For the prevention and conquest of blindness, Greater Wilkes-Barre Association for the Blind.

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2008

A Word About Blind Association Activities and Events

The Association for the Blind offers a variety of social, recreational and other events for the therapeutic benefit of our blind and visually impaired neighbors. Unless otherwise stated, most of the activities and events at the Blind Association are offered free of charge for each visually impaired person and one guide. Additional guests are welcome, as space permits, at a cost specific to each activity. Additional guests for Lunch & Learns pay $5; additional guests for Bingo Dinners, $10. If needed, we will also arrange FREE transportation for visually impaired individuals to most of our activities and events (unless otherwise noted).

Adaptive Aids Store

Looking for a holiday gift for a visually impaired loved one or friend? Check out our adaptive aids store. We have low cost items such as talking clocks, bathroom scales, and calculators; low vision pens and other writing aids; large number kitchen timers and other adaptive cooking aids; and much, much more. The store is open on Mondays from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM, or by appointment. For an appointment to visit the store call Jennifer at 693-3555.

Annual Arline Phillips Holiday Party

Our annual Arline Phillips Holiday Party will be held on Monday, December 8th, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Convention Hall in Pittston. (Please note location change!) Each legally blind person and one guide may attend free of charge. Additional guests will be charged $15, to be paid in advance, for the cost of the dinner. You will be responsible for your own transportation for this event. You may call the STEP van at 288-8420 to make transportation arrangements for yourself and you will need to use your own tickets. RSVP by December 4th.

Audio Bibles

Braille Bibles International is an organization that offers audio KJV Bibles to qualified visually impaired individuals for a small donation. They have the following types of audio Bibles: KJV Bible on 2 MP3 CDs for a $10 donation, KJV digital pocket Bible - $20 donation, KJV Bible on 60 CDs - $20 donation. To request an application, contact Braille Bibles International at 1-800-522-4253, or online at www.braillebibles.org.

Did You Know?

The definition of Low Vision is 20/70 or worse acuity in the better eye with best correction. The definition of Legal Blindness is 20/200 or worse acuity in the better eye with best correction. Please tell anyone you know who can benefit from our services that we are here to help.

Mark Your Calendar

Unless otherwise stated, all events are scheduled to be held at the Association for the Blind facility, 1825 Wyoming Avenue, Exeter. See notes below about registering for events and van transportation.

November Events:

Tuesday, 4th: Dance Movement, 10:30 AM -12 Noon, Community room, RSVP by October 31st.

Wednesday 5th: Book Club, 2:00 - 3:30 PM, Community room, RSVP by October 31st.

Thursday 13th: Sight Loss Support Group, Blind Assoc. Community Room (Note location change!), 5-7PM.

Monday 17th: Sit, Stretch & Breathe, 11 AM -12:30 PM, Community room, RSVP by 11/13.

Tuesday 18th: Thanksgiving Dance, 10:30 AM -12 Noon, Community room, RSVP by 11/13.

Wednesday 19th: Book Club, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM, Community room, RSVP by 11/17

Thursday 20th: Spaghetti Dinner & Bingo, 5:30 PM -7:30PM, Community room, RSVP by 11/17.

Note, the Association for the Blind center will be closed November 27th and 28th for the Thanksgiving Holiday.

December Events:

Tuesday, 2nd: Dance Movement, 10:30 AM -12 Noon, Community room, RSVP by 11/26.

Wednesday, 3rd: Sight Loss Support Group Members Holiday Meeting. (Note date change.)

Thursday, 4th: Book Club, 2:00 PM - 3:30PM, Community room, RSVP by 12/1.

Monday, 8th: Annual Arline Phillips Holiday Party, 5:30 PM - 7:30PM, Pittston Convention Hall, RSVP by 12/4. (note location change)

Monday,15th: Sit, Stretch & Breathe, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM, Community room, RSVP by 12/11.

Tuesday, 16th: Holiday Dance, 10:30 AM -12 Noon, community room, RSVP by 12/11.

Wednesday, 17th: Lunch & Learn: Tom McCarville from Ears for Eyes will speak to the group about an adaptive daily living skills program for people with vision loss, menu: Subway hoagies, 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM, Community room, RSVP by 12/11.

Thursday, 18th: Book Club, 2:00 PM - 3:30PM, Community room, RSVP by 12/11.

Note, the Association for the Blind center will be closed for the Holidays on December 25th, 26th, 31st, and January 1st. Have a joyous Holiday Season and Happy New Year.

Reminder:

Please remember to call in your reservations in advance. Also, if you will not be able to attend an event that you already called in for, please be courteous and call to cancel your reservations. Thank You.

A Note On Transportation:

As a service to our visually impaired friends, we offer free transportation to and from our facility for many of our activities and events. This transportation is for visually impaired individuals only and is offered on a first come-first served basis. Our newsletters will always indicate when transportation is offered for specific events. If you need transportation for an event, you must let us know when you call in your reservation.