InSight
Summer 2010
InSight is a publication of the Badger Association promoting classes, events and timely opportunities for people with changing vision.
STEP CLASSES
The Structured Training Education Program, (STEP) assists people living with changing vision to continue hobbies and leisure time activities through the use of adaptive techniques. These skills will be presented by specialists in vision rehabilitation and therapists in occupational, physical, and recreation therapies. Contact Rose Visser, OTR, Life Skills Manager, 414-615-0115, r.visser@badgerassoc.org for additional information or to register for the following classes.
Nutri-Tour at Outpost Natural Foods
Wednesday, July 28; 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Outpost Natural Foods
7000 W. State St., Wauwatosa, WI 53213
414-778-2012
Class Fee: $5
Join Judy Mayer, nutritionist at Outpost Natural Foods, for an informative, hands-on tour of the store. Learn about healthy eating, including tips on selecting fresh produce, purchasing bulk food items, choosing gluten/wheat-free items or vegetarian items, suggested foods for diabetes management, and more. Bring your questions. Samples and recipes given. Space is limited, so please sign up early.
Volunteer Opportunities:
• 1 Driver
• Guides as needed
Summer Sail
Friday, August 13; 11:30 am – 3:00 pm (Meet at the Badger Assn. for lunch at 11:30 am, sail at 1:00 pm)
Milwaukee Community Sailing Center
1450 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive,
Milwaukee, WI 53202
414-277-9094
Participant Fee: $8 (includes lunch, transportation and sail)
Volunteer Fee: $4
Bow, Beam, and Boom! Learn some basic sailing terms as you enjoy a summer sail on Lake Michigan. Sponsored by the Milwaukee County Office for Persons with Disabilities and the Milwaukee Community Sailing Center. Light lunch before the sail and transportation to the lakefront provided by the Badger Association. Space is limited! Please sign up early!
Volunteer Opportunities:
• 2 Guides/Assistants
Body, Breath and Mind: The Healing Practice of Yoga
Wednesdays, September 8, 15 and 22
4:00 – 5:30 pm
Badger Association
Class Fee: $15 per session or $39 for the series
Develop your inner compass through the practice of asana (yoga postures), pranayama(breathing exercises) and mental focus and purification (meditation) with Marya Bradley, Certified Yoga Instructor. This series is cumulative, so it is recommended that participants attend all three sessions.
Volunteer Opportunities:
• 1 Assistant
Health Watch: Tips on Good Nutrition
Tuesday, September 28; 4:00 – 5:30 pm
Badger Association – 2nd Fl. Conference Rm.
Class Fee: $2
Join Kymm Mutch, MS, RD, CD, and Administrator of the School Nutrition Services at Milwaukee Public Schools for an informative presentation offering tips on good nutrition. Light refreshments will be served. Bring your questions.
Volunteer Opportunities:
• 1 Assistant
LEAP CLASSES
Leisure Enrichment Activities Program (LEAP) classes are ongoing recreational opportunities (with the exception of ceramics) directed by the Badger Association’s membership and volunteers. The annual fee is $80 ($60 for members), or $10 a month. Annual fees are due October 1, 2010. Participants may enroll in as many courses as they choose, all held at the Association. Day Passes are $2. To register, call 414-615-0100 or e-mail p.beaumont@badgerassoc.org.
LEAP Classes Include:
A Closer Look (Discussion Group) Join us for interesting discussions and guest speakers from various organizations, such as the Department on Aging, Habitat for Humanity, and more! Check with the Life Skills Manager for the next speaker topic and date: (414) 615-0115.
Tuesdays, 12:30 – 2:30 pm; no August classes Please note: Tuesday, July 13th, the class will take place at the downtown library, located at 814 W. Wisconsin Ave. Take public transportation from the Association with the group at 12:30 pm or meet in the main atrium of the library at 1:00 pm. Learn about the Talking Book & Braille program and other library services for those who are visually impaired.
Bingo ($2 per session)
Mondays, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Tuesdays, 9:30 – 11:30 am
Thursdays, 12:30 – 2:30 pm
Book Lovers Group
2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 2:30 – 4:30 pm; no classes in August
Ceramics
No classes until September 14, when classes will resume on Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8:30 pm.
Cribbage
Mondays, 3:30 – 5:30 pm
Thursdays, 12:30 – 2:30 pm
Thursday cribbage will move to Tuesdays, 12:30 – 2:30 pm during August
Fun and Fitness (low impact exercises)
Thursdays, 12:30 – 2:30 pm
Games Review (Dominoes, Trivia Games, etc.)
Thursdays, 9:30 – 11:30 am
It’s in the Cards
Tuesdays, 12:30 – 2:30 pm; no classes in July or August
Knitting and Crocheting (Knit, crochet, or sew scarves, blankets or hats for yourself or hospitals, shelters, and nursing homes. Free materials provided for donated projects.)
