August 2024
The Hull Foundation
Monthly Sight Loss News
Serving the Sight loss and Blind
Community since 1962
Website: hullflc.org
PH: 503.668.6195
“The publishing of this newsletter is a service of The Hull Foundation and Learning Center Inc. It is not an endorsement of any of its contents. All products, items and other information may be used at the sole discretion of the reader.”
Edited by Hull Foundation Staff
Contents
Mission Statement …p. 3
Executive Director Foundation News…p. 4
“ABAPITA” article…p. 8
Reading in the Dark Book Club…p. 10
The Olympics of Life…p. 14
Food Beyond the Recipe…p. 18
Poem by Tina …p. 26
Hull Foundation Events and Seminars…p. 27
Poem “A Journey to Walk” by Todd…p.30
Hull Foundation Presents Zoom Meetings…p. 32
Did you Know…p.34
Jokes to Keep you Laughing …p.35
Contact Us…p. 36
Our Mission Statement:
The mission of the Hull Foundation and Learning Center is to provide programs, facilities and services including social, educational, and recreational activities for people with blindness and sight loss.
*If you would prefer to receive this newsletter by email, or to unsubscribe, please call the Hull Foundation at 503.668.6195 or send an email to: oralhull@gmail.com
Hello from the Executive Directors desk
By Executive Director, Monica Butler
It is hard to believe that it is already August. The summer is going fast and before we know it, we will be wearing jeans and sweaters and sitting by the outdoor firepit roasting smore’s. July has been a busy month; we recently had our Annual Tea. We had tons of fun, ate fabulous treats, and enjoyed several types of tea. We had wonderful auction items and exciting raffle items to try your luck at. The weather was a little hot, but we all had a wonderful time. On July 11th I traveled to Jacksonville, Florida to accept the James R. Olsen award for the foundation from the American
Council of the Blind. Below you will find a copy of my acceptance speech and a photograph of our lovely award.
“I want to take a minute to thank the American Council of the Blind for this award. It is an honor to be chosen. Being the Executive Director for the Hull Foundation and Learning Center has given me the opportunity to offer so many different classes, seminars, events, and retreats to those who are blind or have sight loss and live all over the country. I couldn’t do all of this without the help of our Sight Loss Instructors, Tech specialists, program staff and office staff. I would like to personally thank the following people for all
their hard work and support.
Michael Babcock, Matthew Bendel, Marja Byers, Desiree Christian, Teresa Christian, Tina Christian, Tawni Copher, Jael Espinal- McCoskey, Todd Fahlstrom, Ellen Fineman, Creanna Gallegos, Meagan Moore, Marty Sobo, Andrea Thorsell, Gail Webb, and Tyanne Wilmath. I would also like to thank our Board Members and volunteers who are there to support myself and the Foundation.
Our groundskeeping crew Jerry Jones, Dan Kaufmann, and Steve Floura, and special thanks to my husband Randy for standing by my side for over 37 years and supporting everything I do. Thank you again for honoring the Hull Foundation and Learning Center with this award.”
Have a fabulous rest of the summer!
Monica Butler
Picture Description: James R Olsen, Distinguished Service Award presented by ACB for The Hull Foundation and Learning Center.
**ABAPITA! **
By Marja Byers, SLI-with a little help from my friends
In the July newsletter I introduced a new to Hull Foundation column; ABPITA or “Ain’t Blindness A Pain in The, umm, Anatomy”! It was a mainstay column in DIALOGUE Magazine for many years. These are true stories that we choose to share with others who live with limited/no sight, because when we share them together, we see the humor in the situation.
If you have an ABAPITA that you’d like to share in a future newsletter, send an email to the office with “ABAPITA” in the subject line so it can be sent to me. Include your name and location or indicate if you would like your story to be anonymous.
This month’s ABAPITA was shared by a friend in the drop-in resource center at Blind skills in Salem, OR in 2017.
This is from Chris G., at the time of the story he was losing the last of his sight but could still see some light, color, and movement.
