VISIONS and 20-R2 (12/01/06)

VISIONS VCB Welcomes International Director Dr. Beverly Roberts - R1 (11/30/06)

Happy Holidays from VISIONS VCB! - K1 (11/09/06)

VISIONS VCB & Lions: One Family - MD 20/20S (10/19/06)

FALL FUN at VISIONS VCB! – MD 20-K1 (10/18/06)

FALL FUN at VISIONS VCB! – MD 20-R2 (10/18/06)

District R-1 Leaders at VISIONS VCB! (Fall 2006)

Vacation Camp for the Blind – MD 20 (Summer 2006)

Vacation Camp for the Blind – MD 20-O (Summer 2006)

How it all began…A History of Visions – E2 (Summer 2006)

 

VISIONS and 20-R2 (12/01/06)
Achieving Success through Cooperation and Understanding!



From left to right, Ralph Moreno, NancyAnn Nowak, Danielle Pepin, Nilsa Casiano Moreno, Eileen Gaffigan, Joseph Gaffigan

This has certainly been a busy season for VCB and for the Lions of 20-R2! Beginning with the Lions Family Day this past August, the Lions of 20-R2 have been working hard to keep VCB going strong. In the first quarter (7/1/06-9/30/06) of this Lionistic year, 20-R2 donated $7,020.00 to VCB! This makes R-2 the second highest donor in all of MD-20! Along with countless hours of service at Lions Workday and in-kind donations, you are truly an inspirational district.

This fall, VCB was also fortunate to have International Director Joseph Gaffigan and his wife Eileen stop by for a tour. When they arrived with DG Nilsa Casiano Moreno and her partner in service Ralph they were greeted by Camp Director NancyAnn Nowak and Assistant Camp Director Danielle Pepin. ID Gaffigan was impressed by our facility, and the work that VISIONS has completed in partnership with LCIF. He encouraged us to continue to apply for LCIF grants in the future. It was a wonderful visit, and we at VCB hope to see them at camp again soon!

VISIONS was also privileged to host the second R-2 cabinet meeting on November 28, 2006 at Visions at Selis Manor, our community center on 135 West 23rd street in Manhattan. Approximately seventy Lions attended. In addition, District Governor Nilsa presented VISIONS with a donation for a bench in the districts name. Many thanks to you, 20R-2 for your unwavering commitment to VCB! We hope that you enjoyed visiting us as much as we enjoyed having you!

I know we will continue to achieve success throughout this Lionistic year!

On behalf of VISIONS, best wishes for a happy and safe holiday season!

Sincerely,
Danielle Pepin
Assistant Camp Director/Lions Coordinator
VISIONS Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired

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VISIONS VCB Welcomes International Director Dr. Beverly Roberts (11/30/06)



DG Overby, International Director Roberts, PDG Twohie, PDG Delo, VDG Schettini and
Lion Rearson on a recent trip to VCB





It was a brisk autumn day when R-1 International Director Beverly Roberts arrived at VISIONS VCB to tour the campgrounds. She was accompanied by DG Overby, VDG Schettini and his partner in service Lion Rearson. Danielle Pepin, Assistant Camp Director and Lions Coordinator, greeted them along with PDG Maybelle Twohie and PDG Ron Delo.

The group relaxed in the VCB Canteen, enjoying coffee and cake, and watched the VISIONS DVD. They then walked the campgrounds, stopping to take a look at the beautiful new dock (just installed in October!), the cabins and dorms, and the other recreational buildings, many of which are adopted by R-1 Lions Clubs.

The Stern lounge, adopted by the Monsey Lions Club 










The new, handicapped accessible dock.

On behalf of VISIONS, Thank you Dr. Roberts for taking the time to tour VCB!

Have a safe and happy holiday season!

