistance of Board Member PDG Lance Remic for their generous gift of $5610.00. We received this valued donation from Eaton Corporation at our quarterly Board Meeting on July 28,2019. It will assuredly help us to purchase hearing aids for needy applicants throughout our broad service area of western and central Pennsylvania. Thank you Eaton Corporation for believing in our mission to serve others.

Golf Outing

District 14-E Annual Golf Outing gives recognition to WPLHF: (From left) District 14-E Board Director and Board President PDG Dr. Don Gibala

District 14-E Offers Support Through Their Annual
Golf Outing

By PDG Don Gibala
|

At our quarterly Board Meeting on July 28,2019, District 14-E Board Member PDG Lance Remic presented a check for $1000 to WPLHF on behalf of the District's Annual Golf Outing fundraiser. Many thanks go out to Lions and friends of District 14-E for recognizing and supporting our purpose to provide hearing assistance to those who need services they cannot afford.

Annual Strides

District 14-L Annual Strides Walk Recognizes Diabetes-Related Hearing Loss: (From left) Medical Director Dr. Barry Hirsch MD, District 14-L Board Directors Lion Sue Edwards and PDG Dee Hite, and President PDG Dr. Don Gibala

Lions Of District 14-L Annual Strides
Walk Donation

By PDG Don Gibala
|

We warmly thank the Lions of District 14-L for their gift of $3751.36 received at our quarterly Board Meeting held on April 28.2019. The contribution was provided through the District's Annual Strides Walk fundraiser. We are very grateful to 14-L Lions for their generous donation and their special recognition of diabetes -associated hearing loss. Contributions to WPLHF such as this go directly toward the purchase of hearing aids and services for needy individuals within our service area who require hearing assistance. Thank you for supporting our mission to serve others in need.

Work Session

WPLHF Board of Directors in work session at our quarterly Board Meeting held on October 28,2018

A Visit to the WPLHF
Boardroom

By PDG Don Gibala
|

Our formal Board Meetings are held quarterly in the mornings on the fourth Sunday of July, October,January and April.Our 15-member volunteer board consists of two representatives from each of the seven Lions districts comprising our service area of western and central Pennsylvania. Our Medical Director is also a voting member of our board ,representing the University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Eye and Ear Institute and the hearing assistance programs of our satellite facilities throughout our seven-district service area.

Dr. Barry Hirsch, MD

WPLHF Medical Director,Dr. Barry Hirsch,MD,presenting latest innovation and newest technologies in the field of Otolaryngology.

WPLHF... Advocates of Cutting-Edge
Technology and Education

By PDG Don Gibala
|

Medical Director, Dr. Barry Hirsch,MD, goes well beyond the medical student classrooms and addresses our Board of Directors and invited guests at our October 28,2018 quarterly Board Meeting. Every year in October, District Governors and Vice District Governors within our service area, and guests, are cordially invited to attend this informative board session to learn more about WPLHF programs and services, our hearing assistance satellite programs, and latest technologies. Dr. Hirsch also extends a guided tour of the University Temporal Bone Lab where medical students and professional staffs spend numerous hours in teaching and learning capacities.

Presentation to Board

WPLHF Medical Director,Dr. Barry Hirsch, MD speaking to Board Directors, District Governors , Vice District Governors and Lions guests at our October 28,2018 Board Meeting.

Dr. Barry Hirsch,MD, WPLHF Board Member...
A Valued Connection to the Success of Our Program

By PDG Don Gibala
|

We are proud to have the expertise of Dr. Hirsch and his staff at our fingertips at all times. He sets an ongoing comfort level among Board Directors with his guidance on highest quality care standards and policy implementation. As an active Board Member and participant, Dr. Hirsch provides valuable, informative consultation to all in our decision making processes, and keeps us abreast on latest research developments in the healthcare arena, while keeping us updated on the strategic business of our satellite programs and services. Thank you Dr. Hirsch for the time and energy you bring to the table.

Tom Toland

District 14-N Board Director, PDG Tom Toland is at the podium presenting his educational Power Point program to an attentive audience of Lions leaders at our October 28,2018 Board Meeting.

District 14-N Board Director PDG Tom Toland Presents
"What Is The WPLHF?"