“I was visiting my brother in Idaho; he’d just moved into a new apartment so some of us (family) were there to check it out. He lived on the second floor, and it was in the evening. As I looked out his window I commented, “You got a really great view! There’s a restaurant down there, people dining al fresco, friends meeting up and talking on the sidewalk…” My brother came up beside me and said, “Uh…Chris…you’re looking at my fish tank.” I paused, then I said, “So, you got a nice fish tank, there’s a
restaurant, fish are dining al fresco, fish friends meeting up…”
ABAPITA!
Reading in the Dark Book Club
By Marja Byers, SLI
We had a lot of fun reading in July, a great activity when the temperatures spike! We started the month with “The 100-Year-Old-Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared” by Jonas Jonasson, DB75820. I knew it was going to be a good book when the member who
recommended it laughed every time she said the title. It’s kind of a Swiss Forrest Gump, if Forrest
were a 100-year-old incidental explosives expert, along with his growing band of misfits. There is a sequel, “The Accidental Further Adventures of the 100-year-old man: a novel”, DB94766.
Our second book was “The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen” by Hendrik Groen, DB88802. One of the most interesting things about this book is that the author is completely anonymous, though there has been much speculation in the Netherlands (country of origin) as to who penned it. This is another laugh out loud book, written from the perspective of an 83-year-old man who writes about his year in a nursing home; what happens and what doesn’t. It was noted by our group that this one hit a bit close to home for
some of us, aging and making decisions on living arrangements is a dawning reality. We still all enjoyed the humor in the book! There is also a
sequel, “On the Bright Side: the new secret diary of Hendrik Groen”, DB96158.
Over the next few book club meetings, we will be discussing what we want to read through the end of the year; September-December. We have a list of suggestions started and we’ll make the final choices at RITD on 8/27. We are hoping to get input from anyone interested in joining in our bi-monthly conversations.
Our August Books are~
8/13 “The Cleaner: a novel” by Brandi Wells, DB119819, 8:50. *Note: there are several books on BARD with this title, search by DB#.
“An unnamed cleaner, cares for an office building, and the people who work there in this quiet thriller. The woman comes to the office every night, diligently, cleaning four floors under
the unofficial supervision of L., the security guard.”
8/27 “The Light Between the Oceans” by M.L. Stedman, DB75192,11:51.
This book “chronicles the lives of a couple and the baby they adopt. The couple, Tom and
Isabel lives on an island. They find the baby washed up on the shore and decide to raise the child as their own.”
We always welcome new folks, regardless of whether you’ve read the book. We look forward to seeing you this month!
The Olympics of Life
By Teresa Christian, Sight Loss Instructor
As I’m writing this, I’m listening to the opening ceremonies of the Paris Olympics. I am blind and
do not have a TV although most blind people do. I can listen on my computer or my phone and get audio description which will make the experience more enjoyable. Right now, though I’m listening on my Alexa device. This reminds me of some of the athletic things I used to do when I was younger. It’s exciting to see over six thousand athletes who have worked very hard to be representatives of their various countries. Just being good enough to get to go to the Olympics is huge and if you win a mettle of any kind, that is frosting on the cake. It is easy to feel sad though that we can’t do the same
things we used to enjoy doing. Feeling sad and grieving is a normal part of the process but try not to stay there for too long because you’ll miss out on some very cool opportunities of fun and exciting things you can do even though you are dealing with sight loss. One of the keys to being successful in every aspect of life is to be flexible and adaptable and that includes learning to live life on your terms even though you may be dealing with sight loss. I’ve been living with sight loss or visually impaired or simply blind, for over fifty years. My father was also blind and was a teacher of blind adults. So, I’ve been around a lot of blind folks who have done all kinds of amazing things. Most things can be done, but you must be willing to think outside the box and do them a different way. I was honored enough to have known John Fleming who was one of only three blind sky divers in the world. John did just
slightly under two thousand jumps and did over twelve hundred jumps after he lost his sight.
At first, when he lost his sight, his sky diving buddies thought it was all over for him, but he informed them that he was not about to stop so they put their heads together and figured out a way.
They designed an audible altimeter so he would know how high he was and used walky-talkies to communicate with John as he was coming down for a landing.
John inspired many people to try sky diving and I think once you’ve jumped out of an airplane,
especially if you’re blind, you realize there isn’t much you can’t do if you’re willing to be open minded about thinking outside the box, getting creative and giving it a go.
