Sight Loss Monthly Newsletter September 2026

Sep 1

13 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:

September 7 - Office closed Labor Day
September 9 - One Day Fun Day Fruit Loop
Septemeber 11 & 12- Comunity Yard Sale
September 24- Lions Work Day
September 30-October 2 - Daily Living Seminar
October 12 - Office closed for Columbus Day
October 24 - Haunted Hull-O-Ween Fundraiser
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.

Summer Retreat

Kat Rogers- HFLC Board member

Hello again everyone this is Kat with a K. This month I am going to talk about something completely different.

I am very pleased to say that I was able to volunteer at Oral Hull Park for the Summer Retreat. I must say it was so nice to be back. It was also nice to visit with each guest and share all the fun!

The "Cruise" themed Retreat started on Sunday with everybody arriving to Pizza and a little smoke in the air due to the fires in Central and Eastern Oregon. The day just kept getting better and I was able to visit with returning guests and meet new guests. At the safety meeting we all got to introduce ourselves and prepare for the week to come.

Due to the smoke in the air, the original programing was switched around a bit, which as we all know who attend the HFLC retreats, we're on an adventure anyway.

Miss Tina set the week's theme of wet and wild cruising. She hid 80 rubber ducks all over the park buildings and challenged the guests to find as many as possible by Friday afternoon. I can't describe the fun they all had searching for the rubber ducks.

Monday we went kayaking on the Lacamas River in Camas Washington with our host, the NWABA ( Northwest Association for Blind Athletes). The weather started out a bit chilly in the morning but became warmer in the afternoon. The kayakers went out on the river in pairs at their own pace. At one spot, there was a bridge that we had to duck under that gave us a new challenge. Once safely back at the park we had a fantastic meal followed by cards with Miss Tina.

Tuesday we loaded the vans to Oaks Park Amusement Park in Portland Oregon. The guests started off with bumper cars. It was hilarious to listen to all of them. They continued to go on many of the amusement park rides followed up by roller skating at one of the oldest wooden roller rinks around.

Wednesday we went to iFly. This is indoor flying. We all got on jumpsuits and one by one let ourselves "fall" into the air tunnel where we were assisted to "fly" on our bellies like skydiving. The evening was filled with elegant mocktails and card night. We played blackjack and five card draw. It was a laughter-filled evening. (No money was involved). It was a long evening!

Thursday was even better as it was not on the original schedule but the substitute for the white-water rafting that had to be canceled due to the fires in the Maupin, Oregon area. We went to Camp Dakota in Oregon for an afternoon of ziplining. For Some of the guests, it was their first time and their reactions were priceless! By the time we reached the 6th zip line, everyone was laughing so hard that the trees were even vibrating! The staff at Camp Dakota were so accommodating that they even reopened the camp store for us when we finished the course, after hours.

Group picture of Hull Foundation Summer Retreat guests with orange helmets on getting on gear for ziplining. Trees in the background.

Our next stop was McMenamins in Oregon City, Oregon. Another fantastic place where the staff could not have been nicer. Food was fabulous and the service as well. When we finally left just after 10:00 p.m., everyone's bellies were full and smiling.

Our final day Friday was a wet and wild day.

We started the day with one of Miss Tina's scavenger hunts. Boys versus girls. Guess who won, the girls of course. After lunch we put on our swimsuits for some wet activities including a pie dive where the guests had to dive, face only, into a whipped cream pie trying to find mystery items inside of them. It was again a belly full of laughs. We also had a pie in the face which Tawni, the Operations Manager, was the staff who ended up with the pie in her face. There was a granny pants contest where water balloons were tossed into their pants. Also, ax throwing, miniature golf, as well Bocce Ball with a Twist which included water balloons.

Another event was a water war. The boys versus the girls again which included water guns and lots and lots of water ballons. It was held in the O'Keefe Garden and once the war was over it was very colorful garden with all the busted balloons. Two guests from each team were picked as the winners as the most wet.

The major event of the day was a 19 ft blow up water slide that was rented for the day. Each person one by one climbed the rubber stairs going up, sat down and came splashing down. I was in the Splash Zone to take videos of everybody. So, I was drenched head to toe and didn't even get to go up the slide or anything. The water slide was such a hit that everybody asked us to bring it back another time. The water was very cold, but it did not stop people from going up again and again. The evening ended with reflections from everybody by the pool.

Staff member and participant stepping into the pool area of the 19ft blowup slide for the final event during Summer Retreat. Blowup has jellyfish decor with royal blue, purple and white.

Saturday of course was a sad day because everybody had to say so long for now. But we know it's just for a short time as we have many more retreats, getaways, and day trips to come.

All who attended can get a hold of the office at 503-668-6195 to see if there's any photos or videos that they might be in.