Thursdays, 9:30 – 11:30 am; no classes June through August
LEAP EVENTS
The Badger Association coordinates group outings to allow people with vision loss to try something new and meet new people. To sign up for the following events, please call 414- 615-0100. Payment received confirms you are registered. Registration and payment deadline for each event is no later than one week before the event unless otherwise indicated.
BINGO!
Saturday Night Bingo
The Badger Association’s Life Skills program hosts Bingo once a month at 6:30 pm. Cost to play is $2, to be used for prizes. Saturdays, July 10, August 14, and September 18, 2010.
JOIN US FOR DINNER!
Each month the Life Skills program coordinates dinner out at one of Milwaukee’s popular restaurants. Transportation is available from the Badger Association for $3, departing at 5:00 pm. Dinner is at 5:30 pm. Registration deadline is one week prior to each dinner.
Castillo’s Family Restaurant
Tuesday, July 13
4283 S. 76th St., Greenfield, WI
414-546-4037
Enjoy a variety of sandwiches as well as Mexican, Greek, Italian, and American specials.
Volunteer Opportunities:
• 1 Event Coordinator/Leader
• 1-2 Drivers
• Guides/Assistants (as needed)
• 1 Accessible Menu Assistant
The Cheesecake Factory
Tuesday, August 10
2350 N. Mayfair Rd., Wauwatosa, WI
414-257-2300
This upscale casual dining restaurant offers a variety of items including specialty pizzas, steaks, pastas, and of course, over 30 varieties of cheesecake!
Volunteer Opportunities:
• 1 Event Coordinator/Leader
• 1-2 Drivers
• Guides/Assistants (as needed)
• 1 Accessible Menu Assistant
Johnny V’s Classic Cafe
Tuesday, September 14
1650 S. 84th St., West Allis, WI
414-771-9660
Offering a huge selection of breakfast, lunch and dinner menu items including appetizers, salads, pasta, burgers, sandwiches, roast turkey, meat loaf and much more!
Volunteer Opportunities:
• 1 Event Coordinator/Leader
• 1-2 Drivers
• Guides/Assistants (as needed)
• 1 Accessible Menu Assistant
COMMUNITY OUTINGS
Festa Italiana!
Thursday, July 15; 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Henry Maier Festival Park
200 N. Harbor Drive, Milwaukee, WI
414-223-2193
Fee: $4 Volunteer Fee: Free!
Enjoy all that Italian Fest has to offer on this VIP Day – food at reduced prices, great music, free soft drinks and more! Transportation provided from the Badger Association.
Volunteer Opportunities:
• 1 Event Coordinator/Leader
• 1-2 Drivers
• Guides as needed
Summer Fishing Outing
Saturday, July 17; 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Wilson Park Lagoon
1601 W. Howard Avenue, Milwaukee, WI
414-281-6289
Fee: $5 Volunteer Fee: Free!
Enjoy an afternoon of summertime fishing! Fishing poles, bait, volunteers and light refreshments all provided. Please dress appropriately. Transportation provided from the Badger Association.
Volunteer Opportunities:
• 1 Event Coordinator/Leader
• Guides as needed
• 1 Driver
• 1 Point Person
Shopping at Johnson Creek
Saturday, July 24; 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Johnson Creek Premium Outlets
575
W. Linmar Lane, Johnson Creek, WI
920-699-4111
Fee: $5 for transportation Volunteer Fee: Free!
Join Badger Association member Charlotte Gotz for a fun-filled day of shopping. Check out the summer sales and new Fall designs! Also, enjoy lunch in Johnson Creek. Transportation provided from the Badger Association.
Volunteer Opportunities:
• Guides as needed
• 1 Event Coordinator/Leader
• 1-2 Drivers
• 1 Point Person
Wisconsin State Fair Visit
Friday, August 6; 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Wisconsin State Fair Park
640 South 84th Street, West Allis, WI
414-266-7100
Fee: $8 (includes ticket & transportation)
Volunteer Fee: Free!
Festive music, great food, and cream puffs – it must be the Wisconsin State Fair! Join us for a day of festival fun! Transportation provided from the Badger Association.
Volunteer Opportunities:
• Guides as needed
• 1 Event Coordinator/Leader
• 1-2 Drivers
A Day at Cool Waters
Wednesday, August 18; 10:00 am – 2:30 pm
Cool Waters Family Aquatic Park in
Greenfield Park
2028 S. 124th St., West Allis, WI
414-321-7530
Fee: $10 (includes park fee, lunch, and transportation)
Volunteer Fee: $4
Cool off with a fun-filled day at this family water park! Enjoy the refreshing pools and waterslides, followed by a light picnic lunch in the park. Families welcome! Please sign up in advance.