Sincerely,
Danielle Pepin
Assistant Camp Director/Lions Coordinator
VISIONS Vacation Camp for the Blind

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Happy Holidays from VISIONS VCB!
(11/09/06)


It has been a busy and exciting fall season at VISIONS Vacation Camp for the Blind (VCB)! It began with our annual VISIONS Golf Open and has continued with our first camper weekend, and of course, Lions Workday!  On October 7, 2006, several Lions and Leos Clubs from MD-20 came out to polish up VCB. K-1 was no exception, with South Ozone Park Lions, the Queens Universal Lions and the Woodside Interamerican Lions and Leos in attendance. On behalf of VISIONS, many thanks to all the K-1 Lions for working so vigorously to make VCB shine!

8 year old K.M., from the 20-K1 district, showing off his pumpkin during VCB’s “Fall Harvest” weekend.

In addition to many acts of service, K-1 has given generously to VCB, including a wonderful pledge of $3,000.00 from the Canarsie Lions Annual Doggie Olympics in September! In the first quarter (7/1/06-9/30/06) district 20 K-1 has donated $3,770.00 to VISIONS. Your contributions make a difference in the lives of many people who are blind and visually impaired. K.M.’s mother says, “If we weren’t able to attend the camp, we wouldn’t have been able to come as far was we have, because he (K.M.) is gaining that confidence. His confidence has grown 200%. The things I’ve learned have been overwhelming. The whole thing has been a phenomenal experience!”  

Camper recruitment is another very important area in which Lions can be of great assistance to Vacation Camp for the Blind.  As VCB’s supporters and friends, K-1 can lead the way in increasing the number of campers who come to VCB. Lets work together to help camper enrollment grow at VCB and make “The 400 Club” a reality!

SAVE THE DATES:
Saturday, June 2, 2007 – Lions Workday at VCB

Sunday, Aug 5, 2007 – Lions Family Day at VCB

Thursday, September 20, 2007- Lions Golf Outing- Mount Kisco Country Club!

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VISIONS VCB & Lions

One Family (10/19/06)

VISIONS VCB recently celebrated our 80th Anniversary during Lions Family Day on August 6, 2006. Lions and campers enjoyed the tasty barbecue, carnival games and swimming in the VCB pool. Many of the District 20-S clubs were acknowledged for their donations at that celebration, including the Mattituck Lions, who were recognized at Platinum Lions for donating $6,500 in the 2005-2006 Lionistic year! Several clubs have also donated $500 or more to VCB, thereby earning a new patch for their banners. These included Babylon, Islips, Melville, North Babylon, North Sea, Rocky Point, and West Babylon Lions Clubs!

Lion “Skip” Meinhold has also done a fantastic job as VCB liaison for District 20-S. Since he has been the 20-S liaison, the district’s contributions have doubled! Thank you Lion Skip for all of the work you do for VCB!

PDG Angelo Purcigliotti of 20R-1, Lion “Skip” Meinhold of 20-S and PDG George Weidmiller of 20R-1 enjoying Lions Day ‘06

The worth of these contributions cannot be measured in money alone. The vision rehabilitation and therapeutic recreation services that VCB provides are truly invaluable to the hundreds of people served at camp each year. On behalf of VISIONS, thank you 20-S for your generosity and support.

SAVE THE DATES!
Saturday, November 11, 2006 – VISIONS VCB Executive Committee Meeting at VCB

Saturday, June 2, 2007 – Lions Workday at VCB

Sunday, Aug 5, 2007 – Lions Family Day at VCB

Thursday, September 20, 2007- Lions Golf Outing- Mount Kisco Country Club!

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FALL FUN at VISIONS VCB! (10/18/06)
VCB and K-1 have certainly been “on the move” this fall, working together as partners in the spirit of service. K-1 has given generously to VCB, including a wonderful pledge of $3,000.00 from Canarsie Lions annual Doggie Olympics in September. Many dedicated Lions also attended VCB’s Fall Workday on Saturday, October 7, 2006. K-1 had representation from the South Ozone Park Lions, the Queens Universal Lions and the Woodside Interamerican Lions and Leos. On behalf of VISIONS, I sincerely thank all the K-1 Lions for working so vigorously to make VCB shine!





8 year old K.M., from the 20-K1 district, showing off his pumpkin.




