Volunteers served up grilled hotdogs, burgers, and chicken with plenty of sides as guests connected with old friends and made new ones at Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey’s Beyond Sight picnic. “It is wonderful being here with friends, and meeting new people,” said Wharton resident Misty Hagan as she hugged Rockaway Township resident Alisha Hawkins.
The June 1 event at Vision Loss Alliance’s Denville location celebrated the 76-year-old nonprofit’s past, present and future. It attracted former and current participants — and some newcomers — from all over northern New Jersey. Several members of Vision Loss Alliance’s Board of Trustees and the entire leadership team attended. Art therapy intern Marisa Juliano, music therapy intern Barbara Rose Smith, and drum circle facilitator Alfred Fredel were on hand to lead activities.
Florence Blume and Carol Jaskula made the trek from Clark in Union County. Blume attended Vision Loss Alliance for years, but a lack of transportation options stopped her. “I love it here, and I would be up here all the time, but it takes two hours each way,” she lamented. “I love this, getting together with people who are a pleasure,” said Robin July, who’s in her second year of Vision Loss Alliance’s technology program. “These people are very special to me.”
Longtime participant Lucy Steinthal used her hands to help see molds of faces and art supplies laid out in the art studio. Across the room, guests wrote words and drew images on a canvas expressing what Vision Loss Alliance means to them. “I resent that I can’t do what I once could do, but this place has really helped me cope,” said Steinthal, a Pompton Plains resident. “The support they’ve given me is great.”
Longtime participant and volunteer Peggy Kane of Rockaway Township said, “This has brought people together who haven’t seen each other for a long time.” “I’m having a blast,” said Millburn resident Chris Franz, who took part in the djembé drumming circle. The picnic was also meaningful to community members who helped set up and clean up, served food, and greeted and guided guests. “This is a great experience,” Denville high school student Emily Dobbs said. Volunteers included three members of the Chester Lioness Club.