Sight Loss Monthly Newsletter November 2026
Our Mission Statement:
The mission of the Hull Foundation and Learning Center is to provide programs, facilities and services including social, educational, and recreational activities for people with blindness and sight loss.
*If you would prefer to receive this newsletter by email, please send an email to: oralhull@gmail.com
Hull Foundation Upcoming Events and Seminars:
November 1-Dec 4 See's Candy Fundraiser
November 5 - Jan 20 - Value Village FunDrive
November 11 – office closed – Veterans Day
November 17-20 – Arts & Hobbies Seminar
November 19 - One Day Fun Day Friendsgiving
November 26-27 – Office closed – Thanksgiving
December 7 – 11 – Holiday Getaway
December 19-Jan 3 -Office closed
2027
February 18– 22– Winter Retreat
March 23 – 26 – Daily Living Seminar
If you are interested in any of our social getaways, one day fun days, seminars and recreational retreats, please contact our office and sign up! Spots fill up VERY quickly, so jump in with both feet, save your spot and come out to Hull Park! If you would like to volunteer as staff or sponsor an event, please contact the office 503.668.6195.
Support the Spaces that Support Our Mission
This year, we are facing two essential infrastructure projects at Oral Hull Park: replacing the aging plumbing in our lodge and updating 2 septic tank pumps that keeps our campus running safely and smoothly. These systems are vital to the daily comfort, accessibility, and safety of our blind guests. As a nonprofit stewarding a 23‑acre property, unexpected maintenance places real strain on our operating budget. If you are able, we invite you to donate toward these critical projects.
To donate, please visit hullflc.org or send a check to
Hull Foundation and Learning Center
PO Box 157
Sandy, OR 97055.
Thank you to all of our donors for keeping hopes and dreams alive here at the Hull Foundation and Learning Center.
From Hull Inspiration to Global Innovation
The Hull Foundation is fortunate to be supported by organizations and individuals who share our vision of a more accessible world. One such supporter is ViddyScribe, a Gold-Level Sponsor of the 2027 Spring Gala.
What began with a volunteer-created video for a Hull Foundation program grew into an award-winning accessibility platform now helping people enjoy video content through AI-generated audio description. In the article below, ViddyScribe CEO and co-founder Patrick "Trish" Burton shares how the Hull Foundation helped inspire the company's journey.
ViddyScribe
By Patrick "Trish" Burton, CEO and cofounder of ViddyScribe
Many of you have met me, and some of you may have heard about my app, ViddyScribe. But it's been a while since I've told our story and shared the role that the Hull Foundation played in its inception.
In fact, ViddyScribe’s story began with a video I made for the Hull Foundation, featuring the Sight Loss Seminar that I had just volunteered for. I wanted to add audio description but soon realized that the tools to make that straightforward were lacking. Watching audio-described movies with the community in Rainbow Lodge had shown me just how much description can add to the experience of enjoying a film together. I wanted to help bring that experience to more videos.
Hot off the tail of Speakaboo's launch, I teamed up with my cofounder and technical counterpart, Aaditya Vaze, to work on a solution for instant audio description, and we entered our prototype in the Google Gemini API Developer Competition. In November 2024, we were informed that ViddyScribe had won Best Web App, besting over 3,100 teams from around the world. Google then filmed our story at Hull Foundations, Oral Hull Park in March 2025 and released the mini-documentary on its YouTube channel that May. Vaze and I have both volunteered at Hull retreats and seminars, so it was especially meaningful to share our story in the place that helped inspire it.
Today, you can try ViddyScribe Realtime at viddyscribe.com/realtime: search for a YouTube video or paste its link, then watch with AI-generated audio description, even when the creator hasn’t provided a description track. For videos you have as files. ViddyScribe for Individuals at viddyscribe.com/individuals lets you upload a video and create an audio-described version. What started with one Hull Foundation video has grown into a way to help more people discover and enjoy videos on their own terms.
Fragrant Fall Bulbs for a Beautiful Spring Garden
Kat Rogers- HFLC Board member
As the days grow shorter and temperatures begin to cool, it's the perfect time to plant bulbs that will reward you with colorful blooms and wonderful fragrance next spring. Whether planted in patio containers or raised beds, these bulbs will brighten your garden and lift your spirits after the long winter months.
There are many fragrant flowers that can be planted in fall and enjoyed in spring. Here are just a few favorites:
Michael's FlowerMichael's Flower is an enchanting spring bloomer that brings a sweet honey fragrance to the garden. Clusters of nodding, bell-shaped flowers feature deep burgundy tops and bright yellow edges. These unique blooms grow on tall green stems and make a charming addition to any landscape.
