Vision Resource Center of Berks County - Helping our readers to...

Vision Resource Center of Berks County | 2020 Hampden Blvd., Reading, PA 19604 | 610-375-8407 | www.vrcberks.org

In-Sight AwarenessHelping our readers to keep informed with important monthly vision awareness topics!

June

Cataract Awareness Month

Proudly Serving Berks County Since 1929

Focusing on the prevention of blindness and making it possible for visually impaired

Berks County residents to lead independent and productive lives within their community.

SPRING | 2016 For People Affected By Blindness and Low Vision www.vrcberks.org

For more information: www.stressawarenessmonth.com

For more information: www.everharteyes.com

For more information: www.preventblindness.org

MayApril

National Stress Awareness

Month

Healthy Vision and Ultraviolet

Awareness Month

•StressAwarenessMonthinformspeopleaboutthedangersofstress,successfulcopingstrategies,andharmfulmisconceptionsaboutstressthatareprevalentinoursociety.

•Duringthisannualthirtydayperiod,healthcareprofessionalsandhealthpromotionexpertsacrossthecountrywilljoinforcestoincreasepublicawarenessaboutboththecausesandcuresforourmodernstressepidemic.

•Stresscanalsoleadtoanumberofmajorhealthproblems,ranginganywherefromanxietytoseveredepressionandfrommildacnetolife-threateningheartattacks,soitiseasytoseewhyitissovitallyimportanttokeeplife’smajorstressorsincheck.

•HealthyVisionMonthpromotesawarenessofeyehealth,preventeyediseasesandreducevisionloss.

•UltravioletAwarenessMonthincreasesawarenessofhowUVrayscandamageyoureyes,increaseyourriskofcataractsandcancersoftheeyeespeciallyinhigh-riskpatients.

•SimpledailymeasurescanpreventvisionlosssuchaswearingsunglasseswithUVprotection,wearingsafetyglasseswhenworkingoutsideorinthehome,takingcareofyourcontactlens,eatinghealthy,notsmokingandregulareyeexamswithyoureyephysician.

•Cataractsareessentiallythecloudingofthelensinsidetheeye–thepartbehindtheiristhatfocuseslighttotheretinainordertoproduceclearimagesforustosee.Althoughthiscloudingcanbecausedbycertainmedications,diseases(diabetes),ortrauma,themostcommoncauseisthenormalagingprocess.

•Youcanreduceordelayyourriskofdevelopingacataractbydoingthefollowing:–WearUVprotection–Stopsmoking–Controlbloodsugarifdiabetic–Eatadietwithmoreleafy,greenvegetablesandfoodsrichwithantioxidants

2 | Monday, April 4, 2016 Vision Resource Center of Berks County

Our Mission

Our mission is to strive to prevent blindness and visual impairment, and to advocate and provide quality education, support services, and rehabilitation to enrich the lives of blind and visually impaired persons and their caregivers.

VRCBC In-sight is published quarterly

Chairperson, Board of Directors - Steve Bobick

President/CEO - Lori Schermerhorn

Editor - Carolyn Krick

Advertising - Fabienne Daniels

Printed by the Reading Eagle Company

Berks Insight is funded by Advertising Revenues and other donations.

You will receive your next VRCBC Insight in July 2016.

VRCBC Insight Advertising Policy

• All ads submitted to VRCBC Insight for publication will be reviewed by staff for suitability. If there is a question concerning the content of any proposed advertisement, a staff member will contact the advertiser to see if any adjustments can be made.

• VRCBC Insight reserves the right to refuse any advertisement deemed inappropriate for VRCBC Insight.

• The publication of any advertisement in VRCBC Insight does not imply endorsement of that product, service or company/organization supplying their product/service by VRCBC Insight.