While Lions work day was well under way, VCB was also hosting its ever-popular “Fall Harvest” weekend, with 47 campers of all age groups and abilities in attendance! Adults and children alike picked apples and purchased delicious goodies at a local orchard. They took walks and enjoyed the autumn air, watched movies and played bingo. A highlight for many was our annual Halloween Party, complete with costumes, pumpkin painting and hot apple cider.

Thank you for all you do to help make this possible!

“Ain’t no stoppin’ us now!” VCB and 20-K1 are on the move!

SAVE THE DATES:
Saturday, November 11, 2006 – VISIONS VCB Executive Committee Meeting at VCB

Saturday, June 2, 2007 – Lions Workday at VCB

Sunday, Aug 5, 2007 – Lions Family Day at VCB

Thursday, September 20, 2007- Lions Golf Outing- Mount Kisco Country Club!

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FALL FUN at VISIONS VCB! (10/18/06)
From October 6th through the 9th VCB hosted its ever-popular “Fall Harvest” weekend, with 47 campers of all age groups and abilities in attendance! Adults and children alike picked apples and purchased delicious goodies at a local orchard. They took walks and enjoyed the autumn air, even watched movies and played bingo. A highlight for many was our annual Halloween Party, complete with costumes, pumpkin painting and hot apple cider.

E.G. (who is legally blind and has cerebral palsy) and her mother, from the R-2 district, enjoying the Halloween festivities.


Contributing to the weekend’s success were the many dedicated Lions who attended VCB’s Fall Workday on Saturday, October 7, 2006. Out of the sixty-six Lions who attended, forty-seven of them came from district R-2! On behalf of VISIONS, I sincerely thank all the R-2 Lions for making this one of the most well attended fall workdays in recent years and for working so vigorously to make VCB shine!

SAVE THE DATES:
Saturday, November 11, 2006 – VISIONS VCB Executive Committee Meeting at VCB

Tuesday, November 28, 2006- R-2 Cabinet Meeting at Visions at Selis Manor

Saturday, June 2, 2007 – Lions Workday at VCB

Sunday, Aug 5, 2007 – Lions Family Day at VCB

Thursday, September 20, 2007- Lions Golf Outing- Mount Kisco Country Club!

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District R-1
Leaders at VISIONS VCB! (Fall 2006)

Since 1951 Lions have partnered with VCB to help us promote the independence of people who are blind and visually impaired. The Lions of R-1, beginning with the Spring Valley Lions, were our first supporters and continue to be good friends to VCB to this day. Since then, over 250 Lions, Lioness and Leo Clubs from MD-20 have provided financial and volunteer support to keep VCB going strong.

   

DG James Overby attending the VCB Lions Barbeque in August 2006

 

DG Overby, International Director Roberts,
PDG Twohie, PDG Delo, VDG Schettini and
Lion Rearson on a recent trip to VCB

As the “leaders of the pack,” R-1 has consistently shown their support through acts of service and donations. In the 2005-2006 Lionistic year VCB received $22,315 in donations from R-1, with contributions of $1,000 or more from Armonk, Blauvelt, Carmel-Kent, Croton-on-Hudson, North Rockland, Somers, Spring Valley and Yorktown. In addition, R-1 has worked diligently on our campgrounds this October, with representation from Pleasantville, Spring Valley, Blauvelt, Somers and North Rockland Lions Clubs. On behalf of VISIONS, thank you R-1 for your unwavering dedication to VCB.

Camper recruitment is another very important area in which Lions can be of great assistance to VCB. As VCB’s longest supporters and friends, R-1 can lead the way in increasing the number of campers who come to VCB. Lets work together to help camper enrollment grow at VCB and make “The 400 Club” a reality!

SAVE THE DATES:
Saturday, June 2, 2007 – Lions Workday at VCB

Sunday, Aug 5, 2007 – Lions Family Day at VCB

Thursday, September 20, 2007- Lions Golf Outing- Mount Kisco Country Club!