Purple Sensation AlliumWith impressive 4 to 5-inch diameter blooms, Purple Sensation Allium creates a striking display in the spring garden. Its large, dense flower heads are made up of hundreds of dark purple blossoms that attract butterflies and bumblebees. These alliums also make excellent cut flowers and can last up to three weeks in a vase.
HyacinthsAvailable in beautiful shades of purple, white, pink, and blue, hyacinths fill the spring garden with both beauty and fragrance. Their rich, sweet scent is often one of the first signs that spring has arrived. Each flower spike is made up of dozens of tiny, fragrant blossoms densely packed into a colorful upright cluster above broad green leaves.
Dutch IrisDutch iris plants grow 18 to 24 inches tall and make excellent additions to flower beds and cutting gardens. Their elegant flowers can be cut and brought indoors to enjoy their beauty and light spring fragrance. Many varieties feature deep blue-purple petals with bright yellow accents rising above slender green foliage.
Lilies (Lilium)Lilies are among the most fragrant flowers you can grow. Their large, trumpet-shaped blooms feature six broad petals that gently curve outward from the center. Depending on the variety, flowers may appear in shades of white, pink, yellow, orange, red, or combinations of colors, often accented with darker speckles or streaks. Six prominent stamens extend from the center, adding texture and contrast. Their sweet fragrance can often be enjoyed from across the yard, making them a favorite for both garden displays and cut flower arrangements.
These are just a few selections from the long list of bulbs that can be planted in the fall for beautiful spring blooms. Your local garden center can recommend additional varieties that perform well in your area and help you to choose the best options for your garden.
Enjoy the beauty of fall and start dreaming of spring!
KatHFLC Board Member
One Day Fun Day- October recap
Our recent One-Day Fun Day took us to downtown Portland for a fun-filled crow hunt adventure! While the weather was a little soggy and wet, it certainly didn't dampen our spirits. Participants enjoyed exploring the city while searching for the unique crow sculptures and were able to find five of them: As the Crow Flies, Flying Fields Forever, Overgrowth, Sakura Hanami, and Kindred Spirits.
A favorite among the group was Flying Fields Forever. Teri especially loved the artwork's depiction of what a crow might see while soaring over Oregon's beautiful agricultural fields, offering a unique bird's-eye perspective of our state's landscape.
Along the way, we also stopped for a memorable photo opportunity in front of a replica of the Liberty Bell. In true Hull fashion, everyone took a turn ringing the bell with their white canes, creating a fun moment that brought plenty of smiles and laughter.
Despite the rainy weather, it was a wonderful day of exploration, friendship, and adventure, proving that a little rain can't stop us from having fun together!
UPCOMING ONE DAY FUN DAY
November 19
🎉 Friendsgiving Feast at Hull Foundation & Learning Center 🎉
Get ready to kick off the holiday season with a whole lot of gratitude, good food, and great company! Join us for a fun-filled Friendsgiving celebration featuring a delicious feast, festive activities, and plenty of opportunities to connect with friends.
Whether you're coming with a group or flying solo, there's a place at our table for you!
Cost: $25 per participant
Call the office to let us know if you would like to join (503)668-6195.
November Zoom Meet-ups Wizard of Quiz, November 1st. 6:00pm - 7:00pm Think you’re the friend who knows all the random facts about movies, music, pop culture, history, the guy down the street, and more!?!? Do you enjoy shouting out answers to random facts or have moments like—“Hey I knew that!” Do you have a humorous answer to the silliest questions? Then this night is for you! Play solo or bring friends, a lucky charm, and your best guesses on the first Sunday of the month from 6 to 7pm PT. You’ll be in the running for bragging rights as, The Wizard of Quiz! Vacation Vibes November 8th. 6:00pm - 7:00pm This month, Vacation Vibes is asking you, Will it be Turkey? Tan Lines and Tacos? Pumped for Pumpkin Spice in Paradise? Where are you vibing this month? We’ll be talking about beaches and mountains across the country that fall has to offer but first imagine someone hands you a free 4-day November getaway, and you must choose your adventure! Beach Bum: Warm sand, ocean breezes, and tropical drinks. Cozy Town Explorer: Cute shops, holiday lights, and a charming little inn. Fall Foodie: A trip built around apple cider donuts, pumpkin treats, warm soups, and delicious comfort food. Holiday Magic: A festive town filled with Christmas markets, twinkling lights, and hot cocoa. Luxury Lounger: A fancy resort, room service, and absolutely no responsibilities! We’ll be talking about which one you’d choose and more as we get the holiday season started with great vacation vibes!