• Contact Fabienne Daniels for advertising information at [email protected]

President’s MessageHappy Spring, everyone! The weather has certainly been interesting this year, so far! Even though the temperatures had been milder than usual, on March 19th, the VRC moved our first ever egg hunt for blind and visually impaired kids and their siblings indoors due to the chilly weather that ushered in the season change. The afternoon consisted of Easter crafts, cupcake decorating, and, of course, an egg hunt! The children ranged in age from 2-12 years of age. Talking Easter eggs were

used to help in the hunting process. With the audible clues, the kids were able to find the eggs with very little help from their sighted family members. For some of the kids, this was the first egg hunt that they felt comfortable and able to have an even playing field.It was so nice to see new faces as well as some we have gotten to know over the last few years! Isn’t this what it’s all about? Having fun and making new friends, no matter what your age! Until next time, Lori Schermerhorn, President/CEO

Calendar of EventsAPRILTuesday, April 5:

BCTV at 10:00AM–VolunteersfortheVisuallyImpaired

Wednesday, April 6: Social/Recreational Activity from 11:00-2:00–TouringtheAnimalRescueLeagueandLunchattheVRC**

Wednesday, April 20: Sight Loss Support Group from 1:00-3:00attheVRC,locatedat2020HampdenBlvd.Reading19604*

Wednesday, April 20: Caregiver’s Support Group from 2:00-3:00attheVRC*

Thursday, April 28: Vision-Hearing Expo from 9:00-1:00attheCrownePlaza,1741PapermillRoad,Wyomissing,19610**

MAyTuesday, May 3:

BCTV at 10:00AMWednesday, May 18:

Lunch Bunch at 11:30atDeluxeRestaurant,locatedat2295LancasterPike,Shillington19607*

Wednesday, May 25: Lunch-Learn from 11:30-1:00withMatthewJenningsfromVANDAPharmaceuticalsspeakingonNon-24-Sleep-WakeDisorder*

Wednesday, May 25: Sight Loss Support Group from 1:00-3:00attheVRC,locatedat2020HampdenBlvd.Reading19604*

Wednesday, May 25: Caregiver’s Support Group from 2:00-3:00attheVRC*

Please check our website for more information - www.vrcberks.org

JUNEWednesday, June 1:

Social/Recreational Activity from 11:30-2:00attheVRC–JewelryMakingwithBarbChrismanfromBeadedTreasures**

Tuesday, June 7: BCTV at 10:00AM–TheDeafandBlind

Wednesday, June 15: Lunch Bunch at 12:30atMimmo’sRestaurantandPizzeria,locatedat290MorgantownRoad,Reading19611*

Wednesday, June 22: Sight Loss Support Group from 1:00-3:00attheVRC,locatedat2020HampdenBlvd.Reading19604*

Wednesday, June 22: Caregiver’s Support Group from 2:00-3:00attheVRC*

*Allquestions,registrations,andtransportationrequestsforLunchBunch,Lunch-Learn,andSightLossSupportGroupshouldbedirectedtoMarkLevengoodat610-375-8407ext.120.

**Allquestions,registrations,andtransportationrequestsforSocial/RecreationalActivitiesshouldbedirectedtoJoyceMorganat610-375-8407ext.125

TheVRCActivityLinecanbeconsultedatanytimebycalling610-375-8407ext.123tohearanaudiorecordingoftheeventsandactivitiestakingplaceforthepresentmonth.

Pleaseregisterforonemonth’seventsatatimenomorethanonemonthinadvanceoftheevents.