Volunteer Opportunities:
• 1 Event Coordinator/Leader
• Guides as needed
• 1-2 Drivers
Mexican Fiesta Visit
Friday, August 27; 12:00 – 4:00 pm
Henry Maier Festival Park
200 N. Harbor Dr., Milwaukee, WI
414-383-7066
Fee: $4 Volunteer Fee: Free!
Learn about Mexico’s rich history, enjoy delicious ethnic food, and listen to live entertainment. Transportation provided from the Badger Association.
Volunteer Opportunities:
• 1 Event Coordinator/Leader
• Guides as needed
• 1-2 Drivers
West Allis Farmer’s Market Visit
Thursday, September 2; 2:30 – 4:30pm
1559 S 65th St., Milwaukee, WI
414-543-2052
Fee: $3 Volunteer Fee: Free!
Purchase a variety of delicious produce – picked fresh that day by the vendors! Transportation provided from the Badger Association.
Volunteer Opportunities:
• 1 Event Coordinator/Leader
• Guides as needed
• 1 Driver
Indian Summer Visit
Friday, September 10; 4:00 – 8:00 pm
Henry Maier Festival Park
200 N. Harbor Drive, Milwaukee, WI
414-604-1000
Fee: $4 Volunteer Fee: Free!
Enjoy ethnic music and dance, traditional arts and crafts, frybread and more! Transportation provided from the Badger Association.
Volunteer Opportunities:
• 1 Event Coordinator/Leader
• Guides as needed
• 1 Point Person
• 1-2 Drivers
SOCIAL/ENTERTAINMENT
Sussex Lions Picnic and Bingo
Saturday, July 10; 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Sussex Village Park
W224N6196 Weaver Dr., Sussex, WI
262-246-5200
Fee: Free!
The Sussex Lions Club sponsors their annual picnic and Bingo! Transportation from the Badger Association provided by the Sussex Lions Club.
Volunteer Opportunities:
• 1 Point Person
• 1 Event Coordinator/Leader
Ragtime Delight
Wednesday, August 4; 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Badger Association
Fee: $2 Volunteer Fee: Free!
Enjoy an evening of summer ragtime tunes by talented musician Doug Haise. Refreshments provided. Please register in advance.
Volunteer Opportunities:
• 1 Point Person
• 1 Assistant
• 1 Event Coordinator/Leader
SEWAD Performance of “Our Miss Brooks”
Thursday, September 23; 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Badger Association
Fee: $3 Volunteer Fee: Free!
Join the SEWAD – Southeast Wisconsin Radio Plus – for an entertaining performance of “Our Miss Brooks: Board of Education Day.” Light refreshments served.
Volunteer Opportunities:
• 1 Point Person
• 2 Assistants
• 1 Event Coordinator/Leader
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
The Badger Association/
Blood Center Blood Drive
Tuesday, July 20; 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Badger Association – Buck Hall
All are welcome! Pre-donation materials are now available in Braille and large print!
Volunteer Opportunities:
• 1 Event Coordinator/Leader
• 1 Assistant – to assist Blood Center staff and participants as needed
Low Vision Discovery Day
Saturday, July 17; 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Badger Association
Learn the benefits of a comprehensive low vision evaluation and other services for people with vision loss, including use of remaining vision, appropriate lighting, controlling glare indoors and outdoors and the effect of eye diseases on a person’s day-to-day functioning. Contact the Marketing Director, 414-615-0134, dfellows@badgerassoc.org for more information or to register.
“Goat Gives Back”
Sunday, August 8; 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Horny Goat Hideaway
2011 S. 1st Street, Milwaukee, WI
Total pub sales at the Horny Goat Hideaway from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm will be donated directly to the Badger Association/Center for Blind & Visually Impaired Children. Join us for some fun and support our mission. For more information contact the Marketing Director, 414-615-0134, dfellows@badgerassoc.org.
MEMBERSHIP CONNECTION
Monthly Membership Meetings: Meetings are typically held on the first Saturday of the month at 2:30 p.m. at the Badger Association. Meeting dates are: August 7th and September 11th. Note that there is no membership meeting in July and the September meeting date was changed because of Labor Day. Check the Membership Connection, 414-615-0138, for upcoming speakers. Lunch is on us for new members attending their first meeting.
SHARE PROGRAM
Badger Association, Buck Hall
Thursday, July 1, August 5 and September 2
3:00 – 4:30 pm
A limited selection of grocery items are available at reasonable costs. There are no membership or requirements to participate. Encourage your friends to use this convenient grocery service.