Fiction Addiction November 15th 6:00pm - 7:00pm Plot twists, big feelings, bold opinions—Oh my! On this week’s episode of, Fiction Addiction we’re diving into four new reads: The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett, Big Little Truths by Liane Moriarty, Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt, and The Chocolate Comeback by Roxanne Snopek. Think well I wasn’t expecting that to all the feels you thought were coming. To keep things lively I’ll be of course asking questions: what scene would you rewrite, how would you continue the story, does the story need more or is it great the way the author intended?—-and MORE! in this great discussion coming your way on, Fiction Addiction. Plus, our new book reads for December’s Fiction Addiction. Happy Reading. November Book Descriptions The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett (Author of, The Help) Bard Number: DB138089 Oxford, Mississippi, 1933. Abandoned by her mother one Christmas Eve, eleven-year-old Meg Lefleur has learned the hard way to rely on no one. Now one of the unadoptable "big girls" at the Lafayette County Orphan Asylum, she fights each day to keep her spirit unbowed. Birdie Calhoun, unmarried and outspoken, has come to Oxford to ask her socialite sister to help the struggling family she’s left behind. But as the Depression tightens its grip, Birdie discovers her sister’s seemingly charmed life is a tapestry of lies. ———————————— Big Little Truths by Liane Moriarty BARD number DB 79622 When the high school principal receives a threatening package in the mail, word quickly spreads throughout the community and parents are in an uproar. But Madeline, Celeste, Jane, Renata, and Bonnie have other things to worry about. Celeste’s mother-in-law, Mary Louise, is behaving oddly—is it old-age forgetfulness and bluntness or something more sinister? Madeline is facing perhaps the biggest challenge of her life, Jane is at a dangerous fork in her marriage, Bonnie has realized there’s only so much solace in yoga. And Renata? Renata is living her best life—revenge is sweet. When a stranger begins lurking around the school asking supposedly innocent questions, this tightly connected group of women must finally face the full repercussions of the big little truths they have and haven’t shared with their kids. Because the stakes are now much higher than not being invited to an ice-skating party—and the ice has never been thinner for any of them. ————————————- Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. Bard Number: DB107923 A 70-year-old woman working night shifts cleaning the Sowell Bay Aquarium to cope with decades of grief following her husband's death and her 18-year-old son Erik's mysterious disappearance in Puget Sound. Happy Reading!
Embracing the Journey November 22nd. 6:00pm - 7:00pm This month's Embracing the Journey is about: The Ultimate Conversation! You’re cordially invited to join excellent company, laughter, and zero stress! This is going to be a night of, The Ultimate Unpopular Opinions Debate! Your rules for engagement should you accept the challenge are: loud opinions welcome, your own beloved snacks, absolutely no politics or other seriousness etc. Be prepared to answer with all the passion you can muster and defend the most absurd meaningless arguments in human history: Why is a hot dog structurally a taco and why are cats like tiny tigers secretly plotting our demise? More questions like these and other bizarre paradoxes will be tackled! Loud opinions mandatory and logic optional lol See you with your favorite drinks, candy, and humor very soon! |
EVENTS See an event that you are interested in? Call the office to sign up today! 503-668-6195. If finances are an obstacle, ask the office about sponsorships available!
ARTS AND HOBBIES SEMINAR November 17-20- Final day to register is November 10, 2026. Let’s take your imagination on a journey around the world! We’ll explore tactile art from different cultures and countries. You’ll discover how texture, shape, and materials can bring art to life. With woven pieces to raised designs you’ll be creating unique pieces you can feel touch and enjoy along with those around you. Come ready to be creative and messy! Discover how art can be experienced through history, color, and laughter this fall season. $150 includes your room, meals and workshops. This event is sponsored by Clackamas County, the 100 Plus Who Care.
ONE DAY FUN DAY FRIENDSGIVING November 19, get ready to kick off the holiday season with a whole lot of gratitude, good food, and great company! The Hull Foundation & Learning Center is hosting a festive Friendsgiving Feast, and everyone is invited to join in the celebration. Participation is $25.
WINTER GETAWAY December 7-11 - Final Day to register is November 30, 2026. Join us for a merry week filled with Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the whole Peanuts gang. Get ready for festive games, singing, gift giving, laughter, and friendship. Whether you’re decking the Hull Halls or simply enjoying the magic of the season, come join us on this getaway! This season is all about making memories, sharing joy and celebrating holidays with friends! Don’t forget to bring your best Snoopy dance! $400 includes your room, food for the week and all activity costs.