Vision Resource Center of Berks County Monday, April 4, 2016 | 3

Thank you to District 14P Lions Clubs

CONTACT US AT 610-375-8407:Lori Schermerhorn ............ext. 112

President and CEOCarolyn Krick ....................ext. 110

Director of Support ServicesRosann Strauss .................ext. 118

Director of Workshop ServicesAnn Heiser .......................ext. 114 Caseworker for Vision Screenings

Mark Levengood ...............ext. 120 Counselor

Alicia Santiago .................ext. 122 Social Worker

Joyce Morgan ...................ext. 125 Activities/Transportation

Coordinator

VRC SERVICES CENTER HOURS:Monday8:00am-4:00pmTuesday8:00am-4:00pm

Wednesday8:00am-4:00pmThursday8:00am-4:00pm

2016 OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS:

OFFICERSSteve Bobick

ChairmanKelly Kline

Vice Chairman/Legal CounselChad Johnson

TreasurerKelli Gerth

Secretary

BOARD MEMBERSSherm Barto

Client RepresentativeSteve Bobick

Utilities and Telecom ConsultantGary Brown

Berks Digital Inc.Joe Capozello

R. M. PalmerThomas Devlin

Client RepresentativeKelli Gerth

The Loomis CompanyChad Johnson Customers Bank

Kelly Kline Law Offices of Kline & Nadirov

Jennifer Mish Comfort Keepers

Kelli Owen Smart Devine

Jennifer Sculley Alcon

Heidi Sensenig Wyomissing Optometric Center Inc.

Carl Staples Brentwood Industries

As I progressed through my earlier years without sight, I remained naive for a long time as to how to write a check. Having lost my sight by age 13, check writing seemed both impossible and impractical, but inevitably the time came where check writing became unavoidable. As a result, I was introduced to a check-writing guide which is simple to use and quite effective in bringing independence to this aspect of life.

The guide opens and closes similarly to a checkbook with a center hinge that allows for easy storage when closed. The top half has its own plastic sleeve where the check can be inserted horizontally from left to right, and contains seven cut-out windows where the visually-impaired user can record the necessary information. The back sleeve is solid, allowing for a smooth writing surface. Some sighted assistance might be required for the first use to confirm that the windows of the guide line up with the spacing and layout of the check.

I remember being quite excited when I developed independence in this part of my life, and actually enjoyed having the opportunity to write out checks. However, the novelty wore off quickly as I of course realized that with every check I wrote, my bank account balance decreased. Nonetheless, knowing that I can independently write a check without asking someone to line-up my pen is a blessing. Some visually-impaired people might find themselves in a position where they need to simultaneously risk the security of their bank account and trust the person to whom they are writing a check by having that individual fill in the check in its entirety except for their signature. No visually- impaired person should ever be in either of these situations, and thanks to a check-writing guide, these unpleasant scenarios can be avoided.

For further information on the check-writing guide, or for pursuing one of your own, please visit the Maxi Aids website at www.maxiaids.com.

Tech Authority

Check-Writing Guide

by Mark Levengood, Counselor, Vision Resource Center of Berks County

February 16, 2016, Workshop employee Diane Howard started her 40th year of service here at VRC!

Diane’s first day was back in 1976, packaging and stapling rat traps. Fast forward through these 40 years and Diane has been a heat sealer, assembler, packer and janitor. For many years, Diane packaged and heat sealed meal kits for various hospitals. In 1995 we became automated, so Diane worked on the assembly line placing condiments, or plastic utensils on the line until 2010.

Today, Diane is still packaging and assembling at VRC. Since 2009, she has also worked part time at McDonalds. In her spare time, Diane enjoys movies, visiting with her many friends, and doing puzzles. She has been a very valuable and hard working employee. Her laughter, joking and encouraging of other co-workers has lasted 40 years too! Thank you Diane for your many years of service and dedication!

Workshop

Diane Howard


Lions of PA Beacon Lodge CampBeacon Lodge was

founded in 1947 by a blind Lion by the name of Carl Shoemaker. He saw a

need in the state for a place for blind and sight related

children and adults to spend a summer at camp. The camp is located near Mt. Union, Pa. on the Juniata River. It consists of over 500 acres of beautiful land.

As years went by it grew into accepting campers with sight impairments and any other type of special needs.

Beacon Lodge is 501C3 so the state of PA no longer contributes to the support of the camp. The camp is solely sponsored by the Lions of PA and a few outside benefactors.

