Sight Loss Monthly Newsletter October 2026

2 days ago

11 min read

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:

October 12 - Office closed for Columbus Day
October 26-28 – Cooking Seminar
October 29 - One Day Fun day - Crow hunt
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.

a broken pipe spraying water into the air

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.

One Day Fun Day- September recap

Our September Fun Outing to the Hood River Fruit Loop was an absolute delight and quickly became one of our most memorable adventures of the year. We kept our favorite tradition alive with a stop for pizza before visiting four wonderful locations along the loop. The first stop featured a playful round swing and refreshing apple‑cider floats that everyone loved. At Mt. Hood Winery and the nearby gift shop and museum, participants enjoyed exploring local history and sampling the incredible relish bar—more than 50 varieties, and a “must‑visit” again next year. We wrapped up the day at the Apple Valley Country Store with their famous Huckleberry milkshakes before heading home. It was a joyful outing filled with laughter, great treats, and wonderful company.

All of our One-Day Fun Day guests sitting on a swing at one of the Fruit loop stops.

UPCOMING ONE DAY FUN DAY

October 29, One Day Fun day. Join Hull Foundation and Learning Center in hunting for crows through Portland. This activity will be $30 for participants. We will have 2 meet up spots for pickup. Carl’s Jr, 1678 NE Burnside Rd. Gresham, OR and an additional pickup that will be located at the first crow on the map. We will take the day hunting and taking pictures together of the Crows stationed around Portland, and stop for lunch, in the midst of the fun! Guaranteed laughter and fun for the day! Call the office to let us know if you would like to join (503)668-6195.

Wildwood: Follow the Crows – Portland’s new free art trail – Downtown Portland Clean & Safe

October Zoom Meet-ups

Wizard of Quiz, October 4th

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 October 11th

6:00pm - 7:00pm

This month, Vacation Vibes is a space to share stories, adventures, and the unforgettable moments that make traveling special. Are you Sassy, Solo, and Ready to See the World? Today we’ll be squashing the myth that accessible travel has to be expensive travel. We will be asking questions like, what is the biggest expense you face as a traveler vs. other travelers? Do you know what the hostel or guest house strategy is, and what is your strategy for getting over the traveling solo scaries… and more?!?!

Fiction Addiction October 18th

6:00pm - 7:00pm

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Book Descriptions

Practical Magic Series by Alice Hoffman— in chronological order of the story

1. Magic Lessons (2020) DB101090

This origin story follows Maria Owens, an abandoned orphan in rural England who is taken in and taught the "Nameless Arts" by Hannah Owens. When Maria follows a man who claims to love her to Salem, Massachusetts, she is betrayed and accused of witchcraft. Her heartbreak and anger lead her to invoke the tragic love curse that haunts every generation of Owens descendants to follow.

The Rules of Magic (2017) DB105374

Set in post-war New York City, this coming-of-age prequel follows fraternal siblings Franny, Jet, and Vincent Owens. Raised by a strict mother who tries to hide their magical heritage, the siblings test the limits of fate and the family curse. They discover the dangerous and beautiful reality of who they are while navigating the turbulent social changes of the 1960s.

Practical Magic (1995) DB40461

The original novel centers on orphaned sisters Sally and Gillian Owens, who are raised by their eccentric, magical aunts, Franny and Jet. Shunned by their local community, the sisters grow up desperate to escape their magical lineage. As adults, tragedy strikes when an abusive boyfriend of Gillian's dies under mysterious circumstances, forcing the sisters to rely on each other and their inherited powers to survive.

The Book of Magic (2021) DB89446

The epic conclusion brings all generations of the Owens family together. When young Kylie Owens learns about the family curse after a devastating accident injures her true love, she sets out to bend magic to her own will. Spanning across continents and lifetimes, the surviving Owens women must unite to finally break the 300-year-old curse once and for all.

The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling DB105193

Nine years ago, a heartbroken teenage witch named Vivienne "Vivi" Jones mixed vodka and magic to place a petty curse on her cheating boyfriend. She assumed a cheap, scented candle wouldn't do any real damage.

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss DB64855

This epic fantasy centers on Kvothe, a notorious wizard, musician, and living legend who is now hiding in disguise as a quiet, ordinary innkeeper named Kote. When a traveling scribe called Chronicler uncovers his true identity, Kvothe agrees to tell his real, unembellished life story over the span of three days.

Witches of East End by Melissa de la Cruz DB88760

Joanna Beauchamp and her two grown daughters, Ingrid and Freya, live seemingly quiet, frozen-in-time lives in a mist-shrouded town on Long Island. In reality, they are immortal, powerful witches who have been strictly banned from using their magic for centuries by a magical council.

Embracing the Journey

October 25th 6:00pm - 7:00pm

This month's Embracing the Journey is about: The 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

COOKING SEMINAR

October 26-28 - Final Day to register is October 19, 2026. Let’s stir up some Fall 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.

ARTS & 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.

