Fall 2015
Newsletter of
The East Bay Center for the Blind, Inc.
2928 Adeline St.
Berkeley, CA 94703
Phone: 510-843-6935
Fax: 510-843-6006
E-Mail:
eastbaycenterfortheblind@gmail.com
Website: www.eastbaycenterfortheblind.org
Daveed Mandell, Editor
Kennedy Grove Outing By Leah Gardner, Senior Technology Instructor:
On Wednesday, October 21st, the Center invites up to 20 interested members and friends to take a field trip to Kennedy Grove in El Sobrante, courtesy of the East Bay Parks and Recreation program. A bus will be provided for this excursion. We will be taking a nature walk, guided by a naturalist who will tell us many unique facts about the critters and plants in the Grove. This walk will last about 90 minutes. Please bring a lunch, as we will all gather to socialize and picnic together after the walk. Please be at the Center by 10 AM. The bus will leave promptly at 10:30. The nature walk will take place at 11 AM, and we will enjoy lunch from 12:30 until 2 PM. The bus will return to the Center at 2 PM. Please sign up for the trip by Friday, October 16.
Quarterly Business Meeting:
The Center will hold its quarterly business meeting on Saturday, October 24, from 1 to 4 PM. Members will choose three people to serve on the Nominating Committee which will submit a suggested slate of officers for the Center's elections on January 25, 2016. During the elections, nominations will also be accepted from the floor. Lunch will consist of beef tacos, rice, beans and surprise dessert. The meal costs $10, and must be reserved by Wednesday, October 21.
Connie Kelly Memorial:
Claud Everett invites you to a Memorial to honor the memory of Center member Connie Kelly, who passed away in August. It will take place at the Center on Saturday, November 7, from 1:30 to 5 PM. Please RSVP by Tuesday, October 29. Claude requests that donations in Connie's memory be made to the Center.
Harvest Festival:
The Center's annual Harvest Festival will be held on Saturday, November 21, from noon to 4 PM. It will feature crafts, casseroles and baked goods. Please contact the Center if you plan to contribute any or all of the above items. Lunch, consisting of beef and cheese nachos, costs $6, and must be reserved by Wednesday, November 18.
Holiday Party:
The Center's Holiday Party will take place on Saturday, December 19, from noon to 4 PM. You won't want to miss the annual Holiday Raffle and the many prizes, including cash, wich will be offered. A turkey dinner, with all the trimmings, costs $10, and must be reserved by Wednesday, December 16. Because so many people sign up for the party each year, the Center will accept reservations starting Tuesday, December 1. PLEASE note that the Center can hold a maximum of 80 people, including volunteers.
Closures:
The Center will be closed for Thanksgiving starting Wednesday, November 25. It will re-open on Tuesday, December 1. The Center will be closed for the winter Holidays, starting Monday, December 21. It will re-open on Tuesday, January 5, 2016.
2016 Dues Reminder:
Beginning next year, the Center's annual dues will be $15. 2016 dues are now due and payable. Please remit your $15 to the Center as soon as possible.
Holiday Raffle:
The Center's annual Holiday raffle will be held during its Holiday Party on Saturday, December 19. Raffle tickets are now available at a cost of $5 for a book of six. Please contact the Center to obtain tickets. The four top prizes are $200, $150, a music keyboard and $50.
(Note: Classes falling during closures of Center will be cancelled or rescheduled; check with the Center if you have specific questions.)
Ceramics:
Suspended until further notice. EBCB is doing its best to reinstate this important class.
Exercise and Movement:
Tuesday, 2:15-3:30 PM. Instructor: Kathleen Davis.
Memory Class:
Thursday, 10-Noon. Instructor: Carol Kehoe.
Music Appreciation:
Friday, 1-3 PM. Instructor: Diana Perry.
Braille:
Please call the Center for more information. Instructor: Patricia Nash.
Computer and iOS Device Instruction:
Please call the Center for more information. Senior Access Technology Instructor: Leah Gardner. Assistant Instructor: Patricia Nash.
Bingo:
First Thursday of each month, from 1-3 PM. Caller: Marilyn Bogerd.
Book Club:
First Friday of each month, from 10-11 AM. Moderators: Dorothy Donaville and Patricia Nash.
Writing Group:
Third Friday of each month, from 10-11 AM. Moderators: Dorothy Donaville and Patricia Nash.
By Jan Santos, General Manager
At the beginning of August our long-time member Ida Johnson retired from her position as Administrative Assistant here at EBCB. Ida wore many hats, often more than one at a time, over her many years with us. In addition to her substantial contributions as a staff member, Ida was a Board member, Treasurer, and gave of herself in countless other ways. And let us not forget the joy she provided with her wonderful humor and kindness to others. Ida has been a vital part of our Center, in work and spirit. We'll miss her regular participation here, but look forward to her presence whenever she is able to come to visit us. All the best, Ida, for a relaxing and happy retirement, and thanks for everything!!
By Jan Santos, General Manager
It is with great sadness that I tell you of the passing of Connie Kelly on August 17 of this year. However it is with tremendous joy that I think of Connie as my friend and as a vital member of EBCB. She was a very active member of our Center for nearly ten years. During this time she was a Board member, participated in classes and events, and brought skills and much cheer to us. She baked and cooked for our fundraisers tirelessly and sold large amounts of candy and numbers of raffle tickets. Even with failing health in her later time with us, she organized her partner Claude, family members and her attendants to assist her in providing enormous quantities of goodies to sell at our bake sales. Through her many health struggles, Connie maintained a positive attitude and embraced life, continuing to come to our Center whenever she could. Connie gave courage, strength and joy to all of us fortunate to know her. She enriched my life, as well as the lives of many others at EBCB and beyond. We will miss her greatly, but the joy of Connie and her fine spirit will stay with us. I'm most glad our Center was blessed with Connie, and that she, in turn, had the love and support of our EBCB community.
Jan Santos, General Manager Anita March, President Dorothy Donaville, First Vice-President Larry Wolf, Second Vice-President Connie Skeen, Recording Secretary Daveed Mandell, Corresponding Secretary Lizz Deeff, Treasurer Directors: Mike Castner, Claude Everett, Leah Gardner, Ray Marcus, Louise Wolf
The mission of the East Bay Center for the Blind, Inc., is to develop quality programs and services for blind and visually impaired people by providing a safe and supportive environment, while encouraging one another through leadership, interaction and the sharing of information, resources and skills. The center's activities enhance independence, dignity and self-determination. As a self-governing organization of primarily blind and visually impaired persons, the East Bay Center for the Blind, Inc., is committed to remaining a living, working foundation of strength, as we participate in the larger community in all areas of our daily lives.