The camp consists of two areas, adult buildings and the children’s village. Each area has its own sleeping quarters, recreation rooms, and kitchen facilities.

For recreation there is a nine hole miniature golf course, the Beacon Lodge railroad which consists of pedal cars that run on the train track, large wheel chair

accessible swimming pool, bowling alleys, shuffle board alleys, paddle boats, riffle range, archery range, zip line nature trail in braille, boating on the Juniata river, fishing in the pond located on the property, craft buildings, recreation buildings with board games and pool tables.

The camp counselors come from local colleges and some from overseas colleges. They are interviewed and selected during the off season. The camp also has its own infirmary.

The camping season runs from June through August and the weeks are assigned for the various special needs of the campers. No camper from PA is ever charged to attend the camp. The local Lions Club sponsors the campers every year.

The Lions newest endeavor is a project called Project New Hope which gives Disabled Veterans and their families a free weekend at the camp. This coming summer

there are three weekends scheduled for the Disabled Veterans and their families.

If you know of any who would like to attend a session this summer please contact your local Lions club or Beacon Lodge.

PDG Charles Finney, VP Beacon Lodge

for Visually Impaired or BlindChildren and Adults

ADuLT ACTIVITy Week

Monday – Thursday, 6/27 – 6/30, 2016

ChILDRen’s DAy CAmP

Monday – Thursday, 7/11 – 7/14, 2016

For more information contact Lori schermerhorn at

610-375-8407 ext. 112 or [email protected]

Save the Dates • Save the Dates • Save the Dates • Save the Date


Vision Screenings The Prevention of Blindness program targets the children of Berks County. This is a free screening service that is provided to children between 3-5 years of age. This service is provided at day care centers, preschools, nursery schools, Head Start Centers, and kindergarten registrations. These screenings are designed to detect eye issues at an early age because the earlier the detection, the earlier treatment can begin. Adult vision screenings are provided at various health fairs and community events throughout the year. These screenings are designed to assess an adult’s vision changes.

Sight Loss Support Group This group meets monthly to provide support and problem solving for clients. This meeting is open to individuals who are blind or are visually impaired and their family members, friends, and caregivers. This meeting is designed to discuss the latest technology and medical breakthroughs that may be of interest to the attendees.

Caregivers Sight Loss Support Group This group meets bi-monthly to help other caregivers be a support for their visually impaired family member. Caregivers need the support of others that have experienced the difficulties with complete or partial vision loss and the changes that occur in everyone’s life.

Counseling Is available for individuals who are struggling with the adjustment of a visual impairment or blindness. Counselor and client will work together to reach goals that are obtainable. The meetings will be adapted for each client’s needs and desires.

Lunch Bunch This group meets monthly at various restaurants throughout Berks County as a means of socialization. This group is open to those with visual impairments or who are blind and their family members, friends, and caregivers.

Assistive Devices A variety of assistive devices are available for individuals to purchase or lease. These items are available to assist an individual with vision issues to lead a more productive and independent life.

Spanish Speaking Sight Loss Support Group This group meets monthly to provide support for those within Berks County who are blind or have vision loss that feel more comfortable within the Spanish speaking community. This group meets to discuss problems and possible solutions for difficulties they are having dealing with everyday life with their visual impairment.

Education Programs Several education programs are available for different age groups of children. These programs are designed to discuss eye health and eye safety rules. Adult education programs can also be performed concerning specific eye issues or ideas for continued independence within the home with a visual impairment.

Information and Referral Services Following an individualized home visit, information and releases are obtained to discuss the best way to assist the client. If further assistance is necessary, referrals are made to the appropriate agencies to best address the client’s individual needs for success with their visual impairment.

Workshop Services Employing over 50 visually impaired, blind, or challenged individuals, the workshop promotes developing skill sets unique to each person’s abilities and interests. Pride in work done produces a quality product for the customer. Each employee is paid for their specific amount of work performed. All work is done specific to the customer’s specifications.