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Vacation Camp for the Blind (Summer 2006)

Greetings Lions and Leos from VISIONS VCB! I should begin by introducing myself. My name is Danielle Pepin, and I am the new Assistant Camp Director and Lions Coordinator here at VISIONS. I began my work at VISIONS as a supervisor at VCB this past summer, and it was a truly amazing experience.

On behalf of VISIONS, thank you to all who attended our first fall workday on October 7, 2006! The work you do for VCB is vital to our continued success. Thanks to continued Lions support, VCB was able to provide therapeutic recreation and vision rehabilitation to nearly 400 campers, including 30 families with blind or visually impaired children!

In summer of 2006 VCB served thirty families. All of our families are special, and Ana and Rodolfo G. are no exception. Originally from Guatemala, Ana and Rodolfo moved to the U.S. sixteen years ago. Their first child, Kathryn (pictured at the bottom right) was born blind. When Kathryn began attending camp, she had a difficult time interacting with other children, and was constantly in need of attention. During the summer session, she made small steps toward independence, but when the family returned to VCB for an October weekend, Kathryn blossomed! She mad some new friends, and her mother was thrilled. She wrote, “You know, I was so happy because Kathryn made friends…I felt so happy for her…this camp really help me!”

The G. family swimming in the VCB pool.




As Lions, your mission is a simple one, “We Serve.” I am so excited to work with you in the spirit of service throughout this Lionistic year. Under this mission, many of MD-20s clubs made the VCB honor roll in 2006. In addition to financial contributions, Lions can help VCB by recruiting new campers, adopting a building, donating items from our wish list, or buying a brick or bench.

Let’s make this year more successful and rewarding than the last and
“Spread the good word” about VCB!

Don’t forget these important dates!
Lions Work Days:
Saturday, June 2, 2006

Lions Family Day:
Sunday, August 5, 2007

Thank you for all that you do to keep VCB strong. Our campers depend on it!

Soon to be yours in Lionism,
Danielle Pepin
Assistant Camp Director/Lions Coordinator

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Vacation Camp for the Blind (Summer 2006)

Greetings Lions and Leos from VISIONS VCB! I should begin by introducing myself. My name is Danielle Pepin, and I am the new Assistant Camp Director and Lions Coordinator here at VISIONS. I began my work at VISIONS as a supervisor at VCB this past summer, and it was a truly amazing experience.

Thanks to continued Lions support, VCB was able to provide therapeutic recreation and vision rehabilitation to nearly 400 campers, including 30 families with blind or visually impaired children from all over New York! One of our families is from the 20-O Lions district. Both of the children in this family are legally blind due to albinism. Isabella who is four and Nadia who is three, came to camp for the first time this summer. Among their favorite activities were swimming in the VCB pool and singing. These adorable little girls couldn’t wait to get up to the microphone at every opportunity, as seen in the picture below. Their parents, Ralph and Maria also benefited from their first VCB camp experience, as they were able to make contacts with other parents and broaden their support network.

Isabella and Nadia singing “You Are My Sunshine” at Lions Family Day.

As Lions, your mission is a simple one, “We Serve.” I am so excited to begin working with you in the spirit of service throughout this Lionistic year. Under this mission, many of your district’s clubs made the VCB honor roll in 2006 for their generous financial contributions. These include: Falsberg, Bethel, Ellenville, Goshen, Jeffersonville, Kingston, La Grange, Warwick, Livingston Manor, Middletown, Newburgh, Pleasant Valley, and Rip Van Winkle. In addition to financial contributions, Lions can help VCB by recruiting new campers.

Let’s make this year more successful and rewarding than the last and
“Spread the good word” about VCB!

Don’t forget these important dates!
Lions Work Days:
Saturday, October 7, 2006
Saturday, June 2, 2006
Lions Family Day:
Sunday, August 5, 2007

Thank you for all that you do to keep VCB strong. Our campers depend on it!