There are several organizations that exist to provide people with sight loss (visually impaired people) with many kinds of adventures such as skiing, biking, rock climbing, wind sailing and tons more. Northwest Association of Blind Athletes and Ski for Light are just two to name a couple. Two years ago, I discovered there is a blind hockey league. Man, oh man, if I were still in my twenties, I’d so be all over that one. Like I said I’ve been blind for a long time and I’m still seeing blind people do things I didn’t even think were possible.
So be brave, be creative and go have an adventure.
Food: Beyond the Recipe
Watermelon and Feta salad
Many different variations on the internet just look them up. Remember you can ask your Lady A or smart phone for recipes.
Grilled Lemon Chicken with Strawberry, Cucumber & Mint Salad
Like to Recipe: https://www.mealime.com/recipes/grilled-lemon-chicken-strawberry-cucumber-mint-salad/3837
For 2 people
INGREDIENTS
¾ lb. chicken breasts, boneless skinless
1 English cucumber
½ small pkg fresh mint
1 clove garlic
½ lemon
½ (16 oz) pkg strawberries
balsamic vinegar
black pepper
extra virgin olive oil
Honey
Salt
INSTRUCTIONS
- Wash and dry the fresh produce.
- ½ (16 oz) pkg strawberries
- 1 English cucumber
- ½ lemon
- ½ small pkg fresh mint
- In a medium salad bowl, combine and whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- ¼ tsp honey
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
- Trim off and discard the stem ends of the strawberries; quarter the strawberries lengthwise and add to the salad bowl.
- Trim off and discard the ends of the cucumber, quarter the cucumber lengthwise,
then slice crosswise into ¼-inch-thick pieces at an angle. Add to the salad bowl.
- Pick the mint leaves off the stems; discard the stems and roughly chop the leaves. Add to the salad bowl.
- Trim off and discard the root end of the garlic; peel and mince or press the garlic.
- 1 clove garlic
- Juice the lemon into a medium bowl (that is big enough to hold the chicken breasts). Then, add the minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper; whisk together.
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Preheat a grill pan or regular skillet over medium-high heat.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and place on a cutting board. Holding a knife
parallel to the cutting board, cut the chicken in half horizontally to form thin cutlets.
- ¾ lb. chicken breasts, boneless skinless
- Place the chicken cutlets in the medium bowl and turn to thoroughly coat in the marinade.
- Once the grill pan / skillet is hot, add the chicken cutlets and pour any remaining marinade over top. Cook until the chicken is cooked through, 2 to 4 minutes per side. Once done, transfer to a plate. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Toss the salad until well coated with the dressing.
- To serve, divide the chicken cutlets between plates and top with the salad. Enjoy!
Blueberry Coconut Ice Cream
INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons roasted flax seeds or 4 eggs
2 (15 ounce) cans full-fat coconut milk, chilled
2 cups blueberries
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon coconut oil
1 teaspoon stevia powder or 1 cup regular sugar
½ teaspoon xanthan gum, or more as desired If you are using Stevia, you will need this ingredient. If using sugar, you can probably get
away without it. Xanthan Gum helps your ice cream not freeze into a block of ice because you are using less sugar.
¼ teaspoon Himalayan black salt or Kosher salt
INSTRUCTIONS
- Pulse flax seeds in a coffee grinder until finely ground.
- Combine 1 can of coconut milk, blueberries, and lemon juice in a blender or stick blender or food processor; puree until blueberry skins break down completely. Add ground flax seeds, remaining coconut milk, vanilla extract, coconut oil, stevia, xanthan gum, and salt, puree until very smooth.
- Transfer blender container to the freezer to chill mixture briefly, about 15 minutes.
- Pour mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions, about 20 minutes. Transfer to a lidded container before serving.
COOK’S NOTES:
Use fresh or frozen blueberries (thawed) as desired. Adjust amount based on your preferences and the type of blueberries used. Wild blueberries have more concentrated flavor and color than domestic, so you’d need less. You may also substitute or mix and match with Saskatoon serviceberries, black currants, bilberries, huckleberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, or any other berries instead.