Poem

An August Duck’s Home at Hull

by Tina Christian - Sight loss instructor

Looking for ducks—

we’re obviously chasing our luck,

Blind scavenger hunters

Run a muck

They find spider webs

clouds of dust

Washing our hands

is coming next—

Trust

Kayaking through summer,

Zip lining too

Signing that waiver

that never seems through

The pool waves splash

as we laugh and noodle play

Not giving a flying pluck

what comes our way—

Disco Duck across the trees

August adventure is wild

Still hunting for ducks

Myself with a mischievous smile—

Quacks in the distance,

Their excitement in view,

Who knows what bonkers

adventure they’ll stumble into?

I do! I do!

We may not see them

that’s no defeat

We’ll follow each clue

with our hands and feet

With new laughter and old friendship

We are ready to go—

Where we’ll end up—

only Peter, Teri, and the office knows!

Grab your good humor

Follow the track

It’s only Wednesday,

we’re still on the hunt

Obviously no turning back

Before anyone starts yelling,

“Wabbit!”

Make one thing clear my dear—

This is not

Wabbit Season…

It’s Duck Season!

Thank you for the laughter,

the stories, the cheer—

For making these moments

so meaningful each year.

From laughter in Big Red to—

jokes about life,

Being blind gives us plenty

to joke about, right?

From tangled canes to

adventures too humorous

You have to share the tale

We’ve collected many memories

which will prevail

and what a wild duck season we’ve had—

A little bit plucky

A little bit mad!

Every guest has left a smile

Engraved in the walls of Oral Hull Park

A piece of your spirit

that continues to spark

From competitive card playing

to singing in the trees

You have filled this place

with laughter and ease

From walks through the garden

where friendships with nature grew

To exploring the property

with wonderful you

You’re seen within this place

personified

Both joyful and true—

A spirit of—

Life

Connection

Memories

All so meaningful too—

So, thank you for coming—

For sharing your days

For bringing your laughter

In so many ways

you left something special

wherever you ducklings roamed,

and somehow—

Made Hull feel

A little more like home.

Orientation and Mobility

Peter Porter- Hull Foundation Volunteer

Orientation and Mobility Teacher

COMS

Teacher of the Visually Impaired

pappbp5759@gmail.com

I am an Orientation and Mobility Teacher who has worked for 37 years with all ages. Here are some pointers about basic orientation and mobility. I will be writing articles to provide more information in upcoming newsletters. Feel free to ask questions through my email.

Basic orientation begins with being aware of where your body is in space. As a sighted person you use your vision to see if you are up, down, turning, walking straight, etc. When you lose your vision, you have to focus on how your joints feel as you are moving. When your arm is up your shoulder feels different than when your arm is down. Your brain wants to continue to see. You have to consciously focus on how your body feels as it is moving.

If you are blind or have extremely low vision, don't expect yourself to be able to move through space and find your way. Always trail a wall with your hand, arm, or cane. Square off against a solid object when starting out. Put your back against a wall, door, bed, shelf to get your bearing.

Use self-protective technique when walking in an unfamiliar area. Self-protective technique is holding one hand palm out in front of your face and the other arm extended diagonally across your body. Use this technique to protect your face from open cupboard doors, branches, signs sticking out. Also, when bending over, protect your face so you don't hit the edge of a counter or furniture.

These are some basic habits to use to increase your orientation and safety when traveling. Feel free to ask questions. I will be writing more on cane use, kinds of canes, and cane techniques later.

September Zoom Meetups

Every month we have four zoom meet ups! If you’re interested in receiving the zoom links with information on that week’s zoom, email oralhull@gmail.com with your interest! Zoom links are emailed every Friday. Below learn about what Zooms will be held in September.

Wizard of Quiz, September 6th

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 September 13th

6:00pm - 7:00pm

This month, Vacation Vibes is a space to share stories, adventures, and the unforgettable moments that make traveling special. Join us for a fun and open discussion as we explore the experiences that shape our journeys, from unexpected surprises to the places that bring us peace. This month, we’ll chat about travel with questions like: Where is the best Fall destination? What’s the single best piece of travel advice you’d give to a less experienced traveler? If you could travel with a historical figure, who would you pick and why? We’ll also be talking about flight strategies and what are some of the more budget-friendly ways to travel. Bring your stories, tips, and travel dreams as we celebrate the joy of exploring the world.

Fiction Addiction

September 20th

6:00pm - 7:00pm

Plot twists, big feelings, bold opinions—Oh my! On this week’s episode of Fiction Addiction, we’re diving into six new reads: The Appeal (Janice Hallett), Speak (Laurie Halsie Anderson), We need to talk about Kevin (Lionel Shriver), Dear Committee Members (Julie Schumacher), The Silent Patient (Alex Michaelides), Swimming Lessons (Claire Fuller). 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, finding our new book reads for Octobers Fiction Addiction. Happy Reading.

