Member Events

On August 25, eleven members enjoyed a wonderful Lunch & Learn with Mary and Joanna from the Hartford Artisans Weaving Center. They shared the Center’s history, mission, and programs for people who are blind or have low vision, and for seniors. Joanna, who became blind at 43 due to retinitis pigmentosa, demonstrated her weaving skills,…

On August 22, nine Center members took an adventurous trip to the Yale Summer Cabaret for Wonderland with audio description, a fun live production inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. The talented cast brought Alice, the Cheshire Cat, the Queen of Hearts, the Mad Hatter, and the White Rabbit to…

On August 7, nine members and guide dog Hannah enjoyed a fun day in Manchester, starting with lunch at Olive Garden. The group received excellent service and welcomed the chance to meet an active Zoom support group member in person for the first time. Next, we headed to Trader Joe’s for a little shopping adventure,…

What a perfect day to celebrate summer! Eighty-five members and guests joined us for our 54th Annual Summer Picnic, enjoying beautiful weather, delicious food, and wonderful fellowship at our new location at Camp Harkness. The menu featured hamburgers, hot dogs, tasty sides, desserts, and a refreshing surprise from Mini Melts Ice Cream. Fresh popcorn and…

On July 14, seventeen members of the Center gathered for a fascinating Lunch & Learn presentation by explorer Michael Menders on Stone Structures of Antiquity. Michael shared highlights from nearly 50 years of researching mysterious stone chambers, walls, and other ancient rock structures found throughout New England and upstate New York. His engaging presentation sparked…

On June 9, eighteen members attended a Lunch & Learn featuring Officer Christina Nocito, who shared critical tips on recognizing and avoiding sophisticated scams. Drawing on her banking and law enforcement background, she explained how scammers use urgency and fear to demand untraceable payments like gift cards or cryptocurrency. Attendees enjoyed an Olive Garden lunch…

What began as concern for a blind friend during high school has grown into a mission to improve accessibility for the blind and low vision community. On May 12, Center members welcomed Stanford University Bioengineering students Kushal Patal and Ron Saramya, who shared the story behind their innovative work and the projects they have developed…

“Is everybody in? The ceremony is about to begin.” Our Poetry Lunch & Learn on April 7 began on a fitting and spirited note with this memorable line, recited by Jim Morrison on An American Prayer by The Doors. Our fearless leader, Renée, and Sandra, our presenter opened the session by sharing a variety of…

Ten Center birders gathered to listen to the sweet spring sounds and learn about the habits of the Song Sparrow, Red-Winged Blackbird, Blue Jay, White-Throated Sparrow, Nashville Warbler, and the Common Loon. Participants visited the soundscapes of a New England Forest and Coastal Maine. Afterwards they crafted elaborate bird feeders using found and recycled materials:…