Soon to be yours in Lionism,
Danielle Pepin
Assistant Camp Director/Lions Coordinator

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How it all began…
A History of Visions (Summer 2006)

In the early 1920’s six women formed an organization devoted to serving New Yorkers who were blind. They discovered that the needs of the blind community were being overlooked, and desired to create an environment with accommodations and services specially designed for people who are blind. The organization, called Vacation Camp, started on March 5, 1923 with sixty-two charter members which grew to more than four hundred within a month.

Starting small, the women rented a cottage in Rye, New York, where a few blind men could spend two-week vacations.  They expanded the vacation services by renting the Huyler estate and by the second summer, the camp hosted 150 blind and partially sighted guests over a ten-week season.  Men vacationed in July, women in August, with a separate week for mothers with babies.  Vacation Camp pioneered racially integrated groups and was also progressive in that it aimed to help people help themselves.

VISIONS VCB in the Present

VISIONS Vacation Camp for the Blind (VCB) has grown by leaps and bounds since its humble beginnings in the 1920’s. The beautiful thirty-five acre camp now resides in Rockland County, NY and serves several hundred campers year round. VCB is unique in that the grounds are specifically designed to allow people who are blind to navigate the camp independently.

Some of these unique features include a system of railings which cover the entire camp site. These railings have special markings to alert the campers to the location of the dorms, and other buildings on camp. We also have special mats which assist our clients to cross the road without losing their direction. In addition, VCB is handicapped accessible. We are privileged to have a zero degree entry swimming pool, wheelchair ramps for every building and widened bathrooms and shower stalls, all provided through LCIF grants. There are also two wheelchair lifts at Hofheimer Dorm.

In total, VCB has seven dormitories that house both campers and staff while camp is in session. In addition to the bedrooms on the upper floor, the Hoffheimer dorm also has a large lounge and a snack bar, called the canteen. Many of VCB’s campers enjoy relaxing in the canteen on a hot day, or playing piano and singing in the lounge. We also have twelve cottages in the Sylvester family section of camp. This area also houses an outdoor playground and children’s playroom. The Dining Hall rests in the center of the camp and can hold about two hundred and twenty five people. The recreation hall, called Mannie’s Place, named in memory of one of VCB’s campers, is also attached to the Dining Hall.

On the path from the Dining Hall to the far side of camp there is a library, which has Braille, large print and regular print books. Campers can also listen to books on tape, music and old time radio programs. Arts and Crafts is right next door, where participants can paint, create beaded necklaces, even design and glaze their own pottery! 

The far side of camp hosts the Beauty Parlor, which is a definite camper favorite, as many of our participants could not otherwise afford to have their hair and nails done. They also enjoy playing basketball in Stern Gymnasium with an adapted hoop that buzzes when someone makes a basket, or relaxing in the lounge watching t.v., playing piano or listening to records. The Stern lounge also holds a fully operational and adapted kitchen that the rehabilitation staff uses to teach children how to cook during family sessions at camp. 

Another great feature of VCB are the clothing cabins, which contain clothing donations. Campers affectionately call them, “the Macy’s of VCB.”  Here campers can “go shopping” and help themselves and their children to some free clothing.

In terms of staffing, VISIONS employs four camp staff that work year round, Director NancyAnn Nowak, Assistant Directors Carmen Thorne and Danielle Pepin and Camp Secretary, Nick Rott. In the summer however, VISIONS VCB employs a full time, live in staff of about seventy-five people. We have supervisors, camp counselors, program specialists, lifeguards, porters and dining hall staff. Staff run programs, escort participants, assist with meals and many other duties. We also employ a full time nursing staff that lives off site.

The VISIONS and Lions Connection

Almost all of the buildings at VCB are “adopted” by Lions and Leo clubs in MD-20, who donate money, time or both to maintain their clubs building. Lions and VCB have been linked since 1951 when the camp, which was founded in 1926, moved to Rockland County. The Spring Valley Lions Club was our first supporter and continues to be a good friend to VCB to this day. Since then, over 250 Lions, Lioness and Leo Clubs from MD-20 have provided financial and volunteer support. With Lions help, the 35-acre VCB facility continues to provide respite, rehabilitation and recreation for several hundred blind children, teens, adults and seniors each year.