Newsletter - Fall 2011
PROUD TO BE PART OF THE UNITED WAY!
The Delaware Association for the Blind is proud to be an affiliate agency of the United Way of Delaware, and the support of our many friends through the United Way is greatly appreciated. Designated contributions through the United Way help DAB to provide its many programs of education, enrichment, and recreation to the blind and visually impaired of Delaware.
Whether you have benefited from the DAB Store, the Peer Support Service, the Volunteer Taping Program, Camp Sunnybrook, or our many recreation programs, we hope you will share with your family and friends how the Delaware Association for the Blind has made a difference in your life. Please share DAB’s United Way agency code 0717 with those you know who donate through the United Way.
DAB PROGRAM REGISTRATION
The Delaware Association for the Blind is implementing a registration policy for all its activities and programs beginning with the activities posted in this newsletter. In order to participate in DAB programs and activities, you will be required to complete and sign the DAB Program Registration Form that we will mail to you as you sign up for activities this season. Because this is a new form, All DAB consumers must complete it - even though you have participated in activities in the past. This information will be utilized to upkeep our client databases, document program participation, gather information for grant writing, and will prove to be very helpful in in the event of an emergency while you are taking part in DAB activities. DAB will hold the information provided on this form in strict confidence. If you need assistance in completing the form, please call the DAB office at 655-2111, and we will be happy to assist you.
Some Friendly Reminders about using DAB Van Transportation
- We are happy to provide transportation to our many clients throughout the year and want to remind everyone about important procedures that will keep you safe.
- You must wear your seatbelt at all times while traveling in DAB vehicles.
- You must wait for the driver to stand at the door to offer you assistance before boarding and exiting the vehicle – even if you feel that you are able to board and exit without help!
- You must be able to board and exit the van without the need to be lifted by the driver or staff member.
- You should have a seat where the driver designates. This is important in keeping the van balanced.
- Certain behaviors are never tolerated on DAB vehicles. These include smoking, drinking alcohol, drug use, as well as vulgar, profane or offensive language. Harassment of fellow passengers or the driver will also not be tolerated.
- New Castle County: 655-2111
- Kent County 734-7173
- Sussex County 1-888-757-0880
- (NCC) – Indicates New Castle County only
- (KSC) – Indicates Kent and Sussex Counties only
FALL ACTIVITIES
To sign up for any of the following activities, call as follows:
We will begin taking reservations on Wednesday, August 3. Activities are on a first come first served basis, so call as soon as possible to avoid missing out on an activity you are interested in. The August 26 Phillies game was listed in the summer newsletter so check for ticket availability when you call. Door-to-door transportation is available.
When calling Activities Coordinator Judy Engelgau, please leave a complete message on the answering machine. New Castle County residents who need to speak with Judy can call her toll free at 1-888-757-0880; however, if you live in New Castle County, you should not call Judy to sign up for activities. Please only call Judy between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.
When you sign up for an activity where prepayment is required, please remember to send your payment by the due date listed at the end of the activity. If your payment has not been received by this date, we will give your spot on the list to a person on the waiting list. If you are on the waiting list, you will be called to let you know when to send your payment.
DAB’s cancellation policy and Theatre Etiquette Policy can be accessed by following the links at the end of this newsletter. If you are not familiar with these policies, please read them carefully. If you have questions, please call the DAB office..We will be happy to answer your questions.
Friday, August 26: 7:05 p.m.: PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES VERSUS THE FLORIDA MARLINS at Citizens Bank Park. Seats in Section 140, lower level outfield. $36 due July 15. Current signups for waiting list only.
Saturday, September 10: NANTICOKE INDIAN POW WOW, a yearly gathering near Millsboro to celebrate ancient tribal customs and rituals with the public . 12 noon to 4 p.m. We will arrive for the Grand Entry at noon and enjoy the drumming, dancing, and storytelling during the afternoon. You can also visit over 40 Native American vendors and craft booths. Purchase your choice of native foods, including fry bread, tacos, succotash, and much more. A folding chair is essential. Sighted guide suggested, but not required. Entrance fee plus transportation charge $4 to be collected on the day of trip.
Saturday, September 17: Rescheduled trip to REHOBOTH BEACH AND OUTLETS. 12 to 5 p.m.: Lunch at Grotto’s Pizza, followed by time to explore the Boardwalk, before boarding the vans for shopping time at one of the outlet venues. Bring a sighted guide so you can shop and enjoy the Boardwalk and outlets at your own pace. $2 transportation charge will be collected on the day of trip.
Saturday, September 24: 12:30 p.m. Free tour of DOGFISH HEAD BREWERY, in Milton,DE, includes sampling (only for those of legal drinking age, of course!), a guided tour, and even a chance to get all your beer and merchandise needs met in the on-site gift shop. Must wear close-toed shoes! Late lunch at the Milford Georgia House. Menus available in Braille and large print. $2 transportation charge to be collected on the day of trip.
Saturday, October 1: 1 p.m. Celebrate Apple Harvest Weekend at MILBURN ORCHARDS in Elkton, MD. Special $3 entrance price to the Fall Festival includes hayrides, Bale Trail maze, and interactive farm animal experience. If you choose not to go to the festival, there is still plenty to do. The Farm Market has locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables, and the Bake Shoppe features their famous apple cider donuts, pies, caramel apples, and an extensive line of country jams and jellies, local honey, local cheeses, and much more. Visit Orchard View Ice Cream and Snack Deck for healthy snacks, dessert specialties, and delicious homemade ice cream. Early dinner after the visit at Woody’s Crab House in North East, MD. Menus available in Braille and large print. Sighted guide suggested. A $3 transportation charge will be collected on the day of trip.
