A REASON TO SMILE!
THE CENTER AS A CENTER
Last November found chapters of the California Council of the Blind and the National Federation of the Blind joining together to make a joyful sound; the mechanism? A Thanks Giving, Friends Giving Party! The East Bay Center for the Blind was chosen as the place; we are honored. We can’t solve all the social problems facing us today, but that we open ourselves to each other is vital. New fire in the belly starts with blind people supporting each other. We know this, diversity, equity, and inclusion must not die.
Anthony (Tony) Lewis, a strong community member and friend, has been a social worker, Rehabilitation Counselor-supervisor, Lighthouse Board member, EBCB Board Member, and goal ball player. He wrote this poem for a person coming in to severe vision loss.
Ode to My Trusty White Cane
A Poem for White Cane Day
They said, “You need a cane,” and I said, “Wait, what?”
“I’m not old, I don’t limp, and I walk pretty hot!”
But they smiled and they handed me something so bright—
A slender white wand with a tip dipped in light.
At first, we were awkward—a mismatched old pair,
I poked shoes, I found walls, I got stuck in a chair.
But slowly I learned, and the cane seemed to grin,
Like, “We’ve got this, my friend—let the journey begin!”
Now, me and my cane, we strut down the street,
I tap out a rhythm with confident feet.
Curbs? We conquer. Cracks? No fear.
And those sneaky tree branches? We hear you, we steer.
It’s not just a stick—it’s my voice in a crowd,
It tells cars, “Hey! I’m here!” firm and loud.
It opens up spaces, it clears out the way,
It’s freedom in motion—it’s my cue to slay.
Sure, some folks still ask, “Are you fencing today?”
I laugh and I say, “Nope, just slashing cliché.”
Because blindness ain’t weakness—it’s style and it’s grace,
And my cane? It just helps me own every space.
So here’s to the cane, our elegant guide,
Our dancing partner, our sleek co-pilot ride.
On White Cane Day, let’s raise ‘em up high—
Not just for the steps, but for reaching the sky.
JOAN GROVES, COLLEAGUE AND FRIEND
Joan Easterbrooks grew up in the Berkeley Hills where you can feel marooned. Crooked streets that meet at all angles; few buses serve the area. Joan was a day student at the California School for the Blind located on Derby Street in the heart of Berkeley. She graduated from Berkeley High School and UC Berkeley. She became a rehabilitation counselor in Oakland with a wonderful crew of friends: Margaret Noah, Gil Johnson, and many more fine people.
Joan Looked Our Way
If you knew Joan Groves you knew her to be organized and disciplined. She had high expectations for her blind rehabilitation clients. We knew her to be compassionate in her role as an advocate seeking services for them. She helped establish the now famous Hatlen Center For The Blind when it began life 53 years ago as a project of the Contra Costa County Schools. She had diverse interests; a reader, open-minded lover of music, and an advanced knitter. And when she knew her end was near, she endowed the East Bay Center For The Blind with a bequest that guaranteed that The Center could move on with financial security never before enjoyed. We worked with Joan, partied with her, and joined with her planning programs and events. Once when several of us told what our dream job might be, Joan said she always wanted to sell cosmetics at Macy’s. Oh, her intellect, humor, her friendship–we must thank her by surviving and doing good work. Let’s commit to activism with Joan’s kindness and generosity inspiring us forward.
From the official obituary:
“Joan Gwen Groves, 82, died February 14, 2025 in Albany, California. She was born December 26, 1942 to Gerald and Mildred Easterbrooks. Joan was a lifelong resident of Berkeley and active at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church there.
“While riding an AC Transit bus in Berkeley, she met driver Vincent Groves. He was especially helpful and supportive of Joan, his regular passenger. They eventually fell in love and married, traveling widely together both in the United States and abroad. Vincent died in 1996. Joan spent her last years at Belmont Senior Living in Albany where she made many friends and built a lovely community.”
THE CENTER ENCOURAGES JOINING AS A MEMBER
Membership gives the right to vote for the board of directors or to become a board member. Membership is paid annually in January and is $20.
A WAY TO HELP
Leaving a legacy is a powerful way to ensure that independence and community for the blind continues for generations to come. We invite you to consider including the East Bay Center for the Blind inc. in your last will and testament.
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, all charitable bequests are fully tax-deductible, allowing you to maximize your impact while supporting our vital programs. Your foresight ensures our doors remain open and our services accessible.
THE LICENSE CAN BE HAD:
A POTENTIAL CAREER
by Margriet Rensch
Note: Margriet Rensch is an active member of The East Bay Center for the Blind and member of the Board of Directors.
Approximately 8% of the US population is blind or visually impaired, which equates to nearly 20 million people. While precise figures vary between studies, the consensus is that vision impairment affects a significant portion of the population, with the prevalence increasing sharply for older adults. Georgetown University Health Policy Institute.
A very large percentage of “legally blind” citizens of working age are unemployed.
A career in financial services is a viable option for this population because besides the analyses and completing of applications, an important part of this work is about taking care of the community, compassion for people and helping them achieve their financial goals, teaching financial concepts and helping heal financial trauma that arise.