Embracing the Journey

September 27th

6:00pm - 7:00pm

This month's Embracing the Journey is about: Personal Strength and I Statements. This is your space to slow down, connect, and celebrate the everyday moments that shape our lives. Tonight’s open discussion is about challenges and growth. What is a hard lesson you had to learn on your own? When did failure actually help you succeed later? What does true personal success mean to you today versus 20 years ago? What does real success mean to you outside of traditional metrics like title or income? What’s a small action you can do this month to feel successful? Together, we’ll share stories, perspectives, challenges, and victories while embracing the journey exactly as it is — with curiosity, gratitude, laughter, and connection. Every voice and life experience has a place in this conversation.

Fundraisers

Our Golf Tournament raised $3,464.62! Thank you to all of our sponsors, donors and teams. Thank you Sandy Lions Club for partnering for this fundraiser.

September 11 & 12 - Community Yard Sale at Oral Hull Park. 10 am to 3 pm. $25 to hold an unlimited space. Call office for more details.

October 24 - Haunted Hull-O-Ween 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 5 to January 4 - Value Village FunDrive, bring your donated items already packaged to the Foundation. We will deliver to Value Village in January. For more information and details on requirements for packaging items call office.

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, auction and 50/50 raffle! Help us raise funds to support the Hull Foundation mission of providing facilities and programs for adults with sight loss and blindness.

Events

September 30-October 2 - Daily Living Seminar $150, 3-day, 2-night. Final Day to register is September 23, 2026.

Workshops may include magnifiers & computers, iPads, meta and other technology, orientation and mobility discussion, kitchen tricks, discussion on sighted guides, transportation, travel and other resources. In the down time, hot tub, walks through the garden, movies and games will be enjoyed. The price includes your lodging and food. Pick up locations at designated times will include the PDX airport, Union Station train station, and Gresham Carl’s Jr.

October 26-28 - Cooking Seminar - 2-night, 3 day stay. $150, Final Day to register is October 19, 2026.

October 29 – One Day Fun Day – Crow Crawl in Portland area $30 per person.

November 17-20 - Arts and Hobbies - 3-night, 4 day stay. $150, Final Day to register is November 10, 2026.

December 7-11 - Winter Getaway - 4-night, 5 day stay, $400. Final Day to register is November 30, 2026.

RETURNING!! WINTER RETREAT!

Delve into this retreat ready for a winter adventure that may include Cross country skiing, snow tubing & more!

February 18-22 - Winter Retreat - 4 nights, 5 day stay. Final registration is February 4.

Recipe

Kickin’ September Soup

by Tina Christian, Sight Loss Instructor

4 Aidells chicken and apple smoked chicken sausage

4 cups of Chicken stock

1 cup of Brown rice

16 oz. Sliced mushrooms

1 heaping tablespoon of minced jarred garlic

3 carrots diced

3 celery stalks diced

1 medium onion diced

1-2 sweet potatoes diced

½ a package of baby spinach

¼ to ½ tsp Cajun seasoning

1 tbsp. Brown sugar

1/2 tsp. Cinnamon

¼ tsp. Cumin

1 tbsp. Italian seasoning

2 can of coconut milk

4 tbsp. Butter split in half

Sauté’ sausage on medium heat with a cup of water in a pan for 8-10 minutes. Drain, then brown for two minutes. Roughly dice vegetables, set aside. Sauté mushrooms for a few minutes then add half the butter. Set aside. Melt the other half of butter, add carrot, celery, and onion, sauté on medium high for 6 minutes until soft stirring occasionally. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add chicken stock, rice, and potatoes. Stir in cinnamon, cumin, Cajun seasoning, and Italian seasoning. Simmer on medium low for 35 - 45 mins. Periodically stirring. Stir in coconut milk. Add sausage, mushrooms, and spinach until wilted. Add brown sugar until combined.

Serve with crusty bread and butter for dipping. Top soup with a dollop of Greek yogurt and enjoy the beginning of fall.

Support the Spaces That Support Our Mission

Our campus is the foundation of every program, every connection, and every moment of independence we create. Your gift today helps maintain safe, accessible facilities and grounds so adults with sight loss can continue to learn, explore, and thrive.

Please consider donating to support our lodge replumbing. Your generosity keeps our mission strong.

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.

Picture under the picnic shelter. 12 picnic tables and benches fit inside of shelter.

Did you know?...

The Month of August is
- CVI Awareness (Cortical/Cerebral Visual Impairment)
- National Guide Dog Month
Hull Foundation and Learning Center offers personalized low vision assessments where adults can explore adaptive tools tailored to their needs. Just call our office to get started—our team will guide you through the process and help you access the aids that best support your level of sight loss, including items you may be able to take home.

American Explorer is a free Windows geography app that reads information about U.S. states, territories, and Washington, D.C. aloud. It is designed for easy listening, requires no setup, and begins speaking as soon as it opens. Check out more tech www.DavidGoldfield.com

Want to receive the latest news about blindness technology in your inbox? Subscribe to the Tech-VI announcement list to be in the know.
Email: tech-vi+subscribe@groups.io