News to Use, February 2021

Free Low Vision Face Masks Available 

FREE LOW VISION FACE MASKS STILL AVAILABLE (while supplies last). The cloth face masks feature a symbol indicating the wearer has low vision. The symbol, designed by the Checkered Eye Project, can help reduce confusion and frustration for people with vision impairments and those they interact with, especially during the pandemic, by communicating that the wearer has low vision. Face masks are available to residents of Northern Virginia; Washington, DC; Montgomery County, MD; and Prince George's County, MD. To request a free face mask, call the Prevention of Blindness Low Vision Learning Center at (301) 951-4444.

ROMEO: Talking Book Machine Repair Group Volunteers

You may not be aware of the fantastic group of volunteers in Salem, Virginia who repair Talking Book Machines for Virginia libraries.  

Earlier this year, Pete Brandt, who leads the repair group, shared the group’s history with us and we’re excited to share it with you. The expertise, time and dedication of these volunteers is very much appreciated by us and all of the Virginia Talking Book libraries’ staff.  

In 1997, NLS worked with a group of retirees from the Salem, Virginia General Electric plant to create the Talking Book Machine Repair group in a warehouse leased by the GE plant. The group has grown from just a few volunteers to 16 since then and provided 23 years of continuous repair service. They usually repair 1200 machines each year and enjoy the work and fellowship with each other.  

Over the years they have trained 41 GE retirees and currently have 16 active volunteers. Their ages range from 65-83. Volunteers join the group for fellowship and the satisfaction of providing help for the blind and print disabled. In past years, fellowship was provided by working together once or twice a week at a site provided by GE and by all attending a weekly ROMEO lunch at various restaurants around the valley. ROMEO = Retired Old Men Eating Out. 

When the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020, the group had to stop their repair work in the GE plant until COVID-19 training and safety procedures were established to allow for their safe return. 10 of the 16 volunteers have been able to return to their repair work. Rather than all working together, they must stagger their shifts to allow for social distancing. And, sadly, their ROMEO lunches are on hold for now.  

Despite all these challenges, they were able to get back to their repair work and shipped out their first box of refurbished machines on June 23, 2020.  

A BIG THANK YOU to all involved to keep this important work going! Thank you to Pete Brandt, Dennis Brown, Les Brown, Mike D’Antonio, Dave Hudspeth, Tom Hochkeppel, Al Marraccini, Ron Nemura, Johnny Ramirez, Dave Rowan and Ted Urban. 

55+ Programs & Services in the County 

Medicare Counseling with VICAP: 

The Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP) provides free, personalized guidance to Medicare beneficiaries and their families. Visit the County website at: aging-disability.arlingtonva.us/programs/vicap 

Free Tax Preparation Assistance: 

This year, public tax preparation assistance looks very different from years past, but there is free help available to those in need.  

Community Tax Aid (CTA) will offer drop-off appointments at Falls Church Episcopal in Falls Church to individuals and families making $55,000 or less. Appointments are required.  

Call: 703-831-2918 

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) volunteers are providing volunteer-prepared and self-prep support. Appointments are required. 

Call: 571-321-6976 

Arlington 55+ Senior Center Programs:  

While the Senior Center does charge a membership fee to participate in 55+ programs, the fee is nominal and a great value. The 55+ program offers virtual and outdoor programs, performances, educational programs, lectures, art and so much more.  

Arlington 55+: parks.arlingtonva.us/seniors-activities 

Call: 703-228-4747 (option 3) 

Aging Matters is a local radio and TV interview program featuring topics and community experts discussing topics affecting older adults. Producer and Host Cheryl Beversdorf is a long-time Arlington resident and aging champion.  Listen live on WERA-LP 96.7 FM or tune in online: www.agingmattersonline.com  

 Senior Planet, headquartered in Montgomery County, MD, is a clearing house of activities and information to support older (60+) adult wellness. They offer free live online fitness and educational programs and offer tech support services as well. Membership is optional and programs are free to join. 

Senior Planet Events: seniorplanet.org/get-involved/online  

“Your Eyes and Low Vision" Resource Guide Now Available

The Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington's resource guide for individuals with low vision and their loved ones is now available. 

"Your Eyes and Low Vision" is available in a large-print book format AND on POB’s accessible website at https://www.youreyes.org/resources/#low-vision-resource-guide .   

To receive a free large-print resource guide by mail, call the POB Low Vision Learning Center at 301-951-4444, or send an email to communications@youreyes.org .