Canning Corner: A Beginner’s Guide to Diced Tomatoes

Kat Rogers- HFLC Board member

As harvest season wraps up, many of you are gathering the last of your garden treasures and wondering what to do with it all. One wonderful option is canning — a skill I’ve loved for more than 30 years. I’ve put up hundreds of jars over the decades, and I’m excited to share a simple beginner‑friendly method with you.

If you’re new to canning, high‑acid foods like fruit, jam, and pickles are the easiest place to start. All you need is a large pot for water‑bath canning and some mason jars with lids and rings. It’s a great way to build confidence and preserve your hard‑earned harvest.

Before you begin, gather your supplies:

Large water‑bath canning pot
Mason jars (pints or quarts)
Lids and rings
Canning tools or starter kit (many come in high‑visibility colors or can be labeled with braille)

Once your fruits or vegetables are picked and cleaned, you’re ready to go.

Canning Diced Tomatoes: Step‑by‑Step

1. Peel the Tomatoes

Peeling is optional, but it makes a big difference. Tomato skins tend to float in the jar and can make the flavor slightly bitter. To peel quickly, dip tomatoes into boiling water for 60–90 seconds until the skins crack, then transfer them to an ice bath. Once cooled, slip off the skins and dice or halve the tomatoes.

2. Remove the Core

Use a sharp paring knife to cut out the small cone around the stem. Take your time and be careful with your fingers.

3. Add Acid (This Part Is Essential)

Modern tomato varieties vary in acidity, so you must add an acid source to ensure safe canning. Use one of the following:

Quarts: 2 tablespoons bottled lemon juice or ½ teaspoon citric acid
Pints: 1 tablespoon bottled lemon juice or ¼ teaspoon citric acid

Citric acid gives the most neutral flavor, while bottled lemon juice adds a light lemon note. Fresh lemon juice isn’t recommended because its acidity isn’t consistent. Add the acid directly to each empty jar before packing.

4. Pack the Tomatoes

Pack tomatoes into jars — whole, halved, or diced — leaving ½ inch of headspace. Raw‑packing (without added liquid) is simple and produces excellent results. Pour boiling water over the tomatoes, still maintaining the ½‑inch headspace.

Wipe the rims, place the lids on, and tighten the rings fingertip‑tight.

5. Process the Jars

Place jars in your boiling water‑bath canner, side by side but not touching.

Pints: Process for 40 minutes
Quarts: Process for 45 minutes

Remove jars carefully and place them on a towel to cool. As they seal, you’ll hear the familiar “pop” — one of the most satisfying sounds in canning.

Congratulations! You’ve just completed your first batch of home‑canned tomatoes.

Enjoy your harvest all year long.

FUNDRAISERS

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Fall Community Yard Sale at Oral Hull Park. We raised $600! It was a wonderful day treasure hunting with the community. We're already looking forward to our Spring yard sale, and we would love you to be a part of it. If you would like to sell your own items here at the park, we make it easy- you run your sale, and we handle all the advertising and signage. Reserve your space for just $25 and enjoy an unlimited-size spot to set up your own sale. If you are interested, simply contact the office and we will get you on the list.

October 24 - Haunted Hull Halloween Fundraiser

Halloween festivities include haunted house, games, costume contest, apple cider and treats! Entry into the haunted house $5/person, ages 5 and under free. 8 years and under will need supervision to enter haunted house. Pick up available at Gresham Carls Jr on Burnside and Sandy community center.

November 1 to December 4 – See’s Candy Fundraiser – See November Newsletter for link to place an order.

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.

November 14 - Keeping Hopes and Dreams Alive Gala fundraiser. Doors open at 4 pm, $150 per person.

Join us for a night with a multi-course dinner, silent auction and raffles! Help us raise funds to support the Hull Foundation mission of providing facilities and programs for people with sight loss and blindness. Care to Sponsor? Call our office to inquire about sponsorship opportunities.

Did you know?...

You can get Meta AI Glasses for free?
ACB is teaming up with Meta to bring Ray‑Ban Meta AI glasses straight to blinded veterans through in‑person distribution events happening across the country—and it’s an opportunity packed with possibility. Eligible veterans can receive a free pair of these cutting‑edge glasses simply by attending a participating event, giving them instant access to powerful, hands‑free technology designed to support independence and everyday confidence. With ACB affiliates and chapters rallying nationwide, this program is all about meeting veterans where they are and making sure life‑changing tools land directly in the hands of those who need them most.

The Month of October is Blindness Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding, celebrating independence, and highlighting the diverse experiences of people living with sight loss. Throughout the month, organizations across the country work to promote accessibility, inclusion, and early eye‑health awareness. For our community at the Hull Foundation & Learning Center, October is an opportunity to honor the resilience, creativity, and leadership of individuals who are blind or visually impaired, and to reaffirm our commitment to providing programs that build confidence, connection, and lifelong skills. Together, we continue creating a world where everyone can thrive.
- National Disability Employment Awareness Month
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time to recognize the contributions people with disabilities bring to Oregon’s workplaces and economy. It’s also a time to recognize businesses with supportive workplace policies and practices for people with disabilities. “Celebrating value and talent” is the theme of the 2026 national campaign, led by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy.