Early Bird Tickets will cost $48 per person and can be purchased until March 16, 2012. After that date, the regular ticket price of $55 will be effect until the reservation deadline of April 13. Click here to get a printable Ticket Reservation Form. Last year we were sold out but the good news is that this year we will have space for more tables and more seating. So gather your friends and make plans to have an enjoyable afternoon which supports the Center for Vision Loss’s Vision Rehabilitation Services.

To date, we thank the following businesses for helping sponsor this event: Inova Technologies, Lessig Oil & Propane, HMK Insurance, Hotel Bethlehem and Minuteman Press of the Lehigh Valley. Sponsorships are still available and welcome and include tickets at some levels. Call 610.433.6018, x 241 to inquire.

For more information now, call 610.433.6018, x. 241.

Do you like the ocean with its powerful waves and interesting sea life? Have you ever imagined a career as an oceanographer?  But how about if you were a legally blind oceanographer? Well, we are pleased that our first Chrysalis Award recipient is Dr. Amy Bower, Physical Oceanographer, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts.  Dr. Bower was diagnosed with juvenile macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa at age 24 just as her career was starting to take off.  She soon became legally blind but with the help of a low vision rehabilitation specialist she was introduced to various kinds of adaptive equipment to help her continue her studies and even lead research expeditions at sea.

Dr. Bower, in her talk “Ocean Without Sight,”  will share stories of her work and her educational outreach activities with students at the Perkins School for the Blind at the dinner.  The event will be held at the University Center, DeSales University, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley, PA 18034, on Saturday, October 29, 2011.  It begins at 6 pm with a Reception featuring a wine bar and light hors d’oeuvres  followed by Dinner and the Program at 7 pm. The cost is $75.00 per person. If you have not received an invitation please call the Development Office at 610.433.6018, x. 241. You can also  click here to download a printable version of the invitation.

Dr. Bower will lead also lead a  workshop, “Ocean InSight,” on Saturday morning from 10 a.-noon. This interactive session is geared to middle and high school students with vision impairment. Dr. Bower will share stories about her research expeditions (including an attack by pirates!) and the adaptive equipment  she uses. Participants will also take part in a hands-on experiment about bouyancy and take some time to explore career opportunities in the geosciences.  Only 20 seats are available for this wonderful and unique opportunity and you need to call 610.433.6018 by Friday, October 21 to reserve your spot.  During the workshop, parents can participate in their own question and answer session with James Van Horn, MS, MA, NOMC.  A pizza lunch for all participants will follow at 12 noon.  Click here to download a printable page about the workshop.

We are pleased that the following businesses and individuals have become Sponsors and Friends for our Award Dinner.  They include:  A D Computers; Air Products; Anonymous Friend;  Dr. Neil Boderman; Buckno Lisicky & Company; Dr. Thomas Burkholder; Catalyst360; Colon-Rectal Surgery Associates; Fox Optical & Gallery, LLC; Genentech; Highmark Blue Shield; Victor & Elizabeth Joliat; Lang,  Faylor Chomo Company; Lehigh Valley Council of the Blind; Lehigh Vally Hospital Network; Lions, Lionnesses and Leos of District 14-K; Minuteman Press of the Lehigh Valley; The Morning Call; Stephanie Olexa, Ph.D. and Seth Weber, Esq.; Leon Peters; Versatile Voicing; viamedia and Edward and Rosalie Vogrins. For questions, or to explore  sponsorship/advertizing opportunities, call the Center for Vision Loss Development Office at 610.433.6018, x. 241.

Dr. Amy Bower, 2011 Chrysalis Award Winner