CD17 receives Braille flag grant

Dr. Stuart Fleischner, chairman of the board of the Hot Springs Area Community Foundation, recently presented the Arkansas State Society Colonial Dames of the 17th Century a check for $500 from the foundation.

The grant request was submitted by CD17 State President Linda Vandenberg White to purchase the necessary supplies to construct 200 Braille flags. “The flags are dimensional so that the visually impaired can feel the stars and the stripes,” a news release said.

HSACF has, since 1991, “worked to serve as a vehicle for helping individuals, firms and organizations in the area in

carrying out their immediate and long-term philanthropic plans,” the release said. The foundation has created over 100 funds that benefit Garland and Montgomery counties, “with many leaving lasting legacies which will benefit worthwhile causes throughout our state and country.”

One of 29 affiliates of Arkansas Community Foundation, HSACF has provided over $12 million in cumulative grants throughout 28 years of service to Garland and Montgomery counties. These grants support programs that respond to critical needs such as food insecurity and health-related issues, as well as programs that sustain and enrich, like the arts and education, the release said.

White’s CD17 state project is to present to the Arkansas School for the Blind with 200 flags for its students. Located in Little Rock, the state- run public school serves blind and vision-impaired students of kindergarten through high school grades through residential, day school, and part-time enrollment programs.

Submitted photo FIRST FLAGS: Arkansas State Society Colonial Dames of the 17th Century State President Linda Vandenberg White accepts flags from members of the Pine Bluff John Eliot Chapter, Mary Jean Hall, Jerrie Townsend, Jo Ann Cooper and chapter President Sharon Stanley Wyatt. JEC was the first to complete the flags. Three other chapters will be completing 150 additional flags.

Submitted photo PRESENTATION: Dr. Stuart Fleischner, right, with Arkansas State Society Colonial Dames of the 17th Century State President Linda Vandenberg White, who is displaying one of the Braille flags.