Visually Impaired Support Groups at Local Assisted Living Facilities These groups are to assist residents within Assisted Living Facilities to maintain as much independence as possible while living with their visual impairment. This group is to be a support to help other residents with daily issues they may face due to their visual impairment.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 610-375-8407 or visit our website at www.vrcberks.org

SERVICES PROVIDED By VISION RESOURCE CENTER OF BERKS COUNTy

Valentine Day DanceOn Wednesday, February 3rd the Vision Resource Center

hosted a Valentine Day Dance for their clients. Music was provided by Roy McCutcheon who played music requests from the 30’s to the present. Clients were dancing and twisting to the likes of Chubby Checker and Elvis.

During the festivities we had a “Name That Song Contest” with prizes presented to the winners. At the very end a raffle was called and Diana Weil won a prize of two teddy bears cuddling.

Lunch was provided by Mama’s Pizza and a good time was had by all!

Submitted by Joyce Morgan Activities/Transportation Coordinator



A Show for People Affected By Blindness and Low Vision Issues

LIVE ON BCTV THE FIRST TUESDAy OF EACH MONTH

AT 10:00 AM

RePLAy tiMes: Saturdays 7:00 pm • Sundays 2:00 pm • Mondays 12:00 pm

Become a VRCBC supporter!yes, I would like to support the programs and services of VRCBC in prevention of blindness.

enclosed please find my tax deductible gift:m $100m $75m $50m $25m Other ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Designate your gift:m Unrestricted support. Use where needed.m Children’s Vision Screeningm Care Givers Support Groupm Sight Loss Support Groupm Building Fundm Workshop Services

Name ____________________________________________

Address __________________________________________

City ______________________________________________

State ______________ Zip __________________________

In Memory/Honor of (Please circle):

__________________________________________________

Please acknowledge my gift to:

__________________________________________________

Address __________________________________________

City ______________________________________________

State ______________ Zip __________________________

m I would like my gift to remain anonymousm I am interested in learning more about Planned Givingm Vision Resource Center of Berks County is already in my will

Thank you for your support! make checks payable to:

Vision Resource Center of Berks County 2020 Hampden Blvd., Reading, PA 19604Or donate on-line at www.vrcberks.org

The official registration and financial information of Vision Resource Center of Berks County a 501©3 may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free

(800)732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.

Name ________________________________________________

Address _______________________________________________

______________________________________________________

Phone ________________________________________________

E-mail ________________________________________________

yes! I want to be a

for Vision Resource Center of Berks County

Please complete and return this form to:

Vision Resource Center of Berks County2020 Hampden Blvd., Reading, PA 19604

I AM AVAILABLE:Monday .........AM ......PMTuesday .........AM ......PMWednesday ...AM ......PMThursday .......AM ......PMFriday ............AM ......PMSaturday ........AM ......PM

2020 Hampden Boulevard Reading, PA 19604

U.S. Postage PAID

Non-Profit Org. Permit No.122

Reading, PA

Return Service Requested

Inside THIS ISSUE

President'sMessage............ page2

WorkshopEmployeeSpotlight:DianeHoward....................... page3

TechAuthority.................... page3

LionsofPABeaconLodgeCamp........... page4

SaveTheDates-AdultActivityWeekandKidsCamp.......... page4

ValentineDayDance............ page6

ServicesProvidedbyVRC..... page6

and more!


Focusing on the prevention of blindness and making it possible for visually impaired

Berks County residents to lead independent and productive lives within their community.

SPRING | 2016 For People Affected By Blindness and Low Vision www.vrcberks.org

at New LocatioNExpo

and

Vision Resource center of Berks county and Berks Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services present

event Sponsor

Berks Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services

Thursday, April 28, 2016 • 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Vision Resource Center of Berks County - Helping our readers to...

Documents

Transcript of Vision Resource Center of Berks County - Helping our readers to...