ECVI Connect
Let's take this journey together.
Personalized Skill Development and Social Connections for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Central Illinois
What's today's ECVI Connection?
Upcoming Events
Ongoing
Friendship Fridays
Book Club Fridays
May
Military Appreciation Month
June
Campus Update
July
Dining in the Dark
From Peggy's Pen
You Matter
Read this feature and then get some fresh air walking the beautiful parks and trails of Central Illinois!
Bonus: Fresh tips from Mike Mulligan for using a Dakota Tip on white canes for safe trail hiking.
Friendship Fridays
Book Club Fridays
Next Book
June 19: Salt to the Sea
Participants read the book in advance of the meeting, so RSVP below or call Peggy at 217-303-9062 and we'll give you the details. Students suggest and agree on which books to read, so join us and add your voice to the mix. Books are provided by Talking Books and sent directly to your home.
Here are the Book Club titles for the rest of 2020. We hope you find at least one that sounds interesting and join us!
2020 Book Titles
July 24: Walk in the Woods
Aug 21: Widow of the South
Sept 18: Walking Across Egypt
October 23: Blackfoot Messiah
November 20: Hidden Kennedy
December 11: Redbird Christmas
May is Military Appreciation Month
May 25th is Memorial Day. Consider participating in the National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00pm.
Campus Update Coming Soon!
We'll keep you in the loop on potential class offerings, schedules, and re-opening procedures as we get closer to June 1st.
3rd Annual Dining in the Dark
You're invited!
Purchase Tickets, Volunteer or Sponsor the EventWHEN
Friday, July 17th, 6pm
6pm: Conversation and Cocktails
7pm: Dinner
8pm: Live Auction and Music
WHERE
Colombian Hall (Formerly KC Hall)
2200 Meadowbrook Road
Springfield, IL
RSVP by July 3, 2020
Empty Arms
Do you have empty arms right now?
Are you a hugger like me or enjoy a good hug now and then and miss those hugs?
Can you imagine what it is like for our American soldiers and their families who have not been able to hug each other for a long time?
May is Military Appreciation Month and I am reminded of the many sacrifices that our American soldiers and their families are enduring. One of those sacrifices is a simple hug. Their arms are empty. Let’s remember our soldiers abroad and let them know that we appreciate their sacrifices for our freedom.
My heart also goes out to those who live alone or who are living in assisted living facilities. When was the last time they received a warm hug from a family member or a friend? They also could use a call or note letting them know you are thinking of them and can’t wait to spend time with them again.
Hugs for some are a way to connect with others. A hug from me helps me to communicate to others that “I care” and “You Matter to Me” when I don’t necessarily have the words to express myself. Never again will I take a simple hug for granted. Yes, for a while now, my arms have been empty and I cannot hug the people I care about.
But wait!
There is hope!
This “stay in place” situation will soon pass, so watch out! I will be coming after you for a hug! Until we meet again…Hugs, Peggy
You matter, so get some fresh air!
Some Illinois parks are open as of May 1st. Check the Department of Natural Resources webpage for up-to-date information and be sure to follow the guidelines on their Partial Park Re-opening Fact Sheet.
Need tips for a Dakota Disk Cane Tip? Thanks to Mike Mulligan of Blind on the Move for another wonderful video for our students and their Personal Vision Coaches to check out together before trekking the trails of Springfield.
Are you inspired and need fresh ideas for where to enjoy nature in and around Central Illinois?
- West Central Illinois Hiking Trails (includes Springfield)
- South Illinois Hiking Trails
- Springfield Park District, List of Parks
- Lincoln Memorial Gardens Facebook Page (6 miles of wood-chip trails)
With the closing of our campus and suspension of our regular program schedule, we ask you to join us in keeping our wonderful instructors and students connected. Our expenses continue and in some places increase as we migrate classes and enrichment gatherings to an online presence. Please help us continue our programs, especially in this critical time.
Educational Center for the Visually Impaired
for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Central Illinois
Email: ECVIconnect@edcentervi.org
Website: https://www.edcentervi.org
Location: 3240 Hedley Road, Suite C, Springfield, Illinois 62711
Phone: 217-303-9062
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EdCenterVI/
Twitter: @edcentervi