SAM’S CLUB MEMBERSHIP
Members are welcome to join Sam’s Club through the Badger Association. There is a $35 fee and we make all payments to Sam’s Club in early September. Please give your name, address and phone number to the Membership Coordinator with the fee by Friday, August 20 to be included in the renewal application. There is no additional charge for a family member who lives at the same address and membership is good at all locations outside of Milwaukee.
BOARD AND MEMBERSHIP MEETING UPDATES
Call 414-615-0150 to hear updated messages regarding Association meetings. Press 4 for Membership information.
SHARE YOUR NEWS
We invite members to share important events such as a career change, new volunteer activity, family addition, major anniversary, etc. Contact the Membership Coordinator at 414-615-0107 to pass along your news.
WELCOME …
Welcome to the following new members who recently joined the Association:
Board Vice-President Michael J. Aprahamian is a partner with Foley & Lardner LLP. He was President of the Center for Blind & Visually Impaired Children’s Board and is a member of the transition team.
Lynn Gruebling, Wauwatosa, is a special education teacher in the Association’s Children’s program.
Aaron Fellows, Milwaukee, is a new member. His wife works at the Badger Association.
June Fisher, Wauwatosa, is a past client.
Teresa Freund, Milwaukee, is the Badger Association’s grants manager.
Nancy Fojut, Milwaukee, has been a Life Skills program participant.
Cindy Freeman, Milwaukee, is a dietary worker who learned about the Badger Association through the Office for the Blind & Visually Impaired and UWM.
Do you know a member who was hospitalized and needs to be cheered up? One of our Board members has taken on the task of sending thoughtful notes. Contact Yvonne Itson with the information and she will be glad to assist, 414-263-0639, or slickgranny@aol.com. If you have a supply of get-well, sympathy or other blank greeting cards we would appreciate your consideration in donating them to the Badger Association.
THE VACANT CHAIR:
Elizabeth Wright, Dousman, passed away in 2010. She was 91 years old and a member since 2004.
Rosemary O’Shea, West Allis, passed away on March 25, 2010. She was 82 years old and joined the Association in 1996. She often attended membership meetings and Life Skills programs.
Loretta Dippmann, Iola, passed away April 21, 2010. She was 89 years old and was a member since 1944. Loretta was active in the community and worked many years for the Heil Co.
Dorothy Gilbert, Milwaukee, passed away May 3, 2010. She was 84 years old and joined the Association in 1989. She was very active in the Life Skills program, making quilts and had served on the former Editorial Committee. We extend sympathy to their families and friends.
HOW DO I BECOME A MEMBER?
Become a Badger Association member and help determine the future of the Association, act as a community advocate by promoting self-sufficiency and join an extensive support network of friends and colleagues who are visually impaired or sighted. For more information, contact our Membership Coordinator, 414-615-0107.
SUMMER ADAPTIVE PRODUCTS DEMONSTRATION
Tuesday, July 20, 10:00 – 11:00 am
Tamarack Place, Menomonee Falls
Discover the latest in talking and low vision products for people living with changing vision. Please call 414-615-0100 for more information or to register.
Volunteers Needed!
Some of our events are already planned and run by volunteers but we are looking for more people to take the LEAP. Contact the Volunteer Coordinator, 414-615-0103 or t.sweenie@badgerassoc.org, to learn how you can give back! Opportunities include:
Event Coordinator/Leader: Assists the Life Skills Team with planning recreational events, including preparing for the event, attending the event, and assisting with post-event documentation and reporting as needed.
Guides/Assistants: Use your communication skills and sight to provide guidance for visually impaired individuals for many events. Sighted guide training will be provided to volunteers.
Drivers: Volunteer Drivers are needed to provide transportation for training and rehabilitation classes, meetings and recreation events. Drivers must have a valid driver license.
Sighted Guides: Even the most proficient travelers utilize sighted guides occasionally. Every Badger volunteer needs this one-on-one training — which is also a useful refresher course.
Point Person: We are looking for someone responsible and reliable, (who lives close by) to open doors before and after events and handout information to our volunteers and participants.
Accessible Menu Assistant: From home or from the Badger Association, we need computer savvy individuals to help us type up menus for our monthly dinner hang outs.
The Outlook Shoppe
Summer Clearance Sale
Starting Tuesday, July 6th, the Outlook Shoppe will clearance a number of items. Come check out products ranging from magnifiers to talking products. Prices are 50% to 80% off original retail price. Because of these huge savings, we cannot offer our membership discount on any of the clearance items. This sale is only for the month of July. Please contact the Outlook Shoppe at 414-615-0111 or shoppe@badgerassoc.org with any questions.
InSight is a publication of the Badger Association promoting classes, events and timely opportunities for people with changing vision. Register for these opportunities at badgerassoc.org
Badger Association of the Blind & Visually Impaired, Inc.
912 North Hawley Road
Milwaukee, WI 53213