Poem
By Tina
Sun kissed cheeks and knees
Make fun August stories now
May summer be mine
Picture Description: Executive Director Monica Butler and Board member Kerith Vance sitting behind a table with a quilt hanging in background. The Quilt needs a new home, call the office for details.
Hull Foundation Upcoming Events and Seminars:
August 19th-25th Summer Adventure Retreat: Retreat is currently full.
August 26th – 27th Office Closed.
September 2nd Office closed in observance of Labor Day.
September 11th One Day Fun Day: Fruit Loop
September 18th – 20th Intro to Sight Loss Seminar
September 21st Lions Workday at the Park
October 11th – Annual Feast for Funds Dinner Fundraiser. Call office for details
October 15th-18th Monster Mash retreat
November 20th-22 Advanced Sight Loss Seminar
November 28th-29th – Office Closed in observance of Thanksgiving Day
December 4th-6th Cooking Sight Loss seminar
December 17th – 21st Winter Getaway
December 23rd-Jan 4th – Office closed
If you are interested in any of our social getaways, one day fun days, seminars, and recreational retreats, please contact our office to get signed up! Spots fill up very quickly, so jump in with both feet, save your spot and come out to Hull Park!
If you would like to volunteer as staff or sponsor an event, please contact the office at 503.668.6195.
Picture Descriptions: Volunteers working, a Guest wearing a Hat full of flowers, and guests sitting at the tables at the Annual Tea Fundraiser July 20th, 2024. Thank you to all who worked and attended the event.
We would like to thank Todd Fahlstrom, SLI for sharing a poem he wrote with us this month.
A Journey to walk
By Todd Fahlstrom, SLI
Blindness, a journey to walk…
Written by Todd Fahlstrom
My journey begins today
My journey is to learn…
My journey is to explore…
My journey is to feel …
My journey is to Trust…
For you see, when you walk you have a purpose
My journey is to develop friendships…
My journey is to develop knowledge…
My journey is to develop understanding…
My journey is to develop a family
For you see, when you learn and understand, the purpose is clear
My journey is to not give up, but to push through…
My journey is to not forget the past, but learn from the experiences…
My journey is to not let the pain become my joy
My journey is to not forget who has come across my path
So, you see, my journey begins with you…
What is your journey
What is your purpose
What is your pain
What is your joy
Let me walk with you in our journey of faith for a new tomorrow
Hull Foundation Presents Zoom Meetings:
Current zoom meetings will include topics on tech, cooking, crafting, book club, supporting loved ones of people with low vision or blindness and a class on forgetfulness that has been a favorite. Bring a friend or spouse, sighted or not!! If you would like to sign up to receive a weekly email with the weekly zoom schedule and links to the meetings, please email the office at oralhull@gmail.com or call us at 503-668-6195. If you are not an email user, then you can call us on Mondays to receive that week’s classes and
the call-in number and meeting ID number for meetings you are interested in attending via phone.
NEW IN OUR ZOOM MEETING
Off the Cuff – Film with Sight Loss Instructor, Tina Christian
Hi all, I’m looking forward to our next Zoom chat. The following is on tap for
August – Comedies of the 70’s
- American Graffiti – Netflix
- Monty Python’s Holy Grail – Netflix
- Smokey & the Bandit – Netflix
- One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest – Amazon prime
Did you know?…
Did you know Couch to Active specializes in providing exercise and nutrition support that is fully accessible? Learn more at www.couchtoactive.com
Resource for Large Print materials:
Piano Lessons
Blind Piano Lessons – Blind Piano Lessons
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Jokes to Keep you Laughing…or Groaning!
- What month can never keep a secret?
- August, because it always “spills” the beans!
- Why didn’t the tea introduce itself at the party?
- It was a little chai
- What did the duck say when he bought lipstick?
- Put it on my bill
Stay well, stay safe, and stay happy!
Contact Us:
The Hull Foundation and Learning Center
Phone: 503-668-6195
Email: oralhull@gmail.com
Website: hullflc.org
Visit us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/OralHullPark/?notif_id=1631758417290618¬if_t=page_user_activity&ref=notif
On Instagram: www.instagram.com/hull_foundation/