BLINDFOLD

October / November 2005

Contents

1. BVIC News
2. BVIC Events
   • Chariots for Charity
   • Support Group
   • Country Store & Auction
3. Vision Loss
4. BVIC Annoucements

1. BVIC News

2nd Annual BBQ & Horseshoe Tourney
A special thank you to Michael Cordero & David Sollid for putting on a great event & raising over $1,000 for the BVIC! Michael & Henri Stockton, Joey Cordero, Pete Duvall & Danny Oxford were wonderful volunteers.  Janet Davies was especially kind in sponsoring the t-shirts for the Tourney.

Entertainment 2006- The fundraiser discount book costs $25.00 & is full of savings; $1,000’s in travel savings- hotels, car rental & cruises, discounts on Dining, Family Fun, Services, Retail,  & so much more.

Thank you to Mr. & Mrs. Calhoon and also to Betty Weiner who graciously responded to our request for sponsorship of the New York Times Large Print Weekly.  Robin Whiteley, Rehab Instructor, says many clients are enjoying the Weekly.

Spanish Interpreter- We are in need of  Spanish interpreters.  Assistance is needed to return phone calls to people interested in services, and helping with paperwork.  We also need someone to interpret for Low Vision Clinic appointments or at home visits with our instructors. These positions can be filled by more than one person. Please call Jeannie at the BVIC for more information. 

Our Thanksgiving Member Luncheon will be held November 22.  The cost is $2.50.  Please call us if you plan on attending.  It is extremely helpful with the meal planning. RSVP by Nov. 17th.'

George Redmon, blind from Diabetic Retinopathy, doesn’t let grass grow under his feet.  George is currently enrolled in at Monterey Peninsula College, working toward his Human Service Counsel Certification.  Many of you may have seen George and his dog guide around the area.   George’s three years of experience as a crisis counselor will be helpful with his volunteerism at the Carmel Red Cross.   We all have been moved by the plight of families affected by Hurricane Katrina, but George has chosen an active role to help others. He is awaiting deployment to help those affected by Katrina and may be deployed to Bakersfield for a maximum of thee weeks. A portable pocket video magnifier and assistive software for his computer may help him with his volunteer work.

Macy’s Community Shopping Day is Thursday, October 27th at Macy’s Monterey.
Enjoy a day of shopping while supporting the Blind & Visually Impaired Center by purchasing a $10.00 ticket from the BVIC.

The Center receives the full $10.00 plus an additional $3.00 for each bonus stub deposited during Macy’s Community Shopping Day. Use the ticket all day and save 20% off women’s men’s and kids’ apparel and accessories, 15% off jewelry, bed & bath, housewares, china, crystal, silver, frames & luggage and 10% off furniture and mattresses (some restrictions apply).  Also register and be eligible for a Macy’s $1,000 shopping spree.

Friends of Life – a relatively new non-profit comprised of a group of friends inspired to raise funds to support and target  local charities and community projects, selected the BVIC to be the recipient of funds raised at their 2nd Annual Golf Tournament.  Board members Peter Dentice, John LaSala, David Sollid and Arhline Allioti honored the BVIC with a $5,000 award.  We offer our new “Friends of Life” a heartfelt thank you for the award and their support of our community.

2. BVIC Events

Chariots for Charity

Great donated vehicles for sale to benefit the BVIC.  For info or to donate a vehicle call Russ Hatch at 659-5360 or the BVIC.

• 1971 AMC Matador- This ‘70’s beauty is waiting for that perfect person.  It’s a classic – asking $5,000, but Russ is willing to entertain any reasonable offers. 
• 1981 Lincoln

Support Group

November 14, 2005, Monday-5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Center –Moonset Yu, PhD, our Low Vision Service Coordinator will be the featured guest speaker.  Moonset will talk about the latest in assistive technology offered at the Center and the various computer software programs available to those who are visually impaired. 

Country Store & Auction

3. Vision Loss

With the crisp fall air many of us tend to heat our homes more.  Carbon Monoxide Detectors are as important as smoke detectors to those who use natural gas for furnaces, stoves & water heaters and wood burning stoves and fire place inserts.  Chimneys should be cleaned of creosote build up by licensed professionals yearly. Carbon monoxide is an odorless and tasteless gas.  Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be similar to flu symptoms.  They are dizziness, fatigue, headache, nausea, and irregular breathing.  Detectors can be purchases at your local hardware store. 

Quick safety tips: 

• Avoid wearing socks or smooth soled slippers or shoes around the house to prevent falls.
• Paint outside steps with rough textured paint or install abrasive strips on steps.
• Place flashlights at the top and bottom of stairs to increase lighting for indoor stairways with inadequate lighting. 
• It’s helpful to have night lights for dimly lit rooms.
• Have a telephone within an arm’s reach of your bed in case of an emergency.

4. BVIC Announcements

The BVIC will be closed on November 11, 2005 on Veterans Day.  We honor & salute our veterans.  The Center will also be closed November 24th and 25th for Thanksgiving.

There will be no meetings held at the BVIC the week of Nov. 7 in preparation for Country Store & Auction – We are happy to accept donations of your hand fashioned crafts for the event.

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