Winter Retreat February 18-22 – Be on the lookout for more information! Final registration is February 4, 2027.
March 23-25 - Daily Living Seminar, 2 night, 3 day stay. $300 Final Day to register is March 12th 2027.
April 7 – 9 – Cooking Seminar rescheduled from October 2026. Final day to register is March 31, 2027. Let’s stir up some fun in the kitchen! Join us for a playful and practical cooking seminar covering foundational kitchen safety, adaptive techniques, and simple tasty recipes, learn clever ways to cook safely and make the kitchen work for you while you create delicious meals without the fuss. Come ready to learn, laugh and cook up some confidence. $150 includes your room, meals and learning sessions. This event is sponsored by Clackamas County, the 100 Plus Who Care.
May 4-6 - Technology Seminar, 2-night, 3 day stay. $300 Final day to register is April 30th 2027. |
FUNDRAISERS
Haunted Hull Brings Frights, Fun, and New Friends
This year's Haunted Hull Halloween Fundraiser raised $361 to support the programs and services of the Hull Foundation & Learning Center.
While we were thrilled with the funds raised, one of the biggest highlights of the evening was welcoming so many new guests to Oral Hull Park. Many attendees shared that they had never visited before and didn't know about our organization, making the event a valuable opportunity to connect with new community members and share our mission. One person coming through signed up as a volunteer, and several others grabbed event or resource information!
We were also excited to participate in the community Trick-or-Treat Trail, which was a huge hit! The park was filled with children in creative and adorable costumes, bringing energy, laughter, and plenty of Halloween spirit to the evening. We handed out around 1,000 pieces of candy!
A special thank you goes out to the many volunteers who helped bring our haunted house to life. Special volunteers came down from the Wy’East School up the mountain, and several of the Scouts from Troop 662 assisted. From setup to scares, their time, enthusiasm, and hard work made the event possible and created a memorable experience for everyone who attended.
We also hosted a costume contest and had four fantastic winners:
Freddy Krueger
Cheerleader
Princess
Swamp Thing
Congratulations to all our winners, and thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, donated, and helped make Haunted Hull such a fun community event. We are already looking forward to next year! Want to be a candy or decoration sponsor for 2027? Call the office to sign up!
November 1-December 4 See’s Candy Fundraiser- Shop for your holiday sweets by going to the following link. Sweet Seasons at Hull | See's Candies Yum-Raising
November 5 to January 4 - Value Village FunDrive. Bring your donated items already packaged to the Foundation. We will deliver to Value Village in January. Requirements for packaging items are clothes, and soft items need to be in 13-gallon bags. Books and Media in small to medium boxes. Household goods, toys etc., in small to medium boxes. Please make sure all donations are clean and in good condition.
Keeping Hopes & Dreams Alive Postponed
Our Keeping Hopes & Dreams Alive event, originally scheduled for November 14, has been postponed until Spring 2027. We appreciate your understanding and continued support. More information, including the new date and event details, will be shared as they become available.
Recipe
By Tina Christian
Fall BBQ Sauce
1 onion
Avocado oil
Salt
Dark brown sugar
1 tsp. Apple pie spice
2 tbsp. minced jarred garlic
1 1/2 c. Apple butter
1 c. RAO’s Tomato sauce
1/2 c. Dark brown sugar
2 tbsp. Honey
2 tbsp. Apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp. Liquid smoke
1 tsp. Smoked paprika
1/2 tsp. Course black pepper
Pinch of cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp. Salt
1 - 2 tbsp. Unsalted Butter
Large Mason jar
Finely dice onion. Heat a medium to large saucepan with avocado oil. Add diced onion. After the first ten minutes add a good pinch of salt and stir. Sauté between low and medium covered for 50 mins. Stir every 10-12 minutes and add a splash of water occasionally. After 45 mins. uncover to finish caramelizing for a few mins. and add garlic and apple pie spice. Then stir for 1 to 2 mins. until fragrant. Stir in apple cider vinegar and deglaze. Add everything except butter. Stir, until warmed through and combined for around 10 minutes. Then add butter, stir until melted and mixed in. Let cool and thicken. Then pour into mason jar.
Great on roasted chicken, pork, or beef ribs.
If you’re feeling up to it, adding 2 ounces of Crown Royal to the sauce cooking it off by boiling then simmer for poultry or pork is good too or Captain Morgan. If you’re going deeper for beef, try Your favorite bourbon.