Friday, October 14: Back by popular request! Join us for an evening of fun on the HAYRIDE EXPRESS ON THE WILMINGTON AND WESTERN RAILROAD. Enjoy a one-hour round-trip evening ride through the Red Clay Valley on an original railroad flatcar converted especially for hayrides. This event is powered by one of the railroa’ds historic diesel locomotives. $13 adults, $12 seniors 60 plus, $11 children 2-12. Dinner prior to the 7 p.m. train ride at Season’s Pizza, featuring award winning pizza and crab cakes, as well as salads, subs and sandwiches, pasta, etc.
Saturday, October 22: DUTCH APPLE DINNER THEATER presents “Me and My Girl”. Working-class Bill Snibson is astounded when he inherits the title of Earl and all its fortunes. He clashes with his snooty blue-blood relatives, but remains true to his girl, Sally. Hits from the popular musical include “The Lambeth Walk”, “Once You Lose Your Heart”, and “Love Makes the World Go Round.” 11:45 a.m. all- you-can-eat buffet; show at 1:15 p.m. $49 due September 15. Front row seats!
Saturday, November 5: (NCC) MCCARTER THEATRE OF PRINCETON UNIVERSITY presents “Phaedra.” The mythic and the modern collide in a lyrical and fierce new adaptation of the classic Phaedra myth. In a triumphant return to McCarter, one of Ireland’s premier contemporary playwrights, Marina Carr, pens a seductive, poetic, and brave work that explores the inexorable pull of fate, the labyrinth of legacy, and the danger of desire. This haunting and passionate world premiere is rich in imagery, exhilarating and eternal. $18 ticket includes Sensory Seminar prior to the 3 p.m. show and audio description for the visually impaired. Bring lunch to eat in the van. Dinner on the way home at the Princetonian Diner.
Saturday, November 12: WILMINGTON DRAMA LEAGUE presents the beloved Neil Simon comedy “Barefoot in the Park.” Honeymoons have never been funnier—and more romantic—that in Neil Simon’s classic comedy. Paul and Corie are young and deeply in love, but are they ready for the reality of married life, especially when it involves nosey mothers, strange neighbors, and five flights of stairs? The newlyweds struggle to find Happily Ever After in this clever, hilarious, and moving romantic comedy. 8 p.m. show, with a sensory seminar prior, and seats in the front of the theatre. $11 tickets. Programs in Braille and large print. Dinner prior to the show at the Golden Dove.
Friday, November 18: TOUR OF THE U.S. CAPITOL IN WASHINGTON, D.C. Special guided tour of the U.S. Capitol begins at the orientation theatre, with a short film, “Out of Many, One”, which will take you on a journey through our country’s struggle to establish the world’s first truly representative democracy and introduce you to the magnificent building that houses our Congress. Once inside the historic Capitol, we will visit the crypt of the Capitol, the Rotunda, and National Statuary Hall. Cameras, large bags, sharp objects including pens and pencils, food and beverages prohibited. No charge for the 2 p.m. tour. Bring lunch to eat in the van. Dinner on the way home at The Fisherman’s Inn in Kent Narrows, MD. A $3 transportation charge will be collected on the day of trip.
Arts and Crafts
The New Castle County arts & craft classes will resume on Tuesday, September 13 for Group A and on September 27 for Group B. Classes are from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the second or fourth Tuesday of the month depending on your group. There is no charge, and transportation is available. Call the DAB office to let us know if you wish to attend. The downstate arts & craft class for Kent and Sussex County clients will again be held this year on the second Tuesday of each month beginning on Tuesday, September 13. The class will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the Modern Maturity Center, 1121 Forrest Avenue in Dover. Please take note of the change in time from last year’s class. This activity is free and some transportation is available. Please call the DAB office if you wish to participate in this activity.
BINGO
Bingo at Landis Lodge will resume Thursday, September 8. Anyone able to use large print or braille bingo cards is welcome to attend. We play on the second Thursday of the month from 7 to 9:15 p.m. There is no charge, and limited transportation in New Castle County is available. Call the DAB office to let us know if you wish to attend.
MUSIC APPRECIATION CLASS: (NCC)
DAB’s Music Appreciation Class meets in the Sunnybrook Building at Landis Lodge on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month. The class meets from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Please call the DAB office if you are interested in participating in this activity.
ACCESSIBLE PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC SIGNALS
DELDOT is accepting and prioritizing requests by legally blind Delaware residents to have accessible pedestrian traffic signals (APS) installed at signaled traffic intersections that present crossing problems for blind or visually impaired persons. The legally blind person who will benefit from the APS must make the request to have an intersection evaluated. Please call DELDOT at 1-800-652-5600 for more information or to ask for assistance in making your request for an APS . You may also find the request form online at the DELDOT web site at www.deldot.gov under Online Services. If you would like to try out one of the existing installed units, give the DAB office a call, and we can help you find a location close to where you live.
In addition to automatically receiving the DAB Newsletter in large print, it is also available in Braille, on cassette tape, and now via e-mail. If you would like to receive your newsletter in any of these formats, please call the DAB office. We invite you to check out the other programs and services offered by the Delaware Association for the Blind while you are visiting us here at our web page.