By PDG Don Gibala
|

PDG Tom has been very proactive in his efforts to advance the status of our programs and services during his tenure as a Board Director . A retired teacher by profession, Tom has brought his educational ,organizational and computer skills to to the forefront for all to experience and use. He has provided much-improved structure to our hearing aid application process and professionalized our process forms. Tom created a fine Power Point presentation for all of us, available for use to present to audiences within our representative districts and beyond. "What is the WPLHF?" is a set of Power Point slides also now accessible from our website.

14L Donation

District 14-L donates to our efforts to serve the hearing impaired: (From left) President PDG Dr. Don Gibala, District 14-L Board Director Lion Susan Edwards, Medical Director Dr. Barry Hirsch MD, and Vice President PDG Geoff Temple.

District 14-L Donates To WPLHF
Hearing Aid Services

By PDG Don Gibala
|

The Lions of District 14-L show their support of our WPLHF mission to provide hearing aids to needy individuals throughout our central and western Pennsylvania service area. In July,2018, Lion Susan Edwards presented to us two checks from the District accounts totaling $2806.88. Thank you Lions of District 14-L for your generosity and kind hearts, willing to serve this human interest of hearing impairment among our needy populations.

Quarterly Meeting

Lions Hearing Foundation board members gathered for a quarterly meeting on October 22, 2017

Lions Hearing Foundation
Quarterly Meeting

By PDG Don Gibala
|

Western Pennsylvania Lions Hearing Foundation board members held their quarterly Board of Directors meeting on October 22. Every year at this time,the District Governors and Vice District Governors of the seven districts of our service area (14-B, E, M, F, N, J, and L) are invited to attend as our guests to learn more about the Foundation and tour the facilities of the Temporal Bone Lab.

Pa District 14-L Join WPALHF

PA District 14-L Lions join us in service. Pictured (from left) PDG Anna Clark, DG/PDG Larry Edwards, Board Member Susan Edwards, Medical Director Dr. Barry Hirsch, Board Member PDG Delores Hite, PDG Wilbert Hite, PDG Dennis Clark.

PA District 14-L Lions
Join Us in Service

By PDG Don Gibala
|

At our board meeting of January 29,we formally endorsed the addition of District 14-L (Bedford, Blair, Fulton, Huntingdon, and Mifflin Counties) to our WPALHF service area. We welcome the opportunity to expand our needed services to 14-L, and we look forward to working with our newest community partners.

LOPF Donation Presentation

Pictured (from left) WPLHF President Dr. Don Gibala, Vice President Geoff Temple, Medical Director Dr. Barry Hirsch give donation check to Lawton Snyder, Executive Director of the Eye and Ear Foundation of Pittsburgh.

Foundation Awards Annual Donation to the
Eye and Ear Institute Temporal Bone Lab

By PDG Don Gibala
|

Western Pennsylvania Lions Hearing Foundation offers an annual donation of $2500 to the University of Pittsburgh Eye and Ear Institute Temporal Bone Lab, for its extensive ongoing work in medical education and research in Otolaryngology.

LOPF Donation Presentation

Pictured (from left) Dr. Barry Hirsch, MD, Medical Director; Lion Peg Blair, Secretary; PDG Geoff Temple, Vice President; and PDG Don Gibala, President.

Foundation Awarded Grant From
Lions of Pennsylvania Foundation

By PDG Don Gibala
|

PDG Don Gibala, as a Lions of Pennsylvania Foundation Board Member, shares the Lions of Pennsylvania Foundation (LOPF) grant donation of $6000 with others on the Western Pennsylvania Lions Hearing Foundation (WPALHF) Board of Directors.The grant was donated to the WPALHF by the LOPF for the purchase and distibution of hearing aids to needy clients within the six-district service area including Districts 14-B, N, M, E, F, and J.

Donation Presentation

Pictured (from left) PDG Tom Toland and PDG Don Gibala, President.

Foundation Receives Donation From
Lions District 14-N

By PDG Don Gibala
|

PDG Tom Toland (left), District 14-N Cabinet Treasurer and Western Pennsylvania Lions Hearing Foundation (WPALHF) Board Member, offers the District 14-N annual donation of $2136.78 to PDG Don Gibala (right), WPALHF President. The monies collected are from its district-wide membership as part of their donation to the 14-N District Governor's Projects Fund, of which the Western Pennsylvania Lions Hearing Foundation is a recipient.