Advancements in assistive technology have given us employment opportunities. Financial planning, analysis, and investment advising components of the job are accessible now, and we know of many blind professionals who are working now in financial fields using accessibility tools, including:
- Screen readers: Software such as JAWS, NVDA, and VoiceOver can be used with financial applications, including Excel and banking apps, for tasks like tracking expenses, checking balances, and analyzing data.
- Accessible financial platforms: Many banks and institutions are increasing the accessibility of their websites and mobile apps. Some also offer financial statements in alternative formats, such as Braille or large print.
- Assistive devices: Talking calculators, smart speakers providing voice-activated assistants, and refreshable Braille displays provide tactile and audible access to information.
Remaining Challenges
While significant progress has been made, blind professionals in finance still face challenges.
- Inaccessible documents: Converting inaccessible documents takes time away from regular duties, reducing efficiency and causing stress.
- Employer attitudes: The attitudes of employers and colleagues can sometimes present barriers to employment and retention.
- Lack of knowledge: Some IT professionals may lack knowledge about assistive technologies, requiring the blind employee to be an expert in their own access needs.
ANNOUNCEMENT
Benefit Concert
Piedmont Center for the Arts, Piedmont, CA
Saturday, Mar 28 from 4 pm to 6 pm PDT
Produced and presented by Ensemble Humanité, in collaboration with the Cecilia String Quartet, guest cellist Thalia Moore, and the East Bay Center for the Blind, this benefit concert will also include presentations by musicologist Dr. John Prescott and MacArthur Fellow Dr. Joshua Miele. The concert program will include performances of Franz Schubert’s Sonatensatz as well as his String Quintet in C Major.
Join us at Piedmont Center for the Arts on March 28, 2026, at 4:00 PM, for an afternoon of music and community engagement. Proceeds will go towards helping the visually impaired through the East Bay Center for the Blind. See you there!
Minimum donation is $25 to reserve a seat! A ticket will be $35 at the door. Additional donations accepted at the event.
THE CATHERINE SKIVERS MEMORIAL CELEBRATION
by Kevin Fortune
On Saturday September 27, supporters of the BVI community gathered at Black Bear Diner in Hayward, CA for the Catherine Skivers memorial show. This fundraiser was held to benefit the East Bay Center for the Blind in Berkeley, California and was co-sponsored by the Bayview Chapter of the California Council Of The Blind. Guests enjoyed great food and fellowship while listening to exciting music.
Speakers included Mike Cole, the president of the board of directors for the Center who gave an overview of the great legacy of the agency. He also spoke of the great work that Catherine Skivers did in the Bay area for the blind community as well as the Center. Next, a letter of tribute was read written by Patricia Nash, a long -time friend of Catherine Skivers. In her tribute, she recounted the great advocacy work of Catherine on local, state, and national levels. She mentioned several personal memories which gave a personal touch to the event. Next, her oldest son Eric Skivers gave a resounding memorial to his mother. He pointed out her relentless efforts fighting for the blind community and her dedication to her family with pride and strength. He helped the entire audience to understand how remarkable a woman and advocate she was. With much passion, humor, and some emotion he delivered an outstanding and unforgettable speech. Bringing hearers into her personal and home life as well as her public side. Then, several members of the audience came up to the microphone to eulogize Catherine, including many close friends and co-laborers in the advocacy world. As a finale, we were treated to music by Sheila Gunn. Sheila wowed the house with her remarkable voice and musical skills. Singing a variety from show tunes to jazz/blues, she definitely made it an unforgettable evening!
To top things off, it was announced that over $1300 was raised to support the awesome work of the East Bay Center for the Blind! Great energy, great fun, and great cause!
REMEMBERING LOUISE WOLF
I remember Louise Wolf with love and appreciation. For eight years Louise and her husband Larry were very active EBCB members before health issues made coming to the center unmanageable.
Louise took on being in charge of the kitchen, often fixing lunch for those coming to classes during the week, and was an essential anchor in the kitchen during events.
She and her husband each had terms on the Board of Directors, and made generous financial and other contributions to EBCB.
And of course, let us not forget what a fabulous baker Louise was, very often bringing delicious treats for us, just because.
Louise was a lovely person, and brought joy to the center just by her presence alone. I’m so glad to have known her, and the Center was most fortunate to have Louise as a member. We will miss her.
– Jan Santos, EBCB long-time member
HOW DOES A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION SURVIVE??
With An Active Board, That’s how.
There are all kinds of board members. This one donates time and, when possible, some financial resources. Here we have one who devotes thinking to programs and activities, then he or she will assume leadership on a project. Serve on a committee? Make phone calls? There are many ways active board members keep an organization going, keep community contacts alive. Board members bring the world in to an organization with their wisdom and experience given free of charge, and they also represent the organization, explaining how the program works to friends, family, and potential members and colleagues. Board members attend networking meetings, pass out brochures, and care for the organization at a personal level. The East Bay Center has enjoyed the support of many people in our region over the years. Looking down the generations, the East Bay Center has been the home of a who’s who among blind people. This year finds the Center with dedicated and talented people to carry us forward, says President Mike Cole.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mike Cole: President
David Cook: First Vice President
Connie Thomas: Second Vice President
Barbara Lassen: Recording Secretary
Jan Santos: Corresponding Secretary
Vivian Nguyen: Treasurer
DIRECTORS
Josh Miele
Ayaka Isono
Margriet Rensch
Patty Nash
Tony Lewis