Center for Vision Loss

A TASTE OF THE SHADOWS PROVIDES A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE!

The Green Pond Country Club, Bethlehem, was the scene of the Center for Vision Loss's first blindness awareness dinner, A Taste of the Shadows, on October 14, 2014. Seventy-four friends, sponsors, customers, staff and volunteers premiered this dining in the dark event where guests were asked to eat a four-course meal while wearing blindfolds. The evening opened with a reception featuring tasty hors d'oeuvres, a wine-tasting by Franklin Hill Vineyards and the sweet sounds of the Celtic harp played by Maddie Link, a high school junior who is visually impaired.

The agency's sighted guides then gathered the guests into their table seating groups to share informatioin about the dinner portion of the event. All were asked to wear blindfolds to simulate loss of vision. Each guide led their table into the dining room in conga line fashion and individually seated their guests. They explained how the table was set and provided tips on how a person with a visual impairment finds their plates, utensils, water glass, coffee cup and more. Dinner was a four-course taste treat featuing cold pumpkin soup, kale salad, a chicken or salmon entree and chocolate cups filled with mousse for dessert. The dining resounded with chatter and laughte as guests were challenged to perform this everyday task without the benefit of their vision.

Executive Director Doug Yingling took to the podium folling the meal. He noted that loss of vision is challenging at any age because it impacts an individual's quality of life and independence. He thanked the guests for giving up their sight for a short time to experience how clallenging vision loss can be and indicated that he hoped they would leave the event with a new perspctive.

Brian Drake, Green Pond's Banquet and Catering Manager, talked about the menu. He noted that the food was prepared to offer the best taste experience using mnay ingredients vital for good eye health such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, C and E, and lutein, lycopene and zeaxanthin.

Rita Lang, the Center for Vision Loss's Manager of Innovative Programming and Volunteer Coordinator, who is herself visually impaired, then invited guests to comment on their experiences. Comments ranged from "I felt very uncomfortable at first but now I realize what a person with vision loss goes through every day" to "I know better appreciate the work of the Center for Vision Loss in helping people with vision loss improve their independence in performing daily tasks."

We heartily thank our wonderful event sponsors: viamedia, Air Products, Minuteman Press of the Lehigh Valley, Fox Optical & Gallery, LLC, TD Bank, Advanced Family Eye Care, Buckno, Lisicky & Company, Lehigh Eye Specialists, Lehigh Valley Health Network and Ed & Rosalie Vogrins.