Did You Know?......The Month of November is:
· National Family Caregivers Month
A Thank You to Family Caregivers November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to celebrate and honor the millions of family members, friends, and loved ones who provide care and support to others. Caregivers play an important role in the lives of many individuals with vision loss. They often assist with transportation, medication management, paperwork, technology, household tasks, and medical appointments. Just as importantly, they provide encouragement, companionship, and emotional support through life's challenges. Many caregivers do not think of themselves as caregivers. They simply see themselves as spouses, children, siblings, neighbors, or friends helping someone they care about. Yet their kindness and dedication make a tremendous difference each and every day. Caregiving can be deeply rewarding, but it can also be demanding. Balancing work, family responsibilities, personal commitments, and caregiving duties require patience, flexibility, and resilience. Taking time for self-care is not selfish; it is essential. Caregivers who prioritize their own physical and emotional well-being are better equipped to continue supporting others. This month, we encourage everyone to take a moment to recognize the caregivers in their lives. A simple thank-you, handwritten note, phone call, or small act of appreciation can mean more than you might imagine. If you are a caregiver, please know that your efforts matter. The rides to appointments, the reminders, the helping hand, the listening ear, and the countless acts of kindness often performed behind the scenes do not go unnoticed. Your support helps foster independence, confidence, and a higher quality of life. Honor Your Caregiver in Our December Newsletter In recognition of National Family Caregivers Month, HFLC invites you to celebrate a special caregiver through our "Caregiver Shout-Out" Fundraiser. For a $10 donation, we'll feature your tribute in our December newsletter. This is a meaningful way to recognize someone who has made a difference in your life while supporting HFLC's mission and programs. To participate email oralhull@gmail.com and submit:
Some ideas to include:
Sample Caregiver Shout-Out "I'd like to recognize my daughter, Sarah, for her unwavering patience, kindness, and support. Whether she's driving me to appointments, helping me navigate new technology, or simply taking time to listen, her encouragement means the world to me. Thank you for helping me maintain my independence and confidence every day." Submission Deadline: November 30 Donation: $10 per tribute, call the office or donate on our website. Please make sure to mark your donation as Caregiver Shoutout fundraiser. Please send your tribute and donation to HFLC by November 30 to be included in our December issue. From all of us at HFLC, thank you to the family members, friends, volunteers, and caregivers who make our community stronger every day. Your compassion, patience, and generosity help create a world where no one has to face challenges alone. Happy National Family Caregivers Month! "Caregiving often calls us to lean into love in ways we never imagined." ❤️
November is National Diabetes Month, a time to raise awareness about diabetes and the impact it can have on overall health, including vision. For the blind community, this topic is especially important because diabetes is a leading cause of preventable blindness and sight loss. One of the most serious eye conditions associated with diabetes is diabetic retinopathy, which occurs when high blood sugar damages the blood vessels in the retina. In its early stages, diabetic retinopathy often has no warning signs, making regular eye examinations critical. Without treatment, it can lead to significant sight loss and blindness. Diabetes can also increase the risk of other eye conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic macular edema. These conditions may cause blurry vision, difficulty reading, reduced color perception, and challenges with everyday activities. The encouraging news is that there are steps people can take to protect their vision. Eye health experts recommend:
Early detection is one of the most powerful tools in preventing vision loss. According to the National Eye Institute, diabetic eye disease may develop without noticeable symptoms, making routine eye care essential even when vision seems normal. For those already living with sight loss caused by diabetes, there is support available. Low vision services, assistive technology, orientation and mobility training, and community organizations such as HFLC can help individuals remain active, independent, and engaged in their communities. This National Diabetes Month, take a moment to prioritize your eye health or encourage a loved one to schedule an eye exam. A simple appointment today could help preserve vision for years to come.
If you have diabetes and haven't had a dilated eye exam recently, consider making an appointment with your eye care professional. Early detection and treatment can make a significant difference in protecting your sight. |
Jokes to Keep you Laughing…or Groaning!
Q-What do you call a laptop that sings?
A- A Dell
Q- Why don’t eggs tell jokes?
A - Because they’d crack each other up
Q- What did the corn say when it got a compliment?
A- AWE, Shucks!
Q- Why did the coffee file a police report?
A- It got mugged.
Bonus-
Q- What do you call a gardener who tells great stories?
A- A plant whisperer
Contact Us
The Hull Foundation and Learning Center
Phone: 503-668-6195
Email: oralhull@gmail.com
Website: hullflc.org
Visit us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/OralHullPark/
On Instagram: www.instagram.com